Registered number 1050438 New Life Church Winchester Report and Accounts 31 March 2024 **New Life Church Winchester Registered Number: 1050438 Trustees’ Report** The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. ## **Principal Activities:** The charity’s primary activity during the year continues to be the running of a Christian church in the area of Stanmore Winchester. ## **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. Telephone: 01962 843714. Website: www.newlifechurchwinchester.org. ## **Independent Examiner:** Ken Stratton FMAAT of Kimball Smith Limited, Brewery House, High Street, Twyford, Winchester, SO21 1RG ## **Bankers:** Barclays Bank, 50 Jewry St, Winchester, SO23 8RG 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 31 March 2024. - Rev. Sanjay & Mary Sanil (Lead Pastors) - Andrew & Claire Finn - Silas Brown - Rev. Paul & Janice Finn - Terence & Judith Chainey ## **Trustees** The following persons served as trustees in the following roles for the year ended 31 March 2024. - Benjamin Chainey - Terence Chainey - Pamela Maton - Gemma Reeves - Brian Truebody (Resigned on 18 March 2024) - Silas Brown (Treasurer) - Rev. Sanjaykumar Sanil (Chair of Trustees) 1 ## **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: - Trustee information form - Fit and proper persons’ declaration form 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 movement. 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: - Spiritual Leadership – This is made up of the Lead Pastor and Elders whom have responsibility and authority for the overall direction, day-to-day running, and spiritual life of the church. - Management Trustees – Individuals whom have the overall responsibility for the management and administration of the church assets and resources including properties and funds, having due regard to the spiritual direction of the church and complying with the policy requirements of the constitution and law. For the year ended 31 March 2024 the church trustees met 6 times and held an AGM on the 03 September 2023. 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 at the time of this report there are over 600 churches that operate throughout Great Britain. For more information on AoG GB, please visit www.aoggb.com. ## **Objectives and Activities** The objects of the charity are: - To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of beliefs, - To relieve sickness, distress or financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods and services of any kind, including the provision of counselling and support; and - To advance education. 1 These objectives are achieved and provide a benefit to the public by: - Providing regular in-person and online resources and facilities for prayer and public worship for people of all ages. - Providing pastoral care and support, as well as spiritual and moral counsel through church leaders and in meetings for church members and the community. - Promoting, teaching, and sharing Christian values, and service by members of the church the community, to the benefit of individuals and the wider society. 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 now varying from 80 – 100+ adults 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 close to the 100 mark. Some of the highlights of the year were from the Alpha Course. This is where we create space for people of the community and church to explore life’s biggest questions and the Christian faith over a meal. One of the great things we found in feedback from those who attended is to see new friendships form as well as learning foundational perspectives on the Faith. Several people who attended this year’s Alpha Course decided to take the next step of becoming Christians and being water baptised. ## **Baptisms** The baptismal service held in September 2023 was something this church will never forget as 4 people originally made the decision to go ahead with baptism. However, during the service after the gospel was preached and another four people responded and decided to come to faith and be baptised there and then. So 8 were baptised in total. Our prayer is that the Lord will continue to work in the lives of all who were baptised and perfect all that concerns them (Psalm 138:8). 1 ## **Christmas 2023** Last Christmas saw us partner with Samaritan’s Purse for the first time for the Operation Christmas Child – Shoe Box Appeal, which is where churches and other groups of people donate gift items in a shoe box that can be passed on to children and young people who live in less than fortunate areas. Our church and the community of Stanmore were able to send 92 shoe boxes to children living in the Balkans. This festive season also saw the relaunch of the Ladies Christmas party. This is where the men of the church cooked and served a traditional three course Christmas meal for the ladies to say thank you for all that they do in their local family and church community. We also had a live musical band all of which was well received. Well done to all those involved. ## **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. We are particularly grateful for church members who this year gave towards a new community defibrillator for our facility. We will imminently train people to know how to use this in the event of an emergency. ## **Away Day** Our annual away day to the beach always blesses our church community. This year we had Steve Lee come and share with us on the importance on loving the community around us. We also had a great time of BBQ food and active games. ## **Children and Youth** This year we have seen these ministry areas grow which is very encouraging. We have seen our children and youths take more of an active role in some of our church services, most notably in drama plays at our Christmas and Easter church services. We have made opportunity for our youths to connect with other church youth groups through the Wildfire Youth Project. We hope to do more of this with Wildfire and AoG GB in the future. It is one of our great desires that children and youth to grow in their faith and gifting. ## **Looking ahead** Going forward the focus for our church is to be reaching out to the community and sharing the love and the truth of the gospel through words and any other practical means (see Matthew 5: 14-16; Isaiah 60: 1-3). Also, as a church we would like to see the next generation of younger leaders to rise up and be equip and mobilised to serve in the kingdom of God, utilising their God given talents and abilities. Finally, we would like to see more life groups starting to accommodate the growing church family. 1 ## **Financial Review** ## **Personnel** At the conclusion of 31 March 2024, the church employed two full-time members of staff and two part-time members of staff. ## **Finance** We give thanks that charitable income this year grew to £168,476 from £164,353 in the previous year. Giving from tithes and offering increased by 4%, whilst monies received from rental income from our other church properties increased nearly 36% as a result of a financial review in that area. Income from the venue hire of rooms in the church building increased 10% as more local public bodies in health and education wanted to use our venue facilities when not in use for church activities. This has a positive 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 decreased slightly to £159,334 from £159,833 in the previous year. Reductions in premises costs and repairs and maintenance costs were contributing factors, which helped to offset higher salary costs and other increases to operating costs as a result of external factors but also because of a growing church. Taking all of the above factors into consideration, we are pleased to report that the church was able to stay within its means with an excess income of over expenditure totaling £9,671. ## **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. 1 During the year to 31 March 2024 incoming resources exceeded expenditure by £9,671. The church charity also had cash reserves in the Kingdom Bank savings account of £55,000. This was as an increase on the previous year as we begin to rebuild our reserves so that they get back to an adequate level which then helps to mitigate any unnecessary exposure to risk as the church membership and operations grows. Signed on behalf of the board of trustees. Silas Brown Trustee Treasurer 31 January 2025 1 New Life Church Winchester Independent Examlners. report to the trustees of New Life Church Winchester You consider that the charily is exempt from an audit for the year ended 31 March 2024. 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 accounling 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 charitls trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). The charitvs 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 lo.. examine Ihe accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commision (under section 145{5)(b) of the Act and - lo state whether particular matters have come to my attention. My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounling records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records.lt 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 fairf 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 atlention 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 28-Jan-25 New Life Church Winchester Income and Expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Income 168,476 164.353 Charitable activities (25,443) (20,499) 143,033 143,854 Resourses costs Additional Charitiable activities and govenance Other operating income (855) {136,286} 3.250 (597) {138,807) 70 Excess income 4,520 Interest receivable 529 1.012 Excess income over expenditure 9,671 5.532 Tax on profil on ordinary activities Excess Income over expendlture 9,671 5,532 New Life Church Winchester Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible assets 1.248.880 1,250,702 Current assets Debtors Kingdom Bank Barclays account Cash in hand 9,685 55,000 7.636 20 72,341 7,799 46,183 3,081 57,063 Creditors: amounts falling due within one yaar (9,182) (5.397) Net current assets 63.159 51,666 Net assets 1.312.039 1,302,368 Reserves Property Reserve Unrestricted funds 1,150,000 162,039 1.150,000 152,368 1,312,039 1,302,368 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 accordan￿ with the provisions in the Charities Acts applicable to small companies entities. S Brown Trustee Approved by the board on 28 January 2025 New Life Church Winchester Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 1 Accounting policies Basis of preparatlon 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. Depreclatlon Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives. Equipment up to 33.33Yo 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 Operatlng Incom• 2024 2023 This is stated after charging: Depreciation of owned fixed assets Pension costs 6,938 1,376 4,068 1,337 New Life Church Winchester Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 3 Tanglble fixed assets Land and buildings Equipment Total Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions 1,217,786 74.453 5.117 79,570 1,292,239 5,117 1,297,356 At 31 March 2024 1,217,786 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for Ihe year At 31 March 2024 41,537 6,939 48,476 41,537 6,939 48,476 Net book value At 31 March 2024 1.217,786 31,094 1,248,880 At 31 March 2023 1.217,786 32,916 1.250.702 Freehold land and buildings.. 2024 2023 Historical cost 1,150,000 1,150,000 Cumulative deprecialion based on historical cost 4 Debtors 2024 2023 Accounts receivable Grft aid tax refund 6,329 3,356 6,518 1,281 5 Creditors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Wages Other taxes and social security costs Other creditors and restricted funds (100) 4,351 4,931 9,182 1,609 1.624 2,164 5.397 6 Property reserve 2024 2023 Original cost of freehold properties 1.150.000 1,150,000 New Life Church Winchester Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 7 Unrestricted reserves 2024 At 1 April 2023 Excess expenditure for the year 152,368 9.671 At 31 March 2024 162,039 8 Restricted funds Within the other creditors in note 5 are restricted funds of £594 . During the year specific grfts plus the related grft aid were received lotaling £3.859 and apart from the £594 left in restricted funds the resources were spent on the the activity designated. 9 Trustees remuneratlon 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 £34,328- Silas Brown £24,000 10 Employees No employee of the charity received remuneration of over £60,000. New Life Church Winchester Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Charitable income 168,476 164.353 Charitable activities direct costs (25,443) (20,499) 143,033 143.854 Resources Charitable activities and govenance costs Other operating income {855} (136,286) 3,250 {597) (138,807) 70 Excess income 4,520 Interest receivable 529 1,012 Excess Income 9,671 5,532 New Life Church Winchester Detailed income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Income Church Events Gift Aid Gifts and specific income Studenl Events Rental income Venue Hire Tithes Compassion fund Ladies Events Ukraine Turkeylsyria Earthquake NLC Soundlmedia Project Church Defibrillalor Mens Events Love Offering Morocco EarthquakelLibya Floods Appeal 144 21,497 3,786 75 22,220 41,130 77.316 (138) 1.004 90 14,000 1,419 16,364 37,467 74.274 24 12 2,010 1,193 17,274 1.211 31 283 (83) 168,476 226 164,353 Charitable activities Booking expenses Church events costs Compassion Fund Expense Junior church Keble Street Maintenance Ladies lounge Ladies ministry Men's ministry Mission Support Outreach Student ministry Sunday expenses Worship team Youth ministry Assemblies of God 4,528 2,067 1,097 2,625 2,485 1,419 50 700 (117) 51 589 5.311 324 103 5,449 1,247 210 1,821 508 327 322 3,277 369 4.221 25.443 3,765 140 3,054 20,499 Resourc CCLI CCPAS 710 145 597 855 597 New Life Church Winchester Detailed income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Additlonal charitable actlvlties and govenance costs Employee costs: Wages and salaries Pensions Employer's Nl Staff training and welfare Travel and subsistence Motor expenses Entertaining 81,627 1,376 1,244 1,475 5,326 475 1,537 93.060 79,934 1,337 1,174 822 4.722 891 88.880 Premises costs: Rent Rates Facilities expense Light and heat Cleaning 240 7,982 5,732 86 6,668 5.885 3,803 17.910 16,070 General administrative expenses: Telephone and fax IT and media T V License Visiting speaker Postage Stationery and printing Subscriptions Bank charges Insurance Equipment expensed Software Repairs and maintenance Garden maintenance Depreciation Sundry expenses 1.465 1.168 159 2,600 49 1,993 142 103 3,696 66 75 5.754 622 6,938 1,573 1,620 1,371 553 81 3,236 1.481 7,643 4,068 313 21.941 Legal and professional costs: Bookkeeping Accountancy fees Legal fees Consultants fees Advertising and PR Other legal and professional 1,441 1,839 7,200 48 989 45 136,286 138.807 Other operating income Other operating income 3,250 70 10