OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 2024

The Offa Mission Area is situated in: Wrexham within the Diocese of: St Asaph

The correspondence address is:

St John’s Church, Church Street, Rhosymedre

MA Administrator: Telephone: 07467 927690 email: offa.maa@churchinwales.org.uk

The Churches which make up the Mission Area are:

St Mary, Chirk

St Mary, Ruabon

St Mary, Johnstown

All Saints, Penylan St Thomas, Penycae St John, Rhosymedre St David, Froncystyttle

Page 1

THE MISSION AREA CONFERENCE (MAC)

The members who served as trustees from 1 January 2024 until the date this report was approved were:

Canon Pam Powell (Mission Area Leader), John Philips (Penc), Des Roberts (Penc), Patrick Williams (Jtn), Margaret Thomas (Jtn), Rev. Matt Wilkinson (Fron & Ch), Sue Tye (Rua), Rev. Pam Hallam (Rua), Gary Anderton (Ch), Michael Wright (Penc), Rev. James Tout, Chris Eardley (Penylan), Canon Trish Owen (Penylan), Dawn Jones (Fron), Lesley Brown (CH), Shirley O’Neill, Hilary Prescott, Rev Yvonne Pryce, Mark Pryce, Beulah Griffiths (Rhosymedre), Berwyn Thomas (Rua).

STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Offa Mission Area is a group of seven Church communities in Wrexham, North Wales, working together for a common purpose in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. One orphaned Churchyard is also included in the MA. The MAC is a charitable organisation registered with the Charity Commission, and also HMRC. It complies with Charity Law, the Constitution of The Church in Wales, and the Diocesan Decree. The Church in Wales is governed by its Constitution, set up under section 13(1) of the Welsh Church Acts 1914, as amended from time to time by its Governing Body. The MAC is not a body corporate. Its composition, procedures and powers are regulated by the Constitution, which provides that before assuming office, every member must sign a declaration that he or she will be bound by the Constitution.

The members of the MAC, who are bound by the Constitution, are Charity Trustees, holding the assets of the MA on trust for the MA. The MAC is composed of ex-officio members as set out in the Church in Wales Constitution (includes clergy), Elected members as elected at the Annual Vestry Meeting following the recommendation of the Church Congregational meetings, and Co-opted members (invited on). The Constitution provides that the members of the MAC shall be: The Incumbent, Vicars and Assistant Curates; two Church Wardens, one appointed by the Incumbent and one elected at the Annual Vestry Meeting (AVM); two Subwarden for each Church where there is more than one Church in the Mission Area, one appointed by the Incumbent and one elected at the AVM; Up to 25 lay members elected at the AVM; co-opted Secretary and Treasurer (if not already ex-officio or elected); and up to 7 further co-opted members. Lay, communicant persons over the age of 16 may be entered on an Electoral Roll (subject to certain conditions) and all such persons, so entered, are entitled to vote and to stand for election.

Page 2

OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES AND PUBLIC BENEFIT

As required by the Charities Act 2011, the MAC has given due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission in respect of the operation of the public benefit requirement. The activities undertaken to fulfil the MAC's purposes for the public benefit are described and detailed hereunder. The Church in Wales is a Province within the Anglican Communion and seeks to advance the Christian religion through world-wide mission. It is the responsibility of the MAC and the Incumbent to work together and co-operate in all matters of concern and importance to the Mission Area for the promotion of the mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical in the Mission Area. The MAC is responsible, inter-alia, for the Mission Area budget and all expenditure thereunder, the care and maintenance of Church fabric and of the Churchyards, and for any action or other matter referred to it in accordance with the Constitution, and is the normal channel of communication between Mission Area, parishioners and the Diocesan Bishop.

The Trustees are cognisant of the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that the activities of the MA provide a benefit to the public. The MA focus is on planning mission together; mission to its own members, to its communities (including 1 Church Aided School, and several LA Primary Schools, and Secondary Schools) and to the wider world, as it seeks to spread the Bibles message of Jesus, and develop peoples knowledge and trust in Him. In so doing, the MA aims to become a more sustainable, resilient and vibrant Christian community.

A variety of activities are normally provided across the MA for both the benefit of Church members, and for the benefit of members of the public. Sunday services, clergy and lay led, are central to Church life and are open to the whole community. They are advertised by various means including Facebook, and outside Church buildings. Some mid-week Study / Discussion is offered, and some Church buildings are normally open to the public each day. The MA seeks to respond to people’s spiritual needs at times of great importance and change in their lives e.g. baptisms, weddings and funerals. These encounters provide good opportunities for building positive and long-lasting relationships and play an invaluable role in mission.

Much of the work of the MA is carried out by a large number of volunteers, in addition to the clergy.

Page 3

Achievements and Performance:

Like other areas of the UK, regular attendance at Sunday services within the MA has been impacted by many things including generational changes and busier schedules. Between 2019 and 2024 average Sunday attendance across the MA Churches fell and the viability of some Churches will no doubt be impacted should the decline continue.

The annual Share payment is an amount that the MA pays to the Diocese. reflecting the cost of the provision of clergy. The combined impact of inflation increasing the Share payment, and reducing attendance, will make retention of clergy levels more challenging in the future.

The MA does not however primarily measure its success by numbers, but in less tangible ways like the growth of individuals in their Christian faith, and the opportunities to share the Christian Gospel within our communities. The MA is not therefore despondent, but looks to demonstrate, confidently and joyfully, Christs assurance to be courageous through taking positive action through investing in families, children and young people, life events, supporting the less able, and maintaining fit for purpose buildings.

While there were challenges, there was much to celebrate. Events in the Christian calendar were capitalised on, and coffee mornings and other social events were held in order to share the love of Christ and to serve and connect with local communities. Over the year some really good acts of Worship were enjoyed, as individual Churches, and united for special events. Christmas attendance was up in all the MA Churches.

In April 2023 the Diocese launched the Church in Wales Membership App, and in 2024 some churches in the MA regularly completed figures, however not all did and so the figures for the MA are not fully available with approx. 45% completion rate. The MA need to focus going forward on consistent inputting and capturing of data to more accurately and consistently measure the people attending and activities taking place across the MA.

The clergy team presently consisted of 2.5 stipendiary clergy (though there is currently a vacancy for 1 full time priest); in post there is a full time priest and a 0.5 Priest and MA Leader plus 2 non-stipendiary clergy and 2 with Bishop’s Permission to Officiate. The Mission Area was fortunate to have a Non-Stipendiary Curate and from Nov 24 an additional 0.5 stipendiary curate. Together with Lay Readers and Worship Leaders, a range of services are offered each month in every Church. The vacant position has been advertised but has not yet been filled.

Relationships with Schools continued in 2024. Christian mission with youngsters is particularly important in these times to address social issues, and a nationwide decline in Christian identity. MA Churches must be welcoming and hospitable to all, and the MA treats Safeguarding very seriously and ensures that appropriate cover is in place. No safeguarding issue arose in the year. Towards the end of 2024 it was found that some volunteer positions in the Mission Area where basic DBS checks are recommended by the church in Wales were not up to date. The Mission Area Safeguarding Officer is arranging for completion of the outstanding checks to ensure that all required staff and volunteers have current DBS checks. The MA Safeguarding Officer will be undergoing refresher training during 2025. All current Clergy and Lay Ministers in the Mission Area have enhanced DBS checks conducted by the Church in Wales which are kept up to date by the Diocese centrally.

Page 4

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The MA is incredibly grateful for all the donations received in 2024 from its congregations and other supporters.

The receipts and payments for the year, and the assets and liabilities at the year end, are shown in the statements of account, which accompany this report. The numbers reflect the seven open Churches, and the MA Central Funds which include the stand-alone Churchyard.

All Churches made a loss in the year, having to draw on reserves to cover expenditure. Some churches have healthy reserves whilst several have little to no unrestricted reserves left and so there needs to be a re-evaluation of the clergy numbers in the mission area, which would reduce the amount of the share and enable the churches to cover expenditure in the year ahead.

Income from Donations and Legacies was up on the prior year by £24k for unrestricted funds. In addition, £52k was raised for the Bells at St Mary, Chirk. Money Raising at £29k portrayed some excellent effort and was £3k higher than the previous year.

Parish Share, which enables the Diocese to fund the provision of clergy and support services, at £148k was the largest expense. The MA is grateful to the DBF for the financial relief given against clerical cost. As the MA paid its 2024 Share in full by 31 December, a pay-out from the Discount Scheme of 6% of the 2024 Share, equalling £8.6k, was received by the Mission Area in January 2025.

The MA Central accounts include a number of restricted funds to ensure money is spent appropriately. Total Funds Carried Forward as at 31 December 2024 were £582.2k. £212.6K of this sum is Unrestricted and currently considered sufficient to meet fluctuations in receipts, future needs, contingency and risk. There is a wide variation in wealth across the seven Churches and financial robustness is a key indicator for the Trustees regarding future sustainability.

In order to be fit for purpose in this 21st century some of the Churches will be investing funds in their buildings through a process of alteration/reordering to improve functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility while respecting the building's history and significance.

Church attendance is challenging, and congregations are ageing. This, together with competition from other worthwhile charitable organisations makes the economic outlook of the MA uncertain.

Page 5

Wednesday 11[th] June 2025

APPROVED by the Mission Area Conference on

and signed on its behalf by:

Rev Matt Wilkinson (Trustee)

Independent examiner's report

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Mission Area Conference (MAC) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.

The MAC considers 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:

Basis of independent examiner's report

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 you as trustees concerning 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 to whether the accounts present a true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

Page 6

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

----------------------- Anthony Ogilvie FCCA 20th May 2025

75 Stanley Park Road

Carshalton Surrey SM5

Sofa Separate Designated

Sofa Separate Designated
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total
funds
Prior year
total
funds
Receipts
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Payments
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's
own use
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
146,009
3,050
52,606
-
201,665 122,178
23,172
-
6,063
-
29,235
26,508
27,132
1,040
5,614
-
33,786
28,616
8,444
2,001
834
-
11,280
7,971
-
-
7,000
-
7,000
195,604
204,757
6,091
72,117
-
282,965 380,877
1,927
-
-
-
1,927
2,014
213,775
15,546
40,409
-
269,731 216,437
7,651
-
-
-
7,651
57,901
223,354
15,546
40,409
-
279,309 276,352
(18,597)
(9,455)
31,708
-
3,656
104,524
-
-
242
-
242
32,358
(242)
-
-
-
(242)
(32,358)
765
4,389
7,880
-
13,035
4,554
-
-
-
-
-
76,513
(18,074)
(5,066)
39,830
-
16,691
185,591
230,731
124,803
210,021
-
565,555 379,964
212,657
119,738
249,851
-
582,246 565,555

Page 7

Balance Sheet detailed

Balance Sheet detailed
Class and code
Description
As at
31/12/2024
As at
31/12/2023
Fixed assets
6431
St Mary's Ruabon COIF 3847
6432
St Mary's Ruabon COIF 2170
6433
St Mary's Ruabon COIF 9004
6430
RATHBONE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
6431
Rathbones Investments
6431
Miss J Sephton bequest
6432
Arthur W. Taylor bequest
6433
RBCiW CIF PT4110 Sale of land-St David's
6431
Florence M Taylor
Total Fixed assets
Current assets
6502
Church Yard Account
6501
Current Account
6501
St Mary's Ruabon General Account
6501
RBS 3432 ST MARY'S CURRENT
6503
ST.MARY'S CHURCHYARD ACC
6505
St Mary's Ruabon Business Account
6504
TODDLERS 3731 Bank Account
6505
3001C Bank Account COIF LONDON
6501
CHURCH AC ST.DAVID'S 8061
6502
CHURCHYARD ACC ST.DAVID'S 8088
6503
Bank Account 002C COIF LONDON
6501
All Saints Penylan Current Account
6505
All Saints Penylan NS & I Investment Account
6506
All Saints Penylan Bath Building Society Charity Account
Total Current assets
Liabilities
Z04
Accounts Payable
6699
Agency collections
Total Liabilities
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
Reserves
Excess/(deficit) to date
Z01
Starting balances
Z02
Other gains/(losses)
Z03
Gains/(losses) on reval of fixed assets
Total Reserves
Represented by Funds
General (Unrestricted)
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total
25,779
24,439
10,385
9,558
2,708
2,491
19,730
18,990
26,727
26,491
7,568
7,175
84,515
80,126
85,819
82,117
13,923
14,734
277,156
266,121
21,927
19,988
93,607
71,154
9,910
25,158
34,668
2,360
2,736
1,555
316
310
1,610
1,922
81,343
83,670
13,612
21,467
17,097
14,542
17,343
11,607
5,399
35,023
12,292
12,170
31,675
-
343,534
300,927
678
678
935
816
1,612
1,493
619,077
565,555
40,488
104,524
565,555
379,964
13,035
4,554
-
76,513
619,077
565,555
249,488
230,731
119,738
124,803
249,851
210,021
-
-
619,077
565,555

Page 8

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund)

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund)
Balance
Previous
balance
Investments
6430: RATHBONE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT (St. Thomas' Church, Penycae)
Church Yard Fund
Restricted
19,730
18,990
19,730
18,990
6431: St Mary's Ruabon COIF 3847 (St Mary' Church, Ruabon)
General fund
Unrestricted
25,779
24,439
25,779
24,439
6431: Miss J Sephton bequest (Offa MA)
J Sephton bequest St Johns Rhos
Restricted
7,568
7,175
7,568
7,175
6431: Florence M Taylor (St. Mary's Church, Johnstown)
General fund
Unrestricted
13,923
14,734
13,923
14,734
6431: Rathbones Investments (St John's Rhosymedre)
General fund
Unrestricted
26,727
26,491
26,727
26,491
6432: St Mary's Ruabon COIF 2170 (St Mary' Church, Ruabon)
Chancel repair fund
Restricted
882
882
Fabric fund
Restricted
9,503
8,676
10,385
9,558
6432: Arthur W. Taylor bequest (Offa MA)
Arthur W Taylor
Designated
84,515
80,126
84,515
80,126
6433: St Mary's Ruabon COIF 9004 (St Mary' Church, Ruabon)
Chancel repair fund
Restricted
2,708
2,491
2,708
2,491
6433: RBCiW CIF PT4110 Sale of land-St David's (Offa MA)
Fabric fund-Offa MA maintenance & repair
Restricted
85,819
82,117
85,819
82,117
Investments
277,156
266,121
Cash At Bank And In Hand
6501: CHURCH AC ST.DAVID'S 8061 (St David's Froncysyllte)
General fund
Unrestricted
13,612
21,467
13,612
21,467
6501: Current Account (Offa MA, St. David's, Rhosllanerchrugog, St. Thomas' Church, Penycae, St. Mary's
Church, Johnstown, St John's Rhosymedre)
Church yard
Designated
(9)
(9)
Church yard
Restricted
13,405
12,083
Church yard tied
Restricted
2,211
2,211
Dance group grant
Restricted
415
505
Fabric fund-Offa MA maintenance & repair
Restricted
2,000
-
Altenative heating and church maintenance
Designated
10,000
10,000
In Memory Donations
Designated
1,591
1,528
Mission Area Administrator Grant/funds
Designated
9,866
8,168
Mission Area Administrator Grant/funds
Restricted
(585)
-
Messy Church
Designated
237
237
St. Mary's Church Hall Savings
Designated
243
391
Night Shelter
Designated
330
330
SUNDRY INCOME(OFFA VICARAGE SALE)
Designated
-
13,164
maintenance
Designated
5,587
5,587
19,730
18,990
19,730
18,990
25,779
24,439
25,779
24,439
7,568
7,175
7,568
7,175
13,923
14,734
13,923
14,734
26,727
26,491
26,727
26,491
882
882
9,503
8,676
10,385
9,558
84,515
80,126
84,515
80,126
2,708
2,491
2,708
2,491
85,819
82,117
85,819
82,117
277,156
266,121
13,612
21,467

Page 9

J Sephton bequest St Johns Rhos
Restricted
St. Mary's Church Hall
Designated
Fabric Fund
Restricted
SAINT DAVID'S RHOS (NOW CLOSED)
Designated
Arthur W Taylor
Designated
General fund
Unrestricted
General fund
Unrestricted
General fund
Unrestricted
General fund
Unrestricted
Holiday Hunger
Restricted
6501: RBS 3432 ST MARY'S CURRENT (St. Mary's CHIRK)
Bell Ringers
Restricted
General fund
Unrestricted
Agency collection
Restricted
6501: St Mary's Ruabon General Account (St Mary' Church, Ruabon)
General fund
Unrestricted
6501: All Saints Penylan Current Account (All Saints' Church Penylan)
Edna Copper Vases
Restricted
Church Maintenance
Restricted
Show
Restricted
General fund
Unrestricted
6502: CHURCHYARD ACC ST.DAVID'S 8088 (St David's Froncysyllte)
General fund
Unrestricted
6502: ST.MARY'S QUOTA ACCOUNT (St. Mary's CHIRK)
General fund
Unrestricted
Agency collection
Restricted
6502: Church Yard Account (St. Thomas' Church, Penycae)
Church Yard Fund
Restricted
6503: Bank Account 002C COIF LONDON (St David's Froncysyllte)
General fund
Unrestricted
6503: ST.MARY'S CHURCHYARD ACC (St. Mary's CHIRK)
General fund
Unrestricted
6504: TODDLERS 3731 Bank Account (St. Mary's CHIRK)
General fund
Unrestricted
6505: 3001C Bank Account COIF LONDON (St. Mary's CHIRK)
General fund
Unrestricted
6505: St Mary's Ruabon Business Account (St Mary' Church, Ruabon)
Fabric fund
Restricted
General fund
Unrestricted
6505: All Saints Penylan NS & I Investment Account (All Saints' Church Penylan)
General fund
Unrestricted
6506: All Saints Penylan Bath Building Society Charity Account (All Saints' Church Penylan)
Church Maintenance
Restricted
Cash At Bank And In Hand
Agency Accounts
129
68
3,224
3,129
4,356
4,356
700
700
3,455
1,454
20,990
3,736
29,339
7,553
583
1,144
(16,267)
(6,986)
1,808
1,808
93,607
71,154
29,335
1,024
6,277
2,494
(944)
(1,158)
34,668
2,360
9,910
25,158
9,910
25,158
250
250
470
31,490
383
141
4,296
3,142
5,399
35,023
17,097
14,542
17,097
14,542
(1,974)
(1,974)
1,974
1,974
-
-
21,927
19,988
21,927
19,988
17,343
11,607
17,343
11,607
2,736
1,555
2,736
1,555
1,610
1,922
1,610
1,922
81,343
83,670
81,343
83,670
15,767
15,767
(15,451)
(15,457)
316
310
12,292
12,170
12,292
12,170
31,675
-
31,675
-
343,534
300,927

Page 10

6699: Agency collections (St. Mary's CHIRK, St David's Froncysyllte)

6699: Agency collections (St. Mary's CHIRK, St David's Froncysyllte)
Agency collection
Restricted
Agency Accounts
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year
Z04: Accounts Payable (St. Mary's CHIRK)
General fund
Unrestricted
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year
Grand Total
935
816
935
816
935
816
678
678
678
678
678
678
619,077
565,555

Fund movement summary

Fund Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gains/Losses
Journals
Closing
BR
Restricted
Sub-totals
Chancel
Restricted
Sub-totals
CY
Designated
Restricted
Sub-totals
CYF
Restricted
Sub-totals
cytied
Restricted
Sub-totals
Dance
Restricted
Sub-totals
Edna
Restricted
Sub-totals
FABRIC
Restricted
Sub-totals
Fabric
Restricted
Sub-totals
Heating
Designated
Sub-totals
IMD
Designated
Sub-totals
1,024
57,156
28,845
-
-
-
29,335
1,024
57,156
28,845
-
-
-
29,335
3,373
-
-
-
217
-
3,590
3,373
-
-
-
217
-
3,590
(9)
-
-
-
-
-
(9)
12,083
2,109
787
-
-
-
13,405
12,074
2,109
787
-
-
-
13,396
38,978
11,864
9,925
-
740
-
41,657
38,978
11,864
9,925
-
740
-
41,657
2,211
-
-
-
-
-
2,211
2,211
-
-
-
-
-
2,211
505
60
150
-
-
-
415
505
60
150
-
-
-
415
250
-
-
-
-
-
250
250
-
-
-
-
-
250
82,117
-
-
-
5,702
-
87,819
82,117
-
-
-
5,702
-
87,819
24,442
-
-
-
827
-
25,270
24,442
-
-
-
827
-
25,270
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
1,528
300
238
-
-
-
1,591
1,528
300
238
-
-
-
1,591

Page 11

MAAG
Designated
Restricted
Sub-totals
Maint
Restricted
Sub-totals
MCF
Designated
Sub-totals
MCHS
Designated
Sub-totals
Night
Designated
Sub-totals
OVS
Designated
Sub-totals
repair
Designated
Sub-totals
Sephton
Restricted
Sub-totals
Show
Restricted
Sub-totals
SMCH
Designated
Sub-totals
SMFF
Restricted
Sub-totals
STD
Designated
Sub-totals
Taylor
Designated
Sub-totals
General
Unrestricted
Sub-totals
HH
Restricted
8,168
2,750
1,052
-
-
-
9,866
-
-
585
-
-
-
(585)
8,168
2,750
1,638
-
-
-
9,280
31,490
655
-
-
-
-
32,144
31,490
655
-
-
-
-
32,144
237
-
-
-
-
-
237
237
-
-
-
-
-
237
391
-
147
-
-
-
243
391
-
147
-
-
-
243
330
-
-
-
-
-
330
330
-
-
-
-
-
330
13,164
-
13,164
-
-
-
-
13,164
-
13,164
-
-
-
-
5,587
-
-
-
-
-
5,587
5,587
-
-
-
-
-
5,587
7,243
179
118
-
393
-
7,697
7,243
179
118
-
393
-
7,697
141
-
-
242
-
-
383
141
-
-
242
-
-
383
3,129
1,040
945
-
-
-
3,224
3,129
1,040
945
-
-
-
3,224
4,356
-
-
-
-
-
4,356
4,356
-
-
-
-
-
4,356
700
-
-
-
-
-
700
700
-
-
-
-
-
700
81,579
2,001
-
-
4,389
-
87,970
81,579
2,001
-
-
4,389
-
87,970
230,731
241,589
223,354
(242)
765
-
249,488
230,731
241,589
223,354
(242)
765
-
249,488
1,808
-
-
-
-
-
1,808

Page 12

Sub-totals
None
Restricted
Sub-totals
1,808
-
-
-
-
-
1,808
-
95
-
-
-
-
95
-
95
-
-
-
-
95
Totals 565,555
319,797
279,309
-
13,035
-
619,077

Page 13