## The Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist with the Epiphany, Corby ## Diocese of Peterborough # **Reports and Financial Statements 2022** |Charity Name|The Parochial Church Council of St John the| |---|---| ||Baptist with the Epiphany, Corby| |Charity Registration|1178205| |Principal Address|The ecclesiastical parish is situated in Corby,| ||Northamptonshire and is in the Corby Deanery and| ||Oakham Archdeaconry of the Diocese of| ||Peterborough within the Church of England. The| ||parish consists of the Church of St John the| ||Baptist and the Church of the Epiphany (Chapel of| ||Ease). The correspondence address is St John’s Church| ||Hall, Church Walk, Corby, Northamptonshire,| ||NN17 1XF.| |The Governing Document|Parochial Church Council Powers Measures| ||(1956) as amended and Church Representation| ||Rules| |Objectives|The Parochial Church Council (PCC of St John| ||the Baptist with the Epiphany, Corby, has the| ||responsibility of working with the incumbent, the| ||Reverend Paul Frost, in promoting in the| ||ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the| ||Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and| ||ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically| ||responsible for the maintenance of the Church| ||of St John the Baptist and the Church of the| ||Epiphany and their respective church halls.| |Members of the PCC|The members of the PCC who served during the| ||year were:| ||Incumbent (Chair)
The Revd. Paul Frost| ||Church Wardens
Daniel Eastwood| ||Lynn Hay| ||(elected May 2022)| ||Representative on
Paul Buckingham| ||the General Synod
(re-elected October 2021)| ||(appointed vice chair| ||PCC, May 2022)| ||Representative on
Susan Norman| ||the Deanery Synod
(re-elected May 2022)| ||(appointed PCC| ||treasurer, May 2022)| ||Louise Lawson| ||(elected May 2022)| |From May 2022|Jamie Gibb| |---|---| |elections|Kelly Gibb| ||Louise Fairless| ||Carole James| ||Catherine Mason| ||Claire Morris| ||Heather Lovett| ||Edward Frost| |Other_ex-officio_|Hilary Buckingham| |members|Catherine Hill| |Co-opted|The Revd Capt. Peter| ||Simmons| Key Management Those in charge of directing, controlling, running Personnel and operating the Charity on a day to day basis are the members of the Standing Committee (Paul Frost; Daniel Eastwood; Lynn Hay; Paul Buckingham; and Susan Norman) Bankers NatWest, 25 Corporation St, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 1NR Independent Examiner Mr John Hindle, 49 Kirby Road, Gretton, Northamptonshire, NN17 3DB ## **1. Structure, Governance & Management** ## **1.1 Trustees** The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parish Meetings in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The two churches within the parish combine under one PCC. The financial statements at 31 December 2022 include income and expenditure for the year. ## **1.2 Electoral Roll** The Electoral Roll is maintained by Catherine Mason. As of December 2022, there were a total of 71 members on the electoral roll. ## **2. Activities and Strategies** The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to become Christians and be part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of our worship and activities throughout the parish. When planning our activities for the year, we have taken note of the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Specifically, we enable people to grow in and live out their faith as part of our community through: - Worship, education, and prayer; learning to develop their knowledge and experience of Jesus. - Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish. - Reaching out with the gospel of Jesus Christ, with words and action, throughout our parish with a special emphasis on the Exeter Estate and Chapel Gym. - To enable this work to happen it is vital that we maintain the fabric of the Church of the St John the Baptist and the Church of the Epiphany and their respective halls. ## **3. PCC and Subcommittee** ## **3.1 PCC** The PCC (from May) has 8 elected members, 1 General Synod member, 2 Deanery Synod member and 2 churchwardens. Licensed Clergy and Readers are ex officio members. Peter Simmons (PTO) is a co-opted member. Total PCC membership for 2022 is 17. The PCC met in person. Attendance was good at meetings. Minutes and attendance are recorded at each PCC meeting. Main issues in 2022 included: - Review of our spending in light of rising costs. - Exploration into a partnership with Hope into Action to provide a home for exoffenders. - Discussing how we can improve our hospitality at St John’s. - Creating opportunities for a Warm Space at St John’s. ## **3.2 Standing Committee** The Standing Committee can meet when necessary to present to PCC various matters which need its attention. The Standing Committee comprises of the churchwardens, vice chair, treasurer, and the rector. The PCC Secretary takes minutes. During 2022 the Standing Committee had no reason to meet. ## **4. Parish Life and Ministry** With 2022 being a year free from Covid-related restrictions, life has been extraordinarily busy at St John’s. In June the Church played a central role in the Corby Pole Fair welcoming high numbers of people to the early morning reading of the Elizabethan Charter, our flower festival, and vintage teas in the hall. During the same weekend we marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a special service with community organisations joining us in our celebrations. We were privileged to be able to serve and support our community in grieving the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September. The installation of a projector and screen has helped our worship and provides more flexibility as we seek to maintain a blend of the contemporary and traditional within our services. We thank our band who use their gifts to serve and bless us week by week. We thank God for those at St John’s who lead worship and provide consistent Bible teaching on Sundays for both children and adults. Likewise, to see an increasing number of people joining Thrive groups during the week is a real encouragement. We’re grateful for those who lead and host these groups. The number of funerals continued to be high throughout 2022, and we conducted a high number of weddings as many were postponed from the Covid period. This year for the first time we ran a marriage preparation day for those having weddings. Led by Peter and Elaine Simmons, the day was full of practical advice and godly wisdom, and was very well received by the couples who attended. One of our top priorities as a church is to ensure that St John’s is a community which is safe for children and vulnerable adults. We recognise that we all have a responsibility to keep one other safe and our Parish Safeguarding Officer (Cathy Mason) encourages all who are involved with the life of St John’s to complete an online course to increase basic awareness (https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org - speak to Cathy for more information). No safeguarding concerns were reported during 2022. Both DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and safeguarding training are renewed every three years for those who work with children and vulnerable adults in church. The PCC has complied with their duty to have due regard to the Bishop’s guidance in relation to safeguarding. With a significant historic building, extensive hall, and large grounds, maintaining the fabric of St John’s requires much work from many volunteers. In particular we note the tremendous work of Dave Norman who undertakes many of our maintenance duties and carries out the majority of our repairs. We have replaced the lighting in the hall and this means that we now have LED lighting throughout the hall and church which is both more cost-effective and better for the environment. We have replaced the windows in the hall which now look smarter and have improved security. Our last five year inspection by a church architect (Quinquennial Inspection), highlighted the need to replace the roof on the south aisle of the church. This will be a large project costing in excess of £35,000. A successful fundraising event with Corby Male Voice Choir has started this appeal. Children and families work is both busy and thriving. **Sparkle Tots** is continuing to run two sessions back to back which keeps the numbers lower per session and helps us to get to know those who come. We’re thankful for a dedicated team of volunteers who work really hard. **Ignite** has a varied number of children who attend on a Sunday and we have a team of volunteers who are committed in playing a valuable role in the spiritual journey of our children. Sam, Paul, and Rob regularly conduct school assemblies in both Corby Old Village Primary School and Exeter Primary School. **Men’s Football** continues to flourish under Tim Slater. He runs five football matches every week and a gospel message is shared at each game to the men who are not yet Christians. Further to this, a video message is sent out to all those in Corby who are on his books - approximately 250 men. Further afield,Tim helps to run Soccer Schools in Kent and Suffolk for youngsters aged 7-14 which includes football coaching, gospel presentations, and Bible classes. **The Chapel Gym** seeks to provide a place ‘where change happens’ for our members, recognising that the change could be physical, mental, but praying that it will ultimately be spiritual. Tim, and others, are around the gym to build relationships with people and share the good news of Jesus. In 2022 we continued to work with young people at risk of exclusion at Lodge Park Academy and we also hosted a team of young people from First Baptist Church, Houston, USA. Towards the end of the year the Chapel Gym was nominated for an Active Community Awards run by North Northamptonshire Council, **Fishing with Faith** is a family-based activity allowing people to explore fishing, learn about wildlife, and enjoy being outside. With eight sessions averaging 30 people per session, Fishing with Faith has grown. Each session starts with a Bible thought, prayer, and safety briefing. This year Scott Dunmore has completed his coaching license in Angling, and has also been trained in safeguarding and first aid. The final session of the year marked a ‘North v South’ competition between St John’s, Corby and St John’s, Bransholme (our mission partner). The light-hearted award ceremony followed a wonderful BBQ. St John’s Church is grateful to Yoke Hill Farm Fishery and the generosity of others who have supported Fishing with Faith. **St John’s Craft Club** continues to grow in numbers and new friendships are continually being made. A successful Christmas Craft Fair was held along with a quiz evening in a local pub, fish and chips evening, carol service, and Christmas party. The highlight was seeing the beautiful flower arch created by the Craft Club for the Pole Fair. **Corby Mothers’ Union** met three times in the year and decided to finish as a local group. Some of the group continue as members of Peterborough Diocesan MU and help support work across the world by putting faith into action. **1st Corby Scout Group** flourished in 2022. With Covid restrictions being lifted and scouting as we knew it returning, the group is more popular than ever. There are now waiting lists in some of the sections. At the start of the year the Scouts went on Winter Camp and the Beavers and Cubs held their own Winter Olympics. All enjoyed the pantomime (with much booing and hissing!) One of the young leaders raised the money to take part in the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea - an opportunity of a lifetime. In June Corby 1st Scout Group became part of the official national Beacon Lighting to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. With cake, music, and reflections from those who had met the Queen it was a fitting celebration. Later in the year we reflected with sadness as we marked the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We shared how this momentous event affected us personally and had the opportunity to sign the book of remembrance at St John’s. One of our Scouts went in full 1st Corby uniform to London to view the late Queen’s coffin Lying in State. We keep growing from strength to strength and our numbers reflect on the great job the leaders do. We thank the St John’s (our sponsor) for the support they give to us, both financially and the help provided. Lee Richardson (Group Scout Leader) With all the challenges that 2022 has brought, we praise God for his faithfulness to us as a church and continue to pray that his Holy Spirit will guide us as we make Jesus known in our town. As we move forward as a congregation we’re increasingly aware that there is a growing number of people who share in the mission and ministry of St John’s. It’s a real encouragement to have so many of our Church family joining in with God’s work. We’re so thankful to see Colossians 3v23-24 put into action: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Paul Frost (Rector), Lynn Hay and Daniel Eastwood (Church Wardens) ## **5. Deanery Synod** In 2022 there was one formal meeting of Deanery Synod in October. This included a presentation on the Ukrainian Refugee Project by Peterborough Cathedral and a report from the Revd Mark Lucas on General Synod which met during July. Deanery Synod met for worship on Ascension Day in May. Throughout the year a small group in the Deanery met as part of the Living in Love and Faith process. ## **6. Structure, governance and management** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representative Rules. At St John’s the membership of the PCC consists of the Rector, churchwardens, licensed lay ministers, and those elected by those members who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who are part of our congregation, and eligible, are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial guidance in the working of the PCC. The PCC met five times during the year. ## **7. Financial Review** ## **7.1 Financial Activity and Financial Position** The PCC’s main source of funding has traditionally been the offerings of church members. The adoption of the Parish Giving Scheme (launched within the diocese) has assisted us in promoting regular giving via direct debit. The growth of this method of giving is essential for our financial sustainability. The Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet show that the total income for the year for is £78,800.22 with a total expenditure of £79,511.77. ## **8. Responsibilities of Trustees for the Financial Statements** The PCC is responsible for preparing the Annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accepted Accounting Practice. In preparing those financial statements, the PCC is required to: - Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the church will continue to operate. - The PCC is responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006. The PCC is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other regularities. ## **9. Approval** The report of the PCC was approved by the PCC on 24 April 2023 and signed on its behalf by: The Revd Paul Frost, Chairman ## **Report of the Independent Examiner to the Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist with the Epiphany, Corby.** I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 as set out below. ## **Respective responsibilities of PCC and examiner** The PCC is responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. The examination included 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 seeking explanations concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently, no opinion is givens to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’. The PCC prepares the accounts on a ‘Receipts and Payments’ form of accounting. There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and accordingly, the accounts have been drawn up on a going concern basis. Following inspection, I identified there were no matters for concern. Mr John Hindle. 1st January - 31st December 2022 ## **End of Year Financial Statements** ## **Income** ||**£**|**% of Income**| |---|---|---| |Planned Giving|£49,186.15|62| |Other Donations|£9,744.00|12| |Recovered Tax|£5,207.70|7| |Grants|£755.00|1| |Fees|£4,150.00|5| |Hall Lettings|£7,157.50|9| |Fundraising|£1,195.87|2| |Gretton Contribution|£1,380.00|2| |Interest|£24.00|0| |**Total**|**£78,800.22**|| ## **Expenditure** ||**£**|**% of Expenditure**| |---|---|---| |Mission Giving|£3,339.00|4| |Parish Share|£32,000.00|40| |Staff Salaries|£8,318.62|10| |Clergy/Staff Expenses|£2,843.95|4| |Evangelism|£542.51|1| |Maintenance|£7,598.25|10| |Church Expenses|£1,599.05|2| |Projection System|£16,037.29|20| |Church Utilities|£2,083.02|3| |Church Insurance|£2,269.96|3| |Hall Utilities|£1,806.59|2| |Hall Insurance|£1,073.53|1| |**Total**|**£79,511.77**|| ## **Excess Expenditure over Income (£711.55)** ## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities** ||||| |---|---|---|---| |**Cash at bank**||**This Year (2022)**|**Last Year (2021)**| ||||| |**NatWest Current Account**||36,031.58|22,445.69| ||||| |**NatWest Reserve 1**
(Designated)|Children’s Work|1,557.02|2,527.4| ||Mission Giving|0.00|844.00| ||||| |**NatWest Bank Reserve 2**
(Restricted)|Bell Fund|8,696.74|8,549.39| ||||| ||||| |**NatWest Bank Reserve**|General Fund|10,970.04|25,888.04| ||||| |**Lloyds Current Account**|General Fund|3,400.47|3,400.47| ||||| ||Total for Cash at bank|60,655.85|63,654.99| ||||| ## **Notes:** 1. Loans outstanding: £ Nil 2. These accounts have been prepared by Susan Norman (Treasurer) and independently reviewed without audit by John Hindle. Signed: John Hindle, April 2023