## **Glenfield Methodist Church Minutes of the Church Council Meeting held on Wednesday 11 March 2026, 7pm** **Present:** Revd Joy Langford (Chair), Jane Sowler (Secretary), Dave Almey, Margaret Almey, Alison Asher, Viv Asher, Alison Blane, Elizabeth Casely, Geoff Clarke, Liz Clarke, Debra Davis, Keith Davis, Sheilagh Lake, Tom Limb, Vivienne Limb, Janet Mouland, Peter Sowler, Linda York, Wally York David Postlethwaite (Circuit Steward) **Apologies:** Mary Bothwell, Donna Jobling **Not in attendance:** Celia Davis, Trevor Davies Revd Joy led the meeting in opening devotions. The meeting then remembered, in silence and prayer, Roger Davis who had died since our last meeting. ## **1. Minutes of the previous meeting** The minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2025 had been made available to all council members prior to this meeting. A correction was made to the date of the next meeting, and the minutes were then agreed unanimously by the meeting. ## **2. Matters arising** There were no matters arising. ## **3. Connexion & District** The Circuit had not received any information regarding the outcome of Revd Lake’s suspension, but Revd Joy had been informed that it had gone to appeal and was still in progress. ## **4. Property and Finance** ## i) **Treasurer’s report** Geoff Clarke had submitted a detailed report for the half-yearly accounts. He explained his additional presentation which showed that the church still has a surplus of £12,000. He also reminded the Church Council that we are trustees and therefore responsible for the total amount of money, which currently stands at £137,600. This includes our General account, Project Reserves and Bequests fund, Playgroup account, Churches Together, Girls’ Brigade and Toddler Group accounts. He expressed concern regarding the budget for 2026-27, as offerings and gift aid are down quite considerably. He encouraged us all to consider our giving and hoped that church folk would increase their offerings to match inflation. Geoff reminded us that from September, Janet Mouland would be taking on the role of treasurer. However, in the 20 years that he had been in post, many additional tasks had been encompassed. He proposed that he carried on with the ‘additional’ tasks as Finance and Property Support, while Janet took on the main job of treasurer: _**Finance Support**_ – Envelope Secretary, Gift Aid Administrator, Charity Commission Secretary, Playgroup Treasurer, Churches Together Treasurer. _**Property Support**_ – External Room Bookings, Room Heating Schedule, Energy, Insurance and Photocopier Contract Renewals. Proposed by: Geoff Clarke Seconded by: Janet Mouland Carried unanimously. Revd Joy thanked Geoff for his hard work again this year, and thanked Janet for agreeing to take on the role of treasurer. ## ii) **Property** Viv Asher had submitted a report, thanking all the Property Stewards for the work they do. They continue to work through the Quinquennial tasks, do other repairs as they crop up and manage the servicing and testing of items within the church building. 1 Phase One of the church garden had been completed, and the builders will be coming on site again next week to continue quinquennial work. Liz Clarke is trying to get quotes for the garden layout and planting and hopes to have the memorial garden at least completed by May. The bike store is also due to be constructed in early May. Peter Sowler asked if it would be possible to have an additional large notice board in the Concourse. The meeting agreed in principle, with a budget of up to £100 in mind. Viv agreed to speak to the builder next week. The meeting approved the Managing Trustees Annual Returns checklist. Peter agreed to check which outside groups using our premises were required to have in place their own safeguarding policy. Revd Joy asked if anyone would be willing to take on the role of Property Secretary. It was agreed to advertise the post in the notices and the newsletter, and if no one came forward, Jane Sowler would reluctantly step into the role. ## iii) **Eco Church** Jane reported that once the garden project was completed, Alison Blane, Debra Davis, Linda York and herself would look at whether we could apply for a Silver Eco Award. ## **5. Circuit Steward’s Report** David Posthlewaite had submitted a comprehensive report of things happening across the Circuit. The question of circuit services or sectional services was raised, as Glenfield had to close the church to meet with 3 other churches at St Andrews at the beginning of March. After discussion, where it appeared the majority of the Council were not in favour of closing our doors, Revd Joy reminded us that it was the Superintendent’s decision. It was agreed that two stewards would be on duty for any future closures in case anyone arrived that morning. The Circuit Service had been arranged for Sunday 14 June 2026, 10.30am at St Andrew’s, Leicester Forest East, when Revd Dr Sonia Hicks would preach. It was suggested that lifts in cars or the hiring of a minibus/bus might be organised. Vivienne Limb agreed to canvas people to see who might be interested in attending the service on 14 June. Revd Joy thanked David for his report. ## **6. Church Stewards** The proposal was made to reinstate Vivenne Limb as Senior Steward and to have Iris Amoah as a new Steward. Trevor Davies and Keith Davis, who had been acting as Senior Stewards for the past year, would remain on the steward’s team. The meeting agreed unanimously, and this decision would be ratified at the Annual Church Meeting. ## **7. Church Life** - i) **The Annual Church Meeting** was arranged for Wednesday 29th April 2026 at 7pm. - ii) **Pastoral** – following the meeting held on 10 March, it was agreed that a Community Roll should be administered as a way of keeping in touch with members of our church community. This would replace the term “adherents”. Church Membership currently stands at 77, with 40 on the Community Roll, and it is hoped to find additional Pastoral Carers to befriend those on the Community Roll. ## iii) **Worship and Plan issues** There were no additional items to bring to the meeting. ## iv) **Discipleship** Tom had started a new monthly Bible study group which was well received. He has also led the formulation of our new Mission Plan as requested by the Circuit identifying three priorities for growth: website improvement, stronger links with Woodlands Care Home and an Out-and-About programme in the local community. These three things were voted on by church members, but the idea of a Men’s Breakfast was also well received if the church could organise such an event. Revd Joy thanked Tom for his hard work. 2 ## v) **Church Groups** _**Monday Coffee & Chat** –_ Jane’s report thanked the volunteers who give up so much time for this group week by week, which is very much appreciated by all who attend. _**Girls’ Brigade** –_ Donna reported that Annalie will be leaving in the summer to go to university and will be very much missed. The Awards Evening will take place on Tuesday 30 June at 6.30pm. _**Crochet & Stitches** –_ Siew Hoon reported that they still attract people from both church and community, stating that it is a great way to get to know people from the village. _**Memory Café** –_ our numbers are quite low, having two recent deaths and several others with illness that prevents attendance, but those who do attend find it most worthwhile. The café will be advertised on the Glenfield Facebook page again and that might attract some new visitors. _**Crafternoon -**_ a group of about 8 to 10 meet monthly for a church project they are supporting, for instance, making up the bags to be handed out on Good Friday. _**Playgroup and Toddlers** –_ Liz reported that the increase in government funding for working parents, particularly for 2 year olds, has resulted in a greater take up of hours. Playgroup expects to be at or near capacity during the summer term. We have a well-qualified and experienced staff, managed to keep ratios low and build relationships with families. Liz reminded the Church Council that they as Trustees are responsible for playgroup, as it is an internal organisation. A new constitution is being produced to reflect this. Toddler Group continues to thrive with average attendance of 20-25 adults and around 30 children, and they would welcome more church involvement on a regular or occasional basis. ## vi) **Social and Fellowship Events** Some of our previous ministers would be invited to attend the celebration service of our 150[th] Anniversary on Sunday morning, 24 May 2006. The service would be led by Revd Joy Langford as we worship together. ## vii) **Churches Together** Alison reported that two further Family Craft events had been planned, for 11 April and 13 June. ## **7. Safeguarding** The Council had received a report prior to the meeting from Peter Sowler stating that there were no new safeguarding issues. ## **8. GDPR** Peter had started work on our bi-annual review and renew exercise and will shortly be in touch with data holders as a part of our Data Mapping. He will be contacting individuals regarding updating the data we hold and if required the permissions they have given. This will lead up to the annual online submission for GMC at the end of May. ## **10. Any other business** ## **Church Stewards** i) Liz Clarke reminded those present of the Local Government Organisation survey which can be completed online. Jane agreed to continue to advertise this in the notices for the next two weeks. ## **Date and time of next meetings:** **Annual Church Meeting – Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 7pm. Church Council – Wednesday 14 October 2026 at 7pm.** Revd Joy thanked everyone for all the work they do in the church. The meeting ended with prayer at 8.50pm. **Signed (Chair): ____________________________________** **Date: __________________________** 3 **CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS** # **THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS** ## **Glenfield Methodist** **Church** FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Leicester West Circuit Circuit no. 23/9
Registered Charity - Charity Registration number 1180910
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If not a registered charity **His Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number** (The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) **----- Start of picture text -----**
Minister:
Rev'd Joy Langford
Church Stewards:
Trevor Davies Alison Blane
Elizabeth Casely Keith Davies
Mary Bothwell
Treasurer:
Geoff Clarke
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GMC SFA 2024-25.xlsx 1 of 5 **Church** ## **ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** ## **Glenfield Methodist** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Totals this Totals last
SECTION A Funds Funds year year
£ £ £ £
a1 RECEIPTS Note
a2 Offerings and Tax recovered 61,300 61,300 60,793
Bank and CFB interest and
a3 Investment income 3,648 3,648 3,309
a4 Lettings 17,142 17,142 14,917
a5 Other receipts 22,766 22,766 27,901
a6 TOTAL RECEIPTS 104,856 104,856 (a7) 106,919
SECTION B
b1 PAYMENTS
b2 Circuit Assessment or Share 49,974 49,974 39,488
b3 Donations 3,588 3,588 2,787
b4 Repairs and Maintenance 4,459 4,459 2,404
Utilities (Insurances, water
b5 charges, heating & lighting) 9,326 9,326 10,161
b6
b7 Other payments 15,178 45,285 60,463 18,555
b8 TOTAL PAYMENTS 82,525 45,285 127,810 (b9) 73,396
SECTION C
NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS
c1 FOR THE YEAR (a6-b8) 22,331 (45,285) (22,954) 33,524
Total funds brought forward from
last year
c2 37,037 46,387 83,424 (c6) 49,900
c3 Sub total (c1+c2) 59,368 1,102 60,470 83,424
c4 Transfers and adjustments (c7)
c5 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR (c3+c4) 59,368 1,102 60,470 (c8) 83,424 (c6)
SECTION D
FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
d (these amounts are not to be included in total receipts/payments figures above) £ £
d1 Balance brought forward from last year
d2 Offerings/Gifts - received for external organisations 6,701 7,394
d3 Offerings/Gifts - passed to external organisations 6,701 7,394
d4 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1+d2-d3)
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2 of 5 GMC SFA 2024-25.xlsx Glenfield Methodist **Church** ## **SUMMARY OF CHURCH ACCOUNTS AND INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS REPORTING TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL** ## **SECTION E Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page** Summary of the Church accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 and Internal Organisations reporting to the Church Council/Church Meeting. Note that the funds of an Internal Organisation would normally be Restricted funds unless it could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose. This section must be completed to arrive at the gross income and expenditure totals of the Church. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshold, then the Accruals method of accounting AND A DIFFERENT FORM must be used to report the accounts (see Methodist website). Please refer to the guidance notes regarding transfers between the District and connected District Organisations. **----- Start of picture text -----**
INTERNAL Net Receipts/ Opening
ORGANISATIONS Receipts Payments Payments Adjustments balances Closing balances
e1 Playgroup 96,971 81,852 15,119 55,601 70,721
e2 Youth Worker 603 2,402 (1,799) 14,611 12,812
e3 Girls Brigade 1,252 937 315 10,300 10,615
e4 Toddler Group 1,815 1,446 369 (410) 48 7
e5
e6
e7
Sub total of Internal
e8 Organisations funds 100,641 86,637 14,005 (410) 80,560 (e11) 94,154 (e12)
Church accounts (totals
brought forward from page
e9 2 - totals column) 104,856 (a7) 127,810 (b9) (22,954) (c7) 83,424 (c6) 60,470 (c8)
TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD
e10 BY CHURCH 205,498 214,447 (8,949) (410) 163,984 (x) 154,625 (y)
Continue on a separate sheet TOTAL
if necessary and bring the TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
totals forward
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## **SECTION F** ## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES** |f1
f2
f3
f4
f5
f6
f7
f8
f9
g1
g2
g3
g4
g5|**CHURCH - CASH FUNDS HELD at 31 August 2025**
**SECTION G**
**OTHER ASSETS and LIABILITIES**
Other Assets
Central Finance Board
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
Other funds
Other Liabilities
Total funds held by Internal Organisations (the
closing balance total from above) (e12)
Investments (include Endowments)
Loan(s) - show amount outstanding at year end
Bank Deposit Account
Land & Buildings (see notes re Insurance
value)
**SUB TOTAL - Church accounts**
**TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CHURCH**
Bank Current Account
Cash in hand|**OPENING**
**BALANCES**
13
4,180
79,205
25
**83,424**
(c6)
**80,560** (e11)
**163,984**
(x)
At
1 September 2024|**CLOSING**
**BALANCES**
12
3,595
56,836
26
**60,470**
(c8)
**94,154** (e12)
**154,625**
(y)
At
31 August 2025| |---|---|---|---| f4 Include only Funds held at the Central Finance Board - f5 Include only Funds held at Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes - g1 Include any other investments (not the cash element of TMCP trusts accounts this is included in line f5 3 of 5 GMC SFA 2024-25.xlsx Name of Church . .Glenfield Methodist Church No...2319 Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year lo 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees. Signature of treasurer . G. an4e Dale: 26th September, 2025 Name and address of treasurer . .Geoff Clarke, 8 Faire Road, Glenfield, Leicester Post Code.. LE3 8EA Presentstion to the Church trustees I confimi that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 werelwill be. presented lo the meeting of the Church trustees held on Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting.. .Rev'd Joy Langford Date.. .14th October 2025 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Glenfield Methodist Church Charity Number: 1180910 Responsibilities and basis of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Glenfield Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 1 to 3. As the Church's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in acco¥dance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'lhe Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Church's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, I have followed 811 the applieable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. delete or circle as appropriate GMC SFA 2024-25 xlsx 4015 Name of Church.. Glenfield Methodist Church No.: 2319 Independent Examiner's Ststement I have completed my examination. I confinm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below") which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act., or the accounls do not accord with the accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I havelhave not. obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Wame of independent examiner.. John Pickard Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner.. NIA Name of firm {where appropriate}: NIA Address.. 15 Oak Road, Littlethorpe, Leicester, LE19 2HP Date delete or circle as appropriate GMC SFA 2024-25 xlsx 5of5