APCM 2024
St Luke’s Church
Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2024
April 2024
| April 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Table of Contents | ||
| GENERAL INFORMATION | ||
| MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS | page 2 | |
| MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING | page 3 | |
| PCC LEGAL AND ADMINSTRATIVE INFORMATION | page 6 | |
| VICAR’S REPORT | PATRICK W | page 7 |
| ST LUKE’S CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT | BEN H & ROBERT B | page 9 |
| PASTORAL CARE | MARION B | page 10 |
| MISSION PARTNERS | RACHEL S | page 11 |
| ELECTORAL ROLL | CATHERINE M | page 11 |
| SAFEGUARDING | CATHERINE M | page 12 |
| FLOWER BUNCH | CATHERINE B | page 12 |
| REVIEW OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AND AFFAIRS | GILES W | page 13 |
| DEANERY SYNOD | PETER B | page 15 |
| ANNUAL PCC REPORT | PETER B | page 16 |
| ST LUKE’S CHURCH HALL | SIMON B | page 17 |
| ST LUKE’S CHURCH HALL ACCOUNTS | page 18 | |
| ST LUKE’S CHURCH ACCOUNTS | page 26 |
1
Annual Meetings
Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners
Held at St. Luke’s Church on Sunday 30th April 2023 at 11.40am
Chaired by Revd. Patrick Wheaton (PW) who opened the meeting in prayer.
Apologies for absence
Hazel B, Robert B, Mary C, Jonathan C, Brian F, Pauline F, Andrew H, Catherine M, Linda R, Peter R, Chris S and Kathleen Y.
Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on 8th May 2022
Upon a proposal by Victoria B (seconded by Stephen S), the minutes were approved on a show of hands without opposition.
Matters arising
None
Election of Officers
Terry H had come to the end of his 3-year term as churchwarden, plus an additional year to aid with continuity and his tenure had included a year as sole warden and had covered a period when Covid-19 restrictions had been in force. He had therefore decided to stand down and was warmly thanked for his faithful and diligent service. Ben H was prepared to continue and was nominated to do so (by Giles W, seconded by Marion B). Robert B was also nominated (by Terry H, seconded by Ben H) but had indicated his intention to serve for just one year in this capacity. There being no other nominations and no objections, Ben and Robert were unanimously and enthusiastically elected as churchwardens upon a show of hands.
Report of Trustees – St Luke and St John Ecclesiastical Charity (St Luke’s Church Hall)
A written report dated 23/04/23 had been submitted by Simon B on behalf of the Trustees with its customary care and thoroughness upon which PW invited questions. There being none, the report was approved without objection upon a proposal by Howard M (seconded by Guy W) by a show of hands. Simon was thanked in his absence by PW.
Any Other Business
None
2
Annual Meetings
Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Held at St. Luke’s Church on Sunday 30th April 2023 following the Meeting of Parishioners
Chaired by Revd. Patrick Wheaton (PW) who opened the meeting in prayer.
Apologies for absence
Hazel B, Robert B, Mary C, Jonathan C, Brian F, Pauline F, Andrew H, Catherine M, Linda R, Peter R, Chris Sand Kathleen Y.
Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on 8th May 2022
Upon a proposal by Terry H (seconded by Sarah W), the minutes were approved on a show of hands without opposition.
Matters arising
None
Elections
Deanery Synod
These representatives are elected for a 3-year term. This is the year in which they need to be elected. There were 3 lay vacancies. There were 3 nominations, being Peter B (nominated by Ben H, seconded by Mary C), Carla T (nominated by Jenny S, seconded by Sarah W) and Rod W-C (nominated by Ben H, seconded by Kit S). There being no other nominations, they were elected.
PCC
The 3-year terms of Emma P-W and Kit S had come to an end, although by local convention Emma could stand again this year. Peter R had been co-opted for a year and Felicity C had moved away during the year and resigned. There was one unfilled vacancy from last year making 5 in all.
There were 5 nominations, namely Richard F-J (proposed by Ben H, seconded by Giles W), Emma P-W (proposed by Ruth H, seconded by Guy W), Peter R (proposed by Peter B, seconded by Rachel W), Rachel Smith (proposed by Anthony W, seconded by Sarah H) and Sarah W (proposed by Guy W, seconded by Robert B). With no other nominations, all were elected unanimously.
Independent Examiner
Upon a proposal from the chair, Sally Colbourne is to continue as the independent examiner, to the unanimous approval of the meeting. (The secretary to the meeting explained the historical reason – namely a previous potential conflict of interest – why this was to be done, even though it was not a legal requirement for this meeting.)
3
Reports
Giles W (treasurer) then presented the church accounts and spoke about the church finances. He again thanked Jonathan, his predecessor for all his help and support over the year. He was also grateful to Mary C and Linda R for their help. In simple terms our regular income was around £100K pa of which 97% came from regular giving and the rest from parking, rents and interest from small investments. 90% of income qualifies for gift aid.
In his slide presentation giving had increased in 2021 but levelled off last year. On the expenditure side, our Parish Share had doubled since 2019. Expense on Utilities had also greatly increased – gas heating is expensive. Tribute was paid to Peter R who had managed a remarkably small share of our budget (4%) on maintaining the fabric of the building. In summary, there had been a small but unexpected surplus last year due in part to a legacy.
For 2023 we had budgeted for an £11K deficit. We did have some reserves and great efforts were being made to cut costs. Giles was reluctant to dip into reserves and imaginative solutions were needed along with prayer to manage finances over the long term.
(Ed NB the minutes for last year had noted that last year’s surplus was a bit misleading and would affect this year’s figures.)
PW thanked Giles for his hard work on the finances along with Peter R and his team in relation to looking after the building.
The reports, including that on finance, were unanimously approved on bloc upon a proposal by Emma P-W, seconded by Richard F-J.
In his wider report (full text reproduced for service on 07/05/23), PW looked at an incident in the life of the early church described in Acts Ch6. It was growing rapidly but a problem had arisen over the distribution of resources, which gave rise to grumbling.
Over the past seven years, St. Luke’s had seen numerical growth. PW gave examples comparing 2016 to the present:
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Electoral Roll Now 119, was 90
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• Regular Worshippers Now c.115, was c.65 • Contacts list Now 177, was 83 • Giving – received Now £82K, was £52K • Parish Share Now £72K. was £35K
Other growth had taken place which cannot be easily recorded statistically. There are various signs of flourishing.
Yet, like the church in Acts, some grumbling had arisen. Like in Acts, where the complaint was neither malicious nor unjustified, it caused concern to the leadership, as resources became stretched. PW gave examples of some of the “niggles” that have been voiced. In some senses, these niggles are a side effect of numerical growth and are by no means to be dismissed. For instance communication is important and difficult to get right as is a sense of “belonging” for all. The real danger is that they could start to impede the overriding ministry of the church. Standing still is not an option and we still wish to grow. As we do so, expectations rise. In a small church (up to 40), niggles can be dealt with relationally – as everyone knows each other. As we become more like medium sized church (150–250), this is no longer possible.
(At this point, PW acknowledged the huge amount of work that Terry had done within the church during his time here. He has led children’s groups, read at the school (St. Johns), served on PCC, been churchwarden, organised and run the Connect prayer meeting, organised the rotas and led a Home group and short courses. A vote of thanks to him was expressed and a gift was presented to Terry and Sarah.)
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As a result of the growth grumbles, changes are needed for the coming year. These are to:
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Clarify roles
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Develop ‘deliberate’ fellowship
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Increase giving
Our structures are to be ordered to encourage growth. In a smaller community, everyone knows everything and tasks are picked up informally. This is no longer possible and we need to define roles and responsibilities, just as the church in Acts 6 had to do when Stephen became deacon.
Secondly, we need to make time to spend together in fellowship and friendship. PW gave examples of where this was already happening and could be developed. When we give time to this, the quality of relationships can deepen and develop.
The pressure on finance is inevitable and PW will be exploring bible teaching on and talking about giving in the coming weeks.
There will also be the chance to participate in the Thy Kingdom Come 24 hour prayer initiative.
PW invited questions. A practical question about flaky paint on the radiators went to the issue of creating a good first impression as people arrived at church. There was some discussion about wider issues facing the Church of England and the autonomy of local parishes. A question about operation of the Fire Truck coffee bar was raised and PW confirmed that it was run as a separate business and did not pose a financial burden upon the church. We must support Angele and make use of opportunities it provokes to engage with our local communities.
There was a short question about gardening duties.
Ben H took the opportunity at conclusion to thank Patrick and Louise for their leadership, work and devotion over the previous year.
Any Other Business
None.
The meeting closed at 12.35pm.
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st luke&st johnparishcheltenham
Parochial Church Council
Annual Report 2023
Legal and Administrative Information
Name: Parochial Church Council of St. Luke and St. John, Cheltenham
Location: St. Luke’s Road, Cheltenham
(Address for correspondence) St. Luke’s Church St. Luke’s Road Cheltenham GL53 7HX
Members: Members who served during the year were as follows:
Revd. Patrick Wheaton (ex officio) Mr. Robert Bolton (Churchwarden, ex officio) Mr. Ben Harris (Churchwarden, ex officio) Ms. Victoria Beevers (elected, April 2021 for 3 years) Mr. Peter Burke (Reader and Deanery Synod rep, ex officio) Mr. Rod Woodward-Court (Deanery Synod rep, ex officio) Mrs. Rachel Smith (elected, April 2023 for 3 years) Ms. Christine Lodge (elected, April 2021 for 3 years) Ms. Emma Perona-Wright (elected, April 2023 for 3 years – resigned mid term) Mr. Peter Ralphs (elected, April 2023 for 3 years) Mrs. Sarah Wingfield (elected, April, 2023 for 3 years) Ms. Carla Thraves (Deanery Synod rep, ex officio) Mr. Giles Wadsworth (elected, April 2022 for 3 years – elected Treasurer
Secretary: Mr. Peter Burke
Related Charity:
St. Luke and St. John Ecclesiastical Charity (St. Luke’s Church Hall) The trustees are made up from the Chair of the PCC (clergy), Churchwardens and two representatives elected by the PCC.
Independent examiner:
Sally Colbourne Chartered Accountant 125, Meadow Road Malvern
Bankers: National Westminster Bank plc, 31, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1LH
Peter Burke For and on behalf of PCC Secretary (April 2024)
6
VICAR’S REPORT
I begin by reminding us of our vision and values at St Luke’s. Our vision is to be ‘rooted and flourishing’ – rooted in Jesus Christ and flourishing under God’s love. Our values are; growing and making disciples of Jesus; loving one another; local in mission; structured to grow.
To be ‘rooted in Jesus Christ’ means our worship and life together seeks to give glory to God through His Son Jesus Christ, whilst also building us up as followers of Jesus, to equip us to live for Him in the contexts we are placed day by day and week by week. Also, knowing the wonderful treasure that we have in Jesus, will stir in us a desire to see others come to know Jesus, and we want to take advantage of every opportunity our parish affords in this. Here our value to ‘grow and make disciples of Jesus’ is reflected. Living as disciples of Jesus means a deep commitment to our church community. This is part of ‘loving one another’ and means being present at church services and other gatherings, plus giving our time, gifts and money.
‘Flourishing under God’s love’ reflects the desire for all those who come into contact with St Luke’s – the people, building and site – will feel some sense of the love of God. To this end, we seek to draw people to us that they might experience flourishing, and prayerfully from this seek to issue an invitation to discover Jesus. This has been referenced as making St Luke’s a ‘hub’ for our community, and displays one element of being ‘local in mission.’ In this, there is a particular desire for drawing those who are lonely, sick, anxious or in need. After all, St Luke was the evangelist and physician, and our church is located opposite the hospital. It might be said we want St Luke’s to be a ‘haven’ for those who need healing.
The final value of ‘structured to grow’ reflects the intention to organise and plan to facilitate growth. Structures must only ever serve and support what we see God doing and believe He is calling us to.
One significant outworking of our vision over the last year has been the FireTruck Project on the church site. It was something I was passionate about for raising income to support ministry across the parish, and also be an actual outworking of bringing flourishing to our church site. The obvious reality is that it did not achieve the first element, and so had to be paused. The Hall Trustees, as owners of the business, have made the decision to sell the assets and wind the business down. I believe this is absolutely the right decision, especially given the duties and scope of the Hall Charity. At the same time, I also want to hold out a reminder of how the FireTruck itself did actively support our vision, in a way that was new and bold, beyond other things we do as a church. It brought people onto the site, it opened up conversations with the community, it drew people into the building to pray and also to attend services, it raised our profile across the parish. My personal hope is that whilst acknowledging how one aspect did not succeed, we do not fail to see God’s grace at work, and remain encouraged and confident to pursue adventurous projects in the future.
One element of God’s grace over the last year has been the emergence of 2[nd] Saturday. Each month our teenagers have met for fellowship, teaching and worship. Stephen Skett and Kyle Hobbis have wonderfully supported me in this, and we have seen up to 12 come along. The core are our regular church teenagers, but we have also seen others begin to attend. Many appreciated the ministry of our teenagers at the Maundy Thursday service.
God’s grace can be seen too in Alice Pinney’s arrival as our Ministry Assistant. In the space of a couple of weeks, I personally went from fretting over the future of support for our ongoing ministry, particular to younger ages, to rejoicing over the appointment of someone with gifts and experience beyond those I thought the post would attract. It is really exciting to have Alice joining us here at St Luke’s.
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God’s grace is evident in the development of our Growth Groups. 3 meet fortnightly, in addition to the weekly term time Women’s Bible Study. I estimate we have around 50 people now choosing to meet midweek to study the Bible and pray for each other – to actively seek to grow as disciples.
God’s grace is apparent in financial provision. Giles’ Treasurer’s report gives more detail here, however, the turnaround over the year is remarkable. Within this is the grace of external financial support from grant funding. At the time or writing, I’m not yet able to see how God will graciously use the appearance of dry rot and obstacles to the development of the dais – but I am sure He will.
God’s grace sustains the love, support and service across our community. For me, I see this at our midweek Communion service, and knowing the huge work Marion puts in with Pastoral Care, and the network of visiting that takes place. It is also there in the growing relationships at out Toddlers group. This is slowly increasing in number, feels like a real support network, and we have begun to see presence from our Toddlers at services. This grace also underpins the ad hoc prayer networks and practical unseen service. Note should be made of Jonathan Chestney, Peter Ralphs, Stephen End and Howard Marshall in that respect. All regularly to be found beavering away in the church building covering AV and technical support, carpentry or repairs, and preparation for services.
God’s irresistible grace also continually calls people to himself, summoning them to hear and receive the good news of Jesus, and worship together in the community of the church. Our culture offers so many enticements and entertainment – it makes it remarkable to think why people would choose to seek out a church event, or commit to one another in the way many do at St Luke’s. Louise will testify that sometimes I pose the question whether many people will come to a particular event or service. Yet, as particular highlights over the year, God drew many to our Community Carols, Crib service, Lent Prayers, Holy Week services and Easter Day celebration.
Points over the last year have been hard. Yet God’s grace sustains and also gives us hope. When things do not go according to plan, it is our roots in Jesus Christ that draw us back upon the grace of God. These roots also give cause to press on, because we know the grace of God will deliver His plans in the future. We also then see the flourishing God brings, not by human intentions or will, but by His grace.
As at the time of writing we are about to enter a series in Ephesians 6 on the armour of God, let me end with Paul’s prayer from earlier in the letter.
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16 ] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17 ] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18 ] may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19 ] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21 ] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
(Ephesians 3.14-21)
God bless,
Patrick
8
ST LUKE’S CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT
BEN H & ROBERT B CHURCHWARDENS
It is very encouraging that St Luke’s Church continues to grow numerically and spiritually as we buck the trend of national decline. We are now by size of weekly attendance in the top 20% of CofE parishes. Our 8am and midweek communion services continue to flourish. The 10am provides for all ages and stages marking the key aspects of the church calendar and national life. We have continued to evolve the outdoor elements of selected services, such as Remembrance Sunday and Easter, as we seek to witness and draw in our local community. We are not complacent but motivated and heartened to continue to spread the good news of the Bible.
We embarked on two firsts over the Christmas build-up. Following Footsteps and local deliveries of invitations there was a most joyous Community Carol service, with a choir from St John’s Primary School as the centrepiece. There was a good turnout from the local community and parents, with the opportunity for their children to see the donkey parade down the aisle as well as get a ride outside on the grass. Secondly the crib service on Christmas Eve was reinstated. Under the shadow of a gigantic star, the crib decked with glowing, contemporary lights, this highly participative service, attracted over 40 adults as well as a wide range of children. Thanks to everyone, especially St John’s for their participation at this busy period.
Our church building has been ably looked after by Peter R and a series of restorations and improvements undertaken, within the financial constraints. Frustratingly our plan to increase the size of the dais has been hampered by approval issues and most recently the discovery of dry rot by the St John’s Chapel. The intention is to start work in the autumn of 2024, to give the music group the performance space they deserve. Our Quinquennial has recently been conducted and is being assessed. Thank you, Peter.
The funeral service of Felicity Rhodes, a long-standing and dear member of our Church, brought together current and former members of the congregation in a most memorable service. The talk referenced key moments where Felicity felt ‘the special warmth of the Lord during the St Luke’s sermon’, which was truly inspirational for us all to hear. She will be greatly missed.
The variety and scale of services and activities that take place in St Luke’s is only possible thanks to the enormous generosity of time and commitment by so many of you who volunteer. We want to mention retired clergy, Peter B our licensed Reader, lay preachers (from the congregation), readers and those leading prayers, musicians, AV, coffee rota, clock winders, welcomers, flower bunch, mowers, volunteer cleaners and the PCC. There is a constant requirement for more volunteers! We said farewell and thanks to Hannah from YFC whose focus has been to start Tinies & Toddlers on Tuesday mornings and lead our youth group, as well as St John’s lunchtime Christian session for pupils. We have welcomed back Kyle H to the role of coordinating youth.
All of our efforts must be grounded in prayer. Our monthly Connect prayer meeting has continued to grow. Our thanks to Terry & Sarah H, who have now handed over the leadership to John M. We encourage everyone to try to support our prayer life together.
We thank Patrick for all his leadership, hard work and selflessness in serving St Luke’s. In addition our special appreciation for everything Louise and Evie, Noah and Lettie do in supporting and helping out. We end the year feeling blessed in so many ways and with a sense of Christian optimism as we strive to discern and do God’s will in our parish.
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PASTORAL CARE
MARION B PASTORAL COORDINATOR
My role continues to be quite busy, coordinating support for those in particular need and their families, supporting those who visit others, and keeping in touch with those no longer able to worship with us in church.
This year we have started having a Pastoral meeting every couple of months attended by Patrick and the wardens, myself, Ernie Hall and Pete Burke, and more recently Andy Hall, to raise awareness of individual situations, upcoming events and to pray through our contact list.
Training
In the autumn I completed the Anna Chaplaincy training course with Gill Ford, Anna Chaplaincy Coordinator for Cheltenham and Bishops Cleeve, to learn more about spiritual care for older people.
I have also attended a Count Everyone In workshop, which was about promoting inclusion in church life for those with learning disabilities.
Other Activities
St Luke’s again contributed to the Christmas and Easter craft projects for Anna Chaplaincy. We produced Christmas stockings and knitted crosses for delivery to local care homes for both residents and staff. We also delivered some (along with cards and chocolate treats!) to our older members who are no longer able to worship with us.
I also arranged a Christmas social and have continued with the monthly refreshments after the midweek service.
Break
I will be taking a couple of months’ break from my pastoral role in May and June this year. This will be about halfway through my term. My letter of authorisation from the Diocese as a pastoral assistant is valid for five years.
Ernie Hall, Andy Hall and Patrick will be available for any pastoral concerns as usual during that time. I remain very grateful to those who visit and keep in touch with others, as well as those who support me,
especially Sarah Howard for keeping the prayer requests up to date, Patrick for his support and advice, and many others for their prayers and practical help.
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MISSION PARTNERS
RACHEL S MISSIONS COORDINATOR
This year we continued to support seven mission partners: A Rocha, WorldShare, Liz Williams at Wycliffe Bible Translators, Mike and Barbara Workman at Operation Mobilisation, Gloucestershire Youth for Christ, Cheltenham YMCA, and The Rock.
We have tried to raise awareness of our mission partners and the work that each of them do locally, nationally and internationally within the church community.
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During summer 2023 we gave two presentations during the 10am service, giving information about each partner.
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Prayers for mission partners are included in the Prayer Newsletter most weeks, focusing on one specific organisation each month. Those leading intercessions in services are encouraged to include these prayers.
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In February 2024 we enjoyed talks at both Sunday services from Andy Macauley at The Rock, Mike and Barbara Workman, and Dave Kinghorn at Cheltenham YMCA.
Thanks to those who support the Parish Giving Scheme our mission partners received an equal share of £9,300 from 2022 giving and £14,000 from 2023.
ELECTORAL ROLL
CATHERINE MARTIN ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER
The annual review of the Electoral Roll has been conducted and the current roll, which has been approved by the PCC, reflects the church membership as closely as possible. The revised list is on display in the church. A total of five names were removed for reasons of death or notice of leaving St Luke’s, but applications for membership have been received from an additional eight regular attenders, so there is a net increase of three on the roll. The number on the roll is therefore now 122 compared with 119 in 2023.
A full review of the Electoral Roll, which is carried out every six years, is due next year, 2025, the last full review having been conducted in 2019.
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SAFEGUARDING
CATHERINE M PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
While the Church of England as a whole remains a focus of scrutiny for its Safeguarding practices, and changes to the way it operates these more independently may be made in future to ensure they are fully effective and appropriate, at St Luke’s we continue to follow the Gloucester Diocese guidance in these matters, and have confidence that the measures we have in place protect the children and vulnerable adults of our congregation as best we can.
This means that all those who are in roles with a responsibility for children and vulnerable adults require a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, and undertake CofE Safeguarding training, most of which is done online. As things stand, all in these roles at St Luke’s are fully compliant, but there will be more to be done in the coming year, as we appoint new members to the PCC, and with the requirement for renewal of DBS certificates and Safeguarding training every three years, there will be some in existing roles to whom that will apply.
Last year we adopted the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard as recommended by the Diocese Safeguarding team, and by working through the actions we have to record on this, we have moved up to a score of 91% compliance, with only a small number of actions, mostly associated with role descriptions for those involved in children’s and young people’s groups, still to be completed. The status and outstanding actions are reported to the PCC for each of their meetings. The PCC also conducts an annual review of the church’s Safeguarding Policy, which is accessible on the noticeboard at the back of church and via a link on the home page of St Luke’s website.
A list of names and contact details of those to contact in case of any concerns over Safeguarding in the church is posted on the noticeboard at the back of the church, but the first points of contact in such cases are Revd. Patrick Wheaton, or Catherine Martin as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
As ever, Safeguarding should and does remain at the centre of our faith, in our practice, in our worship, in our praying, and in our believing.
FLOWER BUNCH
CATHERINE B
We now have twelve members of the Flower Bunch who have worked very hard throughout the last year to make the church look beautiful with flower arrangements. We have just welcomed a new member, Gwynne Tucker-Brown. Sylvia Lauder’s help with the major festivals of Easter, Harvest and Christmas is much appreciated. Catherine Martin organizes the dates of donations for flowers in memory of loved ones which makes a very good contribution towards the cost of flowers.
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REVIEW OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AND AFFAIRS
GILES W PCC TREASURER
The PCC Treasurer is responsible for the management and reporting of PCC finances through the year, drafting the year-end accounts, and arranging for their independent examination. This review summarises the income and expenditure during 2023, noting any significant items and trends. Income
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Regular giving and donations: Our upward trend in giving from 2022 continued in 2023 and we ended the year ahead of budget and up by +19% on 2022. This was a huge achievement and we give glory to God.
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Tax reclaimed under Gift Aid: 90% of our giving is now tax-efficient, leading to a tax reclaim of £23,000 through the year. This is an excellent achievement.
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Income from assets: We make a small amount of income each year from use of our premises including: parking, room/building hire and occasional services. This increased by 111% to £11,300 in 2023. This increase reflects the collection of unpaid parking debt from 2022 and the pitch fee for the coffee van. Given the rise in interest rates, we have also benefited from extra dividend income.
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Legacies: These are unbudgeted but very welcome and we received legacies totalling £1,000 in 2023.
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Appeals: In the past we have made appeals against specific projects or for targeted support (such as Ukraine in 2022). This year we appealed for an increase in regular planned giving by the congregation to meet our budget deficit and the cost of repairing the south window. We also appealed for donations towards the salary for a Ministry Assistant in 2024. Both appeals were supported positively by our congregations.
Expenditure
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Parish Share: The PCC paid a Parish Share to the Diocese of £72,036 in 2023, an increase of 3.5% on 2022. This now meets the full cost for our one member of staff. This is by far our largest expense.
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Running costs: Cost of services/premises increased by 12% in 2023 to £20,700 and our significant window repair meant that our major repairs bill was £17,882. We are anticipating further major repairs in 2024.
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Mission giving and charitable contributions: £13,800 was set aside for our mission partners from 2023 funds, an increase on budget to reflect our increased giving income. This is currently held in a restricted fund awaiting allocation.
Summary
In the budget for 2023 we anticipated a deficit of -£24,000 for the year. In the end, largely due to the response of our congregations to the appeal in May, we made an operating surplus of £8,274. We very much recognise God’s gracious provision to us in helping us to reverse our deficit this year given all the pressures that are being faced by the congregation and by the increased cost of living. Praise God! Funds are in hand to pay for our Ministry Assistant, who starts in April 2024, and we are still able to maintain a healthy reserve.
We are now contributing a full and fair amount to the diocese for the costs associated with a full-time minister and we can be absolutely confident that we are paying our way. Few other churches in the diocese will have increased their % contributions in the way that we have over the last few years. Next year (2024) we are running a break-even budget but we have recently been made aware of some significant extra repair work that needs urgent attention. We are also hoping to convert the south gallery into an office.
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This has been a rollercoaster of a year. We anticipated huge heating bills but we wrapped up warmly and switched provider to the diocese scheme and those bills never materialised. Our congregations responded positively to our appeal and we were able to pay all of our costs with some to spare. We are stepping out in faith to provide for a second member of staff. All this points to God’s blessing on the ministry at St Luke’s. I am indebted to Linda for helping with Gift Aid, to Robert for managing the parking and to Jonathan for his continued support and guidance.
Giles Wadsworth PCC Treasurer
Historical Finance Data for reference
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024B | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giving Income GA | 60578 | 59200 | 72556 | 73371 | 87576 | 85500 |
| Tax recovered | 15169 | 11960 | 16935 | 18626 | 23058 | 20000 |
| Giving Non GA | 504 | 300 | 650 | 4275 | 3830 | 2600 |
| Sundry gifts | 5135 | 5000 | 8195 | 5222 | 5166 | 3000 |
| Legacies | 10000 | 0 | 4000 | 5000 | 1000 | 0 |
| Appeals / Grants | 0 | 0 | 3830 | 4365 | 6003 | 0 |
| Misc | 1366 | 1250 | 406 | 544 | 0 | 0 |
| Income from assets | 3894 | 3850 | 6540 | 5370 | 11311 | 8200 |
| Total Income | 96647 | 90560 | 114611 | 116773 | 137944 | 119300 |
| Clergy costs | 36537 | 56000 | 66420 | 70074 | 72618 | 73036 |
| Cost of services / premises | 13138 | 16600 | 14237 | 18550 | 20746 | 20100 |
| Major repairs & redecoration | 2228 | 3500 | 2315 | 4549 | 17882 | 9500 |
| Admin | 4708 | 3950 | 2818 | 3746 | 3883 | 3900 |
| Misc | 1216 | 1400 | 2182 | 2311 | 741 | 850 |
| Mission giving (or held for) | 8650 | 9050 | 8100 | 14804 | 13800 | 11900 |
| Total Expenditure | 66477 | 90500 | 96073 | 114034 | 129669 | 119286 |
| Surplus/deficit | 30169 | 60 | 18538 | 2739 | 8274 | 14 |
| Balances held on deposit | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 92746 | 91584 | 99858 | |||
| Restricted funds | 27791 | 28662 | 33605 | |||
| Held for mission giving | 8100 | 14866 | 14056 | |||
| Total | 128637 | 135112 | 147519 |
14
DEANERY SYNOD
PETER B DEANERY SYNOD REP
There were three meetings of the Deanery Synod in 2023.
In addition to regular updates from Diocesan Synod and continuing discussions about Parish Share, there were presentations about a number of different subjects. These included items about:
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Living in Love and Faith and the encouragement for parishes to discuss this sensitive topic. Feedback from the General Synod meeting this year on this and other subjects (including Safeguarding) was not uplifting.
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The Deanery Strategic Plan – an ongoing subject developing the work from 2022. It might be fair to say that efforts are being made to develop strategic thinking. The small-group approach avoids some of the more eccentric thinking that is sometimes to be found in Deanery Synod! The 2022 action plan has been developed and fleshed out as anticipated. Andy McCauley is now the Youth Coordinator and adds expertise from across the town and traditions within it. The hope is for churches to flourish and innovate and develop some principles against which future recruitment may be measured.
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Poverty in Cheltenham.
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The new formula for Parish Share is being developed and the Diocese will be seeking an overall increase of 7% for 2024.
The composition and leadership of the synod did change this year after the 3-yearly election of new members. Revd. Gary Grady stood down as Area Dean to be replaced by Revd. Andrew Blyth.
Despite its usual existential ruminations (exactly what is a Deanery for?) the quality of discussion was good and the leadership change bodes well in a disparate Deanery. Across the Deanery, there is now a general acceptance that mission is our priority.
15
st luke&st johnparishcheltenham
Parochial Church Council
Annual Report 2023
Legal and Administrative
Legal and administrative information, including details of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) members who served during the year is shown on a separate page.
Aims and Organisation
The main purpose of the PCC is defined in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 (as amended) as “to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical”. Inter alia, it is also to consider and discuss matters concerning the Church of England
The PCC met seven times during the year including an extraordinary meeting in June 2023. There were no extraordinary meetings (EGM). The standing committee met informally. The PCC operated as part of the united benefice with St. Mary/The Minster with St. Matthew.
Review of Progress, Decisions and Achievements
In this year and in addition to the usual financial, structural (to the building), ministerial, safeguarding updates and development issues, there were a number of items for discussion including:
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The Safeguarding dashboard was introduced and updated. Safe recruitment is included in its remit and the action plan it generated was approved.
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Work to move the war memorial and continue internal development around the front of church and dais was approved. Some of the approved work was thwarted by the DAC. The pulpit cannot be permanently moved.
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A working document entitled St. Luke’s Vision 2023–2025 following the 2022 away day was prepared and regularly updated.
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Mission giving/Mission partners were discussed and updated despite departure of Felicity C.
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Hannah’s developing role and training. The provision for teaching young people and other matters after expiry of her contract were discussed.
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Living in Love and Faith – updates on national picture, discussions of issues in church meetings and stance to be taken by minister and PCC.
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Despite being under the financial control of the Hall Trust, the Fire Truck coffee business was discussed in relation to mission opportunities it provided. Its financial difficulties were considered and various possible operating structures outlined.
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Report from the Pastoral Coordinator were received.
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The establishment, function and financing of a Ministry Assistant was discussed. The post was advertised and candidates sought.
Other topics for discussion are covered in more detail in other reports.
I have received excellent support from Robert and Ben (churchwardens) and Patrick (minister) where my own records and recollections have been inadequate. With thanks too for all those who have provided reports and information.
Peter Burke PCC Secretary (March 2024)
16
ST LUKE’S CHURCH HALL
SIMON B HALL TREASURER
The Church Hall is managed separately from the church (as the St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity, registered charity no. 1078441) and its report and accounts are formally presented to the Meeting of Parishioners that is held before the APCM. Please refer to these for more detail.
The trustees were:
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the Vicar and Wardens ex-officio; Revd. Patrick W, Ben H and Robert B (who succeeded Terry H in May) and nominees of the PCC: Lisa C (Chair) and Simon B (Treasurer) and Margaret B.
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Mary C provided secretarial support to the trustees until the September meeting.
The trustees are very grateful to our dedicated part-time staff, Sylvia L the Bookings Manager and Lesley T the Facilities Manager.
Income was £88,258 – up from £71,409 in 2022. Income from room lettings (£55K) and parking charges (£14K) was similar to 2022. Exceptional income was (a) a grant of £10K from the Gloucester Diocese LIFE Development Fund to complete the purchase of the Fire Truck Espresso company, and (b) a generous donation of £6.6K from Margaret B to fund the installation of batteries to complement the solar panels which were installed in 2021.
Total expenditure was £69,881 – up from £58,172 in 2022.
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The trustees made grants totalling £17.6K. These included £12K to the PCC to fund an arrangement with Youth for Christ Gloucestershire for a youth worker and £4.7K to Saint John’s Primary School to fund developmental projects, including support for music in the school.
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The Hall’s energy cost £9.1K – up from £5.1K in 2022 but a reduction is expected in 2024. An exceptional outlay in 2023 was £7k for work on the drains that had been a problem for several months in 2022.
The Church Hall is well maintained and is a major asset to the community and to furthering the work of the church in the parish. The Hall website has a page (http://www.stlukes-hall.org.uk/hall-users/) that lists the many activities that go on there.
17
Parochial Church Council of St. Luke & St. John, Cheltenham Registered Charity Number". 1184357 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For thè yexr ertded 31 DetetDber 2013 Tot&l Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Note Rtstrit*ed Funds ReStried FndS INCOMING RESOURCES Donations and other sDnilar incoming r¢sour¢¢s Intoming resotsree$ from operfttillg activitie Incotne frotn events and activities lttvegtmettt IllMe Transfer benveen Utricted and Re5trickl Fimds TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 2•, 2b 128,623 20,552 149,175 120,927 2,835 2d 10,199 10,199 139,934 20,SS2 160,486 127,873 RESOURCES EXPENDED ChArltAble expendSture Costs in further3nce of charitable objects Management and administration 'rraLsfer between UnreSthCd and Restricted Fullds TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 3a, 3b 132,469 IS.609 148.078 127.842 132,469 15,009 148,078 127,842 NET INCOMIIYGIOUTGOING RESOURCES 7864 4,943 12,40¥ 31 Total fimds brought forw8Jd 106.450 28.662 135.081 Toi21 fijnds carried forwdrd 113,914 33,605 I4719
Parochial Church Councll of St. Luke & St. John Cheltenham R¢gi£t¢rtd Charity Number." 1184357 BALACE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Note Current Asset5 tLk of Traidcraft Goods Debtors Cash in hand and gt NWest Bank 5hort-ierm d¢pvsits ICenir81 Board of Finance) 800 85.202 49.508 5¥J12 89.W8 147J19 Cr¢ditors 300 3Y8 Net CrDt A55tt5 147,519 Tot1 85sets less eurreDt liabilitifs 147,519 FIINI)S Uttrestricted (General Fund) Restricted Funds 100.450 28.662 33.005 147.qlg Approved tythe PCC at its tneelingon IS - nd signed on iis behalf by R¢vd Patrick Wheaton (Chairman) Mr Giles Wadsworth Imemherl The notes on pages 3 to 7 fonll part of these a¢roun
Parochial Church Council of St. Luke & St. John Cheltenham Re¥isleTed Charity Nutnber.. 1184357 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023 ACCOUP]NG POLICIES The8¢ financial stat¢m¢nts have been prepared under the histOTi¢al Cost ¢onveniion, as modified by the revaluation on inveskn¢nts and in accordance with tppli¢able a¢counithg stsrtdards in the United Kingdom and with the Statement of R¢coTnrnended Practice (issued October 20001 relating to accounting by charities tO8eiher with the Charities Au 2011 and th¢ Church Accounting Regulations. A summary of the more important polici whith have consistently applied is setoui below. llltoming Resour¢es Collections aT¢ r¢cogtils¢d when t[e. Amounts rtteivable under cov¢nantare reco)Sed only when honoured by the ¢oveDztttor. Income tax Jwoverable on cL)venanted or gift aid donations is reco8nised when Claunable. Grants and legacies io the PCC are accounted for as soon a5 th¢ PCC is notifitd of its entitlement and the likely zmounr due. Funds raised by thd raising and oth¢rsimilar ev¢nts ore a¢¢ourtted for ws8. Sale of books and magazines from the church booksrall aceount¢d for gr05s. Diyidthds Ènd interest are accounted for when due. Outgoing resourees Outgolllgresources are reeognised in th¢ Period in which th¢y are incurred. OutgoingresouTce5 ate allocaied to thc type of activity to which th¢yr¢lat¢. lllvestments No inv¢stments are held bythe PCC as at JI December. Flxed Asstts Consecrat¢d and benetired property 55 exeluded from the &¢wunis on the basis ihat prop¢rry iq inalien&bl¢ attd histori4 and thatrelteble cost informarion is not available. FyDds uTeStrcEed fun are donations and other incoming r¢sources Teceivable or generated forthe obj#ts of th< charity without firther$pe¢ified purpose and are available as generdl ftmds. D¢signat¢d filnds are unrestricted furtd$ eamthed by the church council for pYrti¢lllarpU0ses. 11¢stricted fid$ are used for specific puryx)ses as laid down by th¢ donor. Exp¢nditure which meets this Griteria is Charged to the bjnd.
Parochlal Church Council of St. Luke & St. John, Cheltenham Registered Charity Nwnber.. 1184357 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year endcd 31 December 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES 2023 2022 Unr¢stricted Restrleted Unrestrict¢d R¢stri¢t¢d 2a, 2b Voluntary receipts Planned Qiving Collections ai Servic Donations SClaI Appeals Gift Aid Legacies Grants 79,571 11.835 5.166 1.990 23,058 1,000 6,003 3.524 8,216 3,830 16,935 4,000 8,600 2,500 11.952 10.740 A¢tivltle5 for Gentratin¥ Fllnds Fundraising 2d IAvestmeDt lttcome Dividends & lrtterest Rent from Idand & Buildings 3,322 6,877 86 4.026 Church Attivities Fees ret*itted by PCC Trnding ?,429 406 sUToTAL of All rettlpts Above.. l39,934 20,552 114,633 13,240 Other Receipts not already listed TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 139,934 20,552 114.633 13,240
Parochial Church Council of St. Luke & St. John, Cheltenham Registered Charity Number.. 1184357 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) For tb¢ year ellded 31 Dettmber 2023 COSTS IN FURTHERANCE OF CHARITABLE C 2023 2022 Ullrestricted Restrieted Unrestriet Restricted Costs of gener&ting fud5 Costs of fvndraising activiti¢s Chureh Aetivitl¢$ Mission giving 8nd dotwiek8 Diocesayj paTith shartr contribution Salaries, wo8¢s honaratia Clergy and staff expenses 16,600 72,036 22 65,000 JOO 1,420 11,230 221 582 Church CXPEnses Mission and evangelism costs Church nning expellse8 Church ut2lity bills Costs of trading 236 34 1,302 7.206 10,436 7,579 16,176 441 Major c¥pitsl eXpeDd]re Major paIrS to tht church building Major repaIr[¢d¢¢9r&tI9ll (other Property New building work 17.882 2,315 3.888 39,841 SToTAL of Ill txpettditure paymellts tttms 132.469 15.609 88,001 39.841 Olh¢r paym¢nts not4beady listed TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 132,469 15,609 88.001 39.841
Parochlal Church Councll of St. Luke & St. john Cheltenham RegisieredeharitvNumber." 1184357 OTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEliTS ICTrDtinued For theyf4r¢Jed JI DettbrIO25 2023 2022 Debtors In¢Dme recovernblt Prepayments and accrued incorne 300 391 Unrestrirted F¥nds GcAcrAI Fund DesignJtLd Funts 99,858 14,056 113.914 57.788 106.450 Sceany578 foi. further information abTrutdtsignAted ftsnds. Thank YDU Held forchwiiies Mission ving Balance at 31 D¢¢¢mber 42,922 5.466 14,056 14.056 57,788 Restrl¢ted Balan at l Jgnuary IncuminB Ouwoin8 Balanct&t311)ecember 28,662 20,552 4,1(rfTr 33,605 28,662 Se¢andy5is for further inforrnation thulthe r¢3tride4 fi]nd. Youth and childrcn'swork Sperial proj¢ct3 Toddle[% Tbank D¢sl2nat¢d Fund The PLC h&s approved ihc inc0wralnOf ihe Thankyou fund into theGeneral Fund in 2023. Toddler5 St Luke's Toddler5 funds have been iD¢ludBd in th¢ ¢hurch acrountssince 2Ql8. ThtToddltL% fund is rBSlrict¢d. its w being ItmitEd ch11thS woriufoiher pufposcswith Lhc8ppr0V otthe foddlers*am. Toddlers was suswded throughout 2021 duety COVID. The PCC has propoKd ¢h¢ windiTrgup Trf the Toddlers fid and its Ifdnsferto Ihe Youth ana Childrens M'ork fvnd. and llwaits arE%pon5e from theTdI8 team.
Parochlal Church Coun¢ll of St. Luke & St. John Cheltenham NOTIS TO THE FINATr4CIAI. STATEMEITS IContiTrued} Forthe ye*r eDdcd 31 Dff¢rnb¢r21123 N• mtTrv¢m¢ni in fund%3reas follow5 Incoming Resource5 Transfer Resources expended between lunds Movernent in funds Unrestrlrted lunds 6en¥rnl lunJ 137944 115869 29122 51196 137944 115869 29122 51196 Desl8nated lunds Thank >0 Held IOrLhatities -42922 -42922 -5466 1990 7456 Mission giving 9144 13800 4656 1990 166CK) -29122 -43732 Restricted lunds 11952 8600 11589 3888 132 363 4712 -132 Special projecgs Toddlers 20552 15609 4943 160486 148078 12408
rrftrLiI Chur¢k CoDH¢iI of SL bMk¢ & SL Job Cknlt•nhm Rey4Er&lCbiiyNomF. 1184357 ' lNdwdtDt ExmlneV$ Reporfoll Ib¢ Acrvri15 Re1 totht methber&of PaT0[h Chw¢hCoCil of Saith Luk¢ 8od S&intJohn Ch¢lt¢sthwth Ckn•rity O Ott accowits for ¢ho yr endtd Il84357 31112ll023 ito8 I r¢portw thetnweeg on tDy eAlatl ofth¢¥counts of tl abDY¢elwityl'thè T> for thByear 3IIIY2023. Asthe ch¥itys tsuste4 you ar¢ttspopsibl¢ f¢rth¢prtporioftrfthexw5 lrt&c(dance with the rtyuir¢mèrttsof the Ch4Yiti¢s Act2011 lhe Ace'l. I tWE ID resr Dfmy examiThgtion ol the Trw's wn¢0rri 145 ofthe 2Ql l Acs ?d t80th my I have followed] th¢wliLblt Dirt£tionsBIV¢PI by the Chty Commi10 Und sttsioJL 14515Mb) ofthe AO I hBv¢ ¢ompithlmy gAanin&ion. l ¢onfirnJ that mttt51ovecoine to my atmtio pnteEion with th¢ examuution lotherthw a¢10¢{1 below I whith 8ivrs me uustto believe th , any ntht•rial res.. Ihe Kcountin8ts wer¢ with sethon 130 ofthp Charibes Ath". or th¢&Unts did noteoTd with the I¢d5'. or the Uty did lloi cornpty 7th the appli¢bk wuirwnents ¢OrmI fonn and cwtenfofA¢wJnts setgut in theCh¥iti&S IA¢e4)unts and R¢portsl RwlalioDS 2008 oth¢rtha any YtqUiTcmeni that the axoullts wve a'true8ndfair' Yi•¥ %Yhieh is Thjta mattu ciwidettd pt of irtdepcndeni vxatrtin*iDll.
peBslWlllie8 A•d
Indty¢ttdent wbicth attt10m 5hDuld be drdwn in this Twort ID ordLY ro aprowunowstandingof thE Dmte: N•rnt". Sally Cvlboumc
St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity (St Luke’s Church Hall)
Annual Report by the Trustees for 2023
Legal and Administrative Information
This report is produced in accordance with the Charity Commission guidelines on the Charities Act 2011.
Name of Charity: The St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity Registered No: 1078441 Registration Date: 2 December 1999 Governing Document: Charity Commission Scheme CD(T1)101,673 sealed 29 March 1994 – as amended on 10 Dec 2021 as amended on 1 Dec 2023. HMRC ref (Gift Aid): ZD10194 charitable company HMRC ref (UTR): 88777 27575
Charitable Trading Subsidiary: PLC 12897513, registered address: St Luke's Church Hall St. Lukes Place Cheltenham GL53 7HP, was purchased in December 2022
Charitable Objects: The Managing Trustees shall apply the income of the Charity to further the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish, including the provision and maintenance of a Parish Hall.
Classification of Charity on the Register of Charities:
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Topic (What does your charity set out to do?)
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General Charitable Purposes
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Religious Activities
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Beneficiaries (Who does your charity help?)
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Children/Young people
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Elderly/Old people
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Other charities/voluntary bodies
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Method of operation (How does your charity operate?)
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Makes grants to organisations (schools, charities, etc)
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Provides buildings/facilities/open space
Property: The property of the Charity is vested in the Gloucester Diocesan Trust Ltd, being the Custodian Trustee of the Charity.
Managing Trustees: Ex-officio The Revd Patrick Wheaton Ex-officio Ben Harris, Terry Howard (until May 2023) and Robert Bolton (from May 2023) Churchwardens Nominated Margaret Bristol (2019), Simon Barton (2021) and Lisa Campbell (2022) - appointed by the St Luke & St John Parochial Church Council (PCC) for a 4 year term. Secretary: Mary Chatterley (until September 2023) Hall Coordinators: Sylvia Lauder, Bookings Manager, 07792 567189 Lesley Thomas, Facilities Manager, 07942 965981 e-mail: info@stlukes-hall.org.uk Website: www.stlukes-hall.org.uk
1
St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity Registered Charity No 1078441
Trustees’ Report
The Managing Trustees main policies to achieve the charity’s aims are:
To maintain St Luke’s Church Hall and take action to improve its facilities
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To make the Hall available for the purpose of furthering the religious and charitable work of the Church of England in the Parish
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To apply a proportion of the income towards the religious and charitable work of the Church of England in the Parish
To let the Hall for other secular and social purposes
To let parking spaces in the car park during the working day to produce additional income
Trustee Business:
The Trustees met four times in the year; Lisa Campbell continued as chairman. Robert Bolton returned as an ex-officio trustee, replacing Terry Howard.
On 1 December 2023 the Charity Commissioners formalised an amendment to the governing document made in December 2021 to increase the number of nominated trustees to three.
Grants were made to St Luke’s PCC to continue an arrangement with Youth for Christ Gloucestershire for a youth worker to develop ministry amongst children, youth and families. Grants were made to Saint John’s School to fund their use of The Rock facility, their participation in the Archbishops’ Young Leader Award and to support music in the school in various ways.
A grant was received from the Diocese LIFE Development Fund to complete the purchase of the FireTruck Espresso which was operated as a Charitable Trading Subsidiary until September, when its operations were suspended. The suspension will be reviewed in 2024. Mr Simon Costa resigned as a director in November. The subsidiary reported a loss of £4K on the year.
The persistent problems with the drains that had cost £3,451 in 2022 were eventually put right in January 2023 at a cost of a further £7,010. The contractor gave a discount in respect of the earlier payments.
The trustees continued to explore options for reducing the carbon footprint of the hall building. Thanks to a significant donation from Margaret Bristol, a project was launched for January 2024 to install 10 kWh batteries to complement the solar panels.
In response to a request from the Cheltenham Local History Society, the trustees committed to install a defibrillator accessible to Hall users and the local community. This project was adopted by the Public Hearts Cheltenham Defibrillator Campaign who installed one in November at minimal cost to the trustees.
Parking charges were increased in May. Hire charges were increased from September. The increase reflected to some extent the rise in inflation over the period 2021-2022.
Financial Report and Notes to the Accounts
A formal statement of accounts prepared by Mr Simon Sheldon FCA of Harper Sheldon Limited is attached.
Income from lettings includes: Morea Performing Arts: £24,105; AA Groups: £3,080; Royal Scottish Country Dance Society: £2,286; Oficina da Capoeira, England: £1,749; Parkinson’s Table Tennis: £1,492; Diabetic Courses: £1,456; Performance Workshop: £1,361; AT Soccercamps: £1,272; Cheltenham Senior Citizens Welfare Committee: £1,232; Trish Tenn Fitness: £1,146.
Reserves Policy: Unrestricted funds are needed: (a) to provide funds which can be designated to specific projects to enable these projects to be undertaken at short notice and (b) to cover the maintenance and running costs of the Church Hall, and other administration and support costs without which the charity could not function. The Trustees have reviewed the charity's needs for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission and consider it prudent that unrestricted reserves should be sufficient to cover 6 months maintenance and running costs and administration and support costs. Unrestricted reserves at end 2023 were £35,586 . This approximates to 10 months running costs. The level of reserves is monitored and reviewed by the trustees annually.
2 St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity Registered Charity No 1078441
St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity st Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 Registered Charity Number 1078441
St Luke & St John F.cclesiastical Charity Statement of Financial Activities For the Year Ended 31st December 2023 General Futtd Property Fund To(ai 2023 Total 2022 Fwid Income Eipendliure lYJ¢omiTLg Rcsources Regular l.cttirtgs Parkirtg Rents CBF Interest & Dividend Miscellancous lar F.xport Donations Tot2l Incomkng Resources 55.248 14.525 1135 10 1007 16603 88.528 55.248 14,525 55,380 14,096 894 io 1,007 16.603 88,528 1,039 71,409 Resouttes Eipettded Charitable g¥ants Water, Fleating & I.ightin8 Telephonc & Intcmet Insuratjce Cleaner Projects & Improvements Furnitre & Equiptnent Maintnanc¢ Coordinator Pay Administratiort Provision for Doubtful Debt Total Resources Expended 17.644 17,644 11,360 5,806 447 1,643 8,429 10.937 446 1.715 7,606 10.058 446 ,715 7,606 10.058 5.278 13.498 2J26 5278 13.498 2J26 5.193 12,686 1,671 69,881 69.881 58,172 Nrf Incoming Re50urce5 18.647 18,647 13.237 opj JnvesimeniAs5ets R¢alised Unrcalised et Movement in Fukds 1.347 1.347 1.347 19,994 18.647 11.326 Fund Balances Brought Fonvard at the Start of the Year 101.889 155.050 14.321 271,260 259.934 Fund Balantes C8rritd Fon*Ard at the End of the Y¢ar 120.536 155.050 15,668 291,254 271,260 The notes on page 3 forn] pgrt of these accLN]nts.
St Luke & St John EcclesiAStieal Charity Balance Sheel as at 315t December 2023 General Property Endowment Fund Fund Fund Total 2023 Total 2022 Fixed Assets Frcchold Propaty {note 2) 54.950 155.050 210.(KK> 210,000 Current Asseti CBF Deposit Fund CBF InvestmeEJt Fulld Cash at Bank C&8h & Sthmps tn Hand Debtors and Prepayments Investment in Tradin8 Subsidiary 27.532 27.532 15,668 8.072 91 21.397 14.321 4.363 94 1,458 30.000 15.668 8,072 91 30.(KK) 30,(KK> 65.696 15.668 8l,3(A 71,633 IAabi]itie5 Due Within One Year CTeditor5 & Accrua]s SecuTity Deposits Prni$SOry Not rt Trnding Subsidiary iio iio 373 iio iio 10,373 P4et Current Assets TotAI Assets Less Crrellt LÉabilities 65,586 15,668 81254 61,260 120,536 155.050 15,668 291254 271.260 et Assets 120,536 155,050 15,668 291,254 271.260 Funds Generdl Fur¥J Proty Fund (note 2) EtLdowmeTht Fund 120.536 120,536 155,050 15,668 291,254 101,889 155,050 14,321 271,260 155.050 15,668 15,668 120,536 155,050 The notcs on page 3 fom partof these attouttts. ApprOvbY the Board of Tnjstees and signed on its behf by.. _ Trust¢¢: (Lui ILL D*:
Si Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity tlotes to tbe Accoullt$. l. A¢¢o¥ndng PolS¢les These accounis have becn prcpared undcr the historical cosi convention &8 modified by tht inclusion of th¢ freehold property at valuation and in accordance with 8pplie4ble accounting 5tsndards and the ststrmeni or Retojnmertded Pradite on Actoutsting by C]J2tities. The Trustees consider all eXns CODStits]te direct charitable ex[ditUre. 2. Freehold Property The property, St L4]ke's Churcb Hall, was wbstantially refitybish¢d during 2000 at a ¢os¢ of £54,950. As the propeny is owTred by the charity. the tr decided io ujrroduee it into the aceouttts ai a va]uation to reflect the refurbishm¢nL 1¢ has b¢¢n iTLcluded in the accounts al a site value of £210,[ as provided by Kirkham Pryer, Cbart Surveyors, Estat¢ Agents & Valuers on I I" January 2001. The valuation h&s beet) used for ats impaitment review uttder tbe tra$10]]al p]Dvisions of FRSI I "JmpaiTment of Fixed Assets and Go(Kiwill- and a Prowty Fund cstablished to reflect the difference betwecn ihc valuation 2nd the refillbishmcni eOSL8 of £155,050_ As the site value is essentially the value of the I1 no depreciatioTr will be provided.
St Luke & St John EeeleSi#Stie Charity Independent ExAminer's Report to tbe Trns¢ees of St Luke & St JohD Ecclesiastical Charity I rert on the accounts of St Luke & St John Ecclesiasucal Charity for the year ended 31ST Detember 2023, whieh comprise the Staiement of Fillanciai Activiti the Balance Shea. aDd the relaied Jx>Le5 &s set out on pages I to 4, respeciively. Respective Responsibilities ol the Trnstees and Independent Ex*Thiner The ¢hority'$ trnstees aTe responsiblc for the prepardtiot) of the accounts. The ]ry.$ trustees coSIder Ih2t an audit is not reqllired for thts year under setiioD 144 of the Charities Aci 201 I (the Charities Act) and that atl independent examination is needed. It is my pOnsibility to- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Acu to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission und¢r Section 14515Kbl of the Charities ACL a1 stale whether particular mallers bave come ts) my attention. Basis of Independent Examiller's Report My ex2tniJJation was canied out io a¢¢ordan¢e with GeDernl Dir¢ction5 given by the Charity Commisston. An cxamination includes a review of the attountirtg records kept by the thaTity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. IL also includes considttation of arty urtusual I[nS or disclosure5 in the accourtts and seeking eXp1aTl0$ froTD the rrustees concerning any gjch rnattcrs. The procedures underken do not provide a]1 the evidence that wou]d be required 3n audiL and n5¢qUentlY no OPLIJIOll j5 giYetL as to wh¢th¢r th¢ aceoufjts prcseni a'lruc and fair view" and the rew1 is limited to those matte]s set out in the ststement below. Independent Exa1ner'5 Statement In eonnection with my exarninauon. no matter has com¢ to my att¢ntiOn: which gives me reasonable cause to trKlieve that In any material respect the Irements. to keep accounting retord itt a¢¢ord9Ce with secti¢)n 130 of the Cbaritie5 Act. and to prepare accounts which aecoid with ¢he 2tcourtting records and tomply with the accountillg requireinents of the Chariti&s Act. have not been m4 or io which, iti my opittiofy atkntion should be thawn in order to able a prorKr understandin8 of the accounts to k reache(L Slmon Sheldon FCA Director of Harper Sheldon Llmlted Chartered A¢¢ountaots lidway House Staverton Technolog) Park Herri¢k Way Chelienham CL50 IUA Datt: q 4kn1 1¢2