East Durham Methodist Circuit Annual Report 2022.
Registered Charity, number 1161445
Your current contact is an: individual Professional/Charity Advisor: No
Title : REV
Personal Name s: Alfred
Family Name : Waite
Telephone: 01915846785
Email : edcofce@btconnect.com
Your contact details are : REV ALF WAITE
Houghton Le Spring Methodist Church, Mautland Street. HOUGHTON LE SPRING
Tyne & Wear United Kingdom DH4 4BH
Financial statements The Trustees submit their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31st August 2022. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) in preparing the annual report “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in 2005 and in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the Charity.
Preamble: The Methodist Church is said to have been created after John Wesley’s conversion on 24th May 1738, it is a Free Church. The East Durham Circuit came into being on 1st September 2009 at the merger of the former Seaham, Hetton and Houghton Circuits.
The calling of The Methodist Church is :
Worship, to Increase awareness of God’s Presence and celebrate God’s love.
Learning and caring , to help people to grow and learn as Christians.
Service , to be a good neighbour to people in need and challenge injustice.
Evangelism , we make more followers of Jesus Christ.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity’s treasurers of the Circuit Fund are the lay Circuit Stewards, of the Managing Trustees listed above all are lay people excepting the 3 Ministerial staff all of whom are employed by The Methodist Church. Circuit Meetings are held 4 times a year and include representatives of all
the Societies [Local Churches] in the Circuit. The Superintendent Minister (who supervises the work of the other Ministers in the Circuit) reports to this meeting as do the Circuit Stewards.
The governing body of the Circuit is the annual conference of The Methodist Church. The Methodist Church Act 1976 gives the authority under which The Methodist Church Acts. The constitution practice and discipline of The Methodist Church together with The Deed of Union (Act of 1929 adopted 1932) govern the activities of the Circuit.
In general, The Methodist Church is excepted from the need to register as a charity by the combined effects of Section 46(4) (A) of The Charities Act 1993 and Paragraph 4(2) (C) of the Charities (exception from registration) Regulations 1996 as amended by Statutory Instrument 2014 No 242. The Circuit, however, is a separate Registered Charity, number 1161445, in England and Wales. The Trustees who have served during the year and since the year-end are set out on page 1. The treasurers (Circuit Stewards) are appointed annually by the Circuit Meeting and the Managing Trustees are appointed either by (a) the Societies of which they are members (b) the Preachers’ Meeting (c ) by being ex-officio {Ministers in good standing or holding a District Office or duly appointed Lay Workers}. In practice, up to five Circuit Stewards are appointed who serve, generally, for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6.
The principal address of the Circuit’s auditors.
Robert Miller & Co Chartered Accountant
43a Front Street, Cleadon Village, Sunderland SR7 7PG
The principal address of the Circuit’s Bankers.
Barclays Bank
The principal address of the Circuit’s Solicitor.
Sintons LLP Associate
The Cube, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6DB
The Treasurer is responsible for the detailed examination of the Financial Statements and for recommending their adoption by the Circuit Meeting, they do this in consultation with the Circuit Treasurers Meeting.
The Circuit is one of 12 in the Newcastle District and has 5 Local Churches [10 premises]. They are contactable via the principal address of the Circuit. Funds are transferred to the Circuit on a monthly basis to meet the commitments to the District and the upkeep of the Circuit.
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities Charity Law requires the
Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its financial
activities for that period together with its assets and liabilities at the end of the period, and adequately distinguish any material special trust or other restricted fund of the Charity. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
State whether the policies adopted are in accordance with the appropriate SORP on Accounting and Reporting by Charities and the Accounting regulations and with applicable Accounting Standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. Objectives and activities The Circuit is constituted to advance the effective deployment of the resources of ministry, which include people, property, and finance, as they relate to the Methodist Churches in the Circuit, the District and Connexion. The Constitution and Enumeration of Circuits is set out year by year in the Stations appointed by the Conference. The public benefit can be clearly demonstrated by the Trustees as they have fulfilled the calling of the Methodist Church in maintaining the witness of the church throughout the area which the Circuit serves in parts of Sunderland and County Durham.
Report of the Circuit Stewards and Managing Trustees for the year ended 31st August 2022.
Constitution In accordance with S.O. 510 the Constitution of the meeting is:-
Superintendent Minister … Rev. A. Waite Circuit Staff … … … Rev. D. Brown, Rev. S. Wigham Circuit Stewards … … Mrs. J. Shotton, Mr. I. Murray, Miss M. McBeth, Mrs. A. Farrow Circuit Treasurer … … Mr. J. T. Brereton Meeting Secretary … … Mr R Grant Local Preachers' Secretary … Mr. P. Walsham Circuit Administrator … … Mrs. H. Brereton Four Local Preachers … … Mrs. S. Gates, Mrs. M. Simpson, Ms. L. Dowell, Vacancy. Property Secretary … … Mrs. A. Riding MWiB Representative… … Mrs. J. Tasker Education & Youth Secretary … Mr. G. Walton Houghton … Treasurer Miss H. Ure Steward Mrs. S Pritchard Reps. Mrs. J. Monaghan, Mrs. A. McLeod, Trinity … … Treasurer Mrs. P. Milburn Steward Mr. J. Giles Reps. Mr. B. Walton, Mrs. S. Walton
Middle Herrington Treasurer Mr C. Orr Steward Dr. M. Farrow Seaham … Treasurer Mrs. D. Carr Steward Miss M. McBeth Reps. Mr. R. Hurst, Mr. W. Cole St. Paul's … Treasurer Mrs. A. Boyes Steward Mr. E. Lee Hetton … … Treasurer Miss K. Pearson Steward Mrs. A. Williams Reps. Miss V. Atkinson, Mrs. J. Clough Sunniside … Treasurer Mr. R. Hartburn Steward Mr. K. Dowell Reps. Mr. W. Hartburn, Mr. K. Shotton St. John's Treasurer Mrs. B. Pigford Steward Mrs. K. Dobson Reps. Mrs. M. Wakefield, Mrs. A. Harding
The Circuit.
During the year the Circuit has found some normality with Sunday Worship continuing in every church. There has however been some disruption through outbreaks of Covid. The streaming of our worship from the Trinity also continues weekly and although numbers watching are lower it is well received and some viewers join us from South Africa. We have a valuable resource in our team of Local Preachers.
We have begun a Healing Service which is well received and has been beneficial to those who attend.
We have had four Circuit Meetings, but the important thing is that it is a resource to the churches not a drain. Being a small circuit it seems easy to support each other.
Hetton Charity Commisioners Report 2022
Sunday worship – Our numbers average 35-40 each Sunday morning but we no longer have an evening service. During Covid and lockdowns the church has been closed but we have had online services for our members or printed services for those who don’t have access to the internet. Church opened for worship on December 6[th] with 15 present.
The following activities occurred before lockdown and as yet none have resumed.
SitnbFit – This group continues to meet on a Monday afternoon and continues to have new members. It is greatly enjoyed by everyone both for the exercise and the socialising afterwards. Not all are church goers so is a great mission opportunity.
Tuesday toddler group – This is still a popular group and has reached maximum numbers
Tuesday friendship group – This group has decided to disband their regular Tuesday meetings but meet for Lent course.
Wednesday chat 10am-noon – This is a new initiative aimed at the lonely and their carers. It started in May last year and although there is a good group of volunteers it was slow to get off the ground. Those who do come along are regular visitors (6) and appreciate the group. We play board games, card games, do jigsaws, read or just chat. This is still a very popular group with the same group of people attending.
7.30 Group – This group meets fortnightly on a Friday with an average attendance of 15. We have a variety of speakers and demonstrations and from time to time have an open evening when we think the men will be interested in the talk.
Coffee morning – This still remains a popular Saturday morning event. Proceeds go to church funds or charities.
Our premises are used on a Wednesday evening by a parent drama group and on a Thursday evening by CASA a children’s drama group. Both groups give performances for their families and our church members.
St Paul’s Methodist Church – A class of Hetton Charity Report. 2022.
This little chapel has been very busy since the covid restrictions were lifted.
Our small worshipping community has not been limited by their size, as they have made their premises a community focused centre in the little village.
With regular Sunday worship attendance being more than 50 % of membership (15 members and 9 Friends). Many of those not in worship on Sunday are as a result their poor health. This close-knit community cares and supports each other.
The Traditional Monday evening meeting has changed to a fortnight Monday afternoon gathering, as many of our Ladies find daytime meetings more accessible.
Friday morning, we spend together in a Coffee morning with our secondhand shop open for the community to pop over and pick up some real gems.
Saturday midday, our hall is transformed into a hive of activities as our children’s group the Venue meeting for just on 2 hours. Children enjoying playing together while parents and guardian chat over a cuppa.
We have hosted a Pantomime, which was well support by many.
We had our annual Church Christmas Fayre which raised funds for our church.
During the week our building is used 3 days a week for Zumba classes, twice a week for Football training during the winter months once a week for a dancing lessons and Murton Scouts use the premises every Friday evening.
As a church we enjoy the fellowship with the Murton Churches Together. We meet fortnightly on a Thursday for prayer, business, and Bible study. We share in Holy week services, a Lent program, Church unity week. There is also our Pentecost Praise, Summer Praise, Harvest, Carols and Remembrance Services within the community. We have been given the opportunity on Good Friday as well as a Saturday in December to have a sing-along witness at the Community Shopping Centre, Dalton Park, which is well received by those walking past while doing their shopping.
- - Houghton le Spring Methodist Church.
Reports for Church AGM 24th April 2022
MONDAY CLUB 2021- 2022
Due to various waves of the Covid virus our group has had very few gatherings over the last twelve months. However, on 2nd December 2021 eight went to Donnison School, Sunderland and enjoyed Christmas Afternoon Tea. We shared news and enjoyed each others’ company. Just before Christmas 2021 we were sad to learn of the death of Mrs Betty Lawson. Until her illness she had been a regular member of the group. Our annual Pancake Lunch on Shrove Tuesday 2022 was cancelled because of the virus, but several of us took the opportunity to make purchase s from the Fair Trade stall which Anne Farrow brought as she spoke at the Shoppers’ Service that day. Money raised from the sale of pancakes has usually been given to our Methodist charity, All We Can. It was decided to donate the money from the Thursday coffee mornings for February and March instead. All We Can have donated to the appeal for Ukraine. We have kept in touch with one another through our pastoral system, with phone calls and seeing one another at church and coffee mornings, when the virus has allowed! Will we meet up more frequently from now on? Judy Tasker.
’ WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP 2021- 2022
On Wednesday 28th July 2021 eight members answered the call to gather to discuss the future of Women’s Fellowship here at Houghton. It was decided to meet weekly, from 1.30pm – 2.30pm. Speakers would be interspersed with ‘Open Days’. The group was most anxious that we would begin as soon as possible. Rev Alf Waite was very encouraging and gave dates when he would be able to come to speak to the meeting. A
programme was planned from August – December 2021. We were joined by two friends from Middle Herrington at our Christmas Carols and Readings afternoon in December. In September we were very sad to learn that Mrs Iris Richardson had died, peacefully at home after a long illness. She had been visited regularly and always enquired after friends at church. She is greatly missed. We also miss other friends who cease to meet due to ill health. We were very glad to welcome a new member. In September and October we congratulated Mrs Irene Dolby and Mrs Betty Prudhoe on significant birthdays! After a break during the cold months of January and February we met again on 2nd March 2022. We have a full programme planned until the end of June 2022 with a variety of speakers. On 18th May we will celebrate our anniversary. On 15th June, District MWiB President Designate, Mrs Lynne Graham, is bringing friends to our meeting. It will be an opportunity to get to know her. Once each month we donate our offering to MWiB. Pleas e join us anytime. You will not be disappointed! Judy Tasker.
MWiB
There was no Easter Offering service held in 2021, but envelopes raised £266.00 in our church. The circuit total was £520.00 for the World Mission Fund. This year the Easter Offering service is on Sunday 8th May at 6pm in our church here at Houghton. A circuit coffee morning held at Hetton in November 2021 raised £247.90 for the President’s Project. President Rev Marie Beard came to the event. The connexional event at Swanwick, Derbyshire was on Zoom in 2021. This year 2 women from our circuit are attending this weekend (22nd – 24th April 2022). In April five women from Houghton and one from Hetton attende d the District MWiB retreat at Minsteracres when Rev Marie Beard led ‘Journey to the Cross.’ Houghton Women’s Fellowship have given £37.00 to MWiB since August 2021. Circuit Summer Sharing Day is planned for Monday 4th July 202 2 at East Rainton, 12 noon – 3pm. Judy Tasker.
JMA 2021
This year has been a very difficult time for us all but I have pleasure to say we have had an outstanding year for JMA. Our collectors, Rosie, Christopher, Luke, Olivia, Esmie and Jack have in total collected £317plus £79.25 gift aid. This amount goes towards projects all over the world including the UK in helping young people who are less fortunate than ourselves. During lockdown it was very difficult to see the young people in person so just had to communicate through emails.
Shirley McDermott JMA Secretary
TUESDAY SHOPPERS SERVICE
The weekly Tuesday morning service is still a very much appreciated event in our church. The worshippers who come along to hear what our speakers have to say go home uplifted by the message given. All the services are different as each speaker chooses his or her own topic, but each one brings a fresh approach to this simple informal service. Thank you to all of our loyal and dedicated speakers who have remained a constant support over the years and to our Tuesday stewards who help to make the 20 minute service run smoothly. Although our numbers have diminished slightly over the last 12 months, those who attend are still extremely grateful for this short period of calm and reflection in what can usually be a very busy time of the week. Why don’t you come along and join us, you will find it very worthwhile.
Dorothy E. Stewart
MONDAY CRAFT WORKSHOP
The group has reluctantly not resumed meetings after lockdown restrictions were eased as we have been unable to gather together enough participants or helpers to make meeting viable. We are continuing to make greetings cards at home and are keeping in touch with the group of crafters.
Brenda Johnston and June Storey.
JUNIOR CHURCH
We have approximately 11 children attending on a regular basis. We have 4 leaders working on a rota basis. We now have just one group which seems to be working well. We particularly welcome the new family who have recently moved into the area and are regular attenders.
We would welcome any additional leaders to help either on a regular or on an ad-hoc basis. If this is something you would like to know more about or would like to offer help, please speak to Heidi. Heidi Ure.
CHURCH CHARITY
We have been supporting the MS charity since before covid restrictions and have raised £1169. At the last Church Council meeting it was agreed to start supporting a new charity, KAYAK, from September. Thank you to all for your continuing support. Ashleigh Pritchard.
KEEP FIT
A keep fit session takes place every Wednesday and there are regularly 11 people attending. New members are always welcome. Betty Prudhoe.
East Rainton Fellowship Continues to flourish, Sunday Services are small but the interaction with the community has grown in the year. The
building has not been a drain on resources this year. It has been a bonus being connected with Houghton Church which releases us to mission.
Middle Herrington Methodist Church continues to meet for services on a Sunday and attempts have been made to invite more people to attend. Our membership has reduced through deaths which has been a blow.
The management group has met to plan the regular programme. During the winter storms there was damage to the roof which was prepared.
Use of Premises
Monday - Prayer Shawl Knitting Group (fortnightly)
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Crochet and knitting class (weekly)
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Alcoholics Anonymous (weekly) Wednesday – Coffee mornings. Thursday –WI Committee (monthly). Friday – Alcoholics Anonymous (weekly)
Sunniside Charity Report 2022.
Church membership now stands at 13. We have had deaths but have made 2 new members. Community Roll now stands at 3.
All services are now morning services, with the exception of special services e.g. Church Anniversary. Attendance continues to average 10 each Sunday. To assist with the Preaching Plan making, it has been decided to join the congregation at Middle Herrington on one Sunday in the month. This is an acceptable arrangement.
Ladies Fellowship started meeting in September and has a membership of 6. It meets fortnightly on a Tuesday afternoon with guest speakers from the Circuit. The funds raised by the Ladies Fellowship are donated to local, national charities and significantly to Church Funds. Occasionally as part of their programme they meet at a local restaurant for a meal together. Men’s Fellowship membership has now reduced to 5, a reduction of 1 from the previous year. Meeting on a Tuesday afternoon, speakers now come from the circuit and some weeks there is discussion led by the members. Funds raised by the group are mainly donated to church funds. They too meet for a meal a couple of times.
The Church remains available for weddings, Funerals and Baptisms. It is also hired by the Local Authority as a polling Station for local and Parliamentary elections.
A Boxing Club has hired the church hall with the approval of the Church Council. Children of school age (boys and girls) are trained by professional coaches, with the appropriate Safeguarding Policy in place.
Seaham Methodist Church Charity Report 2022
Seaham Methodist Church has a membership of 24, attendance at Sunday Worship is on average 10-13 people. Worship is at 3pm each Sunday the time of the service suits the age of our members who ages range from 68-95.After worship members enjoy tea,cake and fellowship together.
Afternoon teas once a month are well supported by members and friends.
A youth group meets weekly led by one of the members attendance is around 10 young people.
Many of our week day activities and meetings did not recommence after the church was closed due to the pandemic.
The church building is used weekly by a slimming world group.
St John’s Fence Houses.
St. John’s has had it’s usual programme of weekday activities, Toddler Group, Cake and Company and Coffee Mornings. These have been well supported though they take a lot of energy from the small band of helpers. Sunday services have been small in numbers but there is a real sense of the presence of God and a desire to be discipled. The Church has a mission role with its village and will spend this coming year to find that role.
Trinity.
Worship has continued physically through the year. We have also offer a Youtube service on the internet which has been uploaded at lunchtime. The preaching programme has been very much as it was before Covid. Early in September we did an outreach event advertising the fact that we are present in the village. The afternoon involved refreshments, a Folk Band, a magician, some stalls selling crafts and food and craft activities for the children. There was also an Ice Cream Seller where Children could get a free ice-cream. We also gave Gift Bags away. It was well attended by local people. We planned a follow up at Christmas with a visit of ‘Puffing Billy’ a travelling Santa Train. However, the poor weather made that not possible.
The premises are still well used by outside groups which has helped our income stream. These increase the footfall into the building, especially of non-attenders at worship. One of the goals we set when we refurbished the building was to make the building more accessible to the community this is being met.
EAST DURHAM METHODIST CIRCUIT
Receipts & Payments Account 1st September 2021 to 31st August 2022
RECEIPTS: -
Balance B/F 6436.18 Assessments 110859.94 Bank Loyalty Rewards 19.19 TMCP 5000.00 Prayer Manuals 110.85 EDF Energy 696.58 From Manse Account 2266.41 Other 119.50 -------------£125508.65 ======== PAYMENTS:Stipends and Allowances 80343.95 Ministerial & Office Expenses 2967.54 Bank Charges 211.40 Telephones 1646.69 District Assessment 25379.40 Manse Property Account 9413.96 Printing & Stationery 669.32 Sintons 936.00 Prayer Manuals 164.95 Audit 522.00 Roots 337.75
Concept-Copier Quinquennial 720.00 Magnet Supernumeries Other 153.00 BALANCE AT BANK 31st AUGUST, 2022 ========
209.39 143.00 496.65 -----------£ 124355.00 1153.65
£125508.65 Robert Miller & Co. Chartered Accountants
Rev Alf Waite December 2022