Sisters of Jesus Way Annual Report For the year ended 31" Aug 2024 Aims 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 Ministry We have continued to offer 6 guest rooms (3 twin and 3 single), 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 are open to receive overnlght guests from a Thursday afternoon to a Tuesday mornlng for most weeks of the year. We also offer 3 day rooms for individuals or small groups. The house has continued to attract both returning and new guests, with an especially busy perlod for visitors during July and August, Many guests express gratitude for the rest and spiritual refreshment they experience here. In addition to our advertised programme, 16 day groups booked In during the year, six of which were led or part-led by the Community. As usual we put on a programme of organised events throughout the year. The flrst of these was a Harvest Weekend in September 2023 when we reflected on God's faithfulness. This was followed by two Advent Weekends in December when we contemplated the wonder and mystery of Jesus, first and second coming. At New Year 2023-24 we gave thanks for the past twelve months, renewed our Covenant with the Lord at midnight service in our Chapel, and shared a celebratory meal. We offered a Lent Quiet Day in February. At the end of March a number of day and overnight guests Joined us for our special and moving Easter services. In May we held a small Pentecost Retreat, but the intended Praise & Walking Weekend was unfortunately cancelled due to illness. In early July a well-attended Quiet Day was held. The programme finished later in July when we again offered a Summer Barbecue, making use of our marquee. During the year a number of our visitors turned to us for Informal pastoral support. We also received many personal prayer requests by telephone, letter or email. Cancer Support Group The Cancer Friends Together group continues to meet on an ad hoc basls for speclal events, which are very much appreciated. We again hosted and led a Christmas Dinner in December, a Pancake Party in February, a Cream Tea in June (in the marquee), and a Barbecue in August (also in the marquee). All of these involved times of worship together as well as shared food. Communlty It has been a joy this year to recelve our Alongsider, Deborah, into the Community, first as a Call Sister (postulant) In November 2023, and then as a Sister of the Way Inovice) in May 2024. Bishop Mark and Revd Nlkkl Eastwood conducted the latter service for us in our Chapel. Sister Deborah has frtted in well. Having an extra person on the team has made a big difference practically. We are grateful for all those who have helped us during the year, not least two Swiss contacts who came in November and February to make blue dresses for us. Thi5 was a timely answer to prayer. We contlnue to take our Safeguarding responsibilities seriously. We were pleased to have a vlsit from the new Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Lynn Everton, who came to introduce herself in November
- We also received a visit from our two local Police Communlty Support Officers. These visit5 were arranged by our Desi8nated Safeguardlng Person, Mrs Christlne Allen. On the advice of the Diocese, we have now installed a CCTV system around the perimeter of the bulldlng and in the Entrance Hall. We continue to provide 24-hour care for our disabled Sister. We have been especially grateful for the regular help of a Follower of the Lamb In this regard,. much of the care is a150 given directly by the Sisters. Agency night carers come in four tlmes per week. A number of addltlonal health needs have arlsen wlthln the Community and we endeavour to support each other in these on a day-to-day basis. Some special activities a8aln added varlety to the year. We value our contact wlth the Melanesian communities: two of our Sisters were able to attend the MMUK Mlssion Day at Chester Cathedral in September 2023. it was lovely that Sr Catherlne CSC was also able to Joln us for this. Then In July 2024 we were pleased to recelve a vlslt from Archbishop Leonard of Melanesla at Redacre. One Slster was able to make a prlvately funded short-term mission trlp to Cambodla, where she has personal contacts, in January- February 2024. Wlthln our own Dlocese, In January, two Slsters agaln attended the Vocatlons Day at Foxhlll, and in March, three Sisters were Invited to the Chrlsm Servlce at Chester Cathedral. Contact wlth the wider network of rellglous communitles has also been valuable: In Aprll 2024 we all attended the Angllcan Rell8lous Communltles Zoom Conference, and In July two of us were Invlted by Archblshop Justln to a meetlng of communlty leaders at Lambeth. Thls trlp also enabled us to stay with the Evangellcal Slsters of Mary at Radlett, for whlch we were grateful. Flnance See separate Flnanclal Report & Accounts for more detall. We began the year wlth a cash and bank balance of £292,019. Total Income for the year, Includlng bequests, came to £132,810. Day-to-day runnlng costs amounted to £103,102 and other expendlture came to £27,577 8lvln8 a total expendlture of £130,679. We finlshed the year wlth a healthy cash and bank balance of £294,150 (2023: £292,019). We agaln record our thanks to our lovlng Heavenly Father and to all who have supported us throughout the year. We also wlsh to express partlcular thanks to Mr TIM Pugh for actlng as our Independent Examlner. Webslte Our webslte recelved 16,486 hlts, whlch was slmilar to the prevlous year. Many enqulrles now come vla our web contact form. Followers of the Lamb As usual we held two weekend retreats for the Followers of the Lamb to meet together, In November 2023 and March 2024. These were led by Sister Florence and Sister Hazel. Three Followers who work wlth us regularly underwent Safeguarding Training during the year. We are grateful for all the falthful asslstance we recelve from the Followers. Two Followers stay In Redacre 2- 4 nights per week and give considerable practlcal help. Another Follower gives a mOrninS help most weeks. Two other Followers stay from tlme to tlme for a long weekend and help then. All nine Followers support us In prayer and some glve financial support.
Structure & Governance The annual General Meeting was held on 31 January 2024 and the following appointments were confirmed: Trustees: Sisters Sylvia, Hazel, Florence and Louise Trustees: Sisters Sylvia, Hazel, Florence and Louise Little Sister Leader & Chair . Sister Hazel (appointed from 1st Sep. 2022, term ends Aug. 20251 anion Sl Asst. Leader . Sister Louise (appointed from 1st Sep. 2022, term ends Au8. 2025) (position vacant) a Bridal Sister is appointed meeting-by-meeting Treasurer: Slster Louise (reappointed at thls AGM, revlew annually) Tre surer: Slster Florence (reappointed at this AGM, review annually) nated Safe uardln n: Mrs Christine Allen (reappointed at thls AGM, revlew annually) Guardian: Rt Revd Mark Tanner (appointed 19th May 2021, term ends May 2026) Pro Secreta Desi Blsho Future Projects We alm to contlnue work on the Household Book, the landscaping and the updatin8 of the website. Most of our computers are a number of years old and it would be advisable to replace them as Windows 10 nears end of Ilfe. Our DEcf cordless telephone system is becomln8 obsolete so we need to take advlce on better solution for Intercom calls. We plan to investigate installln8 a Ilghtnln8 conductor to further reduce fire risk. A Flre Rlsk Assessment is scheduled for the comin8 financial year. We contlnue to pray for the further growth of our Communlty as the Lord leads. Signed: Date: Little Slster (Community Leader) & Chair of Trustees
Sisters of Jesus Way REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the 12 month period to J l Auoust ?0?4 Regislered Charit! No. i09284 Sistie4rs
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the 12 month period to 31 August 2024 COIYTENTS Page Reportof Trustees................................................................ Financial Report...................................................................
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the 12 month period to 31 August 2024 The trustees present their report and financial statements of the Sisters of Jesus Way for the year ended 31 August 2024. Trust The Sisters of Jesus Way was established on the 6th November 1979, its registered charity number is 509284. Objectives We endeavour to enable the love of God in Christ to reach out and touch all those with whom we come in contsct. 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. Actlvitie8 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 be together for planning, prayer and a time to be together away. 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, reIving 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 with a cash and bank balan of£292,019 (2023: £308,048). We reiVed a small bequest of £100 in the first quarter and a larger bequest of £22.162 in the fourth quarter. There were no other exceptional gifts this year (2023: £29,000). Regular giving and smaller oneff donations came to £71,184 (2023: £65,830). Interest rates continued at high levels throughout the period, so our deposits earned £14,531 (2023: £7,622), again helping to offset some of the effects of inflation on our costs. We were able to claim £3,837 in Gift Aid (2023." £3,573). Our solar energy brought in £2,212 (2023: £2,654> during the year, with less sunshine in the first 6 months of 2024 compared with the first half of 2023. An additional £17,580 was received earmarked for the care of a disabled Sister (2023: £16,814). Total receipts for the year came to £132,810 {2023: £126,714). If the care money is excluded, the total reiVed was £115,230 (2023: £109,900).
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the 12 month period to 31 Augu8t 2024 Review continued Day-to-day running costs increased by £6,585 to £103.102 (2023: £96,518). Almost half of this increase was due to high utility bills totalling £26,409 (2023: £23,489); however it is hoped that we can recoup some of these costs in the coming year as our electricity Direct Debit is set much higher than necessary. Car running costs were also up by £2,138 to £9,520 (2023: £7,382); this was due to a big increase in the pri of car insurance of £2,509. General cost-of-living price rises also affected the Hennitage: £5,768 (2023: £4,565). Office and Ministry costs increased to £1,646 (2023: £990); this increase includes a large stationery order not made the previous year. and various IT operating expenses. On the positive side, general repair costs were down by £917 to £2,777 (2023: £3,694). Excluding the £19,080 of care expenses (2023: £19,706), total running costs were £84,022 (2023: £76,811). Turning to other expenditure, the largest single item was the installation of a CCTV system around the perimeter of the buildings and in the Entrance Hall, totalling £8,634. Minor household building works. including constructing an intemal soundproof wall, replacing a WC, repointing an extemal wall, and fitting two extractor fans, came to £7,435; installing air conditioning in Redacre Kitchen came to £4,405; and various equipment was purchased, including a replacement Instanta water heater, a replacement commercial microwave, a vacuum cleaner and a fvlly adjustable office chair. the total for the Household Works & Equipment category amounted to £14,982. A total of £3,063 was spent on IT and mobile phones: six iPhones dating from 2016 were struggling, so using some of the bequest money they were replaced for £2,414; the Visitors, Wi-Fi coverage in Redacre was improved and a faulty access point in Bethany replaced, costing £570. Overall, exceptional expenditure came to £27,577 (2023: £46,226), and totsl expenditure including running costs came to £130,679 (2023: £142,743). [Note: During 2022-23 a number of one-off charitable donations were made totslling £20,000. These were made out of a legacy received in the previous financial year. These went to causes that encourage the Christian faith andlor relieve povety.] The year ended with a cash and bank balan of £294,150 {2023: £292,019). 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-to-day Communty lrfe updating website continuing landscaping replacing old computers and review of obsolete cordless telephone system fire risk assessment scheduled for coming year
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the 12 month period to 31 August 2024 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 Accountsbility We are an Anglican Community. Bishop Mark Tanner, Diocesan Bishop of Chester is the Bishop Guardian. PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND CONTACT Bankers: CAF Baiik Ltil 25 Kings Hill Aveiiue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ Central BoarLI of FinancL Cliurch of lanLI Senator Hc)use, 85 Queen Victorici StrLLt, LonLlon ECIA 9BD sister.s of Jesu5 Wa Contact ALlilrLSS Sister Ha7.el Ross 24 Abbey Road Wirral CH48 7EP WLbsitL.' www.fLil¢icfL) ()r Sister Hazel Ross . QOSS Date É+k March 2025 Trustee
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the 12 month period to 31 August 2024 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 2023R4 2022123 Incorno Gifts Gifts - restrtcted Bequest 71,184 17,580 88,764 22,282 94,831 16 814 111.645 111.026 111,645 Tax refund Solar energy Booklets and Cards CDS Books Other income Interest receivable 3,837 2,212 124 163 265 652 14,531 3,573 2,654 181 214 629 7,622 Total income 132,810 126714 Expendlture Houseljold costs Travel and Accommodation Donations Office and Minbty Car Insurance and running costs Repalrs, sep4icing, decoration Helpers expenses Council Tax Post, telephone and intemet utilities Building and Other Insurance Annual Fees Hermitage Care Costs for Sister Bank charges 19,606 1.141 2,241 1,646 9,520 2,777 1.855 4.055 4.190 26,409 4.742 5,768 19.080 72 19,063 1,280 2,140 990 7,382 3,694 1,684 3,856 4,150 23,489 4,439 4,565 19,706 79 Total running costs of houses 103,102 96 Other expendfture Chapel Outside Painting and Reglazing Household vrks, fumishing and equipment CCTV Installation Commercial washing machine Telephone system upgrade and IT equipment One off donations Garden and landscaping 474 10,650 4,433 340 14,982 8,634 3,202 7,384 20.000 83 3,063 558 27,577 46,226 Totsl expendlture Ex¢ess of Income l (Expendfture) Sister Hazel Ross h-. Ross Trustee QFI* March 2025
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the 12 month period to 31 August 2024 2024 2023 Balance Sheet Cash and Bank 294,150 294,150 292 019 292,019 Creditors - Accruals Net a880ts 292 019 Reserves: General fund bl 292.019 308.048 Movement during year 2,131 (16,029) General lund clfwd 292 019 Sistsr Hazel Ross Trustee 17IK March 2025
SISTERS OF JESUS WAY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT I report on the Flnancial Statements of the Sisters of Jesus Way for the year ended 31 August 2024 as set out on pages 6 and 7. Respectlve re8pon8lbllltle8 of Trustees and Examlner The Trust is responsible for the preparation of the Financial Statements. In accordance with the guidance provided by the Charity Commission, It considers that an audit is not required. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of the procedures specified by the Charity Commission, whether particular matters have come to my attention. Bas18 of the Indepondent Examlnerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the guidance given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Trust and a comparison of the Financial Statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the Financial Statements, and seeks explanations conceming such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evldence that would b& requlred in an audlt, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the Financial Statements. Independent Examlnorf8 ststsment In connection with my examination, nothing has come to my attention that gave cause to believe othenNise than that the Financial Statements accord with the accounting records of the Trust and that those records salisfy the requirements of the Charity Commission. l am not aware of any matter to which attention should be drawn in order that a proper understanding of the Financial Statements can be reached. Signed by the Independent Examiner... March 2025 Timothy Pugh 30 Queensbury Newton Wirral CH48 6EP