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2023-03-31-accounts

Registered number 1050438

New Life Church Winchester

Report and Accounts

31 March 2023

New Life Church Winchester Registered Number: 1050438 Trustees’ Report

The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Small Charity Provisions:

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Charity Acts relating to small entities.

Address and Contact Details:

Address: New Life Church Winchester, Stanmore Lane, Winchester, SO22 4BT Website: www.newlifechurchwinchester.org Telephone: 01962 843714

Independent Examiner:

Ken Stratton FMAAT of Kimball Smith Limited, Brewery House, High Street, Twyford, Winchester, SO21 1RG

Bankers:

Kingdom Bank, Ruddington Fields Business Park, Mere Way, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6JS

Solicitors:

Warner & Richardson LLP, 29 Jewry St., Winchester, SO23 8RR Geldards LLP, 4 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ

Leadership (Eldership) Team

The following persons served on the leadership team for the year ended March 2023.

Trustees

The following persons served as trustees in the following roles for the year ended March 2023.

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Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is constituted as a trust and is governed by constitution, adopted on the 21[st] December 2008. Trustees are typically selected by appointment by Pastor with acceptance of existing trustees. Where there is no incumbent Pastor, existing trustees of Church Council will appoint new trustees by vote with a two thirds majority acceptance.

Following provisional selection and appointment, trustees are given a ‘Trustees’ declaration pack’ that contains forms that are mandatory to be completed:

In addition to this, trustees must also complete a Disclosure and Barring Service Check and additional ID checks conducted by the church’s independent financial examiner to ensure charity compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Individuals are notified that their selection and appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of all these checks.

Trustees are then offered different training induction opportunities with organisations such as but not limited to the Charity Commission, Stewardship, or as such organisations recommended and advertised by our church denomination. Trustees are also directed to charity commission guide information documents.

New Life Church Winchester has an organisational structure of a Church Council that consists of:

For the year ended 31 March 2023 the church council of elders and trustees met 4 times.

Outside of the church council, there are staff and ministry leaders appointed by the church council to lead various activities to further the objects and activities of the church charity.

New Life Church Winchester is a part of Assemblies of God Great Britain (AoG GB). This is a Pentecostal fellowship movement of locally autonomous churches who are relationally connected but operate as independent charities, each one governed under their own governing document. Today there are over 500 churches that operate in over 600 locations in the UK. For more information on AoG GB, please visit www.aoggb.com.

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the charity are:

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These objectives are achieved and provide a benefit to the public by:

New Life Church Winchester is aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit ”. We have made regard to it in the administration and daily operation of the church charity, particularly when deciding which activities would be the most appropriate to undertake to serve the church and the wider community.

Review of Activities and Achievements

It is the held belief of the church and its leadership that its key responsibility is to encourage work together to fulfil the vision of New Life Church Winchester is to ‘encounter God’s presence, equip the saints, and evangelise the lost’.

To that end, the charity’s primary activity during the year continues to be the running of a Christian church in the area of Stanmore Winchester.

Church meetings

We run one main Sunday morning service with attendances varying from 70 – 100+ people as well as other periodic meetings. Church membership have increased with the number of people who have decided to make New Life Church their spiritual home increasing to 80 people. Particular meeting highlights included our first ever International Day celebration service where we celebrated multinational diversity of our church community. Over 17 nationalities were represented and people had the opportunity to represent their nation of heritage through the wearing of traditional clothing, reading the Bible to the congregation in their native language, as well as through bringing a traditional food dish which could be shared over a big church family lunch.

The church was also able to host its first in-person Alpha Course for over 7 years. This was available to church members and the community and we had an over 20 people attending looking at the basics of the Christian faith. This culminated in another highlight which was the church hosting its first ever away day. This was an opportunity for our church community to leave our usual surroundings of Winchester and head to the beach in Netley, Southampton. This was hugely popular as we enjoyed a time of worship and encounter themes around the Holy Spirit, as well as enjoying an afternoon BBQ, beach walks, and good spirited yet highly competitive games of cricket.

Community

Our church is always looking for the appropriate partner organisations to work with to support the community and for the advancement of the Christian values. This year we partnered with Fareshare Southern Central to launch and host the Mobile Community Food Larder Project from our church car park and building front. Fresh quality food that would be otherwise discarded is sold to members of the community for a nominal membership fee. 10-15 families from the church and wider Stanmore estate and surrounding areas have benefitted from this initiative which has served to be an additional support during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

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We give thanks for deepening partnerships with other community partners including Stanmore Primary School. Particular highlights include having the privilege to give a prayer of blessings during their Christmas services, and at their formal opening of their new reception entrance. We have also provided assistance in providing pastoral wellbeing support and care to school staff across the academic year through the Wellbeing Wednesday initiative.

We also aim to be a support to other local churches, particularly those within the Assemblies of God. This year provided us the opportunity to host over 40 church leaders representing the Hampshire and Dorset area for the AoG Zone evening in September 2022. This evening gave leaders the chance to be encouraged and inspired through teaching, fellowship, and hospitality.

Children, Youth, & Families

At New Life Church, we value highly children, youth and families. Last year we were able to restart the children’s ministry following COVID. This year we are glad to say that we were able to relaunch the youth ministry during our Sunday service for our young people. During this time, we ran a Youth Alpha Course for our young people which allowed them (like the adults) to explore the basics of Christianity and ask questions in an age-relevant way. This simple format and accessible questions helped to provoke discussion amongst our young people. Over 16 young people attended the course.

We also celebrate the rise in the amount of baptismal and baby dedication services that involved young people; with 2 young people deciding to get baptised. In addition to this, we hosted two baby dedications which are important milestones in our Christian faith.

The church family

Finally we would like to honour and express sincere thanks to church members and community for their generosity in their giving of their time, and their financial giving to various projects and causes. Some of these included the garden project where people donated plants and their gardening expertise to make a decorative floral display for the community in summer months, and to keep our church site tidy.

Also, the church ran a number of special offerings and fundraisers to support international emergency appeals by AoG GB and other churches to support people in Ukraine affected by the ongoing war, as well as those affected by the natural disasters in Turkey or Syria.

In addition to this church members gave to the fundraising project to upgrade our church sound / media equipment. This will help the church to provide resources to people online thus increasing our presence and will in the long-run help to improve the accessibility of our church to a wider range of people.

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Financial Review

Personnel

At the conclusion of 31[st] March 2023, the church employed two full-time members of staff and two part-time members of staff.

Finance

We give thanks that charitable income grew significantly to £164,353 from £103,060. Income from tithing doubled, whilst rental hire increased, as well as venue hire income to organisations in the public and tertiary sector increased. This has had both a financial benefit and a partnership benefit to the church as we look to work alongside and network with other organisations in the local community. Expenditure costs increased to £159,833 from £120,320, however the significant increases in income helped to ensure that the church stayed within its means with excess income over expenditure totalling £5,532. Reasons for increase in expenditure include salaries increasing following a completion of a full annual cycle with an expanded staff team, increase in rates and utilities due to the ongoing increased cost of living prices, and necessary remedial repairs that needed to take place to fix drainage and pipe works.

Restricted funds totalled £625 which was a donation given to assist with the legal costs of the church updating its charity governing document to the latest model trust deed constitution as recommended by the Charity Commission and AoG GB.

Included in the income of the charity is £17,274 which are the donations received and designated to fund the new sound and media equipment, the cost of which has been included as an addition to the fixed assets.

Reserves Policy

The trustees continue to consider and review the finances of the church, including its reserves. The trustees aim to take a prudent and long-term view to making decisions whilst balancing our belief in God’s provision for the church.

To this end, it is a policy requirement of the church that in any one financial year to have maintained and set aside funds that have not been restricted or designated for a specific use elsewhere equivalent to a minimum of four months expenditure. This is so that in the event of any unforeseen financial income shortfall or unexpected but necessary capital expenditure, the church charity operations can be maintained in the short term whilst decisions are made about how to plan finances for the medium to long term.

During the year to 31 March 2023 incoming resources exceeded expenditure by £5,532. The church charity also had cash reserves in the Kingdom Bank savings account of £46,183. Going forward into the next financial year, the cash reserves will need to be increased to bring them back to an adequate level and mitigate exposure to risk as the church membership and operations grow.

Signed on behalf of the board of trustees.

Silas Brown Trustee Treasurer

30 January 2024

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New Life Church Winchester

Independent Examiners' report to the trustees of New Life Church Winchester

You consider that the charity is exempt from an audit for the year ended 31 March 2023. You have acknowledged, on the balance sheet, your responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Charities Acts with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These responsibilities include preparing accounts that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity at the end of the financial year and of its income and expenditure for the financial year.

In accordance with your instructions, we have prepared the accounts which comprise the Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, and the related notes from the accounting records of the charity and on the basis of information and explanations you have given to us.

I have not carried out an audit or any other review, and consequently we do not express any opinion on these accounts.

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act").

The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act.:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Ken Stratton FMAAT Independent Examiner

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New Life Church Winchester Income and Expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes
Income
Charitable activities
Resourses costs
Additional charitiable activities and govenance
Excess income
2
Interest receivable
Excess income over expenditure
Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities
Excess income over expenditure		 2023
£
164,353
(20,499)
143,854
(597)
(138,737)
4,520
1,012
5,532
-
5,532		 2022
£
103,060
(13,466)
89,594
(700)
(106,154)
(17,260)
-
(17,260)
-
(17,260)

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New Life Church Winchester Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
3
Current assets
Debtors
4
Kingdom Bank
Savings
Tithe Account
Barclays account
Cash in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
5
Net current assets
Net assets
Reserves
Property Reserve
6
Unrestricted funds
7		 2023
£
1,250,702
7,799
46,183
-
-
3,081
-
57,063
(5,397)
51,666
1,302,368
1,150,000
152,368
1,302,368		 2022
£
1,227,360
15,859
56,171
229
1,222
1,638
66
75,185
(5,709)
69,476
1,296,836
1,150,000
146,836
1,296,836

The trustees are satisfied that the charity is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit.

The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Charities Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Charities Acts applicable to small companies entities.

S Brown Trustee

Approved by the board on 30 January 2024

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New Life Church Winchester Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023

1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the true and fair provisions in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in 2008.

Income

Income represents the value of contributions to the charity from members of the church and others.

Depreciation

Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives.

Equipment up to 33.33% reducing balance

Pensions

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged to the income and expenditure account as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

2
Operating income
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation of owned fixed assets
Pension costs		 2023
£
4,068
1,337		 2022
£
4,787
2,534

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New Life Church Winchester Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023

3 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2022
Additions
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2023
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
Freehold land and buildings:
Historical cost
Cumulative depreciation based on historical cost
4
Debtors
Accounts receivable
Gift aid tax refund
5
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Wages
Other taxes and social security costs
Other creditors and restricted funds
6
Property reserve
Original cost of freehold properties		 Land and
buildings
£
1,217,786
-
1,217,786
-
-
-
1,217,786
1,217,786		 Equipment
£
47,043
27,410
74,453
37,469
4,068
41,537
32,916
9,574
2023
£
1,150,000
-
2023
£
6,518
1,281
7,799
2023
£
-
1,609
1,624
2,164
5,397
2023
£
1,150,000		 Total
£
1,264,829
27,410
1,292,239
37,469
4,068
41,537
1,250,702
1,227,360
2022
£
1,150,000
-
2022
£
5,326
10,533
15,859
2022
£
704
-
966
4,039
5,709
2022
£
1,150,000

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New Life Church Winchester Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023

7
Unrestricted reserves
At 1 April 2022
Excess expenditure for the year
At 31 March 2023		 2023
£
146,836
5,532
152,368

8 Restricted funds

Within the other creditors in note 5 are restricted funds of £625 . During the year specific gifts plus the related gift aid were received totaling £18,602 and apart from the £625 left in restricted funds the resources were spent on the the activity designated.

Included in the income of the charity is £17,274 which is the money received to fund the new sound and media equipment the cost of which has been included as an addition to the fixed assets

9 Trustees remuneration

The Trustees do not receive an income for the contribution they make to the Charity in their capacity as a Trustee. Salaries have been paid to Trustees for their other roles as follows:Sanjaykumar Sanil £33,038 - Brian Truebody £9,880 - Silas Brown £24,000

10 Employees

No employee of the charity received remuneration of over £60,000.

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New Life Church Winchester Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2023

Charitable income
Charitable activities direct costs
Resources
Charitable activities and govenance costs
Excess income
Interest receivable
Excess income		 2023
£
164,353
(20,499)
143,854
(597)
(138,737)
4,520
1,012
5,532		 2022
£
103,060
(13,466)
89,594
(700)
(106,154)
(17,260)
-
(17,260)

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