Apr 26, 2017 - Following in that tradition our Church runs Ignite 5.14, whose name comes from the .... in to the nationa
Aims and Purposes Vision Statement Mission Statement Strategies
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Vicar’s Report Churchwardens’ Report Baptism Ministry Report Deanery Synod Report Fairtrade Report Hotch Potch Report Ignite 5:14 Report Knitting Group Report Pastoral, Prayer and Bereavement Ministry Small Groups Ministry Sunshine Corner Reports and Accounts The Net @ St Martin’s Report Tuesday Club Report
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Treasurer’s Report Reserves Policy Independent Examiner’s Report Church Accounts 2016
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PCC Constitution, Appointment of the PCC, Responsibilities of the PCC and Risk Management Church Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meeting Agenda 2016 Minutes from the Church Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2015 Vulnerable Adults Policy Children’s Safeguarding Policy Environmental Policy Aims & Purposes Structure, Governance & Management Objectives & Activities
St Martin’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Raphael Duckett, in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church Centre complex of St Martin’s, Slater Street, Bradley. Growing in the Love of Jesus. St Martin’s is a vibrant family growing in the love of Jesus. Anchored in Biblical truth and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we are committed to celebrating and sharing the Good News of Jesus, reaching out and welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. Using our mission action plan as a basis for our work, the PCC have focused on several areas this year including: Children and Young People Leadership Community Fellowship Pastoral Care Facilities Worship
Since the very creation of the Parish of St Martin’s in Bradley Children and Young People have been at the very heart of what we do. The fact that the Church School was built before the Church building shows how important they were to the mission of the Church. Following in that tradition our Church runs Ignite 5.14, whose name comes from the Bible verse above, and Sunshine Corner. Both groups work with Children and Young People from Bradley and share something of God’s love in Jesus for all who come. In addition is all the work we do as a congregation with our local Schools, the work in Loxdale, St Martin’s Church of England and Wilkinson Primary Schools. People serve as governors, going in to do assemblies, support the reading skills of children and are willing interviewees for lessons. We have always sought to work with others in our concerns and in 2016 we started sharing our building with Talent Match, a project aimed at 18-26 year olds, and Re-Entry a Charity who works with children at risk of being excluded from school. Both groups share our concern for working with children and young people and we are a blessing to them by giving them a safe, warm and useable building to work from. All our work whether with children and young people or with the many other groups we offer is aimed at sharing the love of Jesus we have received in practical action as well as in what we say. Our faith must lead to action, otherwise the faith we profess hasn’t changed us. During 2016 the Lord blessed us by allowing us to secure funding to replace the roof and make a few other alterations around the Church Centre, notably the finishing of the work to the lower hall. All these physical improvements mean that our Church Centre will continue to be a safe, warm and useable facility for us to minister to Bradley from for many more years to come. The Lord is generous and blesses us richly when we step out in faith and are willing to let our faith shine as a light in the world.
St. Martin’s had, as usual, a very busy year in 2016, with much work carried out in the service of the Lord, and significant improvements made to our church building. In January, the renovation of our lower hall, which had begun before Christmas, was completed, giving us an enlarged, well insulated, bright and well decorated space, with a new kitchenette, which benefits our ministry here as well as the community and charity groups which rent it. On Sunday February 28th, we had a Fairtrade breakfast before the Sunday morning service to mark the start of Fairtrade fortnight, which ended with a Fairtrade Bake Off on Saturday March 12th. In March, we were pleased to welcome Matilda Grace Brennan, daughter of Ian and Naomi, into our church fellowship, after she was born on March 7th. At the APCM in April, Stephen Robinson was elected unopposed as Churchwarden, continuing from his previous term. In May, the Daring Faith study course began, an opportunity for people to grow deeper in their faith. On Sunday May 15th, we had a buffet breakfast before the Sunday morning service to mark the start of Christian Aid Week, with donations going to Christian Aid. On Sunday June 12th, we marked the Queen’s 90th birthday by holding a street party, though our celebrations had to be moved indoors due to the wet weather. On Thursday June 30th, we hosted a confirmation service at St. Martin’s. at which we were pleased to be able to support Laura Duckett and Callum Wilson as they were confirmed. On Sunday July 3rd, we were pleased to welcome Richard and Celia Walker back to Bradley. We held a party to mark their golden wedding anniversary, and it was great to see them, with many old friends joining in the celebration. We also joined together for ‘All The Fun Of The Fair’ in aid of Samaritan’s Purse on Saturday July 16th in the church gardens. During the school summer holidays the ‘Holiday Kitchen’ initiative ran on Mondays and Wednesdays, supporting families to give good meals to their children when they’re not at school. From 14th – 21st August, a group of our Ignite 5:14 young people and their leaders went to Brixham, Devon, for their annual ‘holiday’. During September we were pleased to welcome William Edward Aldridge, son of Karen and Matt, into our church family, after he was born on Monday September 5th. Matt was Licensed at Lichfield Cathedral as a Lay Reader just a few days later, on Saturday September 10th, becoming St. Martin’s first Lay Reader since Bill Perkins, over 30 years earlier. During the autumn, beginning on Thursday September 22nd, we ran an Alpha Course. Several members of our church family came along, with a few new seekers who wanted to find out more about Christianity. On Tuesday October 4th, we had a visit from Bishop Michael, the new Bishop of Lichfield, who dropped in to see our Tuesday Club and learn about our other groups as he gets to know the Diocese. Beginning in September and continuing until just before Christmas, we had contractors on site reroofing all the pitched roofs on the main parts of the church building, and fitting insulation and a 10kWh solar array on the lower hall roof. This deals with a major source of concern for the church architect from the last couple of quinquennial reports, ensuring that we will continue to have a dry building with a secure roof in the coming years. This work also improves the energy efficiency of our building by retaining more heat for longer, and generating electricity for our use, with excess electricity we don’t use feeding in to the national grid and providing us with an income. On Saturday November 19th, we held a quiz night in aid of the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Appeal. We made around 160 shoeboxes during our morning service on Sunday November 20th, and collected 234 boxes altogether, which we sent off to the local
warehouse for checking and distribution. During December, our Christmas Services, including the Christingle Service and the Annual Memorial Service, were well attended and the earlier service on Christmas Eve was in the Messy Church style and was well received. Throughout the year, we held various work days and mornings, at which much maintenance and DIY was carried out. In the coming year, there will again be opportunities to help at more of these events. Please consider whether you can spare some time to help with this important work, the jobs range from cleaning, to basic DIY, to more skilled jobs that need a small team to work together. During the year, we had 13 funerals at St. Martin’s, including those of several longstanding church members, and others with significant links to our fellowship. Doreen Loach’s funeral was in January, (she died during December 2015), Norman Potter’s was in October, and that of Frank Venton was in November. We thank God for their contribution to our fellowship and for the times we spent together in worship and prayer, helping one another, growing in faith, loving and serving the Lord. We especially thank God for the wise counsel, unwavering commitment, prayerful support and encouragement of Frank Venton, who during his long service to God’s work at St. Martin’s spent many years as churchwarden, acting as treasurer during this time too. Though beset by failing health and at the age of 98, (he attended a family party for his granddaughters 25th wedding anniversary a few months before he died!), he was always eager to worship each Sunday morning and pleased to tell people they were doing a good job as they served the Lord as PCC members, churchwardens, and in other ministry roles. We thank everyone for their contribution to the work of the church, and for their continued support and prayer, and would like to encourage all to seek new opportunities to serve God, and to grow in faith. We particularly ask you to pray for Raphael and his family in his continued ministry here, for us as Churchwardens, and for the members of the PCC, and all the members of our fellowship. Pray that we will seek to glorify God in all that we do, following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, bringing new believers into His kingdom by sharing the gospel message and growing together in the love of Christ.
St Martin’s continues to be blessed with a steady stream of those coming forward for baptism; for their children or themselves. Baptisms take place during our morning worship service on either the first or third Sundays, by arrangement with the baptism team and the vicar. Under the guidance of the baptism ministry team: Matt, Lil and Carene, baptism preparation takes places over a period of three Sundays at some point before the actual baptism takes place. During these sessions it provides an opportunity to get to know the candidates and their families better and to share with them the good news of the Christian message. During the past year, we ran a mini-series on baptism which culminated in the congregation corporately renewing our baptism vows during morning worship. A key message we project is that baptism is obviously about a new beginning in Christ Jesus, but also about welcome into God’s family. We want them to feel part of our family here at St Martin’s which we have noticed recently, when those coming forward for baptism for themselves or children continue to come and be part of the Church family even after the baptism has taken place. Baptism ministry is something which we can all share in, as we can make an extra effort to make sure new people and their families feel welcome when they come to St Martin’s something which we are already good at. I’m sure everyone agrees that baptism services have a special feel to them and lift everyone’s spirits. Please speak to and encourage new baptism families when you see them to continue to grow God’s kingdom.
During 2016 our Deanery Synod lay representatives were Matt Aldridge, Rebecca Edkins and Stephen Robinson, with Raphael Duckett of course being our clergy representative. During the year, Stephen continued as the Assistant Lay Chair of the Deanery, and both Raphael and Stephen served as members of the Deanery Synod Standing Committee, as it set the agenda, invited visiting speakers to full Synod meetings, and dealt with items delegated from full Deanery Synod. At each meeting, Synod heard from visiting speakers talking on some aspect of church life or outreach. In February, speakers from Wolverhampton Homeless Forum, spoke on their Wolverhampton Emergency Shelter for the homeless project. In June, Rev. David Cundill, Diocesan Deputy Director of Mission, spoke about engaging with young adults and how they fit into church. At the October meeting, hosted by St. Martin’s, Rev. David Primrose, Diocesan Director of Transforming Communities, and Ruth Clay, spoke about how churches can help transform communities. As usual, at each Deanery Synod meeting we took the opportunity to share good news from around the parishes, sharing successes so that others can benefit from adapting them for their own parish. General feedback from the diocese was that they were very pleased with the high levels of parish share payments both from our deanery and more widely. As far as future clergy deployments go, Wolverhampton Deanery still has one post to cut to reach the level previously determined, but there seems to be a reduced urgency for this to happen, and where this cut is to come from hasn’t yet been decided. At the APCM we will need to elect three Deanery Synod representatives to serve for the next 3 years, as will all the other parishes in the deanery, the previous Synod having been dissolved after reaching the end of its term. Please think and pray about whether you are able to serve in this important role, representing St. Martin’s, voicing our concerns, speaking up for our continuing ministry here and serving the Lord. Please pray that the whole Deanery Synod will follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, make decisions that are glorifying to God, seek to always serve Christ diligently, and please pray in particular for our new representatives.
We at St Martin’s continue to raise the awareness of Fairtrade, especially through our young people who come to Ignite 5:14. We also raise awareness in the community through our Fairtrade weekend, involving the local schools. You may have seen in the news that Cadbury’s will no longer carry the Fairtrade Logo but from May 2017 will use their own logo ‘Cocoa Life’. This may set alarm bells ringing but in a way this too is Good News as The Fairtrade Organisation will be working even closer with Cadbury’s, monitoring the work they do through their Cocoa Life programme and still be an independent voice publicly. Let us pray that this initiative is yet another step in the right direction for all farmers to get a decent living wage. Only time will tell and we will try to keep you informed if the Cocoa Life programme is indeed a better deal for the poorest farmers. My continued thanks to you for enabling us to keep our Fairtrade shop at St Martin’s open. Without your support we could not keep going. I would especially like to thank Lauren, Sophie, and Chloe for their help and support, by giving their time cheerfully and unstintingly. Why do we continue to support Fairtrade, it’s not because it ticks a box and makes us look good, it’s not because it makes us feel good, it’s because of what it stands for – a better deal and a better future for poor or disadvantaged farmers and workers around the world. Together we want to make companies treat their farmers with respect, and enable them to tackle poverty through trade not aid.
Hotch Potch continues to open each Friday from 10 o'clock until 1.30pm. It is open to all for fellowship, advice or just a listening ear. A small group meets in the chapel for an hour for bible study. During the year a group interested in drawing and painting joined us and occasionally we still have visits from our less able friends who used to be based in East Park and are now in Blakenhall. In September we again hosted the Macmillan coffee morning, and we continue to support Fair Trade. We continue to work with the computer club providing a drink and a chat before their studies. Our light lunch of soup, a bun, cake and a drink still only costs £1.00! Thanks to Betty for her assistance and for all the others who have volunteered to help when needed.
2016 has been a fantastic year for Ignite 5:14 as numbers continue to grow, with new children and youngsters joining us every week! On average, we have over 60 youngsters attending each week from Nursery to Year 13, taking part in a worship, games and activities based on a Christian theme. Over the year our themes have been People from the Bible, Fairtrade and First Aid, Christian Aid, Pentecost, Harvest, Light, Operation Christmas Child, Advent and Christmas. We also used Loxdale Primary School’s field in the Summer term so that we could play a variety of team games. In addition, we have had lots of special events throughout the year such as Bright & Light Party, Brixham Showcase and Fireworks and our social evenings. As usual, in August, we travelled down to Brixham for our annual holiday together. Our theme this year was based on the film ‘Inside out’! From this we were able to discuss themes including ‘Emotions, friendship, fear, choices and sacrifice’. This year saw 5 youngsters join us at Brixham for the 1st time. Many youngsters and leaders completed different activities run by Grenville House and the week ended with our first successful worship on the beach. This year we have been really pleased as we have received fantastic support from Ignite parents and Church family members. The number of parents, carers and church family members who attended our Brixham Showcase was overwhelming with everyone enjoying the video and the fabulous fireworks! It has been a really good year and we are blessed to have a group of committed leaders who are willing to work with our young people and share the good news that Jesus loves them! Thank you to all those who support us and pray for us.
K2 Togs is a group of knitters and crocheters who meet weekly. Anyone interested in learning and sharing yarn skills are welcome. The members have a varied range of abilities from novice to expert with ages ranging from 21 to 78 years! The group first met on June 1st 2016 and now has 12 regular members who meet to share their hobby and fellowship in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The group aims to put to best use the creative and practical skills of the members by working together on various projects chosen by the group. Projects from June 2016 – January 2017 were as follows: The Haven – 3 boxes of toiletries and knitted/crocheted items, (such as shawl, jumpers, baby clothes and toys) were donated in August. Birmingham Children’s Hospital – various items were created and sold at a special fayre held at Corpus Christi Church, Ashmore Park in aid of the children’s ward. A total of £106.00 was raised and donated. Poppy Appeal – the group supported one of the members by knitting over 200 poppies to sell in aid of the Royal British Legion and created their own wreath for Bradley Memorial. Bilston Christmas Tree Festival – the group made Victorian style decorations for their purchased tree in aid of the Round table. Bilston Town Hall Christmas Craft Fayre – K2 Togs organised a stall and raised £184.00 from selling knitted and crocheted items. This was donated to Bradley Senior Citizens and was topped up to £200.00 from group funds. As well as making and donating for charity, the group also enjoys crafting for fun! In June they created bunting for the street party and one member knitted a woolly queen! Last year the group produced a Harvest festival display complete with knitted fruit baskets and Jack the scarecrow. The group also knitted and crocheted an advent display for the main noticeboard.
During the year, the ill and housebound have been visited by Raphael and members of the Church congregation. If it hasn't been possible to visit a phone call has been made. Home communion is also taken to those in need and ask for it. The congregation can be valuable in giving information about people who would benefit from a visit or simply letting us know if someone in the Parish is bereaved who could receive a sympathy card from the Church saying that we are aware of their loss. Linked to this is the PRAYER CHAIN which is continually monitored. Names are added confidentially when requested. We have had requests from far and near. If anyone at anytime wants to join the chain or who knows someone that needs prayer please inform us.
The groups continue to meet each Monday afternoon in Raleigh Rd. On Friday mornings at the Church centre and Saturday first which meets every second month at the Church centre. This year there were two groups held on a Tuesday evening: the first "Daring Faith" began in May and the second, an Alpha course which began in September. If anyone would like to join one of the groups or to begin a new group please speak to me if you require any information.
Sunshine Corner meets every Friday during term time in the lower hall between 9am and 10.45 am. We welcome babies and toddlers with parents or carers and we busy ourselves with play and craft activities whilst chatting together and supporting one another. We do talk about Church and baptisms and people who are unwell or have passed away so there are many opportunities to witness to the Christian faith and share the love of Jesus with people who are in need. We have had two phases this year when Sunshine Corner has been on hold. At the beginning of the year while the lower hall refurbishment was being completed and in the Autumn while we were looking for a new playworker to replace Suzanne Keown who left in July. She is much missed by everyone and was a real blessing to our group. We prayed about finding new helpers and God answered our prayers. The group is still growing and new people come along every week; some stay and some drop in and out. Please pray for our work with local families that everyone will be kept safe and that the children will learn to love and care just like Jesus does for everyone of us.
Cash Receipts Cash balance b/Fwd 01/01/2016 Subs Received TOTAL
Payments Provisions Equipment/Toys Craft Materials Easter gifts Play Worker wages Miscellaneous Cleaning products TOTAL Surplus receipts rec’d over payments Cash in hand 31/12/2016 Notes: 1 - Donation to Lower Hall refurbishment 2 - New toys 3 - New outdoor storage container
£ 149.66 223.00 372.66
Alliance & Leicester Bank Acc Balance b/fwd 01/01/2015 Grant received - Community Action TOTAL
Payments C22159 St Martin’s Church (note 1) C22170 Early Learning Centre (note 2) C22171 Elbec Garden Buildings (note 3) Playworker Wages 15 sessions @ £21 TOTAL
22.88 59.99 26.67 14.60 42.00 7.97 21.03 195.14 Bank Balance at 31/12/2015 177.52 177.52
£ 1,124.26 500.00 1,624.26
150.00 55.50 402.00 315.00 922.50
701.76
Still opens on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10.00am until 12.00pm. New faces have joined to learn about working with computers to put together a CV. and to possibly find work. Bilston Resources Centre have been there to offer advice on seeking work to those interested. Others who have joined the net are retired people hoping to be able to access a computer. There have been a few successes this year and some of the people have found employment. At the moment, a few changes are happening and funding is trying to be found to continue supporting the computer club so that it can open in an evening. Thanks go to Jason for his patience and for Colin Spooner who has been assisting him
The Club has now been open for five years, bringing together the Over 60's club, the lunch club and the Women's fellowship. It is a place where people can share fellowship, have a short time of worship, share a meal and play bingo. This year we have lost four older members due to bereavement, but have gained seven new members, and enquiries are still being made from people about joining due to the closing of other clubs. Our meals are still being provided by Andy's cafe, one of the local businesses in Bradley. This year our Christmas party was held on the 13th December. Andy again supplied the meal and a Christmas cake. Trifles were supplied by Pete's Pantry in Bilston. We have to thank Andy and his staff for their work in feeding us this year. This year the club signed a large Christmas card to the Church and gave a donation of £47.50. towards the Christmas card appeal. We would like to thank all the volunteers, Kath Skowron, Elsie Howard, Joyce Horgan and Pauline Calloway for their time and effort during 2016.
Unrestricted (including designated) income for the year totaled £66,070.02 of which £34,598.58 was through planned giving - either through our envelope scheme or monthly standing order. When comparing to 2015, this represents a decrease in our promised giving - this in part can be attributed to losing several members of the congregation over 2015. This figure has slowly been decreasing now for several years, and as a congregation, we must remain aware of this downward trend and consider our responses to it during stewardship commitments. Gift Aid remains one of our key sources of income too totaling £7,649.22. We are benefiting from extra Gift Aid due to the government allowing charities to claim gift aid on cash donations (maximum value of £20 single donation). Whilst this extra money is useful, we must also remain mindful that it could be removed by the government at any time and as such, we shouldn't remain too dependent upon it. When Gift Aid is received by the church, as treasurer I make a conscious decision how to split the funds - normally splitting the gift aid between general funds as well as topping up the designated building fund in part to make us not being too reliant on these extra funds. Once again, rents represent a large proportion (around 12%) of our Unrestricted and Designated income, totaling £15,488.27. This represents an increase of almost 55% on last year. This can be explained by an improvement to the facilities at St Martin’s and an enlarged lower hall meaning a higher rental value can be achieved when renting to current users. We have also been fortunate to secure some longer term rentals from charities who are working with children and young people in the area. Going forward, we can expect our ties with these charities to strengthen and as they need increasing provision, we hope we can meet their needs here at St Martin’s. All rents we receive are put into a designated building fund which we use for improvements to the Church Centre. In terms of restricted income, we have also been very blessed in securing £12,527.11 in one off grants alongside a bequest of £15,000 that was used towards the roofing project that started in Autumn 2016. With regards to expenditure, our biggest expense is our Parish Share totaling £27,150.00 for the year (45% of general and unrestricted expenditure). In the long term, we expect this to gradually increase to around the £32,000 mark and is increasing at a rate of approximately 2% a year. We should also be proud of the money we have donated to charities and other causes too. Over the course of the year we have sent £4,750.70 which is a fantastic achievement for our church. The net result for the year on unrestricted and general funds was an excess of income over receipts of £971.14. However, when taking into account restricted and designated funds there is a deficit of £3,647.27 - mainly in part due to grants and restricted funding being spent. Once again, careful management of our funds at St Martin’s has allowed us to not only continue to run and support our day to day work but it has also allowed us to look forward to the future too with grants being secured to help promote and develop the work that is undertaken here at St Martin’s and we give thanks to the Lord for all he has provided and for blessing us with all that we have.
St Martin’s PCC aims to keep approximately two months running costs in reserves. This equates to approximately £5,000. The reserves will be built up over a period of time as and when funds allow. It is at the discretion of the PCC when to utilise the reserve funds, and in the instance of the fund being used, it will be voted upon and agreed by the PCC.
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2016 which are set out on the following pages.
The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: • examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; • to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and • to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
3
In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention: 1. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: •To keep account records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 act; or •To prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
Name: Mrs. Susan Schulz
Signed:
Date: 21/04/2017
Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance St Mary’s House, The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD Tel: 01543 306030 Fax: 01543 306039 Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance Inc. is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (Company No. 239561). The Board is a Registered Charity (No. 1107827).
Balance Sheet
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP) and Accounting Standard FRS102. The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS102 from the requirement to produce a Cash flow statement on the grounds that the income does not exceed £500,000. Restricted funds comprise of two elements:a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC's general purpose. Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and Legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. Consecrated and benefice property is not included from the accounts by s.10(2)(a)&(C) of the Charities Act 2011. Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the Church's inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements.
Alpha: Restricted grant awarded by Lichfield Diocese for helping run an Alpha course at St Martin’s CUF: Restricted fund used for various fundraising events held through the year to support the work of The Church Urban Fund Fees: Restricted fund used for fees payable to the diocese for funerals/weddings/banns - also fees payable to organist Fellowship Lunch: Designated fund to be used for managing monthly Church Fellowship Lunch Good Shepherd Ministry: Restricted fund used for various fundraising events held through the year to support the work of The Good Shepherd Ministry Knitting Group: Restricted fund to be used by K2Togs Knitting Group help at St Martin’s Legacies: Restricted legacies donated to St Martin’s to be used towards the Roof Building Fund: Designated rental income assigned to building fund for improvements to building Ignite 5:14 Camp: Restricted fund to be used for Ignite 5:14 annual weekly camp Energy Fund: Money from Building fund transferred to designated energy fund to help pay for winter utility bills Upper Room Project: Restricted fund used for building improvements. This subsequently become the lower hall project Sound Recording: Restricted grant awarded by Lichfield Diocese for helping improve the sound system in the Lower Hall Holiday Kitchen: Various restricted grants awarded to St Martin’s to help run the Holiday Kitchen initiative at St Martin’s CCLA Investments: Designated fund in which the interest from funds held in CCLA are transferred LDBF - Diocese Growth Fund: Restricted grant awarded by Lichfield Diocese to help with building work/group support costs at St Martin's General Fund: The general day-to-day fund for St Martin’s in which all non-designated and non-restricted payments are made Christmas Card Appeal: Restricted fund used for donations received from congregation members to then be sent off to charity at Christmas time Christian Aid: Restricted fund used for various fundraising events held through the year to support the work of Christian Aid Children’s Society: Restricted fund used for various fundraising events held through the year to support the work of The Children’s Society Small Trusts: Restricted fund used for various fundraising events held through the year to support the work of Gambia Schools Project Samaritans Purse: Restricted fund used for various fundraising events held through the year to support the work of Samaritans Purse Bishop Cand Ord Fund: Restricted fund used for the collection made at St Martin’s Confirmation Service to be sent to the Bishop of Lichfield’s Ordination Fund Fairtrade: Restricted fund for the Fairtrade Shop at St Martin’s as well as various events supporting Fairtrade Hotch Potch: Restricted fund for the Hotch Potch community café that is run at St Martin's Tuesday Club: Restricted fund for the Tuesday Club that meet at St Martin's Ignite 5:14: Restricted fund for Ignite 5:14 - Children's and Young People's group that meet at St Martin's Emma Bussey Grant: An annual grant that is used by the PCC to help with improvements to our kitchen facilities and to help with Tuesday Club provisions
Analysis of Net Assets General Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
Endowment Funds
Total
Fixed Assets
-
-
-
-
-
Investment Assets
-
-
-
-
-
2,584
12,119
17,331
-
32,035
-
-
-
-
-
2,584
12,119
17,331
-
32,035
Current Assets Current Liabilities
SOFA Comparatives (previous year)
Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
Total Funds
Incoming Resources Donations and Legacies
41,733
6,005
22,671
70,409
4,057
70
12,921
17,048
-
10,033
12
-
3,179
3,191
Other
719
-
-
719
Total
46,521
16,108
38,771
101,400
69
-
-
69
Charitable Activities
50,056
5,899
29,151
85,106
Total
50,125
5,899
29,151
85,175
-
-
-
-
(3,604)
10,209
9,620
16,225
-
-
-
-
(3,604)
10,209
9,620
16,225
Total Funds brought forward (1st Jan)
5,479
4,166
9,811
19,457
Total Funds carried forward (31st Dec)
1,875
14,375
19,431
35,682
Charitable Activities Other Trading Activities Investments
10,033
Resources Expended Raising Funds
Net gain/(losses) on investment
Net Income/(Expenditure)
Transfer between Funds
Net Movements in Funds
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is excepted by order from registering with the Charity Commission. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Martin’s, the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, churchwardens, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services and are members of the congregation are encourages to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC is appointed at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) of which the minutes of the meeting held in 2016 are provided, along with the agenda for the 2017 meeting. The PCC are responsible for making decisions in all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The full PCC met 9 times during the year with an average level of attendance of 87%. St Martin’s PCC actively reviews its risk management on an annual basis and is responsible and aware of the need to keep this up to date. Policies relating to church activities are outlined on the next pages. St Martin’s actively involves its congregation in helping to run and lead groups. All members, where there is involvement with children and young people have the appropriate checks undertaken in order to work with these groups. St Martin’s is thankful for the hard work these members of the congregation provide in running groups and activities.
The St Martin’s Church Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held on Wednesday 26th April 2017
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Apologies for absence Approval of Vestry Meeting Minutes held on Wednesday 20th April 2016 Election of 1 Church Warden to serve 2 years Any other business Close of Vestry Meeting Prayer
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Apologies for Absence Approval of the Electoral Roll Approval of minutes of the APCM held on Wednesday 20th April 2016 Matters arising from the minutes of the last APCM Approval of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2016 Appointment of the Auditor for 2017 Election of four Sides people for 1 year Election of the Treasurer to serve 4 years (including 1 training year from April 2017) Election of the PCC Secretary for 1 year Election of 4 Deanery Synod Representatives for 4 years Election of the Parochial Church Council (12 members) for 1 year Coffee and Discussion of written reports Any other business Prayer Close of Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Present: Revd Raphael Duckett (Chair); Pauline & Terry Calloway, Suzanne Clarke-Flavell, Alison Duckett, Tony Dutfield, Chris & Rebecca Edkins, Jenny Gough, Ian Grennan, Lil Hill, Elsie Howard, George Percival, Bryan & Rosemary Preston, Stephen Robinson, Kath Skowron, Carene Spooner, Betty Thomas, Rose Thorpe and Freda & Tony Yates. The meeting opened with a bible reading and prayer. 1) Apologies for absence: Alison Grennan; Jackie Robinson; Ian Spooner and Lauren Thorpe 2) Approval of Vestry Meeting Minutes held on 22nd April 2015 – Raphael proposed that the minutes be approved, this was carried forward unanimously. 3) Election of 1 Church Warden to serve 2 years – Raphael Duckett proposed that Stephen Robinson be elected to serve as Churchwarden for two years, as there were no other candidates this was carried forward unanimously. 4) Any other business – none. The meeting closed in prayer.
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8)
Apologies for absence: Alison Grennan; Jackie Robinson; Ian Spooner and Lauren Thorpe. Approval of the Electoral Roll: The Electoral Roll had been posted in the Church porch in accordance with Canon Law (75 names). Raphael Duckett proposed that it be approved and all present agreed. Approval of minutes of the APCM held on 22nd April 2015: Raphael proposed that the minutes be approved, there was and everyone else voted in favour. Matters arising from the minutes of the last APCM: None. Approval of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 st December 2015: Raphael said that rents from the hire of the Lower Hall enable us to fund building projects, and the intention is to build up a reserve of funds. Raphael thanked Bryan for all his commitment and hard work as treasurer. Raphael also thanked the outgoing PCC and those involved in the many ministries at St Martin’s. Thanks also went to Chris Edkins, Margaret Burgess and Kath Skowron for their sterling work in welcoming and looking after folk before and during the service. Bryan Preston proposed that the annual report and accounts be approved, Terry Calloway seconded and everyone present voted in favour. Appointment of the Auditor for 2016: Raphael proposed that we continue with the Diocese as our auditor, everyone present voted in favour. Election of four Sides people for 1 year: Stephen Robinson proposed that Chris Edkins be elected as sides person, seconded by George Percival, everyone present agreed. Thanks were expressed to Chris for her commitment and hard work for the last year and for her willingness to serve for the year ahead. Betty Thomas proposed that Jenny Gough be elected as sides person seconded by Tony Yates, everyone present agreed. The PCC are authorised to appoint other sides people throughout the year. Election of the PCC Secretary for 1 year: Bryan Preston proposed that Rosemary Preston be elected as PCC Secretary, seconded by Becky Edkins and agreed by all present.
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Election of the Parochial Church Council (12 members) for 1 year: The Chairman proposed that the following seven names which had been proposed and seconded by Church members on the electoral roll and posted on the Church noticeboard in accordance with Canon Law be elected to the Parochial Church Council and this was approved unanimously: Tony Dutfield, Alison Grennan, Rosemary Preston, Carene Spooner, Betty Thomas, Rose Thorpe and Lauren Thorpe . Raphael expressed his thanks to previous PCC members who have not stood for re-election this year. Ex officio members of the PCC are the wardens, Terry Calloway and Stephen Robinson, the treasurer Bryan Preston, and the Deanery Synod representatives, Matt Aldridge, Becky Edkins and Stephen Robinson. 10) Discussion of written reports: There followed discussion and appreciation for the volunteers, leaders, organisers and helpers of all the groups including those who were not represented in the formal reports; whose selfless dedication, creativity and devotion had promoted the important family ties between many and various ministries. He said it was an encouragement to him personally in his ministry to know that so many folk are willing to be involved. • Ignite 5:14 – continues to grow. Raphael said it was a real blessing have so many children with all the links they provide. Raphael thanked everyone involved in running Ignite 5:14 for all for all their hard work. • Tuesday Club – earlier in the year numbers attending had fallen but numbers had now picked up with some of the newer members slowly getting involved in other church activities. • Deanery Synod – we now have a full contingent on the Deanery Synod with Stephen Robinson now being a member of the Standing Committee. Our Deanery is becoming more stable due to the improvement of finances as more churches are up to date with paying their Parish Share. At the moment, we still have 11 clergy posts but this will drop to ten. Becky Edkins said that by going to Deanery Synod meetings she appreciates how fortunate we are that we don’t have to ‘share’ our vicar. We are also one of the few churches who have ‘Good News’ to share. Elsie Howard asked if we were still classed as an Urban Deprived Parish. Raphael said at this time we are, but with new housing estates being built it does lead to better education standards which is part of the way they work out the category you come under. • The ‘Net’ – run by BRC (Bilston Resource Centre), we continue to provide resources for those seeking work and help with online forms. Raphael said it would be helpful if anyone with computer skills and the time could help those who do not fall under BRC’s remit. • Baptism Ministry Team – Raphael noted that St Martin’s is singlehandedly reversing the trend of fewer baptisms in the Church of England. Lilian Hill said it was really good that we are getting families coming to church after the baptism has taken place. Raphael said there is room for others to join the baptism team. • Hotch Potch – is still trying to build up numbers. • Sunshine Corner – Alison Duckett said it was going well, sometimes they were very busy, other times they were quiet, but all was good. • St Martin’s School – Betty Thomas thanked all the volunteers who read with young people at St Martin’s School. It is very much appreciated. • Church Allotments – Talent Match are bringing a group of unemployed young people to teach them how to grow things. • Fellowship Lunch – Raphael thanked Jenny Gough, Freda and Tony Yates for the many years in which they have provided Fellowship Lunch. • Financial Review – Raphael said that we are blessed our finances continue to balance. 12) Any other business: There was no other business The meeting closed in prayer.
St Martin’s PCC recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability, and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some point in our life. There are many people who share the love of Jesus in their ministry with others in our church. We are grateful to God for them. They are however in a position of trust and power and this needs to be recognised when working with vulnerable adults. St Martin’s PCC recognise therefore that vulnerable adults need safeguarding. We aim to follow in Jesus’ footsteps in loving God and each other, and that all human beings are made in the image of God and are precious to him. A vulnerable adult is 'any adult aged 18 or over who by reason of mental disorder or other disability, age, illness or other situation is permanently or for the time being unable to take care of him or herself or protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation' (promoting a safe church policy for safeguarding adults in the Church of England) Vulnerable adults can be exposed to abuse. This can be physical, sexual, emotional and financial for example. St Martin’s PCC accepts the guidelines of promoting a safe church a policy for the Church of England. This can be found at http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-officeholders/child-protection-safeguarding.aspx St Martins PCC therefore aims to adhere to the following; • We will provide an environment that is safe and inclusive for vulnerable adults. • We will always respect the person and all of their abilities. • We commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all adults whom we minister. • We will ensure that all vulnerable adults will be safeguarded, ensuring their wellbeing in the life of the church. For those in positions of trust they should be aware of respect for others and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. They will promote inclusion and empowerment. It is the responsibility of The Vicar of St Martin’s Church to be aware of the pastoral needs of vulnerable adults. If a vulnerable adult has alleged that they have been harmed by a member of their family, by a member of the community or by a member of the church, then this should be brought to the attention of the safeguarding coordinator or the Vicar. It is the safeguarding coordinators responsibility to make a referral to Wolverhampton City Council. This should always be done with the persons consent. The referral can be made to the access team on 01902 551199. Any advice about any safeguarding issues Sandra Aston Jones is the head of the safeguarding team and can be contacted on 01902 556556. The Diocese safeguarding officer will be informed if significant harm has occurred to a member of the congregation. Sensitive and informed pastoral care will be offered to anyone who has been affected by abuse. Support will be given to make a complaint to the police if that is what the person wishes. The whole congregation will be made aware of this policy. It is St Martin’s PCC responsibility to review this policy once a year.
The PCC at St Martin’s Church believe that the children who come into our church building deserve to be made to feel as safe as possible. We are grateful to God that so many people give their time to encourage and nurture so many children to gain an understanding that Jesus loves them. As Christians we believe that we should value all children and therefore we base all of our work on our Christian beliefs and values. St Martin’s PCC St Martin’s PCC accept the House of Bishops’ policy on Safeguarding children and the joint safeguarding principles as set out in the policy for safeguarding Children in the Church of England. Documents can be found on line at: http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/child-protectionsafeguarding.aspx The Church also aims to comply with the requirements as set out in The Bible, The United Nations convention on the rights of children, The Children's Act 1989, The Human Rights Act, The Protection of Children Act 1999, The Criminal Justice and Court Service Act 2000 and the Children's Bill 2004. All adults working with children and young people need to be confident in their knowledge of how to make sure that the children that come into our church are as safe as possible. This means that all children are treated with respect and that we create an environment in which children and young people feel comfortable and safe. We will demonstrate positive Christian Values and behaviour. The PCC are committed to making sure that Wolverhampton City Councils safeguarding policy and procedures are adhered to and implemented if required. The PCC expect that any children’s groups that use our church building have their own safeguarding policy in place. All children’s leaders should be confident in their knowledge of the procedure if an allegation of abuse is highlighted. Abuse manifests itself in different ways including Physical, sexual and emotional. The PCC will endeavour to provide training for those who are interested on safeguarding children. This will be in conjunction with the Diocesan safeguarding advisor. If any concerns do arise in relation to a children’s leader, a child’s parent/carer or a member of the congregation then they should be discussed in the first instance with either the Vicar or the safeguarding coordinator. They will then need to make a referral to Wolverhampton City Council duty team and assessment team on 01902 555329 or the Emergency out of hours Team on 01902 552999. The diocesan safeguarding advisor and the LEP partners will then need to notified and informed of the action taken. We will co-operate with Wolverhampton City Council in any investigation. It is only the responsibility of the local authority to make a decision as to whether abuse has taken place. The Local authority contacts who are able to advise on safeguarding matters are; Janet Toplis Head of safeguarding service Elizabeth Norris- Deputy head of safeguarding service If the allegation has been made about a children’s leader they will be asked to refrain from working with the children/young people until the City Council have carried out their investigations. If an allegation has been made about the Vicar of St Martin’s the safeguarding coordinator will need to be notified. They will then have to inform Wolverhampton City Council, the diocesan safeguarding children advisor and the LEP partners. If an allegation had been made against the safeguarding coordinator then the Vicar of St Martin’s will need to be notified and they will have to follow the above guidelines. We will offer pastoral care to any member of our church who has been accused of offending against a child. We will seek advice from diocesan safeguarding children advisor to ensure that all involved are supported appropriately. All children’s leaders should seek to minimise the risk of any misunderstanding which can occur when working with children and young people. Each group should have a
minimum of 2 adults with a gender balance if possible. Some suggested precautions; • Avoid being alone with a child. • Leaders should not give children their mobile numbers or e mail address • Avoidance of arranging to meet a child/young person when not in conjunction with church activities • Avoidance of chat on social websites • No sexual relationships are to be formed with any young person or even when the young person is between the ages of 16-18. • No Physical restraint. However, if any action is required to protect a young person from harm or to prevent any harm coming to others then the parents/guardian will need to be informed. When transport is required the appropriate insurance is required and an escort should be present. The PCC will adopt a code for safer working practice with children based on the government guidance document ‘A guide for safer working practice for adults who work with children and young people’. See separate code of practice The safeguarding coordinator should report annually on the implementation of the Church of England’s safeguarding policy. St Martin’s church policy will be reviewed on an annual basis. The PCC will make sure that the safeguarding coordinator is known within the church along with the numbers for ‘child line’ and ‘family lives’. These will be displayed on one of our display boards. The PCC will make sure that all leaders who work with children and young people will have up to date enhanced CRB checks. The PCC will make sure that St Martin’s Church has appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children. The PCC will refer to the Policy for safeguarding Children in the Church of England when required. This document can be found at: http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/child-protectionsafeguarding.aspx
We shall endeavour to live as good stewards of all God’s gifts. We shall try to benefit the local and world community in which we live. Wherever possible we shall use materials that are from sustainable sources. We shall try to reduce pollution wherever possible. We shall encourage all people to value themselves and respect others.
In practical terms: We try to use public transport wherever possible. We serve only fairly traded tea and coffee and run a community Fairtrade Shop. We insist on the appropriate safe disposal of items such as refrigerators, asbestos etc. We are renovating and improving an old building rather than demolishing it and replacing it with a new one. All Church members are encouraged to use this policy in their private lives.
St Martin’s Church is situated in Slater Street, Bradley. It is part of the Wolverhampton Deanery within the Diocese of Lichfield. The correspondence address is The Vicarage,
King Street, Bradley, WV14 8PQ.
PCC members who have served from April 2016 until April 2017 are: Incumbent: Rev. Raphael Duckett PCC Chairperson Wardens: Mr Terence Calloway Mr Stephen Robinson Deanery Synod Representative Elected Members: Mr Matthew Aldridge Deanery Synod Representative Mr Anthony Dutfield Miss Rebecca Edkins Deanery Synod Representative Mrs Alison Grennan Mr Bryan Preston Treasurer | PCC Vicechair Mrs Rosemary Preston Secretary Mrs Carene Spooner Mrs Betty Thomas Miss Lauren Thorpe Mrs Rosemary Thorpe
Bank Name:
The Co-operative Bank Business Banking PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT Independent Examiner: Mrs Sue Schulz On behalf of: Lichfield Diocese Board of Finance St Mary’s House, The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD The Reverend Raphael Duckett
