Churches Together In Lancashire Financial Accounts For The Year Ended 31st December 2024 Towers + Gornall Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants Garstang, Preston
Independent examinerfs report on tho accounts of Churches Together in Lancashire Report on th• accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024. Respectlve rasponslbilitlos of trustees and examin6r: The charitys trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 ("the Acl.). The chariws trustees consider thal an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act. to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission {under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention Ba8is of Independent examlnerfs statement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by Ihe Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent •xamlnorfs statement In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Charities Act. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records. or The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper underslanding of the accounts to be reached. Sign•d.............. . Dat•..................... Mlck Gornall Towers & Gornall River View 96 Hi8h Street Garstang PR3 IWZ
Statemenl of Accountsforlhe perlod ended 31st De¢ember2024 Churches ToEelher In Lancashlre 2024 2023 General Denominatlonal Contrlbutlons Other Income Grants received 45,642 13.969 1,750 Total Income 47,392 20249 Ecumenclal Development Offlcer. Salary and Penslon Travel and home telephone Consultstions, courses and resources 39.069 2,554 27.688 5.952 41,623 33,640 HMRC Payments- PAYE. Tax.& NICS 8.655 4.317 Forums. conferences & local review expenses 8.560 Office Costs: Equipment Insurance 850 292 394 292 1.142 380 686 1,198 300 1.392 50,093 Affliations Grants (accounts i payrou) Other Expenses Total Expenses 683 57,832 Income Less Expenditure Cleared Liabilities from previous year 10,440 36.124 Proflt fortheyear 10.440 Assets HSBC Current Account HSBC Deposit Account 25,128 35,568 25.128 35.568 CAF Cash Account CAF Gold Account Churches Together In Scorton 25.129 Llabllttle$ General contributions received in advance NetAssels Represenled by: Last years generalfunds Bance of Income and Expenditure for the year Current Liabillties 35.569 10.440 71.693 36,124 25.129 35,569
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN LANCASHIRE Churches Together in Lancashire Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 2fh February 2025 Reports Chairman's Report Page 2 County Ecumenical Officer Page 5 DEO Report (Diocese of Blackbum) Page 10 Enabling Group for Church and Environment Page11 Enabling Group of Social Justice & Responsibility/Health Page 15 Financial Summary for the year ending 31st December 2024 Page 17 Chair, Presidents and Ecumenical Officers Page 18 Prayer of commitment and unity Page 20 '0p£ue£vT8[ ouv yaenT8uuaTE QvTa Ta Éevn FcThrTI(OVTE[ auTOU£ Ei£ TO ovoya TOU ThaTPO£ Kai TOU UIOU Kai TOU ayiou TrvEuyaTO£" MaT8aio£ 28v19 Charity Number 1160021
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 2Ph February 2025 CHURCHES TOGETHER Chalrman's Report 2023 (On behalf of the Trustees) The Revd Dr Peter Colwell 111 L A 11 C A511 1 H E l am delighted to have been invited to take on the role of Chair of Churches Together in Lancashire. l am bom and raised in Lancashire and live in Cleveleys. l am an ordained minister in the United Refomed Church and serve as the Deputy General Secretary of CTBI, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. As with previous 'Chairs" my tem of office began with Lancashire Carers Sing Christmas which was an excellent opportunity to be introduced on air to the County as your new Chair. It is a fantastic event reaching over 10,000 people and highlighting the very special work done by individuals and organisations who provide care for the most vulnerable in our community. (We heard from Adam Brogden of the St John Ambulance who came with Joan Wright. a volunteer for 64 years. and was a nurse for fifty years. The programme also introduced Zoé Abemethy, the Northwest Church Engagement Officer for Christian Aid. There was a moving interview with Cameron Murray from Derian House. There were live-links out to the DaThven Asylum Refugee Enterprise where Christmas Hampers were being distributed and to the Heskin Community centre where Loma Bowling shared the work of a group that support those living with Parkinsons Disease.) The Churches were represented by the Northwest Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, Major David Taylor. David retires this year and so our prayers are with David and Kathy as they look to the future. The annual message and prayer were delivered by the Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend Malcom Mcmahon focussing on the work of those who care for others and prayed for lasting pea in those plaS of conflict in the world. The Carols were led brillianlly by our friends from the Blackburn Salvation Amiy Band under baton of Eric Millest and the Blackbum Community Choir under that baton of Jeff Borradaile. Churches Together in Lancashire was invited to the Christian Police Association Carol Service by its chair PC Paul Pountsin. This was attended by the Chief Constable, Sacha Hatchett Stasia Osiowy {O-sho-vy} the Divisional Commander for the South Division, which covers Preston, South Ribble, Chorley, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale. Building relationships with Civic Leaders, Local Authorities, Police and Community Services. the NHS, continues to be a priority for Churches Together in Lancashire. Out of the relationship with the Lancashire Constabulary came the invitation to +Philip, the Bishop of Blackburn, to preach at the national conference of the Christian Police Association which took place at Salmesbury Hall. Throughout the year the Church Leaders for Lancashire have met either in person or by Zoom. These meetings have been well attended and represent the most important aspect of Churches Together in Lancashire which is the bringing together of all Christians for prayer and fellowship in the name of Jesus Christ.
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 Each denomination has an appointed ecumenical officer which gathers monthly in person or online under the direction of The Revd Anton Muller, County Ecumenical Officer for Lancashire. The role of the DEO is to encourage and support ecumenical activity in all of denominations churches. To do this the DEOS continue to build ecumenical points of contacts in each Deanery, Circuit and Mission Area. Most churches and groups do come together for the Week of Prayer, a Walk of Witness, Pentecost Praise. There are also many activities taking pla with monthly prayer meetings. ecumenical ser¥ices on the 5th Sundays of the month alongside the weekly provision of care in the community which demonstrate the good examples of churches working together in mission and ministry. In addition to the work with local groups, Churches Together in Lancashire continues to grow its Nelwork Partners and working groups. referred to as "enabling groups". In May of this year Churches Together in Lancashire worked with Network Partner Karen Livesey, the Director of No Whispers CIC. This organisation delivers awareness training in identifying and responding effectively to Child Sexual Exploitation {CSE), Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE}. The event held at Whalley Abbey brought together safeguarding leads from across the denominations which revealed the differences in practice that can create gaps in the provision of safeguarding for all. Many of our network partners and enabling groups joined us again in the Church Tent at the Royal Lancashire over the third weekend of July. The Church Tent signposted a range of church-based reSoUrS for supporting farming and rural communities. The lead partner for 2024 was Lancashire Mind to raise awareness of faming and mental health. (The other partners included PLASP, the Pan Lancashire Anti-slavery Partnership. Christian Police Association Preston Street Pastors, NHS Community Roots, Faming Community Network, Anna Chaplaincy. Field Nurses, No Whispers. the Agricultural Chaplaincy Association and the Lancashire Churches Rural Focus Group. We also gave space to the MND Association.) The Church Tent Servi was led by an all-female ministry team across the denominations. This year the music was led by the Balderstone Brass Band. We are very gratefvl to the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund and the Lancashire Foundation. The grants received covered the cost of the Marquee, the electrical supply and the provision of free hot and cold drinks by Preston Fair Trade. The Church Tent was visited by The Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Amanda Parker. the Mayors of Blackbum and Bumley, The Bishops of Blackbum and Bumley along with a steady stream of visitors grateful for a free cuppa and somewhere to sit down. This year the Church Tent Community will gather again joined by cItenS UK which will focus on Rural Poverty and the Living Wage Campaign. We are again seeking grants the cover the £2,500 costs of this important Christian presentation at the Royal Lancashire Show.
Annual General Meetlng for the year ending 31$t December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 2024 was milestone in the life of the Methodist Districts across the Northwest. Churches Together in Lancashire was represented at the launch of the Northwest England Methodist District held at the Victoria Hall in Bolton. The Revd Dr James Tebbutt was commissioned as the overall chair of the new District. Seeking to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation is one of the Five Marks of Mission which undeIn the work of Churches Together in Lancashire. This is one of the areas where all churches can join as one to be a powerful voice to challenge injustice and pursue peace in the world and in our own communities where social cohesion and service is so important. We were dismayed when funding for the Interfailh Network was withdrawn by the previous Govemment. The Church Leaders for Lancashire came together to write in support of the work of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland that has campaigned. successfully. for the recreation of some kind of programme to generate inter faith relations. Churches Together in Lancashire is also working to raise awareness of the situation in Palestine and Gaza. This has a long and complex history, and churches have different even opposing opinions. It is why l am delighted to be in conversation with Dr Marwan Darweish shortly. Most recently Churches Together in Lancashire has begun to work with Church Action on Povety and the °Your Local Pantry. scheme which takes the provision foodbanks much further in order to create a sustainable programme in the manner of the original co-operatives. Ecumenism is a day-to-day expression of what it means to be church. At times it is right to highlight special events that mark the ecumenical joumey that all Christians must make as they seek to usher in the Kingdom which for is all, not just a few. This year 2025, marks the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. This was the first ecumenical council that led to what is known as the Nicene Creed. Whilst it brought much unity to the Early ChurGh, which was destroying itself over doctrinal conflict, there remains disagreement over some small. but by no means insignificant differenS. You have the opportunity to explore all of this over the weekend of 12th _ 14th September when Blackburn Cathedral will host an ecumenical programme to mark this 1700th Anniversary. There is so much to share but I will end this report here because it is here, the statement of faith, that stands at the centre of all that we are. The Revd Dr Peter Colwell Deputy General Secretsry of Churches Together in Brilain & Ireland Chair of Churches Together in Lancashire 27th February 2025
Annual General Meetlng ft•r the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 CHURCHES TOGETHER The County Ecumenical Officer's Report The Revd Anton Muller MA 1 14 LA CA 5 MIPR It has been another busy year packed with ecumenical activities. events and programmes. I reiVed reports of a good number of ServIS and gathering for prayers in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unty. I took part in the event held at St Anne's Lytham. We did hold an online event which the few people who attended found helpful. l am not planning a CTL online gathering in 2025. Engaging with Churchos & Groups Over the year I have taken services at Penwortham URC, St Leonards CofE in Langho, Trinity Community Church Accrington, our only BaptisVAnglican LEP. I have attended meetings of the Blackbum and Darwen Leaders Group, the Fylde Leaders Group, Churches Together in North Blackbum, Accrington Deanery Synod. It was very moving to attend the launch of the Northwest England Methodist District and then the following day attend the welcome service for the Revd Michaela Barker at Kirf(ham & Fairhaven Methodist Church with a message of welcome and greeting on behalf of Churches Together in Lancashire. Meetings of the Presidents and Denomlnational Ecumenical Officers There have been five meetings of the Presidents (the Church Leaders for Lancashire). These have been well attended by Zoom and at various venues around the County. In 2025 there will be four meetings. Two by Zoom and two in person. The main purpose of the meeting is to strengthen Christian unity across the denominations through prayer, reflection and fellowship. The meetings also bring shared issues and concems to the tsble. A joint statement was sent by the Presidents in response to the last Government's withdrawal of funding to the Interfaith Network. There was also considerable discussion on the Assisted Dying Bill on which there are diverse views across the churches. There have been ten meetings of the Denominational Ecumenical Officers split between online and attended meetings. There is an emphasis on prayer, reflection and fellowship. These gatherings also represent something of the engine-room of ecumenism in Lancashire as each member relates to various groups and activities around the County. Most importantly they support and encourage ecumenical development in their own denominations. The Revd Daleen Ten Cate, DEO for the Northwest Synod comments: °Highlights for me of last year was to work with all the people who was part ofthe RLS CTL, on grassroots level such as Lancashire Citizens, PLASP, St Johns Ambulance etc. It is always important to me that the relationships we build, trickle down to grassroots levels. It was also special to be part ofthe first women's only team presiding the Love Feast at the RLS."
Annual General Meeting for the yearending 31¥t December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 CHURCHES TOGETHER Partnership Working I1+ LA14CAS hlRE The Enabling Group for environment is developing well. Dave Champness has taken on the role of Chair of the Environment Group. It is planned to carry out a cross denominational sUreY of church and environment matters, to encourage all churches to engage creatively for a cleaner environment and assist those working towards the Eco Church Awards. The Enabling Group for Social Justi & Responsibly is covered by the worf( being done by Dr Peter Lumsden who is making progress with various NHS bodies and Social Prescribing CTL'S network partners now include Sanctuary Mental Health, Citizens UK, Lancashire Association of Councils for Voluntary Service, No Whispers CIC, Housing Justice, Church Action on Poverty, Your Local Pantry Scheme, Lancashire Mind, The Christian Police Association, Field Nurses, Parish Nursing, Famiing Community Network, Hope at Home, the Pan Lancashire Anti-slavery Partnership, (PLASP), NHS Community Roots, Christian Aid. the Lancashire Churdies Rural Focus Group and the Agriculturnl Chaplaincy. All of these were represented in the Church Tent at the Royal Lancashire Show which received grants from the Lord Lieutenant's Duchy Fund and the Lancashire Foundation. The Church Tent was visited by the Lord Lieutenant. Mrs Amanda Parker, the Mayor of Blackbum, the Mayor of Hyndbum, the Bishops of Bumley and Blackbum. Engaglng with the reglonal and natlonal work of ecumenlsm In my wider remit I have continued to represent the Northwest region of Churches Together in England on it's Enabling Gioup. This is a role that I share with my counterpart in Merseyside, Elisabeth Hachmoeller. Between us we co-ordinate the meetings of the Northwest region in various locations and online. The Northwest Synod of the United Refomed Church has appointed the Revd Darren Holland as it Ecumenical Officer across the Northwest supporting its churches and local ecumenical offirS. Darren attends the Northwest CEO group, the Lancashire DEO meetings and the meetings of the Lancashire Church Leaders. In my role as the Moderator of the National Forum of Churches Together in England I have attended the annual meetings of the Staff & Trustees, contributed to the discussions on its strategic and organisational development and chaired the Forum Planning Group. Ensuring a futuro for skill•d ecumenical work After two years of work to create and promote the development of a Common Awards Ecumenical Module for lay and ordained ministerial training this has now been accepted by Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxford.
Annual General Meeting for the year endlng 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 An ecumenical celebration of Christmas CHURCHES TOGETHER 9th December: Christian Police Association Caml Servlce Churches Together in Lancashire was well represented at this event, and we hope to be fully part of the event again. I gave one of the readings. The new Chief Constable for Lancashire Constsbulary, Sacha Hatchett, took part along with the Chief Superintendent Stasia Osiowy who is the Divisional Commander for South Division, which covers Preston, South Ribble, Chorley. Onnskirk and Skelmer5dale. for South Ribble. The music was led by the Preslon Salvation Amiy Corp Band. I would like CTL to give this more support and encourage the Church Leaders to attend and take part as they are able. The event was featured in "The Salvationist. the national magazine of the Salvation Amiy with a picture of Major David Taylor, NW Div Commander with the Chief Constable. 18th December." Lancashire Carers Slng Chrlstmas This event went very well and was reported on BBC Northwest Television across two programmes. The Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Revd Malcom Mcmahon gave the message this year which recognised the work of carers. both individuals and organisations. There was also a call and prayer for peace in the various places of conflict. The Revd Peter Colwell, Chair of CTL was amongst those interviewed during the programme and featured on BBC Northwest Tonight. Less groups now sign up to host local venues because of the time of the programme, although a small number did host evening events using BBC Sounds. I intend to encourage more participation in the daytime and at other times using the BBC Sounds option. 21st December Romanian Orthodox Church Christmas Event A few of us attended this fabulous Christmas musical event with traditional Romanian music, readings and prayers, and of course traditional Romanian delicacies. Thank you to Fr Ciprian Bidan, the Romanian Orthodox Priest in Preston and to the church for their welcome and hospitality. Priorities for 2025 Establishing active contacts in each our local groups remains a challenge. Comms remains key to keep ecumenism visible Encouraging groups to build on their programmes and to explore the ecumenical dimension across the various ministries taking place. Encouraging the ecumenical dimension in lay and ordained ministerial formation. Launch of the Common Awards module 'Theory and Practice of Ecumenism" with Ripon College. Cuddesdon. Strengthening the support for each DEO by their Church Leader and creating a network of ecumenical contacts in each denomination across the County.
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 Church Leaders should regularly invite the DEOS to bring an ecumenical dimension to denominational strategic planning and organisation. Developing the civic and community relationships through the creation. support and development of enabling groups around key issues and network partnerships. Continue to build up the directory of recognised Independent Free Churches. Continue to identify and build relationship with BAME led churches. Identify and support young adultslyouth in ecumenism linked to the CTE Bill Snelson Fund for young ecumenists. Linked to this is to have greater involvement in Surfstage. youth and young adult pilgrimages CHURCHES TOGETHER Events in 2025 2025 is a year of Jubilee. The 2025 Catholic Jubilee Year is a Holy Year of Jubilee that began on December 24. 2024. and will end on January 6. 2026. The theme for the year is "Pilgrims of Hope." There will be events taking place globalty as across the three Dioceses in Lancashire. htt s:I1.cbcew.or .ukl'ubilee-20251 Vision 2026 The DI0Se of Blackbum is planning a programme which will take it forward as it approached its ntenary year. The Diocesan Ecumenical Officers are working on the inclusion of ecumenical development and engagement in the next stage of the Diocesan Vision after 2026. 17.19th March: The Churches Together In England Forum 2025 One but not same: celebrating diversity- living with difference. The Lancashire delegates are The Revd Stephen Brown. DEO for the Archdeaconry of Blackbum, Captsin Tracy Collis, DEO and Church Leader representative for the NW Division of the Salvation Army. Fr Paul Cannon & Sharon Beech (Diocese of Salford). Deacon Pru Cahill (NWE Methodist District). The Revd Kevin Huggett (URC NW Synod) is the Forum Director of Music. Bishop Anderson Jeremiah is now a Trustee of CTE and will be giving the keynote address in place of Justin Welby following his recent resignation. 4th 6th July Surfstage: All Age Christian Festival at Parbold - this has the potential to be the Greenbelt of the North. 18th _ 20th July Royal Lancashire Show: The Church Tent will host a range of partner organisations with a particular focus this year on Rural Poverty and the Living Wage Campaign. Network Partner "Citizens UK. will lead on this aspect. 12th - 14th Septemb8r= Nicaaa 25- a celebration of faith. belief and the unity we share in Christ and established at the first Council of Nicaea in 325 with the fonnulation of the first ecumenical document we know as the Nicene Creed. Prof Rachel Muers (Quaker) has accepted our invitation to take part. htt s:Iledweb rofiles.ed.ac.ukl rofilel rofessor-rachel-muers
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 271h February 2025 CHURCHES TOGETHER I¥ IAWC4SHlPf Other participants include Dr Victoria Tumer (URC), Ripon College, Cuddesdon; Fr Andrew Louth, Emeritus Professor of Orthodox Studies (Durham University); The Revd Tim Norwood, CofE National Ecumenical Officer for Local Ecumenism. There will be other denominational representatives taking part. Please save the dates, especially the ecumenical gathering on Saturday aftemoon 13th September. 18th December 2025 Lancashire Carers Sing Christmas with Radio Lancashlre We have the new Bishop of Bumley, The Rt Revd Joe Kennedy taking part and provisionally the new Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire & Rescue. So why bother with Ecumenism? Because Jesus prays for It, and we are called to make It so. John 17vv18-24 18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 11 ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and l am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 231 in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, But why. so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where l am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Wh so that the world may know that you have sent me... so that the world may know that you have sent me... so that the world may know .... Youl It's a Mission Imperative not a Mission Impossiblel
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31$t December. Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 Report from the Angllcan Denominatlonal Ecumenical Officers The Revd Stephen Brown, The Revd Gary Lewis Diocese of Blackbum CHURCHES TOGETHER 111 LANCASMIRE Next year will mark the centenary of the foundation of the Church of England Blackbum Diocese. For the last decade the Diocese has been w01ng towards priorities established through a process called Vision 2026, around Christian discipleship and leadership, chIldn and young people, and witness to Christ in daily living. As that programme finishes. a period of consultation is UndeaY to dIsrn a renewed focus and direction. It seems fair to say that ecumenism has not featured greatly in rent times in our collective thinking. Towards the end of last year. a successful bid for (amount??) from central church funds, focused on evangelistic renewal, gave cause for much celebration. Clearly it offers exciting possibilities, but it is nevertheless noticeable that the considerable work that's been done locally to attract it took little account of what all our non-Anglican neighbours are doing, despite trying to be faithful to the same gospel, and in the same geographical areas - and. indeed, facing many of the same challenges. Following my own recent retirement as a Vicar in Haslingden and having had a chance to spent many of the Sundays over the last four months visiting other congregations around Accrington, I now have a renewed perspective on the bigger picture of which we are all part. It is not always something that we seem to recognise or want to acknowledge. The two Anglican DEOS are currently liaising with Anton and with national ecumenical officers as to how best to present the case for thinking {and praying) more ecumenically, and how to get ecumenism back in the centre of our agenda, post Vision 2026. Coincidentally, there are projects going on across Lancashire, coordinated through an initiative called Gather, which aim to map the work that local churches and faith groups are doing systematically, especially around care for children and families, care for homeless people. and provision of food banks and community pantries. This seems likely to Produ clear evidence for the value of induding churches in discussions about funding for new partnership projects, not least with local authorities and the NHS. But mapping such things may also alert churches themselves to the importance of each other's presen and gifts. Surely that must be to the greater glory of our God, whose providence we are called to witness to not least in the honouring of one another. and through each of our distinctive voices joined in together in singing the music of Christ. The Revd Stephen Brown DEO for the Blackbum Archdeaconry, Diocese of Blackbum 10
Annual GeneTrl Meeting for the year ending 31st December. Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 Report from Enabling Group for Church and Envlronment CHURCHES TOGETHER Chair: Mr Dave Champness Di0seS of Blackburn & Carlisle Net Carbon Zero Senior Project Mgr It4 LANCASHIRE Terms of Reference: Representatives from the URC. COE and RC (Quakers), met in July with the Revd Anton Muller, County Ecumenical Officer for Churches in Lancashire. to explore the potential to reinvigorate the Environmental Enabling Group that last met pre-covid. This document discusses some potential topicslissues for collaboration across the counties of Lancashire and Cumbria reflecting the broader geographically overlapping areas ¢x)vered by the NW Synod of the URC. NW Methodist District, the COE dioceses of Blacld)um and Carlisle (who are collaborating on carbon net zero) and Ihe RC Diocese of Lancaster that also covers Cumbria (see map at end of document). Topicsfissues for collaboration ECodi0selEcosynodlEcochurch - providing a regionavstrategic point of contact forARochalCaring for God's Acre officers and a mechanism for sharing mutual learninglcollaborative events on topics such as: Churchyards, maintenancelbiodiversity Workshops for churches working towards bronze/silver/gold status Raising awareness of regional and local councillthird sector support Net Carbon Zero- providing a point of contact for regional officers to collaborate on topics such as: Church Schools - leaming from heat decarbonisation plans Churchlcathedrallofficelretreat house buildings - leaming from energy audiuheat decarbonisation plans and demonstrator projects Vicarageslmanses - learning from heat decarbonisation plans and demonstrator projects Land not in churchyards - learning from strategic planning and interventions Carbon off-setting - learning from strategic planning and interventions Providing a united VOI1P01nt of contact for environmental issues with statutory and grant funding bodies in the geographic area eg local authorities, Natural England Providing a point of contact for regional third sector environment charities eg CumbrialLancashire Wildlife Trusts Enabling a response to matters of environmental Justi as experienced by the population of north-west England eg Cumbria coal-mine Enabling environmental-themed content at the CTL tent at the Lancashire Show. Sharing resources for local campaigning {eg writing letters to MP'S) regarding Climate Justice and Environment issues 11
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 315t December 2024 Held by Zoom on 2rh February 2025 Topicslissues out.of-scope Matters predominantly related to social juslice andlor general rural affairs eg affordability of energy bills, local food supply chain Matters predominantly related to animal welfare Planning and response to natural disasters linked to climate change eg flooding, heatwaves Proposed membership and meeting frequency A Core Group to meet termly Dave Champness (Church of England) The Revd Anton Muller {Churches Together in Lancashire) The Revd Daleen Ten Cate (URC) The Revd Karen Herschell Lancashire Rural Focus Group Stephen Garsed (Environmental Offir, Diocese of Salford) lan Marshall lQuakers) Zoe Abernethy (Christian Aid) Stephanie Roux, (Properties Manager, NWE Methodist District) 'Topic' sub-groups to be formed with other input from knowledgeable individuals eg Diocesan Environmental Officers (DEnvO) to meet as frequently as they determine EcochurchlEcodiocese Net Carbon Zero 'Task and Finish, sub-groups to be fomied to resolve time-limited topics eg Lancashire Show preparation. Update: 1. The synods of both the dioceses of Blackbum and Carfisle received updates on progress with their respective Net Cart)on ZerolEcodiocese action plans at meetings on 19th October. Funding from The Church Commissioners has provided additional staffing capacity and funding for a. Energy AuditslHeat Decarbonisation Plans for all church schools and the higher emitting churches b. Small value grants (up to £2,000) for churches undertaking energy reduction projects Funding for a small number of 'demonstratorf projects - both churches and vicarages 2. Both dioceses are actively working towards achieving silver E)dI0Se status with the main challenge being encouraging more churches to registerlwork toward an Ecochurch award. 3. In July 2024, The General Assembly of URC received an update on progress with implementing the Environmental Policy adopted in 2022. 4. Following a well-attended Ecochurch event hosted by Carlisle Cathedral on 5th October featuring input from Rev Canon Grace Thomas (Manchester Cathedral residentiary canon and Diocesan Environmental Officer), plans will be developed with Blackbum Cathedral to host something similar in 2025 12
Annual General Meeting for tho year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 5. A group of churches in the Lancasterlmorecambe area are planning an ecumenical Ecochurch day on 14th June 2025. Introducing the Revd Karen Herschell Stephanle Roux and members reports Karen's is plt COE incumbent for four parishes in the Hodder Valley and plt rural church renewal officer supporting churches to have a growth agenda. She will be asking how Creation Care fits with missional approach. Churches in her two previous benefices made good progress on Ecochurch - Balderstone is a great exemplar for Forest Church. Stephanie oversees Methodist buildings (churcheslmanses) across the NW and is helping to steer churches in their Ecochurchlnet zero journey. She will contact Polly Eaton at Arocha to get access to the district's Ecochurch data. Aiming for all manses to have an EPC of at least 'C' and disposing of property where this cannot be met (a similar strategy is being employed by Blackbum Diocese, but harder to find suitable replament property within some parishes). In Cumbria, God for All strategy looks at the church and school buildings in a community and selects the most appropriate to maintain worship. Daleen shared the data for URC engagement with Ecochurch across the NW Synod of which Lancashire. Bronze: 9, silver 5, gold 1 (Clitheroe). Garstang almost gold but finding the church land section challenging to achieve Cumbria. Bronze: 7, silver 6 Initial progress made during Covid lockdowns New building person in post. QI reports to include carbon section. Same conversations happening as COE re: green investment in clergy housing that costs the regional church but benefits the occupiers. URC looking at an affordable housing scheme on land at Bolton-le- Sands Stephen explained the 'Live Simply. RC equivalent of Ecochurch that doesnt have grades of awards. It is also applicable to church schools and religious orders. Good engagement in NW Cumbria (Cockennouthlworkington) and poor in Preston which is consistent with URCICOE currently Wider challenge of engaging priests who have come from overseas to lead parishes on eco matters. Mixed response. It was agreed that we should ask the 70 local Churches Together Group Leaders (of whom approximately 20 respond usually) whether ecolcreation 13
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 carelnet zero has been discussed locally and for stories of ecumenical wort(ing on the topic. ACTION: DavelAnton to devise and circulate a questionnaire The Christian Aid update was shared Anton reported on the Church Leaders, meeting at end January. The AGM is 27th Feb at 7.30pm online. The leaders, next meeting is 6th March at which he will provide an update from this meeting. Royal Lancashire Show tent provides missional reSoUrS for supporting rural communities - historically there was some resource for rural chaplaincy but this ceased 8+ years ago. for Resources: Arocha: htt s:Ilarocha.or lenltheolo -churcheslfaith-distinctivesl Baptist Union of Great Britsin htt s.Ilwww.ba tist.or .uldArtIGles16184271Climate resources for.as Catholic Church Laudate Si: htt s:Ilwww.vatican.valcontenVfrancescolenlenc francesco 20150524 enciclica-laudato-si.html clicalsldocumentsl a Church of England Net Zero Carbon Church htt s.'Ilwww.churchofen land.or IresourGes/churchcarelnet-zero-carbon-church The Methodist Church in Britain htt s:Ilwww.methodist.or .uldactionlclimateltake-action-become-an-eco-churchl Quakers in Britain htt s.'/lwww. uaker.or .ukleventsl uaker-eco-church-network-ste s-to-accreditation The Salvation Army htt s:/lwww.salvationarm .or .uldabout-usl olicieslenvironment United Reformed Church Eco Awards htt s:Ilurc.or .uklcate /ecol htt s:Ilnws od.or .uklmission- reen-a ostlesl Six Christian Charities that help the Environment htt s:I/Mvw.stewardshi .or .uldblo s16-christian-environment-or anisations Christian Aid Climate Justice htt s:Ilwww.christianaid.or .ukl et-involvedlcam ai nsltalkin -climate- ustice-tour 14
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 2fh February 2025 CHURCHES TOGETHER Report from the Enabling Group for Social Justice & Responslblllty Faith Partnerships in Lancashire Dr Peter Lumsden Itl IA NCA $TrFIRE A. Movement for Recovery htt s:11 athermovement.or Funding has been secured in Bumley to continue mapping the provision (food, mental health, family support) being made by faith groups, and separate funding to begin the same mapping process in Hyndbum. This worf( is part of an approach to the development of partnerships °at place". B. Countering isolation - Places of Welcome Community groups. including churches. can provide settings for people to meet, form friendships, and so avoid being isolated and lonely. Such locations can raise their profile, and secure some funding. by registering as a Place of Welcome. Any newly registering locations can apply for a small 'start-up' grant, of up to £500. htt s'.Ilwww. lacesofwelcome.or Contsct Peter Lumsden, regional co-ordinator for more infomiation (Email below). C. Local authorlty Ilnks Staff at Lancs CC recognise that the pressures on adult social care are very often consequence of social isolation (see above), and people not knowing where to go. LCC are working with districts to identify hotspot areas where there is high demand, and how to connect in with their communities. LCC are funding additional 'Community connectorf posts in all districts. Meanwhile, faith groups can easily engage with local family hub networks, and the relevant community network, D. Engaging with Health An example of shifting provision from hospital to community is the Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust (LSCFT) health and wellbeing vehicle, the HARRI (health, advi, recovery. resilience. infonnation) bus. This travels to community settings, where staff offer advice and guidance and routine blood pressure checks - these routinely reveal previously undetected high blood pressure in around 10 % of attendees. To book HARRI. contsct Hasan Sidat (hsidat Iscft.nhs.uk) . E. The VCFSE alliance for Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC VCFSE) The Allian has rentlY established a Reference Group to contribute to the ICBS Transfonning Community Care (TCC) Programme. The TCC programme is committed to Co-designing a new model of community care for the future so that more people can be treated and cared for outside hospitsl settings. The key to SussfUllY transforming community care will be for all health and care partners across Lancashire and South Cumbria, including the NHS, lo(21 govemment and the Voluntary. Community. Faith and Social Enterprise sector (VCFSE) to work better together. F. Convention of the North This is a hugely significant annual gathering of regional leaders and policy makers which this year is being held in Preston, Feb 27th and 28th htt s://www.conventionofthenorth.or .uklnewsl 15
Annual General Meeting for the yearendlng 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 On the evening of Feb 26th the day before the convention, Northem chapters of Citizens UK (including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Liverpool) are organising a 'satellite' event, with a particular focus on public transport but will also a wider view of how Citizens, chapters are helping local people to take action to bring about change to improve lives, including successful campaigns like the Real Living Wage. The Northern Chapters and partners have invited MP'S, Mayors and decision makers from their areas to attend Ihe satellite to hear the experiences of ordinary people. A big turnout from members of the public, including faith groups will increase the impact of this event To register interest, reserve a seat and to get more infonnation please use this link: htt s.11actionne0rk.0r eventslcitizens-of-the-north-convention-of-the-north Peter Lumsden (pjlumsden58@gmail.com) Network partner of CTL (Churches Together), Representing Faith Networks on the LSC VCFSE alliance, and public issues offIr NW England Methodist district Resources NHS Social Prescribing htt s'./lwww.en land.nhs.uld ersonalisedcarelsocial- rescribin htt s'.l/www.en land.nhs.uldabouUe ualit le ualit -hub1 Gather Movement htt s:11 athermovement.or PlaS of Welcome htt s:/lwww. lacesohvelcome.or Community Roots HARRI Bus htt s:Ilwww.Iscft.nhs.uldcommunit rootslabout-uslharri-bus VCFSE alliance for Lancashire and South Cumbria htt s:Ilwww.healthierlsG.co.uklVCFSE Church Action on Povety htt s:Ilwww.church- overt ,or Christians Against Poverty htt s.llca uk.or l et-involvedlcam n-with-us Convention of the North htt s:Ilwww.conventionofthenorth.or .uklnewsl 16
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 Finance Summa for the ear endin 31st December 2024 Receipts Denominational contributions (late from 2023 and all 2024) Other receipts Grants reiVed towards Royal Lancs Show MislIaneOUS £45642.00 £ 1750.00 £ 1854 Total Receipts £49246.00 Expenditure CEO Salary HMRC £34363 "includes backdated housing allowance £ 8655 £ 3704 £ 4288 £ 970 £ 60 £ 3916 £ 2693 Pension Officer's Expenses Offi, including insurance Banking costs Meetings, conferences, costs Royal Lancs Show Totsl Expenditure £58649.00 Deficit for the year -£ 9403,00 Account Balance £24027.00 Notes Salary and PAYE costs were inflated by about £9k due to the backdated housing allowance, which more or less accounts for the deficit. It may be time to make some adjustments to the level and distribution of denorninational contributions. Contributions have been static for the seven years that I have been keeping the records indicating that contributions have not increased for a lot longer. Jim Fisher Treasurer 17
Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st Dècember 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 Churches Together in Lancashire Chair & Presidents & Trustees htt s:/lwww.ctlancashire.or .uklwhos-whol The Revd Dr Petsr Colwell Deputy General Secretary, CTBI Chair The Revd Anton Muller MA County Ecumenical Officer Secretsry The Rt Revd John Amold, (Fr Peter Hopkinson VG) Catholic Diocese of Salford (Trustee) DEO Fr Paul Cannon The Rt Revd Tom Neylon (Canon Peter Stanley) Archdiocese of Liverpool Lancashire Deanery DEO Canon Peter Stsnley The Rt Revd Paul Swarbrick Catholic Diocese of Lancaster (Trustee) DEO Fr Peter Bums Fr Jonathan Hemming Antiochian Orthodox DEO Fr Ciprian Bidan (Romanian Orthodox) The Rt Revd Philip North Diocese of Blackburn {Trustee) DEO The Revd Stephen Brown The Rt Revd Dr Jill Duff Diocese of Blackbum DEO The Revd Gary Lewis 18
Annual General Meeting ft>r the year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 The Rt Revd Dr Joe Kennedy Diocese of Blackbum The Rt Revd Dr John Fenwick Free Church of England (Rep The Revd Tony Ford) The Revd Phil Jump {The Revd Brian Drury) Northwest Baptist Association DEO The Revd Brian Drury (Trustee) The Revd Dr James Tebbutt Northwest England Methodist District District Chair The Revd Sharon Read Northwest England Methodist District Lancashire Mission Area Lead (Trustee) DEO The Revd Stuart Wild The Revd Clare Downing (The Revd Darren Holland United Reformed Church NW Synod DEO The Revd Daleen Ten Cate NW Synod Ecumenical Officer) Major David Taylor (Captain Tracy Collis) Northwest Division Salvation Army DEO Captain Tracy Collis Roy Stephenson Lancashire Quakers (Trustee) DEO lan Marshall Churches Together in LanCashI is an Intennediate Body of Churches Together in England. htt s:Ilcte.or CHURCHES TOGETHER l N E M fj L A 11 D
Annual General Meeting for th8 year ending 31st December 2024 Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025 A prayer of commitment and unity We as part of the whole Christian Church in Lancashire confess our faith in One God, the Father, Creator, the Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit, guiding His Church, the Body of Christ, into all truth. We repent of all that is wrong in our past histories and present attitudes. We rejoice in the riches of the traditions we have inherited and seek to share them more fully with one another in the unity which is the will and gift of God. We commit ourselves to deepening our fellowship with Christ and with one another so that we may know, understand and value each other and together seek through prayer God's will for His people. We will seek to work together in pastoral care and mission as we reach out with the love of God to the people of Lancashire. Amen CHURCHE5 TOGFIER TN LANCA.SIIIRE ANNUAL GENERAL MEFfiNG THURSDAY ?7IFI FEBRUARI. 2025 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 315r DECEMBER 2024 CHURCHE5 TOGETHER THAT THEY MAY BE ONE United Reformed Church E[FDIsTOLMr BLACKPURri 20