The final group to report was the Oversight Group, which is responsible for repairs, improvements and monitoring of the building but also for compliance with the regulations, which relate to health and safety, and regular servicing of machinery etc. The church has good reason to be grateful for this vital group and to the others, which enhance church life and governance.
Safeguarding
The Elders are responsible and appoint a church safeguarding officer and deputy. They ensure elders, church members with certain functions and employees are updated with information and training as necessary. The church is aware that its policy must be kept updated and advertised to members of the public who use the building.
Financial safeguards
The Elders at their monthly meeting and the church at its quarterly meeting are presented with the latest financial information and summary accounts. The accounts are audited annual, which is beyond legislative requirements but gives extra confidence to the church.
Compliance is excellent and there has been nothing adverse to report during the year. A new treasurer has been elected who will receive assistance and training from the retiring treasurer who will head a new group – the finance committee. This will be able to assist the treasurer with advice and support. The Church is indeed most grateful to the retiring treasurer who has carried out his duties with total integrity and humanity, offering help and advice as well as carrying out his duties in a Christian manner.
Donald Swift, secretary of trustees, 12 July 2024
Ormskirk Street United Reformed Church (Charity Registration No 1145831)
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR 2023
Trust Chair, THE MINISTER, REVD CATH ATKINSON who also has Haresfinch and Rainford United Reformed Churches in her care presented her report, which highlighted the new friends who worship with us, sadly as a result of the closure of a number of Methodist churches.
One of our centenarians has moved to be nearer his large family in Cambridgeshire. But we sadly said goodbye to three worshipping friends.
She highlighted some events including the course for the three pastorate churches by Synod Mission Enabler, Stuart Radcliffe. We continued to connect with users of the building. We put our welcome into action to give away hot cross buns at Easter with Easter bag giveaways.
The Christmas Jumper carol service and Advent Praise service led again by St Helens Youth Brass Band, another user of our building both connected further with building users. She gave a list of visits and services with Queens Park School. We welcomed visitors from a number of St Helens to share a Taizé service. All were welcomed to a Day of Prayer, which attracted many visitors and worshippers.
A notable addition to the Worship area was the fixing of a large illuminated cross to the rear wall so it is visible by to all during worship (when facing the window) and on entering the sanctuary.
The Church Secretary, Rhona Newby reported on the year. A new Elder was elected, Jean Mill while a very long serving Elder, Tony Whalley, retired from active service. The Elders had taken part in elders training further equipping them for service and each one had updated their safeguarding qualifications as required.
An eco-group was established to lead the church in reaching its eco-goals. It is actively looking at insulation, solar panels on roofs. Many improvements have already been made including the near total conversion to LED lighting which not only saves a large proportion on lighting but also improved the appearance of the lighting at the same time.
The Church Meeting also resolved to resume collections for local and national charities, mostly Christian or improving the lives of people. Our mission statement has been enlarged to make it clear that ‘helping our local community’ is included in our mission.
The luncheon club continues to serve pensioners living alone and/or in need of social contact. The social group organises social events throughout the year, which also raise considerable sums towards church funds. The Afternoon Friendship Group has replaced an evening meeting and one held in the afternoon. The time is more appropriate for the age group who attend and has proved very successful, attracting interesting speakers.
ORMSKIRK STREEf LIMtrED REFORPJJED CFKIRCH. STHELENS INCOME & EXPENDtTURE AC¢(KINT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 INCOIAE Direct Gmng Endovmient afyj Inyestment Bank Interest Caprtal Grft F(and Intemal Donation5 Use of Rooms Other Income- Coffee Other Ineome. Ott Speaal Appeals :_ Income Less Donabons 51,525 3,000 1,201 7.6 6.656 745 41,488 1,547 1,671 42,437 1.915 6.2 771 2.657 2,857 111.U26 1C6,$32 EXPENDITURE Ministry Widerwork ChLJrch Expenses- Wage5 and Uidities Church Expenses- Other liems FabrTC MaintenancÉ- Church Fabric MaintenarTh- Manse 29.972 2.419 S8.652 18.809 13.893 29,816 50.253 18,169 124.245 107.146 Net Surplus of IExpenditiJfy) CW Incomp 13,21 514 GENERAL RESERVE 8alan¢e at 1 January Surplus of l&penditurel IrKxJme 64.132 113,2191 J.913 34,909 15141 34.395 59.7C Non Rteurrlry IoMe Non Re¢urrlng Expendliure Chairs Coffee Machi Vvater Boilers 1,169 1.993 Balan & 31 Decemb 64,132 BALANCE SIIEEfAS AT DECEMBER 2023 2022 ASSErs Castt at Bank l Brokers HSBC Depostt Acr£Junt Investe¢ HSBC Petty Cash 47.1 .072 1.189 1g.544 150 8.557 25 REPRESENfiNG BALANCES QN THE FOLLOWING FU14DS G8neral Reserve Musc Festival Fun(1 Ywth and Edu<xtKon Fund Benevolent Fund Capital Gtft Fund Organ Fun Aftemcffi Fel1p 64.132 547 532 6.224 1.210 870 1.189 347 .957 76.988
ORMSKIRK STREEf UNITED REFORAIED CHURCki S7HELENS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 t. Church premis08 atormgkirk Str¢¢( Sl Helens Valued ts Insurar during 23 8t£6,.910 z stock held for caiytal and other purpoges and valued at 2023 2022 51.942 69.47T 11.737 86.7 UK Equtbes Property Bond Intemational E¢wths 42,722 67,512 11,875 88,552 35.745 46,406 252.41 l of the 8tQV8 propwbes are Vèst in Llruted Refotrned Chlwth IMer5ey Trust MIted 3. Oryan. furnliure and •quipment in ehurch pmises Valued for in5urartt during 2023 at £1.9)S.LVaY ember5 arKI Adhernnts Number of MemL Numter of AdentS 10 79 2022 5. Spectal Appea Ckjnatons m&Je trom IwKx)rlle trixn SFeaal as Earthquake AptEal North We$tAJ"rAmbular 771 2,857 Th6s8 Aexuxjnts weft agreed by the Elders CA18 Play 24 C Knight- Treasurer
ORIASIURK STRE UNED REFORMED CFAIRCH. STHELENS Report to the T$te ¢KOrmsklrk Stre¢t United Refxmed Church, St HeFens (Chartty Numl)er 114%311 on thÈ Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 sot out on page$ 1 to 7 I report to the trustees my examinati ofthe accourhts ofthe above charity Twsfi lor the yaar en(Jed 31 December 2023 Re¥ponslbllrtles and basis of IBPOrt the requirements ofthe Charilles Ad 2011 fthÈ ArYI. I rèport in 8pd of rny examination offv Trusfs accwnts Irned CMJI under sectron 145 of the 2011 Ad and in carying out my examination. I havè kAk¥41 icab Dir&Jions given ty thè Charity Commtssion under sectwjn 14515llbl of the A(t I have completed my examina11c. I that no material mattws have cme to my attention in connecon th the examinab.on bthich gNes me cause to LEti¢¥e th in. any Material respect. 1. anting records ve Th)t kept in resFecl oflhe Trust as requwed by se(on 130 of the Ac* .. I have no concems arKI Ie (xxne no other matters in cxmn8di vnth the etrninab.on to which attentio Should be dravfft in this report in Order to enable a proper understanth"rwJ ofthe ()unt¥ to be reached Dated 8 May 21r24 Geoffrey T. Johnson Chartered ACuntrt 33 Park Brook Lar Shewngton Wigan WN6 8AF
ORMSKIRK STREEf UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, ST HELENS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEklBER 2023 IIICOME 2022 DIRECT GIV4G Freewll OfferirrtJ Lijose Collections Ire T8x Refunds ots Covenants sub"p"0ns and Donalions 35.845 3.635 10,695 7,350 51,525 9.1 1,375 S8rah Ctr•Aey Trust Cross Trust Ravensdale Trt 1,201 GAPITAL GIFT FUND Investment ItYx)me INTERNAL DONATIONS LUnCheC Club Mixed Fellowship Mums & Tots 6(Y) 745 OTHER INCOIIE. OTHER Funeral Fees Vvedcjing Fees Legacy from Ada KrApton dd Less Translerred to Caprtat Grft Fund Lega Phoné & Phot(OLy Fundraising Events Sale ot LardWBcoks dc Sundry Inttorne 426 1Q) 88151 88151 3.419 301 754 6,2 253 177 1,671
ORMSKIRK STREET UNrrED REFORAIED CHURCH. ST HELENS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YE4R ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 LIPENDVRE 2022 MINISTRY Ministy and Mission C(thbJtions Ministers Expense5 Manse Coun¢s1 Tax Manse Water Charges Manse Telgfv* Pulpit Suppty 22,810 2.673 2.327 214 23,520 2,439 196 29.972 29.816 DER VIORK OF THE CHURCH Annual Donth"ons to Char 1419 CHURGH EXPENSES Wages Insuranc Gas Electri0 Water 44,570 4.109 36,453 5,303 4,226 617 50.253 1.036 56,652 CHURGH EXPENSES. OTHER ITEIA5 Printsng. Stationery aThl Post•Je Organ and c#r Telephone MaIntenance Offi math"t Fees etc. Cleaning Material$ otG Worship Bank Charges Sundries 1.820 1.757 1.457 3,552 1,869 1.781 3.259 450 4,569 3,863 3.175 170 1,370 971 18.809 18.169 FABRIC MAINTENANCE- CHURCH Central Heating- Setviong & Repaws ami Maintenance Building Survey Autom8tyc Dwr m3intenancÈ ft Maintenance & Rall5 Replacing Wind Repairs to knghthirKJ C¢Mduck Gardening Lighting Painb'ng & Decor umbing Sundry Repairs Health & Safety SuiKlry El1¢1 WLYk 1,240 138 4T1 715 1,160 S} 1356 241 13.893
ORIASKIRK STREET UNIYED REFCIRMED CTrNIRCH. ST HNs MUSIC FESTNAL FUND FOR YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 Balance ght forward lrfome 547 27 70 1.132 Expendrtu Balance carried fu8rd 150 547 YOUTrI AND EDUCATION FLND FOR THE YEAR TO 31 OECEIIBER 2023 21)22 Bae brgught f(¥ward Income 7.692 1.300 8.992 2.388 Expen(Jrture BalarK* ¢ariied fixward 1,780 6.224 BENEVOLE1 FUND YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 Balan brought frKward Income Bank Interest 870 1,726 107 107 E¥pendiluie BerEvdent PaYrnts Balance carried forward 1,210 870 CAPITAL GFT FIJID YEAR ENDED 31 DECEPABER 2023 2022 Balance brought forvrdrd 1.189 9.575 A(kl Sale Of Inve51merts DNidends Tiansferred frc¥n FLnJ 23.791 46.109 232 88,151 ZJ.811 134.492 144.C67 Less Purchase of Investrnw)ts Transfer to General FuThJ Broker5 Charges Balan rrIed 137,238 1.774 24,336 1.677 142,878 1.189 THÉ BALANCE IS REPRESEKfED BY THE FOLLOWING BANK ACCOUNTS Invest8e 1.189 1,189
ORIA3KIRK STREET UNITED REFORMED CHURC ST HELENS ORGAN FUND YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 Balar¢e Brought 11KJ RCQF REPAIR FUND YEAR EtrIDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 Balan ht Fclward Income Tax Refunds Grants Recewed 273 78,ODJ 47.959 EKP&)diture tt) Date Consultants Fees Contractors Charges BaLgnce Carrfjed Forward 47.111 47,959 OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH ACCOUP 2022 Afternoon Fdl¢Mtip Flow Fun¢ Mixed FelltAvship CateriThJ CMitt &xial GrtyJp 93 371 283 2,544 3,512
ORMSKIRK STREEf LIMtrED REFORPJJED CFKIRCH. STHELENS INCOME & EXPENDtTURE AC¢(KINT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 INCOIAE Direct Gmng Endovmient afyj Inyestment Bank Interest Caprtal Grft F(and Intemal Donation5 Use of Rooms Other Income- Coffee Other Ineome. Ott Speaal Appeals :_ Income Less Donabons 51,525 3,000 1,201 7.6 6.656 745 41,488 1,547 1,671 42,437 1.915 6.2 771 2.657 2,857 111.U26 1C6,$32 EXPENDITURE Ministry Widerwork ChLJrch Expenses- Wage5 and Uidities Church Expenses- Other liems FabrTC MaintenancÉ- Church Fabric MaintenarTh- Manse 29.972 2.419 S8.652 18.809 13.893 29,816 50.253 18,169 124.245 107.146 Net Surplus of IExpenditiJfy) CW Incomp 13,21 514 GENERAL RESERVE 8alan¢e at 1 January Surplus of l&penditurel IrKxJme 64.132 113,2191 J.913 34,909 15141 34.395 59.7C Non Rteurrlry IoMe Non Re¢urrlng Expendliure Chairs Coffee Machi Vvater Boilers 1,169 1.993 Balan & 31 Decemb 64,132 BALANCE SIIEEfAS AT DECEMBER 2023 2022 ASSErs Castt at Bank l Brokers HSBC Depostt Acr£Junt Investe¢ HSBC Petty Cash 47.1 .072 1.189 1g.544 150 8.557 25 REPRESENfiNG BALANCES QN THE FOLLOWING FU14DS G8neral Reserve Musc Festival Fun(1 Ywth and Edu<xtKon Fund Benevolent Fund Capital Gtft Fund Organ Fun Aftemcffi Fel1p 64.132 547 532 6.224 1.210 870 1.189 347 .957 76.988
ORMSKIRK STREEf UNITED REFORAIED CHURCki S7HELENS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 t. Church premis08 atormgkirk Str¢¢( Sl Helens Valued ts Insurar during 23 8t£6,.910 z stock held for caiytal and other purpoges and valued at 2023 2022 51.942 69.47T 11.737 86.7 UK Equtbes Property Bond Intemational E¢wths 42,722 67,512 11,875 88,552 35.745 46,406 252.41 l of the 8tQV8 propwbes are Vèst in Llruted Refotrned Chlwth IMer5ey Trust MIted 3. Oryan. furnliure and •quipment in ehurch pmises Valued for in5urartt during 2023 at £1.9)S.LVaY ember5 arKI Adhernnts Number of MemL Numter of AdentS 10 79 2022 5. Spectal Appea Ckjnatons m&Je trom IwKx)rlle trixn SFeaal as Earthquake AptEal North We$tAJ"rAmbular 771 2,857 Th6s8 Aexuxjnts weft agreed by the Elders CA18 Play 24 C Knight- Treasurer
ORIASIURK STRE UNED REFORMED CFAIRCH. STHELENS Report to the T$te ¢KOrmsklrk Stre¢t United Refxmed Church, St HeFens (Chartty Numl)er 114%311 on thÈ Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 sot out on page$ 1 to 7 I report to the trustees my examinati ofthe accourhts ofthe above charity Twsfi lor the yaar en(Jed 31 December 2023 Re¥ponslbllrtles and basis of IBPOrt the requirements ofthe Charilles Ad 2011 fthÈ ArYI. I rèport in 8pd of rny examination offv Trusfs accwnts Irned CMJI under sectron 145 of the 2011 Ad and in carying out my examination. I havè kAk¥41 icab Dir&Jions given ty thè Charity Commtssion under sectwjn 14515llbl of the A(t I have completed my examina11c. I that no material mattws have cme to my attention in connecon th the examinab.on bthich gNes me cause to LEti¢¥e th in. any Material respect. 1. anting records ve Th)t kept in resFecl oflhe Trust as requwed by se(on 130 of the Ac* .. I have no concems arKI Ie (xxne no other matters in cxmn8di vnth the etrninab.on to which attentio Should be dravfft in this report in Order to enable a proper understanth"rwJ ofthe ()unt¥ to be reached Dated 8 May 21r24 Geoffrey T. Johnson Chartered ACuntrt 33 Park Brook Lar Shewngton Wigan WN6 8AF
ORMSKIRK STREEf UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, ST HELENS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEklBER 2023 IIICOME 2022 DIRECT GIV4G Freewll OfferirrtJ Lijose Collections Ire T8x Refunds ots Covenants sub"p"0ns and Donalions 35.845 3.635 10,695 7,350 51,525 9.1 1,375 S8rah Ctr•Aey Trust Cross Trust Ravensdale Trt 1,201 GAPITAL GIFT FUND Investment ItYx)me INTERNAL DONATIONS LUnCheC Club Mixed Fellowship Mums & Tots 6(Y) 745 OTHER INCOIIE. OTHER Funeral Fees Vvedcjing Fees Legacy from Ada KrApton dd Less Translerred to Caprtat Grft Fund Lega Phoné & Phot(OLy Fundraising Events Sale ot LardWBcoks dc Sundry Inttorne 426 1Q) 88151 88151 3.419 301 754 6,2 253 177 1,671
ORMSKIRK STREET UNrrED REFORAIED CHURCH. ST HELENS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YE4R ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 LIPENDVRE 2022 MINISTRY Ministy and Mission C(thbJtions Ministers Expense5 Manse Coun¢s1 Tax Manse Water Charges Manse Telgfv* Pulpit Suppty 22,810 2.673 2.327 214 23,520 2,439 196 29.972 29.816 DER VIORK OF THE CHURCH Annual Donth"ons to Char 1419 CHURGH EXPENSES Wages Insuranc Gas Electri0 Water 44,570 4.109 36,453 5,303 4,226 617 50.253 1.036 56,652 CHURGH EXPENSES. OTHER ITEIA5 Printsng. Stationery aThl Post•Je Organ and c#r Telephone MaIntenance Offi math"t Fees etc. Cleaning Material$ otG Worship Bank Charges Sundries 1.820 1.757 1.457 3,552 1,869 1.781 3.259 450 4,569 3,863 3.175 170 1,370 971 18.809 18.169 FABRIC MAINTENANCE- CHURCH Central Heating- Setviong & Repaws ami Maintenance Building Survey Autom8tyc Dwr m3intenancÈ ft Maintenance & Rall5 Replacing Wind Repairs to knghthirKJ C¢Mduck Gardening Lighting Painb'ng & Decor umbing Sundry Repairs Health & Safety SuiKlry El1¢1 WLYk 1,240 138 4T1 715 1,160 S} 1356 241 13.893
ORIASKIRK STREET UNIYED REFCIRMED CTrNIRCH. ST HNs MUSIC FESTNAL FUND FOR YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 Balance ght forward lrfome 547 27 70 1.132 Expendrtu Balance carried fu8rd 150 547 YOUTrI AND EDUCATION FLND FOR THE YEAR TO 31 OECEIIBER 2023 21)22 Bae brgught f(¥ward Income 7.692 1.300 8.992 2.388 Expen(Jrture BalarK* ¢ariied fixward 1,780 6.224 BENEVOLE1 FUND YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 Balan brought frKward Income Bank Interest 870 1,726 107 107 E¥pendiluie BerEvdent PaYrnts Balance carried forward 1,210 870 CAPITAL GFT FIJID YEAR ENDED 31 DECEPABER 2023 2022 Balance brought forvrdrd 1.189 9.575 A(kl Sale Of Inve51merts DNidends Tiansferred frc¥n FLnJ 23.791 46.109 232 88,151 ZJ.811 134.492 144.C67 Less Purchase of Investrnw)ts Transfer to General FuThJ Broker5 Charges Balan rrIed 137,238 1.774 24,336 1.677 142,878 1.189 THÉ BALANCE IS REPRESEKfED BY THE FOLLOWING BANK ACCOUNTS Invest8e 1.189 1,189
ORIA3KIRK STREET UNITED REFORMED CHURC ST HELENS ORGAN FUND YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 Balar¢e Brought 11KJ RCQF REPAIR FUND YEAR EtrIDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 Balan ht Fclward Income Tax Refunds Grants Recewed 273 78,ODJ 47.959 EKP&)diture tt) Date Consultants Fees Contractors Charges BaLgnce Carrfjed Forward 47.111 47,959 OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH ACCOUP 2022 Afternoon Fdl¢Mtip Flow Fun¢ Mixed FelltAvship CateriThJ CMitt &xial GrtyJp 93 371 283 2,544 3,512