# **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW PECKHAM**
# **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2023**
**Charity Number: 1165288**
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2023**
|**Contents**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|Legal and administrative information||
|Report of the trustees|1-3|
|Report of the independent examiner|4|
|Statement of Financial Activities|5|
|Balance sheet|6|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|7-12|
|Report of Chair of PCC for 2023|13|
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
**Parish Church Council at 31[[st]] December 2023**
**Parish Church Council at** Revd Dr Emmanuel Adeloye - chair **31[[st]] December 2023** Mrs Patricia Williams Mrs Delorine Green Mrs Maria Gabriel Mrs Ethel Adu-Offeh Mrs Elaine Taylor Trevor Drayton Ms Althea Smith Mrs Janet Helder Miss Linda Smith Oliver Igbokwe Miss Winifred Jordan Leroy Scott Mrs Rosemary Hill **Charity office** 10a Meeting House Lane London SE15 2UN **Independent Examiner** David Barber Jubilee House 10 Moat Sole Sandwich CT13 9AU **2023 MEMBERS OF PCC** Revd Dr Emmanuel Adeloye (Vicar and Chair) Betty-Ann Stultz (Church Warden) James Olanipekun (Church Warden) Linda Smith (PCC Secretary) Rebecca Akintaro Sharon Gabriel Cecilia Olawale Elizabeth Onipede Dr Victor Onipede Adeola Sami Janet Helder Rosemary Hill Althea Smith
1
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31[st] December 2023. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015).
## **TRUSTEES**
The trustees named on page 1 have served throughout the year. Appointment of trustees is governed by the Trust Deed of the charity. The Board of Trustees is authorised to appoint new trustees to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of an existing trustee. New trustees undergo an orientation day to brief them on: their legal obligations under charity law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and inform them of the content of the governing document and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. During the induction day they meet key employees and other trustees.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
The Parochial Church Council is formed under the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act 1919 and Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended and is currently regulated by Church Representation Rules Schedule 3 of the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended
## **OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY**
The charity has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church buildings
2
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - continued**
## **RISK REVIEW**
The trustees conduct periodic reviews of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems and procedures to manage those risks identified are implemented so as to minimise any potential impact on the charity should any of those risks materialise.
## **RESERVES POLICY**
The trustees consider the current level of reserves is sufficient to cover eventualities as they arise.
## **PUBLIC BENEFIT**
The charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or 'aims' that are for the public benefit. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
## **PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
The objects of the charity are promoting in the Parish the whole mission of the Church.
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
_Please see page 13 - Report of Chair of PCC_
3
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES – continued**
## **Financial Review**
Total income in the year was £87,544 (2022 £87,152) and total expenditure £70,837 (2023 £63,411). The charity has sufficient funds to meet its ongoing obligations.
## **Parochial Church Council’s Responsibilities**
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Parochial Church Council to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the church’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements the Parochial Church Council is required to:
(a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
(b) observe the method and principles in the Charities SORP
(c) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
(d) prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue in business; and (e)state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The Parochial Church Council has overall responsibility for ensuring that the church has appropriate systems of control, financial or otherwise. They are also responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the church and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, they are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the church and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## **Approval**
This report was approved by the trustees on 18[th] October 2024
_Revd Dr Emmanuel_ Adeloye – Chair of PCC
4
# **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE PCC**
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023, which are set out on pages 5 to 12.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and you consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
- To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **BASIS OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the 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 disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning 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 EXAMINER’S STATEMENT**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements;
- to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act,
have not been met or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent Examiner:
## _**David Barber**_
David Barber, Jubilee House, 10 Moat Sole, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9AU
Date: 18[th] October 2024
5
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES – YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2023**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
INCOMING RESOURCES Notes Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 2023 2022
Funds Funds Funds £ £
Voluntary income 2 32,331 0 0 32,331 25,455
Church activities 3 0 0 0 0 0
Activities for generating funds 4 0 0 0 0 0
Investment income 5 54,784 0 0 54,784 28,926
Other incoming resources 6 429 0 0 429 32,771
TOTAL 87,544 0 0 87,544 87,152
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
RESOURCES EXPENDED Notes Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 2023 2022
Funds Funds Funds £ £
Fundraising trading costs 7 0 0 0 0 0
Church activities 8 69,327 0 0 69,327 61,901
Governance costs 9 1,510 0 0 1,510 1,510
0
TOTAL 70,837 0 0 70,837 63,411
NET INCOMING RESOURCES
16,707 0 0 16,707 23,741
Gain (Loss) on revaluation of
investments 17 0 0 18,336 18,336 (25,648)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 16,707 0 18,336 35,043 (1,907)
Prior year adjustment 32,909 0 (5,560) 27,349 0
Transfer of funds 19 0 0 0 0 0
Brought forward from previous year 420,864 4,200 198,759 623,823 625,730
Total funds carried forward 470,480 4,200 211,535 686,214 623,823
**----- End of picture text -----**
6
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[st] DECEMBER 2023**
|Notes
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
**TOTAL FIXED ASSETS**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
14
**TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS**
**CREDITORS**– amounts falling due within
one year:
Creditors
15
**TOTAL CREDITORS**
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
**FUNDS**
16
General unrestricted
Restricted funds
Endowment funds|2023
2022
£
£
1,807
1,175
592,111
540,723|
|---|---|
||**593,918**
**541,898**|
||4,914
6,397
88,893
77,998|
||93,807
84,395|
||1,510
2,470|
||1,510
2,470|
|||
||**92,297**
**81,925**|
|||
||**686,215**
**623,823**|
||470,480
420,864
4,200
4,200
211,535
198,759|
||**686,215**
**623,823**|
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on
Signed on behalf of the Parochial Church Council by: 18[th] October 2024
## _**Revd Dr Emmanuel**_ **Adeloye – Chair of PCC**
7
# **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 31[st] DECEMBER 2023**
## **BASIS OF ACCOUNTING**
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **FUNDS**
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. (These include funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC). The purpose of any restricted funds is noted in the accounts.
The accounts include transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of Church Groups that own an affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.
## **INCOME**
## **Voluntary income and capital sources**
Collections are recognised when made.
Amounts receivable under covenant are recognised only when honoured by the covenanter. Income tax recoverable on covenanted or Gift Aided donations is recognised when claimable. Grants and legacies are accounted for as soon as the PCC is legally entitled to the amount due.
Funds raised by the fete and similar events are accounted for gross. **Other ordinary income**
Rental income from letting of Church premises is accounted for when earned. Parochial fees of the PCC for weddings, funerals etc are accounted for when received. **Investment income**
Dividends and interest are accounted for when due. Tax recoverable on such income is accrued for on the same basis.
## **APPLICATION OF RESOURCES**
## **Grants**
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid.
The Diocesan quota is accounted for when payable and quota unpaid at 31[st] December 2023 is shown as a creditor on the Balance Sheet.
8
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 31[st] DECEMBER 2023 - continued**
## **FIXED ASSETS**
## **Consecrated land and buildings and movable Church furnishings.**
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by section 10(2)(c) of the Charities Act 2011.
No value is placed on movable Church furnishings held by the Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable Church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement is written off.
## Tangible assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided so as to write off the cost of an asset, less any estimated residual value, over the useful life of that asset as follows:
Office equipment 20% straight line method; Church renovations 0%
## **CURRENT ASSETS**
Amounts owing to the PCC is in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less any provision for amounts that may prove unrecoverable.
## **2 Voluntary income**
|Planned giving
Tax recoverable
Grants and gifts
Collections
Donations and appeals|Unrestricted
Funds
£
14,363
4,914
1,300
6,327
5,427|Restricted
Funds
£
0
0
0
0
0|
Endowment
Funds
£
0
0
0
0
0|
Total
2023
£
14,363
4,914
1,300
6,327
5,427|Total
2022
£
14,254
6,397
0
4,804
0|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||32,331|0|0|32,331|25,455|
## **3 Activities for generating funds**
|Fundraising events
**4 Church activities**
Other|0|0|0|0|0|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||0|0|0|0|0|
||0|0|0|0|0|
||0|0|0|0|0|
9
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 31[st] DECEMBER 2023 - continued**
## **5 Investment income**
|Unrestricted
Funds
£
Investment property
income
54,784
54,784
**6 Other incoming resources**
Legacy and grants
429
Interest received
0
Other
0
429
**7 Fund raising expenses**
Cost of events
0
0
**8 Church activities**
Giving
3,600
Contribution to Diocese
27,000
Repairs and maintenance
1,422
Insurance
4,692
Gas, electricity, water
13,075
Telephone
588
Staff wages
5,853
Waste disposal
1,637
Depreciation
361
Church music
2,393
Bank charges
22
Other costs
8,684
69,327
**9 Governance costs**
Independent examiner’s
fees
550
Accountancy fees
960
1,510|Unrestricted
Funds
£
54,784|Unrestricted
Funds
£
54,784|Unrestricted
Funds
£
54,784|Restricted
Funds
£
0|Endowment
Funds
£
0|Total
2023
£
54,784|Total
2022
£
28,926|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||54,784|||0|0|54,784|28,926|
|||||0
0
0|0
0
0|429
0
0|4,750
28,021
0|
|
Legacy and grants
Interest received
Other
**7 Fund raising expenses**||||||||
||||429|0|0|429|32,771|
||||0|
0|0|0|0|
|
Cost of events
**8 Church activities**
Giving
Contribution to Diocese
Repairs and maintenance
Insurance
Gas, electricity, water
Telephone
Staff wages
Waste disposal
Depreciation
Church music
Bank charges
Other costs
**9 Governance costs**
Independent examiner’s
fees
Accountancy fees||||||||
||||0|
0|0|0|0|
|||
|3,600
27,000
1,422
4,692
13,075
588
5,853
1,637
361
2,393
22
8,684|0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0|0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0|3,600
27,000
1,422
4,692
13,075
588
5,853
1,637
361
2,393
22
8,684|3,900
25,000
1,684
4,443
6,662
475
6,299
0
294
4,477
0
8,667|
||||69,327|0|0|69,327|61,901|
||||550
960|0
0|0
0|550
960|550
960|
||||1,510|0|0|1,510|1,510|
10
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 31[st] DECEMBER 2023 - continued**
## **10 Staff costs**
|Wages and salaries|Unrestricted
Funds
£
5,853|Total
2023
£
5,853|Total
2022
£
6,299|
|---|---|---|---|
||5,853|5,853|6,299|
## **10A Related Party Transactions.**
Any amounts paid to PCC Members or to the Incumbent during the year are in reimbursement of expenses incurred solely on activities related to the Parish.
## **11 Tangible fixed assets**
|**Cost**
At 1stJanuary 2023
Additions
At 31stDecember 2023
**Depreciation**
At 1stJanuary 2023
Charge in the year
At 31stDecember 2023
**Net book value**
At 31stDecember 2023
At 31stDecember 2022|Church
renovations
£
Office
equipment
£
Total
£
0
6,573
5,105
0
993
1,468|
|---|---|
||0
7,566
6,573|
||0
5,398
5,105
0
361
293|
||0
5,759
5,398|
|||
||0
1,807
1,175|
||0
1,175
0|
## **12 Investments**
|Property Springall Street
Bruce McMurray
Memorial Fund|Unrestricted
Funds
£
380,576
0|Restricted
Funds
£
0
0|Endowment
Funds
£
0
211,535|Total
2023
£
380,576
211,535|Total
2022
£
380,576
160,147|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||380,576|0|211,535|592,111|540,723|
11
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 31[st] DECEMBER 2023 continued**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £
**----- End of picture text -----**
||£|£|£|£|£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**13 Debtors**||||||
|Recoverable Gift Aid|**4,914**|**0**|**0**|**4,914**|**6,397**|
|**14 Cash at bank and in hand**||||||
|PCC Bank Account|36,008|4,200|0|40,208|29,228|
|Restoration Account|4,208|0|0|4,208|11,862|
|CCLA Account|2,876||0|2,876|2,787|
|BM current account||||||
|CBF T1169137002465D|41,601|0|0|41,601|34,121|
||**84,693**|**4,200**|**0**|**88,893**|**77,998**|
|**15 Creditors (due within one**|**year)**|||||
|Accruals|1,510|0|0|1,510|2,470|
||**1,510**|**0**|**0**|**1,510**|**2,470**|
|**16 Analysis of net assets by**|**fund**|||||
|Fixed assets|1,807|0|0|1,807|1,175|
|Investments|380,576|0|211,535|592,111|540,723|
|Cash at bank|84,693|4,200|0|88,893|77,998|
|Debtors – gift aid|4,914|0|0|4,914|6,397|
|Creditors|-1,510|0|0|-1,510|-2,470|
||**470,480**|**4,200**|**211,535**|**686,215**|**623,823**|
|**17 net gains (losses) on investments**||||||
|Bruce McMurray Fund|0|0|18,336|18,336|(25,648)|
||**0**|**0**|**18,336**|**18,336**|**(25,648)**|
12
**THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 31[st] DECEMBER 2023continued**
## **18 Transfer of Funds**
There were no transfers of funds in the year. The balance of Endowment Funds carried forward at 31[st] December 2023 relates to the Bruce McMurray Fund.
13
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF S. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH S. ANDREW, PECKHAM**
## **ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, PECKHAM, LONDON. 2023 ANNUAL PARISH REPORT.**
## **REPORT ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WITH ST ANDREW PECKHAM**
At the 2023 Annual Parochial Church Meeting that took place at St John’s Church on 21[st] May 2023 the Electoral Roll Officer Linda Smith reported that there were 132 people on the Electoral Roll. Since that date and up until 9[th] May 2024, there have been 4 additions to the Roll and 2 deletions. Sadly those deletions were members of St John’s who had died.
As at 9[th] May 2023 there are 136 people on the Electoral Roll.
- _The report on the Electoral Roll was given by Linda Smith, The Electoral Roll Officer._
## **PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC AND ACTIVITIES OF THE PARISH TO THE 2024 APCM.**
The Parochial Church Council of St John Chrysostom with St Andrew Church Peckham meets every three months, usually in the months of March, June, September and December. In between PCC Meetings, the Standing Committee holds meetings to discuss matters that need to be discussed urgently. At the PCC meetings that have taken place since last year’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting some of the subjects that the PCC have discussed include:
(1) _The Buller Close Lease_ St John’s Church owns the Lease of 10 Buller Close. We used to own the top Flat at 10 Buller Close but this was sold some years ago. We still own the Leasehold for the top and bottom Flats. On various occasions the PCC have discussed whether or not to sell the Lease. Would it be worthwhile to sell the Lease, or should we hold on to it as we get income from it? This subject is ongoing.
(2) _The Lightning Conductor_
The Lightning Conductor needs to be inspected and if necessary, work would need to be carried out. The last Inspection that was carried out produced a ‘Failed’ Certificate. Engineers have again been called in for further inspection. The work is ongoing.
(3) _Mission Action Plan_ The Mission Action Plan Committee met on various occasions to discuss an updated Mission Action Plan. Fr Emmanuel and Dr Victor Onipede produced a document that was presented to and passed by the PCC. The document was presented to Archdeacon Johnathan Sedgwick and to St John’s Congregation. The MAP had been adopted. A copy is on the Notice Board.
(4) _Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association_
Due to a number of reasons, the PCC approved the request to replace the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association with St John’s Church Youth Group.
(5) _Repairs at St John’s Church_ Various repairs have needed to be carried out, e.g. the lights in the Nursery, leaks in the church and in the boiler cupboard. Some of the repairs have been done. Others are ongoing.
(6) _Big’N’All Nursery_ The latest report from Big’N’All Nursery is that they are doing well and have a full Nursery. A decision was made to increase their rent as utility costs to the church had risen.
(7) _Flats 8 and 9 Springall Street_ An increase in rents is due to take place this year. St John’s Church is liaising with the Property Operations Manager at Trinity House, and with Dexters Estate Agents regarding a recommended amount. This subject is ongoing.
(8) _Living in Love and Faith_ Discussions are taking place at all levels of the Church regarding this item. This subject is ongoing. We have had discussions on this in our Church two times. A decision as to our Church’s decision and position on the issue would be made at our 2024 APCM.
(9) _Charities Supported by St John’s Church_ For the past three years St John’s Church has paid £100 per month to each of the following Charities: Mercy Ships, Barnabas Fund, and Church Urban Fund. New Charities to be supported by St John’s Church for the next three years were selected by the PCC Members. They were Doctors without Borders, Welcare, Tearfund and Intervene. At certain times of the year Congregation members are asked if they would like to bring items of food to church that will be donated to the local Food Bank.
(10) _Church Hall._
The PCC makes the Church Hall available for public use and rental. Currently, the Hall is being used by Egba cultural Group and by Big ‘N’ Day Nursery & preschool. It is also available for any local group.
(11) _Information on Various Events_
The PCC discussed various events that are due to take place. This includes the Harvest Thanksgiving and The Patronal Anniversary.
(12) _Safeguarding_ St John’s Church complies with Church of England Safeguarding principles and guidelines.
SAFEGUARDING PRINCIPLES.
The Church Council has complied with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to the House of Bishop’s guidance on Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The PCC and this Church is further committed to and abides by the safeguarding policy, principles and example of the Church of England as shown here:
The Church of England will:
- Promote a safer environment and culture
- Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults within the Church
- Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
● Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
● Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
● Respond to those that may pose a present risk to others
(13) _Parish Support Fund_ St John’s Church is fully up to date with payments to the Parish Support Fund and owes nothing to the Fund.
(14) _Church Heating_ The Church boiler currently does not work. Attempts have been made to find a company that would be able to fix the boiler but no luck so far. We have started the process of installing a new boiler for the Church. We appeal for your support in donations towards the project. This subject is ongoing.
(15) _Community Health Check_ The PCC approved the use of the Narthex for a weekly Community Health Check (free) led by medical personnel who are members of the Church. This is a service to the Community.
(16) _The Vicar’s Sabbatical_ Fr Emmanuel will be going on three months’ Sabbatical Leave in the Summer. Arrangements need to be made for while he is away. This will include opening the Church on Sunday mornings for the Eucharist Service, preparing the weekly Pewsheet, etc. This subject is ongoing. Linda Smith, PCC Secretary.
## **REPORT ON FABRIC, GOODS, ORNAMENTS AND BUILDINGS OF THE PARISH CHURCH.**
By Mr. James Olanipekun and Mrs. Betty-Ann Stultz.
The Archdeacon of Southwark, Venerable Jonathan Sedgwick carried out a Quinquennial inspection in April 2024. relevant inspections. The Church appointed a new Church’s Architect Mrs. Sue Kent of Howard Fairbairn Ltd. All our fabrics, ornaments, buildings were kept in good conditions and necessary repairs and maintenance works were carried out.
The two flats on the premises are still let out via Dexters Estate Agent. The Church pays a monthly fee for their services. The two flats on the premises were well maintained. CCTV INSTALLED. The Church installed a CCTV unit in the Church for security purposes.
THE CHURCH BOILER. The Church Boiler broke down recently. Plans are on to install a new eco-friendly heating system in the inside of the Church. We appeal for your generous and cheerful donations towards the project.
- _The report on Fabrics and Ornament, Building was given by the Wardens: Betty-Ann and James Olanipekun._
## REPORT ON THE CAMBERWELL DEANERY SYNOD 2023 – 2024
At the Annual Parish Church Meeting held on 21[st] May 2023 Cecilia Olawale, Althea Smith and Linda Smith were elected as St John’s Church Representatives to the Camberwell Deanery Synod.
Since the APCM the Camberwell Deanery Synod has met on the following occasions:
The meeting held on Wednesday 5[th] July 2023 took place at St Luke’s Church Camberwell. A Deanery Leadership Team was set up. Members are Lay Chair Sonia Phippard, Area Dean Reverend Sandra Schloss, Reverend Sarah Dawson and Reverend Greg Cushing.
The main discussion at the meeting was Priorities for our Deanery: how do we want to work together? At a previous Camberwell Deanery Synod meeting members present at the meeting were asked to suggest something the Deanery might wish to consider. Suggestions included: the Diocese’s Vision for Deaneries to develop collaborative working for Mission and Ministry, whether by sharing practical burdens, or together in Mission. Picking two or three dates in the year to try and visit other churches in the Deanery for sharing/worship (go as a group).
The meeting held on 6[th] December 2023 took place at St George’s Church Camberwell. Members received feedback from the Deanery Leadership Team, which included the suggestion of holding a Park Run, which would be a young People’s Run at 9.30 am on Sunday mornings. Volunteers are needed to give admin support for the Park Runs, which could take place in Peckham Rye Park or Burgess Park.
It was suggested to have an Open Churches/Visiting Event. All Churches in the Deanery would open for a fixed period on the same day. Members of the public would be invited to visit, and also it would provide an opportunity for Deanery Synod members to visit one another’s churches. A suggested date for this Event is Saturday 14[th] September 2024.
On Saturday 12[th] August 2023 a Deanery Barbecue was held at St Luke’s Church Camberwell. On Wednesday 24[th] January 2024 a Deanery Meal took place at a local Restaurant.
_Althea Smith, Cecilia Olawale and Linda Smith Camberwell Deanery Synod Representatives for St John’s Church._
ST JOHN’S CHURCH YOUTH ORGANISATION REPORT 2024.
This group is open to children and young people aged 4- 25 years. The group is run under Christian ethos, with an emphasis on Anglicanism. We accept members from within and outside Southwark community.
The name of the youth group was changed last year from ‘The Boys Brigade with Girls’ Association’ to ST JOHN’S CHURCH YOUTH ORGANISATION to minimise financial obligations required for belonging to a formal International Organisation.
The young people are devotedly supported by active seven leaders. In the year under review, the Lord has been kind to us. Significantly, one of our young leaders, Emmanuel IniOluwa Adeloye won a £1000 award which he donated to the group.
With this income, £300 contributions from Southwark Diocese, Madam
Olayinka Olatunji and generosity of the group leaders, the whole group were able to visit Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland. The children were able to see another part of UK, increase their knowledge and achieve an enhanced group bonding.
The children presented a Play at Christmas titled ‘’ Jesus: The Way to God’’.
With thanks to The Benefact Trust grant, the group has bought varied equipment both to provide activities for the youth Organisation and the proposed Sunday School.
Mrs Temi Adeloye. Coordinator.
VICAR’S ADDRESS FOR 2024 APCM.
WELCOME: Warm welcome to you all. Thanks be to God for keeping us safe through the year and for this year’s APCM.
1. Appreciation: Let me express my sincere thanks to the Wardens, Mrs. Betty-Ann Stultz and Mr. James Olanipekun, the PCC Secretary, Ms. Linda Smith, the Standing Committee and PCC members for working tirelessly for the smooth running of our Church. I thank everyone for your participation in the life of this Church, your valuables roles and work behind the screen. I thank all who donated various items to the Church during the year. Your donations of items such as Communion elements, duplicating papers, printer’s ink, toiletries, detergents, Bin liners, Sweeps and Dust parkers, greatly helped the Church. Thank you for your prayers, goodwill and support. I thank my wife, Mrs. Temitope Adeloye and my children Christina and Emmanuel for their prayers unflinching encouragement and support. God bless you all.
2. CELEBRATIONS: We had our Patronal Anniversary, Annual harvest celebrations and other Church feasts. They were occasions of fellowship and donations to the needy via PECAN and Southwark Food Bank.
3. JOYS: We rejoice and congratulate those who celebrated certain joyful milestone in the year.
4. COMMISERATION: We commiserate with all who lost loved ones in the year. We remember Julian Townsend (our late organist), Selina Mukoro. May the souls of the departed rest in peace and rise in glory.
5. RESIGNATION: Our Lay Reader, Mrs. Rosemary Hill resigned last year. We wish her well in her future endeavours.
6. FINANCES: Thanks be to God for his provision through you and other sources. We have heard the financial report. May God bless you more for all your financial and other support. We still rely on your generous giving for the mission work of the church and to help her meet her internal and external financial obligations. We want to encourage you to consider tithing, endowments, and regular donations. It is Biblical. (Malachi 3:1011). Please see the Wardens on how to Gift-Aid your donations.
7. SERVICES: We want to further encourage us to be fully involved in the life of our Church, its various services, fellowship and programs. We equally urge you all to invite your children and to be part of the life of our Church.
8. OUR WORSHIP. During the year, Sunday and Weekday Eucharist were held regularly. Morning, Evening Prayer and Prayer Fellowship Meeting were held regularly also. Bishop Precious Omuku presided and preached at our 2023 Christmas Day Eucharist and at our Eucharist with Confirmation service on February 2024. We also had other guest preachers, among whom were Fr. Malcolm Torry, The Rev. Marie John,
Revd. Collins Durueke and Rev. Stanley Njoka. Rachael Akintaro (head of the Altar servers) and her team of Altar servers have been of great assistance in our Eucharist worship.
9. MISSION ACTION PLAN. Mrs. Jo Gavin led a talk on our Mission Action Plan on 18[th] February 2024. We are determined to engage with our community in evangelism and mission through worship, educational support to the local community (Students from Harris Academy Primary) were received and taught things about the Christian faith).
10. BAPTISM: Six candidates were baptised during the year. They included four children and two adults.
11. CONFIRMATION: Seven candidates went through catechesis leading to their receiving the Sacrament of confirmation administered by Bishop Precious Omuku.
12. ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WIDER CHURCH. We took part in the Annual Churches in Peckham Good Friday Rally. We equally had an ecumenical New Year Midnight service.
13. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. We continued to collect and send food items to the needy via PECAN and Southwark Food bank. Our special days and services were followed by play activities, drinks, food and cake gettogether reception. A weekly Community Health Check (free) led by medical personnel who are members of the Church takes place in our Church. We continue to make the Church a place of welcome.
14. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE.
a. Volunteers.: We call on you to joyfully volunteer yourselves for the various work of the Church. We need volunteers for Sunday School, Youth Group, etc.
ii. Video Projector.
14 SPIRITUALITY: We call on us all to deepen our faith in the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour. To set ourselves apart to walk with him and for him. Let us take advantage of our various spiritual programmes for our spiritual growth. We need to urgently do something to resuscitate our Sunday. Thankfully, some of our members have indicated willingness to help. 15.VICAR’S SABBATICAL LEAVE: Your Vicar will be on Sabbatical leave from the middle of June to the middle of September. Adequate arrangements are on ground for worship as usual. The Church officers are also available to keep things going.
16. CONCLUSION. Thank you all for your prayers, goodwill, support and contributions to the work and progress of this Church. The hymn: ‘Who is on the Lord’s side? who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers? Other lives to bring? Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for him will go? By thy call of mercy, By thy grace divine, We are on the Lord’s side Saviour, we are Thine!
God bless you.
Rev. Dr Emmanuel Adeloye. Vicar and Chair of PCC.