2023-11-30-accounts - Inglewhite Congregational Church

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Annual Report:

Inglewhite Congregatonal Church 2023

Reference and administratve details of the charity, its trustees and advisors

Charity No. 1158000

Charity Name & Address

Inglewhite Congregational Church, Silk Mill Lane, Inglewhite, Preston PR3 2LP (The Church is part of the Congregational Federation)

Charity Trustees

Trustees

The Holding Trustees are the Congregational Federation Limited of 4 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AS (registered charity number 267469)

The managing trustees are the Minister and deacons who report to the Church Meeting.

Bankers

Our current account and deposit account are held by HSBC

Auditors

Towers & Gornall Chartered Certified Accountants Abacus House The Ropewalk Garstang Preston PR3 1NS

Day to Day Management

Day to day management of the charity is delegated to the Minister in conjunction with the deacons and Church officers. At 31[st] December 2023, this team consisted of:

Minister: Paul Davies

Secretary: Vacant

Administrator: Louise Clark

Deacons: Stephen Hardman, Lisa Talbot, Stuart Holden, Lesley Hardman, Helen Lockley and Mark Andrews

Treasurer: Bill Hardman

2. Structure, governance and management

Governing Consttuton

The declaration of the trust adopted by the Congregational Federation Limited on 13[th] June 2009, adopted by the Church from 23 October 2010.

Risk Management Assessment

In common with all other organisations, the Church is potentially at risk from a number of sources. The trustees are responsible, on behalf of the Church, with the advice of the Health and Safety Team, for ensuring that these risks are managed so as not to expose the Church to undue risk and that the Church is in a position to correctly deal with any situation that may arise. Risks have been assessed and mitigated. Examples of areas that are kept under review include:

Financial Strategy

Ensuring that we have sufficient reserves to meet expenditure and that income levels are maintained. Regular management accounts are supplied to the Church and deacon meetings.

Internal Financial Controls

Expenditure is reported against budget and monies received. Bank statements are reconciled monthly. Cash is banked promptly.

Budget Authority

The Church meeting sets agreed budgets for each financial year and Church groups have authority to work within these budgets. Any expenditure outside the budget must be brought before the treasurer and deacons for agreement.

Accountng Period

The accounting period is 12 months, December – November. The previous accounting period was the 12 months ending 30[th] November 2023.

Data and Copyright Protecton

Ensuring that we comply with all current regulations.

Employment Regulatons

Ensuring that current regulations are complied with and contracts are honoured.

Insurance

Insurance levels are reviewed annually.

Property

Buildings are managed and maintained through the maintenance team.

Child Abuse

A policy is in force for the protection of children in the care of the church and its volunteers which is overseen by the child protection team. The Child Protection Officers are appointed by the church meeting and are responsible to advise on the policy and be a point of contact for any issues arising.

Membership of External Bodies

The Church subscribes to the Evangelical Alliance and to the EA Basis of Faith Statement.

Trustee Appointment

Any person on the Church membership may stand for election to the leadership team, having been proposed and seconded by other members according to the rules of faith and practice of the Church. Currently there are up to 9 who serve as leaders where they serve as both a managing trustee and a Church leader for a period of 3 years. The minister is an ex-officio member of this group. Elections take place at the Annual General Meeting. Please see appendix 1 for thoughts on being a leader to help you consider people to nominate.

3. Objectves and actvites

Vision

To be a Church that walks alongside one another and the wider community to make the love of God known to all.

Strap line (aim): Sharing Jesus with neighbours and nations

Values: Deuteronomy 5:33 Walk in the way that the Lord your God has commanded you

W – Worship and Word

A – All involved

L – Loving relationships, Learning together

K – Kingdom mentality

Explanaton

W – We value worship which seeks to honour God and place Jesus at the centre of our community whilst reflecting the multi-generational nature of the Church.

We value the truth of God’s Word in the Bible and hold our beliefs as helpfully reflected in the creed we have adopted as a Church.

A – We value All being involved, the ministry and contribution of every member, believing all have gifts to bring for the wider good.

L – We value Learning and growing together, depending upon the Bible and the work of the Holy Spirit.

We value Loving Relationships; the Church at Inglewhite has a loving, caring soul which is reflected in a strength of relationship and an acceptance of one another which makes all who come feel welcome.

K – We value having a Kingdom mentality, expecting God’s Church to grow as it serves the community around. Looking to spread Christ’s influence whether in the workplace, study environment, at home or in Church based activities through evangelism and other demonstrations of our faith. This is also reflected in our concern and support for the wider ministry of God through other local Churches and mission agencies.

Applicaton

Membership review

We at present have 111 members and many more who are regular attenders.

Other Church Reports

Finance Annual Report 2023

2023 from a financial point of view has been an interesting year. As you can see from the attached figures, combined Offerings and Mission Income were £109491, which is £5097 up on the previous year. Thank you all for your generous giving. The majority of Income now comes in by standing order or internet banking which really saves time. We have recently purchased a card reader for immediate bank transfers and this is being well used but still the preferred income stream would be by internet banking if possible. The card reader has a transaction charge of 1.69% and is more difficult to trace for Gift Aid. The Gift Aid Refund this year was £18454 so thank you again to everybody for using the Gift Aid Scheme. Interest rate hikes have boosted investment income and Chapel House and Willow Cottage were both fully occupied, optimising rental income. Coffee Stop, Toddlers , Pizza Pals, CBNOS and various trips and events contributed to a Total income for 2023 of £158336.

The £27194 Legacy from Betty Thackeray has been spent on significantly repairing and upgrading our facilities. The unexpected collapsing of the hall floor was the biggest single repair. Redecorating the hall and repainting the outside of the whole building, upgrading much of the lighting, resurfacing carparks, replacing 29 of the window panes in Church, replacing the kitchen cooker, repairs to the steps leading out of the kitchen and the rear door and new chairs in both the youth room and Hall all contributed to the £37574 spent on repairs and renewals. Increased use of our building and inflationary price rises led to increased spending on electricity, fuel and water. Incredibly generous responses to Mission causes (particularly IAT and their continual aid efforts in the Ukraine, Christian Rebuild and their rapid response to aid relief in Syria after the February earthquake and Wyresdale Childrens Homes) led to an incredible mission giving total of £50803 to 21 different causes. Overall expenditure was £180963 resulting in an end of year deficit of £22627 against a planned deficit of £24000.

Also attached to the accounts is the budget for 2024 to be agreed at the AGM. Mark Andrews, Paul Davies, Andy Wright, Andy McKinnell and Bill Hardman have worked through the figures and produced a balanced budget which has been accepted by the deacons.

For those who are responsible for budgets within the Church we ask again that you confirm with the finance team any individual spending over £250 to allow us to plan cash flow efficiently.

The Deacons have recommended a salary increase for our Pastor and Administrator of 5% which needs to be agreed at the AGM.

Thank you once again to everyone who supports the work at Inglewhite so generously. We believe God has really blessed our positive at ude to giving over the years and are in a great financial position to see God’s work continue to grow here at Inglewhite, and also support Mission. If you have any queries or require any clarification on either the accounts or future budget then please don’t hesitate to ask any one of the Finance Committee before the AGM and we will do our best to help. Bill Hardman

INCOME	2018/19 Actual	2019/20 Actual	2020/21 Actual	2021/22 Actual	2022/23 Actual	2023/24 Budget
Offerings/Gift Aids Gift Aid Refund Use of Hall/Weddings etc Sundry Income Legacy Rent Mission Income Traidcraft Interest/Investment Income	70845 16776 2203 7424 0 6700 3815 829 908	83849 17182 4554 2967 0 13681 14001 564 1275	65704 14971 2540 3153 0 15600 21142 408 696	69545 17497 3708 7139 27194 15600 34849 715 760	71917 18454 3036 9753 0 15760 37574 73 1769	74000 20000 3000 10000 0 13000 20000 0 2000
Total	109500	138073	124214	177007	158336	142000

EXPENDITURE	2018/19 Actual	2019/20 Actual	2020/21 Actual	2021/22 Actual	2022/23 Actual	2023/24 Budget
Salary/Pension/ NI cont. Mission Gifts Repairs/Renewals Heat/ Light/ Fuel/Water Telephone Council Tax Stationary/Books etc. Gardening/Cleaning Preaching/Trav. Exp Affiliation Fees Pastoral Expenses Insurance Youthwork Training Worship Group/ Tech Supp. Traidcraft Hospitality Sundry	37408 28333 9980 5236 860 1645 3096 3933 1165 2155 1382 1612 5183 319 1099 744 3429 1046	46338 44911 15406 4325 1301 699 1768 3627 160 2718 723 1571 2434 1035 1928 499 2116 1279	39209 31884 3040 3102 623 946 954 3287 620 2551 2776 1654 1908 300 3711 353 1365 2354	48885 48213 2470 6758 961 1520 1908 4999 230 2553 1189 1743 2804 899 7137 635 4457 1115	52807 50803 37871 7885 1039 2460 1766 5181 310 2653 1951 1952 2427 311 5452 73 5001 1021	60000 25000 11000 8000 1100 2500 2000 5500 500 3000 2000 2100 5000 2000 5000 0 6000 1300
Total	108625	132838	100637	138476	180963	142000

SURPLUS(-DEFICIT)	875	5235	23577	38531	-22627	0

CHURCH BUDGET AND ACCOUNTS (DEC 2022/NOV 2023)

30th November 2023

INCOME	2021/22 Actual	2022/23 Budget	2022/23 To Date	% of Budget
Offerings/ Gift Aids Mission Income Gift Aid Refund Rent Use of Hall/Weddings etc Legacy Interest/Investment Income Traidcraft Sundry Income	69545 34849 17497 15600 3708 27194 760 715 7139	72000 20000 16000 13000 3000 0 1000 500 8000	71917 37574 18454 15760 3036 0 1769 73 9753	100 188 115 121 101 N/A 177 15 122
Total	177007	133500	158336	119

EXPENDITURE	2021/22 Actual	2022/23 Budget	2022/23 To Date	% of Budget
Salary/Pension/ NI cont. Mission Gifts Repairs/Renewals Heat/ Light/ Fuel/Water Telephone Council Tax Stationary/Books etc. Gardening/Cleaning Preaching/Trav. Exp Affiliation Fees Pastoral Expenses Insurance Youthwork Training Worship Group/ Tech Supp. Traidcraft Outreach & Hospitality Sundry	48885 48213 2470 6758 961 1520 1908 4999 230 2553 1189 1743 2804 899 7137 635 4457 1115	67000 25000 20000 9000 1100 2300 2000 5500 500 2800 1700 1900 5000 2000 5000 400 5000 1300	52807 50803 37871 7885 1039 2460 1766 5181 310 2653 1951 1952 2427 311 5452 73 5001 1021	79 203 189 88 94 107 88 94 62 95 115 103 49 16 109 18 100 79
Total	138476	157500	180963	115

SURPLUS(-DEFICIT)	38531	-24000	-22627

Accounts:		01/12/2022	30/11/2023	Deficit
Treasurer		£2,903.11	£2,507.51
BMM		£91,852.15	£69,621.12
Total		£94,755.26	£72,128.63	-£22,626.63

2022/23 Income			£158,336.06
2022/23 Expenditure			£180,962.69	-£22,626.63

Health and Safety Report 2023

All the building work is now completed. We have updated the Health and Safety Policy to restrict the use of ladders in Church for ONLY the use by the Health, Safety and Maintenance team.

Health and Safety Walk Round is planned for January 2024 with Stephen Hardman and Neil Singleton.

Graveyard stones were checked in 2023 and there were no problems and will be carried out again in Spring 2024, at the Men’s working breakfast.

New rota for Fire Evacuations to be carried out every six months, in March 2024 on a Friday morning so we can ensure that all the service users at Music and Me in wheelchairs can safely leave the building. Then a whole Church fire evacuation drill will be practised in September 2024. All routes are clearly displayed on the Church notice boards.

We had a Health and Safety Inspection in November 2023, which involved Stephen Hardman and Louise Clark, having a walk around with a lady from the Congregational Federation checking the whole building. We passed, so we now have the ‘Safe Church Status’ with only two small recommendations:

an extra Fire Exit sign needed at the back of Church
a reminder that chairs should NOT be stacked any higher than SIX chairs

We have reviewed all the accidents reported in 2023 and have made a few improvements to keep everyone safe at Church including:

Providing extra hazard signs marking the Defibrillator on the path and wall, when leaving the Church side door.
Removing the round chair links, at the bottom of the chair legs, from the front and side rows in Church.
Changing the liquid that we use to clean the new Church Hall floor to make it less slippy.

Maintenance

Once again thanks to those who help with the maintenance jobs inside and outside in the Church grounds. Just a special mention to Neil Singleton and Gary MacMurchie for all their work with the weekly tests which need to be done. It is really appreciated, thank you.

All servicing and routine tests on properties completed (boiler, electricity, fire/smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, etc).

Missions

Here is the mission report for 2023.

Once again, we have had a wonderful year of mission. Thank you so much for everyone’s support and generous giving over the past 12 months.

Last Christmas we supported the work of the Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Open Doors with our gifts. In March we had a visit from Melvyn and Lucy France who told us about the work they do under the heading of Wyresdale Children’s Homes. They have set up homes and schools in Thailand, India, Nepal, Burma and Kenya.

We have continued to support the wonderful work of IAT and this year two teams have been abroad, one to Sierra Leone and one to Maldova particularly to test people’s eyes and give out life transforming glasses. In September we had a visit from the Nicodemus Charity, they work amongst the poor families in Guatemala and also marginalised families in England and Wales.

Once again we held an afternoon tea in August for the work of LIV in South Africa. This was really well attended and a great time had by all. We have continued to support the work of LIV throughout the year. We have also supported the work of Steve and Debbie Cowles. Steve is the police chaplain in the North West and Debbie works with International students.

If anyone has any mission organisations they would like the church to consider supporting please let us know.

Thankyou

Ruth MacMurchie

Child Protecton

We completed our annual children’s safeguarding training in September and October 2023 with the free online training provided by the Congregational Federation from Thirtyone: Eight. Pastor Paul also completed the Designated Safeguard Lead course in 2023.

We also updated all the adults working in the outreach ministries with adults, with the free Adult Safeguarding Course from the Congregational Federation in October 2023.

We have also adopted a new safeguarding policy from the Congregational Federation. All the Junior Church team have had a policy update in October 2023 and are ready to start using from January 2024.

Louise Clark

Toddle In and Pizza Pals

We have enjoyed another great year at Toddlers, with many families, up to 20 regular parents attend each week and have joined us in 2023.

Every Thursday morning, it runs from 9am-11am and we ask for a voluntary donation of £1 per child or £1.50 per family to cover the cost of snacks and art/craft materials.

We have moved the focus slightly towards God by promoting Sticky Bun Church and any outreach events, and sometimes providing a child friendly craft activity linked to the Sticky Bun Church Theme of the month. We always finish with singing and a short prayer with Paul before they go home, with the parents asking for prayer requests and celebrating answered prayer.

We always ask all the parents to leave contact details and provide information on any allergies on arrival before the snacks are served. Thank you to the team of volunteers who have supported us, helping us to spread the ‘word of God’ to as many families as we can every Thursday.

In September 2023 we started a new after school club called Pizza Pals. This was to enable the friendships formed at Toddlers, to continue when the older children started attending Primary school, therefore keeping the strong bonds we have with the children and their families and not losing contact with them.

We regularly have between 10-15 children, encouraging playing kindly with our pals, while eating pizza and always finishing with a prayer session.

It had been encouraging to see some of our parents attend Sticky Bun Church and the Christmas Nativity service.

Louise Clark.

Stcky Bun Church

So, it started off as an idea in March 2022. A nagging-dripping tap-type idea; one that wouldn’t go away. Then, it became a frustration, until we acted on the prompt and got the go ahead. Ever since, this ministry has been a privilege to be a part of. Every ounce of SBC is filled with love and joy.

We wanted, literally, to see Jesus lifted high, by our friends, neighbours, family, but the format of regular church, felt like we were inviting them into an alien land – a hidden, mysterious world.

If you’ve always gone to church, going to a different one, can be quite a facing.

If you’ve never been to a church, or not been for a long time, it can be even more daunting. Unfamiliar songs, sermons, people, communion, practises…

When you have little people, anxieties magnify.

Post pandemic, we were increasingly aware that our friends and neighbours hadn’t been to church for a long time.

If ever.

Yet, at footie practice, on the school run, at work, in Aldi, knowing we went to church, people often ask us about God’s response to poverty / the environment / justice etc. People we know, want to see Jesus.

So we prayed. First and foremost, we prayed. Then we asked if anyone else felt the same. And you did. And you prayed. And then you said you’d help. And so Inglewhite Sticky Bun Church began (Dec 22).

Our aim is simple – to let our community know that God loves them.

Numbers, confidence and smiles have increased over the year and in Dec 23, 44 children and their accompanying big people, filled the church (46% increase since Dec 23). We’ve stopped counting the grown ups (life’s too short), but we don’t forget their faces. One family brought the team a box of Quality Street to “say thankyou, because we love coming here”.

All sorts of people come.

· Some mums arrive on their own, bring 3 kids, 6 wellies, a big buggy & tired eyes. She is visibly revived when someone notices her, makes her a mug of tea & cake and listens to her, while her children colour & stick.

· Some kids arrive on their own, but behind them, hover 4 intrigued grown ups (parents/grandparents/visiting friends). The child’s mum says, “He’s been waiting all week for this! He’s soo excited. Is it ok if we all come in?”

· “Toddler grandparents” bring “their toddlers” who bring their mums & dads (usually at work during the week) “to show them what it’s like”.

· Dads come and enjoy swapping tales with other dads whilst eating cake.

· New parents come with screaming/sleeping/bemused babies. “Is it ok if we come? We saw your advert on facebook and thought we’d try it”.

There are 25 in the SBC wonder team (increase of 25% since Dec 22), organised in 5 teams;

· Team Fishfinger – So grateful to this team who bring so much joy to so many. They offer a light tea for the children, brew & cake for the grown ups, enabling grown ups to talk, while children eat. Kids (& grown ups) go home happy, rather than cranky, and grown ups chat about life. Simple food, simple opportunities.

· Team Sequins – Craft activities or games around a Bible theme. Simple messages written on artwork, go into homes for families to look at and be reminded of in days and years to come and families spend quality time together.

· Prayer support – We pray corporately on a given weekly theme, on our own, about 4 weeks prior to each SBC (ie. safety, kids, grown ups, message to land etc). We also have key prayers who don’t attend SBC in person, but pray remotely throughout the preparation, and during the event. Thankyou. We value prayers highly.

· Team TTM (tech, talk & music) – Paul offers a family friendly talk for the children & grown ups to listen to, together. Any songs we sing, try to be as familiar as possible (think school assembly).

· Floaters – A really important role. People who get alongside parents & carers during SBC and make them feel welcome / maybe ask them if they’d like a coffee. More floaters would be welcome.

SBC runs every 2 months. (Next one 4th Feb, 2024).

SBC isn’t a replacement for traditional church services and junior church, both of which are loved and enjoyed by so many.

We present the same message, just less formally than the 1045 and so attracts a different crowd.

We are praying as we walk, having lots of fun as we do so with a fantastic team.

The Sticky Bun Team

Junior Church

Junior Church report 2023

We have had another successful year teaching the children in Junior Church, thanks to the dedication, time and commitment from all the Junior Church volunteer teachers. We would also like to welcome Donna Montgomery and Joanne Roberts onto the Rota from Jan 2024. A very big thank you for all your hard work.

We had a very well attended Easter Sunday Service, where the children did an Easter play based on the story of the Three Trees.

We booked onto the free online safeguarding training for the adults involved in Sticky Bun Church and Junior Church, with the Congregation Federation in September and October 2023.

In October we celebrated the children of Junior Church with a Prize Giving Service, where all the children received a Bible Quote Bookmark from Louise Clark and a Christian Book to keep.

In November we had over 100 people attend the family Bonfire night, a great opportunity for the children, youth and families to join together for fellowship around a great bonfire, fireworks, jacket potatoes, cakes and hot dogs.

We had a very busy month in December when Dylanne headed up the team to help us put on an amazing Nativity play, with a ‘Sign Language Dance’ involving over 25 children, including a wonderful Christmas Party celebrating a great dress rehearsal.

A very big thank you to all the Leaders and volunteers that make all the above possible.

Louise Clark

2022 Youth Report

Inglewhite Youth met every fortnight on a Sunday evening during 2023. A group of about 12 young people, aged 11-18, get together for games, fun, food and Bible messages. On some occasions we have seen 20 gather together and we enjoyed working with the Capernwray Students in Feb/March 2023 for a week.

In September 2023, 20 of us headed to Waddecar with Steve Cowles for bush craft skills and pizza making. We also attended the Flower Bowl for a Crazy Golf evening in July and had a couple of songwriting sessions with Stephen Sloss. All the youth created a painted canvas to decorate the new Youth Room with resident Artist Andy Talbot and we had a guest speaker from America, Kristy Cowles, speaking about her work with International Students.

In September 2023, we started a new House Group for the girls in Year 10 and above, with Abi Hardman, on the first Tuesday of the month 7-9pm.

In October 2023, we joined St Lukes Church in Blackburn, to attend their Girls Gathering and are hoping to attend this again in 2024, along with their Youth Worship evening in March 2024.

The Youth have started helping as Young Leaders in Sticky Bun Church and Junior Church and we have welcomed back the Puppets this Christmas, when the Youth lead the Nativity Puppet song in the Evening Carol Service and December Sticky Bun Church, 2023.

Louise Clark started as our new Youth, Children and Families Coordinator in September 2023 and is now helping Andy and Susie Talbot organise the rota of helpers and activities, to continue this vital work.

“Yak n Snack” Group

This group was formed as a community event, for anyone living alone, to meet together in a home and share chat and food together.

We meet at our house 22 Bowgreave Drive, Catterall. PR31TD at 4pm on the first Friday of the month. Mob. 07748912146

We welcome any age, ability, faith or no faith, and try to support each other as we have begun to get to know members of our wider community.

Our first group was held on Friday 26th May 2023 when we had 18 people. For the first 3 months the weather was kind to us and we were able to open our garden and share laughter and food together each month.

In the winter months we have gathered together indoors.

Our numbers are growing, and in December, 25 of us should’ve met together in the Toll Bar Café Broughton for our Christmas meal but sadly this had to be cancelled at very short notice due to a gas leak in the street and the café had to be closed. This was disappointing for us all, but hopefully we can go again when the problem is sorted out.

My sincere thanks to my wonderful helpers, Jacqui, Ann, Sue C. and we will welcome Justine too in the New Year.

We will begin our group again on 2nd Feb 2024 at our home. If you are living alone and would like to join us, please come.

Geoff and Ruth Woodhall

Music in me

‘Music in me’ has gained in momentum.

Regular service users who now attend number 19, plus their careers. Nine of these service users are wheelchair users.

The people that come to help organise this on a regular basis are Colleen, Dennis & Linda, Tony, Janet, Ian and Julia. Also, thank you to Louise, Ruth K and Jenny S who step in.

It is very helpful to have a list of volunteers we can call on when we need them, i.e., Holidays, sickness etc. Please let a member of the team know if you would like to be added to this list.

Music in me plays a very important part in the lives of all the service users because they have the freedom to express themselves in their own way, in a safe place plus it meets a need in the Community.

They love the music and dancing, some of the wheelchair users enjoy dancing also. We have the words up on the screen for those who want to join in and we do have a couple of Christian songs in the mix. We have a selection of percussion instruments which they can choose from and enjoy.

In the middle of each session, we have Cake & Break time, which everyone enjoys. It is a good time for the carers to get together, mingle and chat as they don’t see very much of each other.

During the course of each session, Paul comes in and has a chat with some of the carers and service users, and either Paul or one of the other volunteers will pray God’s blessing over everyone and their homes and families.

The highlight of last year once again was the Christmas Party, which included a surprise visit from Father Christmas and lovely buffet which was enjoyed by all.

With lots of helpers the Christmas decorations were brought out of storage and the hall was made very festive for the enjoyment of everyone using it.

On a very sad note in December, we sang a final “See You Later Alligator” to our beautiful Ann Humpage who will be sorely missed.

Inglewhite Friends

Inglewhite Friends meets the third Monday afternoon each month at 2pm.

We have a short devotional time followed by different speakers. Over the past twelve months we have had a good year and enjoyed a varied programme.

We have had two charity meetings, firstly supporting Dr Ronald Rhodes and his work in Africa and then Supporting Dennis and Linda Bond and their work as Street Pastors in Preston.

We joined the Coffee Stop Summer trip to Fleetwood in July and had a lovely day.

In August we held an afternoon tea in support of the charity LIV in South Africa, thanks to the ladies at Inglewhite Church.

We always finish with a good afternoon tea and lots of chat. Everyone is welcome, including men.

At Christmas we enjoyed a lovely Christmas meal at Ferrari’s Longridge, where Lettice Hardman was thanked for her roles of Secretary and President for the last 62 years. Ever since she was 26 Years old, she has been supporting Inglewhite Friends.

This year Moya Avery is taking over as President and Sheila Booth is the Treasurer.

It is a happy time when we all get together, please feel free to come along as everyone is welcome.

Thanks,

Let Hardman

Cofee Stop

Coffee Stop 2023 From Lesley Hardman

Coffee Stop opened in Inglewhite Church Hall as a community cafe in 2005.

In late 2013 it extended its contact and opened on a monthly basis in Catterall. 2023 has been a great year where we have enjoyed meeting together regularly. Numbers attending at both Catterall & Inglewhite seem to be back to pre pandemic levels. It’s been very encouraging to welcome new faces from both communities, building friendships & supporting each other through the ups & downs of life. Celebrating significant birthdays has been fun this year too.

Linking with our local social prescriber gave further opportunity to raise awareness of our regular meetings and make us accessible to all.

At each Coffee Stop event we share an encouraging bible based thought. It’s good to hear individual short stories of personal faith experiences.

Our highlights this year include our summer trip to Fleetwood in July & the option for many of us to spend an Autumn day at Ellel Grange. Christmas was a special time when around eighty of us gathered for a church service and lunch.

As a development in Catterall 'Church But Not On A Sunday' was launched in September 2016. This informal monthly event was developed as a way to explore what having a relationship with Jesus might mean for us & for others in our community.

Throughout this year we’ve had discussion nights, visiting speakers from local

charities eg. Ellel ministries, Sports Reach & Blood Bikes. Our summer social was a

canal walk & supper.

It is such a privilege to connect with our local community in this way & we were

delighted to have the opportunity to lead a community carol sing in a Catterall pub. Singing carols & sharing a Christian message of Hope with adults & children was wonderful. We look forward to the way forward for 2024

Since September 2016 ‘Church But Not On A Sunday’ has run in parallel with a ‘connect group’ who gathered to share life & explore the bible together.

This group continues monthly under the leadership of Pastor Paul. A second Sunday evening group has also been running in Catterall on a more ad hoc basis. It’s great to connect church members & friends in our own community so we can explore the Christian faith at our own pace & grow together.

All of these community events are run by a fantastic group of enthusiastic volunteers. A huge thank you to everyone involved.

All activities are overseen by our leadership team & underpinned by the prayer support of many. Come along to Coffee Stop during 2024 , better still, invite a friend and meet in Catterall or Inglewhite for a Tuesday morning cuppa. It's a friendly meeting place & a non-threatening introduction to our wonderful church family.

Conclusion

Thank you to all who contributed to this report, to all who participate in the life of the Church Community here and, with God’s help and guidance, make it all happen.

Appendix 1 The Leaders

The Bible teaches the ‘priesthood of all believers’. All are equal before God and all are equally called to serve God in the local Church. However, we also believe that some are called to serve through leading, taking responsibility and giving oversight to the church in discovering and fulfilling its God-given mission to the world. We call this the leadership team, which at present fulfils the biblical roles of both elders and deacons.

Members of the leadership are by law the managing trustees of our church charity. They are expected to be willing and able to act as trustees, being responsible for the governance of the church under the authority of the church members meeting and giving spiritual and operational leadership generally.

In Scripture, one of the most important qualities to consider in a leader is character. Of course, no one is perfect, but 1 Timothy 3 has a helpful list of personal qualities that are appropriate for leaders including spiritual maturity. Acts 6:5 describes the church as choosing Stephen who was ‘a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit’. The church needs people in leadership who are able to get on well with other people and work as part of a team – something that strongly links with good character.

Competency is also important (i.e. spiritual gifting) and those nominated for the church leadership should understand their spiritual gifts. ‘We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a person’s gift is ... leadership, let them govern diligently…’ (Romans 12:6-8).

We are looking for people who can grasp the ‘big picture’. Scripture also says ‘They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.’ (1 Timothy 3:10) This implies that someone nominated for leadership responsibility should already have demonstrated evidence of good leadership in a ministry of some kind.

Finally, there is the practical question of availability. Leadership meetings now take place every two weeks for around 2 hours and sometimes more frequently if specific issues arise. Members of the leadership also typically undertake church work outside of meetings overseeing various aspects of the wider Church’s ministry.

Becoming part of the leadership is not ‘being promoted’ in church life but fulfilling a vital function. There will be able, gifted and spiritual people who should not be part of the leadership because they are already in the right place and are doing a wonderful job ‘operationally’, actually delivering ministry that helps achieve our vision. The team should aim to have a good mix of age and gender.

In thinking about possible additions to the team there are probably two extremes to avoid. The first is to see the criteria for leadership as so demanding that no-one feels either able to nominate anyone else or be nominated themselves. The second extreme is to be too anxious to find candidates and so push someone who is either not a good fit or ready. The role of the church in nominating leaders is to discern whom God is calling to this work. It is something to be done prayerfully and thoughtfully.

Nominatons and Appointments

There will normally be a maximum of 9 member of the leaders, excluding Ministerial staff, who join to form the full leadership team.

To be eligible for nominaton to the leadership an individual must have been a Church Member for at least twelve months (this does not apply to Ministers), be over the age of 18 years, have character and ability (i.e. tme, motvaton and gifs) as set out above and be able to take responsibility for a specifc ministry area or role.

Nominations for the leadership must be submitted in writing to the Leaders at least two weeks before the date of the Annual General Church Meeting. Nominations must be made by a church member in writing with the supporting signature of one other Church member and must have prior consent of the nominee.

Elections to the leadership are to be made at a Church Meeting by secret ballot and are usually for a fixed term of 3 years. Individuals may be re-appointed for further terms of office.

Current dutes

This is a copy of how we are currently seeking for the leaders to operate in encouraging the Church

To clarify the role of oversight, this includes:

Meeting with the leaders of each ministry to:

a) Encourage the vision with the leader and all those involved. Use the annual reports as a starting place.
b) Discuss the resources needed: financial, equipment, people and help them to access anything required.
c) Consider the bigger picture of how this ministry fits in with the wider ministry of the Church:
‘To be a Church that walks alongside one another and the wider community to make the love of God known to all’
d) To represent the ministry to the other leaders.

Really the aim is to champion the ministry in the life of the Church.

To meet regularly to discern the Lord’s ongoing vision for the fellowship, to discuss current issues in the Church’s life and to make recommendations to the Church meeting.
To take responsibility as a ‘duty deacon’ for making sure that for Sunday services the buildings are properly organised, and any guest speakers receive welcome and attention.

CHURCH BUDGET AND ACCOUNTS (DEC 2022/NOV 2023)

30th November 2023

INCOME	2021/22 Actual	2022/23 Budget	2022/23 To Date	% of Budget
Offerings/ Gift Aids Mission Income Gift Aid Refund Rent Use of Hall/Weddings etc Legacy Interest/Investment Income Traidcraft Sundry Income	69545 34849 17497 15600 3708 27194 760 715 7139	72000 20000 16000 13000 3000 0 1000 500 8000	71917 37574 18454 15760 3036 0 1769 73 9753	100 188 115 121 101 N/A 177 15 122
Total	177007	133500	158336	119

EXPENDITURE	2021/22 Actual	2022/23 Budget	2022/23 To Date	% of Budget
Salary/Pension/ NI cont. Mission Gifts Repairs/Renewals Heat/ Light/ Fuel/Water Telephone Council Tax Stationary/Books etc. Gardening/Cleaning Preaching/Trav. Exp Affiliation Fees Pastoral Expenses Insurance Youthwork Training Worship Group/ Tech Supp. Traidcraft Outreach & Hospitality Sundry	48885 48213 2470 6758 961 1520 1908 4999 230 2553 1189 1743 2804 899 7137 635 4457 1115	67000 25000 20000 9000 1100 2300 2000 5500 500 2800 1700 1900 5000 2000 5000 400 5000 1300	52807 50803 37871 7885 1039 2460 1766 5181 310 2653 1951 1952 2427 311 5452 73 5001 1021	79 203 189 88 94 107 88 94 62 95 115 103 49 16 109 18 100 79
Total	138476	157500	180963	115

SURPLUS(-DEFICIT)	38531	-24000	-22627

Accounts:		01/12/2022	30/11/2023	Deficit
Treasurer		£2,903.11	£2,507.51
BMM		£91,852.15	£69,621.12
Total		£94,755.26	£72,128.63	-£22,626.63

2022/23 Income			£158,336.06
2022/23 Expenditure			£180,962.69	-£22,626.63

Inglewhite Congregational Church FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 November 2023

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl m8mbers of Inglewhite Congregational Church On accounts for the yoar ended 30 November 2023 Charity no (if any) 1158000 Set out on pagfrs 2&3 I report to th8 trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above tharity (Ihe Trusf) for the year ended 3011112023. Responslbilltles and A5 the charty trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basls of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Acr). I report In resp8Ct of my examination of the Trust's a¢¢ounts carried out under section 145 of tha 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission urKler section 145(5Xb) of the Aci. I have completed my examination. l (x)nfirm thal no material matt8rs have come to my attenlion in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordanc8 With section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord wlth the aCUnting records Independent •xaminetrs statom•nt I have no concems and hav8 come across no other matt8rs in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Sign•d: 15101 /waLF. Name: Jill Mari8 Nickson Relevant profossional quallficatlonls) or body lif any): FCCA (Chart8r8d Certified Accountsnt) Address: River View, 96 High Street Garstang, Preston PR3 1WZ IER October 2018

Inglewhlte Congregatlonal Churth Income and expendlture account for the year ended 30 November 2023 2023 202Z INCOME Offering5/Gift Aids Funerals/WeddingslUse of hall Gift Aid Income Tax Refund Legacy Rent Investment Income Bank Interest Sundry Income Mission Income Traidcraft 71.917 3,036 18.454 69.545 3,754 17,497 27.148 15.600 639 121 7,139 34.849 715 15.760 639 1,130 9,753 37,574 73 158,336 I77.7 EXPENSES Salarles & Pension5 etc. Repairs & Renewals Power & Water Telephone Council Tax Printing, Stationeryfft Webslte Gardening/Cleaning Preaching Fees Affiliation Fees 52,807 37,871 7,884 1,039 2,460 1,766 5,181 310 2.653 48,885 2,470 6,759 961 1,520 4,999 230 2,553 F11 Insurance Mission & Charity Donatlons Sundry Expenses Junior Church & Youthwork Training Worship GrouplTech Support Traidcraft Pastoral Expenses Hospitality 1.952 50.803 1,021 2.427 311 5.452 73 1,951 5,001 1,743 48,213 1,115 899 7.137 635 1,189 4.457 180.962 138,477 {Deficit)ISurplus for the year (22.626) 38.530

Inglewhlte Congregational Church Balance Sheet at 30 November 2023 2023 CURRENT A55ETS Bank current account Money manager deposit account 2.508 69,621 2,903 91.852 72,129 94,755 Trustee investments held by Con8re8ational federotion at valuation 15,525 16.295 87,654 111.050 REPRESENTED BY Special Fund 15,525 16,295 General Fund Opening balante IDeficitl/Surplus 94.755 122,626) 56,225 38.530 72,129 94,755 87.654 111.050