St George's United Reformed Church
Carlisle
Annual Reports
and Accounts
2023
The
United
Reformed
Church
MINISTER'S REPORT 2023
This will be my second AGM and it has been a pleasure to continue to get to
know all the members of St. George's, our sister URC churches and ecumenical
colleagues throughout Cumbria and the wider North Western Synod.
Proverbs 16..3 says, Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish
your plans., This verse reminds us that when we dcdicate our endeavours to
God, entrusting them to His care, He faithfillly th'rects our steps and blesses our
work. Myself, the Elders and the Church Meeting continue to look at how w¢
can do this at St. George's.
It seems to me, the things people enjoy most are regular Sunday worship and
our social events including the Saturday coffee moming. Worshipping together,
companionship and hospitality are all important ways of living out the gospel
message. I would like to thank all the volunteers who make these things happen
along with the wider nllming of the church buildJng. From working out rotas, to
w&shing up, to welcoming people in, many of these tasks are done quietly and
unobtrusively but without them, thesc things could not continue.
You called rne as a Ministcr of Word and Sacraments of which our Sunday
worship is a par( I hopc you have been enjoying th¢ services this year, where
we look at those who encountered Jesus and thc effect it had on their lives.
I consider offering bible study an important part of my role and this year. we
continue discussions around the key themes of the four gospels.
We were also delighted to have been awarded our bronze Eco Church award as
we look at how we ensure our worship and buildings are run with concern for
God's creation in mind.
In tenns of pastoral care, l enjoy chatting with people at the events mentioned
above. I also visit those in carc homes, hospRtal or the hospice as appropriate
and take home communion to those who wish to receive it. I conduct funerals
not only for our membcrs but also those who may have had a family link to the
URC. Wc also introduced the memorial service this year which was appreciated
by both members and relatives. Thcse funerals and services are important
witness for the hope of eternal life promised in th¢ Christian mcssage.
As I mentioned at the 1&8t Ghurch meeting, I am looking at ways to bring new
life and purpose into St. George's and am exploring Ivorking with ecumenical
partners on v&rious projects. I feel this is a way of fulfilling what God is calling
me to do in Cumbria and draws on my heart for contemplation and well being
and my increasingly large network of ecumenical collcagues.
The Elders have given me their blesstng to pursue this and I hope the church
m¢eting will too. It would be lovely to have ideas and volunteers from within
the church but at the very least, I would be encouraged by your prayers. There
are limitations due to needing to find volunteers which seeins to be mainly from
outside sources and a need to balance this witli all my other responsibilities but I
believe it is worth a try! I have been encouraged that our fledgling Christian
Meditation Group has now been established for several months and attracts
Quakers, Catholics, Anglicans and others. These kind of events definitely fill
what is sometimes referred to as a Third Sp&ce i.e. a spiritual space for those
who are exploring faith andlor who don't find their search being fulfilled by
traditional church services.
Alongside this work. the Elders and myself have spent soine valuable time
together looking at all the tasks involved in running the church so that if it
becomes necessary we can simplify tasks to concentrate on essential matters.
In addition to the things I do that are iminediately connected to St. George's I
continue with the following. Some of these tasks are obligatory, some are use]
in helping support my ininisty aiid provide new contacts and ideas and inany
ar¢ a bit of both!
District EcumerAical Officer representing URC in Cumbria
World Church Representative for NW Synod
Member of Heart of the City Mission Cominunity and Brampton Area Mission
Community
Member of Arch Deaconry Meeting for Northern Culnbria
Vice President Churches Together in Cumbria
Member of Steering Group of Christian Meditation in Cumbria
Member of Brampton Deanery Chapter Meeting
Lead Minister for URC worsliipping community in Penrith
Pastoral Support for Silloth
As an EM2 Minister (i.e. for first three 3 years in post), I am required to attend
regular ineetings with a Ministry Mentor and a Pastoral Supervisor and to attend
regular training meeting and two residential course each year.
Rev Lisa Moore Wilson
## **Pastoral Report**
In 2023 we welcomed one new member, our minister the Revd Lisa Moore Wilson who was added to our roll, and we continue to have some regular attenders and visitors throughout the year. Sadly, we lost three long-standing members, Jean Graham, Olive Cronie and Jean Frizell.
## **Membership of St George’s 2023**
|On the Roll at 1stJanuary 2023|34 (plus 3 adherents)|
|---|---|
|Omissions by Death|3-|
|New members|1|
|Transferred to supplementary list|3-|
|Correction to roll last year|1-|
|On the Roll at 31stDecember 2021|28 (plus 5 adherents)|
|Average congregation|20|
## **Minister**
Revd Lisa Moore Wilson is the Cumbria Missional Partnership Minister with primary responsibility for St George’s URC and Bewcastle along with the remaining URC community in Penrith and Silloth.
## **Outreach**
The Guild met through the year, with a summer break. We have a monthly Christian Meditation Group.
We have a coffee morning every Saturday.
## **Giving**
Members have continued to support the Carlisle Foodbank, Cumbria Mind and Commitment for Life. We made donations for the Hope Christmas shoe box appeal. We also gave toys and toiletries for the Salvation Army Christmas appeal.
## **Ecumenical**
The Minister met with other members of the Heart of the City Mission community. We shared Lent Bible studies with the Border Kirk. We also attended the joint Advent service in the Cathedral and the city centre Remembrance Day service. Representatives participated in the Cathedral’s Christmas Eve service of Lessons & Carols and the HoTC Epiphany service
## **Worship**
We have met regularly for worship every Sunday throughout 2023, led by our Minister and visiting preachers, both URC and other denominations. Some services have been led by a members’ worship group. We have had some special services including a Memorial Service and a Lent & Easter services on Shrove Tuesday and Good Friday shared with the Border Kirk. Our Minister lead various bible studies including Advent and sessions on Fair Economics.
**Elders** meet 6 times a year, and there are quarterly church meetings.
_Rosalind Fearon_
THE GUILD REPORT 2023
Unfortunately in both January and February, we were let down by our
Speakers so we resorted to Quiz afternoons. We had two fun afternoons.
6th March
Raymond Pearon gave a most interesting talk on
Mountaiiis and Mountaineering.
3rd April
Sharon Sanders of Carlisle Council gave a talk on
Hotneless Accommodation in our area.
2nd May
The GUILD closed for the summer months and everyone
enjoyed afternoon tea.
4th September
David Robinson of Carkisle Camcorder Club showed films
of local events, including the Carlisle floods.
9th October
Trevor was due to give a talk and fllm show on his Isle of
Man holiday. Unfortunately he took ill with covid so we
had yet another quiz afternoon.
Charles Milroy, gave a superb talk and showed films of
his experiences of the Iraq reconstruction.
33 Guild and Church members enjoyed Christmas Lunch
at Vallum House, something we hope to do again in 2024.
6th November
27th November
4th December
We had a happy and enjoyable afternoon making
Christingles.
In 2023 the Guild donated £200 to charity.
Elizabeth Mackenzie
BUILDING & MAINTENANCE REPORT 2023
During the past year, the Annual Servicing of Fire Detection and Fire Alarnis,
Intruder Alarn]s, Fire Extinguishei"s, Heating System, "PAT" Testing of Small
Electrical Appliances, together with Photo-copier, has been cTled out. Also,
electrical and plumbing upgrades have been put in place, together with fitting
of a new Electric Smart Meter. Roof repair work, comprising repointing of the
area around the Chimney Stack and replacement of damaged and loose ridge
tiles and slates, has been undertaken, as well as cleaning of the Guttcrs.
Pigeons, and Wasps, Nests were located on the Roof and both were effectively
reTnoved.
A replacement Radio Microphone System was Installed and Dedicated, in
memory of Miss Olive Cronie, with a suitably inscribed Plaque displayed nearby.
Lettings have continued to be undertaken by Rosalind.
Regrettably, issues arose towards the end of the year relating to the Heating and
Hot Water Systems, together with loss of Broadband, the latter following
change-over of Supplier. These matters caused several weeks of inconvenience,
especially during the colder months. In addition, we suffered Stomi Damage
to the Roof. ThanklEy. all these difficulties have been successfully overcome,
following the ready assistance and teamwork of so many, which will be covered
separately in the next Quarterly Building & Maintenance Report.
Thanks are conveyed to all who have been involved in the maintenance of the
Church during these last twelve months.
Pamela Martin
Lead Elder - Building & Maintenance
## **ST GEORGE’S UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023**
This report includes information required by the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting by Charities 2005 as applicable to charities entitled to prepare accounts on the receipts and payments basis.
## **Administrative Information**
St George’s United Reformed Church Charity is a local church of the United Reformed Church in Great Britain, and is a member church of the North Western Synod of the Church. It was registered with the Charity Commission on 26th November 1965 as Charity Number 234519. St George’s United Reformed Church is situated at West Walls, Carlisle CA3 8UF. The Church building is leased on the church’s behalf by The United Reformed Church (North Western Province) Trust Limited from Carlisle Cathedral Development Trust. The lease is for a period of ten years from 4th February 2015 to 3rd February 2025.
The members of the Elders’ Meeting for the time being are recognised as the charity trustees. Those who served during the period from 1st January 2023 until the date this report was approved are :
Peter Charles Day Rosalind Mary Fearon Marjorie Patricia Lawson Pamela Mary Martin Moira Joan Wales John Michael Ware Rev Lisa Moore Wilson Edward Anthony Wiseman
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The activities of St George’s United Reformed Church are overseen by the Elders’ Meeting of the Church in accordance 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 St George’s United Reformed Church. The governing document of the registered charity is a statement adopted by the Church Meeting.
The Elders’ Meeting is responsible for the financial administration of the Church, and the care and maintenance of Church premises. The Church Meeting (of all members wishing to attend) gives general guidance on the life and work of the Church.
The members of the Elders Meeting and the minister in pastoral charge (if any) and members of the United Reformed Church, nominated and elected by the members of St George’s United Reformed Church in Church Meeting. Elders serve for three years, retire by rotation and are eligible for reelection. There is no limit on the number of consecutive periods of service. The members of the Elders’ Meeting are the trustees of the registered charity during their period of service as elders.
The Elders’ Meeting met six times during the year. The Elders’ Meeting is assisted in the administration of the Church and its property by committees established for Social, Fundraising and Communications and Publicity and Technology. Church Meetings were held quarterly.
The Rev. Lisa Wilson serves as a minister in the Missional Partnership for the North Cumbria area.
## **Objectives and Activities**
As a local congregation of the United Reformed Church, St George’s United Reformed Church seeks to advance the Christian religion through its activities and the facilities offered to the community by its building, and described more specifically in its mission statement : ‘As Christian people we meet together for friendship and mutual care; to find an opportunity for reflection about what really matters in life; to find moments of peace in a busy world; and to find the strength to live our lives more fully and more lovingly and more generously. We look to the life, teaching and example of Jesus for guidance and inspiration.’
The Elders’ Meeting is aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in "The Advancement 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.
## **Property and Maintenance**
Under the terms of the lease, the Carlisle Cathedral Development Trust as landlord is responsible for maintenance of the external structure of the building. Maintenance of the interior, heating, electrical and alarm systems is the responsibility of St. George’s United Reformed Church as tenants.
Church members maintained their financial contributions through the freewill offering scheme, standing order contributions and donations. Gift Aid claims and interest on the capital funds made a significant contribution to the church’s income.£15,000 arising from legacies was transferred to the COIF investment fund managed by the North Western Synod. The balance in the church’s general account was reduced by about £285 over the year. The Elders’ Meeting continues to keep the situation under review.
## **Accounts for the financial year 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2023**
The accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis. Investment funds are held by the United Reformed Church North Western Synod on behalf of the church. The Church’s bankers are Barclays Bank PLC.
Investment funds owned by the Church are held and managed by the United Reformed Church North Western Synod, they provide financial information relating to these funds for inclusion in the Statement of Accounts.
The estimated current market value of furniture and equipment belonging to the Church is included as non-monetary assets in the statement of accounts.
_John Ware Church Treasurer_
|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Balance at 31/12/2022**
General fund
North Western Synod COIF Account
North Western Synod Manse Fund
**Receipts / Deposits**
General fund
North Western Synod COIF Account
North Western Synod Manse Fund (interest)
**Payments / Withdrawals**
General fund
North Western Synod COIF Account
North Western Synod Manse Fund|**2023**||2022||
||General Fund|Capital Fund|General Fund|Capital Fund|
||16,131.40
66,656.08
66,920.70|131,248.80
46,643.42
15,000.00
932.87|17,682.82
44,148.60
45,700.02|131,248.80
46,181.60
Nil
461.82
Nil
Nil|
|**Balance at 31/12/2023**|**15,866.78**|**193,825.09**|**16,131.40**|**177,892.22**|
|**Statement of Assets and Liabilities**
**Monetary assets**
Barclays Bank Community Account
NW Synod COIF Account
NW Synod Manse Fund|15,866.78|146,248.80
47,576.29|16,186.40|131,248.80
46,643.42|
|**Balance at 31/12/2023**|**15,866.78**|**193,825.09**|**16,186.40**|**177,892.22**|
|**Non-Monetary assets**
Furniture and Equipment
**Liabilities**|**7,500.00**
**Nil**||9,000.00
Nil||
|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**RECEIPTS**|General
2023|Designated
2023|Restricted
2023|**Total**
**2023**|Total
2022|
|Free Will oferings
Standing order contributions
Loose Collections
Donations
Legacies
Gift Aid and GASDS|5,358.75
12,020.00
1,393.80
2,208.20
2,868.86
7,865.55|77.00
15,000.00||**5,358.75**
**12,020.00**
**1,393.80**
**2,285.20**
**17,868.86**
**7,865.55**|6,662.00
12,090.00
1,474.50
5,205.46
6,381.14|
|Cofee mornings
Gift Days
Fund raising
Charity fund (Church)
Charity fund (The Guild)
Lettings of church premises|1,134.35
4,970.00
540.15
1,325.00|930.52||**1,134.35**
**4,970.00**
**540.15**
**930.52**
**1,325.00**|502.20
5,055.00
293.50
807.50
300.00
1,280.00|
|Interest on capital fund
Magazine
Warm Hub Project
Sale of church property
Sundries|5,674.37
263.30
331.00|449.00||**5,674.37**
**263.30**
**780.00**|1,315.69
20.00
1,280.00|
|Rebates & refunds
Refunds, transfers & credits
Reimbursement of expenditure
incurred on behalf of Landlord|1,039.23
3,207.00|||**1,039.23**
**3,207.00**|981.61
500.00|
|**Total**|**50,199.56**|**16,456.52**||**66,656.08**|44,148.60|
|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**PAYMENTS**|General
2023|Designated|Restricted|**Total**|Total
2022|
|Ministry and Mission & Synod
Pastorate / Missional Partnership|17,712.00|||**17,712.00**|20,088.00|
|Rental of Resource Centre
Rental of car parking spaces
Maintenance and repairs
Routine servicing heating & electrical systems
Insurance
Water and Sewerage charge
Gas
Electricity|7,500.00
1,800.00
7,738.30
1,621.31
3,609.37
557.74
4,260.83
1,388.37|||**7,500.00**
**1,800.00**
**7,738.30**
**1,621.31**
**3,609.37**
**557.74**
**4,260.83**
**1,388.37**|7,500.00
1,800.00
6,042.25
637.84
2,419.18
271.09
790.64
645.58|
|Telephone & Internet
Copying machine & Copyright licences
Secretarial expenses & training
Kitchen and cleaning supplies
Contract cleaning services
Organ
Furnishings, equipment & supplies
Pulpit supply and expenses
Outreach and Publicity
Outreach – Warm Hub
Sundries|429.30
494.10
182.50
156.90
1,970.40
647.59
265.00|27.99|34.00|**429.30**
**494.10**
**182.50**
**190.90**
**1,970.40**
**647.59**
**265.00**
**27.99**|448.00
469.80
160.00
102.46
1,085.20
105.00
89.25
240.00
75.00
74.48|
|Afliation fees
Charitable donations (Church)
Charitable donations (Women’s Guild)
Refunds and contra payments
Expenditure incurred on behalf of Landlord
Transfers to Capital Fund|25.00
15,000.00|1,500.00||**25.00**
**1,500.00**
**15,000.00**|25.00
1,456.25
300.00
375.00
500.00|
|**Total**|65,358.71|1,527.99|34.00|**66,920.70**|45,700.02|
CHARITY COMMISSIO
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