ANNUAL
REPORT
2022
Christchurch
Christ Church
Stamford
## **THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS TO ELECT CHURCHWARDENS**
- 1, Prayer and Introduction – Revd Anthony
- 2, Hymn 1 - Great is thy faithfulness
- 3, Bible Reading 1 – Ephesians 4:1-6
- 4, Election of Churchwarden for 2023/24
- 5, Hymn 2 – The Goodness of God
- 6, Bible Reading 2 – Colossians 1:9-13
- 7, Exhortation – Revd Anthony
## **THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (APCM)**
7, Matters Arising from 2021/22 minutes
- 8, Reports – a) Churchwardens report – Dawn and Nigel
- b) Mission and Ministry Associate’s report – Laura
- c) Safeguarding report – Carol
- d) Electoral Roll - Gail
- d) Groups 1 - Tots n Toast – Jacqui / Sunday zone - Rachael
- d) Daycentre report / Families in need – Rhea
e) Vicar’s report / Groups 2 – The Den / StartaFresh – Revd Anthony
10, Financial Matters – Discussion & Formal approval of the Accounts and Appointment of Independent Examiner - Lisa
11, Any Other Business
12. Prayers
12. Hymn 3 - Build Your Kingdom here
13, Blessing
## **NEXT PCC MEETING – JUNE 20, 2023**
## **PROVISIONAL DATE OF NEXT APCM – April 28, 2024**
Vestry Meeting
1.Welcome and Prayer: Rev. Anthony Laotan welcomed the parishioners and opened with a prayer
2.Election of Church Wardens: Nigel Garwood is stepping down after 6 years, Antony thanked him for his service. Dawn Field is returning as Church Warden.
## APCM
1.Apologies: Carol MacBeath, Laura Mitchell, Dawn Field
2.Ministry report: given by Anthony as part of the service
3.Minutes from the APCM November 2022: Minutes proposed as a true record by Jay Nicholls and Seconded Nigel Garwood
6.Church Fabric Report: A written report is available on file with the minutes
7.Ministry and Mission Associate: Laura prepared a video as a summary of her Ministry and Mission Associate report. Laura thanked people from the community that helped with the Christ Church Community Garden. Laura thanked the volunteers that helped the run the community events that the Church has run. Inroads have been made with regard to the school gardening project at Bluecoats. Laura thanked everyone for their support so far. A written report is available on file with the minutes.
8. Safeguarding Report: A written report is available on file with the minutes
9.Electoral Roll: Total of 51 members, two have passed away A written report is available on file with the minutes
10. Children and Youth: Tots and Toast available on file with the minutes. Rachael thanked the volunteers that have joined, this has enabled the Sunday Zone to run 3 (4) times a month.
10.Anchored Report: Anthony summarised the projects that Rhea runs, ~~,D~~ ay Centre, that now runs weekly, and food boxes for the schools. A written report is available on file with the minutes
11. Children and Youth the Den: Meets every Thursday, Anthony joined the team and members from St Georges also joined the team for 6 months.
12. Ministry Report: First half the year was busy, we unfortunately lost Geraldine Crowley and Paul Darley and there was a flood in the basement. Things began to settle down towards September. Anthony thanked everyone for stepping in with their time and support to ensure that ministry could continue. A written report is available on file with the minutes.
13. Financial Report: The accounts have been independently examined, they have been formally adopted as a true record by the PCC. Michelle Feasey was proposed as the independent examiner, proposed by Nigel Garwood and seconded by Gail Burnham. Predicted a £8000 shortfall for the Church fund, but this was not
the case, general giving increased and Church events have raised money. Diocese gave £3000 to help with gas and electric bills, and we had a donation of £1000. We are running at ‘break even’ budget and this is a good place to be in. A written report is available on file with the minutes. Lisa has stepped back from her post as treasurer, Anthony thanked Lisa Garwood for her 5 years of service as she is stepping down as treasurer, but will keep doing the accounts for Christ Church.
14. Deanery/Diocesan Report: A written report is available on file with the minutes.
14. AOB: It was asked what the Henry Smith fund covers. Anthony explained it covers wages, training, resources and rent of the building.
Closed with prayers and worship.
Throughout 2022 all required checks on Fire protection, electrical and gas have been carried out. The grounds behind the Church which was overgrown was cleared so that the Electrician could put the new wiring in for the new Electrical Cooker.
The brick wall at the side of the slope leading up to the Church building has been separating away, this has been an ongoing issue. We have been working with our Insurance Company Ecclesiastical who have provided assistance with the Church sending a letter to the owners to try and receive reimbursement of costs to repair the damage.
The Church audit was carried out Dawn Field and Nigel Garwood Church Wardens
Electoral Roll
The Electoral roll currently stands at 51 members as at 04th April 2023.
Movement:
- 5 members left (2 deceased / 3 left CC)
- 1 new member
_Electoral roll 2022 55 members_
Gail Burnham
Electoral Roll Officer
## **TOTS ‘N’ TOAST REPORT**
Since leading from September 2022, we have had a steady influx of mums and toddlers. Average attendance figures have been around 13 children per week, with a high of 22.
The curriculum has followed ‘Women of the Bible’ and ‘Fruits of the Spirit’. A new curriculum will begin after the Easter holidays.
The children have enjoyed our Christmas Jumper Day, a visit from Father Christmas, Red Nose Day and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Sensory activities are proving popular – with the grown ups as well in some cases! – and as the toddlers are growing , they are becoming more interested in the crafts that we do as well.
It is lovely to see those mums who have been coming since their older children were little, now bring their younger ones. We’ve had some new mums come along too with their young babies which is lovely to see. It just goes to show what a group like this means to our community.
Our Light Party, which is primarily run for primary aged children, in October was a big success, running at
full capacity.
It’s been an absolute pleasure on my part, with the aid of my daughter Emily, Carol, my mum Ruth, Alice and Tina to get to know these families and their little ones.
May we wish our best to the new Children & Young Peoples Minister, Laura Mitchell, and I hope she finds running the group as enjoyable as I have.
Jacqui Wells
## **Sunday Zone**
I have been running Sunday along with Tina since September 2022. Initially we were able to offer Sunday Zone once a month following Men of the Bible curriculum. Since January 2023 we have had three new volunteers (Laura, Jacqui and Emily) join the team and now able to offer three sessions per month. Laura helped to organise a new curriculum, following fruit of the Spirits which we will be following until May 2023. We have between 5 and 10 children each session, normally we do a group craft activity, read a Bible verse relating to the theme, make a craft and play games/do a song at the end if there’s time. Generally children are quite engaged in the different activities, although we have some slight older children (towards the end of primary school) join and have differentiated the activities where possible. Our next task is the clear out the crafts cupboard so that we have clearer picture of we have and can introduce some new activities. It has been great to see new children join the group, lovely to get to know them and guide them at the start of their faith journey.
Rachael Carter
## **The Den**
The Den resumed in September with two members of the team having left in the summer. The remaining volunteers wanted to continue running the weekly sessions, so I stepped in to provide leadership in the interim and also to liaise with St George's church for volunteer support. Alice Pinney and Mark Beckett, both Youth Minister and Apprentice Youth Worker from St George's joined the team and that enhanced our capacity and put us in a position to run regularly as we had, for most weeks, large numbers of young people attending sometimes between 17 and 20. On the run to Christmas, we ran a 3-part advent series as a new feature (Godslot) of the sessions which we had also extended to 2 hrs between 5 and 7pm. This went down really well with the youth and would remain as part of the sessions.
Revd Antony Laoton
## **The Friday Thing / International Feasts**
Through the majority of 2022 we continued to host 'The Friday Thing', a welcome morning in church aimed at international people. This started fortnightly and was a lovely time of hospitality and fellowship that gave a place for internationals to come, meet others and hear about other events in church and town. We were helped by Jennie Burnett (of St George's Church) and Yvette Diaz-Munoz (of the Stamford Diversity Group) to run this and welcomed visitors from a range of countries, including the Ukraine, Italy, Spain, Jamaica, India, Guatemala, Mexico, among others. We also hosted 3 further International Feasts on Saturday evenings through the year (May 21[st] , Sept 17[th] and Dec 17th) which were reasonably well attended, though smaller than the initial 2 last year. On the 5[th] of June at our Pentecost service some of the people we had had contact with through this group joined our service to sing in Italian which was a truly wonderful offering. During the Christmas event, entitled 'Christmas around the World' we hosted the local Ukrainian choir and Ellie Turner played the harp. It was a beautiful time, a real blessing for us.
Through the autumn the numbers became smaller at the Friday Thing group (possibly as other groups arose and the Ukrainians got more settled in Stamford) and we felt that it would be right to stop this group to focus our efforts more on outreach to the young people who were gathering on our doorstep at church. Jennie and Yvette planned a follow-on Alpha course at St George's that we could signpost people to. The group had been started shortly before the Ukrainian war and refugees began to arrive in Stamford so it had definitely been a blessing for a season in God's timing.
## **Community events**
Through the last year we have held a number of events aimed at reaching out to the community and showing Christchurch to be a place for all to belong. We hosted a **Jubilee Celebration** on the 5[th] June to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee which was well attended and great fun. There was food, singing, dancing with all ages represented and many on our fringe came along plus some completely new faces from the local estate. We held a **Clothes Sale** on the 16[th] July, hosted in the church which again was fairly well attended by the community. A LOT of clothes were donated and some money was raised for the church through this event as well as providing an opportunity to connect with some members of the community who attended. The **Light Party** will be described elsewhere but to note that is another community event for children in our calendar. I helped as a volunteer here and it was great to be able to invite some of the children I had made contact with through the garden and schools to this event.
Again, the **Christmas Fayre** will be described elsewhere, but again we had a well-attended event with some children from the gardening group and schools attending and enjoying the activities and festivities.
Last month we hosted our final community event this year, our **'Step into Spring'** celebration with the opening of the Community Garden. This was perhaps thwarted a little by the coinciding presence of the fair in town, but for those who attended, it was a fun event with food, music, dancing and the Community Garden was toasted for the ' _Community, Connection and Conversation_ ' that we pray will grow and flourish there. Members of the two organisations who had helped fund the project (The Ark Trust and Stamford XT) attended for the opening part of the evening. The team received their new 'Gardening Team' t-shirts and one of the children helped to show people round. There was a lovely vibe into the rest of the evening as Rachael and Rhea led the dancing and a good number of people joined in!
## **Community Garden**
One of the highlights this year has been the 'completion' of the Community Garden. I write this in hyphens as a garden is never really finished as such (and from a planting point of view there is still work to be done on the garden), but from a vision point of view we have reached a significant milestone with the garden. After quite a wait for one reason and another, in July last year, the landscaping gardeners were able to do the initial structural work of creating the foundations of the garden (patio, raised beds etc) in 'Stage 1'. Unfortunately during the school holidays shortly after this there was a bit of a break in activity there and there was some vandalism to the garden. God used this for good however, as this event led some of the local children who were hanging out there to ask if they could help us with the garden project 'to make it a nice garden for everyone' and in the autumn this led to the start of the 'Gardening Group'. I ran a pilot group for the first month, then extended the pilot further, especially as the winter was then approaching and it was too cold and dark to run the children's group outside. We had two children from the estate who have been very committed to the project, turned up regularly and both have also started to attend church events (services, the Den and various community events). One boy has particularly got very involved in the church community on a Sunday and definitely had the opportunity to hear more of the gospel as a direct result of this. As the group has developed we are in the process of recruiting, DBS checking and equipping volunteers so we can continue this group in some form.
Another lovely thing about the Community Garden has been the way it has drawn in some of the local neighbours and church members on the fringe. We have had fantastic help from a number of people including Phiona, Bob, Sarah, David, Brian, Pete, Carol, Charlie, Michael and Amy among others plus donations of plants/trees from Lesley in memory of her mother, Ann, in memory of Paul, a bench from another Amy, thinking of Geraldine, a sign made by Dave and other donations towards plants from a number of other people too. We are very grateful for them all, and consider it a wonderful image of how the kingdom of God grows and develops too!
## **Schools work**
My involvement in the schools this year has mainly taken the form of befriending parents at the school gate and seeking to offer support, hospitality and extending a welcome to church events when appropriate. I have also been in discussions with the Principal, Mrs Emma Houlton, about the school gardens and how we could help / support the school to make best use of them. Thus far this has involved helping review the land, making a project plan and detailed drawing of an
allotment garden, supporting the formation of a PTFA, trying to raise awareness, gain support and start fundraising for this project. The school have had a number of challenges through the year, including most significantly their Offsted inspection, resulting in a 'Requires Improvement' status, so their energies and attention have been mainly focussed on the key needs and priorities arising from this, but some progress has been made in the garden and it is nearly ready to use for growing come the Spring! I am awaiting a discussion with them about how I might best use my time in the school in the coming year however.
## **Youth outreach**
Over the summer and into the early autumn, we became increasingly aware of the young people (secondary school/college age mostly) who were hanging around the building - some of whom were just hanging out, others at times smoking cannabis and occasionally involved in other anti-social behaviours. This has provided us with both a challenge and an opportunity. We have tried to balance our various responsibilities to our members, staff, neighbours, the people who use or hire the building as well as our responsibility before God to reach out to these young people and seek to engage with them, offering them something better in terms of the life that Jesus can give them. So, we have had discussions within PCC, with the safeguarding team, the police when appropriate about how to proceed wisely and safely, but also started to think and pray about how we can best meet this expressed and immediate need on our doorstep. Through the winter, a small team of us (Anthony, Yvette and myself) started to open the door on a Thursday evening as a drop-in for any young people who wanted to come in. We had varying numbers of kids (between 3-13) of approximately 13-16 year old young people, or small groups of college students, who sometimes came in or sometimes we chatted to outside, or just talked and prayed together as a team if no-one was there. We have had chance to get to know some of these young people by name and share something of the love and invitation of God with them, mainly through friendship at present, but with a couple of opportunities for deeper conversation. We have also noticed the positive way that they young people, once they got to know us a bit, have got involved to help us on one one off occasions when setting up for community events if they happened to be around, for example at some of the International Feasts and the 'Step into Spring' event.
More recently, one evening a large group of kids was seen locally being followed by the police and we have observed that there have been less kids hanging around since then, but there are definitely still some, and the opportunity to try to engage and provide some kind of alternative activity or event where we can authentically reach out to this generation remains, as a big question, challenge and opportunity for us for the coming year. It has been an interesting, sometimes challenging, but fulfilling year and I am grateful to God and to the church for the opportunity to be a part of His work in this place. May He continue to lead us, guide us, equip and provide for us in the coming year!
Laura Mitchell
Ministry and Mission Associate
## **StartaFresh**
StartaFresh sessions reduced to once a week on a Friday with Geraldine's passing. The group stuck together and even had 2 new members join them as well. Rutland Adult Learning continued to offer various life skill courses with Sue, the Tutor at the helm. She has been facilitating courses for the group for a long time and has also supported them pastorally as well. The group specially requested that the sessions continue to run weekly term time to the which both Rutland Adult Learning and Christ Church agreed in principle to.
Revd Antony Laotan
## **Day Centre**
Day Centre we continued to grow throughout 2022. Our members increased to 25 and continued to be held fortnightly. We couldn't have operated the group without our dedicated volunteers, in the kitchen, serving and on transport and we extend our heartfelt thanks to them. Geraldine was ill from the beginning of 2022 and was on leave. Sadly we lost Geraldine to cancer , our thoughts and prayers remain with the family. We thank her for her contribution to building DayCentre and the projects she held close to her, she touched many lives and households with her cheer and guidance.
In January 2023, we transitioned to hosting weekly sessions for Day Centre, this has been well received. Though numbers are at a low at the moment of 12 members due to some members now in full time care or travelling, we endeavour to rebuild our membership with active marketing (flyers, facebook etc), in addition we happily accept new volunteers.
We continue to provide food hampers for Bluecoat School and Stamford Welland, a fruitful partnership with the schools. The schools' support team identifies families and staff most in need and deliver the hampers to them. This year we have distributed over 300 hampers. The schools are extremely grateful and thank Christ Church for their continued commitment to the community.
Community Chatter continued through 2022 with a low attendance. In 2023 'Soup with me' - a pay as you feel group - was born out of the need for community support during these difficult economic times. This group is now merged with Community Chatter, the attendance has improved with a steady weekly increase. The vision for this group is to continue to provide a safe space for our community with the benefit of a hot meal, build confidence of making friends for members who find this difficult and those who suffer from anxiety, this is achieved through positive interaction via games etc.
The projects have continued with the support of Rhea Rayside, who is on a temporary contract.
Relatively quiet year with no major concerns reported.
Biggest issue has been the presence of teenagers/young adults hanging around outside of church. As a Church Christian Community we have been open minded and have tried to engage with them with some success at times. We have seeked advice from the police and the situation is being monitored.
Reminder to all the church community that Carol MacBeath is the safeguarding officer and Jacqui Wells the deputy.
Both Carol and Jacqui are very approachable and would be happy to talk to anyone in confidence about worries or concerns re abuse or safety.
There is a safeguarding notice board at the back of the church near the kitchen with useful information and phone numbers.Also leaflets in the foyer.
As a team we have reviewed the Church Safeguarding Policy and it has been updated as appropriate.
Safeguarding is a matter for us all and no-one should be in fear of abuse,neglect or their safety.
Carol MacBeath. Safeguarding Officer
Just like every new year, Christ Church’s APCM affords us the opportunity to reflect on the year past and forecast for the year ahead. It’s that time when every member of the congregation participates, as it were, in the ‘business of the church’ which normally is entrusted in the hands of the PCC.
2022 felt like the final game of a football tournament. It was intense in some parts and packed with twists and turns in other parts. The year started in earnest with our overarching theme of ‘Harvest’ which was intended to set the tone for all the work we were to undertake in the year. Our annual financial forecast almost dampened the mood as we realised the huge deficit before us. Since the sale of the minibus, this was to be the first year we would be without a financial buffer and also faced with paying off our Covenant Pledge (replaced Parish share) to the Diocese.
Determined as ever and trusting in God’s provision, we kept moving towards our goals in the first half of the year with faith and hope. Sadly, within that timeframe, two stalwarts of the church, Paul Darley and Geraldine Crowley transitioned to eternal glory. Their absence is still hugely felt, and we miss them ever so dearly. There were also changes to the staff team as Lel Nichols, our Children, Youth and Families Minister felt a Godgiven call towards a new career path with the NHS leaving huge shoes to fill and Lisa Garwood, our administrator, also moved into a new role at Ryhall C of E School.
Like most teams heave a sigh of relief when the referee’s whistle is blown after a protracted half, so did we through the summer holidays. The _turbulence_ had subsided, and it was now a great opportunity to reflect and reorganise for the remainder of the year. Rhea Rayside, who had taken over from Geraldine Crowley in January due to ill health, continued in post until the end of the year running the Daycentre fortnightly and working with the local schools supplying struggling families with food boxes. Between September and December, other weekly outreach groups such as Tots n Toast, the Den and Start a Fresh, all run by _super_ volunteers, thrived with increased attendance and regular sessions across the board. The highlight of this period was the good news of a three-year funding for the Children, Youth and Families Minister role from the Henry Smith Charity. This grant reignited hope in the continuity of a vital aspect of our church’s existence and future.
Our signature event, the Christmas Fair, did not disappoint, as it was bustling with people from within the Church and the wider community. The Light Party, the month before, was equally well attended. The end of the year was certainly merrier than the beginning as we belted out Christmas carols in the Car Park with the Barn Hill Orchestra, had lovely Christmas services and a financial surplus to cap it all. Visitors streamed to our services all through the year; some stayed, some left, and others just passed through! In keeping with the football analogy, the pressure we had felt in the first half made us relentless through the second. We weren’t just able to defend our goal area very well, we counter attacked by the grace of God and carried the day!
Through it all, the Hand of the Lord was upon us and we were the better for it. In so many ways, it was indeed a Year of Harvest!
Revd Anthony Laotan
Our annual accounts have been independently examined, by Michelle Feasey, and formally adopted by the PCC as a true record of our finances. The full annual accounts are available in a separate document. The church has a number of funds and this report concentrates on the General Fund. The General Fund is where all the main church income and expenditure goes, each programme has a separate restricted and designated fund and there are a number of small church related funds such as hardship, fabric and mission.
The total income for Christ Church was £51,600 a decrease 11% on the previous year. Total expenditure was £62,894 which was also a decrease of 18%. Our regular giving planned remained stable. We saw a small increase in our open plate collections and there was substantial additional one-off giving from members of the congregation. The reduction in income is due to a decrease in grant income for our projects. Two staff resignations in the summer gave a decrease in budgeted expenditure. We saw a significant increase in our gas and electric bills to £4,700 but all other expenses were broadly in line with last years figures and within our budget. We ended the year with a small surplus of income over expenditure on our General Fund rather than the £8,000 deficit initially predicted at the beginning of the year. We were able to pay our Covenant Pledge to the Diocese of £10,000. We have pledged £11,500 in 2023 rising to £15,000 by 2025.
As we head into 2023 we are running a breakeven budget. We are anticipating some building works to repair the outside wall. This is likely to cost around £6,000 which can be covered from reserves in General Fund. We have approved funding for the new Children, Youth and Families Minister from the Henry Smith Charity and this well be drawn down now an appointment has been made. We currently have one other member of staff on a fixed term contract covering our Day Centre which remains under review.
We are grateful for the continued support of a number of organisations who have granted funding so that we can continue children and youth work and Anchored. We have also received funding for the development of the garden. This year we received funding from Stamford Lads Club, Burghley Family Trust, Reiss Trust and The Ark Trust.
We are thankful for the generosity of all who give of their time, talent and treasure to the work of Christ Church. We do not take it for granted.
Lisa Garwood Treasurer
## **Christ Church** Stamford
# **Annual Report & Accounts for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2022**
_Page 1_
## **Contents**
|GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 3|
|---|
|ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PCC ......................................................................................... 4|
|Administrative information ......................................................................................................4|
|Structure, governance and management ...................................................................................5|
|Objectives and activities ...........................................................................................................5|
|Church Attendance ...................................................................................................................5|
|Financial review ........................................................................................................................5|
|Operations Report .....................................................................................................................6|
|STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PCC ........................................................ 8|
|STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES ...................................................................... 9|
|BALANCE SHEET
10|
|FUND MOVEMENT BY TYPE………………………………………………..…………..11|
|CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………..………….12|
|EXAMINER’S REPORT……………………………………………...…………………….13|
_Page 2_
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF CHRIST CHURCH, STAMFORD**
## **GENERAL INFORMATION**
|Charity name|The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical|
|---|---|
||Parish of Christ Church Stamford|
|Charitable status|The Parochial Church Council is a charity|
||registered with the Charity Commission,|
||registration number: 1139222|
|Principal address|Christ Church, Green Lane, Stamford PE9 1HE|
|Principal contact|Mrs. Lisa Garwood, Treasurer|
|Telephone no.|01780 766446|
|Email|treasurer@christchurchstamford.com|
|Website|www.christchurchstamford.com|
|Bankers|Barclays Bank plc, Broad St, Stamford|
|Independent|Michelle Feasey, Stamford|
|examiner||
_Page 3_
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF CHRIST CHURCH, STAMFORD**
## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PCC**
## **YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022**
## **Administrative information**
Christ Church Stamford is situated on Green Lane Stamford. It is part of the Diocese of Lincoln within the Church of England.
## _**Parochial Church Council (PCC) Membership**_
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
PCC members who have served from during 2022 are:
|**Ex-Officio**|Anthony Laotan|Vicar|
|---|---|---|
||Nigel Garwood|Warden|
||Dawn Field|Warden|
||Paul Darley|Reader-Until March 2022|
||Laura Mitchell|Deanery Synod|
||||
|**Elected** **Members**|||
||Tina Bland||
||Rachael Carter||
||Barbara Morley||
||Jacqui Wells||
||Carol MacBeath||
||Lel Nicholls|Resigned July 2022|
||Lesley Foulkes||
||||
|**Co-opted**|Lisa Garwood|Elected until APCM and then
Co-opted|
||||
## _**Committees**_
The PCC operates through a Standing Committee which has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings subject to any directions given by Council and to limits of delegated authority.
The Building Committee oversees the stewardship of the Church building and ensures that repairs are dealt with.
_Page 4_
## **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. The full PCC met six times during the year. Committees have met between meetings and items from these were included in the PCC discussions as appropriate.
## **Objectives and activities**
Christ Church PCC has the responsibility of promoting within the Ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church – pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Christ Church building. The church operates social outreach projects covering newborn to elderly, vulnerable, disabled, and marginalised individuals.
## **Church Attendance**
The church holds a weekly morning service at 10am. Our weekly attendance at services averages 40 per week.
There are 55 members on the Electoral Roll.
## **Financial review**
Regular financial reports have been given to the PCC throughout the year.
The total income for Christ Church was £51,600 a decrease 11% on the previous year. Total expenditure was £62,894 which was also a decrease of 18%.
Our regular giving planned remained stable. We saw a small increase in our open plate collections and there was significant additional one-off giving from members of the congregation. The reduction in income is due to a decrease in grant income for our projects. Our Children and Youth Minister resigned in July and our Administrator left in August. This gave a significant decrease in budgeted expenditure. We saw a significant increase in our gas and electric bills to £4,700 but all other expenses were broadly in line with last years figures and with our budget. We ended the year with a small surplus of income over expenditure on our General Fund rather than the deficit initially predicted at the beginning of the year. We have made a Covenant Pledge with the Diocese to pay £10,000 in 2022 which was achieved. We have pledged £11,500 in 2023 rising to £15,000 by 2025.
As we head into 2023 we are anticipating some building works to repair the outside wall. This is likely to cost around £6,000 which can be covered from General Fund. We have agreed funding for a new Children, Youth and Families Minister. We are currently recruiting and will draw funds down when an appointment is agreed. We currently have one member of staff on a fixed term contract covering our Day Centre which remains under review. We will continue to communicate finances regularly with the wider congregation and plan to build on our fundraising efforts.
For the 2023 accounts we are moving to a new financial package and will be operating on a Receipts and Payments basis. In preparation for this we have fully depreciated the Fixed Asset (Wheelchair car) which was sitting at a value of £209. We have also corrected some small historic errors with regard to liabilities on PAYE and NI accounts and can confirm that our HMRC accounts are fully paid.
_Page 5_
## **Christ Church Ministry**
Our regular income has remained stable, and we have seen stability in the numbers of people attending church and our weekly activities. This year we have developed the garden to the rear of the church into a welcoming space for the community, we are grateful to our funders for allowing this to happen. As we head into 2023 we plan to use this for outreach activities. Church services are well attended and we have seen new people join us. There has been an increase in the number of baptisms. A fortnightly discipleship group has been established which is well attended. We have had a few successful social events during the year, including a Platinum Jubilee party attended by over 80 people. We held two fundraising events. A clothes swap sale and our annual Christmas Fayre. These two events raised £1,200.
## **Operations Report**
Christ Church has at the heart of its outreach programs a desire to welcome people, meet their pastoral needs, and draw them into fellowship together. We aim to bring the Christ Church Values and Vision to life by drawing people into fellowship and ultimately a relationship with Christ. Under the leadership of the Rev Anthony Laotan we continue to respond to the opportunity and need around us under the umbrella of the Anchored project.
## **Anchored**
This program incorporates StartaFresh, Day Centre, Community Chatter and Feeding Families. There were some significant changes to the way Anchored operates as the manager sadly passed away. At the beginning of the year we put in place a temporary manager to oversee Day Centre and Feeding Families. Other programs are run by volunteers.
## **Day Centre**
Day Centre has continued fortnightly. Numbers were initially good but have dropped as we neared the end of the year. We continue to keep the program under review and are grateful for funding of £2,000 from the Reiss Trust to enable us to continue this important work. Members attend and enjoy a 2 course hot lunch and some entertainment. They pay £12 to come which includes transport. This year we have replaced the gas oven with an electric range cooker.
## **StartaFresh**
This group continued to meet on a Friday, dropping to once a week due to staff changes. StartaFresh offers vital confidence building and social support for the members. We have started a monthly art therapy session and continue to provide educational opportunities with Rutland Adult Learning to whom we are very grateful for their continued support.
## **Community Chatter**
Runs weekly as an afternoon drop-in session where anyone from the community can come along for friendship and support. Many members knit or craft and there is a chance to play games.
## **Feeding Families**
We receive boxes of emergency food from Rapid Relief Team and distribute these to those in need in our community. People do not need to be referred or have any kind of assessment. These are given to people known to us who are struggling and also through our local schools.
_Page 6_
## **Children and Youth**
Our work with children and young people through ‘Tots and Toast’ and The Den continues to thrive. These groups are well attended and popular with local families. For the first half of the year our Children and Youth Minister visited Bluecoat School and Stamford Welland Academy one day a week. Here she provided reading support and some mentoring, developing strong links with the school families. We ran a Light Party in October which was a big success. We have noticed an increasing number of young people gathering in the church grounds. We are exploring different ways to reach out and support them. A drop in session has been offered on a Thursday to give them a warm safe space to hang out and chat. When developing the garden some younger children expressed an interest in helping out. From this we have started a weekly gardening group for children and hope to expand this work next year. It is hoped that the newly renovated garden will provide a space to interact with increasing number of youth. Our Children and Youth Minister resigned in July after 5 years in post. In November we discovered that The Henry Smith Trust has awarded us £63,800 over 3 years for a Children, Youth and Families Minister. Recruitment for this post will commence early 2023. We have been able to continue all this important work thanks to funding from The Burghley Family Trust and Stamford Lads Club.
## **Christ Church Grantors**
Christ Church gives a huge thank you to the many people who so kindly donate to support the outreach programs. We have also received generous donations from a range of organisations in 2022, including:
- Burghley Family Trust
- Reiss Family Trust
- The Ark Trust
- Stamford Lad’s Club
_Page 7_
## **STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PCC**
Charity Law requires the members of the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial transactions during the Charity year and of the disposition of the Charity’s assets and liabilities at the end of that year. In preparing those financial statements, the members of the PCC are required to:
- i. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
- ii. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
- iii. state whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRSSE) subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The members of the PCC are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which enable them to prepare financial statements which comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
_Page 8_
Christ Church - 1139222
Statement of Flnan¢lal Actlvltle¥
For the period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022
Lknr•8tr1dod
fuThJ8
8tr1ctsd
dowm&nt
fuTh
Total
fuTh18
Prlor y•ar
totalfunds
Receipts
Rann gwing
Co1CtIOnS and oth&r gp4kig
Oiher vduntary receipts
Gifl
Oiher reIPtS
AclwitBs forganeralirgfund5
Receipt5 frornchuh &twitS
13.881
3,320
13.225
4.038
1.350
1,897
4.922
13,881
3,320
22,191
4,038
1,350
1,897
4,922
13,854
2,511
32,213
3,657
8.5
1,411
3,834
Tota inrnme
42,634
8,965
51,600
58,082
P4yrnents
C£)sl of genalIngfU
MssK)nary ar (haritaNe Gwl
Pari8h Sh8r8
Qergy aj Slaffing ccsts
(UrCh Runnng Expense5
urch Repats & Ntsinténance
JV8rnarte CnsÈ
518
$39
559
1,057
579
10,(KK>
22,210
24,774
10,928
350
10,CKK)
31,835
18,902
4,511
672
10,(K)O
8.257
14.881
2.911
672
13.953
9.892
672
Tota eyndkure
37,261
25,632
62.894
77201
N&t IncLMno 1 @yndlbJr&l roswo8 l*fore transfar
5,3n
116,6661
111,2931
119,1191
Transfers
Gr055 trarsfeT5 beiveenfuryts - in
Gross trartsfèts be¥*een funds - out
97
1591
130
11301
34,6C
134.6081
1701
Otherr6cognlsedgal*Js/losses
kt mo%emenl in furn15
5,335
116,6281
111,2931
119,1191
R*Tr¢i111 of fynds
Tota funds
40,477
21.588
81.185
Tota fund8 Td thThard
45,813
4,959
62,066
ThwemaybeminLYdisrrepanciesin thetolalsilthepencearenotbeirq8hown
Christ Church - 1139222
Balan¢e Shget {chuh of England)
As at31 ceMber2022
Flxeda¥8ets
Tang&)k 8s5e15
209
209
Current a88et¥
Cash at bank and in hand
50.772
62.090
50.772
62.090
Llab116tfi88
Cradilors.. Am)unts fallro dl n Or yaar
234
t CLvTrnt aksots c4rrent lablllbs
50.772
61,856
Tot4 35sets 5$ CLvrert 113115
62,066
To¢ r*t a¥get¥ kgs Ilablllkng
50,7ri
62,066
P*prosen*d by
Lknrestrfcted
Unr8strted- G8n?r8lfund
23,133
17.465
E*$lgnated
tksunated- A TTred [snated
tksynated- sjart4Frh
tksunated- Transpcrt Sthen
[snata- TthYdr8 Tots n To*t
tksunated- Fabr FurKI
tksunated- kL9rd8hip Fund
tbsynal8d- Athio vu81
tknunat8d- a)Iren arKJ Youth MnÈlÉr
[Snated- Cxunch and MssK>n rdr&htvent5
tksynated- Garden 0jeC1 tks¥Jnall
tksunated- OulrexhAcliiils
tbsynat8d- Centre
9.456
618
9.901
1.315
202
620
627
894
2.255
781
631
2.372
2.255
981
581
100
3.000
1.171
103
2,318
Reslrlcted
ReStr.A
13
ReStr- Day Centre IRI
ReStr- Stw14Fresh IRI
RestrKt•J- TrS[t. Mni Bus IRI
ReStr- M&8Dn FurvJ
Restrt-Ag co1cl)n
ReStrted.A[1mWed Restr1
Restrted. Cf M Ftoiects
Restrted- (lren$ YjIh Mnisler
Restrt*J- C6brate FbIaY We8k8nd Resttsd
ReStr- l&ren$
Restrted- EnatAe
Restrted. G¥den Ftoiecl
72
6.169
20
2.919
718
28
1.000
1.181
423
7(X)
7.782
26
722
687
1.500
902
Funds of ttE thwch
62,066
Thor•maybomlnordlwepancr8sin th8 total&if ¢h&pCe*reOth8iffjshow
Chri* Church - 1139222
Fund movement by type
Selected pèrlod: 01 January 2022 to 31 December2022
browhl lorward
R•60ur¢¢$
L0$69$
Entrig$
¢orrl•d forw4rd
Lknrastrfctod
General. Generalfund
17,465
3f.534
30.896
29
23.133
Sub4Dtal*
17.46$
.$34
30.891
23.133
Doslgnat&d
A Th0RDES. AnctK*al
AUDIoVB-AJ Visual
CYWESTIN- C&Y Mntst&r
Crunch- Mss*)n RefrtshnEnts
G4RDENDES- Garden Ftopct
(XJtreach- lIaCh PLlwrti&s
t)ay- Day tre
stsrt- Start4Frsh
TranskK)rl- Trtspr Scker
T&drs-To1s and Toast
Fabric- Fabr Fund
Hard8hip- H8rdship Fund
9,901
981
511
581
1CN)
9.456
781
631
500
103
199
632
478
752
1.819
629
209
121
1671
2.318
618
1,315
2ff
620
2,372
2,255
627
894
2,255
475
Sub4Dtals
23,011
6.1
6.365
22.607
R2stricted
AW.A
A TrKXORRE8. Anchyèj
CYMPROJ- CAY Ftojects
CYPvREST- CAY Mntsl8r
cbra1R- Cdebr8t8 Weekènd
ihJ- thihJr8n8 Cknurch
ETri48LE- Enab
G4RDENRES- Garden Ftopct
t)ayR- Day &ntre
stsrtR- St8rt4Fresh
Mnp8u5R-TranswJrt
ms$n- KfssDn Fuj
Agerry- Apncy Co1Cln
13
1,OCM)
13
1,122
2.110
30
7.888
30
1301
1261
700
1,0
7,782
26
722
687
1,5CN)
6,169
20
2,919
718
28
1,220
518
563
3.270
2.057
131
902
72
8.154
87
1.730
295
264
67
171
423
236
8ub4Dtals
21,5UN
,965
29,632
4,992
Tota
62,066
51,600
50,772
Therernaybeminordixrepanciesin thetota&ylthepencearenotbeirythob*
## **CONCLUSION**
Before closing it is appropriate to thank most sincerely our staff and the many volunteers who give so much of their time and energies to ensure the efficient running of our projects and community activities. We are very grateful for the financial support we receive from sponsors, grantors and charitable organisations, trusts and businesses - and the people who just give, even when they themselves struggle to make ends meet. We also thank the many other groups and partners who collaborate closely with us in a multitude of ways.
This report dated:
## Signed:
x-----------------------------------------Anthony Laotan (Vicar)
x-----------------------------------------Nigel Garwood (Church Warden)
x-----------------------------------------Dawn Field (Church Warden)
_Page 12_
**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF CHRIST CHURCH, STAMFORD**
_Page 13_
Michelle Feasey & Co Limited
Charlercd Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisors
1 West Street Business Park West Street Stamford PE9 2PL t: 01780 751115 f: 01780 481805
e: mfeasey@feaseyaccountscouk
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE pcc OF CHRIST CHURCH, STAMFORD
I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31st December 2022, which are set out on pages 1 to 12.
## Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.
## It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view/ and the report is limited to those matter set out in the statement below.
## Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention;
1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
2. in which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## Michelle Feasey
20th April 2023
1 West Street Busines Stamford PE9 2PL
**----- Start of picture text -----**
CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS
**----- End of picture text -----**
Director: Michelle A. E. Feasey
Company Secretary. Niall McQuitty vat Registration No, 793 3980 79 Registered in England No: 4462491