## **THE PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY SITTINGBOURNE WITH ST BARTHOLOMEW BOBBING** 

# **ANNUAL REPORT AND** 

## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

# **OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023** 

## **Incumbent** 

Revd Colin Brookes 

88 Albany Road Sittingbourne ME10 1EL 

Vacancy from 16 October 2023 

## **Banker** 

Barclays Bank 

81 High Street Sittingbourne ME10 4AW 

## **Independent Examiner** 

Lyndens Accountants 

53 West Street 

Sittingbourne ME10 1AN 

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## _**Beginning with us, we long to see Sittingbourne transformed one life at a time by Jesus.**_ 

## **About us:** 

**We are passionate in our worship of God** , celebrating the good news of Jesus and sharing His love with others. 

**We are a lively, friendly church community** who believe in the Welcome and Transformation of Jesus Christ. We are an ordinary church family on an extraordinary journey of discovery and growth as we seek to share God's love in our hurting world. 

**We are a church who try to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit and the Bible** in every aspect of our lives, even when that’s tough. We have found a life as followers of Jesus which never ceases to delight and deepen us, and which connects us to all other Jesus followers across the world, and across time. 

**We are part of the New Wine network,** a Holy Spirit empowered movement bringing this nation back to Jesus through the local Church. And we are a CofE church in the Diocese of Canterbury, united in the mandate of Transformed Lives, Transforming Lives. 

**We are an orthodox, all-age, multi-ethnic, naturally supernatural, church family** wanting to see our town and beyond renewed and revived through the love of Jesus. 


## **Worship on Sundays:** 

Bobbing 

11am – All-age service 

Holy Trinity 

9am Communion Service with formal-yet-friendly liturgy and hymns. 

10.45am Contemporary Service with worship led by a band, and children/youth provision. 

7pm Worship, Bible and Prayer in small groups (paused from October 2023). 

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## **HOLY TRINITY AND BOBBING PCC for year 2023** 

Our PCC is an oversight group, charged to help the vicar and churchwardens keep the church in step with the Holy Spirit and keeping a governance eye on what is going on. There are regular meetings, including the APCM (annual parochial church meeting). The meetings are focussed and involve making some high-level decisions for The Parish and both churches. 

|**CHURCH WARDENS**|**Church**|
|---|---|
|Trevor Phillips|B|
|Clem Damerum|B|
|Phil Cross|HT|
|TerryFagg|HT|
|||
|**DEANERY SYNOD REPS(Co-opted)**||
|Elaine Appleton|B|
|TerryFagg|HT|
|Tina Wem|HT|
|||
|**ELECTED REPS**||
|Jane Bourne|HT|
|Linda Chappell|HT|
|Peter Le Beau(LayChair)|HT|
|Mike Lusted|HT|
|Sashi Shanmugan(until Nov 23)|HT|
|Claire Tucker|HT|
|Bob Groombridge|HT|
|Buki Odeniran|HT|
|Barbara Forman|B|
|Donna Clarke|B|
|Jane Marchbank|B|
|BeckyJackson|B|
|||
|**CO-OPTED**||
|Ann Mackenzie(PTO)|HT|
|Sue Samson(PTO)|B|
|Tina Wem(Secretary)|HT|
|||
|**READERS – ex Officio**||
|Jan Phillips|B|
|Gill Price|HT|
|||
|**CLERGY – ex officio**||
|David Ridley|B|
|||
|**SAFEGUARDING**||
|Natalie Brookes (Admin)<br>Tina Wem (Admin)<br>Claire Tucker (Admin)<br>Harriet Otunnu(PSO)|HT and B<br>HT<br>B<br>HT and B|



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## **PCC / DCC REPORT** 

The last APCM was held on 20[th] March 2023 and there has been no other business that required another meeting.  Routine business relating to both churches has been dealt with by the individual DCCs. Topics discussed include Finance, safeguarding, fire, health and safety, maintenance, mission strategy and giving.   The PCC Secretary passes on any information received to the leadership teams of the respective churches. 

Since the last APCM, Bobbing church has had 7 DCC meetings and a Christmas social event. 

Since the last APCM, HT has had 7 DCC meetings as well as a summer barbecue and Christmas social event. 

_**Tina Wem – PCC Secretary**_ 

## **ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER’S REPORT** 

As at 22 April 24, we had a total of 161 electoral roll members.  We have added 8 new members and 5 have left the roll. 

_**Tina Wem – Electoral Roll Officer**_ 

## **SAFEGUARDING REPORT** 

It goes without saying that everyone who attends church should feel and be safe.  Our safeguarding team has been working hard this year to make this happen, especially for children and vulnerable people in our midst. 

Our Safeguarding team members are: Harriet Otunnu (Parish Safeguarding Officer), Claire Tucker (Bobbing’s Safeguarding Administrator) and Tina Wem (Holy Trinity’s Safeguarding Administrator). We have a very positive relationship with our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO), who is always available to provide in-depth advice and guidance. 

As a team, we take note of briefings and updates from our Diocese and implement any recommendations made by the Diocesan Safeguarding team – updating our posters in church, for example.  The Diocese also provides useful resources online.  We attend regular diocesan forums in order to keep up to date with best practice. 

The Church of England’s Safeguarding practices are based on five standards: 

- Culture, Leadership and Capacity 

- Prevention 

- Recognising, Assessing and Managing Risk 

- Victims and Survivors 

- Learning, Supervision and Support 

Our Diocese will be audited against these standards from November 2026 onwards by INEQE Safeguarding Group on behalf of the CofE.  We will therefore start our self-audit shortly in order to be well prepared.  We look forward to working with members of our DCCs to ensure our safeguarding policies are robust and up to date. 

Our day-to-day safeguarding work is going well.  We ensure that all volunteers’ and staff members’ safeguarding training is up to date; we manage any safeguarding concerns in line with the CofE’s 

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policies and procedures, liaising with our DSO when necessary; we ensure that any volunteers are recruited in line with the correct Safer Recruitment procedures. 

In addition to following best practice, we never forget to pray and keep Jesus at the centre of all our safeguarding work. 

## _**Harriet and Tina**_ 

## **DEANERY SYNOD REPORT** 

There were three Deanery Synod meetings during 2024. 

June at Holy Trinity, Sittingbourne 

At the start of the new triennium this meeting was chaired by Rev. David Ridley and Elaine Appleton in the absence of the Area Dean, Rev Julian Staniforth who was on sabbatical leave. Items for discussion included a joint initiative Choral project and a discussion on the shape of Ministerial Oversight in the Deanery. 

September at Holy Trinity, Sheerness 

The meeting was addressed by Lindsay Yates, the Generous Giving Adviser in the Diocese. 

March at St John the Baptist, Tunstall 

The focus was on the Diocesan 3 Bold Outcomes by 2030 which were: 

- Revitalization in every Parish, Benefice and Deanery; 

- Children and Youth, doubling the numbers of disciples; 

- New Christian communities aiming for 200 in number. 

Also discussed were the different projects that each parish are promoting, the future shape of ministry in towns and villages, the engagement of parishes with ECO-church. 

Deanery Roadshow in September at St. Mary’s, Newington 

Bishop Rose attended the Roadshow and spoke of her time spent in Madagascar at the Mothers’ Union Conference and the enthusiasm of those who attended. 

The main themes at this meeting were: 

- Financial matters; 

- Children and young people; 

- Use of Church buildings and new congregations. 

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## **CLERGY REPORT** 

I took on an oversight role at Bobbing at the beginning of the year, at a time when relations with Colin had become strained, and my involvement was very much with Colin’s agreement and support. 

In the ensuing months my role has been a little uncertain as it was initially to have been until the Easter, then until the summer, but with Colin subsequently leaving, I am now staying for the time being – at least until the best way forward for the parish can be discerned. 

Inevitably, this last year has been a time of some uncertainty and insecurity, necessitating thoughtful and prayerful reflection. As part of this process, St Bartholomew’s shared a vision day in which we explored our mission, values and priorities. I hope this has offered something of a focus. 

Alongside this, Jane Marchbank has been facilitating what she has described as a ‘cleansing’ process in the Church. This is in part physical – cleaning and tidying the Church; but also partly organisational – seeking to have in place healthy procedures; and thirdly spiritual – to seek to nurture healthy relationships. This is all very much a work in progress. 

Within the ongoing life of the Church, two members were confirmed by Bishop Rose in 2023 and good relationships are being nurtured with the local schools. Plans are also progressing well for the erection of a Children’s Room in the churchyard. 

On a personal note, I have felt privileged to share in the worship, outreach and governance of Bobbing Church; I am grateful to all for having made me feel welcome and at home within the Church community. 

_**David Ridley – Team Vicar**_ 

## **CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT** 

Achievements last year: 

The terrier has been updated and checked and the logbook of repairs updated. 

Thank you to the Community Payback team for their work on keeping the churchyard in good order over the last year and they have agreed to carry on the work this year 

Insurance for the building and third-party liability is in place. 

The quinquennial inspection was completed in September 2020, Year 1 urgent repairs have been actioned and completed and Year 2/3, some of the required work has taken place. Floor tiles have been repaired and the roof ridge tiles, and some tiles have been replaced and pointed. Our ceiling has been repaired. We are hoping to finish off the required works this year as funds and time allow. 

We are continuing to live-stream our 11am Sunday service for those who are unable to attend, which reaches out to a new Bobbing congregation.  We would like to thank Rev. David Ridley and Rev. Karen Burgess for their support with communion services throughout the year.  We would also like to thank everyone on the team for their help throughout the year. 

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We were able to host the Memorial service and Remembrance services and the Children’s Christmas services for Bobbing school.  All of our services have been well attended. 

For 2024 and Beyond: 

It is hoped that the Memorial Garden Prayer Walk and children’s room will be completed this year, together with some decorating within the church. 

We continue to have good relationships between the schools in our parish and are now working with Grove Park and Bobbing. 

## _**Clem Damerum & Trevor Phillips**_ 

## **CHILDREN’S MINISTRY** 

Bobbing has seen Liam step back up as leader of the Children’s group on Sundays.  The family service has been well received, so has remained as the service on the first Sunday of the month and the remaining Sundays have children’s work in the Bell Tower.  The project for a separate building that can be used for Children’s work on a Sunday is now progressing and it is hoped it will be approved so that the children will be able to enjoy themselves with singing and games, which is not possible in the current set up.  We continue to pray for this project and an increase of the families and children who attend Bobbing. 

## _**Liam Appleton**_ 

## **FINANCE & MISSION TITHE REPORT** 

## Finance 2023 

God is good!  Giving for 2023 has increased by nearly 15% against 2022.  This has been a combination of new congregation members and increases in giving from existing members.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the work of Bobbing church. 

With the gift aid reclaimed and careful stewarding of the offerings, we have reversed the deficit of 2022 to a surplus of £10,828.  However, some major repair projects (floor tiles, ceiling & roof & trees totalling over £7000) were unable to be completed in 2023 which has contributed to this surplus, but most of this work has already been completed and paid for in 2024. 

Our unrestricted fund balance as at 31 December 2023 is £26,569. 

A new restricted fund has been created for the external building “Children’s Cabin” so we can start raising funds for this project as it is progressing to the stage of local authority planning. 

## Mission Tithe for 2023 

Giving for 2023 by standing order and weekly offerings totalled £37,135.  St Bartholomew’s has committed to tithing 10% of this to external mission projects and charities. 

- 2023 tithe has been agreed by the Bobbing DCC and allocated as follows: 

   - Swale Christians Against Poverty **£720** (£600 is our annual commitment to the project). 

   - Swale Foodbank **£1000** 

   - Open Doors **£1000** - Serving persecuted Christians around the world by providing vital support, delivering resources, and providing training. 

   - Demelza Sittingbourne **£1000** 

## _**Darren Appleton**_ 

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## **Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith’ (Hebrews 12:2)** 

## **CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT** 

Another year of change for everyone, but especially for those who have the privilege of leading this church. We are reminded in Romans12 v 6-8, that to each is given at least one gift which is to be used for the growth of God’s Kingdom here on earth. With this in mind, the leadership team has used all their varied gifts to keep the church running along the principles that Colin and Natalie set out for us. 

Responsibility for the Vicarage has now passed back to Canterbury Diocese, who have now let the property through a commercial agent (the new tenant moved in on 30 April).  We completed regular visits to ensure the vicarage was safe and secure whilst vacant. 

The Property Book and Logbook have been checked and are up to date.  All legal inspections have been carried out and the insurance has been renewed for this year.  We have made use of the Community Payback Team to decorate the lounge and to help with the grass cutting around the church. Regular Health and Safety inspections have been carried out and any issues have or are being dealt with. 

This year will see a new quinquennial inspection take place which will no doubt throw up more challenges and expenses for us to deal with. 

We would like to thank all our church members for their support and commitment to Holy Trinity through this year. 

## _**Terry Fagg and Phil Cross**_ 

## **STAFF TEAM REPORT** 

Since Colin and Natalie left in October 2023, we have continued to meet on Tuesday mornings as a Leadership Team for prayer and worship followed by a time of sharing, planning and business. It’s always such a joy to review the previous week, reflect on the things we have done and rejoice in all that God is doing amongst the members of Holy Trinity Church. It has been good to welcome Terry and Phil, our Churchwardens, to be part of the Staff Team meetings and we value their support and wisdom immensely. We believe that, despite the sadness and pain that we all feel deeply of Colin and Natalie’s move out of the Parish, and out of The Church of England, we are as a church growing in faith and discipleship.  We thank God for Colin and Natalie’s leadership and are grateful for all the good foundations, systems, and organisation they have left us with. We also delight in a great trust of each other as well as of The Lord. We have enjoyed serving the church in many and varied ways through the year, always seeking to promote growth and a Culture of Honour amongst our 

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fellowship. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement – we really appreciate the support of our Church family. 

**Ann Mackenzie – Staff Team Lead** 

**Gill Price – Reader** 

**Laura Carpenter – Community and Families Minister Tina Wem – Church Administrator** 

**Mike Lusted – Pastoral Minister** 

**Jane Lusted – Pastoral Minister** 

## **CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT** 

I’ve been working as part-time administrator for Holy Trinity since May 2023, and am usually in the church office from Monday to Wednesday.  The operational systems that were already in place have given me a solid foundation, which I have been able to build on throughout the year. These are the main areas of my work: 

Communications 

- Producing our weekly newsletter, other emails, and announcement slides for Sunday Services. 

- Updating Holy Trinity’s own website and our ‘A Church Near You’ webpage. 

- Responding to enquiries about our church. 

## General administration 

- Managing our safer recruitment process to ensure that we do our best to provide a safe and positive environment for all who attend Holy Trinity. 

- Keeping church records up to date.  We continue to use ChurchSuite software, which is working very well. 

- Carrying out health and safety inspections & managing risk with the church wardens. 

- Completing diocesan returns. 

- Providing admin for Swale CAP Debt Centre. 

- Admin support for Wigglers’ Toddler Group, Sunday Kids’ Church, and Love Laughter Lunch. 

- Producing rotas for our wonderful volunteer teams. 

- Ordering church supplies. 

- Keeping financial records to support our Treasurer; ensuring HT’s bills are paid in a timely manner. 

- Completing the admin around baptisms and other occasional offices. 

It has been a joy to worship the Lord by providing admin support for Holy Trinity this year and I look forward to what the coming months and years will bring. 

**Tina Wem - Church Administrator** 

## **COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MINISTER** 

This is an adapted role from last year as Colin noted that naturally my role was taking a slightly different path. 

Wigglers continues to be the part of my ministry where most of my hours are spent.  This ministry has continued to grow and flourish, and we now have just under 200 children enrolled. This has meant us having to limit the number of children we can take in each session to 50. 

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Since last September Jane Lusted has joined the team and now helps me lead and set up the sessions each week which has meant we can improve our systems, grow, have more spiritual outreach in our sessions, which God is honouring weekly. We can pray freely with children and parents and God’s grace fills these sessions. Families are also starting to come to church, ask about baptism and engage in God filled conversations.  At Christmas and Easter we held a family craft morning explaining to our families the true Christmas and Easter story. There was around 100 people at these events including lots of dads and siblings. Some of our families joined us at Christmas services. 

I give thanks to the wonderful team that allows this to happen each week: our lovely ladies in the kitchen, our craft expert and our singing and dancing duo.  I also thank you, the congregation, for praying for this very important ministry. 

At Christmas we were able to support one of our local schools with Christmas presents for families that would otherwise found Christmas very difficult – we will continue to explore this link.  I was able to support Wigglers families and families with links to us in the community with presents and food; and spend time praying alongside them. I continue to pray and look for opportunities to show all our families God’s perfect love.  I believe the year ahead will be filled with exciting adventures and opportunities to bring people into the kingdom and I can’t wait! 

## **Laura Carpenter** 

## **SUNG WORSHIP TEAM** 

This past year has seen both highs and lows within the team.  We continue to build on the guidance and experience learnt from Colin and Natalie which shows in the way that sung worship is led - we continually look to the Holy Spirit for guidance, more readily stepping out in faith when leading worship, and helping to bring the congregation into the closer presence of God, which has become increasingly apparent. 

With the departure of the Brookes family, we lost 2 worship leaders, 2 drummers and a backing vocalist.  However, we have welcomed a new backing vocalist to the team and two of the existing team have stepped-up and started to lead worship; with a third member of the team starting as band/worship leader in the second half of this year.  Thank You, God.  The team has also welcomed 3 new Audio/Visual technicians, which has not only boosted A/V team members, but has made further inroads into improving the quality, balance and clarity of the sound and visuals.  This team is such an integral part of the whole worship team as, without them, sung worship would not happen. 

We do encourage anyone who is interested in joining the team, as a musician, singer or as an A/V tech, to come forward and speak to me or any member of the team.  Or just turn up to rehearsal on a Thursday evening and have a listen or play/sing along. 

Once every month, a worship leader(s) from the team covers the sung worship at the 09.00 service, so that Bryn gets some well-deserved time off.  This has proved to be well received and has introduced some newer worship songs, along with traditional hymns, to the 09.00 congregation. 

As I reported last year, we had acquired new radio mics and speaker system, which continue to be a blessing to the team and the church as a whole.  During this last year we have purchased a wireless system for the violin which means that there is much more freedom of movement, not having to remain under a normal microphone.  Also, during this past year, some issues with the “speaker’s/preacher’s” Lavalier (tie-pin) radio mic were apparent and, as this system was quite old, it has been replaced with a modern, two-mic system which has now alleviated the issues previously encountered. 

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We had 3 team socials last year:  A buffet style get-together, a summer BBQ and a Christmas meal. All were well attended, and we had a great time, with games and quizzes.  More are planned for this year (the first scheduled to take place in late April). 

I give thanks to God for this amazing team, for their love for Jesus and their passion to worship Him through music and song.  I thank God for the gifts that He has given us, and my prayer is that all we do worships, honours and glorifies Him 

## _**Bob Groombridge**_ 

## **HOLY TRINITY KIDS** 

Kids’ Church continues to run most Sundays in the parish hall. We currently operate as one session for kids from 3- 10 splitting into 4 small groups for some of the activities. Having 4 adults in one room works far better from a safeguarding angle. There can be any number between 5 and 25 Kids in a session. 

We have had a series on Prayer covering The Lord’s Prayer and instances of people praying in the Bible; the story of Jacob and how God keeps his promises; Christmas; people Jesus met and Easter. We usually have share chair, worship, game, Bible story, explore the story, prayer, colouring or craft. 

It has been great to welcome new members of team and sad to say goodbye to others. Many thanks to Becky, Caroline, Cindy, Donna, Elaine, Julie, Phyllis, Pia, Shanella and Teresa for the time you give and especially to Caroline and Pia for also leading sessions. 

_**Kay Till**_ 

## **MISSION REPORT** 

Holy Trinity is a Tithing church, so we give away at least 10% of our incoming finance to Christian Mission Agencies whose ministry is in line with our Biblical ethos. We seek to have a balance of local, national, and international agencies that fit our criteria of being Gospel focused and have a ministry of Word and Spirit.  We have adopted the principle in the past two years of supporting fewer agencies who then receive a larger donation.  In addition to our tithe, over New Year, we took a special collection for the Tearfund Emergency Appeal for The Middle East and Gaza and were able to give them an extra £816. 

In January the DCC approved our distribution of our 2023 tithe as follows: 

|**RECIPIENT**|**AMOUNT £**|
|---|---|
|CAP Swale(agreed annual contribution of £150 per<br>month)|1800|
|CAP Swale for Local Centre use|600|
|CAP National|600|
|Barnabas Fund|600|
|Open Doors|600|
|TearFund|2250|
|Swale Foodbank|2000|
|Bible Society(Bibles for Ukraine/Syria etc)<br>Bible ReadingFellowship|1000<br>500|
|New Wine|500|
|MercyShips|1200|
|Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)|1200|
|**Total**|**12850**|



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## **SWALE CAP DEBT CENTRE REPORT** 

Our Centre is formed by a Partnership of churches across Sittingbourne and Sheppey: Holy Trinity Sittingbourne (lead Church), Sittingbourne Baptist, Sittingbourne Methodist, Hope Church, Bobbing Church, and Sheppey Community Church. Representatives from these churches serve on the Steering Group which oversees the ministry and regularly attend the prayer meetings. Our Holy Trinity Church reps are Gill Price and Ann Mackenzie. We are very grateful to Head Office Staff and our Area Manager who also support us so well. We have a regular Prayer Letter and monthly Prayer Meetings to support the work of the Centre and have seen many answers to prayer for our clients in 2023! 

Thanks to the dedication of the local and national staff and volunteers our Centre has been able to offer a full Debt Advice Service and we currently have over 20 active clients. Many clients have become debt free through the past year!  Wendy Martin our Centre Manager, a member of Sheppey Community Church, continues to see two new clients a month. In addition, Wendy has been able to make good links with other agencies working across Swale to help those in need. One particularly good link is with the DWP staff in Sittingbourne who have made it possible for some of their clients to join CAP Money Coaching sessions which have been held in their premises. 

Once again, we greatly appreciated the support from the Partnership churches in supplying the Centre with Christmas gifts and food for clients and their families as well as prayer support. We have good links with the Foodbank and have appreciated their willingness to direct clients to CAP when appropriate. For two of our clients, with the help of Hope Church, we have been successful in gaining funding from the national charity Acts 4:35 for a new pair of glasses and a washing machine. We have enjoyed hosting occasional CAP lunch gatherings at Love, Laughter, Lunch – our Wednesday Lunch Club in Holy Trinity. 

One of the strengths of CAP are the home visits made by the Debt Coaches accompanied by a Befriender, many of whom continue to support clients through their journey out of debt. We always need new Befrienders, so if this is something you would like to find out about, please ask, training will be provided.  We are still praying towards recruiting and training a second Debt Coach to work alongside Wendy as the need in the area is great. Our clients continue to be deeply affected by the ‘cost of living crisis’ and a number face very complex situations and many suffer with mental health issues. 

Staff from CAP Head Office have recently been to Parliament to present the findings of a report entitled ‘Pushed under, Pushed out’ which highlights the impact of low incomes on debt and poverty. One very positive outcome from this report has been the changes in the recent Budget to the conditions for a Debt Relief Order which will allow more people to become debt free more quickly without having to face bankruptcy. 

Financially we need to be self-supporting. Our Partnership Churches contribute to the cost of paying for Head Office Services (they do all the professional work for our clients and cover training of Centre Staff etc) and salary for our Centre Manager. Many of you have taken an interest in our work and have supported us financially by standing order or donations, thank you! 

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Please get in touch if you would like to find out more about how you can support our local Swale CAP Centre.  Your support, interest, and prayers are a vital part of this vital ministry! 

_**Revd Ann Mackenzie – Line Manager**_ 

_**Gill Price – Parish Rep and Befriender Trainer.**_ 

## **SWALE FOODBANK REPORT** 

Our Foodbank is open every Tuesday from 12-2pm in Holy Trinity Parish Hall. We are part of Swale Foodbank which is supported by the Trussell Trust. We have a team of ten volunteers and are a predominately Christian team. 

This year we have again been overwhelmed by the generous donations which have continued every week at both Holy Trinity and Bobbing. We are so grateful for each donation we receive. They enable us to keep our centres open every week. 

In October, we were visited by the Year 2 children from the Oaks Infant School. The children brought some of their harvest donations to us and helped to pack some food parcels. There were some very thoughtful questions, and everyone enjoyed the visit. 

In December, Holy Trinity helped to provide presents for our Swale Foodbank pop up shops which enabled families nominated by local schools to choose Christmas presents and receive a Christmas hamper. We are so grateful for this support. 

Over the past year we have become busier, largely due to cost-of-living crisis. Between April 2023 and April 2024, our Holy Trinity centre made up 579 food parcels. These supported 1302 people including 485 children. Some clients come when they don’t need a food parcel, to talk to the team, have refreshments and take some of the food donated by the Co-op which often includes bread, fruit, and vegetables. 

Signposting to other organisations, for example, CAP, Mentalk Health and Citizens Advice, is an important part of each session, enabling clients to receive additional support. Until recently, we were joined by a member of the Citizens Advice Swale team at each session. We hope to work with another organisation soon. 

## **Caroline McMahon** 

## **MENTALK HEALTH, SITTINGBOURNE** 

I’m delighted to report on another year of Holy Trinity’s continuing to host Mentalk Health meetings. 

Mentalk Health is a local initiative to provide support for men of all ages who are struggling with mental health issues. 

We provide a safe, friendly environment, with refreshments which the men appreciate and look forward to. It is always a privilege to engage in friendly chat with them, and to show care and interest in their wellbeing. We have gained some insight into the wide-ranging issues and circumstances that comprise mental health too. 

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There are now over 200 men registered, with a regular core attendance of around 35. They meet weekly, on a Tuesday evening, and are led by a mental health professional, and a team of trained support volunteers. We know for certain that 17 lives have been saved since the start of these meetings, for which we thank God. 

We have also witnessed over time the development of strong friendships and relationships within the group, which carries on outside. They have their own WhatsApp group which enables them to respond to anyone reaching out for help, and also to maintain general contact and support 24/7. Our HT team of volunteers comprises Gordon, Shannon, Chuks, Keith and myself, and we serve on a rota basis. I would like to thank them for their servant hearts and commitment. My thanks also to our staff team and churchwardens for their prayers and support 

Mentalk Health has recently been granted charity status, which will hopefully enable the trustees to plan and develop a sustainable and strong future.  Please pray for them as they work towards this, and for the guys who attend the meetings. 

_**Mike Lusted**_ 

## **A MESSAGE FROM OUR TREASURER** 

With all sincerity of heart, on behalf of the PCC I would like to say a _Big Thank You_ for your continuous love, support, and fruitful labour in the House of our Lord Jesus Christ.  As much as we know and understand through the word of God that Our Father does not dwell in bricks and mortar; but through the Holy Spirit He dwells in the Heart of everyone and anyone that has accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. 

Without a shadow of doubt God is Good and He continues to bless us beyond our wildest dreams, and we pray as Paul the Apostle prayed in the Book of Philippians 4:19 “ _**And my God shall supply all your needs according to His Riches in glory by Christ Jesus”.**_ 

As you review the financials for 31 December 2023, we would want you to see the goodness of our God in his provision through us as a congregation of believers and the generosity of our friends and Family. We would also encourage you to look at 2024 with the heart of expectancy and enthusiasm. 

As believers we are not insensitive to economic situation that we might find ourselves in, we would like to assure you that God’s promises are true. In 2024, let us ensure that we fully enjoy the blessing that our Father has earmarked for his Children. 

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus taught us not to worry about what we shall eat, drink or wear as our Heavenly Father knows we need these things but rather seek first the kingdom of our God and His Righteousness and all these things shall be added to us. 

Let us all put our confidence in God and boldly declare not by my might or strength but by the grace of Our Lord Jesus through the loving kindness of our Heavenly Father all our needs shall be met in 2024. 

## **In Christ always** 

## **Buki Odeniran - HT Treasurer** 

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CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES
Ind?p?ndent examlnerfs
report on thé aecounl8
Spction A
IndcptsndÉnt Exarninbes R•port
rn•mbgff￿ of
Th& PCC oflha E￿￿.1*￿1951K￿l Parish cl Si*J'TrJbourng Hoty Trinliy ¥Viih
Bobbir
On far1￿ y¢¥r
•ntJèd
31 DECEMBER 202$
Charity 1 115￿02
(rf any)
Se¢ out on peg*s
I repJrt to the Iruste*s gn rny fjABminDtior of the accowi)114 ul ltr￿ &boYe
haritri ('theTnJst-i kn-. the year &h41tJtJ 31112 12023
R*spon¥51billles and As the &14rty ol thB Trust. you ￿Èp¢￿￿olE tor prep¥a*"Dn
Ixsls of r.r Ihp aocounts in accordanté wilh the rEquiretnerts of tha Charitie5 hct
2C11 1.tha Acri.
l Yoport in ￿perI ul rny pxarnination of tha Tjuyt's aeeountÈ taff1￿ out
uthd¢r gection 145 of lh& 2011 AGt and in oyl my exaniination. I
havc followa4 thp applicable Dire£wJrtS giwETr by the Cliarily Cvrywnj55jC
under section 145iS1(bl ol thc AGI.
l knave comk)lèipd my ￿ar￿inal.Q1i. l ¢Jrifi.Th Ihat malBdAI m8tters have
COtTre to rny allenlion (Dther than Ihar b8la4¥-1 in ￿nn￿¢t10￿
e examinaiioibiYFiiGh gVES rnE lo bklkwe that n. any rnaterigl
r¥bVeGI-
acCo￿lin9 re￿r￿Swere nol kapl in ￿OrtanCe •4*h s*Flipn J30 of
&A¢1tsJ
Ihè oc(ximtE do nL* *=ar41 ￿lIh accounbnu ruLyJrds
Indppendent
examln?r's statemenl
I h&%* nts thrbsems and haye LX4m*) Eltzo￿ rn thher maiiars In conne￿10n
with the ￿.)1117241¢1l lu wliich attention shtsultl bp dTrwn ITr ordgr a
pwÈr Ulbjurblunding of the ￿n￿ni* Ir4 tye fEacW.
. Plgdbp delele (ljo wDftl*lrt Ihe ljrnckels tfJhg￿dQ Trot apfyy.
$ignetl=
Ikloq-
Mamc: Trtro£ ' 1￿.pJN1￿tr
Fietevant prol•sslonal
qualllleatit￿l?j or body
' V7VDt.MS
Addr9￿.
KFX T. N1F. I [.1 i..x_
IER
O¢tobtrr 2￿3
15 | Page

THE PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF
SITTINGBOURNE HOLY TRINrrY ￿TTH BOBBING
BAIAnce Sheet
As at 31 December 2023
Flx•d As*•ts -T•nglbl•s
2023
2022
Conyuter Equipn*nt Cost
Conyutèr Equipn*nt Dtsprv¢latr•n
1.630
1.156
474
1629.99
-748.65
881
Curr•rt Ass•ts - Bank AceouTht
Base Rate Rewaft1
Bobbng CuTheni Account
8obbi)g RF- Fa￿￿ Fund
Bobbng URF- Saks of Lgnd
HT- PCC GènÈrnl Fund
HT CuThent Accounts
HT Pètty Cash
P￿0 car
SUMUP (bank)
25.891
12.397
5,650
157
1.489
31,768
499.06
26380.72
5474.79
153.04
1425.68
33261.15
119
74
Curr•nt Uablllll•s
Trnde Crèdrtors
Accruals
pa￿01 L￿b41t￿¥
Nest Penwn Crndito
Fees du8 10 DK>c8san Boarcl of Finan¢x - HT
Feas du8 to 0￿Cesan Board ol Financ8 - Bobbing
38
11201
.1361.8S
-120
S6
11681
269
(799
N•t As*•t
Unr•*trlctsd Fund*
Bobbng Buikjing Ona Account . CBF
Bobbng CBF 2
Bobbng N￿rr￿S11a1 Garden
CAP Center
Churcth Events
Food Bank
Seasonal Evants
Is￿n
R•8trlel•d Funds
Bobbng General Funds
HT General Funds
Love Laughter Lunth
Sharnd Cost
17.8321
11831
14.3611
(7.8321
.7832. 19
-183.49
4646.79
737.12
-308
430
432.7
1101
P6.5691
(29.8741
14991
191
.15740.92
1817.14
11.62
Funth Provld•d

F￿{31 Dx•bK ))2J
2023
2022
T￿)
F•J5
T•tsJ
F*bd5
ttCF*5 fx
3.4?J
3.4
Y5
IAI
1&0-.3
ii.
30
1.123
29J
4TrJ
lJ85
30
Cffiip4. CLiAh
110.437
41.r.4
9)5
155
i35
372
152
li
6L4
420
12.738
.9
19.495)
16.f*581
.495)
(7J02)
li
ji43)
13
4N)
(1.933)
liJ4
Q05)
I1.￿3)
1341
(3
(3¥
IU3)
',ts31
a.215)
19".
(Jy
os
QT)
75311
7531)
(3
li18)
Ili.J8)
I1￿)
li18)
(74g)
ifflz)
(XI2TJ
(91g)
1013)
lJ4.Il7)
19lU)
140.25
Q32)
159>4
114
a.￿5)
(333)
Il5.3fJ
(i.
331
lity)
1535)
0.815)
Ili5
Ilo
AIIA
(16
15)
(3J17)
11.4411
15)
13J17)
1141)
11.W7)
(1_4NI
Ili55
(1.3041
Ili3
&47
921
(9711
66 Qlo
)).219

St•teuwJt of FiL￿CIaL ArtiiitiÉ¥ Pv Cb•r¢
rIrThel￿Tl•￿I)l
11.16117
119.01
915
3gC4J
29XC•
y)
iio.r
.2P
iio
LS-,4 55
XPl447
3,491
L169 55
?&9144",
1494 CIJ
3&?74
.11961
78j.ji
iij
135.12
115.Q2
16
07)
(IDJI.JI>
671
D51511
14.415
5.4VJ
OX4YJ
(L￿9 5
QMf•Y)
Q31
(X5
0.215th
(TLSX.7JI
(n.sJQn)
(XfKQ.tyYJ
yjii
eJ.7Z4J)
1&15ry4J)
(LX
(S￿#1
tfpj
31.W)
51.5SJ
032
TL)
o ?11
(535.
<4W4441
141
IJ: i¥
ILW. 4)1
o.w.
0199ZJ
14.7
a.4Si.N)
a.¥1 IOJ
(4L'
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143rn
T**
Q401.NI
@441 1
(Ll%.éS)
(LLM
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11.oit74
1153
1510SJ
3L515
181 Page

Ti
rrfknW>
F.￿¥471)
L71F:
PCCF•kn
Ixyro
lttk
ff.951 511
(4.4lY
Ir￿
IFI.SJ)75
i *
O.XLJ4
711
rP35-.11
0*1 S•b
i*kUJ
574
04bi
.lJi
114k*bi
nX7P
•li
74
Ll
TJ

Holj. Triiiifj,
ort_ Bud é* For 2024
Hob. TriDit)'
OUTREACH
isrio
and donations
ond oiher donariois
oodbank & C.4P
Dennen. Oiiofa
9.850.00
3.000.00
75.070 43
87 926.43
Other mission
TotslAUocatsd bud erf
SER VICES
Sunda4" 5Jds
Sundm. l ot4th
'elcom¢- Ho
irdlin.
ChI4￿h Strpplies- 11 eddings,'Bapftsm,' Birthda)¥ J Booktlltssic,,
and Cahdles ere
onisr aprd o
cost
1,000.00
750 00
500.00
300.00
650.00
1.50000
50.00
CCLI Li¢us¢ ' PPL
Commiinion Jfin¢
FloHYrs
Rrolin-
to
350.00
1.500.00
1,000.00
1.000 00
i.000.00
Chll￿h Hos
Audio wsual- (LfSet & .VruTC ' Ifop*5ho
1101shr
TolalAllocated bud et
ch￿￿CHRuN]vLVG COST
Cl￿￿1￿
Il'at£r
Insurane¢
Heori
i? 000.00
4.900.00
3.850.00
5.000.00
27 750.00
Fftbp7c (thiin
rnoii&R
TotslAlloc4fed bud erf
Tel hone- B T lo
cel , .Ilobile
Admin ¢05t - stori0￿en. etc
Accoiinti
Administroriié cost
Bdnk Cfr
' emails
Jdenr Examiner
IraoeJ and Salan'_
isiopt
or P•Jsion
Church Events- Confer¢nce,' savinftr,. Coiips¢5 err
750.00
600.00
i?o.00
400.00
500.00
500.00
1.800.00
36.000.00
1.600.00
42270.00
50
'ore
communciatt.on (hosti
Ind
To&TIAllocated bud et
CLEIGYEXPENSES
I'icar/ Cl
m.anl
Cl£
nses
irdlin.
¢kJs¢s
500.00
500.00
500.00
500 00
Discrehontsn,
Paston71 Cnr
TotslAllocatrd bud Lrf
Tolals
Month
170 740.43
14 228.37
20

|**_St Bartholomew's Bobbing_**||
|---|---|
|**_Budget 2024_**||
||**_2024_**|
||**_Budget_**|
|**_OUTREACH_**||
|_Missiongiving and other donations_|**_3200_**|
|_CAP_|**_600_**|
|_Outreach - School/Community/Christmas/Bereavement_|**_1000_**|
|_Deanery Quota_|**_29000_**|
|||
|**_Total_**|**_33800_**|
|**_SERVICES_**||
|_Sunday Kids_|**_450_**|
|_Church Hospitality_|**_600_**|
|_Church Supplies- Weddings / Baptism / Birthdays / Books/Music/ Lanyards and Candles etc_|**_300_**|
|_Organist and organ cost_|**_150_**|
|_CCLI License / PPL_|**_950_**|
|_Audio visual- asset & Music / Workshop/ Laptop_|**_1000_**|
|||
|**_Total_**|**_3450_**|
|**_CHURCH RUNNING COST_**||
|_Cleaning_|**_100_**|
|_Heating / Lighting / Water_|**_2500_**|
|_Insurance_|**_2800_**|
|_Church Minor Repairs_|**_1000_**|
|_Fabric(Quinquennial inspection & Repairs)_|**_9000_**|
|||
|**_Total_**|**_15400_**|
|**_MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION_**||
|_Mobile data SIM_|**_300_**|
|_Accounting Software_|**_100_**|
|_Bank Charges_|**_50_**|
|_Independent Examiner_|**_50_**|
|_Training - Conference / seminar/ Courses etc_|**_400_**|
|||
|**_Total_**|**_900_**|
|**_CLERGY EXPENSES_**||
|_Vicar / Clergy / warden expenses_|**_600_**|
|_Discretionary funds_|**_750_**|
|_Pastoral Care_|**_100_**|
|||
|**_Total_**|**_1450_**|
|_Total Costs_|**_55000_**|



**21 |** P a g e