ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## **TABLE OF CONTENTS** 01 INTRODUCTION 02 SNAPSHOT 03 THE IMPACT 04 ACCOUNTS 05 LOOKING FORWARD ## We have been on this amazing journey together for ten years and the mission and ministry of St Thomas Church continues to punch well above its weight! We seek to be a church that reaches beyond the boundaries of our congregation, sharing and demonstrating the good news of Jesus – loving and serving our community and city in Jesus’ name! A special mention must be made to those members of the church and community that give of their time and finances to assist in the work that we do here. I will always remain grateful to each of them. It is also essential that as we seek to grow in 2024, we commit to going deeper into our relationship with Jesus through gathering, through prayer, through reading scripture and serving the church family. From our weekly community meals, bringing together people of all ages from across the community, to our 4000 bags of christmas goodies, we love to show the CIty how much Jesus loves it! This is our church, and we are loving and serving the city in Jesus’ name. With love and prayers Steve We want to continue to be the church that boldly proclaims the good news of Jesus through its words and actions and I hope that you feel encouraged by this publication that celebrates all that God is doing and all that is to come as we become the Diocesan Resource Church. 01 ## **SNAPSHOT** HERE’S A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT’S HAPPENING ## **The Spire Café:** A community not-for-profit cafe, serving fairtrade drinks and delicious food and any profits go directly back into the local community. ## **Tiny Toms:** A welcoming, loving and safe place for parents, carers and children 0-4 years, to enjoy play, crafts and music. ## **Community Hub:** A hub that offers a safe space, with a guaranteed warm welcome, hot cuppa, sweet treats and a comfy sofa. ## **Boys Brigade and Girls Association:** A weekly hangout to play games, eat food and chat about life and faith with our amazing young people. ## **Foodbank and Surplus Food:** Providing emergency food and toiletries for those in need. ## **Alpha:** An opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly and informal environment. ## **Baby Basics:** Supporting vulnerable mothers and new born babies with a 3-month starter pack and more. ## **Services:** Gathering for 2 services each week for worship, prayer and inspiring talks. ## **Community Lunch:** Sharing a free two course hot lunch each week with our church family and community. 02 ## **THE IMPACT 2023** **1000** **4771** ADULTS AND CHIULDREN SUPPORTED BY FOODBANK FREE BREAKFASTS **4000** **204** BABY BASIC CHRISTMAS REFERRALS BLESSING BAGS **1300 121** HOURS OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES WORK WORSHIP SERVICES **1100** COMMUNITY LUNCHES **3500** VOLUNTEER HOURS **52** FUNERALS 03 ## **ACCOUNTS** Below is a snapshot of the finances of St Thomas Church Swansea for 2023; As always, we are so grateful to all who support the church through generous giving and through the many grants who support our social outreach. In 2024 we seek to increase the giving from our congregation to equip us for the next part of our journey as we seek to consolidate and plant and revitalise more churches. 05 ## **LOOKING FORWARD: 2024** We are excited and expectant for all that God has in store for us as we continue to love and serve the community of St Thomas and the City of Swansea and support the mission of the Diocese in our role as its resource church. We are seeking to recruit additional members of staff, including an associate vicar, children’s pastor and a young adult & student pastor. We are working to develop our food ministry through a partnership with the Message Trust. Above all, we continue to pray for God’s direction and blessing in all that He has in store for us in 2024. Thank you for journeying with us! With special thanks to our supporters 06 Independent Examinerfs Report To the Trustees of The Parlsh of St Thomas and Kll¥ey ANNUAL REPORT 2023 I report to the trustees on my examination of the of the accounts of St Thomas and Kilvey charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Examlner The Parish Council members of the Parish of St Thomas and Kilvey (henceforth referred to as the PCCI as trustees are responsible for the preparatlon of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111.the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the charitiel accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying our my examination, I have followed all the applicable Dlrections given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Art. It is my responsibility to.. Examine the accounts under sertion 145 of the 2011 Charitles Act- To follow the procedures laid down In the General Directi0115 given by the Charity Commission {under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Charities Act); and To State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examlnerfs 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 tru5tee5 concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and cgnsequently 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 examinerfs Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to rny attention in connection with the examination which 8ives me cause to believe that In, any material respett- The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Acy or The accounts did not actord with the accounting records; or The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 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. Slgned: Date: 07108IZ4 Name: Mr Daniel Pfiddy BSC, MA MCGI Addre55: Ty Nont, Dol Y 8ont. Ceredigion, SY24 5LX