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 I￿oMe 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