2023-12-31-accounts - Kingston National Spiritualist Church

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KINGSTON NATIONAL SPIRITUALIST CHURCH

REPORT ON 2023 CHURCH ACTIVITIES

(PREPARED AS PART OF THE AGM HELD ON 7 APRIL 2024)

THE DIVINE SERVICE HELD ON SUNDAY MORNINGS
THE MONDAY EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP SERVICE
THE HEALING SESSIONS – Ann Morrice, Healing Leader
THE TUESDAY EVENING CLOSED DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE – Ann Blackmore
THE WEDNESDAY GUIDED MEDITATION EVENINGS – Cherry Srinaganand
THE ADVANCED MEDIUMSHIP DEVELOPMENT CLOSED CIRCLE – Lorraine Gilbert-Gray
THE THURSDAY CLOSED GROUPS – Bernadete May
a. Blue Light Circle
b. Inspirational Writing Group
THE OPEN SPIRITUAL AWARENESS CIRCLE – Lesley Hamilton
EXPLORING HOLISTIC HEALING – Ann Morrice
10.SATURDAY MORNING PRIVATE READINGS – Catherine Rumsey
11.THE OPEN PLATFORM FOR STUDENT MEDIUMS – Lesley Hamilton
12.THE CLOSED TRANCE GROUP – Bernadete May
13.THE ALMONER’S REPORT
14.Report on CHURCH MAINTENANCE
15.Report on CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

1. THE DIVINE SERVICE HELD ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

Sunday divine service is held every week from 11am to 12.15pm.

They are a lovely way to start the week, allowing a chance of quiet contemplation, to hear the Medium’s address, and witness a demonstration of mediumship. A different medium is booked each time and rarely do they need to cancel. We are fortunate and grateful to the mediums who serve this church. The number of people attending has reduced significantly since covid restrictions lifted early 2022. During the pandemic, up to 25 people attended each week; these days attendance has been as low as six but is usually about 13. Attendees tend to be regulars and appreciate the chance to talk to the medium or committee after the service.

2. THE MONDAY EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP SERVICE

This service is held every Monday evening from 7.30 to 8.35pm.

The congregation usually numbers between 25 to 30 but has been as many as 40 and as low as 12. This service is popular, attendees impressed with the mediumship tell and invite their friends. Although there are a fair number of regulars, there are many new faces every week.

3. THE HEALING SESSIONS – Ann Morrice, Healing Leader

Held Monday between 8.45pm and 9.15pm; Wednesday 2pm to 4pm

We have four approved Healing Mediums working in the church, including David Patten who received his approved status in August 2023.

There are currently two Trainees working towards their Accreditation and all are doing very well, setting up the healing space, doing reception and healing. Healing takes place on a Wednesday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm and on a Monday, after the service, starting at 8.45pm through to 9.30pm. Wednesday healing has been very busy and we are seeing even more patients on a Monday when the Healing Mediums give group healing.

We are very grateful to Lynne Barlow who has been working as Healing Receptionist on busy Wednesdays which really helps the Healing Mediums to work with more patients.

4. THE TUESDAY EVENING CLOSED DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE – Ann Blackmore

This circle is held every Tuesday from 7.30 to 9pm.

There have been many changes in the Circle over the last year. People joining and leaving. It would seem that there is not enough commitment at the moment. Those that have stayed though are progressing well. Denise has really been a dedicated student and is now more than capable of running the Circle when I am unable to come up.

Due to rising costs, I am going to step back and not come up for one week a month for a while.

5. THE WEDNESDAY GUIDED MEDITATION EVENINGS – Cherry Srinaganand

Held of the third Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm to 9pm.

Overall, in terms of attendance, the Meditation Evenings have not attracted large numbers of attendees. The average number over the year 2022, was 4. I put this down to the fact that meditation nowadays does not generate the same interest as it once did due its widespread popularity. A lot of people feel that this is something that they can practice from the comfort of their own home. In fact today, there are many Apps that deliver Guided Meditations. However, my Meditation sessions do not focus solely on guided meditations; that aspect is only a part of it, comprising around 40 to 50 per cent of the evenings' content. I start the evening with a light-hearted discussion on a spiritual subject during which attendees' comments and views are invited. I have always had encouraging discussions and sharing of experiences. Following on from that, I facilitate a guided Meditation connected with the subject discussed lasting for about 30 to 40 minutes. The verbal feedback I get from the attendees has always been positive and generous.

6. THE ADVANCED MEDIUMSHIP DEVELOPMENT CLOSED CIRCLE – Lorraine Gilbert-Gray

Held on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Thursdays of the month, from 7.30 to 9pm.

This circle has ceased for the time being due to lack of numbers.

2022: This circle has been amazing, and it is a pleasure to lead; all attendees have made progress and over the next year, will be able to extend their work for the spirit world. Attendance has at times been variable, generally due to illness or holidays. But the group has always been very positive.

7. THE THURSDAY CLOSED GROUPS – Bernadete May

Blue Light Circle

Held on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Thursdays of the month, from 5.30 to 7pm.

By members request, we reverted to the original name of the group. We have interesting sessions that comprise attunement to Spirit, meditation, mediumship, reading and discussing spiritual books and subjects raised by the members. Currently, we are reading the teachings of Ramadahn, spiritual guide to the medium Ursula Roberts. We also work sending out absent spiritual healing.

Inspirational Writing Group

The Inspirational Writing Group, running since June 2017, is held on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Thursdays of the month, from 7.30 to 9pm.

This group focus on personal spiritual development. Aimed to help those who wish to practise Inspirational and Automatic Writing and Inspirational Speaking.

Attendees are committed to attend the meetings on a regular basis. No writing experience is necessary to join this group, however an awareness of Mediumship is recommended. Members are encouraged to widen their persona; spiritual development by reading and researching on Spiritualism.

The standard of the members’ inspirational writings is excellent. I have been encouraging the members to organise their messages in a formal manner so they can either be published or read on different occasions such as on Sunday services.

Members:5. New members are welcome.

8. THE OPEN SPIRITUAL AWARENESS CIRCLE – Lesley Hamilton

This circle is held on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Fridays of the month, between 7.30 and 9pm - doors are locked at 7.30pm sharp.

Attendance is much better than this time last year, so that’s good. I enjoy watching people develop very much. Hopefully numbers will keep going up or maintain a good level. Thank you to the committee for their support in times of sickness.

9. EXPLORING HOLISTIC HEALING – Ann Morrice – 2022 Report Repeated

The first talk on Exploring Our Spirituality was held on Friday 25th September 2015 when Bernadete May, our current President gave a talk on ‘Two hours of Spirituality’.

Since that time, the church has hosted various speakers, healers and artists who have given much in the way of educating people in the spiritual way of living.

Events held in 2022 included a talk by Martin Thomas and demonstrations by the Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary, a talk on the history of our Church by Ann Morrice and a new and exciting Gong and crystal bowl sound healing evening.

Events for 2023 will have a new direction. As Kingston Church is a healing church, events are being planned with a focus on healing therapies.

The talks are now held on the last Friday of alternate months (from March 2023) and cost £7 payable at the door.

10. SATURDAY MORNING PRIVATE READINGS - Catherine Rumsey

Held periodically on a Saturday between 10.30am and 2pm Three private reading sessions were held during the year and were fully booked.

11. THE OPEN PLATFORM FOR STUDENT MEDIUMS – Lesley Hamilton

Open Platform is held on the first Saturday of the month, between 2 and 4pm. So far this year, the Open Platform has been well attended. Again this is a pleasure seeing people develop. It does require some patience when people have developed bad habits. Constant reminding and repetition. Hopefully this will achieve the goals of those who attend. Once again thank you Cathy who is a pleasure to work with. 😊 ditto

12. THE CLOSED TRANCE GROUP – Bernadete May

Held on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Saturdays of the month, from 11am to noon.

This group focus on trance mediumship development. It was created by medium Gerrie Chaney, who for personal reasons has withdrawn from the group.

All the mediums truly appreciate each meeting as an opportunity to further their Trance Mediumship development. The discussions after each meeting are enlightening. M

Members:6. Sorry no vacancies at present.

13. THE ALMONER’S REPORT

We keep the Church Healing Book and those named who are in need of absent healing are rad out at the Sunday and Monday services.

Departed Friends during 2023 include :

Maureen & Peter Garrow – Burial of Ashes on 24/2/23

Lily Jenkins

Barbara Walker-Gilbert

14. Report on CHURCH MAINTENANCE

In January 2023 the Church frontage was resurfaced after years of huge puddles whenever it rained.

The new overhead heaters were installed in January 2019. Whilst jolly efficient, they are also powerful at 3KW each and sometimes too hot. A quotation to install switches to individually control each heater was obtained during 2022; work was undertaken in March 2023.

The Church overhead lighting circuit was replaced as it was shorting, sometimes leaving the church without lighting

Other electrical work: 5-year electrical inspection, remedial work and upgrade to meet current standards.

Plans for 2024: Replace frontage fencing and gate.

15. Report on CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Thank you everyone for retaining your church membership, without you, Kingston Church would cease.

At the end of 2023 there were 5 life members, 28 full members and 23 associate members.

Three members passed to Spirit and three members did not renew. Pleasingly, eleven applications for membership were approved.

OTHER REPORTS

We very much hope that Mandy Wortham from Gravesend Church is able to be here today as the Area Warden for the East London District Council. Alan Seymour, formerly of Croydon Church, held this position before retirement in 2021. The Area Warden and Church Warden undertake an annual inspection of the church to ensure that proper procedures and safety checks are in order.

Our Church Warden is Desmond Borland and has held this position for some years.

We thank all those members, volunteers and group leaders/facilitators, who do so much to keep our lovely church open.

KINGSTON NATIONAL SPIRITUALIST CHURCH

Charity Registration No.: 1160074

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note	2023 2022 £ £ 4589 5299 344 396 612 701 2503 3606 1828 1524 12968 191 451 490 438 455 360 828 - 540	2022
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
	24093 14030 1929 5608
	26022 19638
	2023 2022 £ 300000 300000 100 100	2022
	300100 300100
	5802 5559 19959 18277 53 0 50 50 70 70 243 286
	26177 24242
	-144 -138
	-144 -138

	326133 324204
	324204 318596 1929 5608
	326133 324204

I certify that these Accounts represent a true state of affairs and agree with the Acounts, Bank Statement Statements and Documentation presented to us.

Date:

R. Owen-Jones

KINGSTON NATIONAL SPIRITUALIST CHURCH

THESE NOTES ARE PART OF THE

note 1 note 2 note 3 note 4 note 5	Other Collection Meditation & Awareness Circles Spiritual Development Circles Open Platforms Workshops/Friday Talks Readings Philosophy Groups Special Evenings Florencio Anton Ukraine Charity Evening Ancestral Healing Dominic Boag x 2 Literature Books, Papers & Magazines received Books, Papers & Magazines paid Social Events Fayres & Raffles received Social Tea / Open Day received Kitchen Costs Kitchen Stock 12/31/2023 Kitchen Stock Postage paid Telephone & Mobile paid Sum-Up Card Charges paid Sundries paid Heat & Light paid Heat & Light accrual add back Electricity Creditor 12/31/2023 Gas Creditor 12/31/2023 Electrical inspection Cleaning Stock of Paper Towels & materials add back Stock of Cleaning materials as at 31/12/23	2023 704 1671 321 581 1235 14 528 5053 640 -285 355 124 -84 10 -10 40 68 279 81 184 612 1312 -138 106 38 912 273 -60 60 2503	2022 684 2206 282 1483 915 217 540 306 986
			7619
			646 -252
			394
			54 36 -253 30 -10
			-143
			356 286 48 11
			701
			2220 -197 138 0 1405 -20 60
			3606

KINGSTON NATIONAL SPIRITUALIST CHURCH

THESE NOTES ARE PART OF THE

note 6 Insurance paid Insurance pre-paid 2024 Insurance add back 2022 Water Rates paid Water Rates pre-paid 2024 Water Rates add back 2022 Fire Security costs paid Fire Security costs pre-paid 2024 Fire Security costs add back 2022 note 7 General Maintenance Forecourt Resurfacing 2023 Electrical Works Boiler Service (Jan 2024) note 8 Advertising Website & Facebook note 9 SNU Members fees SNU Healing fees note 10 Flowers paid less donations received Garden paid less donations received	2023 1457 -128 118 155 53 173 -115 115 1828 876 8040 4052 12968 330 121 451 280 158 438 360 360	2022 1283 -118 101 85 -53 38 173 -115 130
		1524
		111 80
		191
		390 100
		490
		290 165
		455
		16 -2 850 -36
		828

2023 Income CC AR from bal sheet Sunday Weekdays Healing Others Don/Funerals Speakers Conservaton dons Gif Aid Bazaar Books PN Membership Social Events SNU grants COIF	1 2 3 4 5 Investments Other 2552 3905 2103 5053 1240 631 2124 3298 1624 351 4 604 40 2250 243 26022 Donatons & Legacies Charitable Actvites Other Trading Actvites
	18707 5053 1975 243 44 26022

KINGSTON NATIONAL SPIRITUALIST CHURCH Charity Regislra*"on No.: 1160074 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT8 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 INCOME EXPENDrniRE 2023 Nots 2023 20 Collections.. Sunday Weekdays Healing Others 2552 3K15 2103 5053 13613 1240 631 2124 3298 1624 355 604 40 2250 25779 2382 3419 1254 7619 14674 3372 678 171 Speakers Fees 4589 5299 Postsge,Phones.SunFUp & Sundries Healing. Lighting & Cleanirvj Insurance. Water, Fire Security Ma5ntenance ind.Forecourt 2023 Atherbsing & Website Costs SNU". Members & Healin9 Fees Flowers. Garden & Tree Costs Ukraine Charrty NNJht 612 2503 1828 12968 451 438 360 701 3606 1524 191 490 455 828 540 DwalionslFUrIS Speakers Donations Conservation Fund Grfl Aid Bazaar Literature Membership Fees Social Events Other Income- 2 SNU Grants 10 394 439 -143 19585 24093 14030 InEerest COIF CD Fund 243 26022 53 1%38 Income less EXpendIrn 1929 26022 S608 19638 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 FIXED ASSETS Buildings Ilnsurance Value} Fixbjres & Fittings Notes 300000 100 300100 300000 100 300100 URRENT ASSETS COIF Charity Deposit Fund Natwest Bank Acount &JmUp Cash tchen. Cleaning Stock In$urance, Water Rates. & Fire Secuiity 5802 19959 53 50 70 243 26177 5559 18277 50 70 24242 LESS LIABILITIES Heat & Light creditors -144 -144 -138 -138 TOTAL NET ASSETS 326133 324204 REPRESENTED BY: AuMMu1a1ed Funds blf 2023 Income less Expendrture Acummulated Funds clfwd 324204 1929 326133 318596 5608 324204 I certrfy that these A¢unts repsent a true state of aflairs and agree vthh the Ac(wJnts, Bank Statement Statements and DCrJJMentatn presented to us. Date.. R. OheJOnes