TRUSTEES 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Emmanuel Church, Woodley
For the year ended 31 December 2025 Registered Charity Number: 1175550
Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION __________ 3 MINISTRY AND MISSION ________ 3 2025 Highlights ___________ 3 Children and Families _________ 4 Youth Ministry __________ 5 Three Cs Café __________ 6 Puppets ___________ 7 Minecraft Church _________ 7 Community Mission Partners ________ 7 Local Churches _______________ 8 BUILDING AND FABRIC _________ 8 Wardens’ Report __________ 8 Community Garden _____________ 10 SAFEGUARDING __________ 11 FINANCE _____________ 13 Financial Review _________ 13 Reserves policy __________ 13 Independent Examiner’s Report _______ 14 Financial Statements ____________ 15 STRUCTURE & GOVERNANCE ________ 20 Parish Church Council _________ 20 Subcommittees _________ 21 Electoral Roll & Attendance ________ 22 Administrative information ____________ 22
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Emmanuel Church Annual Report 2025! This our opportunity to look back and remember everything God has done in and through us during the previous 12 months.
2025 began with the launch of a new vision, with three priorities we believe God is calling us to grow in: wholehearted worship , courageous diversity and servanthearted evangelism . These reflect the unique gifts and character we already have as a church, as well as areas God is inviting us to press deeper into. As you read this report, you will see how the Spirit has been at work growing us in these gifts in all sorts of surprising ways and places. Some of this growth is obvious, as you will spot below. But it is also present in less tangible things: in a deep stirring of people’s hearts towards prayer; in one-to-one conversations with young people and adults exploring faith for the first time; and in those with neurodiversities, learning difficulties or disabilities joining us and finding a warm, loving welcome.
Over 2025, our worshipping community grew to include 239 people, including Sunday services, Minecraft Church and Toddler Church. It is a joy to know that many of these are new to faith, not yet Christians, or just starting out on their journeys, finding Emmanuel a safe and welcoming space to ask questions and explore.
As we close the chapter on 2025, we pray God will continue to grow us in his image and continue to use us to reach out with his love. So let’s take this opportunity to thank him for all he has done – and look forward with excitement to all that is still to come. Here’s to 2026!
– Revds Rose and Claire Jones
MINISTRY AND MISSION
2025 Highlights
This year, we stepped out of our comfort zone, following God’s call to servanthearted evangelism . January saw the launch of Toddler Church, an evangelistic initiative that had been brewing over the previous months, and it was so exciting to see this come to life. Over 12 months, this grew from a handful of families to over 40 regulars, and at times up to 70 children and parents hearing the gospel. In the winter we opened our doors to local youth with a youth café, and over summer youth pastor Laurie-Ann led detached youth work in the local community. Throughout the year Minecraft Church has continued to minister to those who find regular church services inaccessible.
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Autumn saw us running the Start course – we were an eclectic group of those with faith and without, regulars and newcomers, questioners and thinkers, chewing over questions of life, purpose, God and salvation together (always fuelled by delicious puddings!). Our big Christmas evangelistic events included the Nativity Fun Day and the Christmas Eve service ‘Christmas Starts Here’, where our wonderful puppet group, Wide-Mouthed and Stringless, shared the gospel through backlit dance and puppetry.
Prayer emerged as a vital theme of 2025, as an aspect of wholehearted worship that God was quietly stirring in us as a church. An evening prayer gathering in July paved the way for a 24/7 prayer room beautifully stewarded by Richard and Katy Smith, followed up with a teaching series on praying the Psalms through the autumn. Ending the year with a hunger for more, we look forward to seeing how God continues to grow our hearts for intimacy with him, and prayer that looks beyond ourselves too.
Our Sunday services this year have featured many new voices. In mid-February, our vicars welcomed a new baby, and Rose began 9 months maternity leave. Claire also took parental leave, so for six weeks, Sunday services were hosted by a great in-house line up of leaders, with external speakers coming to inspire us to lean into courageous diversity , with subjects ranging from disability, to refugees, to worship in British Sign Language. Over the summer, we also heard from neurodivergent congregation members, who bravely and beautifully shared their experiences of life, church and faith.
It wouldn’t be Emmanuel without plenty of social time! In addition to our now annual Big Quiz and the regular men’s breakfasts and ladies’ socials, the summer held highlights such as the second Emmanuel Church Regatta (a posh word for a paddle on any kind of floating craft people could rustle up, and a stroll along the waterside!) and the annual camping weekend at Rushall Manor Farm. With glorious weather and plenty of outdoorsy activities, it was a really refreshing time to breathe with God and one another, getting to know new people and love the diversity of our Emmanuel family.
The staff team gradually grew back to full strength over the year, with Claire returning at the end of March, youth minister Laurie-Ann also coming back from maternity leave in April, and Rose back to complete the team again in November. We are especially thankful to our other staff members Heather and Sally for their faithful and calm consistency through this period of comings and goings – they held the fort brilliantly.
Children and Families
In 2025 we ran a wide range of activities and events engaging local children and families. Our weekly toddler group, Little Gems, continued to thrive, and we are able to build relationships with families and to see some attending all-age and Christmas services.
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Following prayer and discernment throughout 2024, we launched Toddler Church in January to go further in sharing God’s good news with local families. Each session is centred on a key truth about God and explores Bible stories through play, crafts and role play. Sessions include a short time of worship with songs, a Bible story and a creative prayer activity followed by a shared hot meal together, prepared by our dedicated kitchen volunteers. Attendance has been encouraging, with around 40 people each month. Parents and carers particularly value the quieter atmosphere compared to Little Gems and the opportunity to engage with Bible verses displayed at each activity. This outreach has been made possible by a committed team of 10 volunteers who help with planning, set-up, welcoming families, cooking and clearing away. We pray that Toddler Church continues to flourish in 2026.
During the summer holidays, Heather worked with a team from Christ Church to run Holiday Bible Club for around 85 children from Woodley taking on greater leadership, improving the registration system, strengthening risk assessments, leading prayers at the end of each morning and teaching one of the age groups.
We also partnered again with St James Church to run a Nativity Fun Day, welcoming around 300 people from the community. Families explored the story of Jesus’ birth through crafts, Minecraft, cooking, puppets and a treasure hunt.
Our Sunday morning children’s LIGHT groups continued to enjoy fun, friendship and learning about following Jesus, supported by a dedicated volunteer team. The term ended with ten-pin bowling and chips alongside Laurie-Ann and the youth group.
Youth Ministry
Claire Jones stepped in to oversee the Youth Ministry until Laurie-Ann Price returned from maternity leave in April. On her return, Laurie-Ann took some time to reevaluate and prayerfully plan what the youth work looked like moving forward, leading to some new initiatives, including: summer outreach, where Laurie-Ann and a volunteer walked around the local streets to connect with young people in the local community; a youth cafe during the colder months for school years 6-9, which invited the young people from our local community into Church; and opportunities for parents to connect through termly parent lunches.
On Sunday mornings, Synergy for year 6-9 continued to run, led by a capable and enthusiastic team of volunteers, planned and headed up by Laurie-Ann. Some of this group have continued to bless the congregation by being part of Sunday teams, for example the worship team. It has been a highlight to see this group’s relationships build and their faith expand as they asked and explored some big topic questions around Christianity. At the beginning of the year Thirst ran on a Sunday evening for school years 10-13. This group stopped meeting in April.
Outside of Sunday groups, Laurie-Ann has continued mentoring a range of young people and has supported a local charity (REinspired), who deliver Christian RE
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
lessons in our local senior school. The youth at Emmanuel have also had the opportunity to connect with the wider young people in Reading by attending the Reading wide youth events held once a term.
Three Cs Café
The 3Cs Café – Community, Coffee (or tea!) and Cake – was originally set up for those in our local community wanting a place to share coffee and conversation, recognising a space like this was much needed. It has grown through 2025 into a valuable tool for connection, combatting loneliness.
It is open on a Friday afternoon 1:30 - 3:30pm, leaving ample time to have at least two hot drinks and lots of chat. The group is a mix of men and women who are all local and developing their connections to Emmanuel church, either through the services or helping in the community garden or Share. We are blessed to have a local councillor attend regularly, which always proves useful if there are issues that need to be resolved within the community. Everyone is welcome and made to feel included. This year we have joined with other groups to enjoy sharing time together with quizzes, talks and a lovely Christmas meal!
Here are some comments from those attending recently:
Iris and Peter who attend say it's because of the good company, excellent cakes, the chats and the laughter!
Sue added that the 3Cs Café was a life-saving group for her, the best of it being the company, the laughter, but especially the cake and the tea! She is very keen for more more people to come along and see what it's all about.
Jane likes the good company and great Beth said she finds it a good friendship. Jason's comment was that it's a opportunity just to be herself, good community with great connection and not a councillor but a friend, laughter! Jamie enjoys meeting with different although she is happy to pick people that he knows from different times in up anything that needs to be his life. done for anyone in the local community!
So, that is 3Cs café! If this is something you would like to check out for yourself please join us on a Friday afternoon at Emmanuel church at 1:30pm. We look forward to welcoming you with a good cup of something hot!
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Puppets
Emmanuel's puppet team, Wide-mouthed & Stringless, meets each Thursday evening, mainly during term time. Each week starts with sharing news and prayer requests, and after praying the practising begins! The aims of the team remain to support each other, whilst seeking to communicate the gospel mainly through song, and this September marks 20 years since the team started. Since the last APCM there have been five performances spread throughout the year. Sam C has stepped down from the team, with Marie, Nellie, Leo and Alaia remaining, and two new members, Kim and Jason, joined for the most recent Easter performance.
Minecraft Church
Minecraft Church has continued to meet and thrive over the past year, led by a dedicated team of volunteers and helped by our youth pastor Laurie-Ann. Once a month we gather with around 30 people of different ages. This includes some youth who don't engage with church in other ways, and families who are not regular church goers. Minecraft has continued to be used during our all-age services as a creative way to connect with a theme. Each Minecraft Church follows a similar format, and we have a large number of neurodiverse people who find it a helpful space.
Community Mission Partners
We are so thankful for our partnerships with Woodley Foodbank, Share Woodley and Lunch Bunch whom we continue to host from our building and grounds. Each in their own way is providing food for households in need in our local area, a mission we are committed to supporting and facilitating. This year has been a time for renewing those relationships and establishing new ways of working; it hasn’t always been easy to navigate differing the needs of all three charities but we pressed on together, trusting that we’ve laid the groundwork now for many more years working together.
The catalyst for change was the need to remove the two old cabins from the carpark, which had been home for each of the community groups – these were no longer fit for purpose, and in November, they were finally removed. With the generosity of construction company Balfour Beatty, the Foodbank were able to install a new cabin and resume operations in the new warmer and drier space. At the same time, Lunch Bunch and Share moved indoors to a small room packed with shelving, fridges and freezers, and have settled into new operational systems, with less slipping in the mud!
Claire has continued to be involved with Share, offering a thought for the day and a prayer with the large team of volunteers each week, and it has been encouraging to see connections we make through Share lead to people becoming part of the church community. The Family Room came to an end in 2025, a result of the struggle to find church volunteers to run it at this tricky ‘after-school’ time of day. This proved
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
however to be a blessing, as Share leader Carolyn was able to rejig the layout and provide much more indoor seating for clients over the winter months especially.
Local Churches
Our local network for Church of England parishes is deanery synod, made up of Church of England clergy and lay representatives in the Reading area. Our church deanery synod representative from April 2025 was Sally Kerry. Both vicars are also members of deanery synod, and our treasurer Shane Stevens has also attended relevant deanery events for support and information regarding parish finances. In October we welcomed Bishop Mary to the deanery – and she was kind enough to treat the deanery clergy to lunch (happily, on Claire’s birthday!).
Closer to home, Rose and Claire have continued to value close relationships with the other Anglican vicars in Woodley; we enjoy bimonthly prayer and fellowship together and encourage the staff team to work with their counterparts across the churches too. The Nativity Fun Day with St James and the Good Friday service in the precinct were highlights for our collaborative working in 2025, and we look forward to building further on these in 2026.
BUILDING AND FABRIC
Wardens’ Report
Our fabric committee takes oversight of the management of Emmanuel's building and property. The members are Reverend Claire Jones (chair), Sally Kerry, Roy Dalpra, Harry Collins, Steve Hogg, Aly Collins and David Woolnough (vice chair). Huge thanks to Sally especially for doing an amazing job this year tracking the individual projects and maintenance needs; to Roy for being a below-the-radar, unsung hero in repairing so many of these; and to Harry for all the behind-the-scenes electrical work, from moving the CCTV to installing cabling for a new internet provider.
We have a great team of individuals in an active WhatsApp group, who help to maintain the church when anything needs fixing. Minor maintenance tasks were carried out throughout the year by these volunteers from Emmanuel, to whom we are deeply thankful – including some slightly less minor such as replacing the water boiler in the kitchen (with thanks to Roy).
As a church community, we hold regular ‘spruce up’ and ‘DIY’ days to keep our church buildings feeling welcoming: to repaint, touch up, repair whatever is needed and to clear out the clutter. Our main spruce up day this year was really productive and well attended – a special shout out to Andy A for installing a great new speaker set up in the small hall, and to everyone for their contributions, from new meeting room blinds to repaired toilets and cut hedges.
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
The expanded space in our church building continues to provide great facilities for our regular church meetings and our children and youth work, and also a great venue for social events for our congregation. It is also the base for Pag-Asa Reading Outreach, a Filipino Christian Church, meeting for worship on Saturdays and sharing a meal. It also continues to be a great space for a wide range of users from the local community, from exercise classes to parties and puppy training.
We have especially strong links with three local charities: Woodley Foodbank, SHARE (fresh food distribution) and Lunch Bunch (lunches during the school holidays), with dedicated space agreed for each of these in the buildings. This year, we have adapted these facilities as part of the final stage of the recent extension planning permission and further strengthened our relationships through close working with all three and a written agreement with Foodbank.
This year we have continued to liaise with Wokingham council to agree and carry out the remaining requirements of an updated extension planning permission, especially in the car park area, in a responsible way that will allow these three community food charities to continue operating from our site in a more sustainable way. This has included Andy S leading a project to remove the two existing old portacabins and liaising with Foodbank to install their replacement portacabin (including a fancy new access ramp).
Sally K has created a great planter. Steve H helped Mark H discover his latent DIY talent, installing a new cycle rack together. This year we also completed building control and snagging sign off for the main extension build. And we have finally marked out the carpark to create improved parking spaces, especially for disabled access.
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Community Garden
1. 2025 Seasonal Overview
The 2025 growing season began with great promise. While the garden thrived in the early months, we faced significant hurdles during a particularly hot summer. These weather conditions, combined with poor soil quality, led to a lower overall yield than anticipated. Despite these challenges, several crops were highly successful. We saw an abundance of:
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Fruit & Veg: Tayberries, Cucumbers, Carrots, and Courgettes.
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Herbs: Sage.
We were delighted to share this surplus with the local community through our Monday Share Sessions at the church. To support the ecosystem, we also grew flowers to attract pollinators and begin the natural process of soil improvement.
2. Our Team & Community
The garden is currently maintained by a core group of five dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers . While we have seen interest from new faces throughout the year, many have been unable to commit long-term due to personal circumstances. We remain eager to welcome new members! Gardening offers immense personal well-being benefits, and from a practical standpoint, a larger team increases our resilience especially during the holiday season when maintaining the garden is most difficult.
3. Improving for the 2026/27 Season
To tackle the soil and water issues faced last year, we are implementing several strategic improvements:
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Soil Enrichment: We have taken delivery of new manure and compost. We are also committing to more active use of our on-site composting bins.
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Water Management: To better utilise our water butts and combat dry spells, we plan to introduce a drip-feeding irrigation system.
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New Initiative: This year, we will be growing specific flower varieties for cutting to be used in church displays.
4. Planting Plan for 2026
We continue our tradition of "trying something different" every year. Planting is already underway, with onion sets going into the ground this week (March 26). Our planned crops for the coming year include:
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Fruit: Tayberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries (including runner planting).
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Vegetables: Potatoes, Beetroot, Tomatoes, and Rhubarb.
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Salads & Greens: Rocket and Spinach.
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Herbs & Flowers: Sage, Marigolds, and Sunflowers (including dwarf varieties).
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
SAFEGUARDING
1. Statement of Compliance
The PCC of Emmanuel Church, Woodley confirms that it has adopted and operates in accordance with the House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy. The parish is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people, and adults, and to promoting a culture of safeguarding within our church community.
2. Parish Safeguarding Team
The Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is Liz Willcocks, who has held this role since January 2023. The PSO's contact details are displayed on the church noticeboard and are available on the church website.
The DBS recruiter is Sally Kerry who oversees the recruitment of volunteers. Dave Mansfield was the DBS verifier until his resignation in September 2025. We would like to thank Dave for his dedication and service in this role. This role will now be covered by Sally Kerry and Liz Willcocks.
The PCC retains overall responsibility for safeguarding within the parish, with the incumbent and associate vicar, Rose Jones and Claire Jones, providing leadership in this area.
3. DBS Checks
All volunteers and paid staff who work with children, young people, or adults at risk hold a current and appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. As of the date of this report 41 individuals hold a valid DBS check in connection with their roles at this parish .
4. Safer Recruitment
The parish follows the Church of England's safer recruitment practices for all new appointments to roles involving children or vulnerable adults. This includes the completion of an application process, taking up of references, obtaining a DBS check, and the completion of relevant safeguarding training before the individual commences their role.
5. Safeguarding Training
The parish is committed to ensuring that all relevant volunteers and staff complete the required Church of England safeguarding training. The following training has been completed during 2025:
Basic Awareness (online): 14 individuals have completed this module.
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Foundation (online): 19 individuals have completed this module.
Leadership (online): 1 individual has completed this module.
Domestic Abuse: 2 individuals have completed this module.
Safer Recruitment: 1 individual has completed this module.
6. Policy Statement
The parish safeguarding policy statement has been reviewed and re-adopted by the PCC on 7[th] July 2025. This includes information on the recruitment process for ex-offenders. Details are displayed on the noticeboard in Emmanuel church and are available on the parish website at
https://emmanuelwoodley.org.uk/safeguarding
7. Concerns and Referrals
During 2025 safeguarding concerns arose during this period and were handled in accordance with the Church of England's safeguarding procedures and referred to the appropriate statutory authorities. No further detail is included in this report in order to preserve confidentiality.
8. Diocesan Liaison
The parish maintains contact with the Berkshire Area Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) for the Diocese of Oxford. Any concerns that have arisen during the year have been reported to the DSA as appropriate.
9. Priorities for the Coming Year
The parish's safeguarding priorities for 2026 are:
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To continue to ensure all training is up to date.
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To update all policies and procedures as the new guidance becomes available during 2026.
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
FINANCE
Financial Review
Total receipts on unrestricted funds in 2025 were £113,103 (including £16,235 from Gift Aid). Restricted income of £1,000 was also received. Unrestricted planned giving through standing orders decreased by 1% to £54,625 (2024: £55,231).
£114,157 was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from Emmanuel Church, including the £62,593 contribution to the diocesan parish share. The parish share largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy. The sum that the churches in the deanery must find is shared between the churches according to a formula that is based mainly on the number of full-time equivalent clergy.
The outstanding loan amount of £14,200 (from an initial £35,000), was repaid in full during 2025. £6,900 was given to support local projects and mission partners and £2,618 was spent on planning permission and portacabin removal.
Including balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward at 31st December 2025 on unrestricted funds totalled £126,114 with a further £4,166 in Designated funds. (A proportion of this amount has been set aside to resolve the snagging list for building works and to complete car park works to comply with planning conditions).
Restricted funds (which is predominantly the current value of the building extension) ended the year with a balance of £340,581 giving total funds of £470,976 at 31st December 2025.
In December 2025, the PCC approved a budget for 2026 which included a projected deficit of £28,522. This was on the basis that the Church hold sufficient reserves to cover this in full if required, but that significant effort would be invested into making the Church more sustainable through initiatives such as the Parish Giving Scheme (to grow donations over time), adding a permanent contactless donation point (for those more comfortable giving and resolving the solar panel feedback tariff issue.
Reserves policy
It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to £35,000. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies.
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Independent Examiner’s Report
I report to the PCC members on the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Emmanuel Church, Woodley for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the Independent Examiner
As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the Independent Examiner's Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the Act; or
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to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met;
or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed by Tony White 18th April 2026
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Financial Statements
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Incoming Resources Donations & legacies Charitable activities Total Incoming Resources Resources Used Charitable activities Total Resources Used Net incoming / outgoing resources Transfer between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ |
2024 Total £ |
|---|---|---|
| 89,500 0 1,000 90,500 22,603 0 0 22,603 |
138,729 24,793 |
|
| 112,103 0 1,000 113,103 |
163,522 | |
| 114,157 0 281 114,437 |
87,721 | |
| 114,157 0 281 114,437 |
87,721 | |
| -2,053 0 719 -1,334 |
75,800 | |
| -2,000 2,000 -7,236 -7,236 |
(7,236) | |
| -4,053 2,000 -6,517 -8,570 |
68,565 | |
| 130,167 2,166 347,097 479,430 -4,053 2,000 -6,517 -8,570 |
410,865 68,565 |
|
| 126,114 4,166 340,581 470,860 |
479,430 |
]
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Balance Sheet
for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Fixed Assets Tangible assets Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Liabilities Creditors due within 1 year Creditors more than 1 year Total Liabilities Total assets Represented by Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds Total charity funds |
2025 2024 £ £ 340,086 347,321 16,471 42,228 102,376 99,360 |
|---|---|
| 458,933 488,909 |
|
| -11,928 -3,921 0 13,400 |
|
| -11,928 9,479 |
|
| 470,860 479,430 |
|
| 126,114 130,167 4,166 2,166 340,581 347,097 |
|
| 470,860 479,430 |
The financial statements were approved by the PCC on 23 April 2026.
Revd Rose Jones (Chair of Trustees)
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Accountin Policies g
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2001 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
Activities directly relating to the work of the Church
The diocesan parish share is accounted for when paid. Any parish share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (although not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.
Funds
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.
The accounts include all transactions, Construction and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.
Incoming resources
Voluntary income and capital sources Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Other income
Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Income from investments Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue. Gains and losses on investments
Realised gains and losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.
Fixed assets
Consecrated property and movable church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by section 96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.
Movable church furnishings held by the Team Rector and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church’s Inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 1[st] January 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. There have been no items acquired since 1[st] January 2000, any future items acquired will be capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life on a straight-line basis.
All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £1,000 is written off.
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years.
Current assets
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown in debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.
Resources used
Grants and donations
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.
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Donations & Legacies
| Donations & Legacies Donations & gifts Grants received Total |
Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ |
Total Funds 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 91,500 1,000 92,500 0 0 |
130,229 10,500 |
|
| 91,500 0 1,000 92,500 |
140,729 |
Charitable Activities
| Charitable Activities Hall Lettings Funerals Interest Income Total |
Income Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ |
2024 Total £ |
|---|---|---|
| 22,603 22,603 0 0 0 0 |
24,793 0 0 |
|
| 22,603 0 0 22,603 |
24,793 |
Staff Costs
| Staff Costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Staff Costs Wages & Salary Pension Contributions Total |
Expenditure Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ |
Total Funds 2024 £ |
| 22,323 22,323 977 977 |
21,826 1,025 |
|
| 23,300 0 0 23,300 |
22,850 |
Fixed Assets
(Building Extension) £ As 31st December 2024 347,322 Additions -7,236 As 31st December 2025 340,086
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Debtors
| Debtors | |
|---|---|
| Gift Aid tax recoverable Other accounts receivable |
2025 Total 2024 Total £ £ 14,857 38,713 1,613 3,515 |
| 16,471 42,228 |
Creditors
| Amounts due within one year Trade creditors Other creditors Prepayments Creditors Amounts due more than one year Loan |
2025 Total 2024 Total £ £ 0 0 -7,669 -3,921 -4,259 0 |
|---|---|
| -11,928 -3,921 |
|
| 2025 Total 2024 Total £ £ 0 13,400 |
|
| 0 13,400 |
Restricted Funds
Restricted funds represent assets given to the Parochial Church Council for a particular purpose and the funds cannot, except by agreement with the donors, be used for any other purpose. The Parochial Church Council has several restricted funds; their balances and movement in the year are:
| Restricted Funds Community Building Helping Hands Little Gems Special Collections Woodley & Earley Lions Club Grant Youth Work Livestream Donations |
2024 Balance £ 347,322 2,273 1,533 -4,307 277 0 0 |
Incoming Resources Resources Used Transfers 2025 Balance £ £ £ £ 0 0 -7,236 340,087 400 0 2,673 0 0 1,533 0 0 -4,307 0 -281 -4 0 0 0 600 0 0 600 |
|---|---|---|
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Community Building is the fund for the Emmanuel Neighbourhood Centre project. Helping hands is a fund set up during the pandemic to help provide financial support to members of the church. Little Gems is a parent and toddler group run by the church. The church also received a grant of £500 from Woodley & Earley Lions Club in 2024 for new equipment and resources in support of Little Gems.
Special collections represents giving for KKV (a specific mission project). Youth work represents the grant and other funding for our youth pastor and youth work projects, including grant funding from the Henry Smith Charity which ceased at the end of 2024.
Livestream Donations represents a £600 donation made during 2025 for the continuation and improvement of the Livestream of Church Services.
Designated Funds
| Designated Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Designated Funds Building Maintenance |
2024 £ 2,166 |
Incoming Resources Resources Used Transfers 2025 Balance £ £ £ £ 2,000 4,166 |
| 2,166 | 0 0 2,000 4,166 |
The Building Maintenance fund is for the large building maintenance projects that will be required in the future, e.g. replacement of boilers and roof. £2,000 was added from unrestricted funds this year.
STRUCTURE & GOVERNANCE
Parish Church Council
The Parish Church Council are the legal trustees of the church and cooperate with the vicars in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical throughout the parish. The PCC is responsible for the maintenance of the Emmanuel Church Centre building, employing staff and ensuring good governance of the church and stewardship of its resources. Membership of the PCC consists of the clergy, the churchwardens, and up to 9 individuals elected by members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. Members of deanery and diocesan synod can also be co-opted onto PCC. The PCC meets 6 times a year, every other month.
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Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
PCC members who have served at any time from 1 January 2024 until 31 December 2025 are:
Ex Officio members
Incumbent: The Reverend Rose Jones (Chair) Associate vicar: The Reverend Claire Jones
Wardens: Mrs Lyn Rhodes and Mr David Woolnough (Lay Chair)
Elected members
-
Mr Shane Stevens (Treasurer)
-
Mrs Tracy Baker
-
Mr Harry Collins
-
Mr Sam Colyer
-
Mrs Rachel Hogg
-
Ms Sam Holmes
-
Mr Ian Mullens
-
Mrs Sally Kerry (PCC Secretary; resigned as PCC member April 2025)
-
Mr Kieran Pearson (resigned April 2025)
-
Mrs Joanne Shephard (from April 2025)
-
Mr Campbell Etchels (from April 2025)
- Co opted members
- Mrs Sally Kerry (PCC Secretary; Deanery Synod representative from April 2025)
Subcommittees
There are two subcommittees of the PCC: Standing Committee and Fabric Committee. They are accountable to the PCC and members are appointed by the PCC.
The Standing Committee meets alternate months to the PCC and is responsible for transacting PCC business in between PCC meetings.
Ex-Officio Members
Incumbent: The Reverend Rose Jones (Vicar) Church Wardens: Mrs Lyn Rhodes and Mr David Woolnough.
Elected Members
Mr Shane Stevens (Treasurer)
The Reverend Claire Jones (Associate Vicar)
The Fabric Committee meets bimonthly. Its members include the Reverend Claire Jones (Chair), Mr David Woolnough (Church Warden and Vice Chair), Mrs Sally Kerry, Mrs Aly Collins, Mr Harry Collins, Mr Roy Dalpra, and Mr Steve Hogg.
Emmanuel Church PCC | Woodley
Electoral Roll & Attendance
2025 was a full revision of the Church Electoral Roll. In April 2025 there were 71 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, 48 of whom were not resident within the parish. 15 names were added during the year to April 2025 and 13 were removed.
Our total worshipping community is made up of those who attend Sunday services, Minecraft Church and Toddler Church. In 2025, this totalled 239 people:
0-10s: 59 11-17s: 19 18-69: 147 (of these, estimated 18-34: 30) 70+: 14
Administrative information
Emmanuel Church is situated in Southlake Crescent, Woodley. It is part of the Diocese of Oxford within the Church of England.
The correspondence address is Emmanuel Church, Southlake Crescent, Woodley RG5 3QW | office@emmanuelwoodley.org.uk |www.emmanuelwoodley.org.uk
The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission with charity number 1175550 registered on 3[rd] November 2017.
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