Circult Annual Re ort 2023-24 The East Durham Methodist Circuit consists of 7 Methodist Churches. Our vision is to equip the members of the Circuit to engage in Mission and Growth, both in Faith and Discipleship. East Durham Methodist Circuit affirms our commitment to: Buikling a more spiritually-aware circuit Work with children Being a caring church Developing outreach into the wider community To support one another in our unique ministries, in Methodism and Ecumenically by being grounded in prayer and relying on God's strength and support. A Brief Financial Review of the Year We have in general achieved our financial targets for the year. Income All churches have been able to maintain their assessments We gather rental income from community lets in all of our properties. Expenditure Salaries and stipends were increased in line with the Methodist Church policy and the living wage. Other expenditure included stipendslsalaries, manse maintenan, travel costs etc. Future Plans Our financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that we maintain Circuit ministerial staff of one part time Superintendent and one full time Presbyter. We are looking to sell two church buildings and to sell both manses replacing them with a single, more suitable and affordable manse. Both of these projects will significantly cut costs. Basis of Preparation and Legal Framework The charities annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 St August 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the "Charities Act 2011" and the "Charities Statement of Recommended Practi 2015. as applicable to the "Financial Reporting Stsndard (FRS) 102" Details Full Name of Charity - East Durham Methodist Circuit Main Contact Address Circuit Office, Houghton Le Spring Methodist Church, Mautland Street, Houghton le Spring, Co Durham The members of the East Durham Circuit Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of our circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches. Ministerial Staff Rev Jennifer Pryde Rev Dawn Brown
Circuit Stewards Miss Mary McBeth Mr John Giles Mrs Margaret Wakefield Mrs Maureen Simpson John Brererton acted as the treasurer overseeing the day-to-day financial management and accounting for the circuit during the year. Independent Examiner steven Fletcher, ACA Robert Miller & Co. 43A Front Street Cleadon Village Sunderland, SR6 7PG. Investments and Bank Accounts Central Financial Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for the Methodist Church Purposes Barclays Bank Aims and Or anisation Charity objective is to act as a resource provider within the area around Houghton le Spring. The purposes of the Methodist Church are, and shall be deemed to have been since the date of union, the advancement of: The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of the Methodist Church. Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisations of the Methodist Church. Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church. Charitable objectives are delivered through the provision of activities and services, which include: The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike. Conducting baptisms, wedding and funerals on behalf of the Methodist Church. The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. Provision of community Spa and support. Offering opportunities for worship and faith exploration in local schools. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services. Provision of chaplaincy servIs. Public Benefit We confirm that'the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit. structure and Management The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and the Methodist Church Act (1976).
Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practi and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD). Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team along with the Local Preachers Meeting and the Circuit Finance and Property (part of CLT) and the Circuit Policy Committee (part of CLT). Trustee Training A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit specifically the leaflet "The Role of a Trustee in the Methodist Church. is given to all new Circuit Meeting members as induction to their role as Trustees. Related Parties The Circuit is part of the Newcastle Upon Tyne Methodist District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are linked to the Circuit". Houghton le Spring Hetton Trinity Shiney Row The following groups exist as classes of these churches. St John's Fencehouses Murton Methodist Church East Rainton Methodist Church Middle Herrington Methodist Church Risk Management Any major risks identified will be recorded by the Circuit Leadership Team (none have been identified) and professional adviGe will be taken if required. Risk assessments are carried out for church buildings and for events organised by the Circuit. Income and expenditure are monitored in total and compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves. We also meet every few weeks to discuss church and circuit finances. Safeguarding Every person has value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of people in God's own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God's recreation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles." The care and nurture and respectful pastoral ministry with all children, young people and adults. The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable. The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where this is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse. We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the church in line with the Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records, disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.
We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse developing with them an appropriate ministry of infonned pastoral care. We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in position of trust. We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult. In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidan and recognised good practice. The East Durham Methodist Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation. guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches. The East Durham Methodist Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. This includes Equalty Diversity and Inclusion Training. Activities and Achievements We have continued to provide regular services of Worship at the Churches within our Circuit, with Sunday morning services taking place in each of the churches listed above and a midweek servi at Houghton le Spring. Across these churches we run a range of Coffee mornings and social groups for the local communities. We also let rooms to a wide range of charity and advocacy groups which benefit the local community. These include Voice, AA, Sit and be Fit and Sunderland Recovery College. We run a range of classes and study groups to encourage our members in their faith and organise various social events for the community and the church such as nearly new and craft sales. afternoon teas etc. Reserves Policy The reserves policy for the circuit is to hold a minimum sum of equivalent to 4 months average expenditure. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on manses andlor be able to continue in the short term funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full circuit assessment from churches. The Circuit Funds Document is attached.
EAST DURHAM METHODIST cIiicurr Receipts & PaymentsActount 1st Sepiember, 2023 to 3111 Augusfy 2024 RECEWS:_ Balance Bffi Assessments Bank Loyalry Rewards TMCP EDF Energy 738.82 108250.00 .15.02 34(K)O.OQ 724.54 £143728.38 PAYfvIETrUS:. stipends Ministerial Expenses Bank Charges Tdephones District Assessment Manse Property Account Printing, Slationery & Expenses Sintons Bowes Gardner Audit HymDsA&M Grace Wme Conp¢0PieT QuinquenniaI Other Superniimeraries Inspectas ChesteT-le-Street Insurance- Sunniside 61258.68 5707.28 1967.46 34963,24 8067.72 939.52 44.80 840.00 564.00 96.00 86.45 385,00 1200,00 23fj.31 1432.50 48Q 1177.64 628S3 £120252.83 BALANCE AT BANK 31StAUGUST. 2024 23475.55 £14372838 Robert Miller & Co. Char(erecJ Accountants
EAST DURIIAM METHODIST CIRcurr Receipts & Payments Account for Manse Pn)perty AccouDt Co August 31s4 2024 COME:. Balance BIF From Circuit Account Bank Loyalty Rewards 36.92 8067.72 TOTAL INCOME 8106.51 Insurance 1318.08 Newbottle RepairB and Renewals Water Rates Council Tax Electric 326.00 63.00 1522.00 440.00 SeahaTO Warer Rates co.uncil Tax 492.32 18ZI.00 2x13.32 TOTAL PAYMErirs 5982,40 Bank Commission 117.08 BALANCE AT BANK 31$ AUGUST 2024 2007.03 8106.51 Robert Miller & Co. Chartered A¢countants
CIRCUIT RECEtprs AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METhODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS Asf FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2024 Circult Dlstrict c101t no lo Reg16tered Charfty - Charlty Reglslratlon number If not a re9iStered tharfty HIS MaJ•8ty8 R•v•nue and Cystoms Glft Ald numbor (The HMRC numbgr is'equ]valent to a registered charfty number In tern of ewdence of thatitable ¥tstus and may bo used to give to.donor8 or grant fvnders wlshlng to SO8 evldenc8 of the argl$allon,S chgritsble status. Methodlst charleS In England and Wales that are not registered charitles are ex¢epted from reglstralon under Statutory Inslnjment 2014 No242) Mlntsters: Circult St6wardÈ: eE> Troasurer,.
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2024 Eb4ST pcJrJ19fjM Clr¢utt Un- r•lrl¢t•d Model Tnmt RvtrlGl•d FwMI¥ Fund Funds Tglals thls T•tats l•#¢ SErnON A RECEIPT8 Not• Ass8ssmenVShare loo 114174 a3 ital recei Bank and CFB Interest and Investrnent inrne 340IK Grants Other recelpts TOTAL RECEIPTS l463 14371¥ {aO) ' SECTION B b1 b2 PAYMENTS strnds. salartes. NIC. Penston arKI 6144 dqoi b3 Man89 Costs Adrnlnlstraflon etc 40 l601 26 b5 District Asséssment Grants & donatlons b7 Ig64 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENTS o2s2 SECTION ¢ - NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR c1 a74>9 %1416 78P Totsl fvnds brou ht foTwar(l from last ar 75 Sub knal l+c2 24 Transfers ar ad ustrnenls TOTAL FUNDS AT. END OF YEAR {03*c4) 16 8ECTIQN D FOR INFORAIATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND pSED ON TO EXTERNAL OR(W418ATIONS th08• amounts •houkl not bo Induded In tthal re1 tpaYm•n abowl Balance brou ht forward from last ear d1 Offerin sIGlfts - received for extemal or nisallons OfferingslGifts - passed.lo extemal organlsallor BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID d1+d2-d3 2vl6
¢lr¢u su urr ACCOUNTS TOTHeCIftCiITMEEIING. SE¢YION E t oUnt9 n${ rcu . o•tkng. that t¢(nal Organls8'cTh wjuld nDrmaUy R•¥trl¢tsd fund& unloss"It ¢ould h GlearIy¥h¢Jth#I IW¢ould b usad for Mottw(ll$t wrpus•, Th must be wmplatgd to orriv£ qfthè gross rocews aDd Paerts totats ofths If9$ oXG89d$the AwNg1$ threshoiJbl.£25QOOO.' Ihen thè AceNJs m8thod olaccounting ANDA DIFFERE FORM mu5tbe uswj r8prrft the aLr4)Wbts tse¢ 1hj1¢W8bl. Please ref•rtti"th 9uI(lanco nol8¥ r¢gOrOw transfors ttw8an Ihe CITh[1 ¢orfft4ctsd CirGUit Or9afi18aiws. ¢pgrMng RGAMIMTIONS Ilec•i •n 1•111 1•1: rouqhth1wdfrOrn bMg•2. t•tal¥ l¢n Ic Hao BY C¥¢CIJIT ¢onUnuè a s•parato' yl Tor RECEIPT8 TOTAL PAYMENTS $E¢TKIN F CLOSING elR¢ITh- CASH FIWDS HELD atjl Auyust201 139 Board Ib4 4£r64 13 rte•S kr WhodlAt Church PuEpos SUB TOTAL 4714q b&kn¥ lo1th8bovo1 Ip12 OT•L CASH FUPIDS HELD BY CIRcurr 4q302 ly OTHER ASSETS LIABILITIES 31 LaDd and &JiW Other As881 - sIKM4MLwnlcIn end Qth¥rLi•Ni f4 FndS JJe>S At th• cntral FharKeBoord IS 18 utyCFB Funds atTru&teès for M•thDdl&tthw¢h g1 IJud8•nY 0#.¥1(ol th& ofTllCPtn&twxunls thls 15 Fn wts)
Name of Circult.-... Declarations and Scrutiny I confimi that thesa Receipt and Payment basad accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 hav8 bean preparerj from the rerdS of the Circult and that they include all funds under the control of the Clrcult meets'ng. Signature of treasurer .. . ...... 11.11.2024 Name and address of treasurer ... H..aD.S.blT.Q.11..-..Utr..-.S. Fb.ALbJ..G........................ Post Code.D.H4.6i?3 plntation to the Clrcult meetlng I conltrm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 were préèanted to the Circuit meeting held on ...,.... ...... Slgnature of the Chatr of,the meeting Nam? of the Chalr of.the meeting (kn ..l..... Independent Examlntr's Raport to tho Trustees of the . Clrcult Charlty Number.....-...-.... Respon$lbllttles and basls of report I reportto thelrustees on myexarTrination of the accounts of the........................................ Circult for the year ènded 31 August 2024 set out on pages ... .. As the Circulfs trustees, you are responsible for the preparatirm of the acc(wnts In aCcOrdar with the requirements of the Charltles Act 2011 ('the Acr). I report In respect of my examinatlon of the Circuifs accounts carried out under section 145 of tho Act and, in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applIcae Dlreclions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5Xb) of the Act. . delete or circle as appropriate _J2024 4016
Name of Circuit ... Independent Examlnevs Statement I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have corne to my attents'on in connection with the examination (other than that disdosed below") which give me cause to believe in. any material respect the accounb.ng rrdS were not kept in accordance with sedlon 130 of the Act: or the accounts do not accolll wlth the accounting records. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connecllon with Ihe examlnatlon to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of tho accour to be reached. I havelhave not. obtsined independent v6rification of all investments wrth tha Truste8s for Mathodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Flnance Board of thÉ Meth(xJist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pound5) at the balance sheet date. Signature of indeperKlent examiner Nam8 of inoopgno8nt 8xaminor Relevant professlonal qua15ficallon of independenl examiner Name of firm (where appropriate) ,.r4.c).F.&R.I....IM.IL.LL.tI...4....G.Q.....,..... 4.3.H.. fRoNry....s.T.Iq&k.T,...G..L£ri,D.oJV....Lji.kL.t4G.E..,.... S.IJND.r.R.uxN.n................... Post Code S.6..T.PC- t I:.l.1-..2o2* Address Date delete or cirde as appropriate ¢uIt4_d1024 Sof5