The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
FOR THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
27th April 2025
Incumbent:
The Reverend Dr Carl Rudd
The Rectory
Westhead Avenue
Stafford
The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Contents For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Report of the Trustees | 2 |
|---|---|
| Administrative Information | 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Receipts and Payments Account | 9 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 |
| Church Reports including Groups and Committees | 19 |
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2024
Objectives and Activities
The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St Johnn the Baptist Stafford (the PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent Rev Dr Carl Rudd, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also spiritually responsible for the maintenance of the church.
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St John the Baptist. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer, scripture, music and sacrament. Also, through non sacramental activities of hospitality and fellowship we aim to reach non churched members of the community.
Public Benefit
The trustees of the Charity are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity. The trustees believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford, it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively, within the Ecclesiastical Parish, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by:
• Providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers; and
• Promoting Christian values and service by members of the Church in and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
Achievements and Performance
APCM Rectors Report 2025
As I think back to 2024, the whole year seemed to disappear in a flash.
May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who serves at St Johns, some whose service is visible and some whose service is unseen by almost everyone. Each person who serves makes a difference to our family and I want to say a big thank you to all of you.
We are a safe church but to remain safe we all have to be vigilant about potential risk to the safety of the whole church family. Safeguarding is something that is essential to us all, young and old alike. Please check the notices in the foyer so we all know what to do if we see something that raises a concern.
Services, church activities and socials have all deepened the relationships in the church and grown our hunger more for God. We believe He has showed us in this year He can truly do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. Recognising we can achieve nothing for the kingdom without God’s involvement we are depending on his strength for the year to come whilst continuing to remain expectant for all that He wants to do. We were blessed to see our curate Sue Cooke become our associate priest and remain with us. There have been socials that continue to draw us together more deeply as the family of Christ in this place. Our services and homegroups open the messages of the Bible week by week and then as they rest in us we are able to share it into the community. Homegroups continue to grow in number and to deepen the faith of all who come to them. Alpha gave an opportunity for some to consider the foundations of their faith again and for others it was a chance to consider the truth of the gospel for the first time.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2024
Our youth members went to Limitless up at the Stafford showground with Megan and her team, giving them a very special experience of being with other youth and all seeking God. We pray for each of them
and their continued journey with God. Throughout the year Megan with the youth and children’s team prepare such good sessions for Sunday, and the weekday sessions, even preparing material for the weeks when children are not at school.
There has been the joy of new members joining the church, and the sadness of the death of old friends. Please keep praying for all that happens week by week in the church, your prayers make a big difference to all we can do with God, and our use of the Bible keeps us on Gods path for his glory. The celebration of our Patron Saint St John the Baptist was enjoyed with the flower festival, and we have had good celebration as a family together. The starting of the memories group has been a great success, and we look forward to seeing its continued flourishing. We will look to be starting a new men’s group in 2025.
We do need more help whether it is making tea and coffee, cleaning church, someone who is good doing ordered jobs through the year for the finance team. We were blessed with a legacy although to gain its true blessing we do need to ask us all to consider our giving in the coming year.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4 v 13
PCC Review of 2024
This has been another successful year and thanks go to Carl, along with Sue who became our Associate Minister in March, for their leadership throughout the year with the rest of the team, Isobel Wakerell, Francis Tamba & Christina Thomson. Isobel’s retirement in December (from paid work!) is noted and thanks are given that she will return, after a few weeks recharging time, to her Benefice duties. Thank you also to Megan for her children’s work both at church and in school where along with Carl, assemblies, reading and other activities are enjoyed by the pupils of St John’s Academy.
It was rather disconcerting when Carl arrived back from his skiing holiday in the new year with a broken bone in his hand, but thankfully it didn’t cause any long-lasting difficulties.
Looking back over the past year has been a reminder of all the events that have taken place at St John’s and how much we have learned from the fellowship & worship we have shared.
An Alpha course began in September and was well attended, led by Carl & Sue and some of the more seasoned members of the congregation. A follow up group of some of the newcomers have continued to meet each week. A further Alpha course is planned for 2025.
Outreach continues with home visits from Carl, Sue and members of the Pastoral Group. Regular visits are now made to three local locations in the area each month taking Communion and worship to the residents.
We welcome Place of Welcome and M&M’s each week as well as the many organisations and groups which use the church hall.
Home groups have been held very successfully in church on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons. Books from the Bible, James, Habakkuk and Daniel have been thoroughly explored. We used the on-line Prayer Course with Pete Greig and during Lent The Prayers of Jesus. Thanks go to all for their input and leadership.
We welcomed Bishop Matthew in February when 5 people were confirmed and welcomed.
May saw the Cathedral hold a Dementia Action Service with guest Tony Christie & attended by Rev Sue Cooke to gain experience towards our aim of becoming a dementia friendly church later in the year. In July we held our own All Age Worship service to inform the congregation of our plans. Much information has been gathered since then to enable us to safely host Memories, the group name chosen for carers and those living with dementia. This was successfully launched in October and has proven a welcome event once a month for those both leading and taking part. It is hoped this will expand in 2025.
In April & June respectively, we have had a Concert given by pupils of Christina Thomson, and a Morning of Musical Fellowship led by Liz Clarke. Both very enjoyable.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2024
April saw us enjoy an Afternoon Tea provided by FftN (Food from the Nations) and in May we hosted the Christian Aid Coffee morning. We have continued to be a generous church through the World Focus Group by tithing 10% of our income throughout the year as well as supporting numerous charities in many ways including House of Bread, Stafford Women’s Aid and those of our congregation who gamely cycled for Ride & Stride in support of Historic Churches in the Diocese.
A Prayer Evening was held at the end of May between 6pm & 1a.m.
We have as always been blessed by the skills and artistry of the Flower Group who marked our Patronal Festival in June with wonderful displays throughout the church as well as well as holding spring and Christmas workshops.
Services of Remembering for those recently bereaved and others who wished to attend were held in May and November and as always, in line with national observance, a Remembrance Service was held in November.
November was a busy month with a full reading of the Gospel of St Luke enjoyed by both listeners and readers.
We also hosted a Repair Café where people from the community were able to bring items for repair by gifted amateurs.
Sadly during the year we said a final farewell to Pat Leese & Charles Daniel, both members of our church family and to Roger Maud a faithful attender of Place of Welcome. A memorial service was held in March for Janet Eaton.
Financial Review
During the 2024 year the Church Members generously contributed £67,467 including gift aid (2023: £59,126 towards the church finances. The church also received an unrestricted legacy of £49,970 (2023: £970).
The Statement of Assets and Liabilities record that most of the cash funds are held in CCLA deposit accounts. Although the accounts are prepared using receipts and payments accounting, the Toybox plate collection of £235, the Children’s Society plate collection of £93 and the £2,415 owed to the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance is shown with agency collections under liabilities.
The Restricted Funds of the Church can only be used for the purpose for which they were given. Overall, the Restricted Funds have decreased by £1,645
The Unrestricted Funds of the church consist of the Designated funds and the General Fund.
The Designated Funds saw an overall reduction of £2,470 during the year and at 31 December the balance of the Fund was £13,329 (2023 £15,799). Although these funds have been set aside out of an unrestricted fund for a specific purpose, this would not prevent the PCC reallocating these sums for other uses or returning them to unrestricted funds.
The General Fund (Unrestricted Fund) saw an overall increase to the fund of £48,120 and had a balance at the 31 December 2024 of £61,347 (2023 £13,254)
Reserves Policy
It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on free reserves (net current assets) which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to £25,200 (2023 £24,000). It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of the free reserves at the year end was £61,347 (2023 £13,254) which is considerably higher than this target. The Trustee feel that a higher reserve is prudent in these uncertain times with Quinquennial works.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2024
Investment Policy
The charity is granted power to invest in suitable investments under the PCC Powers Measure 1956 and the Trustees Act 2000. As a charity, the Trustees have a duty of care to take such advice as is appropriate before investments are undertaken. This advice is sought from the Central Board of Finance (CCLA) in London.
The charity’s investment policies are based on two key principles: -
-
Ethical Investment – this includes ensuring that investments are held in companies which have high standards of corporate governance and act in a responsible way towards stakeholders.
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Long-term responsibilities – the trustees are aware of their long-term responsibilities in respect of the Restricted and Unrestricted reserves and as a result follow a prudent approach to investment decisions.
Investment policy for long-term funds is aimed primarily at generating a sustainable income, with due regard to the need for the preservation of capital value, and the possible need to realise investments to meet operational needs. The charity does not have a policy of generating income at excessive or high risk – known as “purchasing income”, where high returns are guaranteed at the expense of capital.
In summary, the charity has an overall policy to maximise income while preserving the real value of its funds. Due to the nature of the charity, an ethical investment policy is taken into consideration when investments are made:
The charity follows the Ethical Investment Advisory policy as recommended by the Lichfield Diocese which includes the following:
-
“We aim to invest in companies that:
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will develop their business in the interests of shareholders;
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demonstrate responsible employment practices;
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are conscientious concerning issues of corporate governance, the environment and human rights;
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are sensitive to the community in which they operate.”
Planned giving, collections and donations are the main sources of fund raising along with tax recoverable.
Safeguarding
The PCC believe they have fulfilled their duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults)
Reporting Serious Incidents
A Serious Incident is an adverse event, whether actual or alleged, which results in or risks significant harm to the charity’s beneficiaries, employees, office holders, volunteers or to others who come into contact with the charity through its work, loss of the charity’s money or assets, damage to the charity’s property or harm to the charity’s work or reputation.
The trustees are not aware of any Serious Incidents in the last year
Fundraising
The PCC takes it fundraising responsibilities seriously and is very grateful to all donors – whether regular or occasional – for their support of the church and church events. PCC supporters are never taken for granted. The PCC take full responsibility for fundraising and do not use commercial organisations or professional fundraisers. All money raised is either by donations, fundraising events, special appeals or legacies for which the PCC are most grateful.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2024 Volunteers The members of the PCC would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our Church a lively and vibrant community. Risk Management The Church Wardens carry out regular Health and Safety Reviews and regularly inspect premises for potential hazards. INe have safeguarding policies in place for child protection and for work with vulnerable adults. including rigorous DBS checking ofstaff and volunteers. Our insuran5 are reviewed annually to ensure adequate cover. An Infom1 review of any new risks which may impact the work of the Church in the Parish is ongoing Structure, Governance and Management The PCC is a Body Corporate established by the Church of England and is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1138634 or excepted Charity. The PCC is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956} as amended that came into effect on 2nd January 1957, and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Govemment Measure 1969 as amended). The method of appointment of the PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The Council comprises the Incumbent, the Churchwardens. a representative of the Readers, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members vtho are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll. The PCC members receive training from courses run by the Diocese. Members of the congregation are always urged tojoin the Electoral Roll, and to stand for election to the pcc. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concem and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. The PCC met 7 tsmes in 2024. Related Parties There are no related parties employed by the PCC or awarded contracts for work. Remuneration paid to Trustees None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from employment with the PCC or details of any trustee that was paid. Expenses paid to Trustees Two trustees were reimbursed £1,856 (2023 £900) for intemet, mobile, travel costs and other actions required by the parish. Approved by the PCC on 31 March 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Rev Dr Carl Rudd Isobel Wakerell Rector Lay Chair
The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Administrative Information For the year ended 31 December 2024
PCC Members: Who Served from 1 January 2024 to the date this report was approved
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for wholeperiod |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-Officio | ||
| Rev’d Dr Carl Rudd | Rector | |
| Rev’d Sue Cooke | Assistant Curate Associate Priest |
To March 2024 From March 2024 |
| Isobel Wakerell | Reader | To March 2024 |
| Elizabeth Clarke | Deanery Synod | |
| Nicola Woodhouse | Deanery Synod | |
| Elected members | ||
| Mrs Pam Ayre | ||
| Mrs Naomi Blears | ||
| Wendy Clark | Deanery Synod | |
| Peter Fryatt | ||
| Christine Gawthorpe | ||
| Tony Greaves | ||
| Lynda Ryder | ||
| Anne Scott | Church Warden | |
| Francis Tamba | Reader Church Warden | |
| Isobel Wakerell | Reader Assistant Church Warden | From March 2024 |
| Ann Woodcock | Electoral Roll Officer |
Charity Name: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Baptist, Stafford
Registered Charity Number : Number 1138634 Charity’s principal address: St John the Baptist Church, Bedford Avenue, Stafford ST16 3LH Correspondence address: The Rectory, Westhead Avenue, Stafford ST16 3RP Website address: www.stjohnsstafford.org Bank: Co-operative Bank, 43 Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2JA Investment Managers: CCLA Investment Management. 1 Angel Ln London EC4R 3AB Independent Examiner: Malcolm Kidd Chestnut Close, Derrington, Stafford.
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Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The PCC of St John The Baptist, Stafford For the year ended 31 December 2024 I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 st Decernber 2024 which are set out on the following pages. tlve res nslbilities of the Trustses and Inde ndent Examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Chanties Act, to follow the prOdureS laid down in the General Directions given by the Charty (under section 145{5)(b> of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Inde ndent Examinerfs Statement My examination was carried out in accordan with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures 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 fairf. view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Inde ndent Examinerfs ststement In connection with my examinats"on, no material matters have to my attention which gives 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. Signed.. Date: Malcolm Kidd Chestnut Close, Derrington, Stafft)rd.
The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Receipts and Payments Account For the year ended 31 December 2024
| RECEIPTS Donations and Legacies 4a Activities for Generating Funds 4b Income from Investments 4c Church Activities 4d Total Receipts PAYMENTS Raising Funds 5a Church Activities 5b Total Payments Excess of Receipts over Payments Transfer between Funds 11 Net Movement for the year Net Assets at 1st Jan Net Assets at 31st Dec |
Unrestricted Funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ 115,254 46 13,820 129,120 78,845 520 - - 520 1,941 1,537 372 299 2,208 1,239 10,385 - 2,619 13,004 12,448 |
|---|---|
| 127,696 418 16,738 144,852 94,472 |
|
| 409 - - 409 762 79,556 2,888 17,994 100,438 98,582 |
|
| 79,965 2,888 17,994 100,847 99,344 |
|
| 47,731 (2,470) (1,256) 44,005 (4,872) 389 - (389) - - |
|
| 48,120 (2,470) (1,645) 44,005 (4,872) |
|
| 13,254 15,799 13,642 42,695 47,566 |
|
| 61,374 13,329 11,997 86,700 42,694 |
The notes on the following pages form part of these accounts
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Statement of Assets and Liabilities For the year ended 31 December 2024 Unrestricted Designated Funds Funds Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Cash Funds 64,116 10,454 11,997 86,567 40,758 Liabilities 2,743 2,743 1,389 Net assets 66,859 10,454 11.997 83.824 39,369 Other Monetsry Assets 875 875 1,325 Assets Retained for Church Use 2,000 2,000 2,000 The notes on the following pages fomi part of these accounts Approved by the PCC on 31 March 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Rev Dr Carl Rudd Isobel Wakerell Roctor Lay Chalr 10
The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting Policies
The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.
Income
All income is accounted for when received.
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.
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pence are not being shown.
2. Tangible and intangible fixed assets
Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts by s.10(2)(a)&(C) of the Charities Act 2011.
Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the Church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements.
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.
3. Description of Funds
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds are income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for spending on a future project.
Restricted funds
Donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.
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.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
| RECEIPTS 4 Donations and Legacies Voluntary Receipts 4a Regular giving Collections at services All other giving and voluntary receipts including special appeals Gift Aid Recovered Legacies Received Grants (recurring and one-off) Activities for Generating Funds 4b Activities and Events Receipts from Investments 4c Interest Received Church Activities 4d Statutory Fees (retained by PCC) Church Activities Church Hall Hire Total Receipts |
Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 45,070 - 3,870 48,940 43,940 5,881 46 - 5,927 3,759 2,683 - - 2,683 9,749 11,650 - 950 12,600 11,427 49,970 - - 49,970 970 - - 9,000 9,000 9,000 |
|---|---|
| 115,254 46 13,820 129,120 78,845 |
|
| 520 - - 520 1,941 |
|
| 520 - - 520 1,941 |
|
| 1,537 372 299 2,208 1,239 |
|
| 1,537 372 299 2,208 1,239 |
|
| 971 - - 971 1,768 - - 2,619 2,619 2,478 9,414 - - 9,414 8,202 |
|
| 10,385 - 2,619 13,004 12,448 |
|
| 127,696 418 16,738 144,852 94,472 |
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
| PAYMENTS 5 Raising Funds 5a Costs of Generating Funds Costs of Fund Raising Charitable Activities 5b Church Activities Mission Giving and Donations Diocesan Parish Share Salaries and Wages Clergy and Staff Expenses Church Expenses Church Activities Expenses Church Expenses (Mission and Evangelism) Church Running Expenses (incl Governance) Church Utility Bills Total Payments |
Unrestricted Funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ 409 - - 409 762 409 - - 409 762 6,276 - - 6,276 8,900 52,031 - - 52,031 49,709 10,649 - 13,610 24,259 21,479 1,857 - 26 1,883 977 - - 1,742 1,742 2,343 328 - - 328 294 5,333 2,888 585 8,806 10,814 3,082 - 2,031 5,113 4,066 79,556 2,888 17,994 100,438 98,582 79,965 2,888 17,994 100,847 99,344 |
|---|---|
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
6. Cash at Bank and in hand
| Co-op Current Account CBF Deposit Account Petty Cash Total |
Unrestricted £ Designated £ Restricted £ 2024 Total £ 2023 Total £ 18,618 - - 18,618 10,028 45,444 10,408 11,903 67,755 30,547 54 46 94 194 183 64,116 10,454 11,997 86,567 40,758 |
|---|---|
7. Other Monetary Assets
| LDBF- Rectory Decoration Fund Total |
Unrestricted £ Designated £ Restricted £ 2024 Total £ 2023 Total £ - 875 - 875 1,325 - 875 - 875 1,325 |
|---|---|
8. Fixed Assets
| Piano Total |
Unrestricted £ Designated £ Restricted £ 2024 Total £ 2023 Total £ - 2,000 - 2,000 2,000 - 2,000 - 2,000 2,000 |
|---|---|
9. Liabilities
| Parish Share Arrears Agency Collections Total |
Unrestricted £ Designated £ Restricted £ 2024 Total £ 2023 Total £ - - - - - 2,743 - - 2,743 1,389 2,743 - - 2,743 1,389 |
|---|---|
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
10. Summary of Fund Movements
Designated Funds
Fabric - A fund which pays for the essential repairs and maintenance of the church.
Office Equipment - Funds set aside for office equipment.
Rectors - A fund which the Rector uses at his discretion to help those in need.
Restricted Funds
Away Fund - Excess funds from the church family for days trips.
Energy Efficiency - Funds restricted to be used on heating used on heating .
Flower - Funds restricted for use by the flower group.
Over Sixties - Funds to be used for the benefit of those over sixty.
Places of Welcome - These funds were derestricted during 2024. The funds were used provide refreshments and a warm welcome to those in our community who might be lonely or enjoy meeting with other.
Projects - Funds restricted to start projects within the church.
Quinquennial - Funds restricted to rectify building repairs or maintenance finding from the quinquennial review.
Sunbeams - Funds restricted to the baby and toddler group, which give parents and carers a chance to socialise whilst the children have fun and learn through play.
Youth Club - Funds set aside to be used in the work of the Youth Club, Zone which caters for Year 5-7s.
Youth Worker - Restricted funds to support the youth worker with all the children and Youth Groups in the church.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
10. Summary of Fund Movements (Continued)
| Unrestricted Fund Designated Funds Fabric Office Equipment Rectors Restricted Funds Away Day Energy Efficiency Flower Over Sixties Places of Welcome Projects Quinquennial Sunbeams Youth Club Youth Worker Total Funds |
Balance at 1st Jan £ Receipts £ Payments £ Transfers £ Balance at 31st Dec £ 13,254 127,696 (79,965) 389 61,374 14,874 347 (2,888) - 12,333 925 24 - - 949 - 47 - - 47 |
|---|---|
| 15,799 418 (2,888) - 13,329 |
|
| 65 2 - - 67 950 - (950) - - 491 849 (521) - 819 690 15 (98) - 607 389 - - (389) - 59 2 - - 61 135 3 - - 138 1,279 492 (248) - 1,523 2,253 1,342 (876) - 2,719 7,331 14,033 (15,301) - 6,063 |
|
| 13,642 16,738 (17,994) (389) 11,997 |
|
| 42,695 144,852 (100,847) - 86,700 |
11. Analysis of Transfer between Funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ |
| 389 | (389) | - |
During the year the funds from Places of Welcome has been derestricted and transferred to the general fund as agreed by the donor.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
12. Prior year R&P Account
| RECEIPTS Donations and Legacies 4a Activities for Generating Funds 4b Income from Investments 4c Church Activities 4d Total Receipts PAYMENTS Raising Funds 5a Church Activities 5b Total Payments Excess of Receipts over Payments Transfer between Funds Net Movement for the year Net Assets at 1st Jan Net Assets at 31st Dec |
Unrestricted Funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2023 £ 62,639 130 16,076 78,845 1,089 - 851 1,941 890 349 - 1,239 10,168 - 2,280 12,448 |
|---|---|
| 74,786 479 19,207 94,472 |
|
| 227 - 535 762 93,200 920 4,462 98,582 |
|
| 93,427 920 4,997 99,344 |
|
| (18,641) (441) 14,210 (4,872) 13,304 - (13,304) - |
|
| (5,337) (441) 906 (4,872) |
|
| 18,591 16,240 12,736 47,566 |
|
| 13,254 15,798 13,642 42,694 |
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
13. Prior year Reclassification
To align with the Return of Parish Form, the 2023 income and purchases categories have been reclassified as below. There was no change to the prior year’s total receipts or total payment amounts
2023 Category
2024 Category
Income
Regular Giving Collections and Other Giving
One-off Gifts Tax Recovered on Gift Aided Giving Legacies Legacies Recurring Grants-Youth Worker Activities and Events Income from Church Hall Lettings Interest Received Fees from Weddings and Funerals Church Hall Lettings-Objectives Restricted Receipts from Group Funds Other Funds Generated
Regular Giving Collections at services All other giving and voluntary receipts including special appeals Gift Aid Recovered Legacies Received Grants (recurring and one-off) Activities and Events Church Hall Hire Interest Received Statutory Fees (retained by PCC) Church Hall Hire Church Activities Church Activities
Payments
Cost of generation of voluntary income Fundraising activities and events Charitable Giving Parish Share Youth Worker's Salary and Expenses Administrator's-Salary Church Office 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 Church Running-Utilities Restricted Expenditure from Group Funds
Cost of Fund Raising Cost of Fund Raising Mission Giving and Donations Diocesan Parish Share Salaries and Wages Salaries and Wages Church Running Expenses (incl Governance) Church Running Expenses (incl Governance) Clergy and Staff Expenses Church Expenses (Mission and Evangelism) Church Running Expenses (incl Governance) Church Running Expenses (incl Governance) Salaries and Wages Church Running Expenses (incl Governance) Church Running Expenses (incl Governance) Church Running Expenses (incl Governance) Church Utility Bills Church Activities Expenses
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Church Reports including Groups and Committees For the year ended 31 December 2024
Associate Priest Report 2025
This year has proved to be exciting and fruitful in so many ways, it has been hard to know where to start; there have been so many times when we have seen God at work.
One of the highlights for me was leading and being part of the Alpha Course; to see so many people every week, discussing their faith journeys and becoming increasingly closer was just a delight. I think one of the best moments was when we talked about doing Alpha again next Autumn and hearing people volunteer to help because it had been so good for them that they wanted to share it with others.
Alpha led to another group meeting in the week, so to have three midweek study groups is very encouraging – and, again, it is an opportunity to share good fellowship with one another as well as studying the Word. How good it was when we had to extend the length of the meetings because we needed more time!
Without a doubt, becoming a Dementia Friendly Church was one of the highlights and I thank you all for being so willing to agree to support me. Opening our doors and changing our ways of doing some things isn’t always easy, but we embraced the changes well and I believe we are making a difference.
‘Memories’, of course, is very close to my heart and having such a willing team to support and help has been amazing. I love the meetings and know that our members are happy to attend; we will just have to be prayerful about how God wants us to move forward.
To see so many new faces in our services – both on Wednesdays as well as Sundays – is exciting and it has been very gratifying to see so many people respond to the ‘Get Involved’ booklet. As our church family grows, inevitably there can often be more preparation and more jobs needing to be done, so we are grateful to those who have offered their time and expertise.
However, the one thing that I am most grateful for has been the love and support that you have shown me over the last twelve months, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you all. I am so thankful that I remained in this church. I lean heavily on the words ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’, but it is made much easier when there are such good friends around, too. Thank you.
Sue Cooke
Church Wardens Report
We thank God for a year of growth and fellowship with many new members joining and staying in our congregation. Thanks go to the Ministry Team for all the hard work and outreach led by Revd Carl and Sue; along with Isobel, Francis and Christina leading and preaching in the Benefice. Meghan’s work with the youth at St John’s, in the community and at the Academy continues to provide most required Christian knowledge to our youth, so we continue to thank her family and husband Ben for the continued support. We also thank Roger Huddleston, George O’Brien, Gay Pye and Nick Adams for their ongoing Ministry work at St Johns.
As Church Wardens, we continue to meet with Carl regularly to offer support in various aspects of his Ministry and Church life and we thank you for his transparency in discussing governance issues that help to build and strengthen the congregation.
We have also continued to strengthen our relationship with fellow wardens from Tixall & Ingestre, while we may not have been able to share meals this year, we continue to work together to share experiences and aspects of church life for the whole Benefice such as Coffee mornings and Concerts.
Home Groups continue to meet studying and learning the Bible, an Alpha course was held this year with a follow up group led by Pete Fryatt. Thank you to all who lead and consistently continue to meet.
We also thank Aileen Rudd for her continuing contributions to maintaining and updating the computer as well as Dave Lomas, Lynn Eaton, Ian Ryder and Simon Constable who operate the sound and vision systems for services. This behind-the-scenes technical skill ensures the smooth flow of the service allowing the congregation to hear speakers clearly and read hymns and liturgy clearly from the visuals.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Church Reports including Groups and Committees For the year ended 31 December 2024
We want to express our gratitude to Ian Ryder assisted by Rajan Sambandam in attending to all the fabric needs of the building and keeping all the technical equipment in good order not forgetting Kevin who has assisted from time to time. Rajan’s ongoing work in the car park and garden with the help of Mick, Teresa and Jack in keeping the lawn tidy. Thanks goes to Jane Hudson who does the bookings for the halls and sends out updated emails to all for all bookings and locking and unlocking of the premises. To Gemma Constable who does the cleaning of the church; Jackie Palphreyman remains our Benefice Administrator and Ana Raba our Safeguarding Officer who we have not had to call on for any issues this year.
We thank the Sacristy team of Anne Lyn, Helen and Peter for preparing service before worship, our worship team of musicians Jaimie, Liz, Chris (we pray for his continued recovery from illness), Christina, Suresh and Bowen who recently enchanted us with his magical rendition recently. Alan Bancroft and Ann Bolton who lead music on Wednesday.
We thank those who have volunteered to serve refreshments after service, the Flower Group led by Barbara who brighten up the church besides the various events they hold bringing people together in fellowship and learning new skills. Those who are involved in Places of Welcome along with M&M’s on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, a time for Tea, coffee, conversation, friendship and crafts while having fellowship with one another. Memories for those supporting people with dementia has also been a successful role the church is playing in our community; and thanks goes to those who have been fully involved.
FftN(Food from the Nations) continue to meet to arrange events and meals that can be enjoyed and celebrated by the congregation.
WFG (World Focus Group) have continued to deal with our regular tithing by planning and deciding along with the PCC, the charities who will receive cash assistance for their work.
As Church Wardens we cannot carry out our responsibilities without the support and scrutiny of the PCC and congregation. We would like to thank you for your support and encouragement throughout the year. Forgive us if we have not mentioned anyone by name but know that every member of the congregation is cherished.
1 Cor 12:12a For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body
Anne Scott & Francis Tamba
Fabric Report
With no major works this year, maintenance has been carried out on the building and other areas needing attention.
Following the fitting of a new light in the disabled toilet, Ian Ryder refurbished the old light which is now installed in the entrance to the toilet area.
In April the office safe lock failed, so expert help was required to fix the problem.
The hall projector was given a new lease of life in June when Ian dismantled and cleaned it thoroughly. To maintain a good surface on the hall floor, it was cleaned, sanded down and re-varnished during the holiday period.
Windows above the High Altar were broken possibly by youngsters and a football, or other vandals. They were speedily fixed. Thankfully this year we have had no recurrence of the trouble previously experienced in the church grounds
All the boilers have been serviced in September and in October the electrical safety checks were carried out throughout the building.
The cause of the mysterious flooding on occasions in the toilets area was located and had been successfully dealt with although this proved only temporarily. Finally in December we had to have the whole drainage inside & outside professionally flushed out. Because of the nature of the pipes inside the Gents, a local plumber cut and modified them for ease of access at no charge to the church.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Church Reports including Groups and Committees For the year ended 31 December 2024
In all these activities we are grateful to Ian Ryder, who as always continues to keep everything in working order and fit for purpose. So, thank you to him and others who have contributed their time and energy. We have now got names of those who will be available, and thanks go to those who have helped through the year, namely Kev Brady, Mick Lomas, Rajan Sambandam, Francis Tamba
The church grounds have been kept very smart and cared for by Jack Constable, Mick Lomas, Terese Hall grass cutting and Rajan Sambandam gardening and planting up the stone pots for each season. We are extremely grateful to them all.
The major Quinquennial building inspection, due this year will have to be tackled as soon as possible in 2025.
We thank Gemma Constable for continuing to keep our building spic and span ready for worship. Also the whole Constable family along with other volunteer cleaners, Steve Gale, Annette Hawkins, Maggi Piittard & Di Zhang for the weekly church cleaning. We would welcome more people to volunteer so we could lessen the load on these few.
The after service refreshment volunteers are very much appreciated by everyone, though once again more volunteers would be very welcome. Meantime thank you to Carol Wilkes, Noreen Pryer, Ann Raba, Christine Gawthorpe, Maureen Crowe, Patti McGleave, Vicky Huddleston, Terese Hall, Caroline Doughty, Graham Maltby, Jack, Lilly and Gemma Constable.
Anne Scott
Deanery Synod Report
One of the highlights of the last year's meetings was a talk given on 19th June by Tim Weston on Pioneering.
His key points were:
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Be sensitive to your context eg. Is it urban or rural, new housing or cultural pioneering?
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Listen to your community eg. Have a box in a park festival for 'Why?' questions or a brightly coloured sofa for chatting.
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Join in with whatever is already happening eg. litter-picking or where there is excess food collection, offer to cook it for the needy/homeless as soup + whatever anyone brings and do 'Church over Food'.
Key stages to work through were:
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Reflection - What is?
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Dreaming - What could be?
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Planning - What will be?
The difficulties mentioned were the same ones brought up in the September meeting ie. time, money and people
As a Church-wide focus, we need to foster a culture of vocation which includes spiritual, ordained ministry but also practical and administrative gifting. It was suggested that we should look for, recognise and encourage gifting in our friends. The December meeting included presentations on DementiaFriendly Church; Enabling All and Places of Welcome and it is encouraging to know that St John's Church is on the right track.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Church Reports including Groups and Committees For the year ended 31 December 2024
Diocesan Synod
Following elections, our representatives for Diocesan Synod are:
Laity Clergy Dorothy Sterling Cath Brumfitt Beryl Metcalf Graham Adamson Philip Taylor Richard Grigson Fr Khushi
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There was a motion to aim for net zero carbon for all churches, clergy houses, schools and glebe lands by 2030 and to wean the Diocese off gas completely.
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Financially, the C of E is struggling with ongoing net loss but our diocese is in a good place.
Wendy Clark, Liz Clarke and Nicola Woodhouse
Electoral Roll Report
The Electoral Roll for 2024 had 109 names on it and sadly 2 of our friends, Pat Leese and Charles Daniel died that year.
I would like to thank our church members, who have now completed the application forms, so that they can be included on the new Electoral Roll. This roll has to be redone every 6 years and the number of applications received to date is 72.
Being on the Electoral Roll allows you to vote at the APCM (Annual Parish Council Meeting).
Please advise me of any future changes to your home address, telephone number and Email address, this ensures that the roll is kept up to date.
I am grateful for the assistance given by our clergy, Anne Scott (Church Warden) in getting the application forms completed and returned to me and of course Jackie Palfreyman, our Benefice Administrator, for updating the Master List.
If anyone requires assistance regarding this roll, I will be happy to help you.
Ann Woodcock
Pastoral Care Report
The team of Carl Rudd, Sue Cooke, Lyn Ryder, Anne Scott, Isobel Wakerell and Nicola Woodhouse have met throughout the year to pray together and bring concerns for any pastoral needs in the benefice of St John’s, Tixall and Ingestre. When required visits sometimes including Holy Communion are made to homes, care /nursing/residential homes, hospitals and hospices. Monthly visits with Holy Communion continue in Weston House, Tithe Barn Court and Bradbury House. We thank Alan Bancroft who joins members of the team to provide music at some venues which is greatly appreciated by residents and attendees. The new monthly initiative of Memories started in October 2024 and provides worship, support and pastoral care for those living with dementia.
Baptisms, weddings and funerals bring contact with the wider community and pastoral needs with those who are not in regular contact with a church are brought to our attention. It is a privilege to walk alongside and pray for people often at very stressful times in their lives. We thank Carl and Sue for their ministry in these areas among many that regular congregations are unlikely to have contact with. Families who are bereaved are invited to the Remembering Services held twice a year; these provide further contact and support.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Church Reports including Groups and Committees For the year ended 31 December 2024
Often pastoral needs are brought to the team’s attention through your concern for someone. Please continue to contact one of the team. We recognise that a lot of pastoral care goes on among congregation members and we thank you for your care and concern for each other. We are all part of the body of Christ, his ears and eyes, hands and feet given for serving others.
Isobel Wakerell.
Worship and Baptism Report of 2024
Worship had been blessed by our musicians, their care to cover when others are ill has been a real strength of the worship team. It has also been a real blessing to have Bowen playing this year and to enjoy his talent.
The team of lay and ordained leaders and preachers continues to offer opportunities to deepen the faith of all and to explore the Bible with opportunities to apply this into daily life. The midweek communion has continued to be strongly attended alongside the growth in Sunday attendance. We are blessed to have Gaye Pye alongside Sue Cooke and myself taking midweek services and worship provided by Alan Bancroft sustaining a rich midweek service.
The midweek carol service was a special highlight with the STARS choir full of joy. The Christingle service continues to grow opening a welcome to all at Christmas.
There were 13 funerals in the year, 2 adult baptisms and 2 child baptisms which are always a reminder how good it is to see people welcomed into the Christian faith and to journey in their faith in Jesus Christ.
We pray the continued growth of the church in depth and numbers
Place of Welcome
Place of Welcome has continued to offer a welcoming community to all who visit, time to chat and enjoy each other’s company over a cuppa and biscuits. With M&M’s meeting alongside on a Tuesday it has been so good to see M&M’s gain new members who share their creative talents together as they meet week by week. Over the year we have seen Place of Welcome grow on a Wednesday and some decrease on Tuesdays. We will need to seek new helpers for in 2025.
M&M sale was a great success during the flower festival, and new opportunities will be sorted next year.
Youth and Children’s Worker Report
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 in the service. The session usually includes the welcome chant, a dance/song, a game and lesson (which usually involves an animated video), followed by a craft. Sessions are adapted based on the lesson being learnt. Once communion has started in the service, we rejoin the church family and have an activity booklet to complete at the back or with family, as well as joining in with worship. The number of children varies week by week from 4-10.
Lego Church
During family worship on the first Sunday of each month, the children have Lego Church. Usually based on the gospel passage for that morning, the children will read the bible passage then use the Lego to create what they have read. These are displayed at the back of church whilst refreshments are held in the hall, and I will take a photo of them for my records. It’s incredible to see what the children can make!
Messy Church
On the second Sunday of the month (4pm), Messy Church is a service that uses crafts to explore the bible story of that month. Beginning with shared welcome and worship, the group then crafts for approximately 50 mins, before returning together to finish in worship. Numbers for messy church are unfortunately inconsistent, but it is a joy for those who do attend.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Church Reports including Groups and Committees For the year ended 31 December 2024
Lost and Found
On the 4[th] Sunday (term-time only) 4-5.30pm, children from year 3 and 4 sing and dance to songs, play games and do a craft related to a short bible lesson. Whilst we had good attendance for our Light Party in October, numbers are similarly inconsistent for this group.
TNT
TNT is a group for Year 6 and high school-aged young people. Meeting on a Tuesday 5-6.30pm, starting with hot chocolate, tea and toast, we tackle different and sometimes difficult topics, with help from the Bible. Over 2024, we have looked at topics such as Mothers and Father’s in the Bible, sacrifice (now, Old Testament and New Testament), ethics, anxiety, God testing us, and many more. A huge thank you to Anne Scott who helps week in, week out. These young people have been even more enthused to learn more about the Bible and God since returning from Limitless festival.
Limitless
This Summer, Jamie Parkes and I took 4 young people from St John’s to limitless – a five-day Christian festival hosted at the Stafford showground. With seminars, worship and activities, these young people were refreshed and renewed in God’s word. To witness this was a joy and privilege. All the young people have said they want to go again and plans for 2025 attendance are underway. A massive thank you to Jamie and Ben Morris for helping organize and support this, practically, emotionally and spiritually; it couldn’t have happened without you.
Please see some anonymous quotes below from our young people after their time at Limitless:
‘I like the feeling of growing closer to God and Christianity as a whole’.
‘The thing about Limitless is that at whatever point you are in your Christian journey; you still get new experiences, and you can still learn more. No matter where you are, you’re still going to learn more and learn more ways to worship because you feel at home’.
‘I like how you can worship in your weirdest way, and no one will look at you twice because you’re just in the moment’
‘You make friends and connect with Jesus, that’s what Limitless is all about’.
Zone
Zone a 90-minute youth club, on Wednesday evenings (6-7.30pm), 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 pizza bagels, scavenger hunts and quiz night. We also run a tuck shop during the first half of the session and finish with a quick talk based on a bible passage (usually including a video) and prayer requests from the children. The children were treated to a bouncy castle in the church garden at the end of the summer term which they enjoyed! Attendance is lower than it once was but is still between 10-20. Thank you to Pam Davies, Ben Morris and James Hunt for your help, I couldn’t do it without.
Sunbeams
Sunbeams is a baby and toddler group on Monday mornings (9.15-11am). Four sets of toys are rotated, with a different set used each week. Different messy/sensory activities are also laid out each week, such as muddy dinosaurs, snowy train tracks and pasta play. At the end, after tidying up together, we sit down for Bible story and songs before we say goodbye. Our summer goodbye party was wonderful, hiring a bouncy castle, ball pool and soft play which the children loved. Our Christmas party was smaller this year, but still very much appreciated, thanks once again to Santa! Thank you to Vicky Huddleston, Nicola Woodhouse and Di Zhang for volunteering to provide much needed tea and coffee.
YNow
YNow is a group for Years 1 and 2 (usually) on the third Monday of each month after school until 4.30pm, held at St John’s School. The children partake in team games such as find the character (Noah’s Ark/ Nativity), over under ball game and the parachute. We also sing and dance to worship songs, with a time dedicated to teaching the children more about Jesus including a story and a short talk, followed by a snack.
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Church Reports including Groups and Committees For the year ended 31 December 2024
School Relationships
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). We also have different services throughout the year including Easter, Harvest, Christmas and end of the academic year, as well as the Year 6 leavers service. It is always a fun challenge to think of new and exciting ways to present these services in order for the children to learn and be engaged. The children were particularly engaged with the 2024 Easter service, as we nearly got to cover a teacher in shaving foam!
Rev Rudd and I also visited Year 1 to answer their questions concerning ‘how to pray’, the topic they were learning about. Whilst some of the questions were tricky, it was lovely to spend time with them. Reception also made a visit to church to have a look round and learn more about what we do. They were particularly interested in the alter, the stain glass windows and the font. We then finished with a mini talk and ‘Our God is a great big God’ before heading back to school. Carl and I also spend time with reception on a Monday afternoon, reading to each reception class on a two-week rota.
We have continued building on our relationship with Weston Road Academy by going into the schools to do assemblies – we try to do this once every half term. In 2024, we have covered ‘what does it mean to be human’, Easter and Christmas. We are already booked in for 2025, so we know this time is valued.
World Focus Group
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the blessings of our church Tithing.
St John’s as always generously been obedient to God’s word by tithing 10% of our income to charities. The role of the world focus group is to look at the needs of different charities, listen to our congregations’ suggestions and then ensure those charities are registered with the charities commission. We then take our recommendations to the PCC for their agreement.
We aim to keep the congregation informed of our donations by posting on the notice board or the church notice sheet.
Focus group also supports fund raising for charities, such as Christian Aid, Children’s society boxes and Women’s Aid Christmas appeal.
Grateful thanks to all in the church for making 2024 so successful.
For more information our members are – Isobel Wakerell, Lyn Ryder, Eddy Chambers, Steve Gale, Pam Ayre and Kate Passey
Music Report
As we praise God together with our voices the musicians in collaboration with the ministry team have tried to provide a mix of traditional and contemporary hymns and worship songs. Different styles of music suit different people; the congregation at St John’s sing well and are willing to learn new or different songs. On Sundays this was only possible through the commitment of a small number of musicians including Liz Clarke, Jamie Parkes and Christina Thomson. Bowen has played when he is home from school, and it has been a delight to hear his repertoire increasing. The children helped us out with actions for some songs and the percussion instruments have been used by all ages in worship. Occasionally recorded songs have been used which the congregation sing along with. Our grateful thanks go to all our musicians. Thank you to Alan Bancroft who played regularly on Wednesdays for the 2pm Holy Communion Service and for his playing at some of the services held in venues in the local community. Our thanks to Alan also for his continued support with his library of songs which have been used on the PowerPoint each week and the collating of songs used in services for the Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI).
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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John the Baptist Stafford Church Reports including Groups and Committees For the year ended 31 December 2024
Our musicians have led worship at other services throughout the year including funerals, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Remembering services, Advent and Christmas. Liz Clarke led another excellent Saturday morning workshop in June. It was a time for anyone who enjoys singing to share in worship and sing familiar and new songs. This is one way of introducing new songs to the congregation for general use.
As mentioned earlier some recorded songs were used this year. This is likely to continue and increase with so few musicians available or able to lead worship. If you or anyone you know is gifted in this way please speak to Carl.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” Psalm 98:4.
Isobel Wakerell
Flower Group Report
The past year has been a most enjoyable time of outreach and fellowship for the Flower Group with the Flower Festival weekend in June, the Easter/Spring workshop and the two Christmas workshop sessions to cater for the 48 attendees, in addition to the regular church flower rota, and arrangements in memory of loved ones.
The support from All members of the church family, in our endeavours has been greatly appreciated, the inclusivity with Megan and the young people decorating a window for the Flower Festival, making stars for the windows at Christmas, the M&M’s Group stall with their beautiful items for sale and the amazing pianists in the church all taking an active part in the weekend, and of course the workshops.
It is a pleasure to work in this church ministry, if you feel you can assist, we would be pleased to welcome you into the group.
Barbara Maltby.
Carl, Sue and the PCC would like to thank the church family for their continued support in enabling the church in its mission to the people of the parish. To those who have contributed to the reports, who serve in unseen and visible ways and all who manage the finances of the church.
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