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2024-09-30-accounts

CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER – SC017350

CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 2024

CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

CHRIST CHURCH, FALKIRK - SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH

CHARITY REFERENCE NUMBER - SC017350

PRINCIPAL ADDRESS

Christ Church 55a Kerse Lane Falkirk FK1 1RX

Website: www.christchurchfalkirksec.org.uk

CHARITY TRUSTEES - Members of the Vestry

Ex officio:

Elected Vestry Members:

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

20 Canmore Drive Stenhousemuir FK5 4LA

BANKERS

Royal Bank of Scotland Falkirk Newmarket Street Branch 2 Newmarket Centre Falkirk FK1 1JX

REPORT OF THE VESTRY

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

The members of the Vestry present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024.

Introduction

Christ Church was consecrated in 1864 and today meets the worshipping needs of Episcopalians and other Anglicans living in or visiting the town and surrounding communities.

We are a congregation of about 145 members. During the last few years we have welcomed many new members, particularly people coming from other countries who are living in the area. We usually celebrate the Eucharist twice each week. Our objective is to advance the mission of the Christian Church through worship, service and fellowship.

We are members of the West Forth Area of the Diocese of Edinburgh of the Scottish Episcopal Church. We also help to support our sister church and a clinic in the Diocese of Kinkiizi, Uganda. Our congregation supports the local Trussell Trust Foodbank, and the Mission to Seafarers. We have close connections with Friends of Scottish Settlers (FoSS), a local charity which supports refugees and asylum seekers in the local area. Three of our members are Trustees of FoSS and additional members volunteer with this organisation. We have ecumenical links and conduct joint services at points in the year with five other Falkirk churches. Finally, our Rector is the Chaplain to the local Air Cadet Squadron (470 Falkirk).

The annual report and accounts present a summary of our financial activities during the year and give an overview of the general activities which have taken place in the life of our Church in the past year.

Activities and Achievements

Christ Church aims to maintain 2 services per week with sung Eucharist every Sunday. The Church hall is used by the Church but is also let out at a modest hourly rental to local community organisations. The St Andrew’s Chapel was restored in 2016 with funds donated to the Project 150, celebrating 150 years of Christ Church. This is used for the midweek service in the summer.

During the last year we celebrated our 160[th] anniversary. We held a series of events to celebrate this milestone, and also welcomed our Bishop on two occasions – to conduct a Confirmation with 5 of our young people, and to license our Lay Reader.

Structure and Governance

In terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), the Vestry reports to the congregation as follows:

  1. Christ Church Falkirk is a registered Scottish Charity (SC017350).

  2. It is a member of the Diocese of Edinburgh of the Scottish Episcopal Church and is in full communion with the Anglican Church

  3. The superior authority is the Bishop of Edinburgh

  4. All of its affairs are governed by the Vestry.

Appointment of Vestry Members

Vestry members are elected or appointed by Annual General Meeting established by constitution and under Canon Law of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Apart from the Rector, ordinary Vestry members are elected by the congregation in its annual meeting. Vestry members usually serve for a term of 3 years and may not serve again for one year. They retire in rotation so that 2 of the elected members retire each year. The

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

Rector's Warden is appointed by the Rector. There is an election, each AGM, for the post of People’s Warden. The Rector is appointed by the Vestry and the Bishop of the Diocese.

The Vestry Secretary regularly updates other members of the Vestry on relevant changes in legislation and best practice relating to charities. Each new Vestry member is provided with an induction pack to make sure that they are familiar with the Church's values, aims and responsibilities as the designated trustees of a charity.

The Vestry appoint an Honorary Treasurer who, on behalf of the Vestry, must prepare financial statements which give sufficient detail to enable an appreciation of the transactions of the Church during the financial year. The members of the Vestry are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which, on request, must reflect the current financial position of the Church at that time.

Statement of Risk

The Vestry keeps under review the major risks to which the Church is exposed and has established procedures to mitigate any risks identified. Our process for ongoing risk assessment has been updated and tightened up, and new procedures have been put in place by our Buildings Group. In the last year the Vestry has also adopted the Scottish Episcopal Church’s Safeguarding Policy. Copies of this are now posted in both Church and Hall. Our PVG Co-ordinator’s name and contact details continue to be displayed, too.

Relationship with Diocese and Province

Christ Church is supported by the Diocese and the Province through the pastoral oversight of the Bishop, with central support functions provided at Diocesan level by the Rector and Lay Representative. As a member of the SEC, Christ Church has an obligation to contribute to the costs of the Diocese and the Province through payment of an annual 'quota'. This amount is based on the relative level of income of the Church in comparison with that of other churches in the Diocese and Province.

Charitable Objectives and Activities

The Church's principal activities include public worship in sacrament and prayer, Christian education, charitable work and fund raising for local, national and international needs and social events.

Volunteers

The Vestry is grateful for the time freely given by a large number of volunteers, without whom many of the activities would be unable to operate.

Income

Christ Church relies heavily on the generosity of its congregation for most of its day to day funding. Additionally, smaller but significant amounts are usually generated by fund-raising events. Church Hall lets also represent an important source of funding for the church, as does the renting out of our Rectory flat.

Reserves

Christ Church reserves fall into the category of unrestricted and restricted funds. We have no endowment funds. Unrestricted funds can be spent on any relevant activity; restricted funds can only be spent on a defined activity. The Vestry has adopted a policy of trying to maintain a level of unrestricted reserves such that, in the event of a significant drop in income, the Church would be able to maintain its current level of activities for a reasonable period until replacement funding is obtained.

Transfer of Funds

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

No physical transfer of funds has taken place.

Investments

Monies which are not needed to fund day-to-day expenditure are invested in the Scottish Episcopal Church Unit Trust Pool (UTP), administered by . The investment policy of the UTP, which accords with that of the Vestry, is to earn a return on the assets over the long term, sufficient at least to maintain the real value of the distribution to unit holders. The UTP has developed an ethical investment policy. No investments will be made in companies which derive more than 15% of their revenue from tobacco, gambling or armaments. General Synod 2017 agreed a number of resolutions in respect of Climate Change Action and Fossil Fuel Investments. A further restricted category of investment has therefore been added to those detailed above: no direct investment will be made in companies deriving over 10% of their revenues from the extraction of thermal coal or tar sands. The majority of the UTP is invested in UK equities.

Statement of the Vestry Member's Responsibilities

The members of the Vestry must prepare financial statements which give sufficient detail to enable an appreciation of the transactions of the Church during the financial year. The members of the Vestry are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which, on request, must reflect the current financial position of the Church at that time. This must be done to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and must take reasonable steps for the prevention and/or detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Financial Review

Income during the year amounted to £81,510 and expenditure, to £70,640, resulting in an overall surplus of £10,870. There was an unrealised gain of £2,664 in the value of investments and at the end of the year, balances in investments and in the bank amounted to £75,972.

A late stipend instalment of £2,587 due in the previous financial year was paid in November 2023.

Conclusion

The members of the Vestry would like to thank all those who contribute their time, energy and money so generously to ensure the continuation and development of Christ Church as a centre of worship and a focus for the community.

Rector, Christ Church Falkirk 10[th] March 2025

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2024which are set out on pages 6 to 11.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The Church's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. (as amended) (“the 2006 Regulations”) The Church's Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(d) of the 2006 Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1)(c) of the 2005 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:-

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:-

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Regulations, and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulation have not been met, or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

Receipts and Payments for period ended 30th September 2024

RECEIPTS

RECEIPTS
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Endowments Total
Funds		 22/23
£ £ £ £ £
WFO, Gift Aid 30,070 30,070 27,382
Tax Recovered 16,718 16,718 0
Ordinary Collections 6,587 6,587 4,523
Donations 376 376 10,666
Weddings, Baptisms,
Funerals 2,050 2,050 511
Investment Interest 622 622 576
Hall rental 5,735 5,735 5,226
Rectory rental 9,840 9,840 5,494
Fuel Bills 4,053 4,053 2,219
General Fundraising 4,780 4,780 5,036
Magazine 0 0 0
Rebates & Grants 480 480 1,440
Sundries 111 111 176
Flower Fund 90 90 100
Quinquennial 0 0 300
Rectory Renovations 0 0 0
CTP Donations 0 0 0
TOTAL RECEIPTS 81,420 90 0 81,510 63,649

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

Receipts and Payments for period ended 30th September 2024

PAYMENTS

PAYMENTS
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total
Funds		 22/23
Clergy Stipend, NI, Pension
and Diocesan Fee 46,207 46,207 35,982
Ministry Travel Expenses 0 0 0
CPD 0 0 400
Relief Ministry Travel 75 75 0
Telephone 31 31 228
Quota 5,192 5,192 7,425
Council Tax 0 0 0
Church, Rectory and
Hall Maintenance 7,288 7,288 4,892
Rectory rental expenses 216 216 788
Gas and Electricity 4,566 4,566 7,122
Cleaning 298 298 509
Water Rates 0 0 0
Altar 394 394 431
Insurance 4,753 4,753 5,014
Organists' Fees 932 932 1,684
Photocopying 0 0 450
Garden 410 410 450
Web Site 143 143 0
Sundries 115 115 769
Quinquennial 0 0 9,269
Flower Fund 20 20 120
Rectory Renovations 0 0 0
CTP Donations 0 0 0
TOTAL PAYMENTS 70,619 20 70,640 75,533
Surplus (deficit) 10,801 70 10,870 -11,885

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

Statement of Funds

Statement of Funds
Balance Receipts
Payments		 Excess Transfers Balance
b/f c/f
General Fund 31212 81420 70620 10800 0 42012
Reserves Fund 18928 2664 21591
Total Unrestricted Funds 50140 84084 70620 13464 0 63604
Flower Fund 1090 90 20 70 0 1160
Quinquennial 8542 0 0 0 0 8542
Contributing Third Party 2013 0 0 0 0 2013
Rectory Renovation 653.73 0 0 0 0 654
Total Funds 62439 84174 70640 13534 0 75972
Statement of Balances
Notes Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowments		 Total Funds
£ £ £ £
Cash at hand and in bank
Cash at beginning of year 31,212
12,299		 0 43,511
Surplus/(deficit) for year 10,800 70 10,870
Transfers between funds 0 0 0
Cash at end of year 42,012
12,369		 0 54,380.91
Investments (SEC Unit Trust Pool)
Market value at beginning of year 18,928 18,928
Additions at cost 0 0
Disposal proceeds 0 0
Unrealised gain/(loss) for year 2,664 2,664
Market value at year end 21,591 0 0 21,591
63,603
12,369		 75,972
Fund Balances (Cash, Investments & Assets retained)
At beginning of year 50,140
12,299		 0 62,439
Cash surplus/(deficit) for year 10,800 70 10,870
Movement in investments 2,664 0 2,664
Transfers 0
At end of year 63,603
12,369		 0 75,972

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

Funds and purpose

General Fund: This is the operational account, receiving income and paying expenses.

Reserves Fund: This fund is to meet any exceptional expenses.

Flower Fund: Provides flowers for the church each Sunday.

Quinquennial Fund: The fund is used for the upkeep of the church buildings. The church is inspected every five years.

Contributing Third Party Fund: The fund holds grants from outside agencies.

Rectory Renovation Fund: The fund is for the upkeep of the rectory.

Stipend

The church contributes to the national stipend fund. The rector is paid from the national fund.

Trustee remuneration

No trustees were paid for their services during the year.

Trustee transactions

There were no transactions with trustees during the year.

Collections for third parties

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CHRIST CHURCH FALKIRK

GIVING

2023/24 2022/23
WFO and Gift Aid Donations 29970 27382
Ordinarycollections(openplate) 6677 4523
Donations 622 10666
CC160 2410 1510
Total 39679 44081

GENERAL FUND RAISING

£
Fashion Show 726
Quiz 260
Total 986

INVESTMENTS

The church holds 715 units in the SEC Unit Trust.

SALE AND PURCHASE OF FIXED ASSETS

There has been no sale or purchase of fixed assets during the year.

160 CLUB

Christ Church has a 160 anniversary and has collected £2,410 during the year for future anniversary celebrations.

Joint Acting Treasurers 13 January 2025

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