ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For the year ended 31[st] December 2024
St Stephen’s Steeton Parochial Church Council
1
St Stephen's, Steeton Parochial Church Council
Table of contents
Page Number
Trustees Report 3 Independent Examiner’s Report 7 Receipts and Payments Account 8 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 9 Notes to the Financial Statements
2
2024 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St Stephen's Church, Steeton
Aims and Purposes
The aim of St Stephen’s Parochial Church Council (the PCC) is the promotion of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England, and with our incumbent the Revd. Sally Pickering, promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social, and ecumenical. To facilitate this the PCC has responsibilities for the maintenance of St Stephens Church and church hall.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC have a commitment to increase awareness and to share the love of God with all people, in prayer, word, and action, through our special services and events planned to reach out to the wider community within and beyond this parish. Regular weekly worship is held on Sunday mornings mostly with a Communion Service from the book of Common Worship, with ‘Pop Up church’ for children instead of Sunday school on the second and fourth Sundays, when children and parents can be taken out of church for a session during the main service. The first Sunday in the month is an ‘All Age’ service without communion. The Wednesday morning Communion Services use the Book of Common Prayer, and on Monday evenings there is a quiet service of Celtic Prayer. A monthly Trail, a service with activities and prayers for children has been held to celebrate special events in the church’s calendar, and a weekly Monday morning Toddler Group held as a loving service to the community.
To uphold our commitment of promoting the gospel, we need to provide our yearly share of money for the diocese. Our share, together with the costs of running our church, has come from regular giving by our congregation, supplemented by letting the hall to community groups, and by fund raising. Un fortunately we were only able to pay half of our requested share this year.
The PCC also believes it is important to support charities regularly throughout the year, both in donations of money and goods. Specific charities were chosen in January for the coming year, preference often given to small charities with low overheads that help the local community. Apart from the positions of incumbent, verger, cleaner and organist, all work in the church is carried out by committed volunteers, both from members of the PCC and the congregation.
We are a Fair-Trade church and do all we can to use fairly traded and local produce. From a diocesan initiative, we are an Eco church with a silver award for our environmental projects.
We are a church which exists for the people of Steeton, Eastburn, and beyond and are conscious that there are needy of all ages, and reach out with initiatives for young families, the elderly, and the lonely.
Achievements and Performance
With our incumbent Revd. Sally Pickering and supported by the Revd. Michael C., Revd. Jenny S., and our Lay Reader Denise Raby, there was regular attendance at the Sunday morning service throughout the year averaging 35 (thirty five) adults. There were fifty nine (59) people on the 2024 Electoral roll, forty seven (47) living in Steeton and twelve (12) people living outside the Parish,
Special services were arranged to evangelically reach out to our extended church family throughout the church’s year. Special services were held on Mothering Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Day, Ascension Day, Remembrance Sunday, Harvest, and at Christmas, a Carol Service, Christingle Service Trail, a Crib service and Midnight Communion. The Remembrance Day service was run jointly with members of the Methodist Church, Communion was taken into Steeton Court Care home by a lay member, and Steeton and Eastburn schools held their Carol services in church for Christmas. The church is open to visitors for quiet prayer during all Fund Raising events.
3
Meanwhile, work on maintaining the fabric of the church and hall was stalled by lack of funds. Although our fees from letting the hall and fundraising contributed to our Parish Share quota of £46,684 for 2024, our outgoings for fuel, and commodities needed for the running of the church and hall meant were still unable to meet the full share request. Ongoing problems with the tower and water ingress, and the dry rot in the hall will be a further drain on our resources.
The Social and Fundraising team organized events to raise funds, support charities, and reach out into our local community. A regular event the Luncheon Club provided soup, bread, and Bingo for anyone living in the Parish, later became a ‘warm place’. There was no charge, but people kindly made donations, with two teams of volunteers alternately making soup and cake. A children’s Under 5 group on a Monday morning, is run by Sally and volunteers from church. Other Social and Fundraising events during the year included the 200 Club, the Easter raffle, a village Fun Day with a duck race, a May Day Fayre with stalls and duck race, a Tabletop Sale, a beetle drive, and the Advent Fayre with Father Christmas and the Hamper Raffle, all events open to the population of Steeton, Eastburn and beyond. The church hall accommodated part of the village lights event.
Our mission to support local and international charities continued. Proceeds from the church Christmas card were sent to 500 Miles which provides prosthetic devices for disabled people in Africa, we helped to provide ‘Socks and Chocs’ for the homeless at Christmas through the Bradford Soup Run and sent a donation to the Women’s Refuge in Keighley at Christmas. We sent donations from Harvest to the Salvation Army in Keighley for people struggling with the rising cost of living. We supported the Inn Church (Keighley based Homeless but not Hopeless) with food items monthly. We supported appeals for the Sudan, Christian Aid, the Children’s Society through the Christingle Service and Christmas Luncheon Club and the British Royal Legion Poppy Appeal, and we supported a coffee morning to raise money for Martin House children’s hospice.
The church has a web page, an internet address, and a Facebook page. Web address: https://ststephenschurchsteeton.com
Plans for Future Periods
Together we are making the following plans for 2025:
-
Continuation of reaching out to the wider community with the initiatives which have been running during 2024: Children and Parent Trails seasonally, and the weekly toddler group.
-
Rectifying the problem of Water ingress in the church tower to maintain the fabric of the church.
-
Eradicating dry rot found in the church hall kitchen.
-
Restoration of the organ, after catastrophic water damage from a storm, after the water ingress in the tower has been rectified. We believe we have a duty of care for preserving this instrument. Fortunately the damage was covered by insurance.
-
The continuation of fundraising, led by the Social and Fundraising Group.
-
The PCC will continue to uphold Health and Safety policies, Fire protection, Safeguarding and Child Protection policies, and consider Disability Issues. All policies are reviewed and updated annually.
Financial Review for the year ended 2024
Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £66,986 of which £32,178 were unrestricted voluntary donations and a further £7,340 was Gift Aid. Restricted donations of £27,869 were also received, which included an insurance claim for £22,730 and out of which grants accounted for £250. Further information is provided in the notes to the financial statements.
Planning giving through envelopes and banker’s orders increased by £2,584 compared with 2023 and was finalised at £25,085. Collections at services reduced by £62. The fundraising activities increased in 2024 with an increase of £2,244. In 2023 £6,481 was raised and 2024 ended at £8,725. Church activity income was up by £18,909 and was due to an improvement in hall letting revenue and an insurance claim of £22,730. The hall lettings contributed £16,770 over the year compared with £16,576 in 2023. Total income increased by £22,960 on 2023 ( majority be the increase in the insurance claim).
4
The contribution of £27,500 to the Diocesan Parish Share. The request for 2024 was not met in full.
The net result for the year was an excess of receipts over payments of £5,002 on unrestricted funds and £27,869, in the restricted funds. Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward on the 31 December 2024 on unrestricted funds totalled £27,443, with a balance of restricted funds of £42,237. Total receipts for the year exceeded total payments by £32,872.
Reserves Policy
It is the PCC’s policy to try to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds that equates to at least three months unrestricted payments and includes an allowance for the full diocesan parish share request. The purpose of such a contingency fund is to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and meet emergencies. A separate contingency account is in operation and the balance at the year-end was £12,624. The PCC remains committed to increase the contingency fund over time.
Risk Management
The trustees of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Stephens, Steeton have considered major risks to which the charity is exposed, identified as in the general running of the church and its objectives for 2025, and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures are established in order to manage these risks (Charities Accounts and Reports Regulations 2008).
The management of the risks identified includes:
-
Cover to reduce the deterioration of the fabric of the church and hall, through insurance with Ecclesiastical which covers damage etc. to the buildings. The fabric is regularly reviewed in the light of the Insurance requirements, the Quinquennial reports, appropriate experts such as electricians, the day to day use of the buildings, and the needs of users. Remedial work is carried out according to funds available and level of risk. However more funding is needed now to carry on this work.
-
The increase in energy costs added to the funding risks of the church were relieved by taking out a three year contract with Positive Energy for gas provision, the most cost-effective green option available, following consultation with an independent broker. We are continuing to be advised by the same broker to keep energy costs minimal and this will need to be reviewed in 2025.
-
To prevent risks to Health and Safety, the responsible officer devised a log to manage the risks identified by the insurers Ecclesiastical, in line with legal requirements and policies of the diocese. This will need to be reviewed in 2025.
-
Risks of climate change should be modified by the contributions of ECO teams in the diocese.
-
Review of the risks identified from the pandemic means now we can share the cup of wine, or tincture, according to personal choice, one of the sacraments of our faith.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity 1173989. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC .
Caring for the church family is important, with members of the PCC acting as Representing Officers for Child/ Vulnerable Adult protection, Health and Safety, Disability Issues, and First Aid and undertaking appropriate training usually from the Diocese. The PCC is committed to being a church where all people are safe, particularly the vulnerable. Child protection/Vulnerable adults, Health and safety, and Fire policies are updated yearly.
5
The full PCC meets six times a year. Members are responsible for decisions on all matters, including financial, related to St. Stephens Church. The Standing Committee, elected at the Annual Church Meeting, identifies issues for the Agenda of the PCC meetings. All working groups/ small committees (the Building Group, and the Social and Fundraising Group) and all officers report back regularly to the PCC. Minutes of the meetings are recorded and circulated two weeks before the next meeting, where they are voted on for approval.
Administrative Information
St. Stephen’s Church is situated on St. Stephen's Road, Steeton and is part of the Diocese of Leeds, within the Church of England. Registered charity number 1173989.
Correspondence should be addressed to the incumbent:
The Revd. Dr Sally Pickering, St Stephen’s Vicarage, 2 Halsteads Way, Steeton, BD20 6SN
| PCC members 1stJanuary to 31stDecember 2024 | PCC members 1stJanuary to 31stDecember 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Incumbent | Revd. Dr. Sally Pickering | |
| Licensed Lay Minister | Denise Raby | |
| Wardens | Thelma Pacsoo | until April 2024 |
| Ann Phillips | until April 2024 | |
| Lynda Corser | from April 2024 | |
| Elected members | ||
| Deanery Synod Reps. | Julie Lonsdale | |
| Valerie Hodgson | ||
| Tom Chilton | Licensed Lay Minister | |
| Health, Safety, Environmental and Disability Officer | ||
| until September 2024 | ||
| Standing Committee | Lynda Corser | Social and Fundraising Officer |
| Valerie Hodgson | Secretary | |
| Other Offices | Thelma Pasco | Assistant Treasurer |
| Julie Lonsdale | Safeguarding Officer | |
| Shelagh Brayshaw | from April 2024 | |
| Louise Fleming | from April 2024 | |
| Karen Harrison | from April 2024 | |
| Barbara Parker | from April 2024 | |
| Ann Phillips | Finance team | |
| Janet Pickles | Finance team | |
| Christine Roberts | ||
| Sarah Thompson | ||
| Alyson Robinson | Electoral Roll officer | |
| Ex officio | Andrew Smith | Gift Aid officer |
| Independent treasurer | David Danks | |
| Independent bookkeeper | Carol Greenwood | |
| Insurers | Ecclesiastical |
Approved by the PCC on…………….………………………………….................and signed on their behalf by
Revd. Dr Sally Pickering, Vicar and PCC Chairperson
6
Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of St Stephen's, Stseton Parochial Church Council I on the acwJTts the chur¢h fvrthe ye•r ermled 31 C8n4)w2024 are set ¢xrt on p48$ 7t0 9. Resptho R88[X)ni ofTnlee¥ aThl Exawir Ihal an audit 18 not required ts thi8 year undef section 144121 olts Charlkn 2011 (th& 2011 and that an IrthFMd8nt Ination 4 roJ. 11 my rasponbilty lo.. - Exam¢ne Ihe accovnts lund•r wdon 145 oftho 2011 ALi'. - To loltrwthe procedures L9h1 I} in tho Genernl Dkecons byts Charty lunder s•¢tion 145 01tr 2011 Act)., HrKJ . To Slate01h¢rpCulOfrn•ttor8 hw• corMJ to 0nkn. Ba818 of Indopendent Examlnerf8 Roport My •xalntton eanted In accordanc• wlth the gorte Dhe¢Uons by th¢ Charfty commis8n. An examin4fjon Indud88 a reVW oflh r8¢4ydB knpt by th• ch•fjty and • comporfson ofth• accounts prwnte¢J rnc¢xds. It•kn knduOo¥ con1 trlarry Iloms or d1udosu1 In lh¢ ¥ca)unt$ •nd Se exwanathjni you 8$ tN8t801 corKornthw arty matter5. Th& procedure6 und•rtakan dts nol yovl0 all fv o¥ldarK• Ih&txwhY bo f•qw•J ni m a1 Bnd ¢oftwu6nty no g• a8to th• amird• k¥e••th i r8W limited t0th0 mHtt8fS Ml in tho $tent t•bAf. lJ)d•p•nd•nt •¥1•• thtem•nt. In conTr•don My ¢x•mln&tlw, no my att•nkn: 1. vthkh glvm m• rn•acabK cauw to belw• Ihat In •ny m8twl th• - to k••p ac¢ountlng rerd8 in •c¢ord8n¢•whh 8o¢tton 130oflh• 201 1 Ad.. •fvJ - lo prepBr• ae4Junl• whlth •c¢ord acwJnlng afyj conpy llh th• rffjuIr•I oflhe 2011 Aet hav• ncrt bmn rt or . to In ry fjplnbjn •PtsJld b¢dra kn othrio wbl• • propun(trffj oftha Corol Greer¥& FMMTthIIA4PIFMIAB 14 Maln Str¢ H•wth, K•W. Wmt York•hh. B0228DA
ST STEPHEN'S, STEETON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st December 2024 Receipts and Payments Accounts Iunrestiicted |Note Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL 2024 TOTAL 2023 RECEIPTS Voluntary Receipts: Planned GTriing 25.085 25,085 22,501 Colleclk)ns al serVe5 4.935 4,935 4,997 All other gwinglvolunlary receipts 3a 2.158 4,139 6,298 8,043 G ift Aky Recovere 1 7,340 39,517 7,340 43,657 6,681 42,222 4,139 Aclvll•• for G•n•radng Funds 3b 7.725 1.000 8,725 6,481 Inv• sbn•nt Incom• 3c 899 899 529 Church Aclvld•• 3d 18.844 22,730 41,574 22,665 Total R•c•lpt$ 66.986 27,869 94,856 71,896 PAYMENTS Church Aclvld•8: Diocesan pansh conlnbution 27.500 27,500 29,000 Clergy and staffing costs Church running expenses 3e 14.424 16,847 Hall njnning costs 11.500 11.500 10,655 Mi55ion gNing and d onalw)ns 3f 5.074 2,500 Church refurt)i5hmenl costs 3,486 3,486 4,270 Costs ofgenerating funds Totsl Payments 61.984 61,984 63,271 Deficitlsurplus 1 5,002 27069 32I72 8.624 Transfer frotn Savings Accounts 944 944 3,990 Transfer lo Savings Accounts | 28,813 28.813 5.002 2,317 10,298 5,002 Cash al bank and in hand al 1 January | 22,4411 14,367 36,808 28,183 Cash al bank and in hand al 3 1 Decembe 27,443 42,237 69,680 36,808
statement of Assets and Liabilities Iunrestricted | FurKIs IRestricted Funds TOTAL 2024 TOTAL 2023 Cash Funds HSBC - Bank Cuttent Account 14,595 14,595 9,435 Cash In Hat 224 224 382 HSBC - Contiryency Account 12,624 12,624 12,624 HSBC - Refurt>ishment Fund 10,258 10,258 4,890 HSBC-HOl3yatHome 218 218 HSBC - Organ Furyl 23,566 23,566 HSBc-AvIsualFUnd HSBC - Eco Fund CCLA Account- Consecrated Ground Fund 2,000 2,0 CCLA Account- Refurbishment Fund 6,195 6,195 27,443 42,237 69,680 36,808 Othw mon•tsry ass•is 32,872 No other rnrta assets outstandi No liabilities outsta1 N•$ The linanekil stateentS ol PCC have been Receipts and PaYntS basis. re ¥ed in accordance wth the Church Accountsn Re ulations 201X usin the The mvements In designated aThJ restncted fuThJs duriNJ year*e Bal brt Recei ts Transfer Out Transferln Bal De5ignat•d Contingency Account 12.624 12,624 Restricted Refurbishment Fut¥J HolidaysatHome Organ Fund Audio Visual Fut Eco Fund Consecrated GroutKI FutKI 10.619 5,833 250 22,730 16,453 218 23,566 32 912 1.748 2,000 2,000 14.367 944 28,813 42,231 944 28,813 RclIA1(l0Fu[=cLIrertA}cp5captsDeSEnpSPE#r1tted cu[rt 14,595 224 12,624 42,237 Regritted eff
- Further Analysis of Receipts and Payments Accounts | Unstted | Funds Restrided FdS TOTAL 2024 TOTAL 2023 Receipts All other givinglvoluntary receipts=I Grants DDnatK)r Save Dur hal Legacy ColleclK)rsOna1K)nS for Charty 250 1,543 250 3,217 1,211 5,300 2,744 1,673 1211 365 2,158 1255 4,139 1,620 6,298 8,043 bl Activities for generating funds= 200 Club Sleeton VillwJe Fun Da QUE Eveni Beetle DrDie christm FayTe Hper Raffle Murder my51ery-chris1l A Lunch Club Easter Draw MayDayFayT8 TabbTop Sae Sleelon ma Voice Choir Eveni Miscellaneous 924 400 924 400 1,008 405 658 177 815 430 405 1,Cf 9 332 1,045 ", DkR8 87 871 403 87 871 403 1.559 1,559 1.190 418 1,190 418 1,874 7,725 1,0 1,0 2,874 8,725 137 6,481 Inv•8tsn•nt Incom•: Bank and CCLA Deposl Fund Interes 899 lo be splrt 899 529 Church a¢lvll•$: Fees lorweddirKJs aTrJ flnerds Church Hall lellings Ulilrty ReluThJ Insurance Claim 2,074 16.770 2,074 16,770 3,139 16,S76 22.730 22.730 22,730 41,574 2,9SO 22,66S 18.844 Payments Church running expen$e$: Cost of Service5 Church buikjing running experBes Adtnini51ralK)n c0515 Church repair5 and mainternCe Church ground5 upkeep 2,582 8.331 3,510 2.582 8.331 3,510 3,S72 9,480 2,918 877 16,847 14.424 14.424 Mission giving and donations 500 mi5 ChikJren'5 Society slan Apped Royal Bntish LegK>n Water Aid HolKlay at Horne Bntish Red CrDSS Christn Aid Linked Diocese BOF Shetter Box (turkey/SyNa) Misc donation pay outs CoronalK>n Bar* HolKlay Evert Bank Fees 200 Club 335 203 335 203 365 34 152 1047 1,047 405 276 487 6855 200 874 504 2,500 1982 1,982 921 921 165 422 5074 165 422 5,074