THE PARISH CHURCH OF
ST JOHN THE DIVINE HOLME IN CLIVIGER ANNUAL REPORT
&
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2024
Incumbent: Currently Vacant
Church Bank: Lloyds Bank PLC Manchester Rd Burnley Independent Examiner: John Fallows Accountants Ltd, Certified Practising Accountants, FM House, Bentley Wood Way, Hapton, Burnley, BB11 5ST
ST JOHN THE DIVINE HOLME-IN-CLIVIGER. ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Background: The Parochial Church Council has the responsibility with the incumbent, for the promotion of the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelical, ecumenical, and social, within the ecclesiastical parish.
Membership: Members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) are either exofficio or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the current Church Representation Rules.
During the year the following have served as members of the PCC:
Incumbent : In Vacancy.
Churchwarden: Julie Cambridge.
Deanery Synod Members: Julie Cambridge, Amanda Cattell
Elected Members : Marie-Louise Nixon (assistant secretary), Les Pickles, Paul Holding (Vice-Chair of Governors), Joan Lamb (treasurer), Matthew Pickles, Ruth Pickles, Ivor Emo, Jenny Jackson, Janet Fedden (PCC Secretary & Gift Aid Secretary).
Due to the revision of the new Electoral Roll, we now have too many elected members so there are no re-elections this year which means that Paul Holding and Ruth Pickles have not been re-elected, and Janet Fedden has said that she wants to take a break from the PCC and her role of Secretary but will still be Gift Aid Secretary.
ALM: Amanda Cattell, Julie Cambridge
The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law and consists of the Chairman, Churchwarden, Secretary, Treasurer and 1 Lay Person.
PCC Report
Being without an incumbent has meant that the churchwarden along with the help of the PCC has been busy trying to get cover during the year organizing for regular services along with baptisms and funerals and making sure that the church has been kept in good repair.
Most of the Sunday services were covered by Canon Neil Barnes up until July when he became ill and then cover has been from Rev Stephen Large, Rev Paul Benfield and Rev Richard Oakley amongst others.
The mid-week service continues to be held, with varying numbers but on the whole numbers are generally increasing, and Rev Stephen Large and Rev Paul Benfield cover them.
We were successful in our bid for funding for a new organ from Scottish Power, meaning that the old organ was removed from the balcony and the new one placed in the chancel.
Several fundraising events took place, Scarlett Stride the Christmas Fair, and we hired out Church House for Thieveley Fell Race and we had a concert for the dedication of the new organ called Hymns with Pimm’s which was popular in September and Nigel held a concert in December.
The Building and Churchyard.
Sincere thanks go to Matthew Pickles, Stephen & Rosana Jackson and the team who help to maintain the church yard. We also thank the people who clean and keep the church tidy throughout the year.
Church Services
Our Harvest Thanksgiving Service was held in October and Remembrance Day Service in November. Both services were well attended and supported by the Guides and Brownies.
We held the Nine Lessons and Carols Service on the Sunday just before Christmas and we had a combined Eucharist and Posada on Christmas Eve both taken by Canon Neil Barnes.
Amanda has continued with her children’s ministry and her report is to be found further on.
Church attendance
The Electoral Roll has been completely revised as a new one needs to be compiled every six years. We now have 32 people recorded on the Electoral Roll, including some of whom reside outside of the parish. The average weekly attendance for services on Sunday is 15, and for the service on a Wednesday evening, it is 5.
TREASURER’S REPORT
APCM 28[th] May 2025
The Balance in the Current account as at the end of 2024 was £8,232.92 and, in the Building, and Graveyard account £24,892.11. Our current balances are: - Current Account £1,321.94 and in the Building and Graveyard account £24,993.13.
The large drop in the current account balance is due to the price of oil having risen. We have spent over £3,000 on oil, just under £1,000 on the Quinquennial review which we had this year. To date we have sent £6,450 to the Diocese as our Parish Share. This is greatly reduced as we no longer have to pay for a full-time vicar and we are being reimbursed for any payment we make to visiting clergy, most of who decline the travel expenses they are entitled to claim. Other monthly expenses are Electricity and the Insurance Premium for Church and Church House, which total just over £350.
Our regular monthly income from the Parish Giving Scheme is £395.47 plus refund of tax £83.87, and £194 from Standing Orders. Weekly offerings on the plate are around £20, bearing in mind most people attending church give through either the Parish Giving Scheme or have raised Standing orders through the bank. Some people who no longer attend church for whatever reason, very kindly push money through my door occasionally or give through the Parish Giving Scheme or have raised Monthly Standing Orders. £153 comes in each month from the Lottery, and we are most grateful to Pat and Andrew Shephard for managing this fundraiser. Other income is received from Funerals, Weddings and collections from Baptisms. We are also most grateful to everyone who contribute to our funds, in whatever way.
Sadly, the numbers attending church are at an all-time low. An average Sunday morning congregation is around 15 which includes the Churchwarden, choir and organist. This affects what we do as a church community regarding social and fundraising events. We did have a very successful Christmas Fair last year thanks to Amanda and a team of helpers. Their efforts were very much appreciated. Our thanks also go to Mrs. Healey and the School Staff, Choir and parents for supporting this event.
Church Life
Church life has effectively plateaued, not growing with regular new members, due mostly to not having a priest to work with on the everyday running of things. Many thanks to the people who give their time freely and gladly to ensure this, many of whom work behind the scenes. The Churchwarden and the PCC wish to record their thanks for all their efforts to: -
Nigel Wilkinson and Matthew Murray provided music for Sunday Services.
Miriam Shorrock and Winifred Rogers for arranging the flowers each week and decorating our church so beautifully and relevantly on special occasions.
Stephen and Rosanna Jackson and Matthew Pickles for keeping our graveyard looking bright and cheerful.
Jenny Jackson, Miriam Shorrock and Michelle Robson provide us with teas and coffees, biscuits and cake as we enjoy fellowship after the Sunday Service, and for always serving us with a smile.
Amanda Cattell, our newly appointed ALM for developing Fresh Expressions and leading the Children’s Ministry Team.
Julie Cambridge who is the ALM for Administration at present and once we get a priest will expand to using her other ALM’s in Pastoral Care and Later Life Ministry.
And thanks also to our church school for holding important services in church: their Harvest and Christmas services which were led by Mrs. Healey; Easter by Rev Sam Cheesman and the Final service for Year 6 along with awards led by Mrs. Healey.
We would like to thank the Area Dean, Rev Munawar Din who has been a big help to us now that we are in vacancy and other clergy who have helped us out by taking services: - Rev Stephen Large, Rev Paul Benfield, to name but a few and not forgetting Canon Neil Barnes.
Deanery Synod Report for APCM 28[th] May 2025
Triennial elections for the Diocesan Synod were held in June 2024, when 4 clergy and 5 lay members from the Deanery were elected to the Diocesan Synod.
There were 2 meetings of the Deanery Synod held in 2024, the first being held on 24th May. In his report the Area Dean, Rev. Munawar Din, announced that the Revd Dr Joseph Kennedy, Bishop of Burnley Elect, would be instituted at York Minster in July. He also announced several other Diocesan and Deanery appointments, including that Paul Hannah from St Stevens had been elected to the General Synod. Two new benefices have been created in the Deanery, the Benefice of Holme in Cliviger, St John and the United Benefice of Briercliffe St James and Worsthorne St John. He also said that the SMMI (Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment) application had been discussed at the National Board and returned for further work to be done in several areas. He concluded by saying that plans were in hand to celebrate the Centenary of the Diocese in 2026.
Speaker at the meeting was Anna Walker, Director of Whalley Abbey, who spoke about the history of the Abbey and the work currently carried out there.
At the second meeting the speaker was Christy Sawyer, who spoke about "Joyful, Generous Giving", explaining that this is not just about fundraising, but as a ministry in the church. She also talked about the upcoming "Joyful, Generous Giving" roadshows, one of which was held in Burnley.
The Area Dean announced that the Rev Andrew Holmes has been appointed Assistant Area Dean. He then reported that the SMMI application had been approved and that Accrington and Burnley Deaneries are an area of high priority for investment and includes provision for an Intercultural Minister (now appointed) for St Luke, Brierfield and St Cuthberts, Burnley. Sadly, the benefices of Holme-in-Cliviger, St John and that of Briercliffe, St James and Worsthorne, St John continue in vacancy, despite 3 advertisements for the post. In July the
Diocese was visited by Bishop Leo Rodrick, Bishop of Multan in Central Pakistan and Bishop Philip's Harvest Appeal will go towards a literacy programme in Multan. The Area Dean announced that he will be visiting Multan shortly. He concluded by saying that 2025 is to be a Year of Prayer and Renewal for the Diocese.
Rev. Munawar Din resigned as Area Dean in December to concentrate on supporting the new Inter-cultural Minister.
Children’s Ministry Report for APCM 28[th] May 2025.
Since the last APCM Ministry to children was active up until January 2025 when health issues caused a temporary halt. So, this report covers the period May 2024 to January 2025.
Children’s Church met weekly on a Thursday and had an average attendance of 4 children and 2 adults.
FUN Church met monthly on a Thursday and had an average attendance of 9 children.
Media Church met monthly on a Friday and had an average attendance of 6.
There have been two major festivals for children during the year:
‘Jesus’ Birthday Party’ attended by 7 children.
The Christingle Service was attended by 3 children and 9 adults.
Thanks go to the Children’s Ministry team who have worked hard to make this possible: Michelle Robson, Jenny Jackson, Marie-Louise Nixon, Kevin Cattell and Paula Waddington.
Amanda Cattell (Authorised Lay Minister for Children’s Ministry)
Health and Safety
We have a Safeguarding policy and regular checks being made in accordance with the insurance company requirements for the Health and Safety regulations.
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INDF.PF.NDEpif EXAMINERS REPORTTO THE PC OF ST. JOHN THE DIVIN HOLME-INQLIVIGER This on the accouns of the PCC for ihe year efKled 31" Decernber, 2024. i5 in respect of an exdminaiion carried oui under RegulaOn 3(3) of the Church Accoun(iDg ReId0[S 1997 aDJ s43 of Ihe Chan'ties Act 1993. Respectfve Trsponsllmllths of and examiner. As ihe members of the PCC you are rpyjnslble for the preparaiion of the a(U15. you consider thai the audit Tequirement ol the ReBulation 3(3) of the Church Accounllng Regiiladons 1997 aThl sOn 4M2) of the Chariiles Aci 1993 (the Act) do nol apply. 11 is my nsponsibility issue thls repon on those accY)unES in accordance with the leS of Regulaoll 25 of the Chw'ch Accounung Regulauoos 1997 and RegulatioEb 7 01 the Chaiilies (Accounts and Rewwts) Regulati(M]$ 1995. Bas18 of Independenl exaer.* reporL My examlnatlon was canled oui th accolllarKe wlth the General DI]0n5 wven by the Chartry Commission ler se(1ion 43(7Nh) of ihe Act and to be fourbd In the guidance fmm CBF, That exatninthon includes a revkew of the aCclntIng records kw by PCC and a comparison of Ihe accoun(s wlth Ilx)se records. li also includes considering any unusual iiem5 or di5closure5 In the accounts and 5eekin8 explanaiion5 from Y[ a5 In151ee5 concernln8 any such matters. The prcKedures undellaken do not provide all the evidenct that would be required in an audli, arKI consequenily I do express an a1 oplnlon on the vlew gthven by the accounr& lthdepetht examiner'8 statenl In conneCri( with my eumiT4ltion. tnalter ha5 come to my attentlon: (i) whlch gives me reasonable cause io Ixblieyr that in any malerial re4Jea the requirements 10 keep accounting records in accordaKe with section 41 of the A¢ aNI to pryare accounts whlch acrord wlth the accounting records and 10 cotnply with the requirements of the Acl, as also conIned in the Church A(rouniin8 ReRulaiions 1997 have rKK Ixen mit or (2) whlch in my op1n1o auentioa should be drawD in order to etthle a pmper understsnding f the actounts to be reached. John Fallows AccouDT4nts Office B6, L(dge House, Cow Lane. Bumley. BBII INN
YEAR END 31st DECEMBER, 2024 – CURRENT ACCOUNT.
INCOME.
| Collections: Cash Parish Giving Scheme Gift Aid Gift Aid Tax claim Fundraising Activities Lottery Christmas Fair Fees – Weddings/Funerals etc Graveyard Building Repairs/Maintenance Charitable Income Dividends Donations General Fund: Year’s Income) Carry Forward from 2024 EXPENSES Fees Stipends (Parish Share) Vicar expenses Vicarage expenses Altar and Church Requisites Insurances Oil Water Electricity Charities Building Maintenance Graveyard Expenses General Fund |
£ 3,523.49 1.820.15 4,727.09 4,364.00 2,051.48 1,687.00 2.330.00 6,262.00 - 151.60 - 701.62 911.50 544.16 29,074.09 13,603.23 £42,677.32 ======== 5,356.00 16,142.00 50.70 149.77 85.81 3,448.70 5,699.96 511.60 933.17 - 670.64 40.00 1,356.05 £34,444.40 ======== |
|---|---|
Current a/c Balance to Carry Forward: £8,232.92 ========
YEAR END 31[ST] DECEMBER, 2024 – BUILDING ACCOUNT
INCOME
| Interest received during year | 323.93 |
|---|---|
| Grant – Scottish Power – Organ | 10,000.00 |
| Donation – restricted to Graveyard | 368.25 |
| 10,692.18 | |
| Carry forward from 2023 |
28,202.58 |
| £38,894.76 | |
| ======== | |
| **EXPENSES ** | |
| Stonebrook Landscapes |
1,800.00 Clearing Graveyard rubbish |
| Chairs for New room | 702.65 Chairs for new room |
| A. Bogden |
11,250.00 New organ |
| Delivery charge for above | 200.00 |
| Burnley Hire Company | ___50.00Removal of old organ |
| £14,002.65 | |
| ======= |
Balance to carry forward £24,892.11 ========
Graveyard £2,759.64 (restricted) Legacy unrestricted £14,517.49 (unrestricted) Grants for New Room £7,614 98 (restricted) £24,892.11 ========
TOTAL YEAR-END BALANCES.
CURRANT ACCOUNT: £8,232,92 BUILDING ACCOUNT: £24,892.11 ___ TOTAL: = £33,125.03 =========