S.T
FOR THE YEAR ENDING, 3,1 DECEMBER 20,25.
CHARITY NUMBER 1208611
UPLIFT,
ST JAMES'S CHURCH
IIHIT£DREIORMED
ST. JAMES'S IHURCH
mooThl4worship,I$T we¢$ s.?opm

ST JAMES'S UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31st December 2024
St James's United Reformed Church is a1ocal church of the United Reformed Church in
Great Britain and is a member church of the Northern Synod of the Church.
The trustees are pleased to present their annual trustees, report together with the financial
statements of the charity for the year ended 3111212024
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2022, the Memorandum and Articles
of Association, and Accounting and Reporling by Charilies.. Statement of Recommended
Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) {effective October
2019>
1. Objectives and Activities
Aims of the Charity
Mission Statement for St James's
Worship
To offer worship and prayer in the Reformed tradition both on Sundays and during Ihe
week.
To provide a high standard of Christian public worship in which preaching. prayer, music
and other elements are used crealively and sensitively to glorify God.
To provide space for private prayer.
Witness
To present our collective Christian Witness, as a Local Church of the URC and in
ecumenical partnership with other churches in the city centre.
To be visibly present as a Christian group throughout the week.
To be aware of, and respond to, the needs and opportunities offered by the City.
To provide hospitality to as wide a cross-section of Christian and secular groups as may be
possible.
To support the personal witness of individual Church Members.
Service
To work in co-operation with the University Chaplaincies and other bodies to minister10 the
wider community.
To provide support for Students, particularly overseas students, both through the formal
structures of the University and through personal contacts.
To make space available in the building for Charities, Churches, and other agencies,
To work collaboratively wilh the wider URC to serve the City and Region.
2. Publlc Benefit Statement
The Elders, Meeting is aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in
'The Advan￿ment of Religion for the Public Benefit, and has regard to it in the
administration of the Church.
The Elders, Meeting believes that the Church provides benefit to the public by..
Providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care, and spiritual, moral and

intellectual development, both for the congregation and for anyone else who wishes to
benefit from what the Church offers
Promoting Christian values and service by members of the congregation to the community,
for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
Providing a space within the City Centre where community connections can be nurtured
and grown.
3. Contribution by Volunteers
The church has 2 paid employees
A parl time facilities manager who is employed by the church
A parl time caretaker who is employed by the church
In addition the church has
A Minister of religion who is employed by the United Reformed Church Central Office
A full time pioneer youth worker who is employed by the Synod, with contribution from
the church
A parl time digital ministries assistant who is employed by the Synod with contributions
from the church.
Apart from these people, the work of the church is enabled by volunteers who help with
preparation and conduct of worship, project planning, resources management, outreach to
the congregation as well as catering.
The managing trustees {with the exception of the Minister who is a trustee ex officiol are
volunteers and derive no financial benefit from their posilion.
4. Achievements and Performance
Main Activities undertaken during the year.
St James's URC is part of the Newcastle North West and Central Joint Pastorate of the
URC Northern Synod, with three other United Reformed Churches - Sl Andrew's Kenton,
Jesmond, and West End.
The activities of the church in 2024 fell into three principal categories
1. Provision of worship and witness
Morning services were held each Sunday at 10.45am, with additional services at Easter,
Christmas and other church festivals. Apart from the Minister, and a Lay Preacher who is a
member of the congregation, visiting preachers from other churches (both URC and other
denominations) led a number of services.
A monthly Twilight Church evening service provided an opportunity for quiet reflection and
prayer and prayer requests were gathered from the community. This has been a popular
service, drawing in many people unused to being in church.
A monthly evening UPLIFT service was launched to provide a contemporary style of mid-
week worship and this service continues to be developed.
A .90 Days of John" campaign encouraged daily reflection on the 4th gospel, accompanied
by bible study, written material and online daily bible readings.
A weekly Table Talk activity was trialed from June providing simple, free food and an
opportunity for fellowship and discussion,
The church is a member of Citizens UK and participaled in Assemblies and campaigning
events to address social issues affecting citizens in the North East.

2. Digital presence
The church conducted a re-branding exercise with new logo and visual identity The
website was updated and a TikTok channel established with regular updated content from
the minister and others. An online Youth Forum was established to connect the increasing
number of younger worshippers. The church had established a monthly Zoom social
connect during the pandemic and this has been mainlained as a way of connecting some of
the community who are not able to get lo Church. It is also used to enable them to be active
participants in the deliberations of Church Meeting.
3. Fabric and structural work
A recent survey highlighted important maintenance work that needed to be conducted and
this has been largely completed. The works included re-bedding of ridge tiles, repairs to
roof leaks, stripping and repainting of woodwork on the spire. The remaining work will be
completed early in 2025.
Other improvements were made to the interior, including the repair of the organ, lifting old
carpeling, sanding and varnishing the floor, renewal of the sound system, installation of
projection screens and equipment for livestreaming.
In the church hall, the kitchen was renewed following wster damage, and safety bannisters
were fitted to the gallery.
The church was part of a joint bid (with a neighbouring URCI for a Church Relaled
Community Worker (CRCWJ. The bid was successful and approved by the URC but the
managing committee have yet to make an appointment due to a lack of suitable e2ndidates.
There is a plan to review this project (based on loneliness and isolation) in 2025.
In addition lo core activities, the church has widened its impact by offering facilities to other
congregations and groups whose objectives and aims are sympathetic lo those of the
congregation:
Northern Lights Metropolitan Community Church.. a worldwide denomination with 2
particular ministry to the LGBTQ+ ¢ommunity.
Newcastle Dream Church, A Korean language church ministering to Korean students
in the cily, and online.
Newcastle Chinese Christian Fellowship. A weekly gathering of Chinese Christians.
Food for Thought. An initiative of Agape UK offering week5y evening food and
discussion.
The church is used during the week as a base for the Music Department of Northumbria
University. This arrangement is three years old and was renewed in September for a further
three years.
5. Investments
Skipton savings account
Cambridge& Counties fixed rate bond
CCLA Investments
25,810
62,557
165,233
Policy on investment:
The CCLA inveslments are within their Ethical Fund

6. Financial review
Review of the year
The results for the year and the charity's financial position at the end of the year are shown
in the attached financial statements.
During the year the Charity had income of £121,720 12023.. £117,680) and expenditure of
£178,076 12023 £103,773) There was an operating deficit of £56.356 12023 surplus..
£13,907) due to the initial implementation of our policies of mission and outreach, and partly
funded from our designated reserves.
At 311212024 the Charity had net assets of £269,034 {2023'. £311,512)
7.Reserves policy
The church has a general reserve policy of holding working capital at a level sufficient to
cover 6 months ordinary expenditure, plus up to 12 months Ministry and Mission
donations. This currently runs at £65,000.
In addition reserves are held in the following designated funds..
Community engagement fund
Missional building improvement fund
Energy efficiency improvement fund
These funds have been set up to rIng-fen￿ monies for future plans as set out below.
8. Plans for future periods
Future Plans,
Plans for the future include further development of some key areas.
1. The CRCW project has not yel appointed a community worker and the scope of both
project and the person specification will be reviewed. The focus will remain on
loneliness and isolation in Jesmond and Sandyford areas of the city.
2. Devglopment of mid-week ministry. The UPLIFT service is now well established and
plans will be made lo grow and expand its reach. Other mid-week outreach activities
will be planned in conjunction with the Synod and the Pioneer Youth Worker.
3. Outreach to students. The church has a steadily growing number of students who are
regular worshippers as well as frequent new visitors, mainly on a Sunday. Activities
will nurture this community and help them to engage with the church and its wider
mission.
4. After major investments in the building and facilrties, there are no plans for large
scale fabric projects in 2025 but ongoing Maintenan￿ will be needed as well as a
review of security and an opportunity to simplify the locklkey arrangements.
9. Reference and administratlve details of the charity• Its trustees and advisors
Registered charity name
St James's United Reformed Church
Charity number
1208611
The Church registered with the Charities Commission on 11th June 2024
Reglstered office
Sl James's United Reformed Church
Norlhumberland Road
Newcastle upon Tyne NEI 8JF

Trustees
Names of the Trustees for the year:
Revd Ryan Sirmons.
Minister
Dr Andrew Graydon,
Serving Elder.. Church Secretary
Mrs Jackie Aitken.,
Serving Elder.. Church Tressurer
Revd Ann Jackson.,
Serving Elder..
Independent Examiner
Doug Maltman FMAAT
Connected Voice Business Services Ltd
Higham House
Higham Place
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE18AF.
While the Independent Examiner has examined these accounts, there is no certificate, as the
only certificate supplied is for the 6 months during which the church has been registered with
the Charities Commission
Bankers
Barclays Bank plc
10. Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
The activities of the Church are overseen by Ihe Trustees within the Elders, Meeting of the
Church, in accordan￿ with the provisions of The Structure of the United Reformed Church
determined by the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church and supplemented by
the rules of the Church.
The trustees are also the managing trustees for the land and buildings. The title to the
church land and buildings , including the church, church hall, and attached house , 8
College Lane vested in the Northern Synod Trust of the URC, as trustees and held for the
benefit of St James's URC in accordance with the trusts applicable lo URC properties.
The church is a Grade 2. listed building.
It is insured for £22,586,827
11. statement of Trustee Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the Financial
Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards
(Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Charity SORP requires the Irustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year,
which give a true and fair view of fihe state of affairs of the ch8rity and of incoming resources
and application of resources, including the receipts and paymenls of the charily for that year.
In preparing those financial statements, the trustges are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.,
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.,
mak& judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent"

slate whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial slalements,
prepare the f inancial slalemenls on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriate
lo presume that the charity will continue In operation.
The Iruslees are responsible for keeping accounting records Ihal disclose with reasonable
accuracy al any lime the financial position of the charity They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and deleclioii of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees on
Ar
and signed on their behalf by.

ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
STATENIENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT
For the year ended 31.12.2024
Unrestrictecl
Reslricled
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
Rècei
Donations and legaoies
Charitable activities
Grants and contracts
Other trading actlvilies
Investments
ts from..
11,122
11,122
11,471
1,tioo
88,811
16,398
95,906
14,692
95,906
14,692
Tot41 recelpls
121,720
121,720
117,680
ments on:
Raising lunds
Charitable activitie5
Operation of the cha¥ily
10
905
905
985
177,171
177,171
102.789
Total payments
178,076
178.076
103,774
Reconciliation of funds
Nel ol receiptslpaymenls
Cash funds brought fDpNaid
156,3561
314,373
156.3561
325,390
13,906
311,484
11.017
Cash carried forward
258,017
11,017
269.034
325,390
The Re¢eipts and Payments Statement indudes all oains and losses recognised in the year. All receipts and
payments derive from continuing activities
The notes on pages form an integral part r)1 Ibese accounts.
ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
Ch3rity NLmt6r 1208611
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
A8 al 31 December 2024
Unreslricled
Reslricled
Totsl
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
Cash funds
Cash al bank and in hand
18
258,017
11,017
269,034
325.390
Liabililles.. amounts falling due within
(Ine year
19
528
468
These financial statements were apwoved by the Elders on..
and are signed on ils behalf by..

ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the ear ended 31.12.2024
Accounting Poli¢ies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainly in the
preparation of the linanci81 slalemenls are as follows-
2 Basis of accounting
2.1 Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis. An audit is not required by the
charity's ¢onstitution and has not been requested by the Irustees.
The accounls have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charllies.. Statement of
Recommended PracliGe applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the FinanGial
Reporting standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Sl James United refomied Church meets the definition of a publiG benefit entity under FRS 102.
2.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The charity reported lolal unrestricted funds 81 the year end of £258,017 and has already secured a
significant amount of funding for the current year. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of
the Charity for the next 12 10 18 months is secure and Ihal on this basis Ihe charity Is a going Goncern.
3 Receipts
3.1 Recognition of receipts
Receipts are recognised when the ¢harity has received the resources, any perfomance conditions attached
lo the ilem(s) of ￿CeIpt have been mel.
3.2 Offsetting
There has been no offselling of ￿ceIptS and payments. unless required or permitted by SORP.
3.3 Grants and donations
Receipts from government and other granls, whether '¢apital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised
when the chsrily has received Ihe funds, any performance conditions attached to the gr2nls have been
mel.
3.4 Donated goods and services
Donated goods are measured al fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless
impractical lo do so.
Donated services and facilities are included in the Statement of Receipts and Payments when received al
the value of the gift to the charity provided that the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Donated
services and facilities that are consumed immedialely are recognised as a ￿ceipt with th8 equivalent
amount recognised as a paymenrt under the appropriate heading in Ihe Statement of Receipts and
3.5 Volunteer help
The value of volunteer help received is nol included in the accounls but is described in the Iru5tees' annual

ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the
ear ended 31.12.2024
report.
3,6 Inte￿$1 receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receiveol.
3.7 Income from membership subscriptions
Membership subscriptions received In the nature of a gift are recognised in donations and legacies.
3.8 Investment gains and losses
This includes any re81ised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investments.
3.9 Fund accounting
Unreslricled funds are available to spend on 8Ctivilies that further any of the purposes of the Gharity.
Designated funds are unreslricled funds of the charity which the trustees have declded al their discretion to
set aside to use lor a specific purpose. Reslricled funds are donations which the donor has specified are to
be solely used for patlicular are£s of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the
charity.
4 Expenditure and liabilities
4.1 Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that the￿ is a legal or constructive obligation
committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measure(J with
reasonable certainty.
4.2 Charitable activities
Payments on charitable activities includes the costs of work and other aGtivilies undertaken to further tho
purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.
4.3 Govemance and support costs
Support costs have been allocated between govemance cost and other suppori. Govern8nce costs
comprise all costs involving public £¢countabilily of the charily and ils compliance with regulalion and good
Support costs ale those function5 Ihal assist the work of the charity but do nol dlreclly undertake charitab￿e
aclivilies. Support cosls include central functions and have been allocated lo activity cost categories on a
ba￿S consistent with the use of resources.
4.4 Irrecoverable VAT
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a Gosl against the activity for which the p8yment was incurred.
4.5 Liabilities
The charity has liabilities which are measured al selllemenl amounts less any trade discounts.

ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31.12.2024
Analysis of receipts
Unrestricted
Funds
Reslricled
Funds
Total
2024
Total
2024
6 Donatlons and legacies
Donations and collections
Gift Aid lax refund
8,539
2.583
11,122
8,539
2,583
9,209
2.262
7 Charitable activities
Income from
rants
Community Engagement
1,000
1.OlJO
8 Other trading activiti9$
Congretional funclraising
Church and hall rentals
Leased renlals
Holjse rental
Other ￿CeIptS
148
35,787
44,676
8.200
39.588
48,591
7,500
227
39,588
48,591
7,500
227
95,906
9 Receipts from investments
Bank and investment interest
Revaluation of investments
5,797
8,895
5,797
8.895
2,519
13,879
Receipts were £121,720 of which £121,720 wa5 unrestiicled or designated and £0 was restricted
Analysis of payments on chayitable activities
Unr8Stricled Reslricled
Funds
Funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
10 Ralslng funds
Charitable donations
905
905
985

ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31.12.2024
905
905
985
11 Charltablo activities
Gt costs
Ministry and Mission
Service expenses
Ministerial expenses
Church study d8y
Open door exhibition
Mission outreach fund
Mission fabric fund
10,752
5.056
3,804
10.752
5,056
3,804
10,349
4,001
3.872
997
705
10,276
26,764
10,276
26,764
Su
ort costs
Subscriptions to Citizens UK
Church Building repairs
Church rates and insurance
House adminislralion
Salaries
Gas
Electricity
Cleaning, Office 2nd Sundry
Telephone, mobile and broadband costs
Payroll fees
735
16,402
9,120
1,168
23,331
18,975
3,810
7,694
962
300
52,614
11,168
2,725
26,709
15,042
3,507
7,171
1,258
325
62,614
11,168
2,725
26,709
15,042
3,507
7,171
1.258
325
Governance cos15
Independent examinevs fees for rewrting o
468
177,171
177 171
102.789
Payments on charitable activities were £178,076 of which £178.076 was unreslrict8d or designated and £0
Fees for examination of the accounts
12
2024
2023
Independent examiners fees for reporting on the accounts
528
468
528
468
There were no other fees paid lo the examiner (2023= nil)
Analysi$ of staff costs and the cost of key management personnel

ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the ear ended 31.12.2024
13
2024
2023
Salaries and wages
26,709
23,331
26.709
23,331
No employee re￿iVed remurberalion above £60,000
staff numbers
14
The average monthly he8d count was 2 staff (2023.. 2 slafn.
Transactions Wlth trustees
15
None of the trustees have been paid any remuneralion or received 8ny other benefits fmm an employment
with Ilieir cliarily or a relaled enlily.
In the period the charity has paid trlsslees remuneration and benefits.
Trustees. expenses
No Iruslee exp8nses have been incurred in the year.
Transactionls) with related parties
The following detail the relaled party transactions in the reporting period.
patly
Relationship
of the
Ir8nsaclion
Amount
period end
written off
Dr A Graydon
Revd. R Sirmons
Revd. A Jackson
Serving Elder Donation
Minister
Donation
Minister
Donation
800
660
730
600
660
730
Defined contribution pension scheme
16
The charity operates a defined contribution pen5i0n scheme. The as5els of the scheme are held separately
from those of Ihe charity in an independently administered fund.
Corporation Taxation
17
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the T8xes Act 1988 or
section 252 of Ihe Taxalioii of Charjeable Gains Act 1992 to the exlenl that these are applied lo its charitable
objectives.

ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Far the year ended 31.12.2024
Cash at bank and in hand
18
2024
2023
Barclays Curyenl account
Petty cash and Float
Virgin savings account
Skiplon Savings account
Cambridge Counties fixed rale bond
C8rnbwidge Counties fixed rale bond
CCLA Investment
15,338
96
11,565
477
10.456
66,016
20,540
60,000
142,458
26,810
62,5S7
165,233
269,034
311,512
Liabilities Ipayablg Wtthin l year)
19
2024
2023
Independent examlnalion of accounts
528
468
528
468
Events after the end of the reporting period
20
No events {nol requiring adjuslment lo the accounts) have occurred after the end of Ihe reporting period bul
Analysis of charitable funds
21
Analysis of movement$ in unrostricted funds
For the year ended 31 December 2023
balances
balances
brought
forward
Fund
balances
carried
fonNard
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Exceptional
item
Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designaled funds
Cominunity Engagement
Missional Building
Energy Efficiency
190.810
121,720
1141,036)
171.494
23,563
50,000
50,000
(10,2761
(26,7841
13,287
23,236
50.000
Totals
314,373
121,720
(178.076)
258,017
Purpose of unrestricted funds

ST JAMES UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the ear ended 31.12.2024
General unrestriGled fund
Designated Funds..
Community Eng2gement
Missional Improvemenl
Improvement
The 'free reserves, of the charity
Funding for identifying and developing outreach opportunllles
Funding for internal flexibility for additional charitable usage
Funding for building upgrading for improved energy efficiency
Analysis of movement in restricted funds
For the year ended 31 December 2023
balances
balances
brought
fonmard
Fund
balances
carri9d
forward
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Exceptional
item
Restricted funds
James Project
Window Fund
Key Deposils
9,757
865
395
9,757
865
395
Totals
11,017
11,017
Purpose of restricted funds
Restricted funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose wlthln the charity as identified by the
Jame5 Projeot
Window Fund
Key Deposits
Professional help relating lo further minislry of the Church.
Resloralion of stained glass windows.
Dewsils for bookings held in a restricted fund.
Capital commitments
22
As al 31 December 2024, the charity had no capital commitments