## **St George’s United Reformed Church Carlisle** # **Annual Reports and Accounts** # **2024** ## **MINISTER’S REPORT** As Lead Minister I regularly lead Sunday worship at St. George’s as well as additional services such as Harvest Festival and Christmas. In order to offer additional opportunities for study and prayer, I hold a regular bible study group and two monthly prayer groups, one centred on meditation and one on music. As part of church life, I chair all Elders and Church Meetings. I am involved in pastoral support through regularly participating in church events and visiting people in their homes, hospital and hospice as necessary and taking home communion to those unable to attend church. I am committed to ecumenical groups within the city including the relevant God For All Mission Community and Churches Together Groups representing our church at various civic and religious events in the city as outlined below. _Revd Lisa Moore Wilson_ ## **PASTORAL REPORT** ## **Membership of St George’s United Reformed Church - 2024** In 2024 there were no new members. On the Roll at 1[st] January 2024 28 (plus 5 adherents) Omissions by death Nil by transfer to supplementary roll Nil On the Roll at 31[st] December 2024 28 (plus 5 Adherents) Average congregation 22 On the Supplementary Roll 12 Three members on the Supplementary Roll died during 2024 - Dorothy Unwin (17/1/24) Ethel Thorley (14/4/24) Eleanor Prentice (26/5/24) ## **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, and social events on a quarterly basis e.g. Burns Night Supper, Harvest Supper, Afternoon Tea, Christmas meal. ## **Giving** Members have continued to support the Carlisle Foodbank, Cumbria Mind and Commitment for Life. We also gave toys and toiletries and a donation for the Salvation Army Christmas appeal. ## **Ecumenical** We take an active part in the Heart of the City Mission Community meetings and services. We support Churches Together in Carlisle & District, our Minister is the current President and our church is a venue for these meetings. We were a host point on an Interfaith Walk around the city and will be hosting the World Day of Prayer in 2025. Our Minister lead the intercessions at the City Centre Remembrance Day Service and also takes part in Cathedral services including occasionally leading the monthly Taize service. We have participated in joint Palm Sunday and Advent Sunday services and the Civic Good Friday and Remembrance Day services. Our minister serves as the county Ecumenical Officer. ## **Worship** We have met regularly for worship every Sunday throughout 2024, led by our Minister and visiting preachers, both URC and other denominations. Some services have been led by a members’ worship group. Our Minister leads regular meetings of our bible study and Christian meditation groups throughout the year. We hold additional services as appropriate e.g. Ash Wednesday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. ## **Eco Church** The church gained its Eco bronze award in March this year. A small group of church members monitors church activities to encourage ecologically friendly management of the church, and to encourage members to adopt eco friendly lifestyles. We also led a prayer walk around the green spaces in the city. ## _Rosalind Fearon_ ## **BUILDING & MAINTENANCE REPORT** During the past year, the annual servicing of fire detection and fire alarm systems, intruder alarms, fire extinguishers, heating system, "PAT" Testing of small electrical appliances, together with the photo-copier, has been carried out. The issues which arose towards the end of 2023 relating to the heating and hot water system, which caused several weeks of inconvenience, were traced to a faulty heating circulation pump. A new gas smart meter was fitted in October. We subsequently experienced a gas leak in the boiler room. Northern Gas Networks attended, they advised that the position of the incoming gas main and gas meter in a store external to the church is unsatisfactory, arrangements are in progress to relocate the gas main and meter within in church. Roof repair work, involving the replacement of ridge tiles and slates, has been undertaken, as well as cleaning of the gutters. Lettings have continued to be undertaken by Rosalind. Thanks are conveyed to all who have been involved in the maintenance of the Church, in particular John Wales, during these last twelve months. ## **THE GUILD REPORT** The Guild meetings are organised by Elizabeth Mackenzie. The 2024 program was : - 8th January David Robinson showed films of local interest - 5th February Organ Recital by David Shingler - 4th March Caroline Mackenzie from Fletchertown: Talk on ‘Aprons’ - 8th April Afternoon Tea - 13th May Keith Tattersall of Castle Chocolates: Chocolate making demonstration - 2nd September Revd Sarah Jones – my time in Nursing - 7th October Dr Amit Paik – BEEP doctors - 11th November Concert by U3A 25th November Christmas lunch at Vallum House ## **ST GEORGE’S UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024** 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 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. We have negotiated a new lease for the five year period 4[th] February 2025 to 3[rd] February 2030. 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 2024 until the date this report was approved are : Peter Charles Day (retired 9[th] May 2024) Rosalind Mary Fearon Marjorie Patricia Lawson Pamela Mary Martin Moira Joan Wales John Michael Ware Rev Lisa Moore Wilson Edward Anthony Wiseman (retired 5[th] September 2024) ## **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 re-election. 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. Church Meetings were held quarterly. ## **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. ## **Accounts for the financial year 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2024** 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 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Statement of Accounts : Year Ended 31/12/2024**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |**Opening balance**
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||**2024**||2023|| |||General Fund|Capital Fund|General Fund|Capital Fund| |||15,866.78
44,998.89
42,676.57|146,248.80
47,576.29
NIL
951.53
NIL
NIL|16,131.40
66,656.08
66,920.70|131,248.80
46,643.42
15,000.00
932.87
NIL
NIL| |**Balance at Year End**||**18,189.10**|**194,776.62**|**15,866.78**|**193,825.09**| |**Statement of Assets and Liabilities**
**Monetary assets**
Barclays Bank Community Account
NW Synod COIF Account
NW Synod Manse Fund||18,189.10|146,248.80
48,527.82|15,866.78|146,248.80
47,576.29| |**Balance at Year End**||**18,189.10**|**194,776.62**|**15,866.78**|**193,825.09**| |**Non-Monetary assets**
Furniture and Equipment
**Liabilities**||**7,000.00**
**Nil**||7,500.00
Nil|| |**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |**RECEIPTS**|General
2024|Designated
2024|Restricted
2024|**Total**
**2024**|Total
2023| |Free Will offerings
Standing order contributions
Loose Collections
Donations
Legacies
Gift Aid and GASDS|4,687.00
12,130.00
1,144.90
585.85
3,363.00
6,089.84|53.50||**4,687.00**
**12,130.00**
**1,144.90**
**639.35**
**3,363.00**
**6,089.84**|5,358.75
12,020.00
1,393.80
2,285.20
17,868.86
7,865.55| |Coffee mornings
Gift Days
Fund raising
Charity fundraising (Church)
Charity fundraising (The Guild)
Lettings of church premises|1,219.50
4,735.00
323.50
1,475.00|88.75
60.00
713.40
500.00||**1,308.25**
**4,735.00**
**383.50**
**713.40**
**500.00**
**1,475.00**|1,134.35
4,970.00
540.15
930.52
1,325.00| |Interest on capital fund
Magazine
Warm Hub Project
Sale of church property
Sundries|7,324.65|||**7,324.65**|5,674.37
263.30
780.00| |Rebates & refunds
Refunds, transfers & credits
Reimbursement of expenditure
incurred on behalf of Landlord|505.00|||**505.00**|1,039.23
3,207.00| |**Total**|**43,583.24**|**1,415.65**||**44,998.89**|**66,656.08**| |**St George’s United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St George’s United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St George’s United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St George’s United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St George’s United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**|**St George’s United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31/12/2024**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |**PAYMENTS**|General
2024|Designated
2024|Restricted
2024|**Total**
**2024**|Total
2023| |Ministry and Mission & Synod
Rental of Resource Centre
Rental of car parking spaces
Maintenance and repairs
Routine servicing heating & electrical systems
Insurance
Water and Sewerage charge
Gas
Electricity|17,880.00
7,500.00
1,800.00
1,094.63

1,098.02
3,767.32
448.41
1,702.06
933.05|||**17,880.00**
**7,500.00**
**1,800.00**
**1,094.63**
**1,098.02**
**3,767.32**
**448.41**
**1,702.06**
**933.05**|17,712.00
7,500.00
1,800.00
7,738.30
1,621.31
3,609.37
557.74
4,260.83
1,388.37| |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|401.58
623.66
100.00
285.53
2,028.00
443.31
240.00|||**401.58**
**623.66**
**100.00**
**285.53**
**2,028.00**
**443.31**
**240.00**|429.30
494.10
182.50
190.90
1,970.40
647.59
265.00
27.99| |Affiliation fees
Charitable donations (Church)
Charitable donations (The Guild)
Refunds and contra payments
Expenditure incurred on behalf of Landlord
Transfers to Capital Fund|25.00
606.00|1,200.00
500.00||**25.00**
**1,200.00**
**500.00**
**606.00**|25.00
1,500.00
15,000.00| |**Total**|**40,976.57**|**1,700.00**||**42,676.57**|**66,920.70**| |**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Budget for 2025(Provisional)**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Budget for 2025(Provisional)**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Budget for 2025(Provisional)**|**St Georges United Reformed Church, Carlisle**
**Budget for 2025(Provisional)**| |---|---|---|---| |**General Fund**||**Receipts**|**Payments**| |**Balance at 1st January 2025**
Free Will offerings & loose collections
Standing Order contributions
Donations & legacies
Gift Aid
Gift Days
Fund raising
Lettings income
Interest on COIF capital fund
VAT reclaim, refunds, etc
Charity fund raising (Church + Guild)
Transfers between current account & COIF Fund
Ministry and Mission
Rental of Resource Centre
Maintenance and servicing
Insurance
Gas, electricity and water utilities
Operating costs – church activities
Operating costs – secretarial
Operating costs – cleaning contract & supplies
Donations to charities
**Projected balance 31/12/2025**||**18,189**
5,250
12,090
750
6,000
4,500
1,000
1,500
6,000
500
1,000
2,500|17,856
12,500
5,000
3,850
3,250
1,750
1,000
2,823
1,250| |||**10,000**|| |**Capital Funds**||**Receipts**|**Payments**| |**Balance at 1st January 2025**
COIF Fund
Synod Manse Fund
Interest on Manse Fund
Transfers to General Fund
**Projected balance 31/12/2025**||146,249
48,326
850|2,500| |||**192,925**|| CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to tho tn￿tee6 On accounts for the year 3 1 Qec 2o>ZF Charity no (ff any) Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the atove ¢harty1lhe Trust") for the year ended 4 1 / i L I li)L* As the ch8TiVs trustees. you are responsible for the preparation ofthe accounts in ￿cOrdanCe with the requirements of the Charilies Act 2011 (tr Acr>. Responslblllties and basis of report I report in respect of my examrnalK)n of the Trusfs a￿OUnts carried out under sedion 145 of the 2011 Act and ID carrying out rny examinatDn. I I￿e fd1(￿d dl the applicabl8 Dire¢hons given ty the Charity Commsssion under se(*K)n 145{5llbl of the A Independent oxaminorfs ststem•nt l 19ppl￿able. I have completed my examination. I Confi￿ that M material matters have Con￿ to my attenlion in connecth)n wth the examina￿On (other than that disclo￿ bel￿￿") which gives n￿ cause lo believe that in, any the ￿¢oUnting records were nrA keFrt in accordan￿ with Sectic￿ 130 of the Charities Act: or the a¢¢ounts not aecord wth the accounling wecords; or thè accounts dNJ not compty with the applicable r4uirement8 ¢(￿cerning the form and ¢￿tent of a¢counts sel out ￿ the Charilies (A￿untS and Repjrts) Regulations 2(K)8 other Ihan any requirement that Ihe accounts give a Irue and fairf Vie￿ which is not a matter cc￿S1dered as part of an iThYependent examhthi. I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connect#)n with Ihe examination to wh￿h attention should drawn in this reF)Ort in order to enab￿ a prop8r understanding of the &c(MJnts to be Trached. ' Please delete th8 words in the br8ckets ff Ih6ydo not apply. ". FO￿#￿A Relevant professional qualffi¢ation{s) Of body IER Oct 2018 {If any): Address: 16 Qe5+ 14111, +cKrni klrt, 5&5 Ztrl Section B Disclosure Only complete il th& examin81 needs lo hi9hlJ9hl m8trei￿ m91ters ot concern (see CC32. Indè￿nd&rt examinats'on of tharity xcounls." directh)ns and guhYan¢e eXa￿￿ne1s). Give here brief detsll$ of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. /cx. IER Oct 21M8