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 servI￿s.
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
Con￿p¢￿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
c1￿01t 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 arg￿l$allon,S chgritsble
status. Methodlst char￿leS 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 in￿rne
340IK
Grants
Other recelpts
TOTAL RECEIPTS
l463
14371¥
{aO)
' SECTION B
b1
b2
PAYMENTS
str￿nds. salartes. NIC. Penston arKI
6*144
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 p￿SED ON TO EXTERNAL OR(W418ATIONS
th08• amounts •houkl not bo Induded In tthal re￿1 t￿paYm•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${
rcu
. o•tkng. that
t¢(nal Organls8*'cTh wjuld nDrmaUy R•¥trl¢tsd fund& unloss"It ¢ould h GlearIy¥h¢J￿th#I IW¢ould b* usad for Mottw(ll$t wrpus•, Th
must be wmplatgd to orriv£ qfthè gross rocews aDd Pa￿erts totats ofths If9￿￿$ oXG89d$the AwNg1$ threshoiJbl.£25QOOO.'
Ihen thè AceNJs m8thod olaccounting ANDA DIFFERE￿ FORM mu5tbe uswj ￿ r8prrft the aLr4)Wbts tse¢ ￿1h￿j1￿¢W8b￿￿*l. Please ref•rtti"th*
9uI(lanco nol8¥ r¢gOrOw￿ transfors t*tw8an Ihe CITh￿￿￿[1 ¢orfft4ctsd CirGUit Or9afi18aiws.
¢pgrMng
RGAMIMTIONS
Ilec•i
•n
1•111
1•1:
rouqhth1w￿dfrOrn
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
r￿te•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
- sIKM4MLwnlc￿In
end
Qth¥rLi•Ni
f4 ￿F￿ndS JJe>S At th• c￿ntral FharKeBoord
IS ￿￿18 utyCFB Funds atTru&teès for M•thDdl&tthw¢h
g1 I￿Jud8•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 re￿rdS 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
pl￿ntation 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 applIca￿e Dlreclions given by the Charity
Commission under section 145(5Xb) of the Act.
. delete or circle as appropriate
_￿J￿2024
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 r￿rdS 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_￿d￿1024
Sof5