.,11 Li Parish of Christ the King 2024 Annual Report
2024 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of Christ the King, Newcastle
Aim and Purposes
The Parochial Church Council of Christ the King, Newcastle, in collaboration with the Clergy Team, aims to promote the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical across the ecclesiastical Parish. The Team Parish was established in 1988. The PCC has oversight of four districts: St Matthew’s Dinnington and St Cuthbert’s Brunswick; St Columba’s Wideopen; and St Aidan’s Brunton Park.
Objectives and Activities
The following ten priority areas for development emerged from discussions during 2019.
1 New Housing: Each district in the parish has significant new housing developments. We need to discover more about how best to relate to those who move into our districts and support community building.
2 Health and Wellbeing: We believe that the church has an important contribution to make in this area and we are actively exploring how best we can offer support to tackle the issues of isolation and support mental wellbeing especially.
3 Young People: As well as encouraging young people in their faith journeys we are also concerned to reach out to young people to show that we care about them and the challenges they face.
4 Mission / Building Bridges: We are keen to build effective bridges and make common cause with the many active and caring groups that also seek to address important current issues. We look for opportunities to work in partnership with others.
5 Communications: We are working to improve the way we communicate within the parish and how we make effective use of social media as we communicate more widely.
6 Prayer: We recognise that we will only be effective in our mission if we are tuned into God’s purposes and will, and enrich our prayer lives together.
7 Discipleship: We are exploring ways to encourage confident disciples who relate their faith with the issues and concerns they meet in daily life and work.
8 Ministry: We are encouraging more lay development in leading aspects of ministry in leading worship, pastoral care and community development.
- 9 Evangelism: We are looking for more opportunities to encourage new disciples and grow our faith communities.
10 Team synergy: We are exploring ways to maximise the benefits of being together as a team and to simplify ways of working.
Achievements and Performance
Team Parish Report
2024 saw the Team continue to join together for fellowship, prayer, study and worship. Some highlights of our work together as a team in 2024 were:
Regular Team Evensong services, hosted at each of the churches in the Parish. These included a choir led by Rev’d Chris Clinch where possible. A particular highlight was the Team Evensong for Pentecost with a dramatic sermon from Rev’d Mark Edwards. Another highlight of Team worship was our joint service, hosted by St Aidan’s this year, for the feast of Christ the King, at which Rev’d Gerard Rundell was (re)Licensed as Team Rector of the Parish.
We also joined together in celebrating Rev’d Dr Hannah Malcolm’s ordination to the priesthood. It was a great joy to share in her ministry particularly for her first communion the following day. In January we also welcomed another curate for a placement with us. Lee Kirkby, usually placed at St Thomas’ in Haymarket, spent a four week block-placement experiencing life and ministry across the Parish. It was wonderful to have his ministry among us, and he appreciated the chance to experience church life in a different context to his usual placement.
Over Lent, the Team held its regular events both together and with other local ecumenical partners. This year our Lent course was held online led by our reader, Mr Ken Newitt, as he invited guest speakers to reflect on some of the most challenging passages from the Bible. We also held our Lent Lunches with other churches in the area, with each church hosting an afternoon of reflection and fellowship through the Wednesdays in Lent.
Individual Reports
Each of the churches in the team has also been active in their ministry and includes a report:
St Matthew’s and St Cuthbert’s – Rev’d Mark Edwards
As we reflect on the past year at St Matthew’s and St Cuthbert’s, I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to the life and mission of our churches. Your dedication, support, and hard work have been invaluable in fostering, though small in numbers a strong and vibrant faith community. New people have joined us at both churches and that is encouraging.
Building and Maintenance
The development of building work at St Matthew’s has been slow, but progress has been made with various quotes obtained for the necessary repairs and enhancements. We continue to navigate an ongoing insurance claim, which, at the time of writing, may or may not be successful. However, we remain hopeful, as one quote from a contractor has been accepted, and work is expected to commence soon to improve and restore key areas of the church. These developments will enhance our facilities and ensure our buildings remain welcoming and fit for purpose in our worship and community activities.
Community Engagement
A key focus of my ongoing ministry has been engaging with the wider community. We continue to strengthen our connections beyond the church walls through outreach efforts, partnerships, and active involvement in local initiatives. Our engagement with St Matthew’s school has been particularly rewarding. The children regularly visit the church, and I have had the privilege of continuing my role as a school governor, ensuring our faith remains a visible and supportive presence in their education. Weekly visits to the school further deepen this relationship and allow us to share the love of Christ with the younger generation.
We also acknowledge and give thanks for the wonderful support and fellowship we receive within the Christ the King Team Ministry. We deeply appreciate the ministry of our rector, Gerard, our curate, Hannah, and the retired clergy who continue to faithfully serve God within our team and provide cover when needed. Their presence and dedication enrich our collective ministry, and we are blessed to work alongside them.
Music and Worship
Music plays a vital role in our worship at both St Matthew’s and St Cuthbert’s. I want to extend my gratitude to Sylvia and Joyce for providing the music each week, as well as to Dorothy and Jenny, who skilfully operate our state-of-the-art music system, ensuring our worship remains uplifting and inspiring. A special thank you also goes to Pastor John, who assists me in ministry, for his faithful service, and to all those who serve as stewards and volunteers in any capacity.
Occasional Offices
The ministry of the church extends beyond our regular Sunday worship through baptisms, weddings, and funerals. These occasional offices provide a unique opportunity, to engage with those who may not regularly attend church, but who turn to the church during significant moments in their lives.
Baptisms, while sometimes disruptive to our usual Sunday services, are a vital aspect of our mission. They allow us to welcome new members into the faith and engage with families who may not have an active church life but seek a spiritual foundation for their children. We approach these occasions with warmth, tolerance, and a spirit of hospitality, recognising the opportunity to witness and share God’s love with those outside our immediate congregation.
Weddings provide another moment of outreach, as couples seek God’s blessing on their union. Through preparation and ceremony, we guide them in understanding the sacred nature of marriage and offer pastoral support as they embark on their journey together.
Funerals hold deep pastoral significance, offering comfort and hope to grieving families. We honour the lives of the departed, providing a compassionate presence and a message of resurrection and eternal life in Christ. These services remind us of our role in supporting our wider community in times of both joy and sorrow.
Social Action and Outreach
Our ministry is not confined to the church buildings but extends into the wider community through acts of generosity and mission. Our ongoing support of the local food bank, the Distribution Centre, and the People’s Kitchen in Newcastle is a testament to our commitment to serving those in need. These acts of service remind us of Jesus' call to love our neighbours and reach out to those who are struggling.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who contribute time, resources, and donations to these initiatives. Your generosity ensures that we can provide tangible assistance to those facing hardship and demonstrate God’s love in action. Whether through food donations, volunteering, or financial support, every contribution plays a vital role in sustaining these essential services.
Remembering Those We Have Lost
We also take a moment to remember those who have gone before us in the faith of Christ over the past year. We give thanks for the lives of Mavis Clarehugh and Audrey Dellows, faithful servants of God and of the wider community. Their commitment to our church and their acts of kindness will always be remembered with gratitude. We also remember with thanksgiving a former Church Warden, Bob Butcher, and think especially of his wife, Carol, our former flower lady, who has now moved out of the parish to be closer to her grandchildren. Additionally, we bid a fond farewell to Peter and Sue Boyd, who have moved to Scotland to be closer to their grandchildren. We send them with our prayers and blessings for their new chapter in life.
Acknowledgements
I also wish to acknowledge the invaluable service of our church officers, whose commitment and leadership have played a crucial role in the smooth running of our churches. Special thanks go to Elsie and Tom, who have remained as Deputy Church Wardens. Tom also doubles as verger and has been invaluable in regards to the Church Yard. Gratitude also goes to Jenny and Pat at St Cuthbert’s; who also serve as deputies. Dorothy and Sharon, as full wardens, have worked tirelessly alongside the deputies to ensure the smooth running of both churches. I am deeply grateful to all those who serve the church in any way, including our social committee, and to Ruth, who organises our events. To all who support and help with the annual fairs, quizzes, coffee mornings, and other gatherings, for members of the DCC current and those who have this year stepped down, such as Moira —your work does not go unnoticed, and I thank you all. A special thanks to Abby who despite being at university and now doing her placement at Dinnington First School has shown unwavering commitment to St Matthews. Also to young Reece and his parents who have become regular worshippers with us over the last year. Reece has stepped up, and voluntarily helps with the stewarding, showing great initiative with his example.
For those who prepare the rotas, hymn lists, to those who lead the prayers and do the readings and administration, and for Aileen and Charlene, who serve as DCC secretaries, thank you all for your dedication and service first to God and second to the Church. Our treasurers, Ann and Dorothy, along with Lesley and Val to, ensure
our accounts are well maintained, the gift aid looked after, allowing us to steward our resources wisely.
Looking Forward
A recent article in the Church Link highlighted a common concern, both within and outside the church, about not having enough money, time, or people, which presents an ongoing challenge. As part of the diocese’s Year of Seeking, we enter a period of discernment, reflecting on what God is doing in our lives and the lives of those we encounter in the church, at work, and in our communities. The idea is that we focus on where God is working in our context—actively noticing, expressing, and celebrating God’s work in our lives together in a shared calling of mission.
My Role as Your Priest
As your priest, I have faced personal challenges over the last year but have always tried not to let them encroach on my service to the church. God is always faithful and good, providing the strength and grace I need to minister. Though there is no formal role description, my understanding of priesthood is shaped by the Ordinal of the Church of England and my lived experience of ministry. At its heart, priesthood is about serving God and His people—proclaiming the gospel, leading worship, administering the sacraments, offering pastoral care, and being a visible presence in the community as one who represents God and his message of faith hope and love.
As we move forward, I look forward to building upon the foundations we have laid, strengthening our faith, and serving God and our community with renewed dedication. My family and I are deeply grateful for your prayers and ongoing support. Whilst the diocese may officially consider my role half-time and provide a half stipend, the Priesthood is not a job - it is a vocation, and a sacred one. A sacrificial calling and one I take seriously. It cannot be divided, it demands my life my all. There is no such thing as a "half-time" Priest, for ordination is a lifelong commitment to serving God and His people. I am called by God to the Priesthood and ministry, and I will continue to serve wholeheartedly, with steadfast commitment, devotion and love, for as long as He wills.
St Columba’s – Mr Bill Lomas (Churchwarden)
This has been a busy year for St Columba’s as we have been in a vacancy the whole time. This has involved dealing with many new or at least unusual aspects of church life and yet much of what we’ve done has been very much the same as ever. This report will attempt to show both sides of the coin.
Firstly the more unusual areas have had to do with the protocol of a vacancy and the process of advertising for and then appointing an incumbent. We have been extremely fortunate in being part of the team parish of Christ the King and the Rector, the Reverend Gerard Rundell, has been really helpful in drawing up a rota to cover practically all the services we had before. We are most grateful for the work that Gerard has done in this respect and would like to add the Reverends Hannah Malcolm, Bill Miller, Jean Skinner and Ray Devenney who between them have covered the great majority of the services. We in the congregation have
been really well served by the worship they have been able to provide for us and are most appreciative of this provision. And in addition to all that the archdeacon came to preside on St Columba’s day in June.
So running alongside the provision of worship has been the process of finding the new vicar. This has involved the DCC in a number of meetings, first of all to complete a questionnaire and then to produce a profile outlining the various distinctive features of the church and the community and also how they see their next vicar. This document will be part of the information available to those seeking to apply for the role. The completion of the profile in April meant that the role is now advertised and dates are set for visits to the church and for interviews in the Summer. In all we expect the vacancy to last about 18 months, so another six months from now.
Also new this year has been the great contribution Olena Stephenson has made as our youth and children’s worker. She has made fruitful contacts with the local primary school, organized a successful Christingle service, initiated a Sunday Twilight service every month for children and as I write is preparing an exciting servce on Easter afternoon. Olena will unfortunately be leaving us after that to take up a post elsewhere but she has made a most positive contribution and she will be much missed. We wish her well in her new role.
We hosted a Generous Giving Day organized by the diocesan team which a number of our congregation attended and which they found very useful. Indeed Dennis Fawcett from the Generous Giving Team came one Sunday morning and preached about generosity, encouraging us to try it out ourselves with some success. It was also the year of the quinquennial when we were informed that whereas the church was generally in good shape we will need to prepare to spend money on the roof in the not too distant future – no immediate alarm bells just a fine tinkle at the moment!
But despite all this church life did continue through the year in much the same way as ever. This was evident in all the services attended by the faithful congregation, but also in the social and fund-raising events which traditionally feature in the yearly church round such as the Christmas Market and Summer fair, the quiz nights, film afternoons, musical evenings, tree festival, the bi-monthly magazine – all paying testimony to a vibrant community. And finally a special word for the Warm Space initiative which offers companionship and activities to 25 or so members of the community on Monday mornings through the winter. This is a particularly successful venture, much enjoyed and appreciated by everybody and very well run by Susan Brimer and Hilary Temperley – many thanks to them for all the hard work they put in.
We hope that the next report for the AGM will feature an incumbent! I am hugely indebted to my co warden, Marjorie Fairbairn, for all the work she, together with her husband Maurice, do in the day to day role of prosecuting the life of the church. And it has to be admitted it is tiring but the end is in sight and it is right and proper to finish this report on a positive note!
St Aidan’s - Rev’d Gerard Rundell
Our Diocese, this year, has held a year of seeking. This has been a chance to ask where God is present in our midst. So this year the vicar’s report is my own answer to that question. This is by no means a complete answer, but it’s an attempt to look back over the last year and see how, through the ministry of so many people who offer so much at St Aidan’s, God has been working his purpose out.
I’ll start with prayer and discipleship, as we see God at work in the ways we deepen in faith. The church is rooted in the daily prayer of every member of the congregation, whether that’s offered in church (all are welcome to join us, 8.55930am tues-fri), or in our homes, or out for a walk, or wherever and however we best pray. Of particular note in the year since the last AGM, was Thy Kingdom Come, with an encouragement to pray for our estate. Each person was offered a prayer card and the chance to sign-up to pray for the street they live on. In the summer a chance to deepen in prayer was offered in an away day to Alnmouth led by Hannah with reflections from a Flo Nilsson. In glorious sunshine we were reminded of the importance of making time to spend in God’s presence. With the help of Derek Marshall, we hope to develop an opportunity to pray together before each Sunday service, so do join with that as details emerge in the coming weeks. Without prayer we can do nothing, so I particularly thank all those of you who faithfully pray for this church and it’s ministry day by day, those prayers mean more than you can know.
Prayer was also an important part of deepening in discipleship at this year’s Alpha. Though we didn’t have anyone new to faith this year, our second Alpha was still a wonderful chance to share in fellowship, food, discussion and prayer. It was so nourishing (in all senses of the word), that we decided to continue beyond the initial 6 weeks to finish the rest of the optional sessions. Alongside Alpha, the Bible Study Group, ‘GT’ group, the ‘Three Cs’, and Prayer and Praise continued to meet for study, discussion and prayer. This year’s Lent Course expanded the Bible Study Group with members from across the Team, as Ken led us in a series of sessions online, listening to guest speakers reflecting on some of the most challenging passages in the Bible. For young people, Youth Group has offered opportunities to discuss faith and find fellowship and support as they work out how to follow God for themselves. Two youth events at the Cathedral and at St Aidan’s, have been particular highlights.
My own experience of God’s presence has most often been found in these two places: in personal prayer, and in meeting with others to share in discussion and fellowship. It has been a blessing this year to hear and see that others have experienced the same at St Aidan’s.
Alongside prayer comes the call to action in response to God’s love. At the beginning of the year since the last AGM we first saw this in Christian Aid week and another fantastic effort at raising funds. Once again this was excellently led by Dorothy Clasper, our Christian Aid rep. Including door-to-door collections, we raised an amazing £3,572. That theme of generous giving on behalf of those in
need was echoed throughout the year through special collections, Christmas collections, and through the Saturday Café’s giving – including newly sponsoring a child through World-Vision. Over the year we raised another £3,315 which was donated between nine charities we support.
Our action was by no means only in financial giving. St Aidan’s continued it’s response to God’s love in all our forms of outreach and service. The Saturday Café, Thursday groups, Men’s Group, and Lunch club, continue to offer vital spaces for friendship, companionship, conversation, and fun. Our pastoral group continues to offer compassionate support especially to those unable to physically come to church. Our Summer and Christmas Fairs and social events not only raised funds, but helped to bring the community together. This year, we also held a church open day to coincide with the Community Centre’s summer fair. This was fairly quiet, but gave an opportunity for the local community to see what goes on at St Aidan’s. In all these ways and more, people have come through our doors to find a welcome at St Aidan’s.
At the bottom end of the age range, we have continued to engage in outreach to children and families. Play Zone, our Saturday morning baby and toddler group, began last Summer led by Hannah and Lena. It has been great to see a community form who regularly attend and are building relationships with the church. We also continued running several outreach events for families through the year. Those at Church have continued to be well attended (this year particularly our Halloween event) and much appreciated. We also hosted a teddy-bears picnic for those starting reception the following year, and reached out to Great Park with a Christmas Star trail, and a Nativity Stall, and craft events at Great Park Community Centre, as well as going into Snakes and Ladders nursey, and local schools. It has been particularly good to re-launch our engagement on Great Park and we hope to continue to develop this alongside our new Children and Families worker.
Finally, we also launched our ‘Conversations at St Aidan’s’ aimed at engaging both the church and local community. The first two, with Katherine Rundell and Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, offered rich conversations, including a chance to reflect on their personal faith, and we look forward to welcoming more in the months to come.
These all remind us that God calls us not only to worship and prayer, but to a response of action and his presence is found in service of others. I remain hugely grateful for the signs of God at work in all the ways the people of St Aidan’s live out their response to God’s love in love of others.
Another sign of this work is in lives offered to the church in ministry. This year has marked that in several ways. In July we joined Hannah for her Priesting at the cathedral and celebrated her first communion. It was a joy to be part of her continued growth in ministry and to join with the whole church in praying alongside her as she presided for the first time.
In October we appointed our Children and Families workers. Lena and Janice, both existing members of St Aidan’s, took on new roles, working to develop and expand our outreach to children and families. Lena has since moved on to another role, but we remain grateful for the work she did in her time at St Aidan’s, and look forward to Janice’s continued work as she takes on an expanded role. It has been an exciting and long planned-for appointment and we have already seen the fruits of their work, particularly in engagement with schools; expanded outreach on Great Park; the development of our existing provision for children; and the beginnings of a new after-school club to be launched at St Aidan’s in the near future.
We were also glad to welcome Lee Kirkby, a curate at St Thomas’ in the Haymarket, for a four week placement offering a chance to experience a different pattern and context for ministry from his usual placement.
Finally, two members of the congregation – Bernie Troughton, and Derek Marshall – have undertaken the Authorised Lay Ministry training scheme as they continue to offer their ministry both at St Aidan’s and in local care homes.
That God continues to call people to offer their time, their faith and their gifts in service and ministry for the church, is a wonderful sign of his presence at work. I am incredibly grateful for that faithful response whatever shape it takes at St Aidan’s.
Next we turn to worship. God promises his presence when we gather in his name, so he is doubtlessly at work in our worship. Some notable highlights for me this year include our Harvest Family Service followed by a ‘food-waste café’ using food that would otherwise have been thrown away; Remembrance Sunday attended by local uniformed groups; a moving All Souls service remembering those who have died; our team service for Christ the King joining together with the Team Parish, with the particular highlight of my own (re)Licensing as Team Rector of the Parish; a repeat of our ‘Festival of Lessons and Carols’ supported by Chris Clinch and his fantastic band of musicians and singers; a Nativity service that had the church filled to overflowing; a moving Safeguarding Sunday on Passion Sunday that used art and reflections from Sarah Troughton. There are many more, and I can’t list them all, but out of 52 Sundays gathered in worship this year, God was present for all 52 of them!
There is so much more that could be mentioned as we look for God’s hand at work. But a special mention should go to our social life. Social events don’t always feel particularly holy, but the importance of a church community that enjoys spending time together is hard to overstate! So a particular thank you should go to both those people who have done so much to organise social events in the past and to the new social committee who have taken up new responsibilities. A particular highlight was our first Burns Night, with haggis neeps and tatties for all!
Finally though there have also been sorrows in the year. God is not only present in our joys, but also in our loss, and it has been a sad privilege to mark the funerals of several people closely associated to the church, as they were called home to God. With great sadness this year we said our farewells to Alan Dey, Bill Yeaman,
Alan Vout, and Katharine Brown. May they rest in the peace of Christ and rise with him in glory.
In a year of seeking God’s presence as a Diocese, it is a useful discipline to look back over the last year and ask where God has been at work. Sometimes that work is easy to spot, at other times more clouded, but I certainly see the signs of his grace and goodness at St Aidan’s. The sheer length of this report goes to show that! So, finally I need to finish with thanks. First of all, of course to God, for his goodness. God is, after all, good, all the time, and all the time, God is good. But then through his goodness, also to those who serve him here. The church stands on the work of so many dedicated and selfless acts of service. The reports below will show how many people offer their time and gifts to the life of this church. It simply wouldn’t happen without all of you! I need to offer a particular note of thanks to the team of Churchwardens, assistant wardens, curate, administrator, children and families workers, and retired clergy who meet with together weekly. They offer so much so selflessly, and I hope they know how grateful I am. But to each person who serves the church in every way, sung and unsung, thank you! All you offer is profoundly valued. I look forward to seeing what work God will do, in and through all of us, in the year to come.
Safeguarding
The Parish continues to comply with its duties under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. Each of the churches in the Parish are working towards full engagement with the Parish Dashboard system and have reached level three in all the churches in the Parish.
Deanery Synod
Central Deanery Synod met several times in 2024, and continued its work on the Deanery Development Plan. A new Area Dean was appointed in Rev’d Paul Baker and he has continued to settle into the role and reflect on the place of the Deanery and its plan in the life of the Diocese. A particular success so far has been the Deanery Youth events, a Halloween Light Party at the Cathedral, and a Pancake/Ash Wednesday event at St Aidan’s. Both were joined by embers Aidan’s Youth Group, and co-coordinated by Rev’d Gerard Rundell.
Electoral Roll
At the Annual Parochial Meeting of April 2023 it was declared that 294 names were entered on the combined Electoral Roll.
Financial Review
The aggregated accounts for the parish as a whole, incorporating the accounts of the PCC in respect of its own transactions and those of the four DCCs, including the Church in the Park as a subcommittee of St Aidan’s DCC, are attached to this report. Across the parish, there was an overall deficit of £17,369 during the year (receipts £168,552, payments £185,920).
On unrestricted general funds there was a deficit of £33,790, in part due to a transfer of £28,000 into a designated fund. This represented St Aidan’s contribution to the Children & Families Worker over and above the grants received in previous years. The major source of income was planned giving and service collections (£96,000), an increase of £12,000 compared with 2023. The next highest income source, gift aid reclaimed (£22,000), was also increased compared to the previous year. Fundraising (£12,010) was lower than in 2023 by some £1,700.
The major item of expenditure, the diocesan parish share which largely goes towards the salary and housing costs of clergy, was more or less unchanged from 2023 at £89,000, but well below the pre-pandemic level.
The situation at the individual DCCs regarding their unrestricted general funds was:
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St Aidan’s – surplus of £2,157
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St Columba’s – deficit of £4,941
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St Cuthbert’s – surplus of £70
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St Matthew’s – deficit of £2,886
There was a small deficit of £600 on unrestricted designated funds at St Columba’s.
At the end of the year the PCC and DCCs had total funds of just under £319,325. Of this, just under £194,000 was in unrestricted funds, mainly at St Aidan’s and St Columba’s, largely derived from generous unrestricted legacies over the past few years. Just over £125,000 was in funds restricted for specific purposes, mainly at St Cuthbert’s and St Matthew’s, largely derived from a major legacy for buildings and fabric received in 2015, as well as the restricted fund at St Aidan’s for the children and families’ worker.
The PCC expresses its deep gratitude to all those who have contributed and continue to contribute to maintaining the finances of the parish at this time.
Structure, governance and management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. In the Christ the King Team we have four Districts each with a church, and remaining structure in place for Church in the Park, a Fresh Expression. The membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (The Team Rector), the Team Vicars, the Assistant Curate, the Readers, the Churchwardens of each church, Deanery Synod representatives, and two members elected by members of the congregation in each District who are on the electoral roll of each church. All those who attend our services or are members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the relevant Electoral Roll and may stand for election to the relevant District Church Council, or to the PCC.
The PCC members delegate to individual Districts, through the relevant DCCs, responsibility for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance, including decisions on how the funds of the DCC are to be spent. Each DCC reports back to the PCC regularly with reports being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary. The PCC retains overall responsibility for strategic direction and decisions affecting the parish. New members receive initial training into the workings of the PCC.
Administrative information
The Christ the King Team Parish was established under the Pastoral Measure 1983 and confirmed by the Queen in Council November 1988. It is one of the largest parishes in the Diocese of Newcastle. Part of Newcastle Central Deanery, it covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometres. The Parish is a Team Ministry made up of four Districts: St Aidan’s Brunton Park (including the Church in the Park serving Newcastle Great Park), St Columba’s Wideopen, St Matthew’s Dinnington and St Cuthbert’s Brunswick Village. The correspondence address is 60 Barmoor Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5RG.
Charitable Status
The PCC is a charitable body and a registered charity no 1174195
Members of the PCC
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
Following the Annual Parochial Meeting in April 2024, the following served on the PCC at any time during 2024/25 until the date this report was approved:
Ex Officio
Incumbent: Rev’d Gerard Rundell Team Vicar: Rev’d Mark Edwards MBE Assistant Curate: Rev’d Dr Hannah Malcolm
Reader: Ken Newitt
Churchwardens
St Aidan’s: Catherine Stewart, Susan Armstrong St Columba’s: Marjorie Fairbairn; Bill Lomas St Cuthbert’s: Dorothy Winter, Sharon Craggs St Matthew’s: Vacant
Deanery Synod St Aidan’s: Margaret Urquhart St Columba’s: Bill Lomas St Cuthbert’s: Margaret Jennings St Matthew’s: Lesley Edwards
Elected members St Aidan’s: Dorothy Clasper (PCC Treasurer); Julie Smith (Lay Vice-Chair) St Columba’s: Joyce Elrod St Matthew’s: Aileen Duck Independent Examiner: Bankers Paul Newbold Lloyds Bank plc Partner 32, The Gosforth Centre, Torgersens Chartered Accountants High Street, 4 Lansdowne Terrace, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1HN NE3 1JQ
Approved by the PCC Standing Committee, 23[rd] April 2025, and signed on their behalf by:
Rev’d Gerard Rundell, Team Rector
The Parochial Church Council of the Team Parish of Christ the Kin Newcastle ated Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 De¢ember 2024 2023 Unrestrirted Funds General Designated Restritted Funds Total Funds Total Recei 83,947 Planned giving and service ¢ollertions 24,943 Donations and grants 19,945 Gift aid reclaimed l1,Lx Legacies 13,776 Fundraising 27.080 other receipts 180 691 Total Receipts 96,336 3,472 22,626 1,4 12.010 31.258 167,102 96,336 3,472 22.626 12,010 32.708 168,552 1.450 1,450 90 LXXI Parish share 6 400 Mission giving and donations 71.078 Church activites and expenses and other payments 6.313 Major capital expenditure 173.791 Total Payments 89,( 89,(1 4,404 88.681 3,835 185.920 78.853 635 9,229 3,200 12.429 172.892 0.9 Excess of Receipts over Payments (before transfers) -5.790 -10.978 -17.369 O Transfers between funds .28.Q)O 28.& 6 9 Net Receipts/lPaymentsl -33.790 27.40) -10,978 -17,369 329.793 Balance blfat ljanuary 189.567 10.735 136.392 336.693 336,693 8alave clf at 31 December 155,777 38,135 125,413 319,325 Statement of Assets and Liabilities Unrestrirted Funds General Designated Restricted Funds Total Funds Cash in Hand at Bank and in De stt Accounts pcc st Aidan's st Columba's St Cuthbert's St Matthew's Total Assets at 31 OecembeT 2024 113 113 28,(KKI 10,135 8,361 3,146 28,478 85.428 125,413 123,345 63,702 42,236 89.868 319,325 50,481 13.759 4.440 155,777 38,135 Liabilities Total liabilities at 31 OKember 2024 Approved by the PCC Standing Committee, dGer Rector rd Rundell orothy Cla PCC Treasurer er
The Parh11 Chur¢h Council of the Team Parish of Christ the Ki Newcastle Notes to the ted nancial StateThnts forthe Year Ended 31 December 2024 The a88re8ated financial statements of the PCC are produced in accordance with the requlrements of the Charlties Act 2011 and the 8uidance issued by the Churth of England in its publication PCC Accountability. 5th edition 2017. The aggregated financial ststements ccffnprise the accounts of the the PCC in respect of its ovm direct reIpts and payments and those of the four indlvidual tKCs. after eliminating trantI$ beten the PCC and the tKCs and between indiwdual l)CCs. The income of the parish Ing less than £250.(). the PCC has chosen to prcduce accounts on a receipts and payments basis and has opted for independent examination of its aCCntS. In line with all charity accounts. the PCC and the DCCS hold two types of funds. which are accounted for separately: Unrestricted funds. divided between: o General fund: money given to or raised by the PCC/tKCs which may spend in any %vay associated with the mission and ministry of the church". and o Designated funds: money vknith is still unrestricted but earniarked by the PCC/tKCs for particular purposes. eg for spending on a future project, but which may be moved at any time. either to other earmarked purposes or to the 8eneral fund, if the PCCItKCs so decide: Restricted funds: money given to the PCCIDCCS (as dcmations. legacies or through special collections) or raised by fundraising for specified purposes. which the PCCItKCs must spend on the pvrFrf)se5 specified and may not use for arry other purpose. The notes below and on the following pa8es set out the summarised accounts of the PCC in respert of its own transactions and those of the indivÈdual DCCS. Full sets of the independently examined accounts of the individual DCCS are avallable from the respective secfetaries or treasurers. Pccvonl Accounts Unrestricted General Fund Receipts- Service collections Receipts- Donations and grants Receipts- Other Payments . Church artivites and ex*nses Net Receipts/lPayments) .19) Balan blf at l January 303 Balance c/f at 31 Docomlxr 113
The Par<rthi•l Chwth Cwn¢il ofthe Team Pish of Christ the Ki P)testo the ted FinaKial Statementsfor the Year Ended 11 Decenknr 2024 contd St Aidan's DCC Swnmarised •£COt$ WKludi Church in the Park 23 Totol unrestriied Funds Gwwal Oe5qned RestrKted FuThJs TOTAL FUNDS 43,1 Planned gmre and seNlce collertfjcrfis 18,838 CnatiOr and grants 10,398 Grft rtrJn lo5 LegleS 2,712 FuThlraisir 16.262 Other recepts 54M31 54.031 11.499 IIA99 2.613 17,998 2.613 18 852 101,840 Total Receyts 87,142 852 87,994 43,( Parish share 5.376 Mi5yon gire and do11¢AS 35.997 Church actmtes and expenses arbj rther Foynerts O Majorcapital exFendthre 3.934 37.051 3.934 8A39 84.373 Totsl Pwi)ents 84.984 8.539 93.523 17A67 Net ReceiptsllPayffnts) 2.157 -7.687 -5529 O Transfers between bjnts -2&(ts) 2&C•XI IIL4CW b/fat ljanuary 112A28 16.047 128A75 128,875 BalaMe clf at 31 Deceml 86.985 28.thX) 8.361 121,346 In addrtion to the income rded atrM, £1369 vrds T£eNed in Spea ComOnS SFth thJThJraisiry wIt5 and paid over to other chants"esaThJ T5 sum is exchmjed fromthe xcounts in accc¥darKev•rth thjrchof En¥aryl gU3n. s of St "daTr, unr Balano Wf Recapts payr Trafer5 BalarKe cll st dan'S ChJrch- gera1 fuThJ St Aidan's CIHJrch- des¥nated fund Chur¢h in the Park ).075 4.815 -28,QDJ 63,241 28K(M) 23.744 114,985 22.753 111827 1.1 87.142 -169 8alaft M Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c Audio Visual Fund Chldren FaThulies Worker 613 15A35 16,048 -793 -7.745 .539 672 8.361 8361 The desgnated fvnd represeftts StAidan's contritrli ttr•ds cort ofthe emFIryMt clddren and families wwker& TheAudio WLsual Fund was frytl ccsts cl maintsirirq avJKirysual sYStem for 5treanNrq ser¥i The Chlklren and Families Wcrter Fur#J rwesertsgrants recei¥J towardsthe cost ofthe empkryment ofthe chldrèn and farrilies work
hi Notes t the ated FInala1 S atements f r Ended 310ecember 2024 cont'd lumba's ummar d Actoun 2023 Totol UnrestrKted Funds General De4nated Restricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 20,772 Planned gMnB and Ser¥e collectTrcffis 3.484 Donations and grants 4,899 Grft aid redaimed 5LXI Legacies 5.067 Fundraiyni 7.250 Othei receipts 21.768 1.372 21,768 1,372 400 4.246 9.356 4.246 9.356 41,974 Total Recelpts 42,742 42,742 Pa ments 30.cw Parish share O Mission gNing and doThation5 13,754 Church acttvrtes and expenses and other payments 6,313 Major capital expendr(ure 30,() 16.998 635 17.598 635 50.067 Totsl Payments 47.683 48,283 4.093 Exces5 of Receipts over Payment5 Ibelore tran5fer51 4.941 -5.541 O Trènders between funds 77.396 8alance blf at l January 55.422 10.735 3.146 69.303 69.303 Balance clf at 31 Detember 50.481 10.135 3.146 63.762 In addib.on to the income recorded above, £1.049 wa5 received in special colleciirns and services and paid over to other chariknes and missions. This sum is èxduded from the accounts in attordance wrth Church of England guidance. BalarKe blf Receipts Payments Transfers Balance cn De4nated Fund5: Parish Misslon Magazine Church Windows 3,335 3.335 IAC4) 10.735 -600 10.135 RÈstrirt@d Funds: Organ fund Youth Work New Testaments Chapel Fund 587 587 96 1.863 3.146 96 1,863 3.146
Notes to thè aied Finantial Statements for thè Yèar EndÈd 310etembet 2024 cont, St Cuthbervs (KC $wnMased Afcownls 2023 Unrestri¢ted Funds General Designated Rèstrirted Fund5 TOTAL Totol FUNDS Recei 7,926 Planned gin¥ and ser¥7 collection5 382 Donation5 and grants 1979 Gift aid reclaimed O Legacies 2.049 Fundraisine 407 Other retèipts 8J>52 852 2.262 1262 1.636 l.fa6 L166 326 12,744 Toial f¢eteipts ,791 326 13,116 Pa ments 5.LXXI Par15h share 120 Mission giwng and donations 5.960 Church activite5 and expensesand other Pants Malor capital expenditure 120 120 8,291 3,2( ILOW Totsl Payments 12,721 16.611 1.66rf Net Rec•pts/lPayments) 70 44.068 Balante blf at l January 13,689 32,043 45,732 45.732 Baance clf at 31 December 13.759 28/479 42,237 Detalls of St Cuthbert's restricted fvnd& Balance blf Receipts Payments Transfers 8alance Restricted Fund: Building and RestoraOn fvnd 31043 326 28A79 The Builthne and Restoration fund derivesfrom a restrKte(I legacy re¢eNed in 2015.
Th• P•rc¢hi•l Chur¢h C¢)yn¢il of th• T••m P•rish 4)f Christ th• Kin N•w¢•stl• Notos to tho re ated Financial Statèments for the Year Ended 31 Dècembèr 2024 eont'd St Mtth•w's DCC Summarls•d Attounts 2023 Total Unrestricted Funds General Designated Restiicted Funds TOTAL FUNDS Recei 12,118 Planned gin8 and service collections 2,239 Donattons and grants 2,669 Gift aid reclaimed O Legacies 3,947 Fundraisin8 3.248 Other receipts 12.484 12,484 2,IC 3,264 3,264 3,515 3,515 3.336 273 24,221 Total Receipts 24,427 273 24,7 ments I2,( Parish share 903 Mission giving and donations 15,495 Church activites and expenses other payments O Major capital experbditure io,( io.oc 17,014 17,014 28,398 Total Payments 27.314 27.314 4,177 Net Receipts/lPaymentsl 273 -2.614 96,659 Balance blf at l January 7,326 85,156 92,482 92,482 Balancè tlf at 31 Dt¢èmbtr 85A28 89,868 Details of St Matthew's restricted funds= Balance blf Receipts Payments Transfers Balance clf Restricted Fund= Building and Fabric fund 85,156 273 85,428 The Buildin8 and Fabric fund derives from a restricted le8acy received in 2015.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST THE KING, DIOCESE OF NEWCASTLE I report on the financial statenEnts for the year ended 31 December 2024, prepared on a receipts and payments basts. Respective responsibilltles of members and examiner The members of the Parcchial Church Council (PCC) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and consider that an audrt is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities t 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed Having sab'sfied myself that the tharity not subjec to audrt and Is elyible for independent examination, it is my responsitry'lty to". examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act" to frillow the procedures la drmn in the 9eneral Directions given by the Chanty Commission under section 145{5){b) of the Chaiities Art and to state whether particular mattets have come to ry attts"0n. Basis of independent examlnerfs roport My ex£mination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Chanty Commission An examinats.on includes a review of the acc£AJnting records kept by the PCC and a Companson of the accounts presented wrth those reoyds. It also includes consKleration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanab'ons from the trustees conMIng any such matters The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and nseqUentlY no opinion is given as to whether the accnts present a 'true and fair, view and the port is limtted to those matters set out In the statement below. Independent examinofs statement In connection wrth my examination, no matter has to rry attention to indicate that: accounts'ng records have not been kept in accordance with sectK)n 130 of the Charities Act 2011., the accounts do not ac(XXd such records any matterwhich the examiner belves should be drawn to the ation of the r&*ler to gain a proper understanding of the ar%ounts. Paul Newbold BFP FCA 4 Lansdowne Terrace Gosforth Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE3 1HN