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PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
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Annua enera eeting
A al Report & Fi lal Stat t 1* April@ 2024 to 31% March 2025
Church Ablaze
88 Wellington Street, Batley, WF17 5QL Charity Number 1051958 Pastor Sarah Renton
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
Contents
“* Trustees Report
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® Governance
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e Objectives & Activities
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e Public Benefit Statement
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e Achievements & Performance
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e Financial Review
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e Risk Management e Reserves Policy
** Independent Examiners Report
*¢ Financial Statement
** Pastor Sarah Renton’s Report
Annual Reports & Financial Statements 1 April 2024 to 31% March 2025
Church Ablaze, 88 Wellington Street, Batley, WF17 5QL Registered Charity Number 1051958
Trustees’ report for the year ended 31%t March 2025
Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Name: Church Ablaze
Charity Number: 1051958 Registered in England and Wales on 15" January 1996
Governance
Constitution and trust deed adopted 12" April 2007 as amended on 1st August 2023
Principal address
88 Wellington Street, Batley, WF17 5QL
Trustees
Sarah J Renton Luke Crompton Janet Mountain Appointed 12" February 2025
Treasurer
Nicola Baldwin
Independent examiner
E A Malko
Bank
Virgin Money 46 Market Place Dewsbury WF13 1DN
Church Ablaze 88 Wellington Street, Batley, WF17 5QL Charity no. 1051958 Pastor Sarah Renton
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the church are for the benefit of the public;
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a) To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the statement in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time will see fit
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b) To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods and services of any kind including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time think fit.
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c) To advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time may think fit.
The charity’s main activities;
We are a Church who gather together to worship God, preach the word of God, and reach out into the community around us with the love of God.
Public benefit statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and performance
In the year ending 31st March 2025 the church continues to be a well-used and important resource for the local community. A full weekly schedule is in place creating a vibrant and busy location providing crucial day to day support for many local people.
Financial review
The net expenditure for the year was £27,904 including net expenditure of £27,384 on unrestricted funds and net expenditure of £520 on restricted funds.
Risk Management
The board have identified the major risks and keep their mitigation policy under regular review.
Reserves policy
The charity's free reserves at the year-end were £40,683 The trustees will aim to hold free reserves of 3 to 6 months total expenditure.
Signed on behalf of the board of trustees: Signed: (ao“ Luke Crompton - Trustee Date: 04 [ o| [2s
Church Ablaze 88 Wellington Street, Batley, WF17 5QL Charity no. 1051958 Pastor Sarah Renton
Church Ablaze
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees
| report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the ch arity for the year ended 31 March 2025
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
| report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act
Independent examiner’s statement
| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act. 2 the accounts do not accord with those records.
| have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the © examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Printed name: E A Malko
Dated: 2nd September 2025
Church Ablaze
Total Receipts & Payments Account for the year ended 31/03/25
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|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Previous|
|Receipts|year|
|Church|offerings|26523|1)|26523|21445|
|Grants|0|0|0|0|
|Activities|0|0|i¢)|0|
|Venue|Hire|9425|0|9425|8700|
|Donation|21300|0|21300|)|
|Other Income|53|0|53|4829|
|TotalreceiptsEL|)Payments|SSSt™t~
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The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on
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Signed by , | > / y}
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Luke Crompton - Trustee
Date 04/61/25
Funding accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor. Trustee expenses No trustee received any expenses for being a Trustee during this year or the previous year Trustee remuneration and benefits One trustee received a remuneration of £18,668.20 to act as Minister of the church
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
CHURCH
Pastors Annual Report for April 2024 to March 2025
The first few months into this financial year were challenging due to fellow pastor of Wakefield New Life and trustee of Church Ablaze, recovering from a serious illness. | am pleased to report that he madea full recovery, which we thank God for. In the interim (along with the help and support of others) | served as pastor for both churches. God was very gracious throughout this time and we praise God for Lukes recovery and return to ministry.
AOG Events
. . This year marked 100 years of AOGas amovement and it was the theme celebrated at the ministers national annual aog Conference. It was a time of inspiration, and impartation with international speakers Bishop Tudor Bismark and Russel Evans. Our national leader Glyn Barrett brought a dynamic word that was both encouraging yet challenging.
Throughout the year pastors from across our region in the North, West and East areas of Yorkshire gathered for fellowship, food and on occasions to pray at our Hub gatherings.
There were also Zone gatherings with teaching from leaders Ben & Gale Dowding. Area days where pastors and their teams come together for teaching led by national leaders. It has been good for those who serve in leadership to attend these events, and for them to connect with people from across our region.
| along with 3 church members from both Batley and Wakefield churches attended the annual missions conference in Lancashire. The theme was ‘Activate’ and we were invited to the table to:
‘Awaken’ the spirit of adventure in us, to ‘Unleash’ the passion for mission, to’ Ignite’ an unstoppable fire to reach the lost, to ‘Wrestle’ through the obstacles and challenges which hinder us, to ‘Grasp’ the amazing opportunities in this time we live, and to ‘Live’ continually to fulfil the Great Commission.
It was very good. We must never forget the call ‘To know Jesus, and to make Him known.’
Church Ministry
We know that worship isn’t for the congregation, it is for God. However, through our times of praise and worship many people experience God’s tangible presence and encounter God in personal ways. Weare blessed to have an anointed worship leader in Steve Lloyd. We continue to set aside the first Sunday of the month for evenings of praise & worship in our ‘Dwell’ services, where we minister to God and create space for Him. Often Holy Spirit moves and gifts of the Spirit are given and released.
e@ Pee ‘The Anointing Oil’ - Beginning in May | begana new preaching series entitled ‘The Anointing Oil.’ The series consisted of the following 5 sermons - ‘Little Anointed Ones’, ‘Oil of Refreshing’, ‘Oil of Healing’,
‘Oil of Provision’ and ‘Fresh Oil.’ They were powerful, encouraging yet challenging words that | believe God really impacted the Church through.
The Power of Unity— Following on from the above series, the scripture in Psalm 133:1 -2 naturally took us into our next preaching series, speaking on the importance of unity within the body of Christ, and the power that it has.
These teaching series laid some good foundations for the year ahead.
Following the preaching of the Word we always give the opportunity for people to respond to God’s Word, and for ministry and prayer. We have seen many individuals healed, set free and come to faith in Jesus’ mighty name!
Over the course of the year, we were blessed in having several guest speakers come minister and speak into the life of the church. Being connected to New Life Church in Wakefield, it is always a pleasure to have Pastors Luke Crompton and Henry Drabble come to speak.
A good friend of Church Ablaze is Pastor Johnny Haigh of Elim Pentecostal Church in Sowerby Bridge. He came and brought great words of wisdom to us through his teaching.
Asa pastor it is always ajoy to mentor, equip and release people into works of service for the Lord. One of our church members prepared and preachedher first sermon at Church Ablaze, and with her passion and enthusiasm she did a wonderful job in delivering what God had laid on her heart.
As achurch we have a heart and passion for revival, and to see the body of Christ living in the fullness of all that Christ has given us — and to release God’s Kingdom into the world around us.
| recognise the importance of creating space to invite anointed and seasoned Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers and Evangelists to speak into the life of the Church.
In June Prophet Michael Livengood from New Zealand joined us, and in November Evangelist Andrew Murray of Generation Builders Ministries was with us. These were both wonderful nights as Holy Spirit moved amongst us.
In early November Evangelist Barry Woodward joined us. Barry shared his story of how God transformed and changed his life, setting him free from a life of drug addiction and crime.
‘Bring & Share’ nights were held at various times, these were evenings of sharing food, fellowship and stories of Gods goodness. We also held services called ‘This is my Story’ where invited people shared their story of how they came to faith in Jesus. These were evangelistic events for church members to bring their unsaved family and friends to a relaxed friendly setting.
It was a joy to have students from Capernwray Bible College join usin March. Two of the team shared their stories of how they came to faith. They spoke extremely well, where very open and transparent.
Church members Carolyn & David Voice have a real heart and passion for missions and reaching the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ. They have served on various missionary trips both in the UK and abroad. When they expressed their desire to go on ashort-term mission trip to Uganda, we were happy to support them in this. On returning they shared their adventures with the church.
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© ‘ Youth band ‘AQ1’ (Audience of 1) from fellow Church ‘New Life’ Wakefield joined us and led an evening of praise and worship. The congregation embraced them and we had a fabulous night.
Mid-Week Ministry
Mid-week prayer meetings were heldin the Church building, initially on Wednesday evenings. As the year progressed, we felt challenged to increase our corporate prayer gatherings to include both a morning and evening meeting. Wednesday became our day of prayer, holding prayer meetings at 7am and 7pm. For those unable to attend in person, some joined via phone. We are delighted to say that we had to change our days of prayer to Mondays, and for all the right reasons as this made way for us to hold further midweek meetings and ministries.
On Wednesday the 12" of March 2025 we began our ‘Discipleship Teaching Program.’ The program consists of 3 courses aimed at believers of various levels of spiritual maturity, but who have beena Christian for at least a year. The first of these courses is called ‘Firm Foundations’ which explores the fundamentals of the Christian faith. The aim of the course is to give believers firm foundations on which to build their Christian lives. | was encouraged at the positive response from the church, with 15 church members signing up to take part. |am looking forward to seeing how this will develop and grow.
We have the great privilege that our building is used by ‘Batley Community Outreach,’ a charity primarily made up of Christian volunteers and workers, some of whom are key members of Church Ablaze. Through their hard work and commitment people of the local community can come into a safe and warm space, where they can meet with others.
On a Tuesday lunch is provided and clients take part in games. On Friday mornings a breakfast is available, after which clients can stay and later have lunch that consists of a hot meal and a pudding. Most wee ks there are groceries which they can take home. On a Friday there is a worker available to assist clients if they are in need of help and advice, be it with housing, bills etc.
Ona Wednesday afternoona lady’s craft group is run. This offers a great environment where women from different backgrounds come together with the common interest of crafting.
All the workers and volunteers do an amazing job in reaching people of the local community with God’s love in a very practical and hands on way. On the 20th of December our workers and team of volunteers put ona Christmas meal for the clients. We served over 70 3 course meals over 2 settings, and gave food and gifts for clients to take home. The team do a fabulous job! It was a great success.
Events
| am pleased to say that a little momentum is beginning to build between the Christian ministers in town from across various denominations. We endeavour to meet every 6 to eight weeks to share lunch, have fellowship and to pray. Whilst this is not always possible, we have succeededin working together on some key events in the Christian calendar.
On April the 24" several churchestook part in a ‘Songs of Praise’ meeting held at St Thomas’ church in Upper Batley.
For the second-yearwe held a joint Good Friday Service at Central Methodist Church. | am delighted that our worship leader was able to take part in leading one section of the praise and worship. It was a well-balanced service that incorporated the various styles of worship and forms of liturgy from across the denominations — with all ministers taking part. We had@ a fabulous and well attended Easer Sunday Service. Celebrating Jesus, and preaching on the ‘Resurrection Power of God.’ We @had a powerful night celebrating Pentecost Sunday and hearing how God desires us to be ‘Spiritual Dynamo’s’ for Him.
It was@ a busyri timetine in the run up to December and throughout as we endeavoured to reach out to the people of our community with the true meaning of Christmas. Our theme was ‘There is no CHRISTMAS without Christ.’
In November a wonderful door of opportunity opened, when| received an invitation to share a 5- minute Christmas Message at the Batley Christmas light switch on event. | seized the opportunity, and with hundreds of people from the local community being present | was able to share a simple Christmas gospel message. Various members of the church were present to support, hand out flyers and also managed to chat with local residents. We believe seeds were sown.
On the 8th of Decemberwe went out into the community carol singing. We were delighted to visit ‘1inson Court Care Home.’ The residents and staff really enjoyed the time we shared with them. It was a real blessing being able to chat and pray with them. Following this, carols were sang around Central Estate, a housing estate situated nextto the Church. We distributed flyers with our Christmas service times, and prayed.
On the 15th of December we held a Contemporary Christmas service with a mix of old and new carols. We were thrilled to have people from the various outreach groups join us.
Over 100 candles lit up the Church Hall on the 324 of Decemberin our Carols by Candlelight service. Christmas Bible readings were interspersed with traditional carols. The message answered the question posed to the congregation, ‘CHRIST-mas, what is it really all about?’ It was a clear gospel message sharing the truth of what Christmas really is about.
Our last service in December wasa ‘Bring& Share.’ Sharing a meal and sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness to us over 2024. It was good to look back and rememberall that God has done, but also to look forward with hope and expectation as to what God is going to do in 2025.
Other Business
| am pleased to say that a new trustee of the church has been appointed. Janet Mountain who is a lay preacher currently serving in the Anglican church, she has been known to me for many years.
Before retiring Janet had a successful career working in the NHS in various administrative roles, before going on to be an operations manager.
Janet has served on the boards of various charities and ministries. With her knowledge, skills, and experience across many fields, | believe she will be a real asset to both the church and board of trustees. Prior to my appointment to the church some funding was given for the purpose of making the building both usable and accessible to those with disabilities. Previous building plans had been drawn up (before our involvement) and planning permission given, howeverwe discovered they had expired, and were also no longer suitable for what we currently need.
Weare pleased to say that newarchitecture plans have now been drawn up with the view of having a disabled ramp built outside, and disabled toilets and a storage room inside. We have approached a building company who are happy to do the work and we are awaiting their quotes.
The Church has been extremely blessed this year in receiving two donations.
A very generous donation of £20,550 was given from the Gospel Hall Trust who have sown into the Church for many years.
A donation of £750 was given to the church in memory of Joyce Kidd, who was a beloved supporter and a regular attender of the church prior to becoming poorly. We were deeply saddened when Joyce passed away, and we remember her with great fondness. As the churchis currently without a lectern we will look at using the donation to buy one, something which | know Joyce would have greatly approved of.
Summary
Overall, we had a very good year. God has blessed us and we have seen Him move in many ways. We have known His favour, His grace, His faithfulness, His power, His provision, and His glory. Ministry both in the church andin the community has expanded. Souls have been saved; people have been healed and set free — and we give God all the glory for everything He has done, and all that He will continue to do.