Sisters of Jesus Way Annual Report st For the year ended 31 Aug 2023 Alms and Purposes We endeavour to enable the love of God in Christ to reach out and touch all those with whom we come in contact. We teach the Christian faith. Guest Mlnlstry We have continued to offer 6 guest rooms {3 twin and 3 sin8lel, all with en suite bathrooms or equivalent. Four of these have outstanding views over the Dee Estuary. One is an accessible ground floor room with wetroom opposite. An additional accessible room can be made available if needed. We have been open to receive overnight 8ue5ts from a Thursday afternoon to a Tuesday morning for most weeks of the year. We have also offered 3 day rooms for individuals or small groups. Whilst visitor numbers have been lower since the Covid pandemic, the house has continued to attract guests, both existing contacts and those who have not been before. Often they come looking burdened and leave with a smile on their faces. In addition to our advertised programme. eleven day groups booked in duringthe year, four of which were led by the Community. As usual we held a number of organised days and weekends throughout the year. On Sunday, 18 September we held a Harvest Celebration in our Chapel, including produce from our own garden. Two Advent Retreats were held, as always a special time looking forward to our Lord's coming. We saw the New Year in with our guests at the customary midnight Watchnight Service, followed by a th celebratory meal on New Yearfs Day. We held a Lent Day on 25 March. Both stayin8 8uests and day guests joined us for our Easter services as we followed Jesus's journey from Gethsemane to the Cross and the Empty Tomb. On Saturday 22. April we led a Dance Day on the themes of Anguish th th th and Joy. Our Praise and Walking Weekend was held on 12 -14 May, including a picnic lunch on th th Hilbre Island on the Saturday. Then from 26 -28 May we held our Pentecost Weekend, again with day guests joining those stayin8. Our Quiet Day on 17 June was well attended and provided an opportunity for personal reflection. The programme of events finished with a Summer Barbecue on Saturday l July. This was an experiment and also proved to be well attended. This year we introduced a marquee into the garden overthe summer months, and the barbecue made good use of this. Durin8 the year a number of our visltors turned to us for informal pastoral 5UPPOrt. We also received many personal prayer requests by telephone or email. We note that train strikes throughout the year and disruption associated with the Hoylake Open Golf Championship may have impacted our bookings. Cancer Support Group The Cancer Friends Together group can no longer sustaln twice-monthly meetings, but It continues to meet on an ad hoc basis for special event5. We have seen a significant increase in the number of people attending these. The programme was: a Christmas Dinner in December, a Pancake Party in February, a Cream Tea in June lin the marquee), and a Barbecue in August (also in the marquee).
Community The year began with a change of leadership as our Co-Founder. Sister Sylvia, completed her term of office as Little Sister at the end of the previou5 year. From I" September 2022, Sister Hazel took office as the new Little Sister, with Sister Louise as Companion Sister. Sister Louise was added as a Trustee for the Sisters of Jesus Way Charitable Trust and for the Redacre Property Trust. This year has been a season of transition for us all. as the Community has previously been led by its founders. th On 19 November a special Commissioning Service for the new leaders was held in our Chapel, with 21 close friends of the CommunFty attending. The service was kindly conducted at our request by our Bishop Guardian, Rt Revd Mark Tanner. and our Vicar, Revd Nikki Eastwood. We continue to provide 24-hour care for our disabled Sister. Much of this is given directly by the Sister5, Wlth Some help from a Follower of the Lamb and with agency nlght carers coming in four times per week. A number of other health needs have also arisen wlthin the Community and we endeavour to 5UPPOrt each other in these on a day-to-day bas15. In May we welcomed a prevlous 8uest, Deborah, to live alongside us with a vlew to exploring a possible calling. This ha5 been an encouragement and also a 8reat help to us practically. We also recelved short-term help from three Swlss contarts durin8 the year, and are grateful to Gill Brown for her regular help with our library. It is with sadness that we record the105s of a longstandin8 frlend and former Cha5r of Trustees, Rev. Dan Paterson. Four Slsters attended his funeral in June. We have contlnued to take our Safe8uardin8 responslbllitle5 serlously and are grateful to our Designated Safeguarding Person. Mrs Christine Allen, for 8uldln8 US through these. In November we received some Mental Health Awareness trainln8. In January, our Little Sister and our DSP undertook Safe8uardin8 Leadershlp trainin8. In February and in Au8USt a Safeguarding Day was held for the whole Community. In June our Alongsider underwent training and a DBS check. We also invited Deborah McGovern (National Safe8uardin8 Team) to visit and discuss safeguardin8 in religlous communities. A number of special activities added colour to the year. In January two Sisters were Invlted to take part in the Diocesan Vocations Day at Foxhill. In March. we received a visit from Head Brother Augustlne and Elder Brother Harry of the Melanesian Brotherhood. We also welcomed Sister Catherine CSC for a vlsit. In Aprll. two Slsters attended the Chrism Serrflce In Chester Cathedral. In July, we received a short vlsit from an Italian school 8roup and their teachers. Flnance See the separate Financial Report and Accounts for more detail. We began the year with a cash and bank balance of £308,048 having received a large bequest at the end of the previous financial year. Total income came to £126.714. Total runnin8 Costs durin8 the year came to £96,517. Other expenditure {planned) amounted to £46,226. We ended the year with a healthy cash and bank balance of £292.019 {2022: £308.0481. We a8ain give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His unfailing care for us. and express our gratitude to all those who have supported us.
Webslte Our website recelved 16,506 hlts. Many enquiries now come via our web contact form. Followers of the Lamb We are grateful for all the faithful help we receive from the Followers. Two Followers now stay in Redacre 2- 3 nights per week and help practically. Three other Followers give a mornin5 help most weeks. All Followers support us in prayer. In May we were pleased to hold a Dedication Service for Susan Morris to become a Follower of the Lamb. This was a joyful occasion. Marla completed her DBS check to enable her to assist with the care of our disabled Sister. Strurture and Governance th The annual General Meetin8 was held on 18 January and the following appointments were confirmed: Pro Trustees: Little Sister: Com anion Sister: Secreta Sisters Sylvia, Hazel. Florence and Louise as the appointed Trustees Sister Hazel {appointed from 1st Sep. 2022, term ends Aug. 20251 Sister Louise (appointed from 1st Sep. 2022,term ends Aug. 20251 Iposltion vacantl a Bridal Sister is appointed meeting-by-meeting Sister Louise (reappointed at this AGM, review annually) Assistant Treasurer: Sister Florence (reappointed at this AGM, review annually) Online Bankin Contact.. Sister Hazel (reappointed at this AGM, review annually} Desi nated Saf uardin Person: Mrs Christine Allen (reappointed at this AGM, review annually) Bisho Rt Revd Mark Tanner (appointed 19th May 2021, term ends May 20261 Treasurer: Guardian- Future Projerts We are In the process of compiling a Household Book with practical guidelines for our day-to-day Community life. We are hopin8to update ourwebsite. Some landscaping remains to be done. There are some ongoing issues with plumblng. We are looking into heat precautions for Redacre Kitchen in hot weather. Slster Hazel Ross Trustee . KDsg iolk April 2024
Sisters of Jesus Way REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the 12 month p¢ri(Kl lo 31 August 2023 Registered Charity No. 509284
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the 12 month period to 31 August 2023 COKTENTS PAge ReportofTnLStees................................................................ Financial Report...................................................................
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for tho 12 month period to 31 August 2023 The trustees present their report and financial statements of the Sisters of Jesus Way for the year ended 31 August 2023. Trust The Sisters of Jesus Way was established on the 6th November 1979, its registered charty number is 509284. Objectlves We endeavour to enable the love of God in Christ to reach out and touch all those with whom we come in contact. The Consequen of this is that spiritual refreshment is brought to those who are in need of rest and renewal. Encouragement is given to the discouraged and comfort is brought to the distressed. The Christian faith is taught enabling others to enter into, or deepen their trust in God, thus effecting a strengthening of Christian values in society. Activities We receive guests into our house for times of quiet and refreshment. We lead bible studies for small groups and lead quiet days. Small groups use the house to meet for planning, prayer and a time to be away together. We lead weekends with various themes such as a walking weekend, quiet weekend and at the major Christian festivals such as Easter. We are able to offer 6 guest rooms, receiving guests for up to five days as well as day guests and groups. This is more fully detailed in the Annual Report. Financial Revlew We have appreciated the help that has been given us this last year by many friends. This has been both practical and monetary. We are given many gifts in kind, especially from our visitors and are grateful to all those who have helped us in any way. We began the year wilh a cash and bank balance of £308,048 (2022: £201,580), most of which had come from bequests received in a previous year. Total income came to £126,714 (2022.. £229,242>. No bequests were received in the financial year (2022.. £138,553). As usual, the major part of the income was made up of gifts, totalling £111,645 (2022.. £73,380),. an exceptional gift was received in the year totalling £29,000. Included in these amounts are donations specrfically for the care of our disabled Sister £16,814 (2022: £13,437) A Gift Aid tax refund boosted our receipts by a further £3,573 (2022.. £4,530). No vehicles were sold during the year (2022.. £5,000). Energy from the solar panels brought in £2,654 (2022.. £3,108., 2022 covers five quarters). Interest rates were raised several times during the year, so our deposits earned £7,622 (2022.. £557).
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the 12 month period to 31 August 2023 Review continued As anticipated from the general economic climale, day-t04Yay running costs were significantly higher this year: £96,517 (2022.. £77,143). The biggest increase was in the utility bills, which were up by £8,631 to £23,489 (2022.. £14,858) due to the soaring cost of gas and electricity both nationally and internationally. High inflation meant that household expenditure was also up by £1,775 to £19,063 (2022.. £17,288). The process of switching over our telephone and broadband lines to a different provider was not as smooth a transition as anticipated and resulted in our having to pay amounts to both companies for part of Quarter 3, so this, along with adding a telephone maintenance contract, led to a figure of £4,150 i.e. £1,469 higher than the previous year (2022: £2,681). Postal costs, included in this total, were in fact slightly lower because the rental payments on the franking machine came to an end. The cost of general repairs and servicing also saw a big increase to £3,694 (2022: £2,488). Most of this related to fire and security equipment and to laundry equipment. Some categories of expenditure were however lower this year: travel was down by £880 (fewer flights made); car running costs were also down by £521. Turning to other expenditure, we decided to make some larger one-off charitable donations to the combined value of £20,000 out of the Watson legacy that we had received in the previous financial year. These went lo causes that encourage the Christian faith andlor relieve poverty: Open Doors UK (in memory of Sister Marie), Melanesian Mission UK, CAP Wirral, Besom in Wirral, St Mary's Church Upton, and the Stewardship Cost of Living Response Fund. We continued the planned outside painting of Redacre (£7,775), and also replaced the glazing in a number of older windows (£2,875}, totalling £10,650 (2022: £9,603). The telephone system upgrade (in anticipation of the forthcoming national PSTN switch-offj cost £5,830. The computer and printer in Bethany Office needed replacing and a second colour laser printer was required, £1,554. The old commercial washing machine was replaced at a cost of £3,202. Minor alteralions, smaller items of equipment and fvrnishings came to £4,433. The year ended with a cash and bank balance of £292,019 (2022: £308,048). This was held as follows: CBF Church of England deposit account (£273,814), CAF Bank reserve account (£11,961), CAF Bank current account (£3,626), Natwest current account (£1,297), Natwest reserve account {£7), cash (£1,314). We give thanks to the Heavenly Father, and to all who have supported us, that we have finished the year in a healthy financial position. The Future Our projects for this coming year include= compiling a Household Book with practical guidelines for our day-to4ay Communty life updating the website completing the landscaping addressing plumbing issues investigating heat precautions for Redacre kitchen in hot Yather
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the 12 month period to 31 August 2023 Trustees We are grateful to our Trustees who have served during the course of the year'.- Sister Sylvia Macey Sister Hazel Ross Sister Florence Berger Sister Louise Coward was appointed a Trustee from 1 st September 2022. Accountsbility We are a Recognised Anglican Community. Bishop Mark Tanner, Di0san Bishop of Chester, is our Bishop Guardian. PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND CONTACT Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ Central Board 0£ Finance Church of land natOT House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London ECIA 9BD Sisters of Jesus Wa Contact Address Sister Hazel Ross 24 Abbey Road Wirral CH48 7EP Website: www.redacre.or Sister Hazel Ross 11, Rf)SS Date It)Pk April 2024 Trustee
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the 12 month period to 31 August 2023 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 2022123 2021122 Income Gifts Gifts- restricted Bequest 94.831 16.814 111.645 59,943 13 437 73,380 138,553 111.646 211,933 Tax refund Solar energy Booklets and cards CDS Book5 Sale of Motor veh18 Other income Interest receivable 3,573 2,654 181 4.530 3.108 139 195 215 5.000 3.565 557 214 829 7,622 Total Income Exp•ndllur• Household costs Travel and Accommodatlon Donations Offu and Ministy Car Insurance and runnlng costs General repairs, servicing, de¢oralion Helpers exFenses Council Tax Post. telephone and intemel 19,063 1,280 2,140 17,288 2,160 2,320 7,382 3,694 1.684 3,856 4,150 23,489 4.439 4.565 19,706 79 7,903 2,488 1,280 3,708 2,681 14,858 4,687 4,438 12,442 124 Building and Other Insurance Annual Fees Hermrtage Care Costs for Sister Bank charges Totsl runnlng ¢ts of hou8•8 96,617 77,143 Other eXP•Trdlr• Chapel Outside Painting and Reglazing HoLFsehold works, fvmishing and equipment Purchase of cars Commercial washing machine Telephone system upgrade and IT equipment One off donations Landscaping l Marquee 474 10,650 4.433 924 9.603 4.296 29.400 3.202 20.000 46,226 45.631 Total expendlture Exce•8 ot Income l {Expendlture) Sistsr Hazel Ro Trustee I (XK April 2024
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for th0 12 month period to 31 August 2023 2023 2022 Balan¢0 Sh•8t Cash and Bank 292,019 292.019 308,048 308,048 Creditors- Accruals Not assets 292 019 Re8eNe8: General fvnd blhvd 308.048 201.580 Movement during year 116,029) 106,468 G•n•ral fund clfwd 292.019 Sister Haz•l Ross . Trustee I¢)KAprll 2024