2025-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Thomas' Stopsley

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St Thomas’s, Stopsley Seeking to Share God’s Love

Annual Reports For Annual Church Meeting 2026

Welcome!

Welcome to our Reports for the Annual Church Meeting 2026. It is wonderful to have you as part of our Church Family, and thank you for reading through these reports and (hopefully) attending our APCM this year. If you have any queries or comments please raise them at the meeting, or mention them privately if you prefer to me or one of the Wardens of Church Council (PCC) members. There is also a slip at the end of this document.

As we meet together it is important to honour one another in the life of our church family and especially all those who do so much to care for members and to reach out to our community, and beyond, with the food news of Jesus. We are truly called to seek to share God’s love with everyone!

Let us be praying … that together we might be the Church God wants us to be, and the Church that Stopsley needs.

Welcome, indeed.

David Alexander (Vicar)

St Thomas’s, Stopsley Parish Profile & Mission Action Plan

Mission Statement: Seeking to Share God’s Love.

We seek to be a Mission-orientated evangelistic church, intent on sharing God’s love with all in our local community, and beyond.
We aim to reach out in love to all we can, witnessing for Christ through word and action.
We wish to be a welcoming community in all we do.
We offer a wide range of worship styles, including established services and Fresh Expressions for those presently unchurched and newcomers.
We are aware of our need to be prayerful, seeking the power of the Holy Spirit .
We value being taught from the Scriptures , desiring that they are expounded in a relevant and inspirational way.
We endeavour to be a pastoral church, caring for the Church family and any others we can.
We are a servant church seeking to serve people in our community and town, and further afield, in practical and caring ways in the name of Jesus.
We prize our history and are forward-looking in faith to what God will do through us in the future.
We are a friendly church, valuing fellowship, eating together, homegroups and hospitality.

SOME PARISH DETAILS

Population : 10,000 approx. (This figure gives some idea of the ‘pastoral area’ for our church, rather than exact count of the population).

Location : North East area of Luton, at the boundary with Herts. The parish includes the wards of Stopsley and Putteridge. The busy A505 from Luton to Hitchin runs through the parish and separates the church geographically from much of the rest of the parish.

Type[s] of housing : Mainly owner occupied, with some rented accommodation, and pockets of housing association or council property.

Community facilities : Two high schools, two primary schools, one special needs school, and a large sports complex with Olympic swimming and diving facilities.

History of the community : In 1862, when the church was built, Stopsley was a village. Over the years since then Luton has gradually swallowed it up and it is now a suburb of the town. Some of the major employers of people in the community over the past 100 years have closed or declined in size, but employment remains fairly high. The airport and the car industry are major employers.

Parish boundaries: No longer quite the same natural cohesive community that it once was but boundaries mainly make sense except confusing boundary on Ramridge Estate with St. Francis.

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PARTNERSHIP IN WORSHIP, MISSION & MINISTRY

We are active participants in the Luton Deanery in working together in mission to our town of Luton.

In the early 1990’s we planted Christchurch, Bushmead, a thriving church largely within what was the much larger former parish of Stopsley.

Other Christian Churches : we have a good friendly relationship with Stopsley Baptist Church and Ramridge Baptist Church with whom we have co-operated on various events and projects. SBC has a much bigger congregation, and with its better facilities and style of worship it attracts younger people and people from a wider area. We have different styles of worship but complement one another in our evangelistic task. We have friendly relations with Sacred Heart (RC). Ministers are involved in local and town wide fraternals, and we also participate in a local evangelical hub for prayer and mission, and a similar but larger grouping for the whole town.

Annual Parish Report on 2025 (Prepared for AGM 2026)

by Stopsley (St Thomas) Parish Church Council (PCC)

Charity Number: 1175152

Background – What is the PCC? Stopsley Parish Church P.C.C. has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend David Alexander, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish of Stopsley the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Our Parish Mission Statement is as follows: Seeking to share God's love with everyone.

Membership – Who is on the PCC? Members of the P.C.C are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Church Meeting (properly known as the Annual Parochial Church Meeting) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During 2025 (after the 2025 AGM) the following served as members of the P. C. C:

Ex-officio Members

David Alexander (Vicar, Chairman)
Churchwarden – Natasha Cole
Churchwarden – vacant

Elected Lay Representatives (We are entitled to 12 elected representatives)

(The rules state: 6 reps if up to 50 on the Electoral roll

9 reps if up to 100 on the Electoral roll

12 reps if up to 200 on the Electoral roll

15 reps if over 200 on the Electoral roll)

Elected Year Elected Term of Office Term Ends

1 Linda Clitheroe 2023 3yr 2026
2 John Kingham 2024 2yr 2026
3 Ian Marshall 2025 1yr 2026
4 Vacant - - 2026
5 Deborah Bachini 2024 3yr 2027
6 Mary Godfrey 2025 2yr 2027

7 Debbie Newbound 2024 3yr 2027

8 Neil Rolls 2024 3yr 2027

9 Vacant - - 2028

10 Julie Bailey 2025 3yr 2028

11 Bev Rolls 2025 3yr 2028

12 Amanda Heffernan 2025 3yr 2028

Elected Representatives on Deanery Synod** (automatically also serve on the PCC)

1 Christine Younger 2023 3yr 2026

2 Steve Dolby 2023 3yr 2026

3 Vacant - - 2026

** We have between 100-199 names on our electoral roll and so are entitled to 3 Elected Deanery Synod Representatives. NB Clergy of the church also serve on the Deanery Synod

Co-opted PCC Member(s) Jennifer Obinna

Elections at 2026 AGM

We are very appreciative of the significant contributions of the PCC members coming to the end of their period of office. Under the present rules in place for our PCC, elected members who have served for 3 years, apart from ‘office holders'*, are not eligible for re-election until 12 months after the end of their term of office.

Served for 3 years:

Linda Clitheroe*

Served for 2 years, and coming to end of period of office. Eligible to stand for 1 year:

John Kingham (Elected for 2 years in 2024)

Ian Marshall (Elected for 1 year in both 2024 and 2025)

Served for 1 year, and coming to end of period of office. Eligible to stand for 2 years:

Nil

(Any names marked * are eligible for re-election as they are office holders)

There will be elections for the following positions: 4 PCC member(s) to serve for 3 years to 2029

0 PCC member(s) to serve for 2 years to 2028

1 PCC member(s) to serve for 1 year to 2027

3 Deanery Synod member(s) to serve to 2029

Committees - Standing Committee The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law, and is our only official committee. It has power to transact the business of the P.C.C between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the council. In the past we also have had a number of ‘Action Church Teams’ (ACTs) that organise activities, or discuss matters, as directed by the P.C.C. and Vicar.

PCC Electoral Roll Report There are 111 (this is presently being compiled for the AGM) parishioners now on the Church Electoral Roll. This represents a change of +/-X from the previous year’s ACM Electoral Roll. There have been new members, and others have left the roll - changes due to new church attendees, parishioners moving, changing church, death or people who live outside the parish and no longer regularly attend St Thomas's.

PCC Review of the Year

We want to stress the importance of all being welcomed into a safe place, and the crucial role of safeguarding. We have worked hard to complete all the training provided by the diocese and national authorities, and all proper procedures and governance. We place a very high priority on excellence in this area and are working hard to constantly improve this aspect of our church’s life. If anyone has any safeguarding concerns they should speak

urgently to our Safeguarding Officer Linda Clitheroe, or the Vicar David Alexander, and we are delighted to welcome Julie Bailey to this team.

It has been a joy to continue to receive the ministry of Steve Dolby, our Lay Reader. We are very grateful for him and all his hard work in the services at Church, and also in the Deanery.

We are thankful for the wonderful pastoral support offered by David Newbound as Pastoral Worker and Debbie Newbound as Parish Nurse. This work has expanded in various ways, including the Well Being Coffee Mornings, the Monday Friendship meetings, Twins Group, Cancer Support and various other community groups supporting wellbeing and health.

We are also very grateful for Guy Clark, our Administrator, and all the work he does in the Church Office.

We were delighted when Anne Abok joined us as Curate in June 2025. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer not long after starting this ministry and we have sought to support her during this very difficult time. We continue to pray for her and hope she may recover her health and return to her ministry.

We have continued to livestream our Daily Prayers. We also livestream all our services from the church building. We are grateful to all who make this possible, especially John Pinnock and Rosemary Stipta. We have also worked hard at producing a weekly email to keep people in touch via a mailing list.

A priority continues to be care for, and support of one another, and for those we can in our local community. Thank you for all the ways in which each person has contributed to this.

The Sunday Club continues to blossom and everyone at the 10am Service enjoys the children sharing what they have been learning each week. Thank you to the children and to their leaders for all their creative hard work.

In 2024 we started the Wednesday Evening Gathering when people can join us for a meal, some worship, and to choose one of the streams: Bible Explored and Spirituality Explored.

During the year we have, as a church family, enjoyed many wonderful services and activities. We have also made many attempts to reach out to our community, not least in many acts of service and kindness shown by individual members. Another key part of our outreach has been our chaplaincy work in the community, working together with Stopsley Baptist Church in this.

The ‘homegroup’ and the Christianity Explored groups, and the Wednesday Gathering nurture fellowship and spiritual growth. This is a significant part of our church life and very important for future growth.

We continue to seek to give a warm welcome to visitors to the Church. Much effort and preparation is given to provide services that develop further an atmosphere of welcome. We particularly organised special events to welcome people over Christmas, Easter, Remembrance and throughout the year. We have enjoyed social activities that enhance our welcome to people.

Baptism policy for children offers a choice between a ‘Thanksgiving Service’ to families who want to have a celebration service in Church but who do not intend coming to Church

regularly, and Baptism for those families willing to undertake preparation to make the commitment involved in that service (please see the vicar if you are interested in this). Thanksgivings are generally held after the usual services and Baptisms are held during the main Sunday Service. We also provide preparation for weddings. The weddings themselves appeared to be thoroughly enjoyed by the couples and their guests. Although both christenings and weddings have diminished in number over the years, as they have elsewhere, these continue to be an excellent opportunity to provide a good witness for the Church, alongside our funeral ministry.

Thanks are due to John Alexander, our Director of Music, who plays our church organ and keyboard, and has provided music recordings for when he is unavailable. We are grateful to all who have helped with the maintenance of the Church and Churchyard, especially Ian Clitheroe, and those who clean our Church, and to the flower arrangers. Their hard work enhances our worship.

The witness of individuals in their community, work and leisure environments remain vital for our evangelistic mission. We have also been keen to support the World-wide Church, particularly focussed through our links with ‘Hands of Mercy’ in the Philippines. Our Church has been open for prayer and visitors during weekday mornings. We served the community in caring for bereaved people at the time of funerals and welcome them to an annual commemoration service, as well as other services.

Communications within the Church are enhanced through the website and ‘A Church Near You’ advertising of events and our weekly email newsheet, the details of which are also projected onto the Church screen. Communications with the wider parish through our magazine is greatly appreciated by large numbers inside and outside of the Church family. Our thanks to the editorial team for all their hard work in producing our magazine.

We have continued to run our Stewardship Scheme. We are grateful to everyone who respond to stewardship initiatives, and all the Finance Team, our Treasurer, Neil Rolls, and our Stewardship Secretary, Les Sims, and the skilled help of Sarah Vyvyan. Full details of the finances are provided in the relevant reports and the presentation at the AGM.

We wish to thank many, both Church members and others, who have contributed to the ongoing work of the Church in the last year. We are also very appreciative of the sacrificial work of our Churchwarden, Natasha. The PCC wishes to thank all those who contributed to the services: as sanctuary assistants, servers, sidesmen/women, readers and intercessors, not forgetting all who provided welcome refreshments after the morning service and on other important occasions, and also to those who have helped provide such excellent food at various events and meetings.

We are grateful for God’s faithfulness in the past, and the present and look forward to the future with confident hope in God as we share His love together.

David Alexander, Vicar . On behalf of the P.C.C

Warden’s Report

A year in her keeping begins with the keys, cold brass in her palm as she walks through the breeze. The churchyard awaits her: the weeding, the mowing, the ivy that creeps when no one is knowing. Neighbours complain—“It’s on my fence again!”— she smiles, breathes deep, and counts to ten.

The quinquennial report looms large in her mind, chasing surveyors who are never on time. Cracks in the sanctuary wall appear in the drought, and she prays for the rain as she measures them out.

Sunday brings rhythm: the readings, the greeting, the counting of collections, the welcomers meeting. The doors—freshly treated—swing open with grace, as she ushers the faithful into their place.

Then Christmas arrives in a twinkling glow, trees dressed in splendour, row upon row. She shepherds the festival with laughter and tea, and wonders how many lights one socket can see.

June 29th brings a curate, appointed with joy, celebrated with hymns that the rafters enjoy. And off to St Albans she travels with pride, for Anne’s ordination—she beams by her side.

A milestone of joy fills the church with delight— Rev. David’s three decades of faithful, steadfast light. Thirty years shepherding, guiding, and prayer, celebrated with stories, and tones of “COYH”, in sermons are heard.

The visitation comes, as it faithfully must, clipboards and questions, polish and dust. Yet through every season, each task, every chore, she serves with a love that grows more and more.

For a year in her life is a tapestry spun of faith, of resilience, of work never done— and still she stands steady, her lantern held high, a warden, a guardian, beneath God’s wide sky.

Thank you one and all for the work and support you selflessly give to our church, week in week out. Our church would not thrive as it does without the offers of help, your time and talent.

Natasha Cole

Administrators report

I cannot believe I have been here for a year. It seems to have passed very quickly. Most importantly, it has been a pleasure to get to know the people at St Thomas’s. The warmth, support, and dedication of this community have made my transition seamless and deeply rewarding.

I am finding the role to be very varied and enjoyable. The responsibilities span practical fabric maintenance to vital pastoral care. No two days are alike, and the workload generally falls into two core categories

Building and Fabric Management: Ensuring the safety and preservation of our physical structure. This hands-on work has included tasks such as being up a ladder to check the roof and consistently monitoring cracks in the building.

Occasional Offices and Liturgical Planning: managing life events for the community. This involves arranging Weddings and Funerals, ensuring families are supported through moments of both great joy and deep grief.

The first year has provided a solid foundation and a clear understanding of the parish's operational and pastoral needs. In the coming year, I look forward to deepening these relationships, continuing the stewardship of our historic building, and serving the congregation of St Thomas’s

Guy Clark

Deanery Synod Report

David Kesterton, who served as Luton’s Area Dean for several years, retired last July. At present, Revd Josias de Souza (Vicar of St Francis) and Revd Anne Crosby (Vicar of St Anne’s) are serving as Acting Area Deans for Luton

.Over the past two years, David Kesterton worked closely with Stephen Moore, Diocesan Programme Manager for Growing Younger and More Diverse, to develop a funding bid to the national church. This was submitted in October 2025 and has been a major focus of the Deanery’s life.

We are pleased to share that this bid has been successful, and work is now moving into the planning and implementation stage. This work is rooted in the vision of “Growing Younger and More Diverse”—recognising both the context of Luton and the opportunity before us. The Deanery has been exploring how our churches can better engage with children, young people, and the rich cultural diversity of our town.

This includes developing new ways of working together, sharing resources, and exploring missional roles across the Deanery, particularly in areas such as youth ministry, intercultural engagement, and community outreach.

There is also a growing desire to strengthen relationships between parishes, encouraging mutual support and a deeper sense of shared mission across Luton. .We continue to pray for wisdom as this next phase develops, and that together we may see new disciples made and our churches strengthened in mission and unity.

Revd Josias de Souza Vicar St Francis Acting -Co-Area dean Luton Deanery

With thanks to Rev Josias de Souza for sharing his report above.

Steve Dolby – Synod representative

Hands of Mercy insert for St. Thomas’ AGM Report 2025 (written in 2026)

We are really grateful to St. Thomas’ Church for all your support for Hands of Mercy. Through your help, we are restoring hope to some of the poorest families in the Philippines. We do this through practical programmes of support, e.g. in education and feeding, whilst sharing about God’s love.

Where we work and our programmes

We operate in nine urban poor communities, eight in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila and one in Baguio, Banguet (about 155 miles north of Manila). Through our supporters, we provide a number of compassion programmes with our most supported programmes being the Family Support Programme (FSP), the Child Sponsorship Programme (CSP) and the Supplementary Feeding Programme (SFP).

How your support changes lives

Sponsors provide life-saving food to a family each month (FSP) or help a child to break the cycle of poverty by sponsoring their education (CSP). Other supporters enable children to eat a nutritious meal four days a week or give a gift to wherever it is needed the most (which can be for medicine, surgery, disabled therapy or home repairs).

Living conditions in the squatter communities are very difficult. Families try to survive on barely a few pounds a day, not always knowing whether they’ll have enough for the next meal. They face the constant threat of ill-health, battling with intense heat and the risk of flooding through typhoons. Your support makes a real practical difference to families and children living in these conditions and helps to restore hope, dignity and purpose.

We started in 1997, with a sponsor for just one child, and we have grown and expanded since then, with hundreds of sponsors over the years investing in the lives of children and families. More than 95% of the money we raise goes directly to the Philippines (we keep our admin costs in the UK really low)!

The impact that you make comes through from what our beneficiaries say:

“For me, Hands of Mercy is truly God’s way of reaching out to people in need. It is not just a programme – it is a living proof of His love and compassion. Hands of Mercy has been a great blessing to families like ours who struggle financially. There was a time when I felt hopeless because I did not know how I could support my children’s education. I worried everyday about their future. But through the Child Sponsorship Programme, my child with special needs was given a sponsor until he finishes high school. It was a huge relief for our family.” Remy, Hands of Mercy beneficiary and team member

“The Child Sponsorship Programme has helped me a lot in my studies since I was in elementary school and until my college now. It has been a bridge for me to fulfil my dreams little by little. That’s why I am grateful for this programme of Hands of Mercy because many young people are being helped and given the hope and a future.” Jerome, Hands of Mercy beneficiary

Hands of Mercy has also started its own water filtering business in recent years, called Icthus. We are delighted that we have been able to build a good customer base and through this, Icthus provides jobs to people in the squatter communities as well as sponsors two children through the Child Sponsorship Programme.

Thank you again St. Thomas’ for your care, love and support. We couldn’t do this without you!

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about Hands of Mercy, we have a quarterly prayer diary (email or post) where you can learn more about what’s happening in Hands of Mercy and receive prayer topics each month (see the contact details below).

You can also get involved with sponsoring a child, family or the work generally. If you would like to get involved, it would be great to hear from you! Denise, our administrator, is on-hand with more information and she can be contacted via info@handsofmercyph.org or 07467 127023.

Thank you again St. Thomas’. “Pagpalain ka ng diyos” (God bless you) for the year ahead!

Samantha,

Chair, Hands of Mercy International

Children receiving gifts at a Hands of Mercy Christmas Party

Some of the children sponsored through the Child Sponsorship Programme

Home Groups

St Thomas’ Home Group which comprises a small friendly bunch of people who meet weekly in a home blend bible studies, prayer and fellowship. A great trust has developed over the years and helps to encourage growth in spirituality and dependence on prayer and mutual understanding and support.

New members are always welcome and don’t have to make a long term commitment. We suggest giving us a try for a term and then make a decision. There will never be any judgement.

We do hope you’ll give it a go.

Ian Marshall

Messenger Magazine

Gail and I produce the Messenger magazine on a monthly basis. We take it in turns each month. We deliver approximately 60 copies around the Parish to our housebound or less able church members. There are usually a number placed in church too. Please feel free to pick up a copy, if you wish. We have to get them printed externally at a cost, so although we do not have a price tag on the magazine, we appreciate any donations towards this expense. We do get favourable comments about the magazine and we hope you enjoy reading it. We would be delighted if anyone would like to contribute, with an article of any sort. We can also print advertisements, at a small cost. Please let us know what you think of the magazine and of anyways we could improve it. Thanks you.

Linda Clitheroe and Gail Sexton

Parish Nurse

I have served since 2019 and over this last year I was given long service award ,I have established more groups, meeting the needs of st Thomas Church and wider community working also with SBC where i run a health hub once a month on a Thursday Im now in partnership with Equality care and their local prescriber My groups running are Well being coffee morning Alzheimers support Twin group Cancer support Twin group Friendship cafe Also my clinic on a Wednesday All are running successfully

Debbie Newbound Parish nurse

Pastoral Care Report

Director of Pastoral Care Report – ACGM 2026

Introduction

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of serving both our church family and the wider community as Director of Pastoral Care at St Thomas Church. It has been a year marked by connection, compassion, and the quiet but profound work of walking alongside others in times of need.

Summary of the Year

I am deeply grateful for the generosity, kindness, and prayerful support I have received throughout this ministry. Pastoral care is never a solitary task—it is something we share together as the body of Christ.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Rev David Alexander, Rev Anne Abok, Debbie Newbound, Natasha Cole, Guy Clark, Neil Rolls, the PCC, and every member of our church family for your encouragement, trust, and practical support.

Working closely with the Vicar and the Parish Nurse, we have been able to respond to the needs within our church community while also extending care to families, friends, neighbours, and those in the wider community. It has been encouraging to see how this ministry continues to grow both within and beyond our church walls.

I would also like to gently remind everyone that confidentiality remains central to pastoral care. In line with GDPR and safeguarding responsibilities, personal details cannot be shared. Any necessary information is only communicated with the Vicar or relevant professionals directly involved in providing appropriate care and support.

Looking Forward

As I look ahead to the coming year, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving in this role. The ministry of presence remains at the heart of pastoral care through home communion, home visiting, hospital and hospice visiting, and community chaplaincy.

At the heart of pastoral care is what is often called the ministry of presence . This is the simple yet profound calling to be with people—to accompany them in their joys, their uncertainties, their suffering, and their everyday lives.

It is not primarily about having the right words or answers. Rather, it is about offering attentive presence: listening without judgement, sitting in silence when needed, and bearing witness to another person’s story with compassion and care. In a world that often feels hurried and distracted, this kind of presence becomes a powerful expression of God’s love.

The ministry of presence takes many forms within our church and community. It is seen in home communion, where we bring not only the sacrament but also fellowship and connection to those who are unable to attend church. It is found in home visits, where a listening ear and a shared moment can ease loneliness or anxiety. It continues in hospital and hospice visiting, where simply being alongside someone—sometimes in silence—can offer comfort and reassurance in times of vulnerability.

It also extends into our wider community through chaplaincy, where we meet people where they are, often beyond the familiar spaces of church life. Here, presence becomes a quiet but steady witness to God’s compassion, offered without expectation and received in trust.

At its core, this ministry reflects the way of Christ, who walked alongside people, met them in their need, and revealed God’s love through presence as much as through words. As we continue to grow in this calling, we do so together—supporting one another as a church family, and seeking to be a compassionate and faithful presence in the lives of others.

I look forward to continuing to work alongside Rev David Alexander, Rev Anne Abok, Debbie Newbound, Steve Dolby, Natasha Cole, and others, as together we seek to support and care for those entrusted to us.

Conclusion

It is a privilege to share in this ministry with you all. I look forward with hope to all that we will continue to share together in the year ahead, trusting in God’s guidance as we serve one another and our community with compassion and grace.

David Newbound Director or Pastoral Care

Safeguarding Report

Safeguarding in church covers several areas. Firstly DBS clearance required for all who work with our children’s groups, PCC, Pastoral worker and Parish Nurse. DBS checks have to be completed every three years, so we need to make sure these are kept up to date. Secondly, we all have training requirements, so the safeguarding team oversee all of this too. Thirdly, we try to make sure the whole church is aware of Church of England Safeguarding codes of practice, and that the correct signage is displayed. We also revisit all of the Policies annually for the PCC to approve. We have regular meetings to discuss the above matters and matters arising, and safeguarding awareness is a regular item on our PCC agenda.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly we are available to everyone, should they have a safeguarding or potential safeguarding concern. To keep us all safe, we ask that any concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem, are reported to one of us. We will deal with any concerns confidentially and meeting the correct procedure as required by St Albans Diocese and the Church of England.

Linda Clitheroe, Parish Safeguarding Officer

Revd David Alexander, Vicar

Stewardship Report

The year 2025 has been a difficult year, which has affected all of us in various ways. Consequently, I wish to thank everyone who has faithfully been committed to supporting our Church during the financial year (2025).

As at 31st. December, 2025 the membership of the Scheme was 64. (couples count as one). A net increase of 5 from the previous year. An encouraging sign.

As you can appreciate, with increased running costs year on year, regular stewardship giving and donations are very important. This is because St. Thomas’s costs exceed its income for the 7th. year in succession. Legacy monies, which should be put aside to maintain the fabric of the Church and for emergencies, are being used to make up the deficit. The deficits for the previous THREE years have been over £30,000 each year. Eventually, this source will run out.

However, stewardship is not only about money, it is also about giving time and practical help to St. Thomas’s Church. There is always a need for Sunday Club helpers, refreshment volunteers, and also cleaners, litter pickers and people to carry out odd jobs, etc. The list is endless. If you are in a position to help, please talk to the Administrator in the Parish Office.

Lastly, I would ask that you take this opportunity to pray and reflect on your giving. If you would like to join the Stewardship Scheme and make regular donations please ask me, the Treasurer or the Parish Administrator for details. Finally, I would ask all of you to consider making a legacy in your will for St. Thomas’s Church.

Remember: THE LORD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.

Leslie Sims

Stewardship Secretary

Sunday Club Review

St Thomas’s Sunday Club continues to meet every Sunday. The first Sunday of each month we meet and worship together in church as part of the all-age service, every other Sunday we meet in the hall. While in the hall the children get the opportunity talk, worship and grow in a child friendly safe space exploring their own faith and sharing with other members of the church’s youth whilst completing activities and crafts to enhance their learning.

We have a solid core of 15 – 20 children and regular attendance of 6-8 children each week. The children have taken part in 3 community events this year where they have given their time to the church, Sunday Club and the wider community during the nativity, the tree festival and the Easter breakfast.

Both the tree festival and the Easter breakfast events have helped to raise some funds to enable us to keep supporting the children, all other funding for Sunday club activities is donated directly by the leadership team.

In addition to the 2 fundraising, community giving events the Sunday club leaders have organised the parish BBQ and the Epiphany party.

The parish BBQ was a great success and was well attended by not only the children but the church family as a whole, great food, fun, games, a scavenger hunt and a wonderful opportunity for the church family to come together.

The Epiphany party was another great success where the children and their parents were encouraged to bring a friend and join us for a fun afternoon. Held in January, a chance to relax and enjoy time together after the busy Christmas period.

I would like to finish this year’s report with some thanks.

Thanks to the whole church for your support, the smiles and encouragement you show each week when the children choose to share with you all what we have been doing. Thanks for the kindness you show, making sure that the children know church is a safe space where they can feel comfortable and that they are truly part of the whole church family.

Thanks to our helpers, Barbara, Linda C, Lorraine, Linda W, Amanda, Ian and a special welcome to our newest helper Alice, you are all amazing and make it all possible. As always if anyone would like to join our team of helpers we are always in need of more support.

Thanks to the children, who every week get out of bed, leave the phones and tablets at home to join us, participate, share their thoughts, experiences, you are all the real stars without you there would not be a Sunday club at all.

The Sunday Club Leaders Sara, Ruth & Karen

Treasurer’s Annual Report

Financial Review

Incoming and outgoing resources

Total receipts were £105,369 and are detailed in the Financial Report.

The planned giving, including the Gift Day, through envelopes and banker’s orders increased by £41. It was good to see the use of Gift Aid through the Parish Giving Scheme which avoids bank charges on cash/envelope donations. Our total voluntary income including tax recovered, but excluding legacies, increased by 6%.

The PCC was grateful to receive a legacy of £17,166 from the estate of David White and £2,500 from the Estate of Hazel Alcock.

Sharing the ministry costs of the Diocese of St Albans

The largest expenditure of the PCC was the sum of £63,635 paid to the diocese for our share of all churches’ Parish Ministry Costs. This year the contribution from St Thomas’s increased by 0.2% on the previous year and the church is meeting 100% of these costs.

The total relates directly to the housing, support, stipend and pension costs of the clergy of this parish, training of new ordinands, a contribution to national church funds and, shared costs of the Christian family throughout the whole diocese, including assistance towards the upkeep of churches less able to manage than ourselves.

Staff costs

The PCC pays for the Administrator who deals with the running of the Church Office and Director of Pastoral Care.

Trustee payments and expenses

The PCC also supported the clergy by paying annual costs towards travel, hospitality, telephone, postage and broadband amounting to £5,213.

One other trustee received £477 for telephone, insurance and travelling bills.

The Director of Pastoral Care received payments of £503 for telephone and travelling bills and is related to or connected to, the trustees.

Office costs

The PCC also approved the purchase of a replacement projector, costing £638 and a replacement printer costing £246

Money in reserve

It is PCC policy to invest temporarily surplus general funds with Barclays Bank, returning proportionately these funds to our current account, as they are needed, to pay day-to-day bills. This year £84,947 was invested temporarily on 31st December.

Future uncertainties

The deficit for the year is a concern, but we hope to increase regular giving via a Stewardship campaign to ensure we are in a strong position to meet regular commitments. It

is important to ensure that as the day-to-day costs rise, the growth in income is sustained through renewed giving pledges, to strengthen our underlying financial position. This will enable further improvements to be made to the fabric of our Church.

Gift Days regularly take place to emphasis God's generosity to the congregation and encourage the congregation to respond to that generosity in their giving through time, talents and money, as they are able.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express thanks to the people who help with the handling of the Church Cash and Accounting; Deborah Bachini who helps count and record the Collections at each Service; Les Sims who deals with the envelope giving and gift aid return; and Godfrey Laws who has operated the Church PAYE scheme and who performed the Independent Examination of our 2025 Accounts.

Neil Rolls

(Hon. Treasurer St Thomas’ PCC) 31 May 2026

Comments and Questions for the AGM or PCC or Vicar.

Any Comment:

Any Question:

Diocese of St Albans

Parish of St Thomas Stopsley

Seeking to share God’s love

Minutes of the Annual Church Meeting held on Sunday 18[th] May 2025

At 11.30am in the Church

Present:

David Alexander (Vicar and Chairman)

Neil Rolls (Treasurer)

And 38 other parishioners.

2024.1 Welcome and Prayers

The Vicar opened the meeting by welcoming all and explaining the need to use microphones if anyone wished to speak – there was a handheld microphone that could be passed around. He then opened the meeting with a couple of verses from Romans 1, followed by prayer.

2024.2 Election of Secretary for the Meeting

Rosemary Stipta was proposed as secretary and elected unanimously.

2024.3 Apologies

Apologies were received from Jane Alexander, Lorraine Parsons Pinnock and Kerri Green.

2024.4 Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting on Sunday 12[th] May 2024

were duly agreed.

2024.5 Matters Arising from the Minutes

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS OF STOPSLEY

2024.6 Election of Churchwardens

Natasha Cole was nominated by Steve Dolby and seconded by Deborah Bachini. No other nominations so Natasha was duly elected. David also took this opportunity to thank Deborah Bachini who is retiring from her post as Church Administrator and will be very much missed. Her replacement is Guy Clark. Deborah was presented with a bouquet and gift vouchers. Deborah thanked everyone. Also David thanked Maggie Green for all she does in the kitchen for us and Debbie Newbound echoed the thanks as Maggie was presented with flowers. Natasha also presented David with flowers for Jane with our grateful thanks.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

2024.7 Vicar’s Report !

The Vicar opened by asking people to turn to their neighbour (in twos or threes) and talk of what you think are important ways we should think about in our life at St Thomas’s and how we can improve. He thanked lots of people including Jane, Steve Dolby, David Newbound, Natasha. David said we do need to be thinking over the current year about our finances and how we can improve that situation. He also thanked Linda Clitheroe as our Safeguarding Officer and urged everyone to be very aware of safeguarding issues. He said we were looking forward to welcoming Anne Abok as our Curate soon. Finally David mentioned a typo in the report and said the electoral roll figure should actually be 111, not as printed.

2024.8 PCC Report

The PCC report has been circulated and those present were encouraged to read it at their leisure.

2024.9 Finance Matters

David handed over to Neil Rolls who presented the financial report along with some illustrative slides. David then thanked Neil for all his hard work. Amanda mentioned EasyFundraising and was thanked for this. Acceptance of the accounts was proposed and

agreed unanimously. Godfrey Laws proposed as independent auditor - all agreed. Les Sims was thanked for all his stewardship help.

2024.10 Annual Reports

These were circulated before the meeting., all encouraged to read through

2024.11 Elections for PCC and Deanery Synod

Steve Dolby and Christine Younger are members of Deanery Synod, still one vacancy if anyone would like to volunteer.

People finishing their time on PCC this year are Rosemary Stipta, Mary Godfrey and Ian Marshall. David reminded that one of the rulings is that when someone gets to the end of their period, they should take a break for one year.

PCC elections for this year:

2 years – Mary Godfrey, proposed by Steve Dolby, seconded by Christine Younger
3 years – Julie Bailey, proposed by Deborah Bachini, seconded by John Kingham
3 years – Bev Rolls, proposed by Doris Collum, seconded by Les Sims
3 years – Amanda Heffernan, proposed by Barbara Edlin, seconded by Michael Knight
2 years – Clive Wheeler, proposed by Rosemary Stipta, seconded by David Stipta
1 year – Richard Garwood, proposed by Deborah Bachini, seconded by Karen Ritchie
1 year – Ian Marshall proposed by Steve Dolby, seconded by Amanda Heffernan

All of these are elected unopposed. The next PCC is on 9[th] June and all the above are invited to attend.

2024.12 Any Other Business

John K – thanks to David Alexander, Neil Rolls and Les Sims for all their hard work.

2024.13 Date of Next PCC Meeting

Monday 9[th] June.

David Alexander thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting in prayer.

AGENDA

Stopsley Parish Church ACM 2026

31 May 2026, After 10:30am Service in the Church

1) Welcome and Prayer

2) Election of Secretary for the Meeting

3) Apologies

4) Minutes of the previous Annual Church Meeting

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS OF STOPSLEY

Open to members of the Church family and residents of the parish (only Church electoral roll members and parish residents on local government electoral roll may vote).

5) Election of Churchwardens

Election of 2 Churchwardens

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING open to members of the Church family (only Church electoral roll members may vote)

6) Vicar’s Report

7) PCC Report

8) Finance, including

a) Election of: Independent Examiner for the accounts.
b) Financial Report & Independently Examined Accounts for previous year.
c) Stewardship Report – report in Annual Report, posted on Public Folder

9) Safeguarding

10) Annual Reports

11) Election of Parochial Church Councillors and Deanery Synod Representatives

a) Deanery Synod Elected Representatives

b) Parochial Church Councillors

(N.B Election of Sidesmen/women or Welcomers is now the responsibility of the PCC)

12) Any Other Business

13) Date of next PCC meeting

14) Closing Prayer

Indop8ndont Examinfjr's Report to the PCC of St Thomas, Church, StOP51oy, Luton This report on the accounts of the PCC lor the year ended 31 Oecember 2025, which are set out on pages 2 10 7 18 in respect of an examination carned out under Regulation 3131 of the Chufch Accounting Regulatsons 2006 and under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011Actl. Respoctive rosponslbilitios of trustoes ond oxamin8r As the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of Regula150n 3131 of the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe 2011 Adl do not apply and that an independent examination Is needed. 11 is my responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the lemis of Re9ulalion 25 01 the Church Accounting Regulations 20C6 and Regulation 7 of the Charities IAccounts and Reports) Regulations 1995. Ba$1$ of Indgpondent examln•rs rfrport My examination was ¢arned out In accordance with the general Oireclions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounts'ng records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. 11 also in¢luiJes Consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanats'ons Irom you as trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as lo whether the accounts present Irue and fair view and the report is limited lo those matters set out in the statement below. Indop8ndont oxaminor's statament In connection wth my examination. no matter has come lo my attention.. Which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect the requirements To keep accounting records in accordance wth section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and To prepafe accounts which a¢cord with the accountsng rerdS and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met,. or 2. To %thich, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be rea hed Signed.. Dale. t4J ¢6 Howard Ashmore FCA Godfrey Laws & Co Ltd Chartered A¢counlanls & RegiSted Auditors 65KnoYA Piece Wilbury Way HITCHIN Hertfordshire SG4 OTY

St Thomas. P.C.C. Stop$ley, Luton Statement of Financial Activities For the year onded 31st De¢ember 2025 Incoming Resour¢gs (all unrtrICt0dI As restated Note 2025 2024 Incoming resources from donors Other voluntary incoming resources Income from charitable & ancillary trading Interest income Other ordinary incoming resources Tolal Non-Designaled Incoming resources 21al 21bl 2(c) 81.669 19.060 353 1,105 3.182 105,369 59,408 14,072 277 21dl 7,014 81,614 Ro8our¢e$ Used Grants Activities directty relating to the work of the Church Publicity. Church management & admin. 31al 31bl 3{c) 624 109,599 1,531 111,754 550 115,478 936 116,964 Net Annual Surplus I (Deficitl {6,385) 135,350)

St Thomu, P.C.C. Stop•l•y. Luton 8lanc• Sh••t a• t 31$t I)•¢•M 2025 21Y25 2024 Flx•d A•••ts 1.174 1.024 Curr•nt A•vl• 9,458 94.245 103,703 7.077 105.696 112.773 Ca•h at Bank and In Hand Ll•bllld••'. AMnIS due ilhin om 98.119 104.8n Fund• L8gw FUNJS Parmh Nur S• Cb 10 .179 6,791 103.356 270 1.075 99,293 1.075 105,701 TREASURER'S STATEMEKr I have wopar•l tr)0 financ4al statements M p¥Jo$ 2 to 7 year wjod 31 Dec) 2025 Tr•a8ww . Nell Roll• Dats.. 11 May 2tr28 APPROVED Churth Meeb'rvJ hold on 11 May 2026 aThJ its behalf by.. Revor•xl D•vKI AI•xwKl•r (Ch•irman) Dato.. 11 Faay 2028

St Thomas. P.C.C. Stopsley, Luton Notes to thg Financial Slalements for th• Year ended 31 Oec•mber 2025 1. Accountlng Pollcb•• The financial statemnts ha¥t been prepared in accord8nce rylh the Church Accwnting Regulations 2( togelher vthh appliCae accounling standards aThJ the Chanls SORP. The financial statements ha¥& been wep8red under the histryical cost converikn except for the Valuat of invesiment 888ets. whKh are shown at markel e. Funds General fund$ prSent Ihe fvJnd5 of ihe PCC thai a nol subpct to any restn"dS regarding their use and afe available lor apF4icalion on the general purp)ses of the PCC. Funds dèsignaied a partiwl8r purpose by the PCC are also unrestncted. The accounts indude all transaclKm. assets aThJ IAt¥"lrfs lor lh& PCC bs roswnWe in law. Tlw do not include the accounts of church gr¢yJps that t) their affiliat lo tscl nor those that are informal gatherings of Church menknrs. Incomlng Resources Voluntary inc¢)mè •rtl eaprf•l ¥OU Collections afe fecognised whèn recth¥ed by or on behall olthe PCC. Plannet19i¥ing I1vaN& under rA)venl is rec4Jgnised vhn IncorrE tsx recoverable on conant$ or grt aKI don8lM)ns is nISed kn the recc•3ntsed. Grants and lega to thg PCC are 8¢¢)nted l(K 88 swi as the PCC is nobfied of its l entrfenl and the arrMJunt due. Interest is accounted forwhen 1•. R•sourt•s U•d A¢tivitie5 diredtyrvthtiry ¢0 lh• ol the Church Flx•d A¥•ets consecrat l•ndandbwldings and mov•bl• church lurnlshlngs Consecrated arvj benefKed pn)p8ty is the xAxJnts ty S.(2X8} of the CharitEs Acl 1993. No valu& 1$ pla¢ed on rnowJlAe church fvmishings held ty the thvrchwardens on sFwal trust for the PCC and vthich fequire a facuty for disposal Sin the PCC consthrs this to be inalienable woperty.

St Thomas. P.C.C. Stopsley. Luton Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31st December 2025 Equipment Office Equipment and sound equipment is deprecialed on the straight line basis at a rate of 33.3°/o per annum. Individual items of Equipmenl with a purchase price of £250 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Current A83ets Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December are shown as deblofs less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible. 2. Incomlng resource8 (all unrostrictod) As restated 2024 2025 2{a) Sncoming from donors Planned Giving Gift Day Income Tax recoverable Collections (open platel at all Services Collections (credit card) at all Services Legacies 40,072 3.023 11,676 4,233 2,998 19,666 81,669 41,249 1,805 9,793 3,781 1,643 1,137 59,408 21b) Other voluntary incoming resources Coffee mornings. Lunches & Teas Hire of and tk)nations for use of hall Social Events Miscellaneous Donations & Receipts Parish Nursing Donations & Receipts 1,925 3,417 1,692 1,922 10,104 19,060 1,019 4,002 1,282 3.934 3,835 14,072 21¢) In¢om¢ from ¢haritablo and ancillary trading Magazine Subscriptions Magazine Adverts 353 277 353 277 21dl Other ordinary income resources Wedding and funeral fees & receipts 3,182 7,014

st Thomas. P.C.C. stopsley. Luton Notes to the Flnancial Statements for the Year ended 31st Decornbor 2025 As restated 2024 2025 3 Resources Used 31a) Grants to Charities World Relief World Mission UK Social ConcemlRelief UK Church Mission 508 116 550 624 550 31b) Actlvltles dlrectly relatlng to the work of the Church Ministry.. Parish Share Clergy Expenses Pastoral Worker Pastoral Discretionary Expenditure Church Office Wages Chur¢h.. Running Expenses Routine Maintenance Major Repairs Service Costs Parish Nursing Costs Depreciabon Telephone Charges Miscellaneous 63.635 5.213 6,318 503 10,160 12,697 2,307 63,525 4,453 5,877 173 9,738 12,163 5,698 3,304 2,315 3,533 2.180 3,312 735 2,154 385 109,599 2,294 1,421 115.478 31¢) Publi¢ity, Chur¢h Management & Administratlon Stationery & printing lincl. magazine) Independent Examinels fee Miscellaneous 1,176 300 55 1,531 881 55 936 4. Prlor Year Adjustment The comparats.ve figures for 2024 have been restated lo reflect a prior year adjustment. This adjustment consists of two components.. Reclasslfieatlon: A balance of £1,150, Pfeviously included within Other Creditors, has been reclassified as Funds Held lo mre accur8tety reflect the nature of the balance. Correction of Omi88ion: An unrecorded liability of £120 relating lo 2024 printing costs has been rec(>Jnised. The cumulative effect of these adjustments is a decrease in Other Creditors of £1,150, an increase in Funds Held of £1.270, and a increase In the 2024 reported deficit of £120

Sl Thorn. P.C.C. Stop•hy, Luto Not•8 10 tho Flnan¢Lg1 St¥temgnt• forth• Ywr endod 31Bt OK•mb•r 2026 . Flx•d Ats8•ts SouThJ Olfice Ewlpment Equipment CC4VValLI Totsl At l January 2025 Athjilions dunng year At 31 Drnber 2025 10.233 638 19.119 246 9.132 10,871 20.(M)4 Depreoalwjn Al 1 January 2ff25 Charge for year Al 31 fwmber 2025 10.233 35 7.862 700 18.095 735 18.830 10.288 8.561 14•t Book Vil Al 31 Decembef 2025 Al 31 Ecembef 2024 603 S71 1.174 1.024 1,024 6. Dobtorn 2025 2024 Ir? Tax reCrable Other EblOtS 2,819 9,458 2,491 7,077 7. Cuh at and Ih Hand Cash w poSit Cash 81 Bank Cash In Han 84,947 9.247 51 94.245 80,B43 24,637 105.6 8. Llibl1#'. Nffiounts du•whhlfi on•pr t)on8lions 5.584 5.584 8.0 8,096 . Fund• A8 $tted Suwlus I A131 Al 1 January Iffioll for t(wbÉr 2025 Ihe year 2025 Lell8cy Furth (Urnted} Parish Nurse S8Y (b Choir Ywth Prr•d Totsl 103,358 301 270 113.1TII 6.4 279 ,179 6,791 549 1,075 1,075 10. L•wy Fund• 2025 24 JIM Gatirl 68,126 Barbara Peters *oacy Wlliam 8vJy8 lepacry CumbErfarxl 250 1.137 2.5 17.166 90.179 250 1,137 Hazel Alcod( knGacy O•¥xl W7¥te knoacy 103.356