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Annual Report 2025

Zion United Church

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

Blessed to be a blessing

	CONTENTS
3	Pastoral Statistics
4	Church Elders
5	Minister’s Report
8	Church Secretary’s Report
11	Safeguarding Report
12	Church Administrator’s Report
13	Pioneer Report
15	Pastoral Care Report
18	Property Team Report
20	World Mission Group Report
22	Worship & Teaching and Fellowship
	Group Report
23	Children and Young People Report
26	Assembly Team Report —
	Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath
27	Assembly Team Report—
	Winterbourne
28	Prayer Team Report
29	Prayer Chain Report
29	Working Home Alone Lunch Report
30	Saturday Friends Report
31	Ladies Circle Report
32	Zion Fellowship Report
33	Feeding Fromeside Food Hub and Pantry
34	Church Appointments

Pastoral Statistics

Number of members and adherents: 162 (142 are Church Members)

Average weekly attendance at worship:

Live services in Zion - am: 65 pm:12

Via YouTube - on average 10 views per service

Number of housebound in the fellowship: 5+

Average age of congregation and the spread of ages:66 (from 0 to 95+)

Number living within 1 mile of the church: 124

Number of Elders – 9

Number of baptisms/dedications (infants/believers) in the past year: 1

Number of people coming into membership: 10

Number of fellowship funerals in the past year: 3

Number of weddings each year: 1

Number of children/youth attending Creche/Junior Church/ Sunday Morning Youth/ Sunday Evening Youth: 19

The Elder's meeting members and Trustees are as follows:

Elders:

Sam Blackwell

Jon Lugg

Wendy Magee

Ian Payne

Sue Payne Colin Reed

Rachel Simister

Treasurer

Debbie Millar

Church Secretary

Helen Francomb

Minister

Rev Sharon Lovelock

Minister’s Report Zion AGM 2025

Thank you so much to those who have prepared the reports here- it is a joy to read of how God is building his church in and through the many aspects of the life of Zion- within the building, in our homes and communities and in the wider world. Please can I encourage you to take time to read each one and to pray for them in turn.

There have been many changes this past year. We have welcomed new people in to the life of the church and community as well as saying farewell to others who have moved on to pastures new. We have welcomed Sarah as Administrator and Rachel as Pioneer- we are blessed by their commitment and the way their faith impacts all they are and do. We have been grieving those who have sadly died, remembering and holding close the hope and passion of their walk with Christ. All the church teams you read about herefrom finance to fellowship to flowers and everything in between- have been actively seeking God’s ways and guidance to build up the church in all it’s aspects. Thank you to you all.

As we look back on the year that has passed, it is also

important for us to look ahead. I would like to mention two aspects here for urgent prayer and focus: Firstly, please continue to be prayerful about roles and responsibilities in the life of the church, giving thanks for all who are called and take up positions, and also considering the vacancies we currently have- is God calling you or someone you know well to think about being an Elder, a Circuit steward or to think about the Treasurer role - either as a whole or as a shared role?

Secondly, at the recent Elder’s retreat we spent time considering our vision moving forwards, with a view to having a clear steer as to our priorities and a mission statement/set of objectives moving on. Please do have a look at where we have got to below- we would really value the prayers, reflection and input of the whole church in this. We will spend some time at the AGM discussing the key markers identified as important. If you can consider each beforehand, and what these could look like in practice that would be useful in this process. The first section below is based around the best story/outcome, followed by the path (key markers) that could help lead us there.

Best story/outcome

The heart of Zion is secure and solid so that its focus is outward looking and we are integrated in to the community.
Gods transformational love being known in the whole area/community
A whole range of ages who are rooted securely in their faith
Diverse and inclusive Christian community
People are excited to meet together to pray and listen to God. Results to prayers are seen. We are encouraged and grow spiritually and in faith and as disciples.

We considered the now, and the best story/outcome - from

this we identified some key markers on the pathway that would help us on the way to this. These are key points to work with/areas to consider in terms of where we should place thought, energy, time, commitment.

Key markers on the pathway

Discerning gifts

Discipleship

Evangelism

Build bridges- making more links between different parts of Zion

Set the community on fire

Communication with the community

Being considerate of barriers when inviting people in

Being prayer centred- listening to God and being open to God’s plan and believing God is actively listening.

Thank you (in advance!) for spending some time on this. I look forward to continuing to share our gifts and time together as our worship to the One who loves us unconditionally and builds us up.

Sharon

Secretary’s Report

This year following our AGM in May 2024 has been one of changes in our church family, arrivals and departures in various ways.

In the spring of 2024 Rachel Spence was successfully appointed as our new Community Pioneer and started to settle into Zion in July, officially starting her role in September. Having previously worked for the church in the Bath area, Rachel and her family had to find a new home and move, but fortunately after a few stressful months they were able to move closer to this area. Rachel has now settled in very well and has made many links and relationships within the wider community as well as Zion and our T4F churches. She has particularly made links with Blackberry Park, our newest housing development.

Our membership number is currently 142 as in early May we received and welcomed 10 new members - (9 by transfer from other churches and one by confirmation). We continue to have around 30 people who regularly attend our Sunday services but are not members and there are many who attend our various groups and activities e.g. Monday Fellowship, Food Hub, Ladies Circle, Saturday Friends, and our Fellowship Groups.

We have also said farewells, some in very sad circumstances. In September, Steve (Stephen) Lyne, having bravely coped with health issues for several years, passed peacefully away. His thanksgiving service paid tribute to his many years of Christian faith and service; on the Eldership, preaching and leading worship, and many other activities over his many years at Zion. We continue to remember in our prayers especially Jenny, Sarah, Jon, Cailen & Zavier, his sons David and Jon. Steve’s passing is a great loss to the life of Zion as well as his family & friends and we thank God for all he meant to us.

Others who have passed away were Isla Powel and Colin Hanks. We give thanks for their lives and faith and our prayers and condolences to their families & friends.

We also remember those who have lost loved ones, and whose funerals were elsewhere - our prayers and condolences to them also and their families & friends.

In other changes, Peter and Kate Kernaghan moved on from Zion - Peter resigning as an Elder in August, but Kate continues to be involved with our (Fromeside) Food Hub and the T4F Mutual Aid Group. Former CP Zoe, and her family moved out of the village and worship nearer their home. We thank them all for their contribution to Zion and our community over a number of years. In the summer, (Rev.) Meryl and Graham White moved to Somerset and transferred membership to their local URC church, after many years of living locally and being part of our Zion family-we wished them well and every blessing for the future.

We had one Infant dedication during the past year, Elspeth, daughter of Fiona and Joe, granddaughter of Sarah and Gareth Rees. In May this year, just before the AGM we will have had the wedding of Sarah Newell and Matt Hillier - congratulations and every blessing for the future to them all.

At the end of October Catherine Whiteman, who had been our Church Administrator for 7 years, resigned to have more time with her family and to continue her doctorate in historical studies. Huge thanks to Catherine for all her hard work, diligence, diplomacy, and for being the “face” of Zion and for her support during the interregnum. Catherine still continues to be an active church member and regular worshiper. However, in October, another of our members Sarah Rees was successfully appointed to the Church Administrator post and has settled in well to this essential role for Zion, and thanks to Sarah for all she has done in her first 6 months.

Our services and events during the year have gone well with the festival times of Harvest, Christmas and Easter as well as

e.g. a very successful Ceilidh (Barn Dance) in February, the “Big Sing” for Christian Aid in early December.

In the Eldership, we were 2 less by the autumn following Peter’s resignation and Steve’s death. At last year's A.G.M Wendy Magee was elected for a further 3 years and Sue Payne returned to the Eldership. At this year’s AGM Colin Reed and Jon Lugg will have each completed 2 terms of 3 years and Rachel Simister one term of 3 years and all 3 will be standing down. Debbie Millar our treasurer, after 5 years, wishes to stand down - we need to find a successor for this vital role. We thank them all for their service and commitment. Please pray that we will have new people willing to be nominated and elected as Elders and Treasurer this year.

Finally, my thanks to the Rev. Sharon, the Elders and everyone who has supported and helped out in any way over the past year. Thanks also to our cleaner, for all her diligence with our church buildings. It is a privilege to serve as your Church Secretary and co-opted Elder and I am willing to continue (with the AGM’s agreement!) as we look forward to the year ahead which will have its challenges e.g. how to update/improve the Hall, Junior Church numbers, ways to engage more with our community ,new ways of “ being church” and many exciting opportunities to bring God’s love and blessing to one another and our wider community.

Helen Francomb

Safeguarding Report

As always, it has been a busy year in the life of Zion. Outreach and work with vulnerable people is one of our great strengths and as a result we need to make sure our safeguarding practices and policies are rigorous. We take most of our guidance from the URC’s Good Practice 6 document with some changes for our context.

We have good working relationships with our URC Synod Safeguarding Officer, Claire Partridge, who has been a valuable source of information and support.

We have updated our Safeguarding Policy this year, including guidance around how we should operate digitally. This has been a while coming but is much needed as more and more, churches are using online platforms.

As a church, our focus is increasingly on reaching out into the community and finding new ways of doing and being church. This brings with it its own challenges and so it has been important that our safeguarding practices around working with vulnerable adults is as established and rigorous as those around safeguarding children and young people. Part of this work has been to prioritise ensuring all volunteers at the Food Hub have up to date Safeguarding Training and we are in the process of DBS checking them. This will roll out in other key groups within the church.

You may have noticed we now have a Safeguarding noticeboard in the Beacon. This contains Zion safeguarding information, relevant local information and a booklet of useful contacts both locally and nationally.

Sam Blackwell , Zion Safeguarding Coordinator

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

Church Administrator Report

I began working as church administrator in October last year, with a few days training with Catherine. Everyone has been welcoming and helpful as I have learned the many different tasks that go with the role. Catherine and Helen have both been very patient in answering the many queries I have had.

The hall continues to be well used by different groups during the week and there have been external bookings for both the hall and the Beacon at the weekends.

A great many volunteers also take on many of the tasks involved in the running of the church. Particular thanks go to our cleaner, for keeping the buildings in such good order, and the property team for all their help.

The office is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

01454 776618

office@zuchurch.co.uk

Sarah

Pioneer Report

Starting July 2024 provided three weeks of term time activities to join in with. Over the summer the Frampton Festival, Beesmoor Park Car Boot sale and the Together 4 Fromeside Prayer Walk helped me connect with locals.

Marshalling for the Watermore 10k I heard ‘cheers marshal’ which gave me a sense of belonging, so I wondered how to ensure people belong at our activities. Being at the baby & toddler group at the Brockeridge Centre allows me to listen and support those who attend and where appropriate invite them to other events at Zion. Thank you to Pam Browning, Jeanette Gilchrist, Barbara Marshall and Karen Harris who help run this group. I have joined one of the Open the Book assembly teams and often hear children say ‘I know you, you come to my school’. It is always the hope that children might encourage their families to other church events because they enjoy the assemblies. I’m a team member at Messy Church which is a ‘Churches Together 4 Fromeside’ monthly gathering for all ages. It is intended to be a church in its own right, not a Sunday school or craft club but a place where all are discipled through creativity, worship and a sit-down meal. It is held at St Saviour’s Church Hall on the third Saturday of each month.

On 31[st] October I set up a slime station outside Zion and dressed as a pumpkin with rainbow glowing wings. Thank you to the team who supervised and cleaned up. Special thanks to Katrine Green who made her own candle costume, together we symbolised ‘light in the darkness’. The next day Catherine Whiteman and I did a litter pick & prayer walk round Blackberry Park.

My focuses at Food Hub are supporting new volunteers, enhancing the donations box and advertising online. Weekly I consider the layout of pantry items for easier choosing. I offer awareness day information as conversation starters, which can lead into spiritual conversations.

In October Rev Sharon Lovelock, Alan Sully and I surveyed Blackberry Park asking if residents knew of Zion United Church, as part of the research about the hall.

I have connected with the uniformed groups, renewed my first

aid certificate alongside the Guiding leaders and marshalled for the cub scouts in the remembrance parade. During advent baby and toddler group families borrowed toy figures of Mary/Joseph & donkey, then the toys were brought to the Christmas Party at Zion. Zion gave a book to each family ‘Santa’s Special Gift’ by Ruth Lancey, in which Santa encounters toys figures of the nativity characters. In December I assisted with Christmas crafts at Beesmoor Park, thank you for enabling me to be there Kate Colechin. Partnering with St Saviour’s Church, carol singing and offering chocolates around Blackberry Park whilst inviting residents to Christmas services were well received. In 2025, I launched ‘Stay & Play & Optional Pray’ during school holidays, offering Lego, crafts, junk modelling, storytelling, and snacks. This takes place in the Beacon and is a direct response to a Food Hub friend asking for something in the school holidays. Although the name might imply it is for those with young children, it is my intention that is it a safe space for all ages and adults are welcome to join in as well. Thank you to Catherine Whiteman, Rich Green, Helen Francomb and Sharon Lovelock for being the team so far.

I encouraged Zion’s participation in a village-wide window trail—thanks to Wendy Magee for the bright display. In the spring I created ‘Wander & Wonder’, fostering mindfulness and spiritual reflection, noticing where God is in our surroundings. I invited people to knit Easter chicks – I received over 170, many with chocolate eggs included. Thank you all. On Palm Sunday we distributed them around Blackberry Park then held a ‘carrot hunt’, with a nature trail. Dressed as a donkey, I sparked conversations about why a donkey and not an Easter bunny.

We had a good number at Messy Easter including some Blackberry Park families attending for the first time, which is encouraging to see some overlap of my ministry. Thank you all for your warm welcome, prayers and support as this pioneering journey unfolds in God’s timing. Rachel

Pastoral Care Team Report 2024-25

At the start of each Pastoral Care Team meeting, we pause and share a thought. On one occasion in the last year we reflected on a song/poem by Paul Field and the time recorded in 1 Kings 17 when Elijah was hiding and exhausted. The poem below is very powerful, deep and honest but I also find it full of hope and peace. The images are around where Elijah hid near the Wadi Cherith (a seasonal stream) and a print I recently bought of crows flying over the rocky crags of Dartmoor a place I often return to for a sense of hope, peace and recuperation. In 1 Kings 17 we see God gently but also dramatically providing for Elijah’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Elijah had prophesied to King Ahab that a severe drought and famine would occur.

God told Elijah to go to Wadi Cherith, a remote and desolate place.

God provided for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him food. The wadi ran dry, but God continued to provide for Elijah by sending him to a widow in Zarephath.

When we feel empty of life and full of loss when every day is a mountain to climb every minute a burden every second hurts and we feel betrayed When nothing has meaning and everything seems hopeless Lord, bring hope.

When the weight of stolen possibilities is heavy when the most eloquent prayers we can find are tears and the world seems merciless Lord, have mercy

Where chaos reigns and our hearts are in turmoil when we rage against you when our belief walks a tightrope and faith hangs by a thread when we feel empty of life and full of loss Lord, bring peace.

© Paul Field

The Pastoral Care Team act as a focus but it is something that all of us can and do indeed do wherever and whenever. There are so many pastoral, caring folk in Zion and it is a blessing to be part of this fellowship. Often much of this is carried out behind the scenes and in private. We each, as an expression of being the body of Christ, are all involved in this pastoral work of caring for one another.

It has again been a joy to be part of the Pastoral Care Team. Over the last 12 months I have shared this with Jean Bradbeer, Carol Eveleigh, Wendy Magee, Caroline Burgess, Kath May, Rachel Simister and of course Sharon.

The team look to Jesus for their sense of hope and peace. We each have known trying and exhausted times that we see Elijah going through in 1 Kings and can share the goodness of God that we have found through life’s challenges. Sometimes it is sharing what we have experienced but often it is just listening, sitting quietly and prayerfully as we seek to follow Jesus’ example as the good shepherd.

We have held the informal services on Monday afternoons at Christmas and Easter in the last year. We have joined with Zion Fellowship for these services. At them we also enjoyed afternoon tea and a time to catch up in person whilst also sharing in worship together.

Once again members of the Pastoral Care Team have joined 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 sadly said our “goodbyes” to Steve Lyne, Isla Powell and Colin Hanks. We remember these church members 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. We continue to remember their loved ones. We also remember Rod Cowley, Maurice Dymott and Len Ansell who have each been part of the Zion family and are dearly missed by their friends and families.

Romans 15 v 13, a verse that Steve reminded us of and encouraged us with, says

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’

There is a certainty in the words of this verse, it is not a vague hope. These thoughts are echoed in the last line of each verse of Paul Field’s poem;

Lord, bring hope

Lord, have mercy

Lord, bring peace.

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

Property Team

Whilst regular maintenance and repairs have continued of the past year, a significant amount of work has been done to the two upstairs meeting rooms (redecorated plus new furniture), the chapel (now converted to the Food Hub store), the ‘yellow’ storeroom upstairs (new racking and re-ordered storage) and the office (new furniture and re-ordered storage. 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, however it would be good have some volunteers to assist further. The Property Group continues to meet and manage the maintenance and repairs, however we continue to need new 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 still need volunteers from Zion to be actioned. Possible improvements to the level of lighting in the Sanctuary continue to be an aspiration. Plans for 2025/6 include a complete review regarding the future of the hall and the most optimum solution moving forward. With respect to this, a condition survey was carried out in April this year to inform this process, with the next step being an option appraisal to assess the costs of retaining the hall or providing an alternative solution. Expenditure is anticipated this year on decorating internally and externally, routine maintenance and repairs, as well as progressing the future of the hall to a point where a clear plan is in place. As always, if anyone notices anything that needs doing, please put it into the property book that is held in the office.

Colin Reed

World Mission Group Report

The World Mission Group has two main aims:

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.

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.

The World Mission budget is calculated as 10% of the Church’s income in the previous year (2023 in relation to this report) and these donations were approved at the 15th May 2024 Church Meeting (not AGM)

Christian Aid	£1,250
Tearfund	£1,250
New Futures Nepal	£1,250
Network Counselling and Training	£1,250
Bristol Methodist Centre/Turnaround Bristol	£1,250
North Avon Foodbank	£1,000
Solomon Dark (Syrian Refugee Charity)	£300
Naomi Voice (Arise/Kapumpe)	£300
Home for Good	£1,000
Heal Palestine/C.F.T.A	£1,000
Sub Total	: £9,850
“Reserve Fund”£1,150

Total : £11,000

This year we increased our regular donation amounts (from £1,200 to £1,250) due to rising costs for all charities and Aid organisations.

Later in the year at the 15th November Church Meeting the remaining £1,150 was agreed by the meeting to be donated to the DEC Gaza appeal (Disasters Emergency Committee, which is made up of many leading Aid organisations which include Christian Aid, Tearfund.)

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 Christian Aid “Big Sing” in December, and at our Lent lunch, Together 4 Fromeside Mutual Aid Comfort & Joy appeal at Christmas.

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.

Back in 2022/23, the allocations, 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.

In a large church, 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 Ruff 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: Sue Payne, Chris Burley, Kate Colechin, Sue Charters, Jane Crane, Rosemary Dark, Sharon Lovelock, Wendy Magee.

In the last year we have been blessed with a variety of preachers, some from our own church and some from the circuit and beyond. We have studied issues with Climate change, Generous people, Healings from the gospel of John, LICC material, Nehemiah, the Prayer Course and Lent/Advent and Resurrection stories. Looking forward we will be looking at being Jesus’ apprentices, 2 Timothy and Fruits of the Spirit (over the summer). Our worship, like our preachers, is diverse and we manage to blend the old and new as much as we can. Barnabas slots, for people to share, and @11 are opportunities for us to hear each other’s stories and we aim to do more.

Our fellowship groups are running well with each group working in their own way to serve and encourage their members. We have a new group running now and another just starting which is great as we all need fellowship and encouragement in order to grow into mature Christians.

We are extremely grateful to all our fellowship group leaders and our preachers and worship leaders for the time they give us freely to lead and encourage us. Our aim as a team is to encourage all to grow deeper in the faith with the material that we choose to study.

Sue Payne

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.

- - Creche (0 2) & Junior Church (3 11)

From the last AGM to the summer holidays, we had separate Creche and Junior Church groups. However, due to the small teams we had running each group we decided to combine these groups for a trial period from September. Our creche area remains available for parents to use with their young children, while our Junior Church group meets in the Beacon. We also decided to lower the age range of Junior Church to include preschool children.

At Junior Church we are currently looking at different biblical characters and exploring their lives with stories and crafts.

Sarah Lugg, Caroline Burgess, Sue Payne and Pete Kernaghan have all stepped back from our teams during the last year. Thank you all for being part of the team and encouraging and supporting our children in their journey with God.

We welcomed Rich Lovelock to the team this year - thank you.

Team: Alison Bray, Kate Colechin, Nikki Cowley, Zoe Farr, Rich Green, Maria Hill, Rich Lovelock and Jon Lugg.

Sunday Morning Youth (11 16)

Sunday Morning Youth are now meeting in the upstairs room above the Beacon. We continue exploring what it means to be a Christian, to follow Jesus and have a personal relationship with God. Topics we have covered include looking at the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’s miracles and putting our faith into action. The young people have also enjoyed a couple of treasure hunts

around Frampton Cotterell.

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

- Sunday Night Youth (14 18)

Sunday Night Youth meet on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sunday of the month, in the Beacon. Over the last year we have looked at the events following Jesus’s crucifixion, a study of the book of Acts and we are now currently completing the Prayer Course. We have also enjoyed social times together including our summer BBQ, Christmas Party and Pancake Party.

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

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 other young people from across Bristol, worshipping together and listening to God’s word.

3Generate

In October we took 16 young people to 3Generate, the Methodist children and youth camp held at Birmingham NEC.

3Generate is an event for children and young people aged 4- 18 which includes various activities, workshops, and worship sessions designed to help young people explore their faith, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact in their communities.

It was an amazing weekend where our young people were able to encounter God and spend time worshiping with other young people from around the country.

The Nativity

This year’s nativity was a scratch nativity, led by Sharon and Sue Payne. This allowed our children (and some adults) to dress up as their favourite nativity character and enjoy retelling the story of Jesus’s birth with a 12 days of Christmas theme. It was lovely to see members of our community joining with us to celebrate Christmas together.

Our children and youth groups would not run without the amazing volunteers on our teams. So, a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved with our groups during this past year.

We continue to look for additional volunteers for our Sunday Morning teams. 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.

Also as part of this ministry we host stay, play and pray' sessions at Zion for all ages and also Messy Church with Together for Fromeside-please see Pioneer Rache's report for more detail about these.

Jon Lugg

Children’s & Youth Elder

Open the Book Assembly Team – Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath

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

We’ve had a wonderful year taking our Open the Book assemblies into Watermore Primary, Frampton C of E & the Manor schools. This year we started using OTB’s new storytelling material: beginning with the Creation Story, we’ve had Christmas & Easter assemblies, & by the end of the year we’ll have reached The Flood! The stories are still dramatic, interactive & memorable & our prop making has been particularly creative- the highlight of the year being Neil’s origami birds, used on multiple occasions!

Sally has been ‘resting’ this year, but we hope she rejoins us soon. We have, however, been blessed to have Rachel Spence help us out as, in her role of Community Pioneer, she has acquainted herself with the local schools. Rev Sharon has also stepped in to help with the odd emergency when the Team has been blighted by illness! It really is lovely to have members from across T4F churches, to share & support, as well as having lots of fun rehearsing & performing.

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 are actively looking for new members so if you would like to find out more, please have a chat with any of our Team members. Equally, we appreciate your prayers for us & for our schools.

Alison Bray

Open the Book Assembly Team - Winterbourne

Zion: Caroline Burgess, Kate Kernaghan,

St Michaels Winterbourne: Gill James, Pearl & Jeff Conway, Jo Strange, Patrica Love and Tina Evans.

Another year has passed and where has the time gone! We started the academic year (September) with new recruits from Winterbourne St Michaels, which were very welcome and a good sense of unity across “Together for Fromeside” churches.

This year we started using “Open the book” (OTB) new story telling material, beginning with the Creation Story, we’ve had Christmas and Easter assemblies, and by the end of the year we’ll have reached The Flood! The Ark will be a challenging prop to construct!

Adam and Eve naked in the garden of Eden was interesting, with Pearl and myself, dressed in black trousers and tops, with fig leaves cut out of crepe paper and strategically placed.

The feedback we receive from the schools (both pupils and teachers) is very encouraging and makes it all worthwhile, with the children and staff always excited to see us.

In May we have organised some OTB training at Zion for both Winterbourne and Frampton teams along with other OTB teams in the South West area.

As well as looking for new members (especially men) to join both teams, anyone who has a gift for prop making will always be welcome. Please feel free to contact either myself or Alison if you feel led to help out.

We appreciate your continued support and prayers.

Every blessing

Caroline

Zion Prayer Team Report 2025

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

The aim of the Prayer Team is to encourage, support and nurture all of our Zion church family in prayer both corporate and personal. This year we have refreshed the Prayer Corner in the Sanctuary, creating a Prayer Space that is available for use on Sundays and at other times when groups are using the church. (Thanks to Tim for designing the new banner) We encourage all to make use of this space and the resources available which we will continue to develop.

We have been involved in providing alternative opportunities for worship and prayer throughout the year. In the weeks before our Pentecost Service we held Tuesday morning prayers in preparation for this very special time. This has now become an established part of our week at Zion when we meet for an informal time of Prayer. Tuesdays 9.15 to 9.45 in The Beacon, open to all, do come and join us.

Our thanks go to Eric who continues to provide us with a monthly Prayer Diary, an excellent aid to our daily prayer. He is always delighted to receive contributions.

Many thanks to all who are part of the wider network of Prayer at Zion serving on the Prayer Ministry Team and Prayer Chain. Our care for one another is hugely enhanced by this ministry of confidential support which is much appreciated. We give thanks too for the many times in Fellowship Groups and small groups that opportunities are taken to pray together.

We pray that God will enable us all to nurture one another, both through praying together and in our own quiet times, such that we will know his hand of guidance and love on our lives and the life of our Zion Community.

Jane and Wendy

Prayer Chain

Prayer Chain still has the same 6 faithful people - Diane Allen, Jean Bradbeer, Mary Drew, Jean Lowe, Wendy Magee and Kath May. We are used very regularly in fact sometimes more than once per day for small things and bigger things. It doesn't really matter who you ring first because we are always in touch with each other either through WhatsApp or phone. We have had many answers to prayers due to God's amazing grace.

We are here for YOU and please be aware we are VERY CONFIDENTIAL.

Jean Bradbeer

jeanbradbeer@gmail.com

Lunch for Those Working from Home

As a group we meet once a month, in someone’s home, giving those who work at home an opportunity to spend a lunch-hour together. Everyone brings their own food and the host provides the drinks. It’s a very fluid arrangement, with whoever is hosting choosing the date and time, and there is no need to book or to come each month. There is no charge. It’s not a formal meeting, more a chance to chat and enjoy some company. Numbers vary from 2 to 7 and it would be lovely to provide a ‘lunch-break’ for more. If you are interested in joining in do look out for future dates in Zion’s weekly email.

Ithiel and Catherine

Saturday Friends

Our group consists of people who live on our own. We have a small planning group: - Joan Clark, Sonia Taylor, Maureen Williams, Ed Carter and Diane Allen.

Before our group took a break for the summer in August, we had two more events planned. A number of us went to the ‘Farmers Table’ at Tortworth, where we enjoyed a very nice lunch in beautiful surrounding countryside.

Another visit was to Gemma’s farm in Perrinpit Lane to see a very modern farm. Following this enjoyable afternoon, we had a cream tea in the garden on a very sunny day.

Sharon came to meet with our small planning group in September to talk about our outings from Zion. We explained that we use our cars to share lifts for local trips and the Green Community Transport when we go further afield. Some people have used Chauffeur Hire to go on a longer outing. Apparently, we could be held responsible if anyone had a mishap when we arrange trips.

Sharon was very kind and tactful, but she thought we are welcome to meet in the Beacon each month for coffee and a chat, but we could be considered vulnerable if we took a risk.

Obviously, there is nothing stopping a group of us going out for a meal together or privately i.e. through an outing with a coach company. If we are each a member of Green Community Transport, as many of us are, for their trips.

It is possible things might change in future if a couple of us take the CRB checks when we organise outings from Zion.

With Blessings,

Diane Allen

Zion Ladies Circle

Chairman - Gill Underhill Treasurer - Jeanette Gilchrist Planning Committee - Gill Underhill, Jean Bradbeer, Rose Parker, Gill Groves, Jean Stroud, Pat Homer.

We started our meetings on March 27th and continued each month with a varied programme. We now have about 25 members but would welcome any new members to join us once a month on the 4th Wednesday at 7.30 in the Beacon. Our programme tries to accommodate all tastes and ages, serious and light hearted.

The charity this year is Paul's Place. Our first meeting was March 26th 2025.

Gill Underhill

Zion Fellowship Report

Report for Zion Fellowship 2025. Zion Fellowship continues to meet weekly each Monday in The Beacon at 2.30p.m. It is headed up by Wendy Magee, assisted greatly by Nicola Bell, Kim Coles, Peggy Colbourne and Jean Murphy. Currently we have 36 ‘members’ on our books and regularly have around 25 attending, but visitors are warmly welcomed. We have a mix of folk who belong to Zion and those who don’t or live further afield. The aim of the group is predominantly friendship and no two weeks are the same. We generally begin meetings with a prayer and end with a cuppa, but anything goes! The programme can be an ‘in-house’ quiz, puzzles, craft, singing or a Bring and Buy. Another week we may have a variety of speakers or entertainers. This past year we’ve been visited by a Panto Dame, Fireman, local poet, ‘Plant Lady’, Shanty Men and the Male Voice Choir. Over the year we also give to a number of charities. A shared lunch was well received this year, so we aim to hold another soon. This coming August one of our ladies will be 100, so we’ll have a party! Par for the course each week is laughter and warmth. Each year we are hosted in the summer by Bridge House for train rides, plus tea and cake. At Christmas and Easter, we joined forces with the Pastoral Team for services lead by Sharon, with ‘appropriate’ refreshments afterwards.

Wendy Magee

Feeding Fromeside Food Hub - Pantry and Café

The Food Hub has been flourishing this year with a couple of new volunteers and a few more people coming to use the Pantry and/or the Café. Many come to catch up with friends whilst enjoying a small meal or a drink and cake. For some it is a lovely opportunity to get out and have some company whilst for others a visit to the Pantry helps them with their weekly food needs.

We don’t charge for people to come to the Food Hub, encouraging voluntary donations for what is received and it is often those who come just for the café who pay generously. This helps with our running costs along with the donations people give for us to use in the Pantry. (There is a clearly labelled box for donations by Zion Office.) Other community members and groups have held fundraising events for the Food Hub, giving us nearly £1,000, which is amazing and a great encouragement to the Team.

One of our aims is to reduce food waste and we have a weekly subscription with FareShare and also collect close to date items from Co-op in Winterbourne to give out or use in our meals.

Running the Food Hub is only possible with the incredible commitment of our volunteers, who willingly give up their time to give back to others in our community. I end with a huge “Thank you” to each of them.

Sue Charters

Zion United Church Sharin9 the love of Jesus In Frompton CotTer.ell Cealpil ar4 Oeyofftd Church Appointments 2025

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 -

All minutes of meetings should be distributed to team members by the team leader/notetaker and copied to the Church Office.
a.Where confidential information is included this should be omitted from the public minutes.
Ensure that the Church Office has an up-to-date list of Team members.
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 (Methodist local preacher), Sue Payne (URC accredited lay preacher), Wendy Magee (URC accredited lay preacher).

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, Rachel Simister, Nick Ruff.

Prayer Team: Jane Crane, Helen Francomb, Rev Sharon Lovelock, Wendy Magee, Sue Porter, Eric Ruff and Tony Thexton.

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

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.

Worship & Teaching Team

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

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

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

Flower Decorations and Church Decorations

Caroline Burgess, Pam Pitt, Jane Crane, Pippa Lloyd, Pam Pitt, Helen Francomb, and Sonia Taylor.

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

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

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

Finance and Property Team

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

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.

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 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 and Junior Church: Alison Bray, Kate Colechin, Nikki Cowley, Zoe Farr, Rich Green, Maria Hill, Rich Lovelock and Jon Lugg.

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

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

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

Winterbourne Assembly Team: Zion: Caroline Burgess,

Kate Kernaghan,

St Michaels Winterbourne: Gill James, Pearl & Jeff Conway, Jo Strange, Patrica Love and Tina Evans.

Safeguarding Team: Sam Blackwell, Sue Charters, Rev Sharon Lovelock, Jon Lugg, James Millar, Claire Partridge (Synod).

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

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: Sarah Rees

Minutes Secretary (Church Meetings): Bill Crane

Weekly Email: Sarah Rees

Authorised Persons for Marriages: Rev Sharon Lovelock, Rev Chris Burley

World Mission Team

Members: Helen Francomb (Chair), Chris Burley, Rev. Sharon Lovelock, Mary Drew( secretary), Nigel Simister, Debbie Millar (Church Treasurer), Helen Crook.

Representatives to other meetings

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

Circuit Representatives:

Rev Sharon Lovelock and Debbie Millar 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

Zion United Church Frampton Cotterell

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31 December 2024

Statement of Financial Activities

	Unrestricted	Restricted		Endowment	Total	Pri
	funds	funds		funds	funds	tota
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies	131,759	27,152		-	158,911	1
Income from charitable activities	13,745	-		-	13,745
Other trading activities	294	-		-	294
Investments	-	-		-	-
Other income	3,432	8,964		-	12,397
Total income	149,230	36,117		-	185,347	1
Expenditure on:
Raising funds	-	-		-	-
Expenditure on charitable activities	126,930	18,982		-	145,912	1
Other expenditure	526	156		-	682
Total expenditure	127,456	19,138		-	146,594	1
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer	21,774	16,979		-	38,753
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in	7,200	7,672	-		14,872	91,526
Gross transfers between funds - out	(7,226)	(7,646)	-		(14,872)	(91,52
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets	-	-		-	-
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use	-	-	-		-	-
Net movement in funds	21,748	17,005		-	38,753
Total funds brought forward	108,061	38,367		-	146,428	1
Total funds carried forward	129,810	55,372		-	185,181	1

Represented by

Unrestricted
General fund	129,747	-	-	129,747	108,062
Designated
Premises	62	-	-	62	(1)
Restricted
Agency collection	-	-	-	-	-
Bequest Fund	-	-	-	-	-
Children & Youth	-	1,003	-	1,003	1,941
Community Pioneer	-	0	-	0	1
Community Pioneer 2	-	41,398	-	41,398	28,024
Food Hub	-	7,605	-	7,605	5,098
Monday Fellowship Group	-	3,945	-	3,945	1,851
Together for Fromeside	-	(0)	-	(0)	30
Weekend away 'Hill House'	-	1,422	-	1,422	1,422
	-	-	-	-	-
					129,810

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code)

Class and nominal code[General] Designated Restricted Endowment Total Last year

Current Asset - Cash At Bank And	In Hand
6501: NatWest current account	117,036	(7,158)	55,461	-	165,340	126,587
6503: CFB deposit account	12,711	7,220	-	-	19,931	19,931
Total	129,747	62	55,461	-	185,271	146,518
Liability - Agency Accounts
6699: Agency collections	-	-	90	-	90	90
Total	-	-	90	-	90	90
Net total assets	129,747	62	55,372	-	185,181	146,428
Represented by
General (Unrestricted)	129,747	-	-	-	129,747	108,062
Designated - Premises	-	62	-	-	62	(1)
Restricted - ChildYouth	-	-	1,003	-	1,003	1,941
Restricted - ComP	-	-	0	-	0	1
Restricted - CP2	-	-	41,398	-	41,398	28,024
Restricted - FHB	-	-	7,605	-	7,605	5,098
Restricted - HillHouse	-	-	1,422	-	1,422	1,422
Restricted - MFG	-	-	3,945	-	3,945	1,851
Restricted - T4F	-	-	(0)	-	(0)	30
Total	129,747	62	55,372	-	185,181	146,428

Fund movement summary

Fund[Opening][Incoming][Outgoing][Transfers] Gains/Losses Journals Closing

	Fund	Opening	ncoming	Outgoing T	ransfers Gains	/Losses Jou	rnals	Closing
ComP
Restricted		1	-	7,446	7,446	-	-	0
	Sub-totals	1	-	7,446	7,446	-	-	0
CP2
Restricted		28,024	25,354	4,534	(7,446)	-	-	41,398
	Sub-totals	28,024	25,354	4,534	(7,446)	-	-	41,398
FHB
Restricted		5,098	6,514	4,008	-	-	-	7,605
	Sub-totals	5,098	6,514	4,008	-	-	-	7,605
MFG
Restricted		1,851	2,450	156	(200)	-	-	3,945
	Sub-totals	1,851	2,450	156	(200)	-	-	3,945
T4F
Restricted		30	438	695	226	-	-	(0)
	Sub-totals	30	438	695	226	-	-	(0)
General
Unrestricted		108,062	149,230	120,519	(7,026)	-	-	129,747
	Sub-totals	108,062	149,230	120,519	(7,026)	-	-	129,747
Premises
Designated		(1)	-	6,937	7,000	-	-	62
	Sub-totals	(1)	-	6,937	7,000	-	-	62
HillHouse
Restricted		1,422	-	-	-	-	-	1,422
	Sub-totals	1,422	-	-	-	-	-	1,422

ChildYouth

Restricted		1,941	1,360	2,298	-	-	-	1,003
	Sub-totals	1,941	1,360	2,298	-	-	-	1,003
	Totals	146,428	185,347	146,594	-	-	-	185,181

Analysis of income and expenditure

					Total	Total
					This	Last
	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	Endowment
					year	year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
0110 - Offertory (via Bank)	72,456	-	-	-	72,456	73,126
0112 - Offertory	6,509	-	-	-	6,509	3,883
1101 - Gift Aid on Offertories	24,705	-	-	-	24,705	14,835
1102 - Sundry Donations	2,567	-	-	-	2,567	1,685
1104 - Bequests	24,063	-	-	-	24,063	1,380
1105 - Together for Fromeside (T4F)	-	-	438	-	438	558
1106 - Appeals and Collections for Other Orgs	1,201	-	-	-	1,201	519
1400 - Donations - Youth & Children	-	-	1,360	-	1,360	2,845
1602 - Hill House Gifts	-	-	-	-	-	-
1800 - CP2 - Grants	-	-	13,689	-	13,689	7,750
1801 - ComP - Donations	-	-	-	-	-	22,076
1810 - CP2 Donations	-	-	11,665	-	11,665	1,000
1901 - Coffee	258	-	-	-	258	-
Donations and legacies Totals	131,759	-	27,152	-	158,911	129,657
Income from charitable activities
1201 - Hall Hire	11,594	-	-	-	11,594	11,196
1205 - Beacon Hire	2,151	-	-	-	2,151	1,351
1601 - 'Hill House'	-	-	-	-	-	-
Income from charitable activities Totals	13,745	-	-	-	13,745	12,547
Other trading activities
2600 - Transform Trade	294	-	-	-	294	-
Other trading activities Totals	294	-	-	-	294	-
Investments
1103 - Bank Interest CFB	-	-	-	-	-	753

Investments Totals	-	-	-	-	-	753
Other income
1503 - Solar Panel Income	3,432	-	-	-	3,432	1,990
1900 - Monday Fellowship Group	-	-	2,450	-	2,450	660
2100 - Grants	-	-	-	-	-	-
2500 - Food Hub	-	-	6,514	-	6,514	4,520
Other income Totals	3,432	-	8,964	-	12,397	7,170
Income and endowments Grand totals	149,230	-	36,117	-	185,347	150,126

EXPENDITURE ON:

Raising funds

Raising funds Totals	-	-	-	-	-	-
Expenditure on charitable activities
2201 - Annual Assessment Methodist	28,367	-	-	-	28,367	27,940
2202 - Annual Assessment URC	7,596	-	-	-	7,596	10,404
2203 - Stipend - Methodist	32,022	-	-	-	32,022	8,097
2302 - Church Insurance	6,899	-	-	-	6,899	5,935
2401 - Church running expenses	7,569	-	-	-	7,569	4,701
2402 - Church Gas	2,532	-	-	-	2,532	2,147
2403 - Church Electricity	1,312	-	-	-	1,312	873
2404 - Telephone & broadband costs	805	-	-	-	805	785
2405 - Office Administrator	10,344	-	-	-	10,344	7,059
2406 - Church Water	876	-	-	-	876	420
2407 - Church Cleaning Services	3,658	-	-	-	3,658	3,076
2408 - Visiting Speakers	-	-	-	-	-	300
2411 - Minister's Expenses	125	-	-	-	125	-
2420 - Coffee	382	-	-	-	382	-
2502 - Hall Gas	1,616	-	-	-	1,616	1,480
2503 - Hall Electricity	1,523	-	-	-	1,523	1,264
2504 - Hall Cleaning Services	-	-	-	-	-	-
2505 - Hall Water	-	-	-	-	-	17
2506 - Hall Insurance	-	-	-	-	-	-

2601 - Junior Church	173	-	-	-	173	248
2602 - Youth & Children	-	-	2,298	-	2,298	1,467
2701 - Evangelism & Outreach	548	-	-	-	548	336
2702 - ConnectZ	-	-	-	-	-	-
2750 - Food Hub	-	-	4,008	-	4,008	5,287
2802 - Training	-	-	-	-	-	673
2803 - World Mission Group	10,928	-	-	-	10,928	13,950
2804 - Minister's Discretionary
	-	-	-	-	-	-
expenses
2811 - Donations - Appeals and Collections	889	-	-	-	889	519
2901 - Bank charges	543	-	-	-	543	532
3001 - Church Property	-	5,677	-	-	5,677	6,861
3002 - Hall Property	-	1,260	-	-	1,260	6,642
3010 - Audio / Visual	1,284	-	-	-	1,284	1,846
4001 - 'Hill House'	-	-	-	-	-	-
4200 - Social Events	-	-	-	-	-	-
4500 - Community Pioneers - Salary	-	-	11,042	-	11,042	13,264
4501 - ComP - Expenditure	-	-	939	-	939	1,269
5000 - Together for Fromeside	-	-	695	-	695	1,664
Expenditure on charitable activities Totals	119,993	6,937	18,982	-	145,912	129,055
Other expenditure
2950 - Monday Fellowship Group	-	-	156	-	156	320
4600 - Transform Trade	526	-	-	-	526	-
Other expenditure Totals	526	-	156	-	682	320
Expenditure Grand totals	120,519	6,937	19,138	-	146,594	129,375

Summary

In my summary for the 2023 accounts, I forecast that Zion Church would be running at a deficit budget for 2024 and the foreseeable future. However, as the figures reported here show, the outcome for 2024 is somewhat different, showing a surplus of income over expenditure of £21774. There are a number of factors behind this:

a. In Jan 2024, the church held a gift day to fundraise primarily for the Community Pioneer 2 Project but also general giving for the church. This saw a number of members either increase their giving or commence some giving for the first time;
b. The church is receipt of a significant bequest from a recently deceased member. This comprised both a lump sum and regular monthly contribution. This is expected to continue throughout 2025 but will stop at the end of this year.
c. The church was able to benefit from gift-aid on this donation as well as significant gift made in support of the CP2 project.
d. The cost of employing a minister again for a full 12 month period was less than originally forecast.

As the figures in the balance sheet show, at the 31 December 2024, the ‘general fund’ (the monies available for day-to-day church running costs) sits at a healthy £129747. Furthermore, if current levels of giving are maintained, I would anticipate that this balance would be sustained throughout 2025. However, looking further into the future, the church will need to make plans to continue to be sustainable when the ‘bequest’ descried at ‘b’ ends at the end of this year.

The gift day held in early 2024 was successful in raising sufficient funds, when combined with the grants promised from both the Bristol and South Gloucestershire Methodist Circuit and the URC Synod to enable the CP2 project to commence. A new community pioneer was appointed and commenced work in July 2024. Assuming current levels of giving supporting this project are maintained this project should be fully funded until it completes its 3 year lifecycle in 2027. The CP2 fund currently sits at £41398 but this is expected to be drawn down throughout the year.

The church accounts also hold the funds of the Monday Fellowship Group. This was boosted this year by a specific bequest. These funds allow the MFG to undertake a wide range of activities. MFG funds currently sit at £3945

Each Thursday, the church operates a ‘Food Hub’ to support the wider community. This is funded by both regular giving from a number of church members as well as donations from those who attend. The current funds of the Food Hub are £7605 who should ensure, based on current activity levels, that the Food hub is a sustainable for the foreseeable future.

To sum up, the church finances are currently in a healthy position and should be able to support the church’s activities for the next 2 years at least. However, as stated earlier this is largely the result of a significant bequest. Looking to the future, finances, both by way of income and expenditure will need to be continually reviewed to ensure long term sustainability.

This report dated: 31 Mar 2025

Treasure – Zion United Church

Thls report dated: 31st March 2024 Report to Ihe members of Zlon Unlled Church for the year ended 31 # December 2024 I report to members on my examination of the accounts sel out on pages I to 8. The Edefs act as Trvstees and are responsible fcK Ihe Fxeparation of the accounts. I rewl in respect of my examination of the accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charites Act 3)1 i ("the Act") and in carrying out my examinotion. I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section l 45{5) {b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confinn ttt no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to bdieve that in. any material respect: acccxjnting records were not kept in accordance with section l > of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting rec(xds ' I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection wilh Ihe examination to which attention should be dr(Jwn in order to enable a Fxoper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: This repcKt was signed on: .............. Zorf A K Green- Independent Chartered Accountant 74 Longford, Yate, South Gloucestershire. BS37 4JW

Zion United Church Frampton Cotterell

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31 December 2024

Statement of Financial Activities

	Unrestricted	Restricted		Endowment	Total	Pri
	funds	funds		funds	funds	tota
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies	131,759	27,152		-	158,911	1
Income from charitable activities	13,745	-		-	13,745
Other trading activities	294	-		-	294
Investments	-	-		-	-
Other income	3,432	8,964		-	12,397
Total income	149,230	36,117		-	185,347	1
Expenditure on:
Raising funds	-	-		-	-
Expenditure on charitable activities	126,930	18,982		-	145,912	1
Other expenditure	526	156		-	682
Total expenditure	127,456	19,138		-	146,594	1
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer	21,774	16,979		-	38,753
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in	7,200	7,672	-		14,872	91,526
Gross transfers between funds - out	(7,226)	(7,646)	-		(14,872)	(91,52
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets	-	-		-	-
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use	-	-	-		-	-
Net movement in funds	21,748	17,005		-	38,753
Total funds brought forward	108,061	38,367		-	146,428	1
Total funds carried forward	129,810	55,372		-	185,181	1

Represented by

Unrestricted
General fund	129,747	-	-	129,747	108,062
Designated
Premises	62	-	-	62	(1)
Restricted
Agency collection	-	-	-	-	-
Bequest Fund	-	-	-	-	-
Children & Youth	-	1,003	-	1,003	1,941
Community Pioneer	-	0	-	0	1
Community Pioneer 2	-	41,398	-	41,398	28,024
Food Hub	-	7,605	-	7,605	5,098
Monday Fellowship Group	-	3,945	-	3,945	1,851
Together for Fromeside	-	(0)	-	(0)	30
Weekend away 'Hill House'	-	1,422	-	1,422	1,422
	-	-	-	-	-
					129,810

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code)

Class and nominal code[General] Designated Restricted Endowment Total Last year

Current Asset - Cash At Bank And	In Hand
6501: NatWest current account	117,036	(7,158)	55,461	-	165,340	126,587
6503: CFB deposit account	12,711	7,220	-	-	19,931	19,931
Total	129,747	62	55,461	-	185,271	146,518
Liability - Agency Accounts
6699: Agency collections	-	-	90	-	90	90
Total	-	-	90	-	90	90
Net total assets	129,747	62	55,372	-	185,181	146,428
Represented by
General (Unrestricted)	129,747	-	-	-	129,747	108,062
Designated - Premises	-	62	-	-	62	(1)
Restricted - ChildYouth	-	-	1,003	-	1,003	1,941
Restricted - ComP	-	-	0	-	0	1
Restricted - CP2	-	-	41,398	-	41,398	28,024
Restricted - FHB	-	-	7,605	-	7,605	5,098
Restricted - HillHouse	-	-	1,422	-	1,422	1,422
Restricted - MFG	-	-	3,945	-	3,945	1,851
Restricted - T4F	-	-	(0)	-	(0)	30
Total	129,747	62	55,372	-	185,181	146,428

Fund movement summary

Fund[Opening][Incoming][Outgoing][Transfers] Gains/Losses Journals Closing

	Fund	Opening	ncoming	Outgoing T	ransfers Gains	/Losses Jou	rnals	Closing
ComP
Restricted		1	-	7,446	7,446	-	-	0
	Sub-totals	1	-	7,446	7,446	-	-	0
CP2
Restricted		28,024	25,354	4,534	(7,446)	-	-	41,398
	Sub-totals	28,024	25,354	4,534	(7,446)	-	-	41,398
FHB
Restricted		5,098	6,514	4,008	-	-	-	7,605
	Sub-totals	5,098	6,514	4,008	-	-	-	7,605
MFG
Restricted		1,851	2,450	156	(200)	-	-	3,945
	Sub-totals	1,851	2,450	156	(200)	-	-	3,945
T4F
Restricted		30	438	695	226	-	-	(0)
	Sub-totals	30	438	695	226	-	-	(0)
General
Unrestricted		108,062	149,230	120,519	(7,026)	-	-	129,747
	Sub-totals	108,062	149,230	120,519	(7,026)	-	-	129,747
Premises
Designated		(1)	-	6,937	7,000	-	-	62
	Sub-totals	(1)	-	6,937	7,000	-	-	62
HillHouse
Restricted		1,422	-	-	-	-	-	1,422
	Sub-totals	1,422	-	-	-	-	-	1,422

ChildYouth

Restricted		1,941	1,360	2,298	-	-	-	1,003
	Sub-totals	1,941	1,360	2,298	-	-	-	1,003
	Totals	146,428	185,347	146,594	-	-	-	185,181

Analysis of income and expenditure

					Total	Total
					This	Last
	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	Endowment
					year	year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
0110 - Offertory (via Bank)	72,456	-	-	-	72,456	73,126
0112 - Offertory	6,509	-	-	-	6,509	3,883
1101 - Gift Aid on Offertories	24,705	-	-	-	24,705	14,835
1102 - Sundry Donations	2,567	-	-	-	2,567	1,685
1104 - Bequests	24,063	-	-	-	24,063	1,380
1105 - Together for Fromeside (T4F)	-	-	438	-	438	558
1106 - Appeals and Collections for Other Orgs	1,201	-	-	-	1,201	519
1400 - Donations - Youth & Children	-	-	1,360	-	1,360	2,845
1602 - Hill House Gifts	-	-	-	-	-	-
1800 - CP2 - Grants	-	-	13,689	-	13,689	7,750
1801 - ComP - Donations	-	-	-	-	-	22,076
1810 - CP2 Donations	-	-	11,665	-	11,665	1,000
1901 - Coffee	258	-	-	-	258	-
Donations and legacies Totals	131,759	-	27,152	-	158,911	129,657
Income from charitable activities
1201 - Hall Hire	11,594	-	-	-	11,594	11,196
1205 - Beacon Hire	2,151	-	-	-	2,151	1,351
1601 - 'Hill House'	-	-	-	-	-	-
Income from charitable activities Totals	13,745	-	-	-	13,745	12,547
Other trading activities
2600 - Transform Trade	294	-	-	-	294	-
Other trading activities Totals	294	-	-	-	294	-
Investments
1103 - Bank Interest CFB	-	-	-	-	-	753

Investments Totals	-	-	-	-	-	753
Other income
1503 - Solar Panel Income	3,432	-	-	-	3,432	1,990
1900 - Monday Fellowship Group	-	-	2,450	-	2,450	660
2100 - Grants	-	-	-	-	-	-
2500 - Food Hub	-	-	6,514	-	6,514	4,520
Other income Totals	3,432	-	8,964	-	12,397	7,170
Income and endowments Grand totals	149,230	-	36,117	-	185,347	150,126

EXPENDITURE ON:

Raising funds

Raising funds Totals	-	-	-	-	-	-
Expenditure on charitable activities
2201 - Annual Assessment Methodist	28,367	-	-	-	28,367	27,940
2202 - Annual Assessment URC	7,596	-	-	-	7,596	10,404
2203 - Stipend - Methodist	32,022	-	-	-	32,022	8,097
2302 - Church Insurance	6,899	-	-	-	6,899	5,935
2401 - Church running expenses	7,569	-	-	-	7,569	4,701
2402 - Church Gas	2,532	-	-	-	2,532	2,147
2403 - Church Electricity	1,312	-	-	-	1,312	873
2404 - Telephone & broadband costs	805	-	-	-	805	785
2405 - Office Administrator	10,344	-	-	-	10,344	7,059
2406 - Church Water	876	-	-	-	876	420
2407 - Church Cleaning Services	3,658	-	-	-	3,658	3,076
2408 - Visiting Speakers	-	-	-	-	-	300
2411 - Minister's Expenses	125	-	-	-	125	-
2420 - Coffee	382	-	-	-	382	-
2502 - Hall Gas	1,616	-	-	-	1,616	1,480
2503 - Hall Electricity	1,523	-	-	-	1,523	1,264
2504 - Hall Cleaning Services	-	-	-	-	-	-
2505 - Hall Water	-	-	-	-	-	17
2506 - Hall Insurance	-	-	-	-	-	-

2601 - Junior Church	173	-	-	-	173	248
2602 - Youth & Children	-	-	2,298	-	2,298	1,467
2701 - Evangelism & Outreach	548	-	-	-	548	336
2702 - ConnectZ	-	-	-	-	-	-
2750 - Food Hub	-	-	4,008	-	4,008	5,287
2802 - Training	-	-	-	-	-	673
2803 - World Mission Group	10,928	-	-	-	10,928	13,950
2804 - Minister's Discretionary
	-	-	-	-	-	-
expenses
2811 - Donations - Appeals and Collections	889	-	-	-	889	519
2901 - Bank charges	543	-	-	-	543	532
3001 - Church Property	-	5,677	-	-	5,677	6,861
3002 - Hall Property	-	1,260	-	-	1,260	6,642
3010 - Audio / Visual	1,284	-	-	-	1,284	1,846
4001 - 'Hill House'	-	-	-	-	-	-
4200 - Social Events	-	-	-	-	-	-
4500 - Community Pioneers - Salary	-	-	11,042	-	11,042	13,264
4501 - ComP - Expenditure	-	-	939	-	939	1,269
5000 - Together for Fromeside	-	-	695	-	695	1,664
Expenditure on charitable activities Totals	119,993	6,937	18,982	-	145,912	129,055
Other expenditure
2950 - Monday Fellowship Group	-	-	156	-	156	320
4600 - Transform Trade	526	-	-	-	526	-
Other expenditure Totals	526	-	156	-	682	320
Expenditure Grand totals	120,519	6,937	19,138	-	146,594	129,375

Summary

a. In Jan 2024, the church held a gift day to fundraise primarily for the Community Pioneer 2 Project but also general giving for the church. This saw a number of members either increase their giving or commence some giving for the first time;
b. The church is receipt of a significant bequest from a recently deceased member. This comprised both a lump sum and regular monthly contribution. This is expected to continue throughout 2025 but will stop at the end of this year.
c. The church was able to benefit from gift-aid on this donation as well as significant gift made in support of the CP2 project.
d. The cost of employing a minister again for a full 12 month period was less than originally forecast.

This report dated: 31 Mar 2025

Treasure – Zion United Church

Annual Report 2025

Zion United Church

CONTENTS

Pastoral Statistics

The Elder's meeting members and Trustees are as follows:

Elders:

Treasurer

Church Secretary

Minister

Minister’s Report Zion AGM 2025

Best story/outcome

Key markers on the pathway

Sharon

Secretary’s Report

Safeguarding Report

Church Administrator Report

Sarah

Pioneer Report

Pastoral Care Team Report 2024-25

© Paul Field

Lord, bring hope

Lord, have mercy

Lord, bring peace.

Nick Ruff

Property Team

Colin Reed

World Mission Group Report

Helen Francomb

Worship and Teaching Team report

Children and Young People Report

- - Creche (0 2) & Junior Church (3 11)

around Frampton Cotterell.

- Sunday Night Youth (14 18)

The Mix

3Generate

The Nativity

Jon Lugg

Open the Book Assembly Team – Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath

Alison Bray

Open the Book Assembly Team - Winterbourne

Zion Prayer Team Report 2025

Prayer Chain

Jean Bradbeer

jeanbradbeer@gmail.com

Lunch for Those Working from Home

Ithiel and Catherine

Saturday Friends

Diane Allen

Zion Ladies Circle

Gill Underhill

Zion Fellowship Report

Wendy Magee

Feeding Fromeside Food Hub - Pantry and Café

Sue Charters

Church Appointments

Notes -

Accredited Worship Leaders Jane Crane, James Taylor

Pastoral Care Team

Terms of Reference -

1. Pastoral care.

2. Prayer Ministry

3. Prayer Cells

4. Host Teams

Worship & Teaching Team

Flower Decorations and Church Decorations

Membership -

Terms of Reference - Objectives :

Function:

Finance and Property Team

Frequency of Meetings - Quarterly

Terms of Reference for Property:

Youth & Children’s Work Team

Winterbourne Assembly Team: Zion: Caroline Burgess,

Youth & Children’s Work Membership and Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference -

Administration Team

World Mission Team

Representatives to other meetings

Circuit Representatives: