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← Zion United Church

2023-12-31-accounts

Annual Report 2024

Zion United Church

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Sharing Christ’s love in Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and beyond

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Blessed to be a blessing

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
3 Pastoral Statistics
4 Church Elders
5 Minister’s Report
8 Church Secretary’s Report
11 Church Administrator’s Report
12 Pastoral Care Report
15 Property Team Report
17 World Mission Group Report
19 Worship & Teaching and Fellowship
Group Report
20 Children and Young People Report
23 Assembly Team Report —
Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath
24 Assembly Team Report—
Winterbourne
25 FairTrade/ Trade Justice Report
26 Prayer Team Report
27 Prayer Chain Report
27 Working Home Alone Lunch Report
28 Saturday Friends Report
29 Ladies Circle Report
30 Zion Fellowship Report
31 Church Appointments

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Pastoral Statistics

Number of members and adherents: 190 (156 are Church Members)

Average weekly attendance at worship:

Live services in Zion - am: 80 pm:12 Via YouTube - on average 67 views per service

Number of housebound in the fellowship: 8+

Average age of congregation and the spread of ages: 59 (from 0 to 90+)

Number living within 1 mile of the church: 165

Number of Elders – 10

Number of baptisms (infants/believers) in the past year: 1 Number of people coming into membership: 0 Number of fellowship funerals in the past year: 2

Number of weddings each year: 0

Number of children/youth attending Creche/Junior Church/ Sunday Morning Youth/ Sunday Evening Youth: 45

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Church Elders

Minister

Rev Sharon Lovelock

Elders

Sam Blackwell Helen Francomb (Church Secretary)

Peter Kernaghan Steve Lyne Jon Lugg Wendy Magee Debbie Millar (Treasurer) Ian Payne Colin Reed Rachel Simister

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Minister’s Report May 2024

‘ I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’. (Philippians 1: 3-6)

These verses speak to me personally about Zion. Having been here for 8 months, I am so thankful to God and to you at Zion for bringing me here and welcoming me with all my family. From the time we read the profile of ‘Zion in Frampton Cotterell’ who were looking for a new Minister, we have been sure that this is the place for us and the season for us to be here with you.

I have spent some time learning names (!), getting to know you and learning how to leave behind all we were involved with in Kent to start something new! It has been a joy to begin to now get to know you better, to find out what sort of church culture Zion is, what and who we are as part of the community, how we minister with other as churches in Together for Fromeside.

All of us who have been called to Zion for worship and mission know that we are a mixed bunch of people of all ages with varied preferences, worship styles, ways of praying and even theological viewpoints. Yet what holds us together as one is the foundation of seeking to grow as disciples of Jesus, learning from the master himself; and then living that out in our day to day lives.

Although 8 months is not a long time, we have seen changes

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in the last few months and been involved in some substantial pieces of work which will be ongoing. As I arrived the community pioneer 1 project was coming to a close and we give thanks for the ministry of Kate and Zoe, much of the fruit of their commitment and service continues to be seen. We have spent much time considering a second pioneer project and Zion has put everything in place in terms of funding and administration to enable this to happen- we are excited to have had the recent news that we have a pioneer joining us soon.

Catherine and Helen in the office, along with many of you, have put up with my hundreds of questions about ‘this and that’….some of the ‘this and that’ we are working on to bring us up to speed with requirements especially around data protection, as well as looking at other areas of church life around welcoming, host teams and a new welcome leaflet that is being produced.

I give thanks for so many areas of church life I have witnessed and become a part of- involving those we employ who diligently serve us; those who head up committees and various groups in the life of the church; the finance, property, worship and pastoral teams; the Church Elders; the prayer team; the food hub; Zion Fellowship, ladies circle and Saturday friends; flower ministry; the ministry among our children and young people; Sunday breakfasts; links with the scouting and guiding groups- the list is pretty long and I haven’t included everything! Many of these areas you will read in these reports- as you do, please do take a moment to pray for each one.

The focus over the next few months will be on us discerning what our values are as a church so we can continue to

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worship and serve with an understanding of the community, Zion’s place in it and where God is calling us to prioritise. Much has been done for this in the Vision statement you have at Zion from a couple of years ago and some of this will be used as a basis for ongoing conversation and consolidation. We are also planning baptism and membership conversations as well as an Alpha course.

Your continued understated love and service will lead us in to walking in to all God has planned for us in these days.

‘And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God’. (Philippians 1: 9-11)

Rev Sharon Lovelock

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Secretary’s Report

The year since our last AGM in May 2023 has been busy and brought new and exciting opportunities as well as changes, the most significant being the arrival of our new minister Rev. Sharon Lovelock, with husband Richard, Tom, Vicky and Pj, at the beginning of September. The Circuit welcome service for Sharon and 2 other ministers was held at Zion on 3rd September and was very well attended.

From May to September we were preparing for the arrival of Sharon -the Elders had a Friday evening and all day Saturday retreat at Legge House in June and Sharon was able to join us which was good.

During the summer months we did not have a church weekend away or a children’s Holiday club and at the end of August the contracts of our Community Pioneers Zoe and Kate came to an end as the Community Pioneer project had been for 3 years from the summer of 2020. They started their project right at the beginning of the Covid -19 pandemic (which no one was expecting!) an impossible situation, but they did sterling work in doing what circumstances allowed and made many contacts with new families and individuals and reached out to the community in imaginative ways -the “Den” an open-air structure, was set up on the side lawn and made great use of when we were not able to use our buildings. They also made great links with the T4F Mutual Aid Group and Bromford Housing Association, helping those with housing needs such as furniture & flooring. When the pandemic was coming to an end, we had the new challenge of a cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy costs, in response, the Pioneers set up the Food Hub in the Beacon as a warm space, food bank, café and place for the

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community to meet, and it is still continuing. Later in September we said ‘thank you’ to Kate and Zoe for all their hard work. We then planned from September, with Sharon, for CP Project 2 and secured grants and funding as well as a successful Gift Day in January 2024-thank you all for your generosity. We hope that by the time of the AGM we will have appointed a new Community Pioneer to commence new and exciting work within our wider community.

During the past year we have reviewed our membership and church community list and we now have around 155 members (a few of whom are not regular attenders) and around 30-40 people who attend regularly but are not members. We have had no new members or adult baptisms but have an infant baptism in April

We have lost 2 of church members, Ruth Hunt, who made such a huge contribution to the musical life of Zion, and Anne Biston. Our prayers and condolences to their families and friends and we remember with gratitude their faith and commitment. We also remember those who have lost loved ones who were not Zion members and whose funerals were elsewhere. We have also had members move to worshipping closer to home -Elaine Pierpont who made a huge contribution to Zion over many years.

My report this year will be shorter-back to (nearer!) the normal word allowance! now we have a minister. Sharon being with us has already been amazing and a great blessing, not least to myself, Catherine Whiteman our administrator, and the Elders. 18 months without a minister in a church such as Zion, was not without its challenges! My thanks as always to Catherine for all her hard work and to my colleague Elders for all their contributions and support and

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also to anyone who has helped and supported in any way, from prayer to moving chairs! Special thanks to Jane Crane for setting up a new Sunday morning coffee rota system - which to date seems to be working well! Thanks to all those who are mastering the coffee machine!

Our services and events during the year have gone well, the Church festival times of Harvest. Christmas and Easter as well as, for example ,2 Fairtrade events, a New Years Eve party, Easter Eggstravaganza -delicious homemade cakes being a feature at many of these events!

In the Eldership, Sam Blackwell joined the team and Steve Lyne was re-elected for a further 3 years at the 2023 AGM.

Finally, it has been my privilege to serve as your Church Secretary & co-opted Elder for another year and am willing to continue, with Church Meeting’s agreement!) as we look forward to an exciting year ahead bringing God’s blessing to one another and our wider community.

Helen Francomb

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Church Administrator Report

The work in the office continues to be a busy mix of admin, room bookings, liaising between different groups, rotas and weekly emails. Bookings for the lower hall continue to go well with very few free spaces. Some of these bookings are from church groups but the majority are from external organisations.

The work of the office can only be done because of the many volunteers who help out. So many thanks to all these willing volunteers, you make my job so much easier! Especial thanks to Beth, our cleaner, for helping keep the buildings fresh, clean and tidy—and also doing a fair bit of maintenance work as she cleans.

It has been a pleasure to welcome Sharon to Zion and introduce her to the idiosyncrasies of Zion Administration!

The Church Office is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8.30am —12.30pm

01454 776618

office@zuchurch.co.uk

Catherine

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Pastoral Care Team Report

Pastoral comes originally from a word meaning … ‘of herdsmen or of shepherds’. Beethoven wasn’t the only composer to write a Pastoral Symphony, Vaughan Williams did as well. He wrote his after serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps in WW1. He was said to have been clear that the symphony was not about cute lambs gambolling around lush green fields of England but as a lament for what he had witnessed first-hand in the fields of warfare in France and a call for peace in the aftermath of that war. Sadly we as the human race do not heed the messages of history whether nationally or at a personal level and grief and turmoil continue.

I have recently read the autobiography of James Rebanks, entitled ‘A Shepherd’s Life’. In it he says about the landscape around his farm on the edge of the Lake District,

This is a landscape of modest hardworking people. The real history of our landscape should be the history of the nobodies.

Being a part of the Pastoral Team shares something from both of these thoughts. It is not always about easy green pastures and we also follow very much in the footsteps of wonderful ‘nobodies’ who throughout the history of Zion and the predecessor churches cared for the local sheep. In doing this we are following the example of God in the Old Testament as well as Jesus, our Shepherd-King. In Ezekiel 34 we are told;

11 “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. [12 ] As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.’

There is a Pastoral Care Team that act as a focus but it is something that all of us can and do indeed do wherever and

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whenever. Fellowship Group leaders do it, as do the Prayer Chain, and each of us as friends pastor each other. Often much of this is carried out behind the scenes and in private. We are all involved in this pastoral work of caring for one another.

It has again been a privilege be part of the Pastoral Care Team. Over the last 12 months I have shared this privilege with Jean Bradbeer, Carol Eveleigh, Sheila Gibson, Miriam Gudgeon, Wendy Magee, Caroline Burgess and of course recently our new minister, Sharon has joined us.

Sharon has been great to have join us and show her pastoral heart, including visiting and sharing communion with a number of Zion folk who struggle to get out on a regular basis to physical church. Those folk have shared how encouraged they have been by meeting Sharon and also the contact that other members of the team have given them.

The team are full of understanding, gentleness, wisdom and prayerful as they seek to follow Jesus as the good shepherd. Sadly, during the year Miriam and Sheila have stepped down and we miss them. However, I know that whilst not part of the specific team they still continue to use their pastoral skills with many folk in Zion and beyond. We also welcome Kath May to the team, who many of you will already know and recognise as having a love and care for people.

We have been able to hold the informal Pastoral Communion services on afternoons at Christmas and Easter this last year and they have been very well attended and it is lovely to see people who have not seen one another for a while catching up in person whilst also sharing in worship together.

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Two or 3 times a year members of the Pastoral Care Team join with others to distribute Harvest, Christmas and Easter plants/cards to those who are unwell, are not able to get out to church regularly or have been bereaved during the year. We try to do this personally and spend some time with those we are delivering to.

Over the past 12 months we have said our “goodbyes” to Ruth Hunt and Anne Biston. We remember both with much fondness and a great sense of loss, but also with a certain hope that they are now at home eternally. Each of them in their own way showed such character as they faced challenges in their lives and lived out their faith. Personally, it was lovely to meet old friends at Ruth Hunt’s funeral and to be able to join together in an ad hoc remembering of songs she had taught us whilst members of Junior Choir over 50 years ago. We could remember the words and even the required intonation … obviously a great teacher! We also wished Elaine Pierpont best wishes as she moved to worship nearer to home; Elaine’s varied contribution to the life of Zion is very much missed.

Singing is a great way to worship and to share in our faith with one another. During our current series on generosity the theme of us reflecting God’s generosity to us to each other has been often in our minds and on more than one occasion the Graham Kendrick song ‘From heaven you came … ‘ has been used on more than one week. The final verse sums up the call for all of us to be involved in pastoral care;

So let us learn how to serve And in our lives enthrone Him Each other's needs to prefer For it is Christ we're serving

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This is our God, The Servant King

He calls us now to follow Him To bring our lives as a daily offering

Of worship to The Servant King

Please do feedback to the Pastoral Care Team, or myself any concerns or thoughts that you have. We are all are all called to speak Christ’s grace into the situations we each find ourselves in and to share each other’s sorrows and joys.

Nick Ruff

Treasurer’s Report

Please see separate booklet for Treasurer’s Report and End of Year Financial Statements.

Property Team

In similar manner to the update provided a year ago, no works of any consequence have taken place in the last 12 months, mostly maintenance and aging asset related. However the hall lighting was replaced with LED fittings and Sharons office was fitted out. We also rationalised the chairs in the hall. The gardener continues to be engaged on an annual basis during the warmer months, to keep on top of the planting and weeding around the sanctuary. Storage continues to be an issue and we are looking to overhaul how this is managed in the coming months. The Property Group continues to meet and manage the maintenance and repairs, however we still need new

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leadership as there is currently no one person specifically representing or leading the group. The current property issues therefore continue to be dealt with by the Finance and Property team collectively, with a proportion of the works being carried out by external companies. More resources/ volunteers are therefore required to share the workload in this area. Recommendations for some decorating in some places from the recent Quinquennial report need volunteers from Zion to be actioned. Possible improvements to the level of lighting in the Sanctuary remain an aspiration. Plans for 2024/5 include a review of the use of the rooms in the Cottages and Beacon, to make the usage safer and more efficient and a complete review regarding the future of the hall and the most optimum solution moving forward. Details of the plans for the Cottages and the Hall will be circulated as the they progress. Expenditure is anticipated this year on decorating internally and externally. As always, if anyone notices anything that needs doing, please put it into the property book that is held in the office.

Colin Reed

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World Mission Group Report

The World Mission Group has two main aims:

  1. To bring the suggested allocations of the World Mission budget to the Church Meeting .

To raise awareness of World Mission issues in the Church community and congregation (In the future this may become part of a wider and bigger group which look at all “World issues” e.g. eco congregation, climate change, fairtrade etc. (See Mission statement documents over past year or so.)

The members of the group are : Helen Francomb ( Chair) ,Chris Burley, Rev Sharon Lovelock, Mary Drew ( Secretary) Nigel Simister, Debbie Millar Church Treasurer , Helen Crook, Eric Ruff (until May 2024)

The World Mission budget is calculated as 10% of the Church’s income in the previous year (2022 in relation to this report) and these donations were approved at the 17th May 2023 Church Meeting (not AGM)

Christian Aid £1,200 Tearfund £1,200 New Futures Nepal £1,200 Network Counselling and Training £1,200 Lincoln Street (Bristol Methodist Centre) £2,400 N Bristol & South Glos Foodbank £1,200 Unseen £500 Transform Trade £500 T4F Mutual Aid Fund (requested from T4F)£600

Sub Total : £10,000 “Reserve Fund” £2,500 Total : £12,500

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This year we increased our regular donation amounts (from £1,00 to £1,200) due to rising costs for all charities and Aid organisations.

Later in 2023 ,the reserve funds were shared between New Futures Nepal, UNICEF (to support refugees in Sudan) and a local charity Mama which supports displaced women giving birth in situations where they would otherwise be totally alone .

Not from the WM budget ,but during the year ,other charitable donations were made e.g. ,collections at Harvest and Christmas services and other occasions e.g. ”All We Can” (Malawi) at Harvest, Christian Aid “Big Sing” in December, and at our Lent lunch, Transform Trade events. In the Autumn of 2022 the WMG were requested by the Elders and the Treasurer to focus our giving on one or maybe two charities ,rather than different ones at each Christmas service . WMG decided on the Together 4 Fromeside Mutual Aid group “Comfort &Joy” appeal for Christmas 2023. By focusing on one it also makes management of the money much easier.

Charitable fundraising continues to be a challenge in difficult financial times, but Zion has continued to do what we can, as a Church and individually and we give thanks for all people’s generosity .

In 2022/23 ,the allocations for 2023 ,were streamlined and simplified -all the charities are well known ones we have supported for many years and have members who have links with those charities. They can be “ambassadors” for those charities as needed and hopefully make things more meaningful to the congregation. In a large church,

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individuals will all have their favourite charities and causes, but as a Church we need to be focused ,making meaningful donations and links.

The monthly Prayer Diary continues to be produced by Eric and provides daily focus on all sorts of World issues, charities and concerns both at home and worldwide.

Helen Francomb

Worship and Teaching Team report

Members: Sharon Lovelock, Sue Payne, Steve Lyne, Chris Burley, Wendy Magee, Sue Charters, Jane Crane, Rosemary Dark, Kate Colechin.

We continue to meet every quarter to discuss and comment on recent worship services and fellowship material. In the last year we have studied Mark’s Gospel and Romans from the New Testament and Jonah and Moses from the Old. Other themes have included resilience, symbols. Climate issues, and our current topic on Generosity. Our diversity as a church is reflected by our many preachers who all lead our worship with their own personal style and we are very grateful for them being willing to lead. We are very fortunate to have such a talented worship team and pianists to lead our music. On the fellowship group side, some fellowship groups are still meeting which is fantastic and we are looking at supporting groups further as we move forward and may even start up a few more as our congregation increases and changes. We have also had the privilege of welcoming Sharon as our minister since the last report and her enthusiasm and love of Jesus is infectious. We are truly blessed.

Sue Payne

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Children and Young People Report

We have four age groups for our children and young people’s work at Zion. The three younger groups meet as part of our Sunday morning worship and the oldest group meets twice a month on Sunday evenings.

- Zion Crèche (0 4)

Our crèche allows our young children to play, whilst their parents can either join our morning service or have space to build relationships with one another in the Beacon. We have a small team of volunteers, which means we do not have enough people available every week so parents have to stay with their children on non-volunteer weeks.

Team: Caroline Burgess, Kate Colechin, Maria Hill, Nikki Cowley and Zoe Farr.

The Junior Church group meets in the church hall for fun activities, crafts, games, Bible stories and learning about God and Jesus. Some of the topics we have looked at over the last year have included “Encounters With Jesus” (exploring the stories of people who met Jesus face to face), “Life of Jesus - Parables” (looking at the parables Jesus told) and the “Life of Jesus” (following the events of Jesus’ life).

Zoe Drew, Helen Lee & Louise Hayward left our team last year. Thank you for being part of the team and encouraging and supporting our children in their journey with God.

We welcomed Rich Green and Alison Bray to the team. Thank you for stepping up to help us continue our provision for children at Zion. I have also joined the team on a regular basis.

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Our team is still small, meaning we can’t run sessions during the school holidays and rely on @Eaz services and all age worship to provide accessible church services for our children.

Team: Pete Kernaghan, Sarah Lugg, Sue Payne, Rich Green, Alison Bray and Jon Lugg.

Meeting in the Upper Hall, Sunday Morning Youth continue exploring what it means to be a Christian, to follow Jesus and have a personal relationship with God. Topics we have covered have included “Have You Got Identity?”, “Healthy Body” and “Act Justly”.

Rachel Simister recently joined the team. Thank you for being part of our team and helping our young people to discover what it means to be a Christian.

We have a very small team and are looking for more volunteers to help continue our youth work at Zion.

Team: Paul Colechin, Jon Lugg, Trish Partridge, Pam Pit and Rachel Simister.

Sunday Night Youth meet on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sunday of the month, in the Beacon. We have recently finished a topic on young people in the Bible.

Stevie Thornley took a step back from the team and Catherine Whiteman agreed to join the team. Thank you to you both for all your hard work and support.

Team: Sam Blackwell, Jon Lugg, Moira Ruff, James Taylor and Catherine Whiteman.

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The Mix

Both our Sunday Morning Youth and Sunday Night Youth join together to attend the Mix at Woodlands Church in Clifton. This is a church service designed for young people that meets 4 times a year. This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to see a church full of others their age from across Bristol, worshipping together and listening to God’s word.

Spree South West 2023

In June, our young people headed down to the Westpoint Arena in Exeter for the Spree festival. This was a wonderful weekend of camping, worship, teaching and fun activities. The teaching was excellent and the worship upbeat and loud! Other highlights included; zorb football, archery, the fairground and relaxing together at the camp.

The Nativity

This year’s nativity was a scratch nativity, led by Sharon. This allowed our children (and some adults) to dress up as their favourite nativity character and enjoy retelling this incredible story.

Our children and youth groups would not run without the amazing volunteers on our teams. Through their love for our children we are able to see them grow in their relationship with God. So a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved with our groups during this past year.

If you want to know more about our children's and youth work, or would like to get involved, please come and talk to me.

Jon Lugg

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[Open the Book Assembly Team – ][Frampton Cotterell ] and Coalpit Heath

Alison Bray, Neil Gibson, Mary & Tony Thexton (Zion), Sally Bellamy, Rosie Williams (St. Peter’s), Lucy Rogers (St. Saviour’s), Beth Brookman (Salem)

It has been a delightful year taking our assemblies into Watermore, Frampton C of E & the Manor schools. It’s a real privilege to get to know the schools better & we have been honoured recently at the Manor, being asked to choose the winning nomination for the week’s acts of kindness trophy! A huge responsibility as the children are all very kind!

This year we welcomed Sally Bellamy (St Peter’s) to the Team. It’s lovely to have members from across T4F churches, to share & support, as well as having lots of fun rehearsing & performing.

It’s also been a pleasure this year to welcome Rev Sharon to several of our assemblies & in January, at her invitation, both Teams joined together to perform an assembly at the T4F united service. It was a special opportunity to share what we do with our T4F family.

Thanks from our Team as well to Helen Francombe for making us some new outfits- it’s given us a new lease of life!

As we approach Term 6, we have already purchased Year 6 Leavers Books on behalf of T4F- as well as being a useful resource as the children move up to secondary school, we hope they will remember our assemblies in years to come.

We always welcome new members, but equally we appreciate your prayers for us & for our schools. If you would like to find out more, please have a chat with any of our Team members.

God Bless, Alison Bray

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Open the Book Assembly Team - Winterbourne

Members: Caroline Burgess, Kate Kernahan, Mary Comley (Zion), Gill James, Pearl Conway and Jo Strange ( St. Michael’s )

There was once a time that the Winterbourne Team were mostly, if not all Zion members, however now following recent recruitment towards the end of last year we are delighted to have three members of St. Michael’s Church Winterbourne on the Team. We welcome Pearl and Jo and say goodbye and thank you to Joan Clark for her many years of service to the Team. We would still like to recruit a man on to the Team, so if anyone is reading this and has some time on their hands and is interested please contact either myself or Alison Bray. In January the Team held there first Assembly in the new Elm Park School which was exciting. I myself wasn’t there but can’t wait to see it in the summer. Thank you Rosemary for coming out of retirement to stand in for me!

Both Teams are excited to be receiving new material in September from Open the Book and we thank ‘Together for Fromeside’ for funding and their constant support to the two Teams.

A BIG thank you to Helen Francomb for the lovely tunics she made out of material we came across in the cupboard during our spring clean last year.

Please continue to pray for the work we do in our local Primary Schools.

Every Blessing, Caroline

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Fair Trade/Trade Justice

Obviously, we’re no longer Zion Traidcraft Group but we haven’t completely disappeared! We hope that a new Zion group may be formed to work for both Fair Trade/Trade Justice and Climate Awareness as the 2 things are closely linked. Some of us would be happy to join that group.

We sold off our remaining Traidcraft stock at our event in the autumn and from the table in the Beacon. The autumn event was also an opportunity to raise awareness of climate change and Eco church and we sent £150 to Friends of the Earth.

Our Big Brew event in March raised awareness of Transform Trade and we sent them £460. A number of members of the wider community ran craft stalls. They were delighted to share in the event and we all hope that closer links may be forged in the future.

Fairtrade Fortnight has been moved to September so we hope that we may be able to hold an event then. Our Fairtrade Church certification has been renewed for another 2 years and we need to continue to honour the promises we have made.

Additionally, this year we gave £2,200 to transform trade, £1,000 each to Christian Aid, Tear Fund and Zion and, before finally closing the account, we shall be able to give another £2,000 to Transform trade and £800 or so the CP2 project.

Edna Snaith

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Prayer Team Report

Team members: Jane Crane, Rosemary Dark, Helen Francomb, Rev Sharon Lovelock, Wendy Magee, Sue Porter, Eric Ruff, Tony Thexton and Meryl White.

Meryl has just left the team and we thank her for all her very valuable contributions whilst serving with us and wish her well for the future.

The team has continued the ministry of encouraging prayer, both personal and corporate. This has included offering alternative worship and prayer opportunities. Eric produces the Zion monthly prayer diary which is an excellent aid for daily prayer. He welcomes contributions and so if anyone has specific suggestions for topics for the Diary do contact Eric.

Thank you to all those who participate in offering Prayer Ministry on Sunday mornings and to those who serve faithfully and confidentially on the Prayer Chain. These ways of providing confidential care and support to one another are extremely valuable and much appreciated.

Listening Prayer takes place for an hour on Friday mornings in the Chapel, organised by Sue Cossey. Folk share what they hear from God and results are then shared via various means. More Listeners are always welcome to join us!

In the future we are aiming to access some training in prayer and offer further opportunities for Quiet Times as well as Prayer and Praise type worship.

Our prayer is that across our church community prayer may become an increasingly important and cherished part of our walk with God, both personally and as the Zion family.

Wendy Magee

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Prayer Chain

Our prayer chain has 6 members who are - Diane Allen, Jean Bradbeer, Mary Drew, Jean Lowe, Wendy Magee and Kath May. Although Mary Drew has had a rest recently because of Nigel’s ill health but she has decided to come back after her holidays in June. We will welcome her diligent prayers.

We are used very regularly in fact more than once a week, sometimes every day, and we have had answers to many prayers in the past obviously due to God’s grace.

It really doesn’t matter who you ring first as we are all in contact with each other either text or phone and any requests are quickly passed around. We are there for you no matter how small the problem is or how big! We will always listen and pray. Most importantly we are VERY CONFIDENTIAL. We have found a lot of people would rather use the prayer chain than going forward for prayer ministry in the service.

Jean Bradbeer

Working Home Alone Lunch

This is for any one in Zion who works home alone and would like some company over their lunch occasionally! We meet once a month for an hour. We bring our own sandwiches and the host provides hot drinks. The day and time (usually 12.30 or 1pm) is decided by whoever has offered to host. Dates/time/address advertised in weekly email in advance. There are usually 4 -7 people but we would love to see more! We don’t have a committee. It is self-run. Someone volunteers at each lunch to host the next month's. Please come and join us :)

Rachel Simister

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Saturday Friends

Our group consists of people who live on our own. We have a planning group to decide events which our members might be interested in visiting. They are Joan Clark, Sonia Taylor, Maureen Williams, Ed Carter and Diane Allen. We met initially with some ideas e.g. theatre trips, garden centres, meals out, coach trips, possibly holidays. When the Saturday Friends met they were able to include their own contributions. We can hire a mini-bus through the Green Community Transport on a Saturday, if one is available with a driver.

So far we have been to Highfield Garden Centre in Gloucester, Chepstow Garden Centre over the Severn Bridge, the Alpaca Farm near Thornbury and we hope to go with the Willow trust along the Sharpness Canal, when the weather permits. We hope to have listened to Mel Eveleigh’s Trio playing jazz in the Beacon. It was also decided we would like to meet some last Saturdays each month for coffee and a chat together in the Beacon.

We look forward to sharing many more happy hours in each other’s company.

With Blessings, Diane Allen

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Zion Ladies Circle

Meeting at the Beacon 4th Wednesday March - November at 7.30 pm. Charity 2023 Pauls Place.

Committee Members - Planning Group- Rose Parker, Gill Groves, Pat Homer, Jean Stroud, Judy Parsons, Jean Bradbeer, Gill Underhill. Treasurer: Jeanette Gilchrist. Assistant Treasurer Sonia Taylor. Secretary - Helen Francomb.

Our programme has been variable and very interesting.

Starting with a talk by Geoff Sztypuljak delivering aid to Ukraine via Poland on behalf of “From Bristol with Love for Ukraine” with the ups and downs of that journey with his co-driver.

We heard from Hugh Inward, Deputy Chair of Severn Area Rescue, and also Gary Bressington from RNLI who celebrate 200 years in 2024 of rescuing on the sea.

Golden Age of Shopping - How it was! With David Cheesley.

Another interesting talk by Geoff Bell who is a Community First Responder.

In October we had a talk about “Meningitis Now” by a lady with personal experience suffered in her own family.

Our year finished in November with our Christmas Buffet, entertained by The Shanty Men, ending our year on a High Note!

Looking forward to our new programme in March with a quiz and hopefully some new members in 2024.

Gill Underhill

29

Zion Fellowship Report

Zion Fellowship meets on Monday afternoons from 2.30 to 4pm in the Beacon. It is managed by Wendy Magee, supported greatly by Nicola Bell, Kim Coles and Sonia Taylor. Peggy Colbourne and Jean Murphy are now our faithful ‘tea ladies’. Many thanks to Jan Pitcher who managed our refreshments for many years until recently taking over grandchild duties.

The group is aimed at folk of retirement age and both sexes. Currently there are around 30 members on our books and we enjoy a steady attendance of 20 or more, a mixture of those who both do and don’t attend Zion. The group can be seen as an outreach one, but primarily it exists as a friendship group and those who come claim it has a lovely atmosphere.

Each week we continue to begin with prayer but have varied content, led by those who help, visiting speakers or groups. This past year we have had several musical afternoons which are popular and have held Christmas and Easter Services. We have also had a variety of craft activities, quizzes and games.

‘Subs’ are £1.50 weekly, which includes refreshments. Alongside proceeds from occasional Bring and Buy sales, the group has been able to support various charities, including Wendy’s niece’s charity in Zambia, following a presentation by her sister.

Do contact Wendy if you’d be happy to come one Monday and share with us or know of anyone who has a concealed talent!

Wendy Magee

30

Zion United Church Shdrin9 th4 IOVÈ of JÈSUS lfi FAM¥pio• Coiiepell Church Appointments 2024 31

Church Appointments

Teams accountable to Elders and Church Meeting. Membership of each team will be agreed each year at the AGM.

The Minister and Officers of the Trustees (Eldership) are entitled to attend any team meeting.

Notes -

  1. All minutes of meetings should be distributed to team members by the team leader/notetaker and copied to the Church Office.

  2. a.Where confidential information is included this should be omitted from the public minutes.

  3. Ensure that the Church Office has an up-to-date list of Team members.

  4. Teams should routinely ask the question - “What should be brought to the attention of the Elders or the wider church?”

Local (lay) Preachers Adam Biddlestone, Steve Lyne, Sue Payne, Wendy Magee. Accredited Worship Leaders Jane Crane, James Taylor

Pastoral Care Team

Current members: Jean Bradbeer, Caroline Burgess, Carol Eveleigh, Rev Sharon Lovelock, Wendy Magee, Kath May, Nick Ruff.

Prayer Team: Jane Crane, Rosemary Dark, Helen Francomb, Rev Sharon Lovelock, Wendy Magee, Sue Porter, Eric Ruff, Tony Thexton, Meryl White (until April 2024)

Prayer Chain: Diane Allen, Jean Bradbeer, Mary Drew, Jean Lowe, Wendy Magee, Kath May.

32

Aim - to encourage the whole church community to care for one another

Terms of Reference -

1. Pastoral care.

Ensure pastoral care is working in its widest sense

Fellowship groups (FG) are expected to provide pastoral care for their members

Those not in FGs will have pastoral care via teams of Pastoral Visitors.

Special needs, e.g. housebound, PCT to arrange suitable support and encouragement where possible.

2. Prayer Ministry

To support and encourage Prayer Ministry Team and appoint a co-ordinator when necessary.

To offer ongoing Prayer Ministry where needed.

To facilitate the Prayer Chain.

3. Prayer Cells

To encourage small groups of people who foster care of each other and pray for the Kingdom.

To appoint a Prayer Cell Co-ordinator as and when necessary.

4. Host Teams

Take responsibility for welcoming everyone but particularly visitors and distributing any relevant information available.

33

Worship & Teaching Team

Members: Sue Payne (Chair), Chris Burley, Sue Charters, Kate Colechin, Jane Crane, Rosemary Dark, Rev Sharon Lovelock, Steve Lyne, Wendy Magee.

Tech Team (AV/ Sound Desk): Ian Payne (Coordinator) Toby Colechin, Rich Green, Rico Hayward, Hywel Lloyd, James Millar, Richard Pitt, Eric Ruff, Nick Ruff.

Communion Preparation: Helen Francomb, Zoe Farr, Bill Crane.

Flower Decorations & Christmas Tree Coordinator: Jane Crane, Caroline Burgess, Pippa Lloyd, Pam Pitt.

Worship Group (including organists and pianists): Sue Charters (Coordinator), Rob West, Carol Eveleigh, P-j Charters, Kate Colechin, Rich Hayward, Lisa Smith, Eric Ruff, Suzie Hayward, Neil Gibson, James Taylor, Hazel Taylor, Mick Magee, Wendy Magee, Louise Hayward, Julia Macgregor, Trish Partridge.

Aim - To set a direction for our worship life such that it forms people in the image of Jesus. and encourages life-long discipleship.

Membership -

Worship Co-ordinator Fellowship group Co-ordinator The Minister Rep from the Worship team Junior Church Rep Elders rep Two local preachers Up to two other members

34

Terms of Reference - Objectives :

To develop the role of fellowship group leaders including training.

To provide worship leading training – such as the TLS group – people being equipped and developed to lead worship.

To encourage greater participation in services as a whole.

To recognise and encourage people’s gifts for worship and teaching.

Function:

Planning of subjects for services themes and teaching in fellowship groups

Oversee the week by week worship life of the church (incl. plan preparation)

Ensure co-ordination with the Junior Church and Sunday Morning Youth on issues such as All Age Worship

Receive feedback ref worship issues and fellowship group teaching.

Frequency of Meetings -

4 times a year before the Methodist plan is prepared

35

Finance and Property Team

Current Members : Debbie Millar (Treasurer), Eric Bray, Katrine Green, Ian Payne, Colin Reed, Eric Ruff.

Aim -

Good Stewardship of our finances and property.

Membership (minimum requirements)

Treasurer

At least one additional Elder Past Treasurer – Up to first 12 months 2 church members – not elders Rep. from Property Team Gift Aid Co-ordinator

Terms of Reference:

Each year appoint Chair and notetaker for the next 12 months.

To review the financial position of the church, short-term and long-term, and make recommendations to Elders and Church Meeting as appropriate.

Each quarter, to review the church’s financial position in relation to the budget, and report to Elders.

To advise and support the Treasurer.

To prepare a budget for the church, to be presented to the last Church Meeting of the current year

To prepare annual accounts for presentation to the annual church meeting after their independent verification.

To help all church members develop a biblical approach to stewardship and giving.

36

To consider and give advice to Elders and Church Meeting on the financial aspect of major projects

To consult on the nomination of a new Treasurer and Gift-aid Co-ordinator.

Frequency of Meetings - Quarterly

Terms of Reference for Property:

To review all property belonging to the church, including buildings, furniture and equipment, and manage any activities which are needed to ensure that these items are kept in a good state of repair.

To maintain an Inventory of all equipment and furniture.

To review the requirements for Health & Safety and manage ‘means of compliance’. This includes:

Risk Assessments for use of the buildings, car park and adjacent grounds.

Ensuring that all electrical portable appliances in use in the church buildings are PAT tested.

To ensure that the Quinquennial Survey is carried out at the appropriate time.

To manage the ‘agreed annual budget’ in achieving the work required in §1, 2, 3 & 4. The team has authority to spend up to 10% of their agreed ‘annual budget’, on any single item at a PT meeting. Any items which are more than 10% will require the approval of the Finance and PropertyTeam.

To prepare a list of work needed to establish an "annual budget" including an element for contingency items by 1st November. Any major items which would significantly exceed the existing "annual budget" must be agreed by the

37

Finance and Property Team. Any surplus from the "annual budget" may be added to the reserve fund by agreement with the Finance and Property Team.

Have authority to enforce Health and Safety regulations and the right to dispose of any items electrical or otherwise that are brought into the premises and do not in the opinion of the Team comply. Have the right to dispose of any items that are left about the building on cupboards or otherwise that may become a hazard.

Youth & Children’s Work Team

Youth Elder: Jon Lugg

Crèche: Caroline Burgess, Kate Colechin, Nikki Cowley, Zoe Farr, Maria Hill.

Junior Church: Alison Bray, Rich Green, Peter Kernaghan, Jon Lugg, Sarah Lugg, Sue Payne.

Sunday Morning Youth: Paul Colechin, Jon Lugg, Trish Partridge, Pam Pitt, Rachel Simister.

Sunday Night Youth: Sam Blackwell, Jon Lugg, Moira Ruff, James Taylor, Catherine Whiteman.

FC&CH Assembly Team: Alison Bray, Neil Gibson, Mary & Tony Thexton (Zion), Sally Bellamy, Rosie Williams (St.Peter’s), Lucy Rogers (St.Saviour’s), Beth Brookman (Salem)

Winterbourne Assembly Team: Caroline Burgess, Mary Comley, Kate Kernaghan (Zion) and Pearl Conway, Gill James, Jo Strange (St Michaels)

38

Safeguarding Team: Sam Blackwell, Sue Charters, Rev Sharon Lovelock, Jon Lugg, James Millar.

Youth & Children’s Work Membership and Terms of Reference

Aim - The Vision of the team is encourage all youth and children in the area to have a positive understanding of Jesus and offer Christian young people a deeper insight into their faith. Our aim is to be open to offer new and appropriate activities which enable our vision.

Responsible to the Minister/ Pastor and the Elders Membership -

Youth worker Junior Church Coordinator Interested members of Youth and Children’s Work Young People – voted on by peers Elder Safeguarding Officer

Terms of Reference -

To oversee the work of Church Organisations: presently

Sunday Evening Youth Sunday Morning Youth Junior church Creche Holiday Club (LEP) Assembly Teams (LEP)

To improve relations with:

Uniformed Organisations on the premises Brockeridge Centre and its Youth worker

39

To provide help and support for the Youth and children of the village and surrounding area

To provide support and encouragement for all involved in the work

To encourage training for all involved with both adults and young people

To ensure the church policy on Safeguarding is followed

To identify others in the congregation with gifts who may be encouraged to join in the activities

Frequency of Meetings - Meet 3 times a year

Administration Team

Church Secretary: Helen Francomb

Church Administrator: Catherine Whiteman

Minutes Secretary: Bill Crane

Weekly Email: Catherine Whiteman

Wedding Registrars: Rev Sharon Lovelock, Rev Chris Burley, Catherine Whiteman.

40

World Mission Team

Members: Helen Francomb (chair), Chris Burley, Helen Crook, Mary Drew (Secretary), Rev Sharon Lovelock, Debbie Millar, Eric Ruff (until May 2024), Nigel Simister.

Representatives to other meetings

Together for Fromeside Rep: Chris Burley, Jane Crane, Mary Drew.

Circuit Representatives:

Rev Sharon Lovelock, Debbie Millar and Peter Kernaghan are Trustees for the Circuit, and members of Circuit meetings. Elders alternate when the Trustees are unavailable for meetings.

URC SYNOD

This is an alternating duty between the Eldership

41

Zion United Church Frampton Cotterell

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31 December 2023

Page 1

Statement of Financial Activities

UnrestrictedRestrictedEndowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds funds
total funds		 UnrestrictedRestrictedEndowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds funds
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Gains / losses on investment assets
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund
Designated
Premises
Restricted
Agency collection
Children & Youth
Community Pioneer
Community Pioneer 2
Food Hub
Monday Fellowship Group
Together for Fromeside
Weekend away 'Hill House'		 95,428
34,229
—
129,657
135,253
12,546
—
—
12,546
14,550
—
—
—
—
25
752
—
—
752
—
2,017
5,152
—
7,169
12,989
110,744
39,382
—
150,126
162,818
106,104
22,950
—
129,054
126,571
—
320
—
320
1,840
106,104
23,270
—
129,374
128,412
—
—
—
—
—
4,639
16,111
—
20,751
34,405
21,871
69,655
—
91,526
—
(11,785)
(79,741)
—
(91,526)
—
—
—
—
—
—
14,725
6,025
—
20,751
34,405
93,335
32,341
—
125,677
91,271
108,061
38,367
—
146,428
125,677
108,062
—
—
108,062
90,538
0
—
—
0
2,797
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,941
—
1,941
2,312
—
0
—
0
21,148
—
28,024
—
28,024
—
—
5,098
—
5,098
5,538
—
1,850
—
1,850
1,510
—
30
—
30
409
—
1,421
—
1,421
1,421

Page 2

Balance sheet

Class and code
Description
This year
Last year
Current assets
6501
NatWest current account
6502
Cash in hand
6503
CFB deposit account
Z05
Accounts Receivable Debtors & Prepaymens
Total Current assets
Liabilities
6699
Agency collections
Z04
Accounts Payable
Total Liabilities
Net Asset surplus(deficit)
Reserves
Excess / (deficit) to date
Z01
Starting balances
Total Reserves
Represented by funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total		 126,587
106,588
—
—
19,930
19,178
—
—
146,518
125,766
89
89
—
—
89
89
146,428
125,677
20,751
34,405
125,677
91,271
146,428
125,677
108,062
90,538
0
2,797
38,367
32,341
—
—
146,428
125,677

Statement of assets and liabilities

General
DesignatedRestrictedEndowmentThis year
Last year
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
NatWest current account -
CFB deposit account -
Totals
Liabilities - Agency accounts
Agency collections -
Totals
Grand total

95,351
(7,220)
38,456
—
126,587
106,588
12,710
7,220
—
—
19,930
19,178
108,062
0
38,456
—
146,518
125,766
—
—
89
—
89
89
—
—
89
—
89
89
108,062
0
38,367
—
146,428
125,677

Fund movement by type

OpeningIncomingOutgoingTransfersGains/losses Journals
Closing
CP2 - Community Pioneer 2
Restricted
Sub-total for CP2
ComP - Community Pioneer
Restricted
Sub-total for ComP
FHB - Food Hub
Restricted
Sub-total for FHB		 —
1,200
—
26,824
—
—
28,024
—
1,200
—
26,824
—
—
28,024
21,148
29,626
14,532
(36,241)
—
—
0
21,148
29,626
14,532
(36,241)
—
—
0
5,538
4,492
5,287
354
—
—
5,098
5,538
4,492
5,287
354
—
—
5,098

Page 3

MFG - Monday Fellowship Gr
Restricted
Sub-total for MFG
T4F - Together for Fromesi
Restricted
Sub-total for T4F
General - General fund
Unrestricted
Sub-total for General
Premises - Premises
Designated
Sub-total for Premises
HillHouse - Weekend away 'Hill H
Restricted
Sub-total for HillHouse
ChildYouth - Children & Youth
Restricted
Sub-total for ChildYouth
Grand total		 1,510
659
320
—
—
—
1,850
1,510
659
320
—
—
—
1,850
409
558
1,664
727
—
—
30
409
558
1,664
727
—
—
30
90,538
110,744
92,602
(618)
—
—
108,062
90,538
110,744
92,602
(618)
—
—
108,062
2,797
—
13,502
10,704
—
—
0
2,797
—
13,502
10,704
—
—
0
1,421
—
—
—
—
—
1,421
1,421
—
—
—
—
—
1,421
2,312
2,845
1,466
(1,750)
—
—
1,941
2,312
2,845
1,466
(1,750)
—
—
1,941
125,677
150,126
129,374
—
—
—
146,428

Page 4

Analysis of income and expenditure

Total
UnrestrictedDesignated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
0110 - Offertory (via Bank)
73,126
—
—
—
73,126
87,248
0112 - Offertory
3,882
—
—
—
3,882
2,589
1101 - Gift Aid on Offertories
14,835
—
—
—
14,835
15,776
1102 - Sundry Donations
1,685
—
—
—
1,685
1,468
1104 - Bequests
1,380
—
—
—
1,380
500
1105 - Together for Fromeside (T4F)
—
—
558
—
558
4,711
1106 - Appeals and Collections for
Other Orgs
519
—
—
—
519
593
1400 - Donations - Youth & Children
—
—
2,845
—
2,845
977
1602 - Hill House Gifts
—
—
—
—
—
2,456
1800 - ComP - Grants
—
—
7,750
—
7,750
16,113
1801 - ComP - Donations
—
—
22,076
—
22,076
2,820
1810 - CP2 Donations
—
—
1,000
—
1,000
—
1901 - Coffee
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total
95,428
—
34,229
—
129,657
135,253
Income from charitable activities
1201 - Hall Hire
11,195
—
—
—
11,195
9,908
1204 - Sanctuary and Chapel Hire
—
—
—
—
—
151
1205 - Beacon Hire
1,351
—
—
—
1,351
567
1601 - 'Hill House'
—
—
—
—
—
3,923
Total
12,546
—
—
—
12,546
14,550
Other trading activities
1202 - Hall one off lettings
—
—
—
—
—
25
Total
—
—
—
—
—
25
Investments
1103 - Bank Interest CFB
752
—
—
—
752
—
Total
752
—
—
—
752
—
Other income
1302 - Steven Newell - Leaving
Collection
—
—
—
—
—
1,560
1503 - Solar Panel Income
1,989
—
—
—
1,989
2,599
1900 - Monday Fellowship Group
—
—
659
—
659
1,790
2500 - Food Hub
27
—
4,492
—
4,519
7,038
Total
2,017
—
5,152
—
7,169
12,989		 Total
UnrestrictedDesignated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
0110 - Offertory (via Bank)
73,126
—
—
—
73,126
87,248
0112 - Offertory
3,882
—
—
—
3,882
2,589
1101 - Gift Aid on Offertories
14,835
—
—
—
14,835
15,776
1102 - Sundry Donations
1,685
—
—
—
1,685
1,468
1104 - Bequests
1,380
—
—
—
1,380
500
1105 - Together for Fromeside (T4F)
—
—
558
—
558
4,711
1106 - Appeals and Collections for
Other Orgs
519
—
—
—
519
593
1400 - Donations - Youth & Children
—
—
2,845
—
2,845
977
1602 - Hill House Gifts
—
—
—
—
—
2,456
1800 - ComP - Grants
—
—
7,750
—
7,750
16,113
1801 - ComP - Donations
—
—
22,076
—
22,076
2,820
1810 - CP2 Donations
—
—
1,000
—
1,000
—
1901 - Coffee
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total
95,428
—
34,229
—
129,657
135,253
Income from charitable activities
1201 - Hall Hire
11,195
—
—
—
11,195
9,908
1204 - Sanctuary and Chapel Hire
—
—
—
—
—
151
1205 - Beacon Hire
1,351
—
—
—
1,351
567
1601 - 'Hill House'
—
—
—
—
—
3,923
Total
12,546
—
—
—
12,546
14,550
Other trading activities
1202 - Hall one off lettings
—
—
—
—
—
25
Total
—
—
—
—
—
25
Investments
1103 - Bank Interest CFB
752
—
—
—
752
—
Total
752
—
—
—
752
—
Other income
1302 - Steven Newell - Leaving
Collection
—
—
—
—
—
1,560
1503 - Solar Panel Income
1,989
—
—
—
1,989
2,599
1900 - Monday Fellowship Group
—
—
659
—
659
1,790
2500 - Food Hub
27
—
4,492
—
4,519
7,038
Total
2,017
—
5,152
—
7,169
12,989
95,428
—
34,229
—
129,657
135,253
11,195
—
—
—
11,195
9,908
—
—
—
—
—
151
1,351
—
—
—
1,351
567
—
—
—
—
—
3,923
12,546
—
—
—
12,546
14,550
—
—
—
—
—
25
—
—
—
—
—
25
752
—
—
—
752
—
752
—
—
—
752
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,560
1,989
—
—
—
1,989
2,599
—
—
659
—
659
1,790
27
—
4,492
—
4,519
7,038
2,017
—
5,152
—
7,169
12,989
INCOME TOTAL 110,744
—
39,382
—
150,126
162,818

Page 5

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure on charitable activities
2201 - Annual Assessment Methodist
27,940
—
—
—
27,940
22,932
2202 - Annual Assessment URC
10,404
—
—
—
10,404
16,603
2203 - Stipend - Methodist
8,097
—
—
—
8,097
—
2302 - Church Insurance
5,934
—
—
—
5,934
5,679
2401 - Church running expenses
4,701
—
—
—
4,701
4,012
2402 - Church Gas
2,146
—
—
—
2,146
2,250
2403 - Church Electricity
873
—
—
—
873
677
2404 - Telephone & broadband costs
785
—
—
—
785
687
2405 - Office Administrator
7,058
—
—
—
7,058
6,219
2406 - Church Water
420
—
—
—
420
313
2407 - Church Cleaning Services
3,075
—
—
—
3,075
1,574
2408 - Visiting Speakers
300
—
—
—
300
300
2411 - Minister's Expenses
—
—
—
—
—
444
2420 - Coffee
—
—
—
—
—
—
2501 - Hall expenses
—
—
—
—
—
27
2502 - Hall Gas
1,480
—
—
—
1,480
2,510
2503 - Hall Electricity
1,264
—
—
—
1,264
1,339
2504 - Hall Cleaning Services
—
—
—
—
—
—
2505 - Hall Water
17
—
—
—
17
161
2506 - Hall Insurance
—
—
—
—
—
—
2601 - Junior Church
247
—
—
—
247
285
2602 - Youth & Children
—
—
1,466
—
1,466
766
2701 - Evangelism & Outreach
336
—
—
—
336
776
2702 - ConnectZ
—
—
—
—
—
—
2750 - Food Hub
—
—
5,287
—
5,287
1,500
2802 - Training
672
—
—
—
672
—
2803 - World Mission Group
13,950
—
—
—
13,950
10,500
2804 - Minister's Discretionary
expenses
—
—
—
—
—
—
2811 - Donations - Appeals and
Collections
519
—
—
—
519
1,899
2901 - Bank charges
532
—
—
—
532
491
3001 - Church Property
—
6,860
—
—
6,860
5,031
3002 - Hall Property
—
6,641
—
—
6,641
1,331
3010 - Audio / Visual
1,846
—
—
—
1,846
1,181
4001 - 'Hill House'
—
—
—
—
—
5,472
4200 - Social Events
—
—
—
—
—
—
4500 - Community Pioneers - Salary
—
—
13,263
—
13,263
22,503
4501 - ComP - Expenditure
—
—
1,268
—
1,268
3,218
4502 - ComP - Expenses
—
—
—
—
—
9
5000 - Together for Fromeside
—
—
1,664
—
1,664
5,870
Total
92,602
13,502
22,950
—
129,054
126,571
Other expenditure
2812 - Stephen Newell - Leaving Gift
—
—
—
—
—
1,560
2950 - Monday Fellowship Group
—
—
320
—
320
280
Total
—
—
320
—
320
1,840		 Expenditure on charitable activities
2201 - Annual Assessment Methodist
27,940
—
—
—
27,940
22,932
2202 - Annual Assessment URC
10,404
—
—
—
10,404
16,603
2203 - Stipend - Methodist
8,097
—
—
—
8,097
—
2302 - Church Insurance
5,934
—
—
—
5,934
5,679
2401 - Church running expenses
4,701
—
—
—
4,701
4,012
2402 - Church Gas
2,146
—
—
—
2,146
2,250
2403 - Church Electricity
873
—
—
—
873
677
2404 - Telephone & broadband costs
785
—
—
—
785
687
2405 - Office Administrator
7,058
—
—
—
7,058
6,219
2406 - Church Water
420
—
—
—
420
313
2407 - Church Cleaning Services
3,075
—
—
—
3,075
1,574
2408 - Visiting Speakers
300
—
—
—
300
300
2411 - Minister's Expenses
—
—
—
—
—
444
2420 - Coffee
—
—
—
—
—
—
2501 - Hall expenses
—
—
—
—
—
27
2502 - Hall Gas
1,480
—
—
—
1,480
2,510
2503 - Hall Electricity
1,264
—
—
—
1,264
1,339
2504 - Hall Cleaning Services
—
—
—
—
—
—
2505 - Hall Water
17
—
—
—
17
161
2506 - Hall Insurance
—
—
—
—
—
—
2601 - Junior Church
247
—
—
—
247
285
2602 - Youth & Children
—
—
1,466
—
1,466
766
2701 - Evangelism & Outreach
336
—
—
—
336
776
2702 - ConnectZ
—
—
—
—
—
—
2750 - Food Hub
—
—
5,287
—
5,287
1,500
2802 - Training
672
—
—
—
672
—
2803 - World Mission Group
13,950
—
—
—
13,950
10,500
2804 - Minister's Discretionary
expenses
—
—
—
—
—
—
2811 - Donations - Appeals and
Collections
519
—
—
—
519
1,899
2901 - Bank charges
532
—
—
—
532
491
3001 - Church Property
—
6,860
—
—
6,860
5,031
3002 - Hall Property
—
6,641
—
—
6,641
1,331
3010 - Audio / Visual
1,846
—
—
—
1,846
1,181
4001 - 'Hill House'
—
—
—
—
—
5,472
4200 - Social Events
—
—
—
—
—
—
4500 - Community Pioneers - Salary
—
—
13,263
—
13,263
22,503
4501 - ComP - Expenditure
—
—
1,268
—
1,268
3,218
4502 - ComP - Expenses
—
—
—
—
—
9
5000 - Together for Fromeside
—
—
1,664
—
1,664
5,870
Total
92,602
13,502
22,950
—
129,054
126,571
Other expenditure
2812 - Stephen Newell - Leaving Gift
—
—
—
—
—
1,560
2950 - Monday Fellowship Group
—
—
320
—
320
280
Total
—
—
320
—
320
1,840
92,602
13,502
22,950
—
129,054
126,571
—
—
—
—
—
1,560
—
—
320
—
320
280
—
—
320
—
320
1,840
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 92,602
13,502
23,270
—
129,374
128,412
GRAND TOTAL 18,142
(13,502)
16,111
—
20,751
34,405

Page 6

Summary

2023 saw a number of significant events that have had and will continue to have, a major influence on church finances.

After 18 months without a minister attached to the church, in September 2023, Rev Sharon Lovelock was appointed to be the minister for Zion (at 80% FTE). The costs of ministerial employment are now attributable to the accounts (£8097 for one quarter) so 2024 will be the first year where Zion will have had to bear the full cost of employing a minister since 2021.

2023 also saw the conclusion of the Community Pioneer 1 project. This concluded in September 2023. At this time, the church agreed to set a follow-on project (Community Pioneer 2 (CP2) with a planned start date of April 2024. In addition to some established giving for CP1 that has now been directed to CP2, there have been a number of generous donations to the church to establish a fund to enable CP2. As at 31 Dec 23, this stood at £28024. In addition, the church has been successful in its grant applications to both the Methodist Circuit ad District as well as the URC Synod. These grants, in addition to funds raised at a ‘gift day’ in early 2024, should ensure that the CP2 project can be delivered without the need to draw upon the general church reserves.

Over the course of 2023, income through the offertory reduced by £12829. This is largely attributable to a number of generous members either leaving the church or having passed away. A further reduction in income for 2024 is likely to be experienced as the full year effect of these losses manifests itself in the accounts.

During 2023, the church was required to undertake an insurance review. This highlighted a number of property issues that needed to be addressed to ensure that Zion’s insurance cover was both appropriate and effective. As result, property expenditure was roughly double that experienced in 2022 and cleaning costs have also necessarily increased. While costs for the former should be lower in 2024, there will be some recurring costs (eg electrical testing) that the church will have to bear on a periodic basis. Additional cleaning costs will endure. This work did however lead to a small (c£500) rebate on the church insurance premium.

Overall, while the church finances look to have a healthy balance, the combined factors of a reducing income and the cost of ministerial employment will mean that the church will be running at deficit for the foreseeable future. While this can be supported in the short term by drawing down from church reserves, this is not a sustainable position. A gift day was held in early 2024 where a number of promissory commitments were made to increase giving by c£5k per year. In addition, the church received a significant bequest of £33k to help support with running costs over the next 3 years. While these 2 measures ease some of the pressure on reserves, the church will need to fundamentally review its whole operating model in this (3 year) timeframe to maintain a solvent position.

This report dated:

March 2024

Page 7

2023 saw a numb8r of siqnificant events that have had arKJ ￿11 coniinue to have. a major lnftuen￿ on church finances. After 18 months withoul a minister altath￿ to the church, in S8ptember 2023. Rèv Sharon Lovèlock was appointed to be the minister for Jon lat 80% FTEI. The costs of ministerial employment are now attributable lo ihe accounts1£8097 for one quarterl so 2024 wll be the fiT5t year where ZK>n wll have had to b8ar the full cost of ￿ployIng a rnintster since 2021. 2023 also saw the conclusion of the Comrnunty ￿On6&r 1 project. This wr￿lUded in September 2023. AI this lime. th$ ¢hufch agreed to sel a folk)w4)n projeci ICommLtnty Ptoneer 2 ICP21 with a planned start date ol April 2L124. In a￿￿￿"0n lo some established giwng for CP1 that has now been dire¢ted lo CP2. ih8FÉ have been a number of generDUS donab.ons to the chufd) to establish 8 fund to enable CP2. As al 31 Dec 23. this stood at £28024. In addition. the thurch has been suttessful in it5 grant applications to both the Methodist Circuit ad District as well as the URC SyrYA. These grants. in addition to fvnds raised at a 'gift day. in earfy 2024, should ensure that the CP2 projeci can be deliv8r8d wTthout the nged to draw upon the general chU￿h reserves. Over the course of 2023, income t￿OUgh offertory redLt¢xd by £12829. This is laoely attributable lo number ofg8nerous membeis either leaving the church or h8￿n9 passed away. A further redvction in incorne for 2024 Ès Itkety to be ex￿rien￿￿ as the full year effect of thes8105ses manrfests itself in the accounts. During 2023. the church was required to undertskè an irk8urance reviffw. Thts highlighted a number of property issues th81 needed to be addressed io ensur& that ZN)n's insuran{% cover was both appropriate and effective. As result, propety exFenditurè was roLvJhly double that experienced in 2022 and deaning costs have also ne￿$SarilY incx8as8d. While costs lor the former should be lower in 2024, the￿ wll b8 some recurring costs leg ewrical testing) that th8 church will have to bear on a penodic basis. Addittonal cleanitYJ costs will endure. This work did however18ad to a small Ic£5001 rebate on the thurch insurance premium. Over811, while the church finan(E5 look to have a healihy balance, the combined f8¢lors of a feduryng income and the cost of ministerial empbyrnenl wll tnean that the church will ￿ running al d&ficrf£ for the lore5e8ablÈ future. While this can b¢ supported in the short tom by dra￿ng diiwn from ¢hurch reserves. this is not 8 sust8in8bEe position. A gfft day was held in earfy 2024 where a number ol prornissory commitments w8rè made to increase giwng by c£Sk per year_ In add￿. the church reW￿d a signiftcant b8qU8St of £33k to help support with Djnning costs over the rlext 3 years. While th8se 2 measures e85e some ol the Pressu￿ on r8serves, the church will n9811 to hjndamentally revivw ts operaling modd in this {3 ytrarl timefrarne to tH8intain a solvent position. This report dated= March 2024 Rewl k> Ihe membw5 01 Zt¢)n Unlled Church for the Ye￿ ended 31* December 2023 I rep¢xt to Ihe members on my exornnoth"￿ of Ihe occwnts set out on poges I to 7. The Eldets oct th TnJ5tee5 and cwe re5por¥5i￿e for the txeporation of the occounts. I rep(xl in respect of my exanynation of Ihe accounts Ccmried oul under section 145 of Ihe Chorites Act 2011 I'lhe Act l ond in cortyng wt my examination. l ￿ve ff<kn￿ the aprkaNe Directions given by he Chority Commission under section 1451551bl of Ihe Act. I hove ¢omFleled my exominotion. I confirm Ih(Jl no rwtwid rnolth ￿ve come to my attenthon in conn8clion wth the exominotion which gives me cTrJ5e to befieve ttK]t in. any material re¥)ect.. occcxjnling records were not kept in o¢C(￿￿once wilh Sec1￿ IXI of the Act or the accounts do nol occud wlh Ihe o¢¢wnting re¢tyd5 I have no concetn5 and hove come ocross no other matters in conrbection wth the exominotion to which ottention shcxjld be ctrcwn in ¢yder to erK]tAe a woper urxjer5t(￿d1rt9 ol Ihe acc￿nIS lo be reoched. Signed.. Th￿ rep(xl wa5 Ygned on.. A K Green- Independent Chth￿ed ACcwnt￿f 174 l0rUf(￿d. Y(Jte. S(xJth Gk)LcesteT5hYe. BS37 4JWI Poge 7