2024-12-31-accounts

St Francis Church you're welcome here HE ECUMENICAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. FRANCIS CHURCH VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP, & THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF VALLEYPARK ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER2024. ST FRANCIS, CHURCH: PILGRIM'S CLOSE, VALLEY PARK, CHANDLER'S FORD. EASTLEIGH, HANTS, S053 4ST. Tel.. [phone],, E-mail.. admln@stf ran¢ls-valleypark.oig.uk Website.. Fa¢¢book.. BANK: THE NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK, EASTLEIGH BRANCH, 34 SOUTHAMPTON ROAD, EASTLEIGH S050 9XN. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: MR. CHRIS. GOODHEAD FCA, KNIGHT GOODHEAD LTD. CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS, 7 BOURNEMOUTH ROAD, CHANDLER'S FORD, EASTLEIGH. HANTS. S053 3DA. INSPECTING ARCHITECT: MS. SARAH HARLOW BA IHONSI DIPARCH RIBA, SEYMOUR AND BAINBRIDGE ARCHITECTS, 9 CHARLECOTE MEWS. STAPLE GARDENS, WINCHESTER. HANTS. S023 8SR. REGISTERED AS A CHARITY IN ENGLAND AND WALES; CHARITY NUMBER: 1165677

Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council of the Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership of St Francis, Valley Park and the Parochial Church Councll of the Parish of Valley Park Annual Report 2024 Aims and purposes The aims and purposes of St Francis, Church, Valley Park Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership (SC-LEP) remain unchanged from previous years. The Church and Charity exists to advance th8 Christian faith within the Ecclesiastical Parish of Valley Park and elsewhere, in accordance with th8 rites and pra¢li¢8s of the participaling denominations in the LEP.. Church of England, Methodist Church and United Reformed Church. Oversight and management of the work of St Francis, Church is vested in an Anglican Parochial Church Council IPCC), and an E¢um8nical Church Council {ECC). which normally meet concurrently, and are collectively known as 'The Church Council,. The Church Council has r8sponsibility, in co-operation with the Incumbenl minister, the designatèd Ministers of the othèr Participating Churches and the Church Wardens for promoling the Christian faith and enabling the whole mission of th8 Christian Church. Objectives The Charity's objectives continue lo focus on Christian Mission and Ministry. Sl Francis, Church Council works to promote the whole mission of the church through the following objectives. Th8S8 will be expanded with reports from ministry leads to follow. Public benefit St Francis, Church delivers public beneflt through engaging in a range of activities. Including, but not r8slricled to.. The celebration of public worship. Th8 leaching of the Christian faith., Mission and ev8ngelism', P8Storal work, including visiting and supporting the sick and the bereaved-, The provision of facilities with a Christian ethos for the local community, including, but not restricted to, GP Chaplaincy, Community café, activities lo support health and wellbeing The support of other ch8rities in the UK and overseas. The extent to which public benefit has been delivered is described in the following pages of this Report. 2of33 St Franci5, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Index to reports Worship and prayer Pago 4 Children's & Families report Page 4 Creche Page 5 Junior Church Page 5 Messy Church Page 6 Sung Worship Page 6 Worship & Prayer Page 7 Youth Group Pastoral Care Page 7 Men's Ministry Pastoral Team Page 8 Pastoral Team Page 8 SFVP Home groups Mlsslon and Communlty Outr•ach, & building the corporato life of the Church famlly.. Page 8 Café Page 9 Footprints Page 9 Mission Giving Partner8 Page 11 Mission Partner board Page 11 Through the Roof Page 13 Valley Park Life Festival Page 13 Working with the neighbouring St Francis C of E (Aided) Primary School. Page 13 Governors at st Francis School H•allng and Wholeness Page 14 The GP Chaplaincy Page 16 Take Time Structure, governance and management Page 16 Electoral Roll Page 16 Safeguarding Page 17 Holding St Francis, Church and its land and building in trust, via the Parochial Church Council, for future generations Financlal overvlew Page 20 Treasure report Page 21 Financial Statement Page 26 Gift aid report St Franci5, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024 3of33

Worshi and Pra er Chlldren and Families 2024 was a busy but happy year for Chiléran and Families Ministry at st Franics! Junior Church and Messy Church Continued to run regularly, and both of these groups are a joy to lead. It has been deeply satisfying lo witness and contribute to the 8Stablishmenl and growth of Footprints this past year. Steve and I, and Sarah before her departure, had a wonderful year collaborating wlth St. Francis School, jointly leading whole-school collective worship twice 88ch half term. We also Celebrated Easter and Christmas with special seNI￿S, featuring enthusiastic participation from 811 the children, particularly the Chrislian Voice groupl In addition, I had the pleasure of giving a talk at the Year 6 Leavers, Assembly in July. In Oclober and November, I was inviled into Knightwood School, firstly to speak lo the Year 3 children about the Bible, and secondly to take part in their Inler-Faith Day. During the latter, we brought The Prodigal Son to life with th8 children acting out the story and creating related crafts. We also explored tha theme of love within the Christian faith. It was brilliant to visit the school and represent the Church. The school have been very supportive in sharing promotion for all of our Messy Church Services, th8 F8Stival and Footprints. We celebrated Christmas wilh two special services.. a festlV8 Messy Church In mid-December and our Crib Service on Chrislmas Eve. During the Crib Service. we r8told the Nativity story through rhyming narrative, thank5 to the wonderful assistance of Liz Frisby and enthusiastic children from Junior Church and Youth Groupl Throughout the year I was involved in18ading a book group which developed with some of the Wednesday Café allendees following the January 2024 Alpha Course. We read 'But is it Real, by Amy Orr-Ewing over the course of 8 months and enjoyed lively discussion with th8 group following each chapter. It is an absolute loy to work in Children and Families Ministry at St Franics! I love working with all the different teams, famili8s and of course the Ghildrenl Thank you all for supporting me so w811. Please pray that this ministry will continue to be a blessing to the families of Valley Park, and that we can continue to share God's lov8 within the community. Hannah Hl8cock- Chlldren and Famlllos Mlnistor Crèche 2024 was another quiet year for the crèche team, primarily due to the church family having no young children at th8 present lime. We have, however, welcomed sever81 visiting families, all of whom settled quickly and enjoyed the activilies and toys. We have a very enthusiastic and willing team who are always ready and Prepared each week with a fun morning of games. crafts, songs and Bible stories planned. We have a wonderful array of age-appropriate toys in our cheery crèche room. The Wednesday coffee morning children particularly enjoy these facilities. The Crèche team enjoy each other's company al occasSonal Cleveland Bay evenings, giving us an opportunity to reflect and to discuss our inspirations for the crèche in the future. Our crèche leam is Sue Bowles, Di Smith, Jan Southem, Debbie Reeves, Carolyn Covey and Jan Stretch. We ask for continuing prayers, that we may have new families that come to the church. and young children who are happy lo come into crèche to play and enjoy our Bible stories and craft. Thank you. Sue Bowles 4of33 St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Junlor Church Thanks to the commitment of the fantastic volunteer team, Junior Church met weekly during 2024 (except the firsl Sunday of the month when il's an All-Age Servicel) and we welcomed between 6 and 15 children to each session. In Septemb8r we said goodbye to three of our young people who moved into Year 7 at School and therefore moved across to St Francis Youth Group. In the Spring Term we followed a programm8 aboul the foundations of Christianity. leaming what it means to be a follower of Jesus. During this lemi we held a special Junior Church on Good Friday where we reflected on the sadness of that day, bul the hope that Jesus brings. The children made individual Easter Gardens to lake home. During the Summer Term we followed a programme about Christian Lifestyle and discovering how wonderful it is lo live like Jesus and covered topics like Faith, Hope, Courag8 and Making a Difference. We finished th8 year with a series on Parab18s in the Autumn Term and ran a supersized Junior Church on Remembrance Sunday for our regular children and children from Sl Francis School who were performing in the choir during the s8rvi¢e. Sessions follow a simi18r pattern each week. opening with free play from the activity box, then games. stories and activities to understand the theme, Bible study lo delve in further and crafts to help rem8mber what we've b88n learning aboul. The children bring excellent discussion and energy to each session, il's a joy. We ask for prayers that Junior Church will flourish, enabling the children to truly discover an(1 embrace their faith. Hannah Hiscock Messy Church M8ssy Church.. It s a place ol celebration and creativity, where conversation and18ughter fill Ihe aK, nd food, fun and faith 8re sh8red. BRF 2025 In 2024, Messy Church continued to thrive with fun and excitement during 10 lively sessions. Each month had a different theme including Epiphany, Templalion, Resurrection, Breakfast on the Shore, The Olympi¢s and fixing our eyes on God, Jesu5 the Light of the World and Chrislmasl While most services were held on a Sunday at 3pm, special Wednesday services wer8 held al 10am in the school holidays and these, along with the SLsmmer Party {fe8tUfing a bouncy castlell were particularly popular. We begin each M8ssy Church with a them8d hour of creative crafts and activities, which are prepared and led by volunteers who encourage interaction and discussion. Hands-on activities, especially those involving food, competition, or washi-tape, are always a hlt! Following this, we mov8 to worship, Whe￿ the da￿S message is presented through 8ngaging methods like videos, storytelling from the Storyteller Bible, or interactive science experiments. Our prayer lime is equally creative using paperchains, paper airplanes and fingerprints. We conclude the worship with familiar worship songs, such as 'My Lighthouse, and 'Our God is a Great Big God., and often feature perfomances by the Hand in Hand Puppet Team. Finally. there is ALWAYS cake to enjoy with drinks and chat before everyone goes home. The Calm Zone. which we Introduced in September 2023, is available every Messy Church service 8nd has proved lo be a popular space. The small meeting room is cleared and transformed into a peaceful retreat for those who need some quiet time or enjoy the sensory stimulation, wilh fibre optic lights, sensory toys, soft beanbags and cushions. A dedicated team of volunteers makes Messy Church possible, from the creativ8 minds behind the activities and the bakers who promde delicious treats, lo the tech-sawvy AV operators ané Ihe strong hands that rearrange the fumiture. We're especially g￿teful for the lidy-up crew who ensure everything is spotless after the fun. Thank you to each and every volunteer for your invaluable contribution. St Francls, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024 5of33

We ask for prayers that Messy Church strengthens families, Gonnections with God, and that it opens doors for others to begin their personal joumey with Jesus. Hannah Hiscock Sung Worship W8 have had another year where our sung worship has been enhanced by many talented musicians. Suzanne, RaGhael and I continued to help io choose appropriale songs and hymns for services and lead during 10am and other special services during the year. We were éelighled to have Dunni join us this year. Another 8 are on the regular rota and 4 help out as they're able. It's a joy to play and sing alongside them, and judging by comments, th8 congregation also 8njoyed the variety the band brought from week lo week. We continLAed to introduce new songs every so often, as they fell appropriat8 to the way God was18ading us as a church. Chrislmas was a very busy lime as it always is, especially without a lead minister last year. It was great to have sufficient musicians to provide live music for all Christmas services (except for the 8=30 services) including at Brendoncare and also carols in the pub, expertly led by Elliott for the first time. We have also been involved In the festival once again and provided music for funerals, both on the Plano and organ as required. Please pray for us lo hear your leading. especially with regards lo new songs and song choices week by weak. Stephanio Barlow Worship and Prayer Over 2024 we have maintained our established pattern of opportunit188 for worship and group prayer, focussed on Sundays but exlending across the week. Regular services include.. Said communion weekly on Sundays at 8.30am Morning Worship weekly on Sundays at 1 Oam, wilh o All-age service monthly on the 191 Sunday o Youth Group, Junior Church and Creche on the & 3rd Sunday Communion service with Junior Church and Creche on the last Sunday Messy Church monthly on 3rd Sundays at 3pm Morning communion monthly on the 2nd Monday Service with Communion at Brendon Care residential home monthly on 4th Monday Home groups throughoLrt Ihe week (see separate reporti These are led by the Lead Ministar, Chlldren and Families Minisler, Curate, ordained and retired minister's who are Members of the congregation and lay members of the church. When thè lead minister moved to a new post in October others in the team continued this work without needing support from outside Ihe church. The Children and Families Minister laads 3 dedicated teams for conducting these servic8s, one for Sunday All Age Services, one for Messy Church and one for Junior Church and Cr8che. A separate team leads the Youth Group, both on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings. Sunday 10am servi￿5 are broadcast live on Zoom, and about monthly by Outreach Radio. Recordings of the service are made available on Facebook and the church websile, except All Age services. About 6-10 join each week on zoom, but infomiation is not available on Outreach listening rates. 6of33 St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

At times throughout the year our mission partners have pr8senled about their work in the 10am service. and on a few oGGasions St Francis School choir and orchestra have joined in. Prayer takes pla￿ before Sunday 10am services and around all these events, 8nd prayer for individuals is available after every 1 Oam s6rvi¢e in a safeguarding-compliant manner. Whilst prayer is also a key feature of house groups and servI￿s, we recognise there is scopè for a more regular corporate prayer opportunity. Beyond the regular services the following occasional sarvi¢e take place across th8 year'.- 1st Sunda of Janua Ash Wednesda 7,00 Maund Thursda evenin Good Frida 10.00am Easter Sunda 1st Sunda of Autumn Term All Souls 6.00 1st Sunda of Advent 6.00 2nd Sunda of Advent 6.00 Christmas Eve 3.00 Christmas Eve 11.30 Christmas D8 10.00am 10.00am Methodist Covenant Service Service of enitence with ashes Shared su er and communion Communion, and Junior church & Crgche All-A e Communion School welcome servlce, led b Children & Familias Minister Service for rememberin those who have died Advent Service of Li ht Carol Service Crib service, led b Children & Families Minister Midni hl Communion Momin worshi Flona Grovo & Peter Rhodo8 - Churchwardon8 Youth Group The youth group has continued lo grow in number, with 15 young people aged be￿een 11 and 18 meeting regularly on Monday evenings and 2nd and 3rd Sunday mornings of the month. As leaders we enjoy 8ngaging with them while playing champ {do ask how il worksll), chatting, learning about and discovering Jesus, and living out our faith. In December we joined with St Boniface youth group for a Christmas party and hop8 to invite them to us during 2025. We mostly us8 Energize material for our sessions and are planning lo start Youlh Alpha al the beginning of 2025. Please pray for th8 young people as they grow in their relationship with Jesus. Flona, Lou, Phil and Sam Pastoral Care Men's Ministry Our work specifically focussed on men in the church, or associated with It, Is focussed around our rnonthly Men's Breakfasts. This is a time of fellowship catalysed round a good breakfast, with a short Bible tslk relevant for Ihe group and the season. Attendance ranges between 6-12, and although not large the event is important to those who attend. Most years we also hold a walking weekend away, again focussed around fellowship and as an opportunity to Introduce friends and neighbours to the church, but with a short talk and a service during the lime. We did not hold a weekend away in 2024, however one is booked and planned for March 2025. Peter Rhodes - Mon's Ministry Lead St Francis. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024 7of33

Pastoral The pastoral leam is made up of 9 people who hava the privilege lo get alongside anyone who may need emotional or practical support. In addition to this there is the Prayer Chain which has 85 members of the congregation who commit to pray for anyone who asks. Dunng 2024 there We￿ 59 prayer requests. Please pray for the pastoral team and those they support. Thank you Fiona SFVP Homegroup There are around 70 people in 7 Homegroups,. 2 meet in the morning and 5 in the evening. Each meets togelher physically on a regular basis Iw8ekly or fortnightlyl and some make greater or lesser use of Zoom. Each group has a different feel bul all balance connecting wilh God I'up'l, encouraging one anoth8r to grow as disciples I'in'l, and supporting the mission of each person I'oul'l. Highlights from this year: Most groups tracked the sermon series early in the year on the 5 Mark5 of Mission tTell, Teach, Tend. Transfomi, Treasurel Several groups have followed-up other Sunday semion series in greater depth. Other themes have included studying 8 book of the Bib18 le.g. John'5 Gospel, Matl<'s Gospel, Psalmsl. O exploring a Bible character le.g. Elisha, Women in the Old Testamantl, rf exploring a theme or subject lJ.John's Jusl 10, the Influence Course from Christians in Politics, Living in Love and Faithl. The leaders rneet together three times a year to share how their groups are golng and to exchange id8as. Ils notable how often we talk about the pastoral ¢halleng8s and blessings within our groups. Those who lead Homegroups do an amazing job week-in and week-oul, for which l am extremely thankful. If you would like lo join a group or have a suggestion for a new group Ilhere's always scope for other types of groupsl please talk with Nick. Nlck Grow Mlsslon and Communit Outreach & buildln th• cor orate life of the Church famll Cafe rnport Another good year for the Cafe, which is thriving on Monday and Wednesday mornlngs. providing great opportunity to welcome thos8 from the community into the building. Fairly tr8ded tea and coffee 8re served, plus biscuits and somelimes Cake. One visitor ￿gUlarlY requests a bacon roll. bul we aren't offering that as yet, and another young man produces a weekly quiz which is very much enjoyed!11 As well as refreshmenls, the cafe offers a meeting place for friends and those looking for company or who want to meet new people. The volunteers ensure that no-one is left on their own and as well as serving, they sit and chat with the visitors. On W8dnesday morning Margaret provides a craft activity for th8 pre-school children who come with their mumslcarers, which is very popular. During the school holidays this continues and so there is opportunity for the older childrgn lo meet their friends and play games while the adults sit and chat. There have been some new volunt88rs during the year which is great, bul others to join the leam would be very welcome. Fiona Grove 8of33 St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Footprints Following 2 pilot sessions at Ihe end of 2023, Footprints was launched weekly in January 20241 Over the year we held 50 sèssions, met 22 new families with 24 childr8n with additional needs along with 9 of their siblings. W8'V8 SUPPOrted Murns, Dads, Grandparents and Carers with chat, drinks and cakel We have 8 fabulous volunteers who run Ihe group...setting up the resources, supporting thè children in play. providing a listening ear to the families, making drinks, crafting, reading stories. singing songs and operating the bubble machinel Footprints offer a safe and supportive environment where children with additional needs can play freely while their families connect with others in similar situations. This shared 8XP8ri8nce fosters a powerful sense of community which we are delightad to have seen develop over the past year. The gular families have sel up their own WhatsApp group, they share resources with each other and ènjoy meeting up with each other throughout the week outside of Footprints. Whilst Footprints isn't a specrfically faith-based activity, its core values are rooted in love, support and care. We can't wail to see what the second year of Foolprinls has in storel Please pray that our group continues to thrive, and that those seeking support will easily find us. Hannah H18cock Misslon Glvlng partners During 2023, the Mission Partners leam (Caroline Gough. Christine Grew, David Gurr, Rogerio Ramos, Lou Sutton and Katie Warner) met several limes lo consider which Christian charities would be our mission partners, supported both financially and through prayer by our church for the next 3 years, 2024 - 2027. Their recommendations wer8 presented to and approved by the Church Council in February 2024. This update will touch on how these mlsslon partners were selected, who they are and how we are building our partnership with them, How we selected our mission partners? We wanted lo honour the relationships and passion the church family have for different Issues and organisations, especially our heart for those in slavery and poverty. Also, w8 wanted to choose partners who align8d with God's mission, with different partnerships ¢onneGting us to different aspects of that mission and parts of the wodd. We used a grid of the 5 Marks of Mission to help us create a balanced list of partners, as shown below. This helped us ensure a range of int8rnalional, national and local charities, who addressed different needs by responding to the S marks of mission, which are.. TELL- share the Good News of Jesus TEACH- baplise, nurture in the faith TEND- to practical human need TRANSFORM- unjust structures TREASURE - safeguard creation The mission grid is shown on the nexl page: Strong- Dark Green Lesser= Llght Green St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024 9of33

5 Marks of Mission Location N•th)nal NUR* UK Fledge CAP Through ihe Rool E45tlei8h 6a5ics Bank 1.1>. Overseas LJM A Roch P￿ We aim lo have a m8aningful connection and 2-way partnership with these 6 charities through local Sl Francis représèntatives, financial gifts, speaker visits, Connect prayer evening5 {1 2 x a yearl and information via the Mission Partners Board (see later in this updalel. Additional giving, for example lo The Children's Society at the Christingle Service is decided on an evenl-by-evenl basis for Easter, HaNe5t, and Chrislm8S. Our mlssion partnor8 1. Fledge is a local charity nurturing vuln8rable and homeless young people by providing home environment, offering long-term support and encouraging healthy r81ationships. 2. Chrlstians Agalnst Poverty (CAPI is a UK based charity specialising in debt counselling for people in financial difficulty.11 also provides job ¢lub$ for those seeking employment, life skills groups lo h81p people live well on a low income, and money coaching workshops to equip people with essential budgeting skills. 3. Eastlolgh 8asles Bank was Set up some years ago by the churches of Eastleigh to support those experiencing financial difficulty and needing short term support through the provision of food and other ess8ntials such as toilelries. Several people from SFVP volunteer their time to help at Eastleigh Basics Bank. 4. Through Iho Roof (ThRI is a Christian charity for disabled people. 11 supports churches to be more aware and inclusiv8 of those with disabilities Ihrough their Roofbreaker programmg {which we are part of. l. They have overseas missions dislribuling reconditioned wheelchairs to developing ¢ountries and also take their inclusivity training to churches abroad. 5 Internatlonal Justice Mission {IJM) is a global organis81ion thai protects people in poverty from human trafficking, modern-day slavery, violence and police abuse of power. They work with local justice systems and social services around the world to rescue victims. bring criminals to justice, support survivors, and build safe communities. IOof33 St Francis. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

1. A Rocha is a global family of conservation organisations working together to live out God's calling to care for creation and equip others to do likewise. It's starting point is to help us examine how we are doing as a church in Garing for creation and how we can improve. Growing our partnerships As well as supporting our mission partners financially, we wanted to build relationships with them and support them in prayer. To help us do this we invited our mission partners lo speak al the 10am church service to share information about the charities, work and the people they help. Speakers: EBB- Dave Kealing (May 2024) TTR- Carol Dyer {Sep 2024) A Rocha- Nick Baker {Nov 20241 IJM- Jonny Good¢hild (Jan 20251 Speakers from Fledg8 and CAP spoke in 2023, and our intention Is to invite them back again in
2. Where possible, where charities are equipped to do so, we would like to give semion tim8 to the speakers, so w8 intégrate the aims of the mission partners with God's wider purpose. A Connect evening was held on 3 July 2024 focusing on 3 of our mission partners,. aft8r information was shared about their reGenl work and challenges, we broke into small groups to pray for EBB, IJM 8nd TTR. The evening went well and was very encouraging. Caroline Gough Mlssion Partner Board The board by th8 kitchen halch has had a makeovar in 20241 It was agreed by Sarah Mcclelland I Church Council that thi5 board be designed to our Mission Partners. The intention would be three- fold..
3. To infom the church about each MP and ils main purpose.
4. To show the area of each MP'S focus relating to the 5 marks of mission: Telling, Teaching, Tending, Transforming, and Treasuring.
5. To hav8 information and focus of each MP around the time of the upcomlng Sp8aker from that organisation. Since March these have been the toplcs.. Sumrnary of each of the 6 Mission Partners, March- June 2024 Focus on Fledge, June- September 2024 Focus on Through the Roof l Roofbreakers, September- December 2024 Focus on International Justice Mission, December 2024- March 2025 It is hoped that church members will use the coffee queue and other occasions to be better infomied and add the MPS to their prayers. Feedback would be wel¢omed. Christine Grew Through tho Roof Misslon Partner We are a 'Roofbrnaker Church. meaning we try lo pay altenlion lo the needs of people with disabilities. We ar8 SUPPOrted by the Christian Disability Charity.. Through the Roof (TTR). Check out the Bible Story these titles come from if you don'l already know! (Mark Ch 2) St Francls. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024 Ilof33

2024 has been another positive year in terms of diversity and inclusiwty. The weekly Footprints group continues to Ihrive and gives support lo children with additional needs and their carers. L8d by Hannah Hiscock, Childrèn & Families Minister, it is support6d by a great team of people week by We8k. Cake features strongly in the welcome that is giv6n to all who come! Regarding publicising our 'Roofbreakerf status in Chrysalis (the central pages of Valley Park Voice, which goes out to all homes in Valley Park) the description has been updaled to read.. °St Francis Church is positive about disability inclusivily. The building's on one level, accessible for wheelchairs and there is a Disabled loo. We may not know everything about all disabilities but do talk to Us if you have any concerns 8nd we will do our best to accommodate you.. In September 2024 at the beginning of Disability Awareness week, the church was visited by Carol Dyer, ThR rep for our area. She gave a vivid and infomialive description of all that TTR does spending about 20 minutes with main church and going on lo talk lo Youth Group where lively discussion took plac81 Besides Roofbreakers, Carol spoke about other aspects of ThR's work: Wheelchair Distributions to developing courstries Accessible, supported group holidays in the UK, offering times of fellowship Individual Pastoral Support I Couns811ing Online fèllowship groups, retreats. ¢ours8s eg Makaton Bookshop.. books. Removing Barriers Audit and other resources Further Info online www.Ihrou htheroof.or or email info Ihrou hlheroof.or The following highlighted paragraphs refer back to Aims from last year's report. A lomatic doors.. Eady in the year, ihe Access Door (by the kitchen) was mad8 Automatic and this has improved ease of access for those with a physical disability. The project was funded by the church. A few weeks later th8 Disabled Toilet was fitted with an Automatic door, funded by lh8 Local Council, proposed by CounGillor Alan Dowden for which the church is very grateful. Linda King, one of our Foolprints team, attended a Makalon course this year and there ar8 other Makalon users in the church family. Our All-Age Service on the first Sunday of the month is a good time for using Makaton. The whole church is encouraged to sign certain phrases from familiar Christian songs. This is a learning experience for us alll Christine updated the Mission Partners noticeboard to highlight the work of TTR (July - Septémber.) Members of the AV team have been making progress wlth larger font and spaclng on overhead slides. One other thing worth mentioning is Ihat we were abl8 to request a second Disabled Parking Bay in the church carpark when the lines were repainted Sast October which is helpful Since we often have more than one wheelchair user attending St Francis. Looking ahead, we will take a fresh look at the"Removing Barri8rs' Audit that was undertaken in 2022 and revisited in 2023 and see if there are other ways we Gan be making our church rnor8 accessible to those with disabilities. Part of a letter received Jan 2025, from the Tim Wood, CEO at Through the Roof.. Thank you so muGh for thg very kind and gen8rous gift of £1700 towards the Ministry and Mission of Through the Roof. Please . pass on our grateful thanks to everyone at church The full letter is on the Mission Partners Board by the kitchen hatch. Christinè Grew 12of33 St Francis. Church, Valley Park: Annual Report 2024

Valley Park Life Festival This family-friendly music festival was hald for the third year running in June this year. The main purpose is to offer a gift to our communily, and to raise awareness and 'brand value, for our church the extent of advertising and promotion achieves this even for those who don't come to the event, and for those who do they find 8 welcoming and fun group of people. Attendance from across Valley Park was excellent {estimated at around 1000 across the afternoon and evening), and it would have been difficult to accommodate many more- all seemed to have a good time. Again, we had musicians from the church perfomiin9, including Suzanne Butler and Elliott Frisby, and the day conclud8d with Peter Rhodes, band The Kazbaas. Outreach Radio broadcast live from the event and featured much of the perfomiances, and the local Boozy Bar served drinks throughout the event. Many from the church were involved in some way {baking, refreshments, BBQ, face painting, crafts, security, first aid.. .), and the event went wilhoul any mishap. Due to the weather, it was held inside, but that didn't detract. Because costs are low, refreshments such as BBQ can be sold at cost and no entry is charged. Any costs incurred are recovered through the teas and Cakes sold,. again, the Performing Rights Society did not charge a Iic8n¢e fee for the event, although this cannot be relied on should the event run again, so overall the event was no nel cost or profit to the church. Pgtor Rhodos - Foslival Load Worklng wlth the nelghbouring St Francis C of E (Alded) Prlmary School. Work with St Francis CE Primary School, with which the church shares a campus site, has continued with the lead minister and children and families minister providing weekly Collective worship for Key stage 2 up until July. From September, we off8r8d co118Ctive worship for both KS 1 & 2, tWiC8 Per half term and with festival services al Easter and Christmas, as well as a leaver's assembly in July. There's a150 been the opportunity to join classes in person. St Francis Church continues lo provide Foundation Governors who take a very 8clive role in govemance at the school. Governors at St Francls School - Ofstod and SIAMS The church provides up to seven Foundation Governors for St Francis School. The following 8Ct8d as governors during the year Brian King (co-chair then Chair), Nick Grew {co-chair th8n Vice-chair), Andrew Grove, Alison Rhod8s. Jan Southern. Sarah McClell8nd was a governor until her departure. Jeremey Bennett has been appointed as a governor and will take up the position in April 2025. There is pres8ntly one vaGancy, which we expect lo be filled by the new minister when they are appointed. The school completed two inspections during the year. Ofsted in April 2024, and SIAMS in February 2025. The Ofsled report can be found here.. hll s.'Ilre orts.ofsled. ov.ukl rovider1211116402. The overall Ofstod outcome was 'Good', with Earty years provision, Behavfjour and attltudes and Personal developm8nt all rated as 'Outstanding'. In the previous Cysted inspection, in 2011, the school was rated Outstsnding overall. Bear in mind. however, thal the grading thresholds have been raised significantly since then. In 2011. about 25P/o of schools were graded Oulslanding overall. Und8r currenl grading criteria, only around 10¢/0 are graded outstanding in each of the assessment Categories. To have been grad8d Outsianding in three categories is therefore an excellenl achievement, and in no way suggests a drop in what the Head Teacher and dedI￿ted teaching staff are delivering to ihe pupils. Our second inspection was a SIAMS inspection, a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools. SIAMS inspections assess the exlenl to which a school meets its expectations as a church school. 5t Francis, Church. Valley Park: Annual Report 2024 13of33

The SIAMS report can be found here: htt s.'Ilwww.churchofen land.or laboutleducalion-and- schoolslchurch-schools-and-academieslsiams-ins ectionslsiams-ins ection-re orts by searching for 116402 in the search box. SIAMS reports are not graded, but the opening Senten￿ oflhe insp8Ction findings capture the inspector's conclusion: 'Pupils and adults thrive in this school due lo the clear focus on the well-established Christian vision. Rooted in the Bible, the chosen three values are deeply embedded and permeate through every aspect of school life." It has been a privilege to18ad the governing body for the past year, and to be able to express here my appreciation of the dedication that the governors bring to their role. Brian King Hèalln and Wholeness The GP Chaplalncy The GP Chaplaincy service provided for St Francis Surgery on behalf of the Church continues and Is now In its sixth year! Why ar8 we doing it? Because it's such a fantastic opportunity for our church to be a tangible link between people in our community and the unconditional love of God. I see il very much as part of the vital "Healing and Wholeness minist￿, of Jesus through the church. Il's also a brilliant way for us as a church to meet people "where they are. s88ing God already at work in peop16's lives and connecting with that. What sort of things do people come with? There's a whole range of issu8S People of different ages bring, including loss through bereavement, redundancy or retirement, long term illness, life-threatening diagnosis, or end of life, as w811 as addiction, depression, anxiety, isolation or loneliness and loss of wellbeing...... and so often an underlying searching for meaning and purpose or hope......or people just wondering whelher'there must be more to life than this?. What do you actually do? A lot of listeningl Listening without judgement Walking alongside peop18 in limes of change or distress. Carrying hope. Sometimes some signposting. I'm trying to offer care for the "whole person" which always includes their spiritual needs, in whatever way p8op18 perceive those needs themselves. 11 very often includes the offer to pray. I remember a lady this year with no faith background at all saying, close to tears, that this was the first lime someone had ever offered to pray for her. Who does it? Al the moment just me (but see belowl) on a voluntary basis, supported by Diane in the office and by prayers from our housegroup and others in the church, following the inilial authorisation by the Church Council back in 2020.1 also have supervision by a v8ry experienced GP Chaplain in Glasgt)w, via Zoom Calls with her every four lo six weeks, and support from a fantastic organisation called ACGP (Association of Chaplaincy in General Praclice). How do people get to GP Chaplaincy? Patients from St Francis Surgery are referred by the GPS, the Social Prescriber and the Surgery's Mental Heallh team. It's available to everyone, people of all faiths and none. 14of33 St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Where do you see people? Mainly in the chapel at the back of the church, due to lack of flexible space at the Surgery, and sometimes in the adja¢ent garden in the summ8r, or over the phone for housebound elderly people. Il's often the first time that people will have come into the church, or even realised that it existed, and they're often struck by the light and space and friendly atmosphere, and by other things going on such as the Café sessions. Are there any other link-ups with the Church? Yes, lotsl Connections have developed between GP Chaplaincy and Monday Café and the pastoral team, with a number of p80pI8 who have come via GP Chaplaincy still attending the Monday Café. As wall as the regular listening sessions, I've helped someone who wanted the of us lo have short tim8 of prayer and lighting a candle at the front of the church. to remember a loss in very difficult circumslanc8s many years before. Sarah Mcclelland, our previous Vicar, and I were able to help 8 family, at their request, with a funeral service for a young man who died in tragic circumstances and who had felt that the GP Chaplaincy had been his main support prior to his death. Do you link up with other people further afield? Yes! Earlier this year I was asked to make a short video about the GP Chaplaincy set-up here, which was included in a presentation in January 2025 al the national conference of the ACGP in Birmingham. l attended along with around a hundred GP Chaplains and other interested people from all over the UK, some working on a volun18ry basis like me and some paid by their health organisations or supported by charities. l also regularly attend m881ings organised for chaplains by Winch8sl8r Diocese, along with people from chaplaincies in schools, university, prison and 'Anna Chaplaincies" for older people. What are you feeling about th& futur8? A mixture of hopeful, 8xcit8d, thankful, challenged, and sometlmes a bit lonely in the chaplaincy role. How do you think we could be part of GP Chaplaincy? I currently do around six hours 8 week in GP Chaplaincy, We could make contact with many more P80ple ifwe had a bigger team.GP Chaplains don't have lo have a medical background, many have pastoral or listening or counselling backgrounds, and the training provided by the ACGP is excellent. So here's a couple of questlons from me to you. Could the GP Chaplaincy team include you, or someone you know, or might you like to find out more? Maybe you feel you could be someon8 l Could ask occasionally to pray speclfically (anonymously of course) for people and situations? And for everyone reading this.. What could we pray at)out? For the individuals I'm seeing and listening to currently, and those in our community I hope I'll be in contact with in th8 coming year. For me to keep listening, learning, loving, hoping. For ways I could support the staff at Sl Francis Surgery, as well as the patients, and for all the staff as they continue working there in very challenging tim8S. For a new minister to be supportive of the GP Chaplaincy here al our church and its potential for the future. For people to want to know more and for more pray-ers" and potential GP chaplains to join the team. Thank you! Katie Warner St Francis, Church, Vallèy Park.. Annual Report 2024 15of33

TakeTime Our Bible meditation has continued monthly on Wednesdays after Cafè. It is a small group, but we love the opportunity it gives lo rest in God's pres8nc8 and listen to his voice. The people who come are often in need of time and space, sometimes coming following ac￿SsIng chaplaincy. I was delighted when Christine Grew did the training lo become a TakeTime practitioner towards the end of last year. We are hoping to extend TakeTime back to an evening slot and would appreciate pray8r to know when the time is right to do this. st8phanla Barlow Structure overnance and mana ement Elactoral Roll Report The Electoral Roll of Sl Francis Church has been renewed, with renew81 completed on April 6th. On that date the Electoral Roll had 132 members. 86 people are resident in the parish, and 46 Iivg outside the parish. 27 people did not renew their membership of the roll. Of these, we know thal 3 have moved away, 1 has sadly died, 15 are not regular worshippers and 1 has become 8 curate. 31 extra people have loin8d the roll. Llnda Klng Electoral Roll Offlcer Safeguardlng As required by Winchester Diocese I can report that the Church Council has complied with the duty lo have due regard lo the House of Bishops Safeguarding Pollcy and Practice guidance. We renew our safeguarding policies annually. We have 59 volunteers from the congregation and 2 employees who have up to dale DBS checks, and required Safeguarding training has béen completed and is constantly monitored. Risk assessments and Role Description5 are in place for all activities where ne¢8ssary and the council continues lo work on safer recruitment processes for our volunteers. All volunteers have been encouraged to read sections of the Church of England Safeguarding Handbook that are relevant to their role. We have improved our practice regarding the use of filming and photographs during the last year and the website has an improved and mor8 prominent link to our safeguarding policies and practices. Thanks to all our volunteers for their willing compliance. Linda King Safeguardlng officer 16of33 St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Holding St Francls, Church and its land and building in trust, via the Parochial Church Council. for future generations: Th8 responsibility for maintaining th8 Church building and premises has continued as an important background task for our Churchwaréens and supporting volunteers. Legal form: The Church ol England Parish of Valley Park was established in 1991. Simultaneously, a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership (SC-LEP) was formed by Tha Church of England, The Methodist Church and The United Reformed Church, under a fomal Constilulion agreed on 41h October 1991. A new Model Constitution was adopted in October 2015, and St Francis,, Valley Park Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership is registered as Charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The members of the Ecumeni¢al Church Council are the Trustees of the registèred Charity. Church bulldlng.. St Francis, Church is the Parish Church of the Anglican Parish of Valley Park. It is also the centre of worship for the SC-LEP, under the terms of a Sharing Agreement, established on 30, August 1995 under the provisions of th8 Sharing of Church Buildings Act, 1969. Th8 Church building was dedicated rather than ¢onsecraled, and il is not subj8¢t lo Faculty Jurisdiction. Joint Council: In 1991, formal ov8rsighl of the operation of the SC-LEP was vested in Churches Together in Hampshire and Ihe Isle of Wight, and is administered via a Joint Council, comprising governing r8presenlalives of the participating denominations, together with represenlalives of the Church Council. Presently the oversight body is not functioning, bul Ihere have been no matters which have required escalation to a Joint Council during the year, which consequently has not met. Clergy and Church Councll: sin￿ ils founding in 1987, St Francis, Church has b8en led by a resident Church of England minister (the Vicar of Valley Parkl. This ministry has been complemented by designated Ministers from local Melhodisl and United Reformed Churches, Working in co-operation these designated clergy are ex-officio members of Sl Francis, Ecumenical Church Council. In accordance with Anglican Canon Law, two Churchwardens are 818cled annually at an Annual Meeting of Parishioners {Annual Vestry Meeting) which also elects two Pro- (Depulyl wardens. St Francis, Annual Parochial Church Mèeting also elects members to a Parochial Church Council (PCC). of which the Vicar, Churchwardens and Pro-wardens are ex-officio members. Our annual Church meeting took place in March, and at that meeting 2 church wardens w8r8 8lected. The Ecumenical Church Council (ECC} comprises ex-officio and elected members of the Anglican pcc, together with ex officio members representing the olher participating churches in th8 SC-LEP. The PCC and ECC nomially me81 concurrently under the tille of"Th8 Church Councif,, for the day to day management of the Church and its affairs, but with appropriate attention to the relative responsibilities of the two bodies. However, there is a requirement for the Anglican PCC to be able lo meet independently of, and without conflict of interest with, the ECC, and so the annually elected Pro-wardens, the Anglican Deanery Synod Represenlalives, and al least one elected PCC member are not members of the ECC or Trustees of the reglstered Charity. The Electoral Roll of the SC-LEP operating in 2024 comprised 128 members. The whole Church congregalion mgt to conduct business once during 2024- in March at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church l Ecumenical Congregational Meetings,. the latter held concurrently. St Francis. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024 17of33

Denominational activities and ecumenlcal relationships.. St. Francis Church lies within Anglican Deanery of Eastleigh in Ihe Diocese of Winchester. The Deanery broadly covers the area from Valley Park in the wèst to Hamble in the southeast. Deanery Synod Meetings are held 3 times a year, with the Standing Committe8 (attended by a sub- group of Synod m8mbersl meetin9 more frequently for more strategic and organisational decision- making. Our minister, Sarah McC1811and is part of thai group, having become Assistanl Area Dean in July 2020. Sh8 resigned in October to move to a parish in Jersey The Winchesler, E8Stleigh and Romsey Circuit ol the Methodist Church ha5 contlnued to meet on quartedy basis through 2024. St Francis is no longer represénted at these meetings due to a lack of volunteers. Sl. Francis, Church was represented in person at the Wessex Synod of the United Relormed Church (URCI this year. at ils meetings by our rep Michael Flack. St Francis continues to be an active member of Churches Together in Ch8ndler's Ford. in partnership with the other local Christian Denominations. A member of St Francis s8rved as treasurer and another as secretary, bul they have slepp8d down during the year. Fiona Grove is now our represenlalive. Fabric and assets.. Vested in Ihe WinGhester Diocesan Board of Finance, The Incumbent, Church Wardens, and Church Council (through the PCC), collectively hold Sl Francis, Church and its fixtures, fillings and property, in trust on b8half of past, present and future generations of worshippers, and the lorAI community. The Church Terrier, recording the Church's furniture, fittlngs, and assets, and the Log Sook containing records of 811 alleralions, maintenance, repair and disposals, wère kept up to date in 2024, complying with Canon Law. Safgguardlng: All of our Church family life, mission and ministry is underpinned by a strong commitm8nl to Safeguarding. We hav8 a Safeguarding Policy which is regularly r8viewed and updated and is easily accessed via the church website and on the Church Notice board. Linda King has continued in this position, having been appointed in March 2022, and oversees the development and implementation of appropriate Church Policies and Practices, and the regular DBS checking of volunteers. The Church Council confinTrs that il has complied with th8 duly under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duly lo have regard lo House of Bishops, guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). Volunteers: Sl Francis, Church relies on the voluntary support and as5iStanc8 of its members who take on a range of roles from the legal dulles of Church Warden, to assisting In the organisation and presentation of worship, music. administration, preparing plans, papers and financi81 reports. and undertaking the rouline care and Maintenan￿ duties of the building. The Church Council is indebted to members who have stepped forward to take an active role in Ihe life of the Church, and to contribute financially towards it, without whom the ministry and mission of St Francis, Church could not be progressed. 18of33 St Francls. Church. Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Administrative information: Names Notes From Incumbent Rev Sarah Mcclelland Resigned Dec 2018 October 2024 Church Wardens pcc pcc Fiona Grove Peter Rhodes APCM 2024 APCM 2024 APCM 2025 APCM 2025 Deanery Synod Reprosentatives pcc Brian Kin pcc Peter Rhodes pcc Steven Williams Electod PIECC Members18 +1 PCC) ACCM 2023 APCM 2024 APCM 2024 APCM 2026 APCM 2027 June 2024 ECC ECC ECC pcc ECC ECC Jon Eslabrook Mike Flack Liz Frisb Andrew Grove Katie Waterman Elliot Frisb APCM 2024 APCM 2024 APCM 2024 APCM 2024 APCM 2024 APCM 2022 ACCM 2027 ACCM 2027 ACCM 2027 APCM 2027 ACCM 2027 June 2024 URC r8 Resi ned ECC ECC Olula o Akinbobu Caroline Gou ACCM 2023 ACCM 2023 ACCM 2026 ACCM 2026 ECC ECC Kate Dean Dunni A'a ACCM 2022 ACCM 2022 ACCM 2025 ACCM 2025 Ecumenical Church Council In addltion to thoso In bold above Ex-officio PCC Steve Williams Curate June 2024 Vacant Position Melhodisl re Vac8nt Position Methodist re ointe nnu lional M ncil Mr. Chris. Goodhead FCA Mrs Linda King Andrew Grove 120241 Independent Examiner. 120241 Electoral Roll Officer 120241 Gift Aid Secretary Re-appointod." ACCM 2024 Re-aprKJinle(J.. ACCM 2024 Ro-appoinled.. ACCM 2024 Sl Francis, Churth, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024 19of33

Financial Overview Treasurer's Report Whilst our overall income in 2024 was £172,275 this was £705 below our budget. This is again cause for concern as our costs continue to rise so will need a prayerful response from the whole church family in 2025. On a positive note, we have roceived another substantial donation specifically towards Sustainability Projects. particularly the installation of Solar Panels. As such this sum plus the associated Gift Aid has been placed in a restricted fund The capital is not shown in the Financial Statement as it does not fom part of the General Fund bul is shown in the Fund Statements further down the Financial Statement pages. This fund now slands at over £26.000 and it is hoped that W8 can finally progress the installation of solar panels in 2025. This will be of great benefit lo Ihe church as our electricity costs are Gonsiderable. As a result of income received. we have been 8bl8 to titho a lotal of £13,886 thls year. This is comprised of £453 from our Benevolent Fund to people in n8ad in the local area, £10,200 shared be￿een our Six designated charities and the remainder to the Methodist and URC churches, our LEP partners. The lines in the Financial Slalement to which the tithe relates are identified with an X for clanty. The other incomè lines are excluded as they relate to incom8 lines matched by expanditure such as verger or musician's fees at funerals. In these instances we are merely collecting a charge which we then pay out. It would not be appropriate to lithe this income as It would generate a nel expense lo the church each time. As we have always done, we have béen able to pay our Common Mission Fund request in full which 15 greatly appreciated by the Diocese. For 2024 the Common Mission Fund increased by £583 to £71,205. There are a coupl8 of areas where expenditure has exceeded the budget figure, and our overall operational expenditure is down over £1,100 on 2023. General maintenance is over in large part to several one-off items. More than £4,700 was spent the two automatic door openers to make our building more accessible lo less able people. Th8S8 costs were partly offset by rèceipt of grants lotallSng £2,550. We also had lo pay to have Ihe moss removed Irom the church roof. This was something specified in the last Quinquennial Report. Utility bills are still an area of concern. The gas is now on track with payments covering exp8ndilure. However, the electricity is still in arrears, although rnuch reduced following a one-off payment lo them. Unfortunately, due to lower gen8ral giving and higher expenses we have been unable lo transfer 8nything lo the Maintenance Reserv8 Fund again in 2024. In fact, w8 had to draw on this fund to cover the end of year shorlf811. Because of this, along wilh some depreciation, the Maintenance fund has reduced lo £33,564. All the fund statements are shown below the Financial Statement. I would like to give thanks for the generosity of all the church family. Without you the church could not function. We are grateful to everyone who responded to the Generous June Campaign. Andy Grove Church Troasuror 20of33 Sl Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

statement of Trustoos. R08pon8lbilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial slatemenls in accordance wilh applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accountsng Practice. Law applicable to Gharities in England and Wales requires the Trustees lo prepare financial statements for each financial yaar, which give a true and fair view of the Charily's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a tru8 and fair view the Trustees should follow best practice and.. select suitablè accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP and make judgements and 8slimates thal are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommènded practice have been followed, SLtbject to any departures disclosed and explain8d in the financial statements., and prèpare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropnale to presume that the Charity will continue in operation. Th8 Tru51ees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose. with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Charity. and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are a150 responsib18 for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and h8nce for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Charity's trustees confirm they h8V8 complied with the duly in sèction 4 of the 2011 Charities Act lo have due regard lo guidance published by the Chanty Cofflrnission relating lo public benefit disclosures. This report and the Financial Statements hav8 been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities,, Slatemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing th8ir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland (FRS1021 (effective 1 January 2019)- (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) Approved by the Trustees on 27 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by.. Trustee A. GftoKJ St Francls. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024 21of33

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS OF ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK I report lo the Iruslees on my examination of the aGcounls of Sl Francis,, Val￿Y Park Single Congregation Lttal Ecumenical Partnership for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are sel out on pages 2310 33. Re8ponsibilities and basis of report As the Iruslees Df the Charity you are responsible for the p￿paration of the accounts in ￿cOrdan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe '2011 ACVI. I report in respect of my examination of the trustee's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Independent examinor'8 Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come lo my allentson in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe thai in any material respect.. 111 anxounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act., or 121 the accounts do not accord with those records, or 131 the accounts do not comply with the applicable requioments conceming the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair view, which is not a malleT considered as part of an independent examination, I have no concerns and have come across no other mallers in connection with Ihe examination lo which attention should be drawn in Ihis report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. C J Goodhead FCA Knight Goodhead Limited Chartered Accountants 7 Bournemouth Road Chandler's Ford, Easlleigh Hampshire, S053 30A 22

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 21124 Total 2023 Notes INCOME Donat￿￿8 legacies Charitable ￿￿'vIlle$ Investment incom8 other income 125,474 18,260 2,092 26,299 151,773 18,260 2,092 150 148,814 18,304 1,592 Totsl Incom• 145,978 26,299 172,275 166,760 EXPENDITURE Charitsble actiMti88 149,055 16,659 165,714 167,349 Totsl •xpendlture 149,055 16,659 165,714 167,349 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITUREI BEFORE TRANSFERS (3,Q79} 9,040 6,561 1,411 Transfers betw￿n funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 13,0791 9,640 6,561 1,411 FUND BALANCES AT I JANUARY 2024 FUND BALANCES AT 31 DECEM8ER 2024 52,865 49,786 42,194 51,834 95,059 101,620 93,648 95,059 23

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Charfty number:1165677 21124 2023 FIXED ASSETS TangiNe assets 2,629 CURRENT ASSETS Dèbtors Cash at bank and in hand 2,111 101.556 103,667 3,448 90,639 94,087 CREDITORS.. amounts falliThJ due vithin one year. 10 (2,0471 11,6571 NET CURRENT ASSETS 101,620 92,430 TOTAL ASSESTS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 101,620 95,059 FUNDS UnrestrKted D88ignaled Restricted 14.443 35.343 51,834 12,593 40,272 42,194 11 TOTAL FUNDS 101,620 95,059 Signed on behalfofthe PCC by.. Tru￿e¢ DBte. /i/1/15 24

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES lal Basis ol accounting Thè financial stslements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounliw standards, IIE Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their aGcounls in accordance wlh FRS 102 leffectsve January 20191 The accounts have ken prepa￿d on the going concern basis. There are no matèrial uncèrtainles aly)ul the Gharitvs ability lo contsnue. The charity 15 a public benefit organisation. {bl Fund 8ccounkn.ng General funds reprnsent thè funds ol the PCC that are not Subject to any restr￿tKInS as to their use and are available for applicatK)n on the general purposes of th8 PCC. Funds dèsignated for a particular purpose by the PCC ar8 also unreslricled. ReSt￿ted ftsnds are those fvnds that musl sp8nl on restricted purp)se8 and the details of the lunds held and reslriclion5 are provided in noi8 11. Icl Incorne The financial statements include all transactions, 8ssets and l*bililies for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do TrJl include the financial statemen15 of church groups that owe their main affiliation lo another bDJy nor those th81 are inlomal 9athering5 01 church members. Donationi and l•ga¢l Collections are recognised when received by or on behaTf ofthe PCC. Planned giving receivable under pledge is recognised only when r8ceived. IrKome lax recoverabb on gift aid donations is recognised when the Income is fecognised. Grant and legacies lo the PCC are ￿cOunted for as soon as the PCC is notiffied of its legal entiuement and the amount due. Charftable Income Funds raised from church events are accountsd for when reCe￿lable. Incom8 is deferred when received for the purpose of fvnding missions lo te carried out in the future. Investment Income Dividends and interest are ￿oUnted for when receivable. Other income Other income is accounted forwhen receivable. 25

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (contlnued) 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Iconbnued) Id} Expenditure Expendrture is T6wgnised on an accruals basis a5 a liability is incurr8d. 11 includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is althaled to the activity for which it relates. Charitable AGtNiti¢i The 0￿Cesan Parish Shar8 is accounted lor when payable. Grants and donations arè accounted for when paKI over. All cosis are allocated b8fv￿en the expendf(ure ¢alegories of the Statement of Financial Actiwl*s on a basis designed to rell8cI th8 use of the resource Costs relating to 8 particular activity arè alIC￿ated directly, others are apF4Jfboned n &tiwth8s in line with their respective proporbon of income received, {81 Tangible Fixed a55ets Depreciation is provKled on all tangible fixed a8s8ts 81 rates cakulatgj to h￿te off th8 Cost or valuattr)n, less estimated residual value of each asset over its expecled useful life as follow3.. Websits Straight line over 5 years Fittings and Equipment Straight line over 3 years Ifj OFerating Leases Payments underoperating lea8es a￿ charged to the profit and loss account as they are I￿Urred. Igl Pensions The charity part￿1pa￿S in a defined contribution pension $¢heme. Contributions in respect of this scheme are charged to the Stalèmenl of Financial A¢bvib'es for the year in whKh they are payable. Timing diff8rences be￿en contributions payable and Contribut￿n$ actually paid in the year a￿ shown as ef(her accruals or prepayments al the year end. Ihl Basic financial instruments The church onty &nlers into basic financial instrument transac1K)￿ that ￿sU11 in the re¢ognilion of ffinancial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors, cash al bank and creditors. These basic financial instruments ate measured and transaCt￿n price. Financial assets and liaknlilies classified as due wlhin one year are not amortised. 2 ADMINISTRAT1VE INFORMATION Tle charity is unincorp)rated and was registered on 14 October 2009 wth ￿ Charity Commission in ErrtJlarKI and Wales. The ￿l$ler8d nUM￿r is1165677. Th8 registered oftice ol the charity is St FTarKis Church, Pilgrims C1os8, Chandkns Ford, Valley Park, East￿Igh, S053 4ST. 26

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued} 3 INCOME UnrKtri¢t¢d Restricted funds funds Total 2024 Totsl 2023 DONATION AND LEGACIES Gift aided planned giving Non gift aid planned giving Collections al SeNice5 Children and families minister donations Other donations Income tax recoverable 74,55MJ 8,632 12,690 4,946 79,536 8,632 12,690 20,117 2,550 28,130 151,655 85,915 4,340 7,171 24,409 733 26,178 148,746 20,117 2,550 26,894 125,358 1,236 26,299 F￿ndraisIng Funding sources (Easy Fundraisèr) 118 118 68 Total Incom• from donorn 125,474 26,299 151,773 148,814 INCOME FROM CHARITA8LE ACTIVITIES Income from Out￿￿h events Slalutory f88S Income from use of church building Income from café 2,376 1,248 13,719 917 18,260 2,376 1,248 13,719 917 1,996 1,423 14,112 773 18,304 14260 INVESTMENT INCOME Interest received 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 1,592 1,592 OTHER INCOME Charges lor oxasionai offices 150 150 150 150 50 TOTAL IMCOME 145,976 26,299 1n,275 168,760 27

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued) 4 EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Rfjstrithd funds fundi Total 2024 Total 2023 Fundral8lng co•ts Costs of generating donations (card fees} 45 45 49 49 45 DIRECT CHURCH ACTMTIES Mission and charitsble giving Charitable giving- I￿al benevolent Charitable giving- home Charitable giving . overseas 453 8,525 1,700 10,678 453 8,525 1,700 10,678 268 7,500 5,000 12,768 Parfih 8haro Parish share- Anglican Parish share- Melhodisl Parish share- URC 71,206 2,389 819 74,414 71,206 2,389 819 74,414 70,623 2,370 819 73,812 Salarlm •nd honornrfi Parish administrator Organists and musicians Children and families minister Cleaners 10,536 10,536 10,511 16,454 18,454 2,243 29,233 14,528 2,114 27,153 2,243 12,779 16,454 P•ople.rol•iod expen8e• Recruitsnent expenses Milea9e, telephone and other expenses Education and training of staff and Laity 34 13 1,363 1,254 2,630 964 1,267 2.264 205 205 1,472 2,469 Mllslon and wangeliim colts Young people's Church Outreach activities Teaching and nurturing Pastoral activities 876 3,299 857 40 5,073 876 3,299 857 40 5,073 1,016 3,959 11 141 5,127 Church runnlng expenses Upkeep ol services and worship Hospillity & calenng lincludiThJ Gafèl Insurance Maintenance, cleanI￿j and SeN￿ing Furniture and equiprnent purchases Administration costs Software and training New work5 Church magazine printing 1,199 1,092 1,240 14,664 1,199 1,092 1,240 14,664 1,306 854 1.193 12.091 970 4,895 122 12,622 1,100 35,152 5,814 5,814 1,100 25,593 1,100 25,593 28

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 {contlnued) 4 EXPENDITURE Iconbnuedl Unreitricted Restricted funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Church utlllty bllls EleclnGity Gas Water rdtes 8,408 6,856 577 15,841 8,408 6,856 577 15,841 4,347 4,484 505 9,336 Gov•rnance cots Bank charges Accountancy 449 1.920 2,369 337 1,920 2,369 1,321 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 149,055 16,859 165,714 167,349 Included within ￿)UntanCY abovè are amounts due lo the indeFendenl examinèrn in reLqtion to independent examination of £1,00012023.' £9841. 5 GRANTS Grants and donations lotalled £10,67812023.. £12,768). Donations lotalling more than £1,000 We￿ made io the folloying institutions.. Fledge Youth Support Christians Against Poverty A RLrha UK Through the Roof EasllewJh Basics Bank International Justice Mission 1,700 1,700 1,700 1,700 1,700 1,700 10,200 29

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued) 6 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension 28,715 26.730 518 29.233 423 27,153 The average number ol staff empbyed during the year was 312023.. 41. No employee received emluments of £60,OC4J or morè during this year or the pnor year. No members of key manajemenl ￿rsOnnel ￿re paid on an employed basis during this, or the prior. year, The role of Vicar is not paid direclly by the church, and the Church Wardens 1x21 are unpaid posts. During th8 year or the prior year no tsusteès recèived any emolument, were paid any expenses 01 vffjo ￿1MbUrsed for exFendf(ure incurred on behalf of the charity. Total pension conlribub'ons of £51812023.. £4231 We￿ paid by the charity and are included in the SOFA. There no outstanding conlribulion5 payable al the end of this year or the prior year. 7 TANGIBLE ASSETS Chur¢h Org•n Dl$h¥Asher AV Upgrad• W•hite Total COST Al b8ginning and end ol year 5,846 2,820 9,239 5,447 23,352 DEPRECIATION At beginning ol year Charge lor year Al end of year 5,846 2,820 7,700 1,539 9,239 4,357 1,090 5,447 20,723 2,629 23,352 5,846 2,820 NET BOOKVALUE Al end of year Al teginning of ytar 1,539 1,090 2,629 8 DEBTORS 2024 2023 Other debtor5 2,111 2,111 3,448 9 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND 2024 2023 Cash at bank and in hand Deposit accounts 17,873 83,683 101,556 9,048 81.591 90,639 30

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued) 10 CREOITORS. amounts f811ing due within one year 2024 2023 Other creditors 2,047 2,047 1,657 1,657 11 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Balance at 1Jan 2024 Transfers Balance at between 31 Dec lunds 2024 Income Expendlture R•itricted funds Chihjren and families vuker fund Sustainability fund 21,850 20,344 20,117 6,182 116,6591 25,308 26,526 42,194 26,299 116,659} 51,834 D•SIgnat￿ lund• Church maintenance & repair reserve lund Youth aclivilies fund Benevolent fund 38,193 685 1.394 40,272 12,6291 13001 12,0001 33,564 38S 1,394 35,343 12,9291 {2,0001 Other Unr￿t￿Cl8d fund8 12,593 146,496 1146,6461 2,000 14,443 Total funds 95,059 172,795 1160,2341 101,620 The restricted fund5 are established for the following purpjses.. Chlldren and famllle8 To fund the expenditure of the children and families ￿fjrker. w0￿er fund Su•tslnablllty fund For expenditure on sustainability projects, for example the installation of solar panels. This was previously known as Spe¢ial appeals fvnd, The designated fvnds are e5tablishgJ for followng purposes.. Church maintenance & To fuThJ the resources lor repair and mainienance ol the church building and grouTh repalr re¥or¥e fund and larrJer one off exFendilure as agreed by the Church Council. This has replaced ihe Church Repair & Maintenance Fund and The Church R￿1 Resloralion Fund. Youth •ctivitles lund Benèvolent fund Represents the closed SOS53 Youth Club Bank Account. Sel up to enable the ￿ar to make small hardship payments to people in thè community.11 has teen used in the past for things such as paying towards a child's school trip, helping rePl￿e a stolen knke and buying a bed. 31

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (contlnued) 12 ANALYSIS OF FUNDS Unre￿1¢tod Rèstrlcted funds funds Total 2024 Fund balar￿8$ as at 31 CÈcember2024 8Tr reprès8nted by.. Tangible fixed ass&ts cUT￿nt assèts Current liabilitEs 51,833 12,047} 49,786 51,834 103,667 12,0471 101,620 51.834 Unr•8trict•d RMtrictsd fundi funds Totsl 2023 Fund b&l8nces as 8t 31 D8C8mber 2023 are represented by.. Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liaknlities 2,629 51,893 11,6571 52,885 2,629 94,087 11,6571 95,059 42,194 42,194 13 PRIOR YEAR MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BalanrA at 1Jan 2023 Trnnsfern Balance at between 31 Dec nds 2023 Incom• Exp•ndltur• R•strictsd lyn Chiklren and families M)tker lund Special appeals fund 7,444 10,195 17,639 29,962 10,149 40,111 115,5561 21,850 20,344 42.194 115,5561 DMlgnat8d fundi Church maintenance & repair reserve fund Youth ￿lIvrtIeS Benevolent fund 53,444 985 1,662 56.091 115,2511 13001 (2681 {15,8191 38,193 685 1,394 40,272 Other unrestrlcted funds 19.918 128,649 1135,9741 12,593 Total funds 93,648 168,760 1167,349) 95,059 32

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued) 14 PRIOR YEAR STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unr•strlctsd R•8tri¢ted fvnd• fund• Total 2023 Notes INCOME Donab'ons and legacies Charitable activities Inv8slmenl income Other income 108,703 18,304 1,592 40,111 148,814 18,304 1,592 50 Totsl Incom• 128,649 40,111 168,760 EXPENDITURE Charitsble activities 151,793 15,556 167,349 Total exwndltur• 151,793 15,556 167,349 NET INCOME BEFORE TRANSFERS 123,144} 24,555 1,411 Transfers between funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 123,1441 24,555 FUND 8ALANCES AT1 JANUARY 2023 76,ClJ9 17,639 93,648 FUND BALANCES AT 31 DECEMBER 2123 52,805 42,194 95,059 33