2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork ## **INVITATION TO 2nd ANNUAL MEETING THE PARISH OF GRAYS NORTH AND STIFFORD Registered Charity Number 1212168 Friday, 8th May 2026** ## **In St John's hall, from 7pm when preordered fish/chicken and chips will be served.** ## **AGENDA** - **1 Welcome and introduction** - **2 Apologies for absence** - **3 Prayers** ## **Vestry Meeting** - **4 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 28[th] March, 2025 5 Election of Churchwardens** ## **Parochial Church Meeting** - **6 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 28[th] March, 2025** ## **Statutory Reports** - **7 To receive the Electoral Roll Report** - **8 To receive the Parochial Church Council Report** - **9 To receive the Fabric Reports** - **10 To receive the Deanery Synod Report** - **11 To receive the Safeguarding Reports** - **12 To receive the Financial Report including the 2025 audited accounts and 2026 budget** - **13 Appointment of Independent Examiner** - **14 Elections to PCC and Deanery Synod.** - **15 Vicar's Report** - **16 Any other business** - **17 Closing prayer (There will be a short PCC meeting following this APCM)** _Reports are written and attached to this agenda_ ## **Rev Clive Russell, (Vicar) Stephen Pinnock, (secretary)** **You may submit written as well as verbal questions. If you would like to submit a written question please contact vicar or secretary in advance of the meeting date.** **1 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 ## 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork |Contents|| |---|---| |Items|Page/s| |Minutes of 2025 APCM|3, 4, 5| |Statutory Reports|6-11| |Electoral Roll|6| |Parochial Church Council|6| |Fabric, St John's|6, 7| |Fabric, St Cedd's & St Mary's|7, 8| |Deanery Synod|9| |Safeguarding, St John's|9, 10| |Safeguarding, St Cedd's & St Mary's|10, 11| |Financial Report|End papers| |Non Statutory Reports|11–15| |The Little Acorn Ministry|11| |Children’s Corner|12| |Kangaroo Club|12| |Open the Book|12, 13| |Thursday Brunch|13| |Bible Notes|14| |Church Cleaning|14| |Welcoming People to Church|14| |Big Brew Coffee Morning|14, 15| **2 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork ## **Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of Grays North and Stifford held on Friday, 28[th] March, 2025 at 8.15pm in St Cedd's church.** 1 Clive Russell welcomed people to the meetings and Matt Ralph said the opening prayers. The meeting was attended by 52 people and was preceded by a fish and chip supper. 2 Apologies for absence – Pat Williams, Maureen Challis, Vivette Akintokun, Nike Akintokun, Akeen Akintokun, Mick Holland. 3 THE ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING OF PARISHIONERS (May be attended by anyone with their name on the Local Thurrock Council Electoral Roll and living in the parish) Minutes of the meetings held on 21[st] April, 2024 (Grays North) and 5[th] April, 2024 (Stifford) were approved. ## 4 ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS Chris Smith, Mick Holland and Margaret Emmins had been nominated and seconded and all three were elected for another year. They were thanked for their work over a difficult merger year and Carol Collinson, who was standing down, was thanked for her 9 years of service in two stints. 5 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (May be attended by anyone with their name on Parsh Electoral Roll) Minutes of the meetings held on 21[st] April, 2024 (Grays North) and 5[th] April, 2024 (Stifford) were approved. 6 STATUTORY REPORTS Copies of these had been attached to agenda which had been sent to all Electoral Roll members by email or by APCM pack. ## **Electoral Roll** Stephen Pinnock, Electoral Roll Officer reported that Grays North has declared 73 on roll in 2024, Stifford 62 and the new merged roll was 116, 80 resident and 36 non-resident. We had lost some people because of death and there were some late applications to come which could be added after this meeting. ## **Parochial Church Council Reports** These were accepted with the previous secretaries (Gill Holland and Stephen Pinnock) having nothing to add. ## **Churchwardens’/Fabric Reports** These were accepted with the Churchwardens having nothing to add. ## **Deanery Synod reports** These were accepted with the reps having nothing to add. ## **Financial reports** These are accepted and Debbie Smith (Treasurer of both previous parishes) advising that we were moving to one account. **3 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork ## **Appointment of Independent Examiner** Proposed by Marilyn Going and seconded by Brenda Smallcombe, John Smith was appointed – carried unanimously. ## **Safeguarding** Ann Pinnock, Parish Safeguarding Officer for Grays North, mentioned she would be working with Anne Symons, Parish Safeguarding Officer for Stifford in future. 7 NON-STATUTORY REPORTS Leaders of church groups had been invited to send in reports and these had done so. All age events – Ann Pinnock Christingle – Ann Pinnock Craft Group – Mary Grant Pastoral Team – Mary Grant Welcome Team – Marilyn Going Kangaroo Club – Debbie Smith Friday Men’s Club – Kevin Spring Little Acorn Puppet Ministry – Dawn Peat Flowers – Lin Bridges Bible Notes – Lyn Shulver Church Cleaning – Lyn Shulver Messy Church – Gill Holland & Brenda Smallcombe Open the Book – Brenda Smallcombe These were received with thanks. ## 8 ANY OTHER BUSINESS There was none ## 9 VICAR'S REPORT My dear friends, At the level of our regular activities it’s been a year of steady progress in the life of our parish(es). Until the end of 2024 we were still two parishes, operating largely as we always had, while learning to share and collaborate where it made good sense. As we stepped into 2025 the parish of Stifford and the parish of Grays North ceased to exist, and the new parish of Grays North and Stifford came into being. Throughout that time all of our regular ministries have continued – and will continue. Our Sunday service pattern is unchanged, with worship in two of our three churches each Sunday, except on a fifth Sunday, when we all gather together. Our two music teams have led us in music and song at every opportunity, and we have marked all the regular festivals. Apart from Sunday mornings we have continued with our other regular ministries, including Messy Church, K-Club, Friday Men’s Group, Saturday Men’s Breakfast, Women’s weekly prayer zoom, Craft group, cream teas and coffee mornings, including a new regular Thursday one. We have kept our notice sheet compilers, and our Facebook and website updaters busy! Monthly HC services have continued in Elizabeth Gardens, and we held our annual Agape Supper and our multiple Remembrance services. We have Opened the Book in Stifford Clays Primary School, and supported them, Deneholm and Tudor Court with visits to our churches, and we repeated our year-7 classroom lessons in Orsett Heath Academy. **4 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 ## 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork But there have been a lot of extra happenings beyond that. We had a PCC Awayday, to look at the assets we have and the opportunities we have been given. A new Area Dean (Fr David) and a new Archdeacon (Ven Sue) were appointed, and Bishop Adam came when, we hosted a Confirmation service for the Deanery, at which ten of our members were confirmed, followed by another two in the autumn. We were able to host the annual Thanksgiving and Remembrance service for Grays churches, we opened up for the Gather25 global prayer initiative and our puppets delivered bible teaching at Little Thurrock Primary School. We gained an extra priest, as Matt completed the first year of his curacy, and we ran several courses. We restarted periodic services in Barn & Coach House and Pigg’s Corner, and we provided cover for some other local churches – as they have done for us. We held a number of fun and fundraising events, such as Ride and Stride, a Quiz Night, a “Summer Salad” Social, the Crofton Choir and the Mosaic choir, and we added an Autumn Fair to our existing Christmas Bazaar. There are too many people to thank each of you individually, but let me just say that whatever you contributed, whether visible, audible, edible, readable, bankable or behind the scenes is much appreciated, as indeed is your presence at our services and events. Along the way we have lost some dear friends. In January of last year we said our final goodbyes to Margaret Collins, Megan Croney, and Jenny Deats. Then as the year went on we lost Happy Lifton, Barry Cooper, Audrey Hodgkinson, Joyce Parr, Pat Futcher, Kath Pawsey and others close to us. 2025 will be a year of continued integration at a strategic level, drawing together our combined skills and resources, while at the same time making good use of the opportunities offered by our three worship centres and their three neighbourhoods. As we continue to unite the parish we need to focus in two directions. We need to look **outward** , becoming more intentionally missional. Our task is to bring hope to a troubled world. But we must also focus **inward** . I have made no secret of my intention to retire in the summer of 2026, and Matt’s curacy will most likely end around the same time. Therefore, we need to grow our skills, renew our commitment, and spread the work across a broader set of shoulders. The work we put in now will prepare the parish for the inevitable period of vacancy, and demonstrate that the parish is a viable post to which a new minister can be appointed. I’m confident we can do both at the same time, and that the one will support the other. As we work at mission we will also grow the skills and confidence we need to serve our congregation. Likewise, as we develop our church-focused skills we will sharpen our missional vision and understanding. It is the same, faithful God that calls us to both tasks, to mutual support and growth, and to be lights in the world. I know He will fulfil all His promises to us as we study His word, practice His grace, and proclaim His love. AMEN The report was accepted with a round of applause. There were no written questions send in prior to the meeting. The meeting was closed in prayer by Matt Ralph at 8.42pm **5 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork ## **STATUTORY APCM REPORTS (All approved by PCC)** ## **Electoral Roll report.** At the last Annual Parochial Church Meeting, I reported that there were 116 on the new, completely revised roll; 80 resident and 36 non resident. There has been very little movement since. Every year, there is a minor review of the roll and at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, I will be able to give the up to date figure. All Churchwardens, Deanery Synod members and Parochial Church Council members need to be on the Electoral Roll – not to be confused with the Thurrock roll which is used for Local Council and Parliamentary elections. Stephen Pinnock, Electoral Roll Officer ## **Parochial Church Council report.** The new Parochial Church Council was made up from members of the two previous PCCs and consisted of 21 members. Chris Smith is the deputy chairman. We are working to reduce the number laid down by the diocese. Summer meetings were held in St Cedd's and winter ones in St John's hall – there being 6 meetings in all. The Standing Committee – which _is_ the Parochial Church Council when that body is not meeting – consists of 12 members and any decisions reached are always reported to PCC at the next meeting. Standing Committee meetings are more frequent and are held on zoom – a useful back up for PCCs in very inclement weather. There are a variety of items on the agenda at meetings and these include Finance Report, Fabric Report, Safeguarding, Standing Committee action and Correspondence, Synod reports, review of past events and plans for the future, Mission report and finally – always – Vicar's Report. We have a slot for consideration of the agenda - any urgent and important issues that need an urgent decision. Meetings always open and close with prayer, and minutes, once approved, are posted in churches. If you have any issues you would like to raise please contact any PCC member - a list of members is posted in churches. Stephen Pinnock, Parochial Church Council Secretary, Grays North and Stifford **Parish of Grays North and Stifford - Annual Fabric Report for 2025 for the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Grays North - to be presented on behalf of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) to the 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)** ## **Overview** 2025 saw the creation of the enlarged Parish of Grays North and Stifford, this report covers the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Grays North only. The merger of the Parishes went well thanks to an enormous effort from all those involved. Carol Collinson finished her term as Church Warden at the 2025 APCM and I would like to thank Carol for her hard work and wise counsel during her period of tenure, it has been invaluable, thank you. Work to create hard standing parking at the Church and a permanent solution to the drive at the rear of the Church is scheduled for February 2026, this will ease the work for the upkeep of the Church grounds, there are a significant number of jobs still to be done. Our thanks go to Kevin Spring who took over this project and to all those who have donated and offered “loans” to enable the project to go ahead. We hope to organise more work parties in 2026 as they are vital to the upkeep of the Church and grounds. Please watch out for Saturday morning work party dates on the **6 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork Notice Sheet and join us if you are able. Volunteers are essential to help to keep running costs under control, so please give of your time when and where you are able. The Hall flat roof was replaced in March 2025 following leaks in the original roof. The work included creating new air vents and improved water flow to prevent standing water. A work party in July saw a temporary fix to fill potholes in the rear drive as well as other tasks, my thanks to all those who joined the work party. ## **Maintenance and Support** Regular and routine maintenance checks continued throughout the year. The support I have had as churchwarden for St. John’s is appreciated and I would like to thank all those who have given their time and support during the year, too many to mention by name, not forgetting those who clean the porch, the church and hall, flower arranging, help with gardening and ground maintenance, thank you. Duncan Manson continues with his checks on the AED, thank you Duncan. The AED continues to be used on a regular basis. ## **Fabric and Terrier (inventory)** The churchwardens are required to maintain a Terrier (register) of all lands belonging to the church and an inventory of all the articles belonging to it as the official record of church lands and goods. I believe the contents of the Terrier to be accurate, but will be undergoing a review and update together with the church logbooks, to ensure a smooth handover to my successor(s) as I retire from my role as Churchwarden at the APCM. I would ask all to pray for new Churchwardens to come forward, it is an important role and will be vital as we say goodbye to both Clive and Matt later in the year. If you would like to be considered for the role please speak to Clive, Matt or myself or indeed to any former Churchwardens. ## **Chris Smith - Churchwarden – January 2026** ## **Fabric Report for St Mary’s & St Cedd’s** In January 2025 Stifford Parish joined with the Parish of Grays North and we are now known as Grays North & Stifford Parish. This consists of St Mary’s, St John’s and St Cedd’s. The church services in Stifford continue with the first Sunday of the month in St Cedd’s with a family worship service. Then the following Sunday a Holy Communion in St Mary’s. The next Sunday a Morning Worship in St Mary’s with the last Sunday of the month having a Holy Communion service in St Cedd’s. We continue to have a joint Holy Communion service for the 5[th] Sunday in the month. These services are in either of the three churches. In May ‘Andscape’ started creating the cremation area in St Mary’s churchyard on the south side behind the church. This was completed in a week and Clive blessed the area after a Sunday service in the church. In July Clive interred the first ashes into the area. Since then, another interment has been carried out. These are duly recorded in the Cremated Remains Register and on the Plot Plan. Mick has been looking after the area and will continue to do so as long as possible. In the New Year 2026 a bench in memory of Joyce Parr will be installed near the cremation area. **7 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 ## 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork Once again St Mary’s has hosted two cream teas in the churchyard on a Saturday. Both have been well attended with donations raised for Christian Aid and for ‘Friend’s of Essex Churches Trust Ride and Stride’ In November the pointing of the brickwork at the rear of St Cedd’s church was carried out by Wesley Bishops Services Ltd. Whilst this was being carried out Wesley discovered that there is a leak in some of the iron guttering. This is still outstanding. Again, in November Glen Jaques Heating & Plumbing supplied and fitted a new syphon to the toilet cistern in St Cedd’s. This company was recommended by Ray Smallcombe. The normal servicing of portable fire equipment has been carried out in all three buildings. In December Meccanico carried out their yearly gas service on the heaters in St Cedd’s church. The service documents are displayed in the building. The CPBT continue to come into both churches although not as frequently in St Cedd’s. We continue to be thankful for their help, especially where they have done an excellent job clearing around the graves. Mick and Margaret have a good working relationship with the team. There are still some things that need to be addressed, one being a faculty for COP Uk to use St Cedd’s. This will need to be done in the coming year. Mick Holland & Margaret Emmins, Churchwardens January 2026 ## **Parish Hall** In September it was brought to our attention that there have been problems with one of the toilets in the hall. Margaret, Keith and Emma’s husband (Playaway) tried to unblock it without success. So, Margaret organised a plumbing engineer to go into the hall during the October half term. There has been a number of issues with the toilet. The plumber found a toy trapped in the bend. This was brought to the attention of Emma (Playaway). There was also a report in September that the fire exit door from the hall and the fire exit in the main body of the church had been left open. Margaret contacted COP and they apologised for this mistake. With regards to the fire exit in the hall, it was found that the panic bar rod was not latching into its keep. Mick and Phil Lee went over and repaired it. In December Meccanico also serviced the gas heaters, gas appliances and boiler in the Parish Hall. The service documents are displayed in the building. Thurrock News for the Blind still continue to use the hall meeting room regularly. A very big thank you should go to Kerry who has continued to be our booking secretary. Kerry does not have to handle the money as our treasurer now does this for her. **Mick Holland & Margaret Emmins,** Churchwardens January 2026 **8 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork ## **APCM 2026 Deanery Synod Report for the year 2025** ## **Speakers and their topics:** **JAN:** Archdeacon Johnathan: possible bids for monies from The Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB). Themes that had emerged were: - Children, young people and families - Intentional discipleship - Community transformation & justice - Re-vitalization & parish support And Bradwell clergy expressed a desire to be ministers rather than parish managers. **Mar:** Rev Sandra Eldridge, diocesan Environmental Officer spoke about environmental issues and the church. **Jun** : Mary Thorne spoke about radical hospitality **Oct** : Sue Trevethan, founder of **Hope UK** spoke about her charity’s work helping young people to make good choices by informing them about drugs. ## **Business meetings** **Parish Share:** Without parishes reaching 93% contributions across the deanery clergy posts will fall. 2024 Thurrock reached 83% **Safeguarding** mainly concerned the roll out of the DASHBOARD. **Treasurer’s Reports:** There was some slight re-organization. The bank was not levying any administrative charges and the Area Dean was now a signatory to the account. In June the a/c balance =£1041.36. There is £563.00 from the diocese for the Orsett Show. **Orsett Show:** the deanery’s biggest mission was fully funded this year. Rev Sue Mann, who led this initiative for several years departed Thurrock for a parish in Norfolk. The Bishop and Archdeacon attended as well as many clergy and lay volunteers. **General Synod:** main topics discussed were The Makin Report and Safeguarding, the appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury, LLF. The Area Dean asked for good news stories: in January we were able to announce the good news that from the parishes of St Cedd and St Mary and St John, a new parish had been formed-Grays North and Stifford. ## **St John the Evangelist Safeguarding Report** We are called to provide a welcoming, caring and safe environment where all have a voice and are of equal worth in the love of God. It is the responsibility of us all to care for and listen to each other. If a safeguarding issue arises, then we need to respond appropriately. We need effective safeguarding measures in place, so we know how to respond. The Safeguarding Dashboard, introduced 2025 by the Diocese, helps us to create a safe environment. I have ownership of St John’s Dashboard and Anne Symons, also a Parish Safeguarding Officer, has ownership of the Dashboard for Stifford churches, as requested by the Diocese. Clive, Carol Collinson, Lin Bridges and I are working through the St John’s Dashboard. We are at finishing Level 2 . A big thank you to them for their help. The Dashboard is an administrative tool. No personal data is recorded. The Diocese views it **9 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 ## 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork and therefore monitors our progress. The Dashboard encourages us all to:- read the safeguarding posters and “Promoting a safer church” policy, which can be found in the porch and at back of church; and implement “The Code of Safer Working Practice” and “Safer Environment and Activities”, which can be found on www.churchofenglandnationalsafeguardingteampolicyandpracticeguidance Also, please be aware that if you are taking on a new rôle in church, you should ask for a job description and you may be required to do safeguarding training or a DBS check or provide references. Safeguarding training must be updated every 3 years. Go to https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org If you are a leader, please be aware that there is a safer recruitment process in place. 5 people are trained to recruit: Carol Collinson, Lin Bridges, Debbie Smith, Marilyn Going and me. Please consult Clive or me **before** recruiting someone to your team and we can allocate you to a trained recruiter. During 2025, I have had 4 minor concerns reported to me and they have been dealt with appropriately. DBS checks and Safeguarding training are up to date, review of Risk Assessments is up to date but some of the Job descriptions still need review. If you have any questions or concerns of any kind, please contact me straight away or Clive or Matt or a Churchwarden in my absence. Ann Pinnock Parish Safeguarding Officer 01375 377640 mobile 07976889686 annstephenpinnock@gmail.com More information www.chelmsford.anglican.org/safeguarding ## Statutory Safeguarding ## **Parish: Grays north and Stifford** (Stifford report) **Report by:** Anne Symons Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) ## **Introduction** Safeguarding continues to be an ongoing and important priority within the parish. As part of this the PCC continues to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ safeguarding guidance. ## Safeguarding Dashboard A requirement for each Parish to have a safeguarding dashboard was introduced in July 2025 by the Diocese. The completion and review of information included on the dashboard is in progress but I am not making as much progress as I hoped. I attended a Safeguarding drop-in session in January run by the diocese and found 30 plus PSO’s and clergy in a similar situation. Some further training has been suggested. The dashboard will be used for ongoing compliance monitoring and PCC oversight. ## Compliance Overview Safeguarding policies: our safeguarding polices arein place and will be reviewed on a regular basis Safeguarding contacts: These are clearly displayed in both churches and on the parish website. **10 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 ## 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork Safer recruitment processes: These processes are in place to allow safe recruitment to take place. I would remind the PCC that no-one should start a new group, or volunteer for an activity without discussing with the PSO first. This should include groups/activities that take place outside of our premises ie Open the Book. Safeguarding training compliance: This is under review via the dashboard. I rely on everyone to ensure that their training remains up to date. This can be checked via the Dashboard. Margaret Emmins and myself will have completed Leadership Safeguarding training for our roles as PSO and ALP PCC Meetings: Safeguarding is on every PCC agenda and is discussed as appropriate. Risk assessments: These are in place and are regularly reviewed ## Safeguarding Activity Safeguarding concerns during this period: There has been a number of issues during the last 12 months. Whilst I am not able to provide to provide further details for confidentiality reasons, I can confirm that have all been dealt with by the PSO in conjunction with Rev’d Clive and Rev’d Matt. Where appropriate, these matters were also discussed with the DST. Review training and DBS compliance: One DBS check for PCC remains outstanding. Safeguarding Sunday: This took place in November and included a talk that emphasized safeguarding as a shared responsibility across the whole church community and reflected on the following words from Psalm 91. _‘He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge’_ Psalm 91 NIV My talk highlighted themes of protection and care and the shared responsibility that we hold for one another. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Itiola for all her hard work over the last year in her role as our Lead Recruiter. Anne Symons **,** January 2026 ## FINANCIAL REPORT – PLEASE SEE END PAPERS ## **NON STATUTORY REPORTS** Leaders of church groups were invited to send in a report and these did do. ## **The Little Acorn Ministry.** As per last year, sadly the puppets are rarely used these days. The only yearly appearance is outside of church. This is to Little Thurrock School. A date is currently being arranged. Dawn Peat **11 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork ## **Children’s Corner APCM report 2026** Lydia Ralph has been planning and running children’s corner for the last year or so. During this time it has grown in numbers and has settled into a familiar format, taking place during the sermon and intercessions in Sunday morning services at St Mary’s and St Cedd’s. It is normal to have 3-5 children present, though some weeks there have been up to 8. The children read out an adapted Bible story, sometimes enacted with toy figures. This is followed by a craft activity, and sometimes a memory verse. At the Notices, the children have the opportunity to share what they have done (but no-one is forced!). Bible stories and crafts are taken from a range of resources such as “The Biggest Story Bible Storybook”. Growth in this ministry has come from baptism ministry and from Messy Church. The main issue for children’s corner is space. Margaret and Gill have been a great help in de-cluttering and consolidating St Mary’s and St Cedd’s to this end, and we are trying different solutions with different tables to help enable the children to engage and do the craft activities. We are exploring other ways to create more floor-space in both churches. Lydia is always glad to have more volunteers (liaising with Anne Symons, the Stifford Safeguarding Officer). As she will be moving with Matt in August when his Curacy comes to an end, we would love to see this ministry taken forward by others in the congregation. Children’s Corner APCM report 2026 Matt Ralph ## **Kangaroo Club** Committee: Debbie Smith, Rebecca Waters, Becca Kitchen, Jan Olley, Deb Craig In the summer we lost 7 of our little ones as they headed off to school. We had several enquiries over the break and we are now at 25 of a possible 30 children. We don’t have a waiting list at the moment and weekly attendance has been consistent at 15 babies and toddlers plus their carers. We celebrated with a an Easter egg hunt and the Easter story in church, a Bouncy castle party at the end of the summer. We made glittery Angel decorations for the church tree, made nativity scene wreaths and heard the story of the nativity from Matt. We ended the year with a soft play party and a visit from Santa with Christmas gifts. We have continued planning craft activities ahead each term. We have a together time at the end of each session with a few nursery rhymes chosen by the children, which they join in enthusiastically. I would like to thank our committee for their help with setting up and clearing each week and taking craft home to prepare when necessary. Thanks also for their time circulating and getting to know those attending and also to all our parents & carers for making it such a happy vibrant place to be. Particular thanks to Maureen Challis and Lyn Shulver for their consistent support with refreshments. Debbie Smith ## **Open the Book** The Open the Book (OTB) team continues its weekly visits to Stifford Clays Junior School, leading assemblies for Years 1 and 2. The concerns we faced last year regarding the **12 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 ## 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork future of Open the Book have seem to have diminished. Each assembly lasts only 15 minutes, requiring us to efficiently present dramatized readings, reflection, prayer time, and a song within this limited timeframe. Although the schedule can feel compressed, it is evident that the children greatly anticipate their Wednesday assemblies. We are pleased to welcome Dawn Peat from St. John’s as a regular member of our team. Additionally, Linda, also from St. John’s, joins us when her work commitments permit. Their involvement further demonstrates the way in which our previous two parishes are successfully coming together as one. Regrettably, Thelma Baldry has relocated to be nearer to her daughter, and Frances Sladden has experienced significant health challenges this year. We hope Frances will be able to rejoin us next year, as both she and Thelma have been missed. Our current team consists of Rev Clive, Rev Matt, Gill & Mick Holland, Bob & Pam Love, Jan Robbins, Frances Sladden, Dawn Peat, Lin Bridges, and Brenda Smallcombe. Brenda Smallcombe. ## **Thursday Brunch** Our get together on a Thursday are going from strength to strength. We started about two years ago as outreach into the community as a coffee morning meeting once a week in St. Mary’s church – very often in the churchyard when the sun was shining! We were delighted at the response not only from our church family but also from the villagers who came along to join us. During winter, however, St Mary’s proved less comfortable, so the North Stifford Village Hall Committee kindly offered us the village hall free of charge for the colder months. When summer returned, everyone agreed to keep meeting at the hall, mainly because parking was much easier and we are so very thankful to the committee for letting us use the space for free every week. Last September, another booking meant we had to move our time slot, which led to the start of Thursday Brunch—now held every Thursday from noon to 2pm. Despite initial worries about attendance dropping, our numbers have actually grown a bit. Each week, we serve homemade soup, a freshly baked roll with butter, and usually homemade cake along with tea and coffee. We suggest a minimum donation of £3.50, though people pay what they can and many contribute more; all proceeds support church funds. Once a month, we add a mini-Bingo session that has been unexpectedly popular—thanks to local resident Mark who calls the games. The money raised during Bingo week is donated to the village hall committee for a local charity. We have formally communicated our ongoing appreciation to the North Stifford Village Hall Committee for granting us access to the hall. We extend our gratitude to Gill and Mick Holland, Lyn Shulver, Rev Matt Ralph, Karen Collier, Maureen Quinn, and Brenda **13 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork Smallcombe for their dedicated efforts in preparing food, arranging tables and chairs, and providing comprehensive support throughout this significant outreach initiative. Brenda Smallcombe, December 2025 ## **Bible Notes** 2 members of the congregation continue to receive Closer to God. Many people are now receiving their daily bible readings in various ways, including Every Day With Jesus, received by down loading the App onto the mobile phone. ## **Church Cleaning** There are 2 couples on the rota and we welcome Jan Baker who has kindly agreed to be part of the team. Unfortunately we are still short of volunteers, which means the church is only cleaned every 2 sometimes 3 weeks, with the carpet only, vacuumed on the weeks in between. The team would be delighted to hear from anyone able to help. Lyn Shulver ## **Welcoming People to Church Report** Stifford and St John’s have different ways of organizing people of the church to welcome people coming to church. But all churches offer a warm welcome at the beginning of services to “regulars” and visitors alike. St Cedd’s and St John’s both have porches and initial welcome takes place there. St Mary’s has a set of deep stone steps leading down from the oak exterior door into a small space that is the cross junction of two aisles. St John’s has a team of Welcomers who offer their availability and are rota’d to welcome from that. All have been asked and completed the BASICs safeguarding course (online) and all have received an copy of _Safer Working Practices_ (if not online then in-person with with Ann Pinnock PSO or Marilyn Going.) At St Cedd’s, the fellowship regulars just step in, always two, in the front porch. At St Mary's people are welcomed from the small space at the bottom of the stone steps, again by regulars stepping in. There is a plan to construct a pathway around to the rear of St Mary’s so that people can enter on one level into a wider space. At all churches a warm welcome is offered in the name of the Lord Jesus. Marilyn Going, with contributions from Margaret Emmins and Mick Holland ## **Big Brew Coffee Morning** The monthly Big Brew Coffee Morning launched on Monday 7[th] April 2025 in St Cedd’s Church by Myself Margaret Emmins and Carol Smith. We would have liked to have started earlier but we had to endure the obvious paperwork needed to commence with this venture, with forms to fill out, risk assessment, food and hygiene etc and Carol waiting for **14 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting paperwork her DBS, so on the launch morning we had 30 customers some church family and some from the community. As well as raising funds for the church pot from donations for the refreshments we sell preloved jigsaw puzzles, books and other items donated such as (unwanted gifts/jewellery etc) The money from the sale of these goods we take to St Lukes Hospice which is gratefully received. We offer tea/coffee as well as lattes, cappuccino and hot chocolate that go down well on a cold morning, there is also cake, biscuits and our toasted buttered buns. Since we started Big Brew we have raised £312.30 for St Lukes Hospice which is gratefully received and we always get a letter of thanks from Emily head of the fundraising team. We have also raised to date £273.03 for our parish church funds. There is always plenty of chat and fun and of course everyone is welcome. Margaret Emmins & Carol Smith ## **Messy Church** Messy Church continues to meet once a month usually the first Saturday in the month at 3pm until 5pm in St Cedd’s. We always have a Bible story leading us into different themes each time. Our Messy Church has been slowly growing in numbers over the years. It is lovely to see that the ages vary from really small tots to teenagers and the support from the parents and grandparents is amazing. For our first Messy Church of 2025 we looked at ‘Searching for Jesus.’ This was the story of the wise men looking for Jesus. For this Saturday we made handprint camels, a crown and decorated a star shaped biscuit. The following month we had Candlemass and heard the story of the thanksgiving of Jesus at the temple. We had a ‘growing up quiz’ and made a cake candle. I am constantly looking for new ideas for our crafts. It is sometimes good to have a more physical game, so one Saturday we had a Hand Challenge. This was trying to eat a chocolate button while wearing thick gloves, buttoning up a shirt, doing up shoelaces while wearing oven gloves or thick gloves. This was because we were looking at how Jesus transformed people lives. How he changed the lives of those who had leprosy and how he can change our lives today. In March we learnt about Lent, inviting us on a journey of hope. We heard how God wants to build endurance into our lives to strengthen us as we follow him. Because if we have Jesus in our lives, we can face anything! We all made a teardrop and wrote a prayer on it thanking Jesus for what he did for us. Our prayer as we held these teardrops was; ‘Jesus, I hold this teardrop to remind me of how hard it was for you for 40days in the desert. We ‘thank you’ for undergoing all the tests for us.’ Amen Of course, in June we celebrated our 5th Birthday. We had bought some more games such as Connect Four and so it was a great time to get outside and play some games and have some races. We managed to play ten-pin bowling, hop la, some team races and of course splat the volunteer. I must say the kids just love splatting Mick with water! Excellent fun! One little girl just loved it, it is such a joy to see all the smiles and hear their laughter. What is really lovely is to see the older ones join in and help the little ones. After all that fun we had something to eat outside and a cake with candles. Another great birthday celebration! **15 |** P a g e R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N u m b e r 1 2 1 2 1 6 8 We had our usual summer break and when we came back in September, we decided to look at 3 ‘I am’ sayings in the Bible. Our first one was ‘The Good Shepherd’ our next one was to be ‘I am the true vine’ but October had to be cancelled. But we continued in November with the ‘I am’ theme by exploring ‘I am the light of the world.’ In December I decided to have ‘Messy Christmas.’ It is a perfect time for Messy Church to celebrate how much God loves us by sending his son. What a wonderful gift!! It is so easy to forget about the smells and dirt of that first Christmas. In a stable with animals all around, how messy that must have been. So, for this we made donkey dung you can imagine how the children like making this out of icing and brown colouring. There was of course a gift box to decorate and put a sweet inside to give to someone. A little better than the donkey dung!! I am constantly trying to find different activities and crafts to match our themes. I do try very hard to find an activity that includes icing, the children just love icing biscuits or cakes. They have iced sheep biscuits, made snakes in the sand, heart biscuits, cake candles and made fruity palm trees this year. As you can imagine this is a popular activity and sometimes these get eaten before the children go home. A big thank you goes to Rebekah, who has been helping on the icing table so efficiently. The children have also made over this year a God Bless card, an Easter card, a name placard and glittery stars amongst other crafts. We continue to add to the display on the back wall of the church. Some of the crafts are pinned up on the wall as well. I hope you are enjoying looking at them. It is good for the children to show what we talk about and hopefully learn about Jesus and his love and care for us all. One parent told me how much she enjoys working on the posters. I am very reluctant to take any down as I love to see how much the children have done, as you can see, I am expanding onto the other church walls. Each month we encourage the teenagers to help with the crafts, it is such a pleasure to see them all get involved. I now like to offer some colouring on the Bible story of the day, as you will be surprised to hear that the adults love to get involved and get colouring. Brenda normally leads the Bible story; we then have some prayer time which Jan has been leading and then singing with Mick on the guitar. William continues to help Brenda with our refreshments. He has been making cakes and biscuits and organizing the refreshments each month when he can. A big thank you goes to William and Jessica who get stuck in and help with serving the refreshments and tidying up after. We must also give a big thank you to the parents and grandparents who always offer to help tidy up at the end. We must also thank Clive who when he is free always pops in. It is so encouraging to see a member of the clergy support us. So, you can see that we are continuingly growing, not only in numbers but in nurturing our younger members in the love of Jesus. Please keep Messy Church in your prayers as we move forward in this ministry each year. ## **Gill Holland & Brenda Smallcombe** ## **2025** ## **Mission Group** In 2025 it was agreed that we should set up a Mission Group within the Parish that would include representatives from all three churches. In our initial meetings, we discussed what mission meant to our Parish and it was identified that mission should take a number of forms but in whatever form it takes it should be seen as being central to our Parish identity and purpose. As we developed the idea of mission, the Group identified the following key components of mission that should relate to our Parish: **Proclamation of the Gospel** : We considered that this should be the primary and foundational aspect of our mission. We as a Parish believe in the "Good News" of Jesus Christ – his life, death, and resurrection – as the means of salvation from sin and reconciliation with God. Therefore, a core part of our mission should be to share this message with others, with the aim of leading people to repentance, faith in Christ, and spiritual transformation. **Disciple-Making:** We identified that mission isn't just about initial conversion but also about nurturing new and existing believers into mature followers of Christ. This involves allowing them to grow in their faith, and integrating them into our church community. **Loving Service and Social Action:** We recognised that mission should involve us in demonstrating Christ's love through practical acts of service and addressing needs within our local community. This can include: - Responding to need within our congregation and community. - Advocating for the oppressed and marginalised in our community. - Caring for creation and the world around us. - Embodying and demonstrating the power of peace and reconciliation. **Empowerment by the Holy Spirit:** Above all we believe that our mission is not undertaken in human strength alone but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The teams is continuing to meet on a regular basis and as a Group we look forward to see how we can to discuss how to promote and advance our mission within the Church. Paul Symons ## **Men’s Breakfast** The men of our Fellowship have continued to meet once a month on a Saturday morning to enjoy a cooked breakfast, some chat and to watch a video that enables us to reflect upon some of the key issues that have an affect on what it means to be a Christian man in today’s society. It’s been really encouraging to see our numbers grow with people joining us from all three churches in our Parish. Over the last year, we have followed a course produced by the Bible Society which has focused on the Book of Romans. This has been an interesting and challenging course which has allowed us to consider our relationship with God and the importance of love, unity and faith in our Christian life and church community. The Group is now looking and praying about which Course to start next and as a Group we are excited where God takes us next. As always, we are keen to welcome more men to our group. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone within the Group who helps with setting things up, cooking the food and tidying the space up after our meeting. ## **Paul Symons** ## **Ladies Bible Brunch** The ladies bible brunch group is held on a Saturday morning, once a month, straight after men’s breakfast, so normally on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Up to 16 ladies have attended at some stage, although not every month due to other commitments or illness. We have been looking at ‘The Bible Course’ video, which we have found very informative and enjoyable. We then discuss aspects of the video and how it affects our everyday life. We also provide light refreshments and enjoy fellowship together. ## **Jan and Anne** ## **Craft Group 2025** The craft group meets on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Wednesdays of the month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in the church porch. We are always looking for new members, and we don’t expect you to come to every session, also you do not have to be a ‘queen sewing bee’ if you can just make it now and again that is fine, even if you just come and have a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit to have a chat and see what is going on. Our numbers are down quite a lot due to ill health mainly and moving out of the area. Please come along, and you could invite a neighbour or friend to join you. We are all gifted with different ideas which we share and encourage one another, it may be knitting, card making, cross stitch, or making an apron or two. There is a real sense of fellowship. This is a community outreach, and we have people who do not attend St John’s joining us which is very encouraging. . We made various items for the Christmas Bazaar, which was, successful. We also knit baby jackets, baby blankets and hats for the neo natal units, and hats for the Seaman all of which are very much in need and fully appreciated. Sadly this year we lost a regular attendee to our meetings Jill Miller and also Margaret Bradley who loved to come when her health aloud this. We remember them with great fondness Thank you and God Bless. _Mary Grant_ ## **St John’s Pastoral Team Report 2025** The pastoral team meet on a regular basis and it is a privilege to be part of this team. We pray for all the church family and visit people at home. If anyone knows of someone facing a time of particular distress or illness, or who is frail or housebound, we would love to pray for them and visit them. Holy Communion is also taken out to the house bound. Everything that is spoken of is completely confidential and will not be shared with anybody, unless it is requested to be shared with another member of the church. Please do contact the Pastoral Team through Clive, Matt or Mary Grant ## **Parish of Grays North and Stifford** ## **End of Year Financial Statements** ## **Year ending 2025** _Page 1_ ##  **Introduction** The merger of Grays North with Stifford Parish at the start of 2025 necessitated an enormous amount of administration to amalgamate the data, update or apply for new bank accounts as well as registering again with the Charity Commission under the new name. Fortunately this was all successfully completed mid-year. Our Independent Examiner this year is John B Smith, MA FIA retd. We thank him for his time spent. ## **Receipts and Payments Account** ||**Unrestricted Designated**
**Restricted Endowment**
**Total**
**Prior year**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**total funds**| |---|---| |**Receipts**
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
**Total receipts**
**Payments**
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
**Total payments**
**Excess of receipts over payments before**
**transfer**
**Transfers**
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
**Excess of receipts over payments before**
**other gains / losses**
**Net movement in funds**
**All assets at 01 January 2025**
**All assets at 31 December 2025**
**Represented by**
**Unrestricted**
General fund
**Designated**
Children & Youth
Elizabeth Scott
Fabric Fund St Johns
Flowers
Hall Redec. St Johns
James Robinson
Kangaroo Club
Tech Fund St Johns
**Restricted**
Audio Visual Stifford
Development Fund
St Mary's Fabric|72,124
611
10,785
—
83,521
74,853
47,650
1,039
—
—
48,690
46,044
9,397
—
740
—
10,137
9,372
3,469
—
430
—
3,900
4,149
—
—
—
—
—
16,685| ||**132,642**
**1,651**
**11,955**
**—**
**146,249**
**151,105**
439
—
15
—
454
371
122,846
5,379
45
—
128,270
141,187
—
410
—
—
410
340| ||**123,286**
**5,789**
**60**
**—**
**129,136**
**141,899**| ||**9,356**
**(4,138)**
**11,895**
**—**
**17,113**
**9,205**
1,442
10,996
9,272
—
21,711
39,917
(20,118)
(1,197)
(395)
—
(21,711)
(39,917)| ||**(9,319)**
**5,660**
**20,772**
**—**
**17,113**
**9,205**| ||**(9,319)**
**5,660**
**20,772**
**—**
**17,113**
**57,137**| ||**37,370**
**17,670**
**39,990**
**—**
**95,031**
**37,893**| ||**28,050**
**23,330**
**60,763**
**—**
**112,144**
**95,031**
28,050
—
—
—
28,050
37,370
—
1,499
—
—
1,499
1,376
—
14,885
—
—
14,885
9,513
—
9
—
—
9
9
—
223
—
—
223
153
—
4,000
—
—
4,000
3,000
—
1,957
—
—
1,957
2,784
—
255
—
—
255
332
—
500
—
—
500
500
—
—
2,485
—
2,485
2,530
—
—
40,104
—
40,104
19,286
—
—
18,173
—
18,173
18,173| _Page 2_ ## **Balance sheet** ||**Total funds**
**Prior year funds**| |---|---| |**Current assets**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Liabilities**
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
**Net current assets less current liabilities**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Total net assets less liabilities**
**Represented by**
**Unrestricted**
General fund
**Designated**
Children & Youth
James Robinson
Elizabeth Scott
Fabric Fund St Johns
Hall Redec. St Johns
Flowers
Kangaroo Club
Tech Fund St Johns
**Restricted**
St Mary's Fabric
Audio Visual Stifford
Development Fund
**Funds of the church**|113,021
95,952| ||**113,021**
**95,952**
877
921| ||**877**
**921**| ||**112,144**
**95,031**| ||**112,144**
**95,031**| ||**112,144**
**95,031**
28,050
37,370
1,499
1,376
1,957
2,784
14,885
9,513
9
9
4,000
3,000
223
153
255
332
500
500
18,173
18,173
2,485
2,530
40,104
19,286| ||**112,144**
**95,031**| ## **Statement of assets and liabilities** ||**General Designated**
**Restricted Endowment**
**This year**
**Last year**| |---|---| |**Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand**
Co-operative Bank 9150 St Johns -
Barclays 33384128 Stifford -
Co-operative Bank 8027 GN&S -
CCLA deposit CB3022552 St Johns -
CCLA deposit CB3022052 Stifford -
Cash in hand -
**Totals**
**Liabilities - Agency accounts**
Agency collections -
**Totals**
**Grand total**|—
—
—
—
—
3,751
—
—
—
—
—
7,127
5,100
1,082
2,890
—
9,072
—
14,534
4,703
38,061
—
57,300
43,000
8,221
17,449
20,658
—
46,329
41,727
194
95
29
—
319
345| ||**28,050**
**23,330**
**61,640**
**—**
**113,021**
**95,952**
—
—
877
—
877
921| ||**—**
**—**
**877**
**—**
**877**
**921**| ||**28,050**
**23,330**
**60,763**
**—**
**112,144**
**95,031**| _Page 3_ ## **Analysis of receipts and payments** |**Total**
**Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
**Donations and legacies**
Gift Aid - Bank
4,275
—
—
—
4,275
7,395
Gift Aid - Parish Giving Scheme
31,605
—
—
—
31,605
31,142
Gift Aid - SumUp
—
—
—
—
—
2
Gift Aid - Envelopes
1,505
—
—
—
1,505
2,018
Other planned giving
720
—
—
—
720
480
Other Planned Giving - Parish Giving
Sch
2,555
—
—
—
2,555
3,332
Loose plate collections
9,729
130
—
—
9,859
8,543
Gift Day
—
—
7,760
—
7,760
520
Giving through church boxes
—
6
—
—
6
131
One-off Gift Aid gifts
100
—
—
—
100
—
Donations appeals etc
909
475
800
—
2,184
3,109
Porch Donations
—
—
—
—
—
23
SumUp Donations
327
—
—
—
327
250
Tax recoverable on Gift Aid
10,741
—
1,875
—
12,616
12,282
Legacies
9,601
—
—
—
9,601
95
Non-recurring one-off grants
—
—
—
—
—
5,000
Other funds generated
52
—
350
—
402
526
Total
72,124
611
10,785
—
83,521
74,853
**Income from charitable activities**
Kangaroo Club Weekly Subs
—
929
—
—
929
995
Kangaroo Club Events
—
110
—
—
110
136
Fees for weddings and funerals
5,344
—
—
—
5,344
4,381
Church hall hire
42,306
—
—
—
42,306
40,531
Total
47,650
1,039
—
—
48,690
46,044
**Other trading activities**
General Fundraising
1,959
—
740
—
2,699
3,206
Christmas Bazaar
1,292
—
—
—
1,292
1,124
Church and Porch Hire
6,146
—
—
—
6,146
5,042
Total
9,397
—
740
—
10,137
9,372
**Investments**
Bank and CCLA interest
3,469
—
430
—
3,900
4,149
Total
3,469
—
430
—
3,900
4,149
**Other income**
Insurance claims
—
—
—
—
—
16,685
Total
—
—
—
—
—
16,685|**Total**
**Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
**Donations and legacies**
Gift Aid - Bank
4,275
—
—
—
4,275
7,395
Gift Aid - Parish Giving Scheme
31,605
—
—
—
31,605
31,142
Gift Aid - SumUp
—
—
—
—
—
2
Gift Aid - Envelopes
1,505
—
—
—
1,505
2,018
Other planned giving
720
—
—
—
720
480
Other Planned Giving - Parish Giving
Sch
2,555
—
—
—
2,555
3,332
Loose plate collections
9,729
130
—
—
9,859
8,543
Gift Day
—
—
7,760
—
7,760
520
Giving through church boxes
—
6
—
—
6
131
One-off Gift Aid gifts
100
—
—
—
100
—
Donations appeals etc
909
475
800
—
2,184
3,109
Porch Donations
—
—
—
—
—
23
SumUp Donations
327
—
—
—
327
250
Tax recoverable on Gift Aid
10,741
—
1,875
—
12,616
12,282
Legacies
9,601
—
—
—
9,601
95
Non-recurring one-off grants
—
—
—
—
—
5,000
Other funds generated
52
—
350
—
402
526
Total
72,124
611
10,785
—
83,521
74,853
**Income from charitable activities**
Kangaroo Club Weekly Subs
—
929
—
—
929
995
Kangaroo Club Events
—
110
—
—
110
136
Fees for weddings and funerals
5,344
—
—
—
5,344
4,381
Church hall hire
42,306
—
—
—
42,306
40,531
Total
47,650
1,039
—
—
48,690
46,044
**Other trading activities**
General Fundraising
1,959
—
740
—
2,699
3,206
Christmas Bazaar
1,292
—
—
—
1,292
1,124
Church and Porch Hire
6,146
—
—
—
6,146
5,042
Total
9,397
—
740
—
10,137
9,372
**Investments**
Bank and CCLA interest
3,469
—
430
—
3,900
4,149
Total
3,469
—
430
—
3,900
4,149
**Other income**
Insurance claims
—
—
—
—
—
16,685
Total
—
—
—
—
—
16,685| |---|---| ||72,124
611
10,785
—
83,521
74,853
—
929
—
—
929
995
—
110
—
—
110
136
5,344
—
—
—
5,344
4,381
42,306
—
—
—
42,306
40,531| ||47,650
1,039
—
—
48,690
46,044
1,959
—
740
—
2,699
3,206
1,292
—
—
—
1,292
1,124
6,146
—
—
—
6,146
5,042| ||9,397
—
740
—
10,137
9,372
3,469
—
430
—
3,900
4,149| ||3,469
—
430
—
3,900
4,149
—
—
—
—
—
16,685| ||—
—
—
—
—
16,685| |**INCOME TOTAL**|132,642
1,651
11,955
—
146,249
151,105| _Page 4_ ## **EXPENDITURE** ## **Raising funds** |Costs of fundraising events
439
—
15
—
454
371
Total
439
—
15
—
454
371
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
Supported Agencies
—
—
—
—
—
363
Thurrock Foodbank
800
—
—
—
800
887
Bible Society
—
—
—
—
—
400
Christian Hope International
800
—
—
—
800
700
Kicoshep
—
—
—
—
—
600
St Luke's Hospice
961
—
—
—
961
700
CPAS
800
—
—
—
800
—
Parish Share
75,322
—
—
—
75,322
72,027
Vicar's Expenses
1,827
—
—
—
1,827
1,918
Curate's Expenses
1,454
—
—
—
1,454
1,581
Parish training
—
—
—
—
—
120
Children & Youth Work
—
105
—
—
105
220
Kangaroo Club Hall Hire
—
370
—
—
370
505
Kangaroo Club Toys & Equipment
—
19
—
—
19
72
Kangaroo Club Events, parties & gifts
—
446
—
—
446
514
Kangaroo Club Craft & Books
—
95
—
—
95
22
Kangaroo Club Refreshments
—
35
—
—
35
40
Kangaroo Club Other Expenses
—
—
—
—
—
200
Church running - insurance
4,339
—
—
—
4,339
5,313
Music, streaming,Organ & piano
tuning
888
—
45
—
933
1,599
Church maintenance
2,800
—
—
—
2,800
2,806
Church & Porch cleaning
2,395
—
—
—
2,395
2,655
Cost of Services/Worship
532
—
—
—
532
635
Church Grounds
452
4,230
—
—
4,682
1,793
Administration
903
77
—
—
980
2,330
Administration - SumUP Fees
9
—
—
—
9
6
Church running - electric
2,744
—
—
—
2,744
3,422
Church running - gas
3,286
—
—
—
3,286
3,221
Church running - water
559
—
—
—
559
447
Hall running - electricity
3,735
—
—
—
3,735
3,589
Hall running - gas
1,851
—
—
—
1,851
2,187
Hall running - insurance
894
—
—
—
894
1,077
Hall running - maintenance
2,294
—
—
—
2,294
2,579
Hall running - management
1,272
—
—
—
1,272
1,235
Hall running - water
167
—
—
—
167
154
Hall running - cleaning
5,701
—
—
—
5,701
5,143
Church major repairs - structure
6,052
—
—
—
6,052
—
Church major repairs - installation
—
—
—
—
—
5,688
Hall major repairs - structure
—
—
—
—
—
14,200
Hall major repairs - installation
—
—
—
—
—
228
Total
122,846
5,379
45
—
128,270
141,187
**Other expenditure**
Flowers in church
—
410
—
—
410
340
Total
—
410
—
—
410
340|439
—
15
—
454
371| |---|---| ||122,846
5,379
45
—
128,270
141,187
—
410
—
—
410
340| ||—
410
—
—
410
340| |**EXPENDITURE TOTAL**|123,286
5,789
60
—
129,136
141,899| ||| |**GRAND TOTAL**|9,356
(4,138)
11,895
—
17,113
9,205| _Page 5_ ##  **Conclusion** Total income this year was £146,249. Donations and Planned Giving were as expected but income from hall hire has increased from the previous year. St John’s had a Gift Day for the driveway project in October raising £9,635 and we are now able to proceed with that work. We benefitted from a year with less unexpected maintenance costs and a change of insurer at the renewal also made a considerable saving. Spending was £129,136, which includes repairs to St John’s hall roof at a cost of £5,112 and repointing at St Cedd’s costing £750. I am pleased to report that in 2025 we have funded the Christian ministry of the Parish as well as meeting our Parish Share and our Supported Agencies commitments. In addition funds were collected for Christian Aid, Colin took to his bike for Ride & Stride in aid of Friends of Essex Churches and as usual our two Christingle service raised funds for The Children’s Society. Each church runs regular, successful, coffee mornings offering a warm friendly welcome and the donations also support both the church and also local charities. We also had very enjoyable and successful Summer Social, Quiz Night, Cream Tea, Harvest Supper, Autumn Fair and Christmas Bazaar. Thank you to all those that supported these events! Many of the congregation use the Parish Giving Scheme to facilitate their donations. The scheme collects monthly donations and associated Gift Aid each month on our behalf, increasing regular giving over time while reducing our administration. This year most have used direct transfer methods of payment and we have been blessed by the knowledge of that consistent financial support. If you can, please take time to pray and consider your regular support for the work of the church. To smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies the PCC has a reserves policy of trying to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds of roughly three months of budgeted unrestricted payments. This equates to around £31,000 currently. Our General Fund Reserves held in two deposit accounts with CCLA are just over two months of budgeted unrestricted payments. St Mary’s received a legacy of £9,600 from the estate of Joyce Crates. In 2026 we face the challenge of a Parish Share which has increased by 10% to £82,983. Each of our three churches also have necessary buildings projects or maintenance in the pipeline. We would like to thank Brenda Smallcombe for her help with banking and invoicing and Kerry Wood and Dawn Peat, our hall bookings secretaries, for all their time and valuable community outreach. PCC would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to help us fulfil our obligations and plan with confidence. Monthly reports on finance are prepared for PCC and are placed, along with the PCC minutes, on the notice board at the back of church for anyone interested. Approved by the PCC on 28 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by Rev’d Clive Russell (PCC Chairman) and Mrs Deborah Smith (PCC Treasurer) _Page 6_ 0*1 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent-Examiner s Rèport Report to the trustees Grays Noth and Stiffc￿d PCC On accounts for tho year ended 31 Dec￿nber 2025 Charity no (If any) 1212168 Set out on pages I rerth to the trustees C￿ my examination of the accounts of the aLx)ve chanty (Ihe Tntsf) for the year ￿K1￿j 3111212025. Responslbllltles and basis of roport As the charty's trustees, you are resptrtsible for the preparation of the accounts in aCc￿danCe with the wuirements of the charit￿s Act 2011 (ihe Acr). I rep)rt in respect of my examination of ￿ Trusvs accounts carried out under Secti￿ 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have follNied all the applicable Dir8cIK￿S given by the Charity Commisstc under secticffl 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I C¢)nfirm that no material mattets have examlnerfs statement come to my attention in CC￿neCti￿ wth the examination le1hept￿ ithse1o5￿) wh￿h gives me cause to believe that in. any material the ￿¢(￿ntil￿ r￿d$ were not kept in accordance with sectson 130 crf Chartbes Act: or the &cwnts did not accord with the acc(￿nting ￿cOrds. or the accounts dhl not c¢ynply with the applicable requirements conceming the fcfm and ccntsnl of Bccovnts set out in the Charilles {A¢counts and Rewrts) R&aulatsons 2008 other than any requirement that the acc￿nts give a Irue and fairf view which is not a matter conshJ8r8d as part of an independent examination. I have c(nC8ms and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinaticm to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a woper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Please the words in the brack8ts rfthey do not apply. Slgned: Namè.. B Smith Relevant professlonal qualificatlon(s) or body (rf any): MA FIA (retd) Address: Rivendell, Meesons Lane. Grays Essex RM17 SHR IER Oct 2018 0*1 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent-Examiner s Rèport Report to the trustees Grays Noth and Stiffc￿d PCC On accounts for tho year ended 31 Dec￿nber 2025 Charity no (If any) 1212168 Set out on pages I rerth to the trustees C￿ my examination of the accounts of the aLx)ve chanty (Ihe Tntsf) for the year ￿K1￿j 3111212025. Responslbllltles and basis of roport As the charty's trustees, you are resptrtsible for the preparation of the accounts in aCc￿danCe with the wuirements of the charit￿s Act 2011 (ihe Acr). I rep)rt in respect of my examination of ￿ Trusvs accounts carried out under Secti￿ 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have follNied all the applicable Dir8cIK￿S given by the Charity Commisstc under secticffl 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I C¢)nfirm that no material mattets have examlnerfs statement come to my attention in CC￿neCti￿ wth the examination le1hept￿ ithse1o5￿) wh￿h gives me cause to believe that in. any material the ￿¢(￿ntil￿ r￿d$ were not kept in accordance with sectson 130 crf Chartbes Act: or the &cwnts did not accord with the acc(￿nting ￿cOrds. or the accounts dhl not c¢ynply with the applicable requirements conceming the fcfm and ccntsnl of Bccovnts set out in the Charilles {A¢counts and Rewrts) R&aulatsons 2008 other than any requirement that the acc￿nts give a Irue and fairf view which is not a matter conshJ8r8d as part of an independent examination. I have c(nC8ms and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinaticm to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a woper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Please the words in the brack8ts rfthey do not apply. Slgned: Namè.. B Smith Relevant professlonal qualificatlon(s) or body (rf any): MA FIA (retd) Address: Rivendell, Meesons Lane. Grays Essex RM17 SHR IER Oct 2018