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2021-12-31-accounts

Activity Reports Annual Church Meeting 23[rd] May 2022

We are thankful to the Lord for His work in and through Christ Church, and trust that you will be encouraged as you read the Activity Reports that follow.

Interim Minister’s Report

Any APCM would usually include a report from the minister, reflecting on the life of the church since their last annual meeting. Obviously that’s a bit trickier for CCW, since Joel has only recently arrived. So we thought it might make sense for me to jot down a few thoughts following my time as your interim minister (Sept 21-April 22, although Julian and I were both around a fair bit during and after Mark’s sabbatical earlier in 2021 as well).

I have really enjoyed getting to know many in the CCW church family a bit better. I’ve been encouraged to see so many of you serving the church so selflessly in so many ways. I’ve also been particularly struck by the level of care that others in the church family regularly show to those going through harder times. ‘In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,’ says Paul (Philippians 1:4-5). I really can’t put it better than that.

I was very conscious, as I came in last September, of what an unsettling time CCW had been through (and in some ways has continued to go through since then too). I was keen to lift our gaze to see beyond our earthly ministers and to fix our eyes on the ‘great shepherd of the sheep’ (Hebrews 13:20). So we spent the Autumn term working through Hebrews 1-4, on Sundays and in small groups too, basking in the glory of the Lord Jesus, his perfect work for us on earth, and now his perfect care for us from heaven. More recently, we have kept our focus on Christ, by tracing his steps towards and beyond the cross in the final chapters of Mark’s gospel. What a King he is – that he would do that for us…

One of the biggest encouragements of the last few months has been seeing so many new people joining CCW on Sunday mornings and, in some cases, committing to the church family for the longer-term too. That really is remarkable (we dream of such things at Barkham). We’re thankful to so many who have worked so hard to welcome these visitors and newcomers warmly. It’s been a great thrill to see the children’s work filling up with new children too (especially Sparklers).

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Christmas and Easter events were scaled back a bit this year, partly due to limited staff capacity. But it was hugely encouraging to see so many visitors at our two Christmas services and to have six people sign up for the recent Christianity Explored course run by Ian Stewart and Ellen Sofie Richardson. More recently, our small group studies have focused on the Passion for Life material, which, we trust, has encouraged, challenged, and equipped us to connect with those around us in ways that we hope and pray will allow us to speak more naturally of Christ.

I have really enjoyed working closely with Ian and Mellissa, and would love to record my appreciation of all that they have done, since way before I came on board, to serve the church and keep so many important wheels turning through turbulent times. (Like you, I long to see Mellissa returning to good health and to work as soon as she can. She is much missed.) I’ve also been thankful for the great care shown by Helen and Martin as wardens, by all the members of your Church Council, and by your Life Group leaders and Pastoral Care Team too.

The Lord has blessed CCW hugely by giving you Joel as your next minister, and I can’t wait to see you flourishing with him and Frankie in your midst. As Paul puts it in Philippians 1 again, I am confident of this: ‘that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’

Go well into this next stage of your life as a church.

David Horrocks (Interim Minister up to 24[th] April)

Churchwardens’ Report

We are grateful that we worship a merciful God who is faithful and fulfils His promises. During a period of great change Christ Church Wokingham has been blessed in abundance, and God has provided for our needs generously.

Firstly, it has been a great joy to be able to worship God and meet in person each Sunday, to be able to join together in praise and to meet with one another over tea & coffee at the end of the formal Sunday service. Such simple things that we all took for granted at the start of 2020…

Secondly, we have been blessed through our relationship with the Arborfield & Barkham Churches (ABCH), and the Arborfield & Barkham Churches’ Trust. Since the resignation of our former minister, Mark Huddleston, in January 2021 the staff team at ABCH have provided continual support for our church in a variety of ways, along with our muchappreciated Children’s & Youth Worker, Mellissa Tuthill. We are particularly thankful for our Rector, Piers Bickersteth, and his leadership of PCC and the recruitment proces ~~s,~~ and for David Horrocks taking on leadership of our church during the interregnum, working with Mellissa. In addition David, Piers, Julian Bidgood, Andy Kearns and Phil Rowlandson have provided Bible-based, faithful teaching since the start of Mark Huddleston’s sabbatical at the beginning of March 2021 until the arrival of our new minister at the end of April 2022.

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We give thanks to the Lord both for them and for the congregations who have willingly released them.

Thirdly, we have been truly blessed by God with the provision of our new minister, Joel Knight, who was licensed at our Sunday service on the 24[th] April by the Bishop of Maidstone on behalf of the Bishop of Reading. We are also thankful to God for the timely provision of housing for Joel and Frankie, in what can only be described as an extremely “hot” Wokingham house rental sector.

Finally, our church has been blessed with a remarkable increase in visitors over the last year, many of whom have become new members of our church family, including a very welcome influx of children to Sunday Club.

The end of August 2021 saw Mark Huddleston, Silvia, Alex, Miriam and Lucas return to Norfolk. We hope they enjoy peace and comfort in their walk with God, and continue to hold them in our prayers.

The Church Council, known as the PCC, has been working under the leadership of Piers Bickersteth. Alongside its usual responsibilities for the finances of CCW and for Safeguarding, the PCC has also been – unusually for a church that meets in a school building - concerned with property. In September this involved terminating the tenancy of the property occupied by Mark and his family, and more recently acquiring a house for Joel and Frankie. On behalf of PCC we would particularly like to thank Brian and Philippa Allan for their tireless efforts in securing a suitable rental property.

Other activities that the PCC has been engaged in include:

During the coming year the PCC and wardens very much look forward to getting to know Joel and working with him as we enter a new chapter in the life of CCW. We will also be seeking to review the end of Mark’s tenure, and to use this process to help formalise the roles, responsibilities and relationships between the CCW charity, the PCC, the minister of CCW, the Rector of Arborfield & Barkham, and the Arborfield and Barkham Parish Churches’ Trust.

We would like to thank all those who have served on PCC and in running Lifegroups, music, children’s work, Sunday PA/livestreaming and many other essential activities in the past

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year, during a period of great change for Christ Church. Whatever the task, and however mundane or unseen, we want always to keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus and on the amazing good news, the gospel of grace, that He has called us to share with those around us. “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12 v 1 & 2).

Martin Northend and Helen Hotchkiss (Church wardens)

Safeguarding Report

Introduction

Our four Church Safeguarding Officers work closely together with David Horrocks (staff team Safeguarding Lead) to ensure that our churches’ policies and practice remain in line with the latest guidance from the Diocese and (importantly, in our context) in line with one another as well. We meet each year for a thorough review of all things related to safeguarding, before making annual reports to the PCCs. The safeguarding team met back in January, but the annual report to PCCs has been delayed until June, because there is so much work to do to update our safer recruitment processes in view of the Church of England’s new safer recruitment practices (see below).

Formal Obligations

PCCs are formally obliged to report to the APCMs on whether or not the PCC ‘has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and clergy discipline measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).’ We can confirm that our PCCs are each doing this. Many of the details of how we are doing this are set out in the rest of this report.

Safeguarding is a standing item on every PCC agenda.

Safeguarding Policy, Guidance and Information

Each of our churches has a Safeguarding Policy, as well as a Policy on the Recruitment of Exoffenders. These are all available on the website, and the Safeguarding Policy is also displayed in our churches. These policies are based on Diocesan guidance, and reviewed annually by PCCs. [NB. Arborfield PCC formally oversees safeguarding arrangements at CTG.] We also promote and work in line with the CofE’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook, ‘Safer Environment and Activities’, and ‘Code of Safer Working Practice’, which provide invaluable guidance for what we do.

Safeguarding Roles

Church Safeguarding Officer – Philippa Allan Recruiter – Philippa Allan Verifier – Philippa Allan Staff Team Safeguarding Lead – David Horrocks

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Safeguarding Learning and Development

Covid-19, lockdowns, and the resulting pause in many normal church activities have meant that fewer people in our churches have done safeguarding training over the last two years, so encouraging people to do the training that they need to do has been quite a focus of our activity for the last few months.

Safer Recruitment and People Management

As mentioned above, the CofE has completely revamped the safer recruitment process for all those serving in churches, including in volunteer roles. The simplest way of describing it is to say that they now require us to go through the same steps with any volunteer as any employer (church, school etc) would be expected to through when recruiting a paid worker with children, young people, or vulnerable adults. This means that we are having to completely overhaul our own safer recruitment processes, including introducing even more paperwork. Safer recruitment will become a huge task, even if (as we are allowed to) we can streamline the CofE’s suggested process a little. As one Safeguarding Officer in a nearby parish has put it, ‘I now feel like a fulltime HR manager.’ So we are asking PCCs to find someone to work alongside each of our Church Safeguarding Officers to share some of this load.

We are hoping to present our new safer recruitment process to the PCCs in June, ready for adoption soon after. It’s probably fair to say that, while we will take care to implement the safer recruitment part of the CofE guidance, the people management side of things (probation periods, annual reviews for all volunteers etc) will take a bit longer to get to.

Concerns raised

Since the 2021 APCMs, there have been three cases involving or connected to our family of churches that we have referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, either for their information or advice, or for them to look into. For obvious reasons, we cannot give any more details about any of these cases.

Next steps

As mentioned above, our focus in the coming months will be on implementing the new safer recruitment guidelines, which needs to include finding someone else to work alongside our Safeguarding Officers on this.

One other challenge is just how much the CofE now expects of those serving in safeguarding roles in parishes. Our new Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (Louise Whitehead) well

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understands how demanding this can be, and is already taking some steps to reduce the load. We’re grateful for this!

Philippa A Allan (Church Safeguarding Officer)

Youth and Children’s Report (provided by David Horrocks in Mellissa’s absence)

For obvious reasons, I can only really comment on what I have seen since September 2021. But it strikes me that, over the last few years, CCW has seen quite a reversal when it comes to work with children and young people. A few years ago, there was a strong cohort of teenagers, but not so many younger ones. Now we don’t see many teenagers coming on Sundays, but Comets (5-11s) and especially Sparklers (0-4s) are growing fast.

We have prayed regularly at our monthly prayer meetings for those teenagers who are connected to CCW, that they would delight in the Lord Jesus and grow in love for his people. Please pray on for them, not least that they would see that church really doesn’t need to include lots of people of their own age for it to be the family it’s meant to be. And please pray for their parents, particularly given their obvious concerns, for prayerfulness, wisdom about how to encourage their youngsters in Christ, and deep confidence in God’s sovereignty when things don’t seem to be going as they might have hoped.

We are so thankful for the arrival of several young families who have joined CCW in recent months. It can be a headache making sure that we are looking after their children safely, but it is a lovely headache to have! I am very grateful to Mellissa for all that she has done to oversee Sparklers and Comets. And I’ve been very thankful to the Sparklers and Comets leaders, who have so cheerfully organised themselves to run these groups in Mellissa’s absence. It’s wonderful to know that the younger children in the church family are being cared for and discipled so faithfully.

One more recent development: we no longer run Lasers (11-14s) during the service on Sundays. This was partly prompted by the experience of lockdown and then a lack of leaders. But more recently it has also been prompted by a growing conviction that actually it is better for 11-14s to stay in for the whole service and listen to the sermon too. They’re more than capable of it, and so it’s no coincidence that Arborfield and Barkham churches are both keeping their 11-14s in for the whole service now too. But one thing Mellissa started doing, to help them with this, was to meet with them immediately after the service, for a quick discussion about the sermon and other elements of the service. It’s been great to see this going so well (so well that in fact we are stealing this idea for Barkham too), and I’m hugely thankful to Sue Northend and Hilary Carless for keeping this going in Mellissa’s absence too.

David Horrocks

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Friday Club Report

Friday Club meets in Barkham Village Hall from 7-8.30pm and is for young people in years 6-9.

We’re hugely thankful at Friday Club to have a great mix of church and non-church kids and that they keep coming back each week. Every week we have a free time with lots of things going on, then a talk from the Bible, recently looking at the heroes of the Old Testament and about to go on and do a Bible Overview. While it has been a slightly smaller group this academic year, there have been big encouragements, with some of the youth taking what they hear seriously. We even had the pleasure of gifting a Bible to one girl who wanted to read some more.

There’s been challenges this year, having said goodbye to Charlie Bidgood as a leader in September, and not yet picked up a new leader to fill that gap, as well as Mellissa not currently being around. Regularly, we are only three leaders which can be quite overwhelming. We are hugely grateful and thankful for the team who give up time to be there each week despite this. A huge thanks to Hilary Carless, Dan Mouradian, Sue Northend and Karolyn Moore and others who have come in to give talks or support in other ways.

Thank you to the wider church family for your support and prayers – we need people praying. Please join with us in praising God for the opportunities we have each week to share the gospel and pray that many youth would grow in their love of Jesus through it.

As suggested earlier, we are really in need of a couple of leaders to join the team so if you would be interested, please do speak to myself or to Joel Knight.

Phil Rowlandson

Life Groups Report

Following the challenging year in 2020 with lockdowns due to the pandemic where we were pleased to report that using technology, Life Groups continued to meet with one another, in 2021 the groups continued to meet on Zoom. As the year progressed and restrictions became more relaxed, groups started exploring hybrid meetings with numbers of people gathering together with the vulnerable able to join via Zoom. It has been really encouraging to see how the groups have continued to support one another ensuring that those in need are being cared for.

The evening groups continued with groups located in Bracknell, Finchampstead, Evendons and St Crispin’s. The ladies’ groups continued with three groups meeting on Mondays and Tuesdays. The men’s breakfast has expanded with two groups meeting on Tuesday and Friday mornings. The Tuesday group has been meeting in person at Gail’s café whilst the

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Friday group continued on Zoom until Easter 2022. There are currently 58 adult members of the church meeting together in these groups.

With Mark going on Sabbatical early in the year, we were supported by Julian Bidgood and David Horrocks from Barkham church who provided Life Group questions around the sermon series being preached. We are extremely grateful to Julian and David for their support. In this way we covered Psalms, John 19 over the Easter period, and the book of Hebrews. After Christmas, we have been using the videos and material from A Passion for Life to prepare us to share the gospel personally with our family, friends and neighbours.

Ian Stewart

Mission Report

This year we have continued to support by regular prayer and financial giving, five groups engaged in gospel-centred mission around the world and meeting people’s spiritual and physical needs in different ways. We are thankful for the mission sub-committee which has continued to maintain regular contacts with these groups despite the pandemic restrictions imposed not only on us, but our Mission Partners in different parts of the world.

We commit to giving 1/10[th] of the church’s income to our Mission Partners in 1/6[th] shares. We have held one supported position open to provide funds, particularly to support young people seeking to engage in mission. This year we have allocated the final 1/6[th] share to support a personal friend of Mellissa Tuthill’s from Brazil working with Friends International in Norwich.

ARAB WORLD MINISTRIES - PIONEERS

Christ Church Wokingham continue to support Arab World Ministries in their work promoting God within the unreached peoples of the Arab world. This is done principally through small teams of workers living within various countries and partnering with local churches and believers, but also through creative, relevant and culturally appropriate social media strategies.

AWM’s Church Development Coordinator, Chris Binstead, visited us in July 2021 to talk about their current work and give examples of God’s great work. A particular area of work has been in Lebanon where, following the explosion at the Beirut port in August 2020, they have provided medical, food, educational and emotional support to hundreds of families, and 160 families have consequently joined the church.

Their digital media ministry has been particularly important through the pandemic, with over 1.5 million unique visitors to their website and over 200 Arab seekers coming to faith.

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AWM produce a quarterly news pamphlet, AWM Link, with greatly encouraging articles and testimonies relating to their work. Copies are available from Steve Simmons or at the notice board on Sundays.

Steve Simmons

POWERLINE (John & Mary Featherstone)

After another year of Covid cancellations to planned events it was encouraging that John has been able to progress his composition of ‘The end of the beginning’, a new French Cantata for church choirs based on the book of Revelation. Composition was complete in late 2021 and recording took place in February 2022. Choirs need to be sought now to rehearse and perform later in 2022.

John also completed the recording of six congregational songs with a French pastor ready to use in local congregational worship.

The previously twice cancelled Easter cantata, Chemin de Pâques, left many people in tears after the March 27 concert in Nancy. God appears to have moved many people at this event, which is such an encouragement.

John and Mary joined us by Zoom in the March prayer meeting and, as they look to retirement, outlined prayer points for their last year in paid ministry.

We continue to regularly pray for John, Mary and the Powerline Trust.

Brian Allan

THE CARTER FAMILY

The Church has supported Andrew and Julie Carter and the family since their period of mission in Uganda at the African Bible University in Kampala. In the summer of 2018, they returned to the UK, living in Liverpool, whilst seeking new mission opportunities abroad and Andrew completed his PhD in Theology. In 2020, things were starting to focus in on Thailand and Andrew was offered a job teaching at an International School in Chiang Mai.

After the difficult year in 2020, where not only did the family face further delay and uncertainty, lockdown and the death of parents, 2021 was a further trial of faith for the whole family; Andrew, Julie, Edward, Issac, Lydia, Carys, Judah and Theodore. After delays around completion of Andrew’s PhD, visas, and care for the remaining parents (Andrew’s mum and Julie’s stepdad), things started to come together for the move to Chiang Mai. After further false starts not least caused by health issues, the family finally managed to fly out to Thailand in early August, only to face 14 days in quarantine in a hotel on Phuket. However, the Lord was good and the quarantine was not restricted to staying in their rooms and the family were free to use the hotel facilities, whilst Andrew started work at the school online from the hotel.

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Due to rising Covid cases in Thailand, once they came out of quarantine, the family faced a 1,000 mile road trip to reach Chiang Mai which took 3 days. The family have since been adjusting to their new life with Andrew settling into his new teaching job, new school for the eldest, home schooling for the rest with Julie, learning a new language and culture, all whilst settling in at their new church and making new friends. Added to this Covid has not gone away with restrictions coming and going. Unfortunately, the family have all recently succumbed to the virus and we pray for their swift recovery.

As a church, we continue to commit to supporting them and we commit the family and their future plans into the loving care of the Lord Jesus, as we continue to hold them in our prayers.

Ellen-Sofie Richardson

FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP

FAITH is a Christian charity based in Reading to provide and care for the homeless and needy of the Reading area. This is usually done through the ReadiFood foodbank, ReadiStreet which meets rough sleepers on the street and uses a mobile soup kitchen provide food handouts throughout the week, and B4N (a bed for the night) shelter scheme run over the winter months. At the end of 2020, the ReadiStreet was able to resume albeit slowly with restrictions in place which were duly complied with by the guests. Additionally, a considerable sum of money has been left in a gentleman’s will in which he specifically asked that it be used to buy a new Tea Bar. So they now have a really lovely, motorised catering van replacing the old trailer.

By the end of 2021, Readifood passed through the 10,000 food parcels delivered mark with 1,050 in December. This was a reason to praise God for the continued generosity of people and for the volunteers who worked through all the Covid restrictions. Also in 2021, a brandnew replacement van from Toyota (JEMCA) for the Readifood distribution was donated as well as funds to purchase a second hand smaller Nissan van.

Sadly due to Covid restrictions, there was no B4N Winter Night Shelter for 2021 or 2022. B4N-HUB was created in 2021 because B4N Winter Night Shelter was unable to open due to COVID restrictions and this was repeated in 2022. The B4N-HUB was open 7 days a week for the winter provision (food and any emergency provisions) in Reading in partnership with Reading Borough Council and St. Mungo’s Homeless Charity, working with referrals only.

We continue to pray for FAITH and also support through our giving and a weekly collection of food donations at church.

Ian Stewart

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YELDALL MANOR

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre for men. It is set in 38 acres of magnificent Berkshire countryside in Hare Hatch near Reading and has been a place of transformation and healing for over 40 years. Yeldall helps men to overcome serious drug or alcohol addictions and return to society to live new lives, drug, alcohol and crime free. Their belief is that recovery is possible, it is not just abstinence, and it involves learning to live comfortably as a sober, productive member of the community. At Yeldall the men learn how to work, develop personal relationships, strengthen family ties, and enjoy positive leisure activities – all without the need for drugs or alcohol.

One of the residents has said recently that he gives thanks “for bringing me to a place where I can grow and change to be the man God created me to be.”

In 2021, following on from the way Yeldall had to make changes to continue serving these men due to the pandemic in 2020, things have continued with men still coming to the centre. Changes to the programmes continued as contact was limited and the centre continued to experience staff absences. We praise God that the programmes were able to continue to meet the needs of the men. It has been a privilege to continue our support financially and in prayer over 2021.

Ian Stewart

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Registered Charity: 1193475

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council

for the year ended 31 December 2021

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Annual Report for 2021

Background

Christ Church Wokingham was founded as a ‘church plant’ from Barkham Parish Church in September 2004, and was originally called The Church at the White House School. While maintaining strong links with the Arborfield and Barkham family of churches, the Church at the White House became a Conventional District on 10 June 2007, and is part of the Diocese of Oxford within the Church of England. In April 2013, following the closure of the White House School, the church was renamed Christ Church Wokingham.

The correspondence address of the church is:

Christ Church Wokingham c/o The Church Office The Rectory Church Lane Arborfield Berkshire RG2 9HZ

Purpose

The principal purpose of Christ Church Wokingham is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. To this end, the Parochial Church Council (PCC) seeks to co-operate with the minister and incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Structure, governance and management

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England and operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC, which was previously excepted from registration with the Charity Commission by Statutory Instrument 180 Charities (Exception from Registration) Regulations 1996, registered as a charity (registration number 1193475) on 10 February 2021.

The appointment of PCC members is governed by, and set out in, the Church Representation Rules. Members of the PCC are either elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting or are co-opted onto the PCC.

PCC members who served from 1 January 2021 until the date this report was approved are:

Incumbent Rev’d Piers Bickersteth Minister Rev’d Mark Huddleston Chairman (Resigned 31[st] August 2021) Church Wardens Martin Northend Helen Hotchkiss

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Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Elected Linda Clements
Members Ellen Crewe Deanery Synod lay member (Resigned 16 March 2022)
Simon Fawkes Deanery Synod lay member
Ian Stewart
Ros White (Is not seeking re-election at APCM on 23 May 2022)
Julie Wilding (Stood down APCM 20 June 2021)
Philippa Allan (Elected APCM 20 June 2021)
Paul Hucklesby (from November 2020)
Co-Opted Mellissa Tuthill (as Children’s and Youth Minister)
Members Graham Richardson (as Treasurer)

In the absence of an appointed PCC Secretary Helen Hotchkiss has performed this role. In a correction to the 2020 accounts, Mellissa Tuthill and Graham Richardson were listed as Elected Members. This was not correct; both Mellissa and Graham served on PCC in the year ending 31 December 2020 as Co-opted Members.

Financial review 2021

Overview

When years like 2021 come along we are grateful that we have a loving heavenly Father who watches over us. 2021 commenced with an expectation of a financially stable year and, due to the absence of a full time Minister, provided us with a significant surplus. As we do not have property to maintain the disruption of the pandemic has not impacted us significantly. We end the year with large reserves but an expectation of a deficit in the coming years. These reserves, if properly stewarded, will provide some time to make the necessary changes to reach financial stability.

If we had been in the position of maintaining a full-time Minister throughout the year, we expect that the Church would have made a small surplus or possibly broken even.

Despite everything that has occurred in 2021 the Church is in good financial health although it will be necessary to take proactive measures to ensure this remains the case.

Financial position

The PCC began 2021 with reserves of £38,872, all of which was unrestricted (2020: £24,614).

In 2021, the PCC received unrestricted income of £107,438, an 11% decrease on the previous year (2020: £121,190), while its unrestricted expended resources decreased to £93,181 (2020: £108,143). The decrease in annual income was disproportionately due to a reduction in one-off donations resulting from bulk transfers from the Housing Fund due to its closure, and a general reduction in donations. The large decrease in expenditure was the result of 4 months without a Minister’s salary and the handing back of the Bearwood Road property in November. As a result, in 2021, the PCC recorded a surplus on its unrestricted funds of £14,258 (2020: £13,047). In addition, the PCC received restricted income of £434 in 2021. All restricted gifts were paid out/ used in the year. Consequently, at the end of 2021, the PCC’s unrestricted reserves have risen to £38,872.

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Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Income

The voluntary income received by CCW in 2021 has fallen to £107,438 (2020 £121,190). The amount covered by gift aid is >85% for income directly reclaimed from HMRC. This increases to over 90% when taking into account that some donations are via 3[rd] party organisations who have already reclaimed tax prior to passing the funds on.

Expenditure

Unrestricted General Fund

The PCC continues a tithing policy to give away 10% of its unrestricted voluntary income. With respect to 2021, we will give away £10,744 to a number of missionary and charitable organisations (2020: £11,767). We have supported many of these mission partners for some years, both financially and in our prayer life. In 2020 the Mission Committee decided that one of partner shares (i.e. 1/6[th] ) should be used flexibly rather than committed at the outset to a single partner organisation. This has continued with all of the funds raised in 2020 being distributed in 2021. Although, due to the pandemic, it has not been possible to use these funds to support younger members of our congregation in short term Christian service this remains an aspiration. The 2021 funds were distributed evenly between the existing 5 mission partners and a one-off donation to Friends International to support an individual in their work with them.

The main cost of the church is that of supporting the minister, formerly Mark Huddleston and our Youth and Children’s worker Mellissa Tuthill. Members of staff are employed by the Arborfield and Barkham Parish Churches’ Trust; in the case of Mellissa 60% of her time is allocated to CCW, the rest being split between all the Churches which are part of the Arborfield and Barkham Benefice. Mark was paid the standard Diocesan ministerial stipend and Mellissa a salary in line with similar positions in other Churches. The PCC reimburses the Trust for all staff employment costs including rented accommodation for the Minister. Work-related expenses are directly reimbursed by the PCC. The total cost of Mark’s employment (until end August) was £44,053 (2020: £62,033) and Mellissa’s employment for 2021 was £22,010 (2020 £20,812). In addition the PCC reimbursed the Trust for expenses incurred at the end of Mark’s employment and for a period that the Bearwood Road Property was empty prior to the end of its fixed lease.

During the latter party of 2021 CCW benefited greatly from David Horrocks’ ministry. During this time David remained a member of staff at Barkham Church. In recognition of his work CCW PCC made a contribution of £1,500 per month (£4,500 in total) directly to the Barkham Church PCC.

Administration and support costs remained steady at £4,536 (2020: £4,506). The running costs of the Church, including rent paid to St Crispin’s school for use of the 6[th] Form Centre for Sunday worship increased significantly to £7,337 (2020 £5,586). This is a reflection of the increased Church activity, and ability to meet on a Sunday, given the reduction in disruption caused by the pandemic.

Community Centre Funding

In 2021 it was decided that it was not possible to continue pursuing the Community Centre Project. No expenditure or liability has resulted from withdrawing from this endeavour.

Church Reserves

At the end of 2020 Church Reserves had risen to £24,614. These funds have continued to rise, greatly enhanced by the period without the expense of a Minister. This policy continues to fall in line with Charity Commission’s guidance for good financial management and ABCH Trust’s policies.

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Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

In December 2021 the Standing Committee reviewed the Reserves target, as required under the policy, and left it unchanged at £27,000. At the end of 2021 the Church held reserves of £38,872. The Church holds its bank accounts at the Wokingham branch of HSBC.

Independent Examiner

The Accounts are audited by Trevor James as independent examiner in compliance with good practice.

Charity Registration

In accordance with Church of England and Charity Commission requirements, Christ Church Wokingham is directly registered with the Charity Commission. This is a legal requirement as our annual income now regularly exceeds the £100,000 pa threshold. The Church is registered as a Charity under the name of “Christ Church Wokingham” with a charity number 1193475. Members of the PCC are Trustees but not the Priest in Charge (Piers Bickersteth). Martin Northend is the Chairman.

This registration has no noticeable effect on the functioning of CCW which remains part of the Arborfield / Barkham group of Churches and the wider Church of England. The Church accounts and annual return will be submitted to the Charity Commission on approval at the APCM.

Looking forward

2021 has been a year of changes for Christ Church Wokingham, for which we have placed our faith in God. In financial terms we have continued to meet the costs of a Youth and Children’s Worker and made a healthy surplus.

Changes in the congregation combined with a number of unique events such as the closure of the Housing Fund and a period without a full-time minister have left the Church with large reserves. The provision of Housing for the new Minister (Joel Knight starting April 2022) will result in a potential deficit in 2023 when a full year’s employment expenses are incurred. At the time of writing this is not a cause for concern as the reserves allow adequate time to address this.

During the discussions surrounding the appointment of Joel Knight the potential for CCW to regularise its position with Wokingham with the Church of England was briefly raised. This is a matter for Joel, the Rector and the PCC amongst others. Regardless of any arrangement that may be arranged the Church remains committed to being a fully self-funded C of E church within the Arborfield and Barkham family of churches.

The ongoing health of the Church accounts will remain dependent upon growing the congregation and its donor base. 2021 and 2022 (to date) give confidence in maintaining our financial position.

We end 2021 reminded that we are in God’s hands financially and that nothing that we do is achieved through our own effort but by His provision.

Graham Richardson & Zoe Hubbard

4

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Financial Statements for 2021

Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 December 2021

Notes:
Incoming resources
Voluntary income
Investment income
Other incoming resources
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Church activities
Other activities
Total resources expended
Net incoming / (outgoing)
resources before transfers
Net movement in funds
Value of fund at 1 January
Value of fund at 31 December
2021
2021
2021
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
£
3 and 4
5, 6, 7, 8 and
9
107,437
138
107,575
1
-
1
-
297
297
107,438
435
107,873
(93,180)
(138)
(93,318)
-
(297)
(297)
2020
Total
£
120,158
9
1,023
121,190
(107,120)
(1,023)
(93,180)
(435)
(93,615)
14,258
0
14,258
14,258
-
14,258
24,614
-
24,614
38,872
-
38,872
(108,143)
13,047
13,047
11,567
24,614

5

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Balance Sheet

as at 31 December 2021

Current assets
Debtors (Note 10)
Prepayments (Note 10)
Cash at bank
Total current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Creditors (Note 11)
Accruals (Note 12)
Deferred income
(Note 14)
Total creditors
Net assets / (liabilities)
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
2021
2021
2021
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
£
28,966
-
28,966
-
-
-
24,250
-
24,250
53,216
-
53,216
(974)
-
(974)
(12,823)
(547)
-
-
(12,823)
(547)
(14,344)
-
(14,344)
38,872
nil
38,872
24,614
nil
24,614
14,258
nil
14,258
38,872
nil
38,872
2020
Total
£
22,590
-
22,774
45,364
(2,713)
(13,958)
(4,079)
(20,750)
24,614
11,567
13,047
24,614

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 20 May 2022 and signed on its behalf by:

Martin Northend Graham Richardson Zoe Hubbard Chair of PCC Co-Treasurer Co-Treasurer

The notes on pages 7 to 15 form part of these accounts.

6

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Note 1: Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used by the PCC for ordinary purposes. Restricted funds represent donations received for a specific purpose which may only be used for that purpose.

In 2009, the PCC changed from accounting on a receipts and payments basis to accounting on an accruals basis. The reason for this change is that the PCC believe, as the work of the church has grown, that accrualsbased accounts will give a fairer representation of the church’s financial position on an on-going basis.

Note 2: Accounting policies

Incoming resources Recognition of All planned giving, donations and collections are recognised in the incoming resources Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when they are received. One-off gifts are generally recognised when they are received, except for gifts of over £1,000 that are received in response to the annual giving appeal which are recognised over the following 12 months. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Tax reclaims on Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they donations relate is recognised.

Resources expended

Recognition of Expenditure and liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or expended resources constructive obligation on the PCC. All other expenditure is recognised and liabilities when it is incurred.

All expenditure is accounted for gross.

Assets

Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt. Reserves The PCC aims to keep approximately three months’ worth of general running costs in reserves. The PCC is committed to maintaining our reserves at an appropriate level.

7

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Note 3: Unrestricted General Fund

Note 3: Unrestricted General Fund
incoming resources
Voluntary income
Regular donations under gift aid
Other regular donations
Total regular donations
Gift aid reclaimed
Gift aid incorrectly reclaimed
Regular income
One-off donations under gift aid
Other one-off donations
Total one-off donations
Gift aid reclaimed
Gift aid incorrectly reclaimed
One-off income
Total
Investment income
Bank interest
Total
Income from church activities
Bookstall, parochial fees, etc.
Total
Other income
Total incoming resources
2021
£
£
71,356
11,065
82,421
17,839
(12)
100,248
5,575
220
5,795
1394
-
7,189
107,437
1
1
-
-
-
107,438
2020
£
£
74,296
11,430
85,726
18,730
-
104,456
8,679
2,685
11,364
1,995
(73)
13,286
117,742
9
9
-
-
-
117,751
2020
£
£
74,296
11,430
85,726
18,730
-
104,456
8,679
2,685
11,364
1,995
(73)
13,286
117,742
9
9
-
-
-
117,751
82,421
17,839
(12)
85,726
18,730
-
100,248 104,456
5,575
220
8,679
2,685
5,795
1394
-
11,364
1,995
(73)
7,189 13,286
1 9
- -
117,751

8

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Note 4: Unrestricted General Fund

Note 4: Unrestricted General Fund
resources expended on
church activities
Missionary and charitable gifts
Andrew Carter (mission partner)
Faith
Arab World Ministry of Pioneers
Powerline Trust
Yeldall Manor
Julia Trerbach
Unallocated1
Other charitable gifts
Total
Ministry costs
Minister’s costs
Salary, National Insurance
Contributions and pension
Housing
EOY adjustment from ABPCT
Resettlement costs2
Expenses
Total minister’s costs
Youth and Children’s worker
Salary, National Insurance
Contributions and pension
Expenses
Staff Development
Total minister’s costs
Share of David Horrocks’ costs
Contribution to Barkham PCC3
Total
Church activities
School rent
Outreach activities
Resources and equipment
Service costs
Bookstall
Friday Club / Lasers / Sunday Club
Refreshments
Grub club
Total
2021
£
£
(1,790)
(1,790)
(1,790)
(1,790)
(1,790)
(1,790)
(4)
-
(10,744)
(35,163)
(17,656)
8912
-
(146)
(44,053)
(21,006)
(689)
(315)
(22,010)
(4,500)
(70,563)
(6,053)
(360)
(482)
(18)
-
(264)
(150)
(10)
(7,337)
2020
£
£
(2,075)
(2,075)
(2,075)
(2,075)
(2,075)
(1,392)
-
(11,767)
(40,212)
(21,930)
332
(223)
(62,033)
(20,300)
(512)
-
(20,812)
-
(82,845)
(3,888)
(492)
(1,000)
(78)
(99)
(29)
-
-
(5,586)

Administration

1 The £1392 unallocated at 31 December 2020 remained unallocated at 31 December 2021. It was agreed in January 2022 that Julia Trerbach would be allocated an equal sixth share of the mission giving for the year ended 31 Dec 2021 and agreed in April 2022 that she would also be given the unallocated sixth share for the year ended 31 December 2020.

2 Prior year adjustment

3 CCW PCC agreed to contribute £1500pcm to Barkham PCC to reflect David Horrocks’ role as caretaker minister for CCW during the period of ministerial interregnum.

9

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Share of Arborfield & Barkham church
office cost (2,318) (3,161)
Insurance (401) (398)
Other administration costs4 (1,747) (877)
Parochial fees (70) (70)
Total (4,536) (4,506)
Total resources expended (93,180) (104,704)
Note 5: Ministerial Housing 2021 2020
Restricted Fund
£ £ £ £
Incoming resources
Regular donations under gift aid - 225
Total regular donations - 225
Gift aid reclaimed - -
Regular income - 225
Total - 225
Resources expended - (225)
Net movement in funds - nil
Value of fund at 1 January - nil
Value of fund at 31 December - nil
Note 6: CAP account 2021 2020
£ £ £ £
Incoming resources
Invoices paid by Wokingham Borough
Council 297 1,023
Total 297 1,023
Resources expended
Invoice amounts transferred to Brian
Allan (297) (1,023)
Total (297) (1,023)
Net movement in funds nil nil
Value of fund at 1 January - -
Value of fund at 31 December nil nil

Brian Allan runs a Christians Against Poverty course for Wokingham Borough Council. CCW facilitates the invoicing for this course but does not take an active part in organising it.

4 The significant increase in office expenditure is due to restart of normal church activities by the minister, youth minister and others following end of lockdowns, and costs to support interview processes for the new minister.

10

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Note 7: AWM Lebanon appeal
2021
£
£
Incoming resources
One-off donations
-
Gift aid reclaimed
-
Total
-
Resources expended
Restricted gifts
-
Total
-
Net movement in funds
-
Value of fund at 1 January
-
Value of fund at 31 December
-
One-off gifts to support the AWM Lebanon Appeal.
Note 8: Restricted mission giving
2021
£
£
Incoming resources
One-off donations
-
Gift aid reclaimed
-
Total
-
Resources expended
Unallocated mission giving
-
Total
-
Net movement in funds
-
Value of fund at 1 January
-
Value of fund at 31 December
-
Donation which was specified for addition to mission giving
Note 9: Restricted Grub Club
2021
£
£
Incoming resources
One-off donations
110
Gift aid reclaimed
28
Total
138
Resources expended
Restricted gifts
(138)
Total
(138)
Net movement in funds
nil
Value of fund at 1 January
-
Value of fund at 31 December
nil
2020
£
£
1,329
175
1,504
(1,504)
(1,504)
nil
-
nil
2020
£
£
550
137
687
(687)
(687)
nil
-
nil
2020
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
2020
£
£
1,329
175
1,504
(1,504)
(1,504)
nil
-
nil
2020
£
£
550
137
687
(687)
(687)
nil
-
nil
2020
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

A specific request was made for donations to fund Grub Club at Easter 2021. Costs exceeded donations by £10 so this excess is reflected as unrestricted church expenditure.

11

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Note 10: Debtors 2021 2021 2021 2020
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds HMR
£ £ £ £ C
HM Revenue & Customs
(gift aid)
20,387 - 20,387 22,590 debt
is in
Arborfield and Barkham Parish resp
Churches Trust 8,579 - 8,579 - ect
of
Debtors 28,966 - 28,966 22,590 tax
recla
imable on donations received under gift aid which had not been claimed and received as at 31stDecember.
ABPCT debt is in respect of overpayments made by CCW with respect to Mark Huddleston’s salary and
housing.
Note 11: Creditors and Other 2021 2021 2021 2020
Liabilities
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
St Crispin’s School rent 420 - 420 555
Minister’s expenses 53 - 53 515
Brian Allan (CAP) - - - 297
Minister’s resettlement costs - - - -
Youth and Children’s worker’s
expenses 365 - 365 328
Arborfield and Barkham PCT - - - 946
Other 136 - 136 72
Total 974 - 974 2,713

12

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Note 12: Accruals 2021 2021 2021 2020
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
Missionary and charitable gifts
Andrew Carter
(mission partner) 1,790 - 1,790 2,075
Faith 1,790 - 1,790 2,075
Arab World Ministry of
Pioneers 1,790 - 1,790 2,075
Powerline Trust 1,790 - 1,790 2,075
Yeldall Manor 1,790 - 1,790 2,075
Unallocated 2,083 - 2,083 2,079
Julia Trerbach 1,790 - 1,790 -
AWM Lebanon Appeal - - - 1,504
Total 12,823 - 12,823 13,958

The Church continues to maintain the policy that 10% of its unrestricted income is gifted to mission work. This is split equally between our 6 mission partners (previously 5 and an unallocated 6[th] share). The £2,079 unallocated at 31 December 2020 will be donated to Julia Trerbach – this was decided by the PCC mission sub-committee in April 2022. The remaining £4 is due to rounding.

13

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Note 13: Summary of Fund Movements

Balance as at 1
January2021
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Restricted Funds Restricted Funds Restricted Funds Total
General
Fund
Total
£
£
24,614
24,614
Grub Club
CAP (Brian
Allan)
Total
£
£
-
-
-
£
24,614
Incoming resources
Resources expended
107,438
107,438
(93,180)
(93,180)
138
297
435
(138)
(297)
(435)
107,873
(93,615)
Balance as at 31
December 2021
38,872
38,872
nil
nil
nil
38,872
Note 14: Summary of Assets by Fund at 31 December 2021
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in
hand
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total
General
Fund
Total
£
£
28,966
28,966
24,250
24,250
No restricted
funds
Total
£
£
-
-
-
-
£
28,966
24,250
Total current assets 53,216
53,216
nil
nil
53,216
Creditors: amounts
falling due within
one year
Creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
Other Liabilities
(974)
(974)
(12,823)
(12,823)
(547)
(547)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(974)
(12,823)
(547)
-
Total creditors (14,344)
(14,344)
nil
-
(14,344)
Net assets /
(liabilities)
38,872
38,872
nil
nil
38,872

14

Christ Church Wokingham

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Note 15: Related Party Transactions

Christ Church Wokingham is a registered charity (under Charity Number 1193475) and as such the Trustees are the Elected Members of the PCC and the only related parties. In the year ended 31 December 2021 there were no transactions with related parties other than donations by Elected Members to Christ Church Wokingham.

15

Independent Examiner's Report to the Members of the Parochial Church Council of Christ Church Wokingham I report on my examlnafjon of the Accounts of the Parochlal Church Coun¢ll IPCCI for the year ended 31° December 2021. This report 15 made solely to the PCC, as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken sg that I might state to the members of the PCC those matters l am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the PCC and the members of the PCC a5 a body, for arby work, forthi5 report, orfor the opinion51 have ftsrmed. Responslbllltles and basls ot report As members of the PCC, you are responslble for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wlth the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I-the Act.) and the Church Accountin8 Regulations. You consider that an audit 15 not required for the year under the Church Accountin8 Re8ulations and section 144121 of thè Art and that an independent exarnination is needed. It is my responsibS1ity to.. examine the accounts under the Church Accountfjng Regulatlons and sertlon 145 of the Act,. follow the procedures lald down in general Direcdons given by the Charsty Comrnis5ion under section 144121 of the Act,. and to state whether panlcular Matte￿ have come to my attention. Basls of the Independent examlner's repDrt My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Dlrectlons giver¢ by the Charity Commission. An examinat6ot) Includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented wSth those records. It alsct It)¢ludes conslderation of any unusual item$ or dls¢losures in the accounts and seeklng explanatlons from you as members of the PCC concerning anv such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evldence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion 15 gfven as to whether the accounts present a 'twe and falr vlew, and the report is Ilmited to those matter5 set out In the statemert below. Independent examlner'5 Statement In ￿nneth0n wlth my examinafjon no matter has come to my attentlon.. whlch gives me reasonable cause to belseve that in any matèrlal respect the requlrements to keep accounting records accordance with sectlon 130 of the Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord wlth the accounting records and comply wlth the accounting requlrement5 of the Art have not be*n met, or to which, In My oplnlon, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. T￿vOr james FCA DchA Dorrner Cottage West Broyle Chlchester West Sussex P019 3PR 18 May 2022

Trevor James FCA DChA Dormer Cottage West Broyle Chichester West Su88ex P019 3PR 01243 780334 07802 832611 ¢LevoreiimJ81@¥4lLOO.co.uk 18 May 2022 The Member8 of the PCC Christ Church Wokingham Arborfleld and Barkham Church Office The Rectory Church Lane Arborfield Berkshir RG2 9HZ Dear PCC Members I have completed my independent examination of your accounts and have pleasure in providing to you my signed report. Once the report and accounts have been signed on your behalf plea8e send a signed copy to me for my records. I hava no matters to bring to your attenllon. Yours slncerely Trevor James T E Jamès FCA DChA

Trevor James FCA DChA Dormer Cottage West Broyle Chichester West Su88ex P019 3PR 01243 780334 07802 832611 ¢LevoreiimJ81@¥4lLOO.co.uk 18 May 2022 The Member8 of the PCC Christ Church Wokingham Arborfleld and Barkham Church Office The Rectory Church Lane Arborfield Berkshir RG2 9HZ Dear PCC Members I have completed my independent examination of your accounts and have pleasure in providing to you my signed report. Once the report and accounts have been signed on your behalf plea8e send a signed copy to me for my records. I hava no matters to bring to your attenllon. Yours slncerely Trevor James T E Jamès FCA DChA