Annual Report CHRIST >< CHURCH KENSINGTON WELCOME Christ Church is a Church of England parish churc.h in the Diocese of London. This report summarises who we are and how we are doing as we look bac.k on 2024. We invite you to read all of this report critically. thankfully and prayerfully. Brian Elfick, on behaifof the PCC SECTION 1: OUR VISION CENTRED ON CHRIST LOVING ONE ANOTHER SERVING KENSINGTON 10 SECTION 2: KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 12 VICAR'S REPORT 13 CONNECT 16 GATHER 18 BUILD 20 EQUIP PARTNER 22 24 SECTION 3: BEHIND THE SCENES 26 SECTION 1 Our Vision TO UNDERSTAND CHRIST CHURCH. WE NEED TO START WITH GOD AND WHAT HE IS DOING IN THIS WORLD. CENTRED ON CHRIST First, God is gathering people to himself through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Jesus came into the world: to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19.10). As he does so, he gathers them into churc.hes, all c.entred on the IA)rd Jesus Christ and what he has done for them. Christ Church is one such church. Therefore, the first part of our vision is to be centred on Christ. LOVING ONE ANOTHER Secondl.y, God is now knitting together the people in these churches in love. God wants his people. once saved, to grow as disciples of Jesus by repenting and believing more and more and we cannot do that without each other's help. More profoundly, he wants his people to grow together as one body (Ephesians 4.15-16). Therefore, the second part of our vision is to love one another. SERVING KENSINGTON Finally. God has a purpose for his churches to serve others. God sent Jesus because he so loved the world, and we cannot belong to Jesus without being caught up in this mission. The primary way God works in the world is through local churches proclaiming the gospel to the people God has put around them (i Timothy 3".15). Therefore, the third part of our vision is to serve Kensington. Everyone lives for something. We want to live for God. And we believe that the more we focus on these three aspects of our vision, the more we will bring glory to him. OUR VISION CENTRED ON CHRIST Jesus shows us a God who is amazing: gracious. generous, patient. self-sacrificial. fair and wise. He is entirely worthy of our trust. love and obedience- and to know him personally is the meaning of life. 'rhe traged.v of humanit.y is that none of us instinctively do trust, love or obey God and what we deserve as a result is to die an eternal death of condemnation and separation from him: broken, discarded and far from home. But here is what Jesus has done: he lived the. perfect life that we should have lived and then he died on the cross to face that death we deserve. in our place. After Lhree da.ys he rose again, defeating death finall.y and confirming to us Lhat ever.v pr()mise God niake.s to us will come true. All this is far from what we deserve: it is God's free gift ofgrace to us in Christ. So we. want to be centred on him. We want to c.onnec.t him to ever.y aspec,t of our lives. our work, our friendships, our families: how we speak, how we handle money; how we respond to triumph and tragedy alike. We want to give ourselves in worship to the one who loved us and gave himself for us (Romans 12.1-2). SECTION 1 6-6 HOW DO WE REMAIN CENTRED THE BIBLE AND PRAYER The Bible is God's key tool for proclaiming to us this good news. As the Bible is taught faithfully, God speaks to us: his word is like food for the journey. honey for our soul, a light to our feet. a sword that cuts to the heart of us and a hammer that shatters our pride. The biggest thing Jesus wants of us is to listen well (Luke 10.42). We put the reading and preaching of God's word at the centre of our Sunday gatherings. We work through passages so we can see for oui'selves what it says. Our preachers aim to teach everything the Bible sa.ys and nothing it does not. But we also multiply occasions outside Siindays for people to read and hear his word. All our meetings/ac.tivities have the goal of authe.nLic, context-appropriate proclamation of the gospel, applied to people's real lives. We want to enable each other to hear God's word (e.g. by offering bab.ysitters) and equip each other to teach it. Prayer is the primary way we respond to this good news. Having listened to our father. we talk to him. This is the most basic practical expression of faith (Luke 18:1- 8). We want to nurture people in their private prayer, helping their pra.yers to become more joyful, consistent, substantial and informed. But we also pray together and we want to help everyone enjoy these times. We see our monthly prayer meeting as the clearest indicator of our church's spiritual health. OUR VISION LOVING ONE ANOTHER Jesus said. 'Just as I have loved you. you also are to love one another. Uohn 13.34). So. even as we all struggle with questions. fears. hurts and temptations. we are committed to forgiving. bearing with. praying for and encouraging one another. God's will for us is that we bec.ome more like Jesus in every respect and his Spirit is at work within us to help us. We know that for us this will involve man.y changes, and those changes will often make. life harder and more complic.ated for us in the short term. But we embrace suc.h change and. bec.ause we love one another, we are I:ommitted to walking with one another through it. Prac.tic.ally this means that we talk about repentance and faith. We hope that an.y visiL()r can quic.kly discern Ihat, when we do so, we are talking first of all to ourselves. It also means we are committed to becoming more personal with one another. Most of us are instinctively private and individualistic. But God is different: he views wisdom as corporate, he has a basic distrust of secrecy, and he sets a high premium on genuine reconciliation (Ephesians 4."1-6. 5.8-20). So, we want to help one another voluntarily, and at a pace we each choose, to begin to dismantle the barriers we put up around ourselves. One way this often happens is through our various smaller groups. SECTION 1 KATIE'S STORY The Lord has really been at work in me this year and I've changed more than any other year. I struggled with doubts for a long time. but I fe.el the Lord has opened my eyes now. I've come to realise that the Christian faiLh makes so muc.h sense as a foundation for my life. and Ihat to not accept it would still be taking a posilion of faith just in something else. And any 'something else, I come up with wouldn't compare to the resurrec.tion. The.se c.hanges in my faith seem to have happened almost randoml.y afte.r .years of struggling with doubts. It's helped me realise that God has always been at work, in his timing. and he's bee.11 holding oiiLo me all Iheseyears. This has spilled out in lots of wa.ys. I've been coming to Christ churc.h for rive .years but Ihis is the. .ye.ar where churc.h famil.y has actuall.y fe.li like famil.y, like home. I also slarLed serving on the kids. Leam. When I siEned up, I didn't know how il would pla.y out. I laving noL grown up with Christian parenLs Le.aching me the Bible., il is so personall.y importanl lo me Lo he.lp Lhe next generaLion grow up wiLh a firm foundaLion in Chrisl, some.Lhing I didn't have when I was younger. They'll grow up in Lhe world knowing Jesus, love for the.m, a real refuge when they face rougher moments, like doubts and me.ntal health baltles - things l experienced myself but had no clue how to navigate. I've also become bolder in sharing my faith with colleagues. When I started m.y current job, I was very private about it, which reflected my relationship with the Lord at the time. This year, as he's worked in my heart, he's given me the willingness and confidence to tell people what I believe. I've even had some deep conversations with colleagues in a way that I wouldn't have expected. I'm definitely not amazing at it. but it matters that I do it. It's my identity, and the most incredible gift ever - ultimately, I want it to become theirs as well. OUR VISION SERVING KENSINGTON Jesus has given churches the task of making disciples of those who do not currently know or trust in him (Matthew 28.16-20). As a church we want to give ourselves to this mission to all. We want to be aecessible to all: a church where an.yone can find a warm welc.ome and a vision for life le.d b.y God. The community around us is dive.rse, inc.luding stude.nts, young families and people from overseas, and we want our services to connec,t with all ot'them. We. wanL to be servants to all: to serve our neighbours in practical and unglamorous i.oles whe.re the.y are whether oli our street, in our place of work, at the sports club or al our children's school. or through the many voluntar.y organisatioiis around us. Above all, we want to be messengers to all: sharing a message that most pe.ople have not .yet grasped. We hope to give people as man.y opportunities as possible, in ways they will enjoy, to begin to encounterJesus' reality and beauty. ,sl, SECTION 1 OUR LIFEBOAT MISSION The Jesus of the Gospels constantly spoke in terms of salvation: lost and found. hell and heaven. death and life (Luke 13.22-30). We may find this language unsettling but there is no other Jesus than this one. If we take Jesus at his word, then the c.hurc.h has an ui'gent mission: we are not so much a cruise ship as a lifeboat. On a cruise ship, the passengers are there mostly t'or the pleasure of the journe.y. The service must always be good. The captain alwa.ys steers away from trouble. And the ship is not aiming to pick up more people. But on a lifeboat, almost ever.yone be.c()mes crew. They are there to serve the needs of others and embrace hard work, risk and dirriculties for the sake of se.eing more people rescued. We see ourselves as a lifeboat. LIFE BOAT CRUISE SHIP OUR VISION SECTION 2 Key Activities in 2024 VICAR'S REPORT In September the staff gathered to fix an urgent problem: far more people wanted to be in small groups than we had planned for. After some quick scrambling, all stude.nt groups moved from Wednesdays to Tuesdays: three more groups were launched. we now have 14 groups meeting to open God's word every week. I praise God t.hat these sorts of problems - we might call them 'growing pains, _ can be seen right ac.ross Ihe c.hurc.h at the moment. And there is no gi.eat m.yster.y to it: as we pray, open the Bible and give ourselves to serving others, God's Spirit uses his gospel to bl'ing life and growth. KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 'AS WE PRAY. OPEN THE BIBLE AND GIVE OURSELVES TO SERVING OTHERS. GOD'S SPIRIT USES HIS GOSPEL TO BRING LIFE AND GROWTH.. At our Annual Meeting back in Januar.y 2024 1 identified four challenges for the.year ahead.. to reset our partnerships. fund the staff. fix the tower and unlock the building. As the year draws to a close, we can celebrate that three of these four goals have been hit. The PCC has discussed all aspects of our relationship with the Diocese of London and has a c.lear plan for how we can manage this relationship in the absenc,e of Alternative F.pisc.opal Oversight. In the meantime we have identified other ke.y partners and more clearl.y articulated the nature of our partnership with them. The congregaLion rose wonderfull.y to Lhe c.hallenge of inc.rea.sing our giving to fund two new tull-time stafl. roles. These roles have significantly strengthened our pastoral c.are of students, women and older members of c.hurc.h. After finalising repair plans with the architects, running a competitive tender process, partnering with Christ Church communit.y Trust for fundraising, and applying for all the relevant permissions. we look set to start work on the tower in the new year. This work will not only make the tower look great, it will also make both garden and church building safe foryears to come. It is only our project on the nave (to replace pews with a stone floor, underfloor heating and flexible seating) that we have failed to move fonvard in 2024. This must be a priority for 2025 if we are to unlock the building for more varied use through the week - essential if we are to keep growing. KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 In the midst of this progress, I want to mention one concern. We remain relativel.y light on those in their 40s. 50s and 60s who are regular on Sundays, committed to the prayer meeting and actively involved in disciple-making. Ideally such people would form Ihe core of our service leading, small group leadership and PCC membership. We c.annot create suc.h leaders magicall.v but their rec.ruitme.nt and nurturing must surely be a high priorit.v for Christ Church. We ne.ed to ensure that our Sunday servic.es, in particular. are attractive to men and women in this demographic who love the. Lord Jesus, are attractive to their children also, and disciple. them to greater fruitfulness. Doing so will help all the ()ther things we want to d() as a church. Leaders in teams, PCC and subc.ommittees 30 20 15 io 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ Age KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 CONNECT with those around us PEOPLE AT EVENTS 25 Qooo 80 Easter egg hunt Sports quiz oooo 50 30 Last Supper unwrapped Faith in the media 45 A Love Supreme jazz concert Could science point to God? 35 43 Illi 'llll Choir concert How to choose a pinot noir Christmas jazz and cocktails 40 98 Darkness and light party Candle painting workshop rj 35 36 AVERAGE Bumps, Babies and Tots Community coffee morning 20 12 Events adults events courses 32 child people 16 people SECTION 2 li tianity Explored provided a friendly environment where Christian beliefs were introduced in an accessible way. I enjoyed reading Mark's Gospel and gained confidence in doing so on my own. I ended up with even more questions because I now understand more about whoJesus is and whv he dic.d for me. Fei Wang 99 We've made progress: monthl.y guest events that people are enjo.ying Regular, well-attended Christianity Explored courses Welcome events occurring every 6-8 weeks Students in particular bringing their friends to church We've got further to go: More passion across the chLirch for people to come to know Jesus A shared commitment to bringing people to our servic.es and Christianity F.xplored Questions we're asking: How c.an Lhe communit.v c()Ifee morning c.onnect with more people,? What guest events are easiest to bring friends to? How can we best share Jesus with local families? Opportunities for next year: Some great events alread.v planned A dedicated Christianity Explored course for students Praise God for: A great message about Jesus which is the key to ever.y human heart The baptisms of Aaron, Eri. Hsinmei.James and Shannan Those who are exploring the Christian faith being with us every Sunday Please pray for: Us all to be more and more concerned for Jesus. glory and the salvation of others, such thatwe pray and speak boldly God to draw people to Jesus and open their eyes to his grace KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 GATHER under God's word AVERAGE ATTENDANCE loo chil(Ire.n ELECTORAL ROLL 80 157 145 Jan 2U24-Jan 2025 acluli f>0 40 WHO ARE WE?t 20 11 2()23 21)24 2()23 2()24 2()23 21)24 11am 5pm Prayer meeting Songs we sing (e.xcl. Chri,stmas) 40-SC) 19 21 21 tso 22-5() 11am 5pm 18-21 0-17 io 20 30 40 50 BIBLE GENRES PREACHED Wisdom Number of people Prophec.I Gospels tthose who attend 30+ Sundays per year SECTION 2 The weekend away was a great opportunity to be reminded of core gospel truths in Luke and to be challenged in my mindset toward prayer. It was also a privilege to have the chance to get LO know new people and deepen existing relationships with others in the congregation. As parents. we we.re very grateful for the childcare Lhat enabled all of this. Ben Jenkins We've made progress: More. pe.ople. flowing be.Iween Lhe. Iwo services se.rvic.e le.ading and noli('.e giving broadi.'ne.d beyond the cl('.rgy A more consisLe.nl loom expe.rie.nc.e at churc.h pra.yer me.e.tings ()rg(inie. celebrating ofbirthdays, Chrislmas, New Yeiir and LasLer We've got further to go: D(.'8piLe a warm w(:Ic.ome. ne.w families tend not to stie.k at. 11am A highe.r proportion of small group membe.rs to c.ome to praye.r me.e.t.ings Questions we're asking: Flow can we make our services more attractive and edifyinE for those. in the.ir 40s-f)os who l()v(: Jt'.sus and ar(: k('.(Jn lo make di%c.ipliJ% (and l()r Lh()ir families)? 20 25 Opportunities for next year: We.'ve planne.d boih a weeke.nd awa.y (1/1-16 Novembe.r) and a we.e.kend al home. (14 June) Praise God for: More. pe.ople coming to our Sunday services Jesus, gracious pastoring of us. his flock Please pray for: More families to find their home at Christ Church Prayer me.etings to be great times of the church family relying on the Lord KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 BUILD one another up 18 LL GRO in hiJm4'41)n 'I'u('%ilclJ' c'vcbnin PEOPLE wi)m('n Iin 'fiiLlI'%(lil.y tni)I'nin4 22 slii(Itpnts on Tuf sclii .yS 62 .¢lliui'sdiiV5 al. 7.3()%Trm on Wi.dnesclay evi'nlngs 128 ¢80 l¥ui40 17 1 11 people. in I'.1 Blble. studie.. pe.nple on we.e.ke.nils awa.y book group discussions avernge attendcillt people at mai'riage refreshe.r pcople ilt pai'enting m()rning CHILDREN AND YOUTH GROUP AVERAGE ATTENDANCE 0-7s 8-Ils Youth Link 11-18s 11-14s 2 14-18s 1 5pm 6-Ils 4 SECTION 2 20 66 Youth Link is a fantastic way to make new friends who also followJesus and I have learnt so much about the Lord nver the past couple. of years! Rachel Heffner YOUTH LINK 99 We've made progress: M()re groups, more times. more. locatlons, more. chole.e YouLh Link be,c.oming more esthblished with a wider range of.young pe.ople We've got further to go: We. are not drawing in busy men as well as we might Wee.kl.y13ible l(:a(:hing for 14-18s Questions we're asking: I low c.an small gr()ups le.ad to mc)re (..hange in pe.()ple.'s liv(:s? How can we better help families reinforc.e teaching at home? 20 25 Opportunities for next year: 'rhe move ofstude,nts to a dedicated night on 'fuesdays creates space for more gri)up% and more. Bible leac.hing Idilored i() Ih()ir ne.(:ds Praise God for: So man.y people who are, keen to be discipled and make disciples Please pray for: God's protection of marriages, families and friendships within church God to work deeply within us to make us fruitful 21 KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 EQUIP each other to serve WEEKLY EMAIL WEBSITE i'('<'lpi('nts 2.164 LEADEts Usic monthlN' vlews ul)s('1'll)f'i welcothe PRAYER DIARY 72 1460 Ii%er all Gro pra.yer polnt.S 5pm 11am 10 •r•p•Y• TRAINING 40 f_11 20 36 21 Re¢l(li' lo Sei-ve. coui'se en and BOOKSTALL 00 llllllil120 61 Ililes lor Sale coples 501d HOW MUCH DO WE GIVE?* TOTAL GIVING (JAN-DEC) 25 £200,000.00 20 Includes lai'ge one-olTdonation £150,000.00 ) 15 £100,000.00 5pm £50,000.00 11am ILtrLtIL. £0.00 2023 2024 Amount given bs individuals Jan-oet SECTION 2 22 Yhose MTho attend 30+ sunda.ys per year 66 Serving on the welcome team has brought me closer to my church community in a way I would not have ordinarily been able to through my normal interactions. Flyin Oladipo 99 We've made progress: IleLter equipping of leaders througli Leaders. Day and the Ileady to Serve course We.'ve made. it L'asie.r for e.xperie.nc(:d bui busy people to Ic'ad a.small group I'eams (as oppose.d lo rotas) are he.lping us to train new and moro. inve.ste.d leade.rs, e,spe.c.iall.y in our c.hildren's work We've got further to go: (Jiving h c.hildre.n start t() c.ome on a sunda.y. How can we make progress with the floor proje.ct? 20 25 Opportunities for next year: The welcome te,am to become smaller and more highl.y trained He.Ip the choir share more characterislics of other ministry teams If funds allow. re.place the Charles Madden room doors to create. be.tte.r sound- proofing Praise God for: God's Spirit raising up many servant-hearted leaders God's word being su￿1Clent to equip us for every good work Please pray for: All church members to begin to give regularly - even if only £10 a month More leaders in their 40s-60s who love Jesus and are keen to serve 23 KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 PARTNER with other gospel work WAYS WE'VE PARTNERED THIS YEAR GOSPEL AT WOR Giving £lUUO Pra.yino for the.m 50 tini(:s as a whole church Four pe.ople. at.le.nding lunchtime. talks eac.h wc'ek HOPE ReNetu ILYMINGTON, LRUSHMORE .HOLIDAYO HOLIOAY Jame,s pi'eaching during ihe.ir visit Tw() p(>()pl(> aii(>nding the annual conference Thre(:.y()ung p(J()ple attending summer camp lOMQQM￿PE OpenDoor Two people volunteering Giving £800 Five people training at Cornhill Giving £800 Si Helen's Chuffh The Christian IF Unions BOLIDAYS li leaders serving on summer camp Steve Divall coming to preach in August Hosting an annual gathering SECTION 2 24 Our partnership is genuine." we ore supported in prayer, encouraged by seeingyou andfinancially enabled to train up more workersfor God s harvestfield in South Africa. My longing is that Hope Church can in theyears ahead be an equal encouragement toyou as we corry on partnering together. James Buchanan. Hope Church Johannesburg We've made progress: A se.rii'.s in Romans 15-16 that helped us think c.arefull.y about parl.ne.rship Ne.w'ParLne.rship bookle.t and we.bpage explaining how our partne.rships work The de.velopment by the l)CC ora robust and principled response to the. l)ioeese. More gosp(:I partners preac.hing on il %unda.y We've got further to go: Incr('.ase.d giving to mission parlners Fliohe.r enoage.ment across the whole church with specific partne.rs Questions we're asking: klow do we ensure we are receiving and learnin￿ from our partners? 20 25 Opportunities for next year: A Lrip to visit a partner overseas Ri..lationships wilh other c.hurches Lo develop be.yond a link wilh the. senior pastor Praise God for: High engagement among students with their university Christian union5 The gospel bearing fruit across the world Please pray for: Christ Church to use our gifts and play our part in the kingdom of God The Alliance. to profoundly shape the Church ofEngland's future "see alliancecofe.org 25 KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2024 SECTION 3 Behind the Scenes INTRODUCTION In this document the parish is referred to as Christ Church and the Parochial Church coune.il as the PCC. Christ Church forms pari of the Ke.nsington Deanery in the Epigcopal Area of Kensington, within the Diocese of London. The PCC is a body corporate esiciblished by the churc.h of England. The PCC operates under the Paroc.hial churc.h Council Powers Measure. I'he PCC is a registered charity subject to the Charities Act 2011 (r(:gisle.re.d numbe.r 1173041). M('.mbe.rship of the PCC is delermine.d by (he Church Re.pre.senlalion Rules. In 2024 the. l)fC, membe.rs, who acl as truslo.es of Ihe re.gislerod c.harit.y, were as listed bo.low. cle.rgy me.mbe.rs 13rian Lllic.k (Ine.umbent and (:hairman), Ric.h Powell (Assoe.iate Vicar) Churc.hwarde.ns Andre.w Dimond, (Jordon Florf(Vic.e-chair ofthe P(:(=) I;le.c(ed la.y me.mbe.rs (Je.()rg.y ArmiLage., Winnie Barber (né.e. Ip), Mallhew Baugh. Fe.lipe. (Jana Skinner, (iord(In Hoff, Andre.v Le.bede.v, Irene Lu. Amelia Ilavalde, Imogen Sprackling, Josephine l'eo (until April 2024) and E Iannah Th(Ippuram Lle.c(ed as Kensingion l)e.ane.r.y s.ynod la.y represenlalives Mal,I,h(>w Baugh, Rii:hard I l(,.Iln(Jr and J lannah Th()ppuram LleeLed b.y Kensinqton l)eaner.y s.ynod io tA>ndon l)iocesan s.ynod (unlil June 2024) Sarah TL'LI Th(,. PCC is supporied by five subcommiiiees. Ai ihe end of202/1 ihey were conslilULe.d as follows: Standing.. Georgy Armitage. Andrew Dimond, Gordon Hoff. Rich Powell and Imogen Sprackling Buildings & Fabric.. Winnie Barber. Andrew Dimond. Claire Dimond. Roselle Fox, Jennifer Freeman, and Rowena Winkler Finance: Roselle Fox. Alby Kerslake. Andrey Lebedev, Caroline Mccabe and Imogen Sprackling Mission & Partnerships.. Felipe Gana Skinner, Nathan Hall, Pippa James and Rich Powell Human Resources: Richard Heffner. Gordon Hoff, Hannah Jenkins, Gregor McKinley and Vanessa Romeiro As vicar, Brian Elfick is an ex officio member of all subcommittees. 27 BEHIND THE SCENES The PCC ha8 a risk register and risk mitigation framework (available on request). covering a range of areas including Gove.rnance: skills and experience, competence, processes and organisation of the PCC, ete. Operaiions: child protection. health & safety. plant & e.quipment. physical 8afety, etc. Einancial.. income stability. reserves. cashflow, investments, fraud, etc. External: ee()nomic situation, public policy, public health. dem()graphic. c.hanges, etc.. Regulatory: government requirements/reporting. disability discrimination, etc. Eac.h iL(bmised risk has a corresponding miiig(Ition measure and spe.c.ific individuals and groups who take responsibility for this. pcc GEORGY ARMITAGE In 202/1 the PCC and Standi no Committee each met five. times. P(:C. minutes are availabl(: upon request. D(.'vel()pm£'.nts inc.luded: On the Archdeaeon's sugge.stion. we agreed to transfer our patronage. from the Bishop of L()ndon lo (:hurc.h Soc.i(:l.y. We pledged £15,ooupa to the Common F'und for 2U25, as an expression of gratitude for th(: L(>ntral %iJrvic.cJs wc. ri:c.(Jiv(: from ihc. Di()c.(:s(:. We a￿ree.d in principle to a contract to restore the tower in the new year, including commiliing up i() LlOO.000 from r('.s(>rves. WiLh the help of Ihe. l)iocesan Safcguarding Tcam, we revised our safe.guarding polic.y and proc.esses. We agreed ihal P(:(: members must c.ompli:te the.ir training in ()rde.r Lo atLend mee,tings. We set up a modest Diaconal Support Fund. to support church members experienc.ing rinanc.ial hardship. We dec.ided Lo allow clergy to use their own discretion in what to wear in services. We agreed to a renewal of Rich Powell's licence as a Locally Supported Minister until August 2026. With the Bishop of Kensington's knowledge we have asked for Alternative Spiritual Oversight. This will be provided by Bishop Rob Munro. SECTION 3 28 STAFF AND MINISTRY TRAINEES BRIAN ELFICK The major development of 2024 was that the church's generosity enabled us to appoint TrisLan Bac.on as a Student worke.r and Pippa James as a Pa%Loral Worker helping io train small groups. Both are graduates of our Ministry Trainee (M'f) scheme - a scheme that we Lhink is w()rking wi..11 for us. In Sepie.mbe.r CJrac.e. Paiframan sli)pp(:d as a Pdrt.-tim(.. MT and Tom Plaley began as a full-lime one. ot.he.r staff c.ontinue, in unchange.d role.s: Ric.h l)owe.11 as Assoc.iate. Vic.ar, Sam Jlarbe.r as part-time Director of Music. Rose,Ile l'ox as Ministry Support Loordinator. Lind Bre.anna Monaghan as Pastoral Worker overse.einE families, ministry. SAFEGUARDING BREANNA MONAGHAN A% parL ()r()ur ()ng()ing w()rk l() prc)le.c.I childrL>n and vuln(Jrable adults, we. have continued to ensure all our leade.rs are safe.ly re.cruite.d and dd(:qUaLI..ly iraini:d. paying duo. regard io ih(: di()c.e.san re.gulaLions. Wc have also shared notices and iraining with the whole churc.h famil.y, as part of our c.ommitment to building a health.y c.hurch culiure. We have sought advice from the. l)ioce.san safe.guarding Advisor on a number of occasions relating Lo me.ntal healt.h and adull saleguarding. Safe,guarding responsibilities are shared between the vicar and the Parish Safeguarding Officer. We encourage anyone with any concems or queries - however big or small - to contact either of us: safeguardingoajchristchurchkensington.com or brian@c.hristchurchkensington.com. SECTION 3 29 DEANERY SYNOD RICHARD HEFFNER Kensington Deanery s.ynod met four times in 2024. In February Synod heard from CharloLie Bannister-Parker. As.%ociate Vicar of St John's, Notting Hill and Founder of the Hope4Creation Foundation; in June. had a summer drinks party: in SLPlember were joine.d by Sally Biillv. vic.ar ol. IIoly Trinit.y Hounslow, to consider the theme of 'confident Disciples Growing in Cultural Divc'rsiLy'; and in Novembe.r met to discuss 'Cre(Ilive. Growth,. BUILDINGS & FABRIC ANDREW & CLAIRE DIMOND We have e.ontinuÉ,.d to implement re(.'ommendalions from the 2021 quinquennial inspe.ction report. We carrie.d out vestibule r(:pair% in Januar.y to (:nmbat the. e.ff(:e.Is of w(:alh(:ring and redu(:e. the risk of water ingress.. replacing lead. repointing mortar joints and re.moving moss. l/"r We. also re.paired the. gate into the nurser.y, upgraded and re.paired faults in the, fire alarm .yst.()m, in%Lallf:d nijw IhiJrmu%lals lo %av('. (>n(>r&y, and purc.has1,.d an addiii()nal biki,. rae.k, whic.h has rece.ived good use. ()ur mdin foc.us, I,hou&sh, h(Is bL'e.n io re.slore ihe tower - work whic.h is p.s%eniial for %iife.ty reasons. To do so, we. need to raise up to £63r,,000. The l)CC has designate.d LlOO,O()() of ()ur own f'unds to the proje.c,I but we are dee.pl.y Lhanklul io Chrisl Chur(:h CJommunit..y 'I'rust for he,Iping us to raise a further L/i20,000 from neighbours, local businesses and grant-making bodies. We are extremely grateful to all who have contribuled. In April we. installe,d ne,tting on the tower so that we could reopen the garde.n. Following a competitive tender process we identified a preferred contractor. The Diocesan Advisory Committee has given its support for the repairs and we have submitted a faculty pe.tition. We hope to agree a contract by the start of 2025, aiming for completion in the autumn. Once we have finished fundraising for the tower, we will turn our attention to the floor project, which we continue to think is an urgent priority for unlocking the building's usefulness in disciple-making, and which we believe will pay for itself (through increased rentals) within a few years. 30 BEHIND THE SCENES FINANCIAL REVIEW IMOGEN SPRACKLING (This is an interim re.port while we await audiled figui'es.) The.re is a surplus af £3,700 for th(. li monLh8 ended 30 Nove.mb()r. This is an improvemeni. compared to the 202/, budget, which projected a deficit, and is driven partl.y by the de.I:isii)n to pause. our C()mm()n Fund cunlribuLions. We are expcciing to end Lhe year within our reserves policy level. Enc.ouraEingl.y. congregational givinE incre.ased in 202/4 and this enable.d us lo appoint Tristan and l)ippa Lo the slalT ieam. I IowL'ver. lhe.re is an ()ngoing c.hall('.nge. i.haL our c.ongre.gaLional giving (even supported b.y inc.ome from hiring church pre.mises to third partie.s) is not Su￿le.1P.nt to cover the currenl minislry expendilure, whic.h pre,dominantl.y comprises staff and Cler￿ costs. Please pra.y for inc.re.ased giving across the c.ongre.gaiions over the coming months. RESERVES POLICY It is PCC pol ic..y to tr.y to maintain a balance on fre.e re.serves (fre.e cash) which equate.s lo at l(?ast. thre.e mc)nLh%' unrestric.le.d pa.ym(•nts. It is h(:Id to sm<)()l.h out tluc.Luali()ns in c.ash flow and to meet emergencies. This reserves polic.y has not been breache.d to date. (at point ol. puhlii:dLi()n) in 2024 and it is not (>XP()Cled io be br(Jached ai any p()inL in Ihe r()mainingl parL of 2024. FURTHER INFORMATION ddre%s I:hiist. C:hui'r'h KE'nslnqion. vict.oila Road. K¥'nliingt.(Jn. IA)n(lon W8 5RQ Arrhileel.% {'hfll'le.￿ Shei)i)riiYI BA L)ii)Airh RIBA {Quin(iuennir?I Inliiiertoi'} shPpp￿7Ii1 Ai'rhiify'ts.. of4 Waii-ington Rfl. Hf?ii'oii' HAI ISY IJanker5 National we￿lMInstei. Bank plc. Ro)'al C'.2iilen Bt7nch. 55 Kpnsington High sfreet. Enndon W8 5ZI' Alex Veal PhD RIBA MBf (TO￿re1. PIDjfrt) ARTA]'('hilects Ltd. Ilnil 37. 41)ertiwm H()use. 32-34 tsoiilon House Ri)ail. knspel Vak, knn(lon NWJF ILP Independent Examlner Mai'k Dhillon, Assist Accountants I R06emont Rcl, Lonclon W'3 6NC. Nigel Il'altei. PhD. FRIBA FRSA (Flooi. project) Archangel Ltd. 3 D￿torS Close, Impington, Cambiidge CB24 9ND Solicitor5 Bat.es Wells Bi'aIth￿alte, 10 Queen St Pl, knndon EC4R IBE Edwai'd Connor SolicitOlE 10 The Point. Market HarLx)I'ough LE16 7QU SECTION 3 **REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1173041** **Report of the Trustees and** **Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** **for The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** TaxAssist Accountants 1 Rosemont Road London NW36NG United Kingdom, **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ||**Page**| |---|---| |**Reference and administrative details**|1| |**Report of the trustees**|2 to 4| |**Independent examiner's report**|5| |**Statement of financial activities**|6| |**Balance sheet**|7| |**Notes to the financial statements**|8 to 16| |**Detailed statement of financial activities**|17| **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** |**Trustees**|B Elfick (Incumbent and Chairman)| |---|---| ||G Armitage (Hon Sec)| ||W Barber (nee Ip)| ||M Baugh| ||A Dimond (Churchwarden)| ||G Hoff (Churchwarden and Vice-chair)| ||F Gana Skinner| ||R Heffner| ||A Lebedev| ||I Lu| ||R Powell (Associate Vicar)| ||A Ravalde| ||I Sprackling (Treasurer)| ||J Teo (until April 2024)| ||S Tett (until June 2024)| ||H Thoppuram| |**Principal address**|Victoria Rd,| ||Kensington| ||London| ||W8 5RQ| |**Registered charity number**|1173041| |**Independent examiner**|TaxAssist Accountants| ||1 Rosemont Road| ||London| ||United Kingdom,| ||NW36NG| Page 1 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 2019). ## **Aims and purposes** The PCC’s aim is to co-operate with the Vicar in promoting the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building. PCC members are made aware of their trustee responsibilities. All PCC members undertake safeguarding training. Training in matters such as health and safety, food safety, and safeguarding is undertaken by role holders with particular responsibility for the matter in question. ## **Objectives and activities** ## **Objectives** When planning our activities for the year, the PCC has considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the supplementary guidance on charities established for the advancement of religion. - The church's objectives are - Regular public worship open to all. - The provision of sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation. - Pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved. - Teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. - Taking of religious assemblies in schools. - The provision of a youth club with a Christian ethos. - Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events. ## **Achievement and performance** ## **Review of Activities, Achievements and Performance** In 2024, we ran a variety of events to connect with those around us, including Community Coffee Mornings, Bumps, Babies and Tots mornings, monthly guest events, 5 Welcome Events and 3 Christianity Explored Courses. Average attendance increased at both our services, to a combined total of about 155 each Sunday, and also in our Small Group Bible Studies. We also held our first whole-church weekend away in a few years. We supported the local University Christian Unions, sent both leaders and members on Summer Camps and strengthened partnerships with 14 mission partners, both in the UK and around the world. On the Archdeacon's suggestion, we agreed to transfer our patronage from the Bishop of London to Church Society. We agreed in principle a building contract to restore the tower. And we set up a modest diaconal support fund. Page 2 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **Financial review** ## **Financial position** The financial position of Christ Church ended the year with a positive cash reserves balance (above our reserves policy level). We ended the year with a surplus of £6,021.57 on our unrestricted funds and surplus of £15,838.38 in the designated funds. The income generated by Christ Church continued to be primarily derived from congregational giving and hiring of church premises by non-affiliated organisations. For 2024, our total unrestricted income was £332,572 compared to £321,340 in 2023. ## **Giving (Donations & Legacies)** Our overall Donations and Legacies Income for unrestricted funds in 2024 was £215,327 compared to £218,008 in 2023. ## **Other Trading Activities (including income from rentals)** The total trading activities income of the church (which are primarily unrestricted) increased, with the 2024 income being £102,744 rather than £97538.87 in 2023. ## **Resources expended** Total resources expended in 2024 of unrestricted funds were £326,550 and a further £9600 of expenditure within designated funds. Our unrestricted expenditure of £326,550 can be split into two main categories. The first is expenditure on charitable activities, which covers staffing, direct mission and ministry costs and supporting our mission partners, which was £238,031 in 2023 and decreased to £237,908 in 2024. The second category of expenditure is other expenditure (for example professional fees, utilities, cleaning and gardening), which is £88,642 and is £3,831 less than 2023. ## **Balance sheet** The total net assets for Christ Church at 31 December 2024 were £871,883 compared to £850,022 in 2023. Of this amount, £328,463 are fixed assets including building and improvements, particularly related to the east end building works added in 2017. The assets include a total cash balance of £542,871, which includes £163,595 of unrestricted funds cash. ## **Reserves policy** It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on free reserves (free cash) which equates to at least three months' unrestricted payment. This is equivalent to £84,037 (25% of the whole year's running costs). It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of the free reserves at the yearend was £368,666 which is higher than this target. The balance of £503,216 is made up of £259,178 in the restricted fund which is retained for specific initiatives of the PCC and a designated fund of £244,039 towards clergy accommodation & PCC initiatives. ## **Plans for the future** The PCC intends to continue its main aim of promoting the whole mission of the church. ## **Structure, governance and management** ## **Governing document** The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity. Page 3 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** The PCC is a body corporate established by the Church of England. It is controlled by its governing documents, the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Church Representation rules, both as amended. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. In addition to the statutory Standing Committee, the PCC has additional subcommittees that draw on the expertise of the wider church family and on which the vicar is entitled to be an ex officio member. In 2023 these consisted of the Finance subcommittee, Buildings and Fabric subcommittee, HR subcommittee and Mission and Partnerships subcommittee. The electoral roll is completely reviewed and revised every six years. This last took place in 2019. At the end of 2024, the electoral roll stood at 157. ## **Risk Management and Safeguarding** The PCC has a risk register and risk mitigation framework. Risk categories covered include: -Governance: skills and experience, competence, processes and organisation of the PCC, etc. -Operations: child protection, health & safety, plant & equipment, physical safety, etc. -Financial: income stability, reserves, cashflow, investments, fraud, etc. -External: economic situation, public policy, public health, demographic changes, etc. -Regulatory: government requirements / reporting, disability discrimination, etc. While this register cannot provide absolute assurance, the steps taken should enable the PCC and the church to achieve its objectives. Each itemised risk has a corresponding mitigation measure and specific individuals and groups who take responsibility for this. ## **Safeguarding** Safeguarding is an integral part of our ongoing work to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm, and we follow the diocesan regulations to ensure the highest level of safeguarding in our church. Safeguarding responsibilities are shared between the vicar and the Parish Safeguarding Officer. All staff, officials and small group leaders have been recruited safely. ## **Administrative Information** Christ Church forms part of the Kensington Deanery in the Episcopal Area of Kensington, within the Diocese of London and receives extended episcopal oversight from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet. The PCC is a body corporate established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity subject to the Charities Act 2011 (registered number 1173041). For details of Trustees, Principal address and Independent Examiner please refer page 1 of report. 01/05/2025 Approved by order of the board of trustees on: ............................................. and signed on its behalf by: ................................................................................. B Elfick - Trustee Page 4 **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church,** **Kensington** ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington (the Trust) for the year ended 31st December 2024. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ## Twvant i Dewountehes TaxAssist Accountants The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales TaxAssist Accountants 1 Rosemont Road London United Kingdom, NW36NG Date: ....01/05/2025.......................... Page 5 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church,** ## **Kensington** ## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** |**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**fund**
**fund**
**fund**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Income and endowments from**
Donations and legacies
215,327
-
13,412
**Charitable activities**
5
Sales within charitable activity
10,678
-
-
Other trading activities
3
101,559
-
-
Investment income
4
3,822
-
12,026
**Total**
331,386
-
25,438
**Expenditure on**
**Raising funds**
Other trading activities
6
236,722
-
-
236,722
-
-
Other
7
88,643
-
9,599
**Total**
325,365
-
9,599
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
6,021
-
15,839
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
362,646
259,178
228,199
**Total funds carried forward**
368,667
259,178
244,038|**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
228,739
10,678
101,559
15,848
356,824
236,722
236,722
98,242
334,964
21,860
850,023
871,883|**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
218,208
2,495
97,539
10,333
328,575
238,030
238,030
110,320
348,350
(19,775)
869,798
850,023| |---|---|---| ## **Continuing operations** All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities. The notes form part of these financial statements Page 6 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church,** ## **Kensington** ## **Balance Sheet** ## **31st December 2024** |||**2024**|**2023**| |---|---|---|---| ||**Notes**|**£**|**£**| |**Fixed assets**|||| |Tangible assets|11|328,464|333,309| |**Current assets**|||| |Debtors|12|93,404|84,604| |Cash at bank||646,500|533,220| |||739,904|617,824| |**Creditors**|||| |Amounts falling due within one year|13|(196,485)|(101,110)| |**Net current assets**||543,419|516,714| |**Total assets less current liabilities**||871,883|850,023| |**NET ASSETS**||871,883|850,023| |**Funds**|16||| |Unrestricted funds:|||| |General fund||368,667|362,646| |Restricted funds:|||| |Restricted Fund||259,178|259,178| |Endowment funds:|||| |Endowment||244,038|228,199| |**Total funds**||871,883
01/05/2025
~~- ~~|850,023
~~-~~| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: ............................................. B Elfick - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 7 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church,** **Kensington** **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **1. Accounting policies** ## **Accounting convention** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance 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 (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The church is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The church has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the church. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. ## **Incoming resources** Income is recognised when the church is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the church has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the church has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes. ## **Expenditure** Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Freehold property - not provided Fixtures and fittings - 10% on cost Computer equipment - 33% on cost Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. continued... Page 8 Page 8 continued... **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **1. Accounting policies - continued** ## **Tangible fixed assets** The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. ## **Taxation** The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. ## **Fund accounting** Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. See below further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund. **Unrestricted funds** : money that may be expended on the day-to-day mission and ministry of Christ Church. **Restricted funds** : money donated on the basis that they may only be expended on specific restricted projects. Usually this is for building projects, but not exclusively. This category included Designated Funds, which the PCC is free to re-designate as circumstances may require. - **Restricted - AV** : This fund is specifically for the raising funds towards our AV upgrade, and associated expenditure. - **Ministry Trainees** : This fund is specifically for raising funds to support ministry trainees, and for associated expenditure. **Endowment Fund** : Exactly which funds are included in this category are defined by the Charities Statement for Recommended Practise, for Christ Church the money in this fund can only be used in relation to Pipe Organ costs or the purchase of clergy accommodation. - **Designated Fund** : This fund only gathers interest on the income received on the historic sale of a property. - **Designated Organ Fund** : This fund is specifically for the upkeep of the pipe Organ, and the raising of funds towards a new pipe organ. ## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. ## **GOING CONCERN** At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the church has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. ## **IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS** At each reporting end date, the church reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). ## **CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS** continued... Page 9 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **1. Accounting policies - continued** Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. ## **FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS** The church has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 other 'Financial Instruments Issues' of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the church's balance sheet when the church becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. ## **BASIC FINANCIAL ASSETS** Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. ## **BASIC FINANCIAL LIABILITIES** Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. ## **DERECOGNITION OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES** Financial liabilities are derecognised when the church’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. ## **EMPLOYEE BENEFITS** The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the church is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. continued... Page 10 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **2. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty** In the application of the church’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. ## **3. Other trading activities** |Fundraising events
**4.**
**Investment income**
Interest receivable - trading
**5.**
**Income from charitable activities**
**Activity**
Sales within charitable activity
Sales within charitable activity
**6.**
**Other trading activities**
Purchases
Staff costs
Depreciation
**7.**
**Other**
Other Expenditure|| |---|---| ||| continued... Page 11 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church,** **Kensington** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **8. Trustees' remuneration and benefits** Five trustees (or any persons connected with them) received remuneration or benefits from the church during the year. ## **Trustees' expenses** There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st December 2024 nor for the year ended 31st December 2023. ## **9. Staff costs** |**Staff costs**||| |---|---|---| |Wages and salaries
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Employees
Clergy|**2024**
**£**
170,189
6,570
176,759
**2024**
5
2
7|**2023**
**£**
129,834
23,382| |||153,216| |||**2023**
3
2
5| No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. ## **10. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities** |**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**fund**
**fund**
**fund**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Income and endowments from**
Donations and legacies
218,008
-
200
**Charitable activities**
Sales within charitable activity
2,495
-
-
Other trading activities
97,539
-
-
Investment income
3,298
-
7,035
**Total**
321,340
-
7,235
**Expenditure on**
**Raising funds**
Other trading activities
238,030
-
-
238,030
-
-
Other
92,475
-
17,845|**Total**
**funds**
**£**
218,208
2,495
97,539
10,333| |---|---| ||328,575| ||238,030| ||238,030
110,320| continued... Page 12 **Total** 330,505 - 17,845 348,350 continued... Page 12 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** |**10.**
**Comparatives for the statement of financial activities - continued**
**Unrestricted**
**fund**
**£**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
(9,165)
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
371,811
**Total funds carried forward**
362,646
**11.**
**Tangible fixed assets**
**Freehold**
**property**
**£**
**Cost**
At 1st January 2024 and 31st December 2024
320,125
**Depreciation**
At 1st January 2024
-
Charge for year
-
At 31st December 2024
-
**Net book value**
At 31st December 2024
320,125
At 31st December 2023
320,125
**12.**
**Debtors: amounts falling due within one year**
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Amounts owing between funds
Prepayments and accrued income
Prepayments|**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**fund**
**fund**
**£**
**£**
-
(10,610)
259,178
238,809
259,178
228,199
**Fixtures**
**and**
**Computer**
**fittings**
**equipment**
**£**
**£**
48,454
2,623
35,270
2,623
4,845
-
40,115
2,623
8,339
-
13,184
-
**2024**
**£**
90,663
-
-
-
7,354
98,017||**Total**
**funds**
**£**
(19,775)
869,798
850,023
**Totals**
**£**
371,202
37,893
4,845
42,738
328,464
333,309
**2023**
**£**
14,421
(200)
83,306
(15,000)
2,077
84,604| |---|---|---|---| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| continued... Page 13 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church,** **Kensington** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year** |Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 14)
Trade creditors
Other creditors|**2024**
**£**
103,629
3,424
89,432
196,485|**2023**
**£**
4,403
8,519
88,188
101,110| |---|---|---| ## **14. Loans** |An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
Amounts falling due within one year on demand:
Bank overdrafts
**15.**
**Analysis of net assets between funds**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**fund**
**fund**
**fund**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Fixed assets
8,339
320,125
-
Current assets
360,629
24,667
354,608
Current liabilities
(301)
(85,614)
(110,570)
368,667
259,178
244,038
**16.**
**Movement in funds**|**2024**
**£**
103,629
**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
328,464
739,904
(196,485)
871,883|**2023**
**£**
4,403
**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
333,309
617,824
(101,110)
850,023| |---|---|---| |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted Fund
**Endowment funds**
Endowment
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Net**
**movement**
**At**
**At 1/1/24**
**in funds**
**31/12/24**
**£**
**£**
**£**
362,646
6,021
368,667
259,178
-
259,178
228,199
15,839
244,038
850,023
21,860
871,883| |---|---| continued... Page 14 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **16. Movement in funds - continued** Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Endowment funds**
Endowment
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted Fund
**Endowment funds**
Endowment
**TOTAL FUNDS**
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Endowment funds**
Endowment
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Incoming**
**Resources**
**Movement**
**resources**
**expended**
**in funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
331,386
(325,365)
6,021
25,438
(9,599)
15,839
356,824
(334,964)
21,860
**Net**
**movement**
**At**
**At 1/1/23**
**in funds**
**31/12/23**
**£**
**£**
**£**
371,811
(9,165)
362,646
259,178
-
259,178
238,809
(10,610)
228,199
869,798
(19,775)
850,023
**Incoming**
**Resources**
**Movement**
**resources**
**expended**
**in funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
321,340
(330,505)
(9,165)
7,235
(17,845)
(10,610)
328,575
(348,350)
(19,775)| |---|---| continued... Page 15 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** ## **16. Movement in funds - continued** A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted Fund
**Endowment funds**
Endowment
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Net**
**movement**
**At**
**At 1/1/23**
**in funds**
**31/12/24**
**£**
**£**
**£**
371,811
(3,144)
368,667
259,178
-
259,178
238,809
5,229
244,038
869,798
2,085
871,883| |---|---| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Endowment funds**
Endowment
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Incoming**
**Resources**
**Movement**
**resources**
**expended**
**in funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
652,726
(655,870)
(3,144)
32,673
(27,444)
5,229
685,399
(683,314)
2,085| |---|---| ## **17. Related party disclosures** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st December 2024. ## **18. Financial instruments** ||**2022**|**2021**| |---|---|---| ||**£**|**£**| |**Carrying amount of financial assets**||| |Debt instruments measured at amortised cost|(806)|3.838| |**Carrying amount of financial liabilities**||| |Measured at amortised cost|4,615|4,900| Page 16 **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church, Kensington** ## **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2024** |**2024**
**£**
**Income and endowments**
**Donations and legacies**
Non gift aid donation & Grants
26,426
Donations
156,076
Collection at Services
12,463
Donated services and facilities
33,774
228,739
**Other trading activities**
Fundraising events
101,559
**Investment income**
Interest receivable - trading
15,848
**Charitable activities**
Sales within charitable activity
10,678
**Total incoming resources**
356,824
**Expenditure**
**Other trading activities**
Charitable Expenditure
55,118
Wages
170,189
Pensions
6,570
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
4,845
236,722
**Other**
Other Expenditure
98,242
Total resources expended
334,964
**Net income/(expenditure)**
21,860|**2023**
**£**
40,741
124,173
20,996
32,298
218,208
97,539
10,333
2,495
328,575
79,969
129,834
23,382
4,845
238,030
110,320
348,350
(19,775)| |---|---| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 17