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2021-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2021

The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham Bishop’s Mission Order dated 1[st] August 2017 was made by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham under part V of the Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure 2011 and was made to endorse and make provision for The Potting Shed Church.

The Potting Shed Church was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 1[st] August 2017 with charity number of 1176783.

The Potting Shed Church

Table of Contents

  1. Trustees Report

  2. Independent Examiner’s Report

  3. Receipts and Payments Account

  4. Statement of Assets and Liabilities

  5. Notes to the Financial Statements

2021 Report and Accounts for the Potting Shed Church

Aims and Purposes

The Potting Shed Church was commissioned by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham to plant a pioneering, Resourcing Church in the middle of Nottinghamshire county amongst rural communities, as part of the wider mission and ministry of the Diocese. The new worshipping community aims to connect with those not currently engaging with existing models of rural church, especially young families, youth, and young adults. Our purpose is then to enable those we connect with to explore faith in Jesus and experience church community. Our objective is also to be a resource for ‘grafting’ and ‘planting’ ‘new worshipping communities’ into rural villages and to develop more sustainable forms of mission in rural communities. We aim to be a ‘filling station’ - a place to encourage, nourish, grow and resource those who remain engaged in the life and leadership of rural churches.

Objectives and Activities

All planning and decision making is done in consideration of our stated purposes (taken from our Governing Document) and with thought to how we might better carry out those purposes as per the guidance given by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

When planning our Sunday worship Gatherings, midweek events and other activities, we seek to be accessible to people of all ages and stages of faith. We also aim to provide opportunities for all those who connect with The Potting shed to explore the Christian faith for themselves and we’re passionate about helping individuals and families to apply the Bible’s teaching to their lives in practical ways.

We plan and lead small groups and courses midweek to meet the needs of the different age groups and stages of faith of those we connect with. For example: The Alpha Course, The Marriage course, The Prayer Course, Saturday Breakfast, Prayer 2 Go, Breathe, and Midweek Discipleship Groups. We also plan one-off events tailored to welcoming those from outside our church community.

We are actively seeking to build community and further the Christian faith in all that we do and are committed to encouraging and resourcing established rural churches in their ministries.

Achievements and Performances

A summary of the main achievements of The Potting Shed charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of our beneficiaries and wider benefits to society as a whole.

The objectives in italics are taken directly from our Governing Document objective with achievements below:

‘To connect with those not currently engaging with existing models of church, especially young families, youth and young adults. To enable people to explore faith in Jesus and experience church community.’

In early 2021 we re-commenced in-person services at The Potting Shed Barn, after Christmas services had once again been taken online due to the Pandemic.

We were delighted to meet several individuals and new families who had connected with us online during the Autumn and Winter of 2020. And we worked hard to refresh and reconfigure the Barn to ensure that socially distanced gatherings and services were Covid compliant.

In 2021 our services continued to be shaped in outline and content to serve our stated objectives as a charity, with worship and teaching being presented in an accessible way to enable those exploring faith to feel welcome and included. As well as seeking to offer opportunity for deeper discipleship and community for others.

As part of this we re-shaped our Sunday service outline to better provide for Children to explore faith in age-appropriate ways. This created an opportunity to adapt preaching and teaching, and to shape the worship response uniquely for adults and young people.

We continue to hold a high value at The Potting Shed upon gathering and worshipping All Ages together as a way of creating authentic community. In 2022 we will embark on a project to further develop those times on a Sunday when we gather as a church family, all ages together.

Potting Shed Kids

After a year of both online and in-person All-Age services, we wished to offer children their own space in which to develop a closer relationship with one another and with God.

In July 2021 we trialled separate children’s provision on Sundays, after the time of opening worship. This was well received by adults and children, and in September we launched ‘Potting Shed Kids’ for primary aged children - half an hour of catch up, story time, discussion, songs and craft, held in a large gazebo outside the barn

This development has helped The Potting Shed to meet the above objective by:

Belonging and Discipleship

In May 2021 we were delighted to host a Deanery Baptism and Confirmation service and to welcome Bishop Andy. We baptised two adults from The Potting Shed (one full immersion in a Baptism font) and one adult re-affirming their Baptism vows:

‘With my life's challenges so far and my journey with my faith, I had a strong desire to be baptised, which has fittingly arrived as I step foot into Civilian Life and open myself to new and joyful experiences and for what plans God has for me.’ Baptism and Confirmation candidate, 2021

Bishop Andy Confirmed five candidates from The Potting Shed and three candidates from local rural churches.

“Finding Jesus has cleansed and lifted me way beyond my imagination and earthly understanding. I feel peace. A peace I never thought possible. A peace I did not know existed. And a love I did not know existed… Confirmation IS for me. Being a Christian IS for me. God IS for me!” Confirmation Candidate, 2021

Midweek Groups at The Potting Shed

During 2021 we launched several new opportunities midweek for people to develop deeper community.

Prayer 2 Go

This was launched as a half hour, online opportunity in the middle of the day, led by volunteers. This included a warm welcome to all, a short devotional thought for encouragement and then the opportunity for prayer.

Midweek at The Potting Shed - In September, a daytime and evening trial group were launched. The hope was after the social distancing of lockdown to enable fellowship and discipleship groups to establish, and to then ‘self-seed’ and embed within the villages we connect with, with appointed leaders. The outcome was:

‘To enable people to explore faith in Jesus and experience church community. To be a resource for ‘grafting’ and ‘planting’ ‘new worshipping communities’ into villages and to develop more sustainable forms of mission in rural communities.’

The Beck and Trent / Riverside Proposal – This was a significant project which began in June 2021 and continues in its development. The hope was to explore new ways to build community, develop sustainable forms of mission and better shape resource ourselves to meet our charitable objectives.

Initially, on the request of the Bishop’s Core Team, we began exploring the possibility of closer working with the Beck and Trent and Riverside villages and to explore the implications for ministry. It was hoped that closer working would benefit all, be more missionally aligned and enable better administrative cover for all the churches involved.

The process involved several meetings as follows:

24.6.21 - Initial meeting of the villages and The Potting Shed to outline the proposal and potential road map.

15.7.21 - Feedback paper with comments from initial meeting

1.9.21 – First working group

8.9.21 - Churches were invited to share something of the story of their villages.

16.9.21 – Second working group

27.9.21 – Third working group

14.10.21 – Fourth working group

Report of the Working Groups completed

1.11.21 – Consultations with all PCCs to review the report.

16.11.21 – Additional meeting following questions raised by parishes

Outcome

The PCCs were asked to vote on the proposal as set out in the Report of the Working Group. 7 parishes voted against, 3 parishes voted for.

The way forward

It was concluded that the proposal will not move forward, and the villages and The Potting Shed Church will not work together as was originally proposed in the consultation and paper

The Potting Shed has seen new, fruitful relationships develop from the process and missional opportunities. The Potting Shed continues with its development as a rural resourcing church.

A new location and venue – Operation New Barn!

The current location and Barn is no longer a viable option for the future of The Potting shed. For several reasons:

A field has become available to us locally that we believe builds on: our current location with those we connect with, would facilitate our relationships with local churches as we continue to support and further facilitate them in their ministries, and which would enable us to erect a ‘fit for purpose’ building in a cost effective way.

The original bid and brief for The Potting Shed Church spoke of ‘an inspirational, flexible worship space’ which would be effective in serving our purposes. We believe the location potentially available would facilitate that.

We are now working with the Diocese and have agreed a proposal for exploring planning permission for the site identified. A planning team has been created and others are heading up plans to ensure the location and venue are designed with our objectives in mind and to build on the encouraging progress of The Potting Shed so far.

Rise and Shine – in Primary Schools

In March 2021 two Headteachers of local village primary schools were invited to attend Rise and Shine, our midweek, online offering for Potting Shed children during lockdown.

The Headteachers enjoyed the fast-paced, high energy, interactive sessions and Rise and Shine was launched into Dean Hole Caunton, and Norwell Primary schools via Zoom as part of their collective worship programme.

Each week this delivers songs, a story, interactive activities, prayers and reflections with a clear Christian emphasis. One Headteacher described Rise and Shine as her ‘covid recovery plan’. Another said that they believe Rise and Shine to be a ‘new worshipping community’ locally.

We are delighted that we see about 70 children and their teachers each week.

Rise and Shine developments

In September 2021 Rise and Shine via Zoom was complemented with in-person chaplaincy delivered by our Children and Families Worker on a fortnightly basis in each school. This enabled more bespoke pastoral work alongside particular groups of children alongside school staff.

Throughout 2021 we built new connections with other village primary schools as they considered the potential of Rise and Shine. We also had meetings with the Diocesan education team, exploring ways of enabling this service to rural, village schools in other parts of the diocese.

In summary, Rise and Shine is proving to be effective in delivering our objectives and sustainable.

The Alpha Course

For the January 2021 Alpha course, whilst we would have preferred to meet in person, we took the decision to run the course via Zoom. Alpha online required us to be resourceful in building trusting relationships with guests. But building on our experience of the previous year, the course was greatly valued by all who attended with a number coming to faith.

‘To be a ‘filling station’ to encourage, nourish and grow disciples who are engaged in the life and leadership of rural churches.’

Sunday Musical Worship Development

In June 2021 we began a weekly 'How Would Jesus Lead Worship?' course online for musicians and worship leaders at the Potting Shed and from other churches in the surrounding area.

Encouraging relationships developed forming a worship team meeting in person on Tuesday evenings to practice, worship together and prepare for leading others.

This has drawn people into the heart of the church, including some who now attend Alpha, and created a sense of belonging for those involved. It has had a significant positive impact on the worshipping life of the church.

The team now includes about 20 people, including sound and vision supporting team members.

Tech and IT Development

The developing tech team have been resourcing Sunday worship with significant skills and expertise resulting in a much improved PA and fully equipped band area at the Potting Shed Barn which is serving us well.

Nurturing Leaders from beyond The Potting Shed

In 2021, in what was a particularly challenging year for those serving in ministry, we welcomed several leaders who were serving in their local churches. Many of these have continued to be a part of our local community but have benefitted from a place of refreshment.

The above examples of adaptation and innovation from meeting online to in-person has enabled us in fresh ways to build on our objectives as a charity and to better serve the wider rural community.

Additional Information

During the time of the Beck and Trent / Riverside Proposal, The Potting Shed team was working with both Archdeacons exploring a significant project that we believed would help the charity work towards our agreed objectives. During that time, quarterly meetings with the Diocesan Project team ceased.

Average weekly attendance – Adults & Children:

2021 Q1 Adults: 41 Children: 35 Total: 76 2021 Q2 Adults: 43 Children: 72 Total : 115 2021 Q3 Adults: 23 Children: 33 Total: 56

2021 Q4 Adults: 36 Children: 73 Total: 109

Rise and Shine started at the end of March has added to the numbers in Q2 and Q4.

Financial Review

The Potting Shed Church was originally established and funded using SDF (special development funding) from the Church of England Church Commissioners, following a successful bid by the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

We are aware that for the longer term we need to be self-sustaining with our funds coming through planned financial giving from those who are part of The Potting Shed. A priority for the charity is to increase giving year by year to cover costs.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

Total income for the year was £125,417 which included Diocesan Grants of £63,294. Income of £62,050 was received from planned giving, other giving and gift aid claims, and there was a small amount of investment income and fee income.

£77,370 was spent to provide Christian ministry from the Potting Shed Church. Staff wages were £48,939 and Parish Share of £8,500 was paid in 2021 as a contribution towards the stipends and housing costs of clergy in the Diocese. The remaining expenditure was on church running costs and a donation to New Wine.

The net result for the year was an excess of receipts over payments of £48,047. Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balance carried forward at 31[st] December on unrestricted funds was £124,037.

Volunteers

Volunteers continue to play a significant role in planning and carrying out Potting Shed activities, events and in enriching our life as a community with the skills which they bring with them. We are thankful for volunteers gifted in this way.

Regular volunteer contributions include:

Total Volunteer hours per week: 20

Structure, governance and management

The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham Bishop’s Mission Order made by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham under part V of the Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission measure 2011 to endorse and make provision for the Potting Shed Church. (1st August 2017)

Trustees are selected as follows:

Bishop Paul Williams makes one ‘Bishop’s recommendation’ of a Trustee appointment. Trustees elect and appoint Trustees according to the needs of the charity and giving opportunity to include different skills and experience. Since the resignation of Maureen Cole in September 2020 we are awaiting the formal proposal of a new ‘Bishop’s recommendation’ The Diocesan team have identified two candidates and we are awaiting next steps.

The Potting Shed is a small charity and the organisational structure currently reflects that. All Trustees are involved in the weekly life of The Potting Shed Church.

We are part of network of parish churches in rural Nottinghamshire, who are part of the Church of England.

The Potting Shed is part of the Deanery of Newark and Southwell and receives oversight in its’ decision making and policies related to its charitable objectives, from the Senior Diocesan team.

Administrative infornhition The Potting Shed is part of the Deanery of Newark and Southwell and receives oversight in its. decision making and policies related to its charitable objertives. from the Senior Diocesan team. The correspondence address is- Willow Cottage, Norwell Woodhouse, Newark. Nottinghamshire, NG23 6NG. The Potting Shed Church is an Unincorporated Association. CIO. CIO Association Constitution which was submitted 0911212017. No amendments have since been made. Trustees who have ser¥ed at any time during the reporting period are as follow5: Alison Jones- Pioneer Minister [Appointed by- Bishop Paul Williamsl o Appointed 23, Jan 2018 Tom Hall- Treasurer [Appointed by- Trustees] o Appointed 20th July 2018 Joel Rathbone- Trustee [Appointed by: Trustees] Appointed 20th July 2018 Stuart Almond- Trustee IAppointed by: Trustees] Appointed 4th October 2020 Declaration of Related Party Interests The Potting Shed Church rents an Agricultural bam from Mr Michael Arlington as a meeting venue. Mrjoel Rathbone is the son in law of Mr Michael Arlington. Mr Tom Hall. Treasurer and Trustee is also a Twstee of another charity. the Keframa School Build IKSB}. KSB is building a secondary School in Uganda. Mr Michael Arlington (barn owner) has requested that the rental income from the barn is paid directly to the KSB charrty. Approved by the Trustees on: and signed on their behalf by the Reverend Alison F K Jones (Pioneer Minister). Signature:

Ind¢p¢ndent Examiner's Report to the Trustee5 of The Potting Shed Church I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31, December 2021. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner: The church's Itustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trnstees 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: Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act)" To follow the procedures laid dowi in the Genernl Directions given by the Charily Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act)- and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's report My exajnination was Ca￿led 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 recoTds. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matter5. 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 'trne and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect of the requirements To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act. and To prepare accounts which accord with th¢ accounting records and comply with th¢ accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met: or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Alison Slinger FCA 234 Nonvood Gardens Southwell Notts NG25 ODS

The Potting Shed Church Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

Receipts and Payments Accounts

RECEIPTS
Voluntary receipts:
Planned giving
1a
Collections at services
1b
All other giving/voluntary receipts
1c
Diocesan Grant
1d
Gift Aid recovered
1e
Activities for generating funds
1f
Investment income
1g
Church activities
1h
Total Receipts
PAYMENTS
Church Activities:
Diocesan Parish Share
2a
Staff wages
2b
Clergy and staff expenses
2c
Church running expenses
2d
Barn equipment and hire costs
2e
Mission Giving
2f
Costs of generating funds
Total payments
Excess of receipts over payments
Cash at bank and in hand at 1 January
Cash at bank and in hand 31 December
Note		 £
43,790
0
1,850
63,294
11,410
120,344
0
8
65
120,417
8,500
48,939
194
4,747
14,800
190
-
77,370
43,047
75,990
119,037
Unrestricted
funds		 £
-
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,000
0
5,000
Designated
Building fund		 £
43,790
-
6,850
63,294
11,410
125,344
0
8
65
125,417
8,500
48,939
194
4,747
14,800
190
-
77,370
48,047
75,990
124,037
TOTAL
2021		 £
41,000
-
2,170
62,564
6,481
112,215
0
25
0
112,240
4,000
48,552
2,524
3,264
8,432
750
-
67,522
44,718
31,272
75,990
TOTAL
2020

The Potting Shed Church Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Cash Funds
Bank current account
Deposit funds - Savings Account
Other monetary assets
Barn Equipment and Hire costs recoverable
Gift Aid recoverable
Liabilities
Barn Rental Payments due
Parish Share Outstanding		 Unrestricted
Desigated
TOTAL
TOTAL
funds
Building Fund
2021
2020
£
£
£
£
15,203
0
15,203
19,205
103,834
5,000
108,834
56,786
119,037
5,000
124,037
75,990
14,800
14,800
22,317
4,182
4,182
2,070
18,982
18,982
24,387
0
0
5,000
0
0
1,000

The Potting Shed Church

Notes to the Financial Statements

Income

Expenditure