Principal activities of the company

Nelson Street Church Rochdale is an Anglican Bishops Mission Order Church, led by Revd Janie Cronin who was commissioned by the Bishop of Manchester to plant a resource church in Rochdale. Our objectives are set in our governing documents, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which was agreed by the Board of Trustees in September 2020. Our objectives: The advancement of the Christian religion principally: through the provision of an Anglican place of worship in Rochdale, and; by contributing towards the establishment, renewal and revitalisation of churches with the Anglican communion. The Board of Trustees is committed to the vision statement of the church to play our part in the re- evangelisation of the nation, the revitalisation of the church and the transformation of society by loving God, loving people and making a difference. In accordance with the vision statement, the church aims to meet its objectives through the provision of church services, courses, and planting churches. Given the diversity of the church’s activities, performance is measured on a case-by-case basis.

Additional information

Structure, Governance and Management Governing Documents The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee without share capital, incorporated on 15th September 2020 and registered as a charity on 29th October 2020. Nelson Street Church Rochdale was established under a Memorandum of Association that establishes its objects and powers and is governed under its Articles of Association. Members of the charitable company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charitable company in event of winding up. Structure The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance and management of the church. The responsibility for leadership of the churchs activities, development of its spiritual life and its daily management has been delegated to the senior leadership team who are supported in that role by the staff team including clergy. The Board of Trustees retains final decisions over policy, employment of staff and finance, and takes responsibility for all matters of legal and regulatory compliance. Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no financial benefit from the charity. Trustees are appointed by trustee members and can be appointed by ordinary resolution at a general meeting of members. Decision Making All financial and strategic decisions over £10,000 are taken by the entire Board of Trustees. Any financial and strategic decisions over £5,000 are taken by the senior leadership team. The organisational implementation of the strategy is carried out by senior leadership. The Revd Janie Cronin fulfils the key day-to-day senior management role. The salary of the key management role is paid by the diocese in accordance with the agreed salary structure of ordained personnel in the Church of England. Training All staff, volunteers and trustees undergo formal recruitment and selection process, followed by an induction period that includes any training considered necessary to effectively perform their role. Senior Leadership of the church consists of clergy, whose pay is set via stipend, the level of which is set by the Diocese. Volunteers The church benefits from the dedicated work of a great number of volunteers. In accordance to FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (102), the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts. Objectives and Activities Nelson Street Church Rochdale is an Anglican Bishops Mission Order Church, led by Revd Janie Cronin who was commissioned by the Bishop of Manchester to plant a resource church in Rochdale. Our objectives are set in our governing documents, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which was agreed by the Board of Trustees in September 2020. Our objectives: The advancement of the Christian religion principally: through the provision of an Anglican place of worship in Rochdale, and; by contributing towards the establishment, renewal and revitalisation of churches with the Anglican communion. The Board of Trustees is committed to the vision statement of the church to play our part in the re- evangelisation of the nation, the revitalisation of the church and the transformation of society by loving God, loving people and making a difference. In accordance with the vision statement, the church aims to meet its objectives through the provision of church services, courses, and planting churches. Given the diversity of the churchs activities, performance is measured on a case-by-case basis. Public Benefit In accordance with our duties as stated in section 17(5) of the Charities Act, we have considered the guidance provided by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit. This public benefit has been demonstrated by the activities undertaken since inception of the charity outlined in this document. Achievements and Performance Since the charity was formed all decisions made and the structure put in place will help us deliver our vision as stated above. Highlights Highlights of the period January 2025 to December 2025 include: SUNDAY SERVICES (AND OTHER WORSHIP) Sunday Services - Towards the end of 2025 average Sunday morning attendance was 99 adults and 35 children each week, with an estimated 210 different individuals attending each month. In September we celebrated 4 years of meeting in the church building with a service of 166 people. A large number of the congregation were previously de-churched or unchurched and more than half were under the age of 40. At least 60 per cent of adults volunteered on various teams (worship, AV, welcome, hospitality, children) over the period of a term. Dedication and Infant Baptism Services – in January 2025, 161 individuals (120 adults and 41 children) attended our dedication service. Adult Baptisms – we had a baptism service in March at which 2 people were baptised and 2 individuals affirmed their baptismal vows (136 adults and 32 children attended), in July we also had 2 adults baptised and 1 adults affirming their baptismal vows (131 adults and 42 children attended), we held an affirmation of baptismal vows service in September which saw 3 adults affirm their vow (131 adults and 42 children attended). We had some new members join the church and some join our Alpha course following the baptism of family or friends. Davids Tent - on 28th November 2025 we were honoured to host a Davids Tent Worship Night, hosting 104 people from across the North West for an evening of sung worship. Bereavement Service – on 16th December 2025 we held a Bereavement Service. This was a service of remembrance and time of quiet reflection for people who have experienced bereavement of any kind. It was attended by 37 people. Easter: Maundy Thursday - On 17th April, we held a Tenebrae service for Maundy Thursday at which we saw 50 individuals attend. Easter Sunday - Nelson Street was well attended with 153 adults and 39 children joining us. Christmas: Christmas Craft Fair - In late November 2025, we ran the Christmas Craft Fair for the fourth year, with 24 stalls of local small businesses and an estimated 250 individuals attended throughout the day. Santas Grotto We hosted a free Santas Grotto and family craft afternoon. This was a huge success with Santa seeing 60 children (many of whom did not usually attend church, 66 per cent of which came via our Syke Outreach). Advent – In the lead up to Christmas, we engaged in a reverse advent calendar food collection from congregants in which just over 320kg of food was gratefully received by Rochdale Food Bank who needed to stock up after Christmas. Christingle - We held a Christingle service where we saw 29 adults and 21 children attend to celebrate and share the light and hope of Jesus in our lives, with children being able to read bible passages from the front for the first time. Nativity Service - We continued to celebrate Christmas by holding a Nativity Service (104 adults and 36 children). Candlelit Carol Service we held our popular Sunday evening Carols by Candlelight in mid-December, which was a great success, with 150 adults and 29 children joining us. Christmas Day - 72 individuals attended church to celebrate Christmas, a number growing year on year. Curate – our curate (now priest), Georgina, focussed on ministry in Syke (see Syke section) and has been working with the local diocese with the plan to plant a new church in 2026. Additionally, Georgina has supported Nelson Street with many services both leading and in preaching. We celebrated her ordination as a priest in June. After which, Georgina has also presided at communion at Nelson Street on a number of occasions and supported local churches with Christenings, Eucharist and has also spoken at a funeral at a local crematorium. Children and Youth Children – From early 2025 we were able to extend our childrens work provision to have 4 groups running alongside the Sunday morning service; these groups were: Creche (ages 0-3), Sprouts (ages 4-7), Giants (ages 8-10) and NYouth (ages 11-15). These sessions were attended by approximately 35-40 (with an average of 36) children overall each week. Worship together (where children join the adults for sung worship) happens twice monthly. Rooted We continued to run our Wednesday Rooted worship session for primary school aged children and their parents and carers where children enjoyed games, music, Bible stories and more. These sessions were very well received and enjoyed. Schools - During 2025, we continued our schools work to building connections with more classes in Greenbank Primary School. These connections have led to Nelson Street Church welcoming many children to experience Easter and Christmas with us in church. Overall, we went into 11 different classes in school at both Christmas and Easter to provide Religious Education lessons. Community - Throughout the school holidays of 2025 we hosted half-term events such as film nights and craft days and summer holiday events for parents of the church and local community. This included a childrens holiday club called Set Sail, a back to school party in August, and a Light Party at Halloween. Youth – NYouth continued a monthly Youth Group on a Sunday evening, aimed at discipling 11–18-year-olds. We also held a Youth Summer Adventure where children aged 11-18 had a day of fun activities at a local community campsite – including archery, orienteering and evening worship around the campfire. During Autumn half term we took the youth off-site to play at a local putt and play venue. We also hosted a Youth Alpha at the beginning of the year. RESOURCING All the courses facilitated by Nelson Street Church in 2025 were offered to all other local churches. Alpha – In 2025 we ran 2 Alpha courses (January and September) - a 7-week course that gives guests the opportunity to explore faith and the meaning of life whilst sharing a meal and developing community, 49 people in total completed the course. We also ran Youth Alpha in January 2025 with 14 guests. The Bereavement Journey – The Bereavement Journey course, to support those dealing with grief, was run in February 2025. In total 11 individuals completed the course. Training and Teaching: In October 2025 we ran a two day Prayer Ministry Training course with Emmy Wilson covering introduction to prayer ministry, nuturing our faith, gifts of the Holy Spirit, identity in Christ and practical tips for praying with others. The course was very well received with 50 people signed up to attend. During 2025, Janie led Talk Tips (a course to equip people to preach) and service leaders training. Once a term we also lead Service leader vision events, to which all people leading, speaking or leading sung worship are invited to ensure that all are inspired and aligned with the vision of Nelson Street Church. We also held a 4-week course entitled Hearing Gods Voice, which explored how we can hear Gods voice and the gift of prophecy. Deeper Teaching During January we hosted the Bible Course which helps people to connect key Biblical events, books and characters and encouraged confidence those who attend in reading the Bible. 15 people attended. The Chosen and Chat – during May onwards a group of 24 people gathered to watch Series One of The Chosen together, followed by chat in smaller groups discussing what we might have learnt about God and ourselves through it. Chaplaincy – In 2025 we continued support a fulfil chaplaincy role in a local textile company using a volunteer. Rochdale Town-Wide Prayer Gathering – Janie and James regularly meet with localchurch leaders, and Nelson Street are committed to being involved in the bi-annual town-wide prayer gatherings. Hope Has a Name In March 2025 Rochdale churches launched Hope Has a Name, with the aim to bring hope toevery home in Rochdale with the gospel. Nelson Street Church was proud to be an active partner in this. SOFT EDGE EVENTS In 2025 we ran several different events with a view to reaching out to those who do not normally attend church. Spirit Cafe – During the first half of 2025 we continued to run Spirit Cafe once a month. This initiative has proved a highly successful way of engaging with the unchurched. Our weekly average is 12 guests. Community and Social Action We collaborated with Theatre in Flow (TiF) including a long-table forum on addiction, recovery and trauma in September. We also hosted a TiF Womens Clothes Swap in February. We hosted a number of social events such as Blokes Breakfast, Chaps curry, and Womens Curry nights which were very popular hosting between 20 – 60 individuals at each event. Following on from an initiative started in December 2024, we began a social monthly drop in sessions for crafts and games called Connect.in. This attracts a small number of people who are seeking connection and friendship. Recoverys Got Talent In December we hosted Rochdale Recovery Communities Rochdale Recoverys Got Talent, which was a fun event for those who in recovery. Holy Spirit Conference We invited Johnny Nimmo and Nicola Neal to host a weekend of prayer ministry training, sung worship, this event was be open to Nelson Street congregants and the local community and churches. As part of this we invited leaders from Rochdale churches to a special training session. The weekend was a great success with 113 attending Friday evening, 84 at the Saturday morning session, 98 at the Saturday afternoon session and 104 at the Saturday evening session. SYKE OUTREACH In 2025 we continued outreach in Syke. We spent time going door-to-door around the area most weeks, taking prayer requests, handing out invitations and talking with people. Georgina continued as Chaplain at the Sea Cadets, where numbers grew from 40 to around 60 young people, and 10 adults each week. We ran an early evening Meet and Eat where parents and children were encouraged to join in for food, friendship and discussion about faith. We continued regular Craft and Chat group, offering coffee and tea to parents and carers on the school run. The team ran fortnightly craft and wellbeing sessions for parents at Greenbank Primary School, there were 10-20 Mums at each session, and a total of about 30 different Mums. On 31st October we went out to spread some light, talking to trick-or-treaters and knocking on doors. We handed out about 200 glow sticks and Christmas invitations, and more than 2kg of chocolate. In December, we held Carols on the Common, led by a brass quartet. 40 people gathered together, including locals, people from Nelson Street and a group from the Sea Cadets. OTHER ACTIVITIES Focus – In July 2025 we took 70 people to Focus with most people staying for the whole time camping with the church. This is a wonderful way of getting to know each other, spending time in Gods presence and connecting with the wider HTB network. Volunteers Nelson Street Church Rochdale uses volunteers to help support all aspects of its ministry. At a normal Sunday morning service by the end of 2025 around 90 volunteers to support the hospitality, worship, kids, and youth teams. We also have 20 volunteers to help with our various courses. Any midweek events such as The Bereavement Journey, Alpha, Spirit Cafe and the Youth Nights could not be run without substantial volunteer teams. FUTURE PLANS Future plans of the church in 2026 involve continuing the activities outlined above, as well as offering more soft edge events for those who are not connected. In 2026, we will continue to train and equip our congregation to impact their local communities through teaching, with courses and training such as: Develop and grow a volunteer-led Pastoral Team; Develop and grow our prayer ministry – both in-person prayer and intercessionary; Further Deeper Teaching sessions on a number of topics; Teaching how to read the Bible for all it is worth – including The Bible Course, an 8-week interactive course developed by The Bible Society; Teaching people how to lead Sunday services and how to preach; KEY RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The principal risks and uncertainties that the trustees see as facing the charity and any subsidiaries include the ongoing responsibility of the financial cost of maintaining the Church premises as well as SDF grant funding for staff roles tapering off. The trustees have worked closely with the Diocese and recently received confirmation that a further 5 years of funding has been agreed in principle. The Trustees continue to be aware of the impact of the rate of inflation and cost of living on charity expenditure (particularly rising energy bills) and income (namely congregational income) and are reviewing this throughout the year. This is expected to continue to have a negative impact on finances in 2026. We recently replaced our church boilers and had the roofing fixed during 2025, using SDF funding to cover these costs. By the end of 2024 we were still unable to recruit a Youth Worker for the vacant role. A change to the staffing structure was implemented in January 2025 combining the Children and Family Worker role with the Youth Worker role. FINANCIAL REVIEW In the financial year ending 31st December 2025, the church received voluntary income from the congregation totalling £89k (2024 £97k) and grants totalling £312k (2024 £159k) including a loan conversion from the MDBF of £117k. Total income for the year came to £408k (2024 £256k) which includes the conversion of the MDBF loan of £117k into a grant. Expenditure in 2025 totalled £244k (2024 £237k) giving rise to a surplus on unrestricted funds of £133k (2024 £20k). Restricted funds ended the year with a balance of £43k (up from £30k in 2024). £36.5k of funds were allocated to designated funds during the year. Reserves Policy The Board of Trustees are aware of the need to maintain sufficient reserves. The policy is to hold free reserves of at least 3 months of unrestricted expenditure which would indicate a minimum level of £20k. At the end of 2025 there was £179k of free reserves including designated funds. These are unrestricted reserves (excluding fixed assets) which are available for use in the next 12 months. At 2025 levels of unrestricted expenditure, these reserves are more than adequate to cover over a years annual expenditure. SAFEGUARDING The Board of Trustees have adopted the Diocese of Manchesters safeguarding policy relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults and appointed Revd Janie Cronin and Mrs Linda Mycock as Safeguarding Officers. The Safeguarding Officers have completed the necessary diocese training courses in safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults. The trustees are committed to the principles of best practice in relation to safeguarding and comply with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 in respect of having due regard to House of Bishops guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The guidance can be read in full on the Church of England official website.

This report was approved by the board of directors on 6 July 2026
and signed on behalf of the board by:

Name: Jane Cronin
Status: Director