## **NEW CROSS COMMUNITY CHURCH** ## **The Annual Report of the Local Ecumenical Partnership** **For the period September 2024- August 2025** ## _**MISSION STATEMENT**_ ## _**‘**_ **New Cross Church** _**- A Community of FAITH, HOPE & LOVE to ALL.’**_ **We are located in the New Cross area of the town of Sutton in Ashfield, North Nottinghamshire. We meet as ONE Church with two distinct strands; New Cross Community Church is a partnership of The Methodist Church & The Church of England-known as a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) The LEP has been in place since 2000.** **As a Community of FAITH, HOPE & LOVE, we strive to BE, SAY & DO all of this (M&V Statement) in Worship, Discipleship, Mission & Service. We are committed to share the good news of God’s love in Christ, in this part of town. We seek to be SALT & LIGHT for and with New Cross.** **We want to encourage each other and all people to learn more about the Christian way; to follow Jesus Christ in FAITH- to have the HOPE that Jesus brings; to LOVE others as Jesus loves us and all. We want- in the power of God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit- to be a Community that grows in FAITH, HOPE & LOVE”** ## **INTRODUCTION & HOW WE ARE STRUCTURED CURRENTLY** New Cross Community Church is an LEP (local ecumenical partnership) between the Church of England and Methodist church. However, we have a smattering of other parts of the Christian family engaging in worship and witness in the New Cross area of Sutton- in Ashfield where the church is based. We came together in 2000 at a time when the two congregations felt that God was moving them to join together to further the kingdom. Ministerial leadership is given by Rev. Peter Taylor from the Methodist Church, Rev. Richard Kellett, Area Dean from the Church of England. The Church Council, elected at the AGM are responsible for all aspects of the church, and is comprised of 7 members, Joanne Parr, Saralee Parr, Callum Parr, Michelle Chadwick, Vanessa Keeling, Lynne Sykes, Gemma Self and Adrian Self, Methodist Circuit representative Margaret Lee and the afore mentioned Minister. The council meets approximately 4 times a year. In the background are many people who do many things that allow the church to exist and continue to fulfil the vision of when the LEP came into existence. An advance THANK YOU to all who do so much. ## **OUR MEMBERSHIP & CHURCH ATTENDANCE** The membership of the church has an interesting levelling effect. We meet together as a worshipping community and the distinctions of the parental churches are blurred to give New Cross a unique way in which it operates and worships. We have one service on a Sunday at 10.00 a.m. We also have extra services at times in the year when appropriate. Church attendance is stable averaging between 16 and 20 per week. ## **OUR SERVICES** Our services continue to reflect the unique nature of the LEP. We have two services per month reflecting the Anglican style of worship and two reflecting the Methodist style of worship. We have a family service every 4[th] Sunday with breakfast run and led by Joanne Parr LLM . We are so thankful for those members, who in spite of not being able to attend, still kindly support the work of the church financially. We remember and miss all those members of the congregation who are no longer with us. Thanks to all who have played a part over the last year in making it so the church can function with all of its worship and activities especially Rev Peter Taylor, Rev. Richard Kellet, Adam, Joanne, Michelle, Adrian. ## **REPORT FROM OUR MINISTER REV PETER TAYLOR** ## **WWED!? What would Ecclesiastes do!? What do we do with our New Cross TIME?** “ _For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:_ _**2** a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to break down and a time to build up;_ _**[4]** a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;_ _**6** a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away;_ _**[7]** a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak;_ (Ecclesiastes 3 selected verses-NRSV) Time moves on so fast! Here we are approaching Easter season and another AGM season. My time with this Circuit, five churches and the associated communities comes to an end this Summer. I cannot believe that it will be nine years in August when I moved to Sutton in Ashfield. As a family we have been very happy in Sutton. This is the longest time we have ever lived in one place since Sam and I got married. But I know I am ready for a new TIME and season for my ministry. And likewise, for you and the other churches, a new TIME and season will come. I know you will welcome Rev. John Wiseman when he comes in September. He brings experiences of LEP Churches too. What will the future TIME hold for you and me? In Methodism ministers often serve for a set amount of TIME. I feel a bit apprehensive but looking forward to a new time and place. As you know, we are currently involved in **a review of the New Cross LEP** . Financially, practically, Spiritually, mission-ally, we have a lot to face up to. I will be honest, being in an LEP is not always easy. I have found it to be a huge learning curve, strange and difficult at points. Two denominations, people on the ground trying to work out How & Which way to move! _**There is a time for everything**_ - I believe now is **the time to be open to all possibilities for this church.** Do we have the time and energy to keep the ‘show on the road?’ (‘Show’ is the wrong phrase, but you know what I mean!) Do we have the appetite to do all that needs to be done? To raise a lot of money to address vital repairs needed in the next 24 months? Remember most of the church is an old Victorian building. Do we need to be in this building? Could we be New Cross Community Church in another form, space/location in this part of town? No easy answers, but I have pondered and prayed on this recently. There is a heart to serve the community, although we need to create & encourage more discipleship-amongst ourselves and others. We can still be the Body of Christ-a worshipping community in a community hall, a rented unit or school hall? In our thinking and praying we hold onto God- What Ecclesiastes calls (in the NIV) ‘ **the cord of three strands:’** _Two are better than one.. ._ _**[11]**_ if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? **[12]** _And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken._ (Ecclesiastes 4:10-11- NRSV) **God is the third cord.** Finally, for us all we remember these words from a hymn: “ _Tis Jesus, the first and the last,_ _whose Spirit shall guide us safe home; we’ll praise him for all that is past, and trust him for all that’s to come. “_ Joseph Hart (1712–1767) Thank you to you all-who serve God in this place. And Thank you New Cross for your support for me and my family. God Bless you all, Pete Rev. Peter Taylor- Methodist & Ecumenical Minister It has been good these last twelve months to travel alongside New Cross Community church and getting to know the team well. It has been good to work with your wonderful Licensed Lay Ministers, Adrian and Joanne to help focus their work and ministry. It has been great to see what has been achieved in helping people grow deeper in discipleship and the resurgence of children mid-week and on Sundays as we seek to grow the church younger. I am part of the review group that is reporting back to your two sponsoring bodies: The Methodist District and The Church of England Diocese. We’re looking at your strengths and opportunities you have as well as considering the challenges you face, not least the financial challenges of depending on regular lettings. It is good to see how much the church is used by the community every day of the week and I’m especially grateful for all the hard work that the team of volunteers puts in to make everything happen. Do continue to pray with me for the Lord’s ongoing guidance as we seek to bring the Living Hope of Jesus to the people of New Cross by Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage. Rev Richard Kellett ## **DIOCESE DEANERY CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT** ## Methodist Circuit Adrian Self is the Methodist Circuit representatives and they have attended meetings around the circuit representing New Cross. They meet every 3 months to discuss matters concerning the Methodist Churches in our circuit. Newstead Deanery Synod meets around 4 times a year to discuss matters concerning the Church of England. Joanne Parr and Michelle Chadwick are our Deanery Reps. They report back to the ECC what has been discussed. Matters raised included finance, property, safeguarding and special announcements. ## **THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH** ## **Safeguarding** Gemma Self is the named safeguarding representative, the policy has been updated. A reminder safeguarding training takes place at times during the year through the circuit and Rev Peter Taylor does the DBS ## **Prayer Chain** The prayer chain is still active. This is a small group of people who, when contacted, hold people up in prayer. All information regarding people who want prayer is confidential. **Giggles** -Girls in God Growing Loving Eating and Sharing Giggles is still a popular group, between 25 and 35 attendees, they meet monthly on a Saturday night to share a meal, activities, speakers and often a testimony. Some of the meetings have been based on a theme. Thanks are extended to all ho help to run the group. ## **New Cross Community Bingo** A group of 15 to 20 ladies and gentlemen meet between 1.00 and 3.00 p.m. on a Tuesday to play bingo for small prizes and a good chat. This group is always busy. ## **Toddlers** The toddler group is a popular group with families the group meets on Monday mornings between 9.30 and 11.00 a.m. The children enjoy snacks, Christian activities, a safe environment in which to play and singing. ## **Children’s Bingo** The children’s bingo attracts approximately 30 children, they play for little prizes. They also do crafts. ## **Choir** A group of people meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.15 p.m.. They enjoy singing and learning songs old and new. ## **Children’s Disco** Children and families enjoy the discos. There are 30 plus children who come for food and fun. ## **Breakfast Club** Breakfast club runs during the school holidays, the families are offered breakfast, craft activities and a time of fun. This is always a popular event. ## **Friendship Friday** This group of approximately 35 people runs between 9.00a.m. and 12.00p.m. on Fridays. They meet up for breakfast, knitting, painting, Christian activities, bingo and a good chat. ## **Young People’s Prayer Group** Little Lambs aged between 0 and 8 and Raised Together 0 to 16 meet fortnightly for prayer, worship, activities and food. Around 15 children and 10 adults attend. ## **Book Club** This group led by Michelle, one of our churchwardens, meets the first Monday in the month. They read different genre of books chosen by the group, and chat about it. There are about 10 regulars who attend. We also continue to hire the building as a polling station, for groups such as ATTFE, offering courses to the wider community, Slimming World and for private parties. ## **Thanks are extended to all who have contributed to the running of this church and its endeavors to reach out to the people of New Cross.** # CHURCH RECEIPTS AND. PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS # THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS ._New Cross Community Church LEP FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025 ## Borders Mission Circuit Registered Charity - Charity Registration number 22/13 ; If not a registered charity Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number (The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) ## Minister: Peter Taylor (Methodist Presbyter) & In Vacancy (Anglican Church Stewards: ao" "|" oa" 7" conaa ## Treasurer: Michelle Chadwick SFA form 2425 1 0f 5 New Cross Community Church LEP Church ## SUMMARY OF CHURCH ACCOUNTS AND INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS REPORTING TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL **----- Start of picture text -----**
SECTION E Please follow the Guidance Notes te complete this page
Summary of the Church accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 and Internal Organisations reporting to the Church Council/Church Meeting. Note that the funds of
an Internal Organisation would normally be Restricted funds unless it could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose. This section must be
completed to arrive at the gross income and expenditure totals of the Church. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshold, then the Accruals method of accounting
AND A DIFFERENT FORM must be used to report the accounts (see Methodist website). Please refer to the guidance notes regarding transfers between the District
and connected District Organisations.
09ORGANISATIONS feReceipts Payments eePayments Adjustments Oebalances Closing balances
ef EY EE
ao)
| ee
FNSCE hE EL
ef | UE dt CL
OrganisationsSnelfunds es
Church accounts (totals
brought forward from page
2 - totals column) 28,460] (a7) (b9) (4,039) (c7) 30,189] (c8)
OTA ASH FUND =| B
Continue on a separate sheet TOTAL
if necessary and bring the TOTAL RECEIPTS PAYMENTS
totals forward
aa cS
SECTION F
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
OPENING CLOSING
CHURCH - CASH FUNDS HELD at 31 August 2024 BALANCES BALANCES
| |p
fs JomerunesTrustees for Methodist Church Purposes Ps
Total funds held by Internal Organisations (the closing
balance total from above) {e12) (e11) (e12)
NS ea SO SR FR SD aL CAN ROOD ISDN NS AOD ECT OO OCT ND PINE SED ACROSS DON OO ME SSS
1 September 2024 31 August 2025
OTHER ASSETS and LIABILITIES
_—_ |
Loan(s) - show amount outstanding at year end P| |
lene uate a |
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#4 Include only Funds held at the Central Finance Board #5 Include only Funds held at Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes g1 Include any other investments (not the cash element of TMCP trusts accounts this is included in line f5 SFA form 2425 30f5 New Cross Community Church Church LEP |New Cross|New Cross|| |---|---|---| |ACCOUNTSFORTHEYEAR ENDED 31AUGUST2025
Community Church||Church| ||LEP|| |Unrestricted
Restricted|Totals this|Totals last| |SECTION A
Funds
Funds|year|year| |Ok|
at [RECEIPTS
ee
|
ee
OfferingsandTaxrecovered
f
8,102F |
8,102
BankandCFBinterestand
a3 |Investment income
2,025
ad|uetings=|
rsa]
7,83
Otherreceipts
|
9,620]__-960|| _10,580
a6 [TOTALRECEIPTS
P____[___27,500f___960]||8,826
| 404
1,391
5,826
18,256| |SECTION B||| |PAYMENTS||| |CircuitAssessmentorShare
Po
18,688f
ps|Donations =
| ||18,688||| |Utilities (Insurances, water
aa|g
b5 |charges, heating & lighting)
6,134||grsa
6,134|| got
6,401| |b7 otherpayments
es
ee
|
pefrotaLravments
|
SiS saan
«dL
490| |||8,190| |SECTION C||| |ci |FORTHEYEAR
a6-b8
(4,999)|(4,039)|425| |Total funds brought forward from||| |last
o2 |On YEA
10,365|
23,873||33,803| |Sub total
(c1+c2)
5,356
24,833|30,189|| |4 {Transfersandadjustments
ee
ee|1|
TOTALFUNDSATENDOFYEAR
(e3+ca)
|
5,356]
24,833]
30,189||| |SECTION D||| |FORINFORMATIONONLY: MONEYRECEIVEDANDPASSEDONTO EXTERNAL|ORGANISATIONS|| |(theseamounts are notto be included in total receipts/payments figures
£E
Balancebrought forwardfromlastyear
||
Offerings/Gifts-receivedforexternalorganisations
a||£
a
|| |alBALANCESTILLTO BEPAID
(d1+d2-d3)||}
a po|| |||20f5| SFA form 2425 ## Name of Church | New Cross Community Church LEP ## Declarations and Scrutiny | confirm that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Signature of treasurer ........ Michelle sneowee AAW) ~
Name and address of treasurer ........4 Beeley Avenue Sutton in Ashfield Notts 23.11.25
si See HepeSr SSSIEEnOtS: 2 SoS Sue © Bae eseee: maser eee Seems eer OD! eer,Noa Ter
Presentation to the Church trustees
2Z¢
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## Presentation to the Church trustees **----- Start of picture text -----**
| confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2064 were/will be* presented
to the meeting of the Church trustees held on ..............“D
Signature of the Chair of the meeting Oe
Name of the Chair of the meeting oD. T ASSWOR Lee: Date eli (2 6 ‘
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## Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the **----- Start of picture text -----**
New Cross Community Church LEP
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Charity Number ..............
**----- End of picture text -----**
## Responsibilities and basis of report | report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the New Cross Community Church LEP for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages ... to .... As the Church’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). | report in respect of my examination of the Church’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. * delete or circle as appropriate SFA form 2425 40f5 Name —_ of Church .. New Cross Community Church LEP $eSEES VETO LE ## Independent Examiner’s Statement | have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below*) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - e the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act: or e the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. | have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. | have/have not* obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner ONAL Name of independent examiner we JOANNE. DOCHERTY Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner ... FOCAL monn wnt weeenrenrey 6 > Nameoffirm (where appropriate) Pee eee ee eee eee e ee neces cee cee eee aeetaesesueseurestsetes enue senececcecce Address 1. LARCHDALE CLOSEBROADMEADOUS eee ROUT, NORMANTON, DERBYSHIRE Post Code DESS 3NZ Date oo OLfas * delete or circle as appropriate SFA form 2425 5 of 5