2024-12-31-accounts - Ruskington Community Church

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RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH

Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH IS A REGISTERED CHARITY (NO. 1052169) AND IS AFFILIATED TO ASSEMBLIES OF GOD INC.

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

INDEX	PAGE
Trustees Report	3 - 6
Independent Examiner’s Report	7
Income and Expenditure Statement	8
Balance Sheet	9
Notes to the Financial Statements	10 - 13

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Full Name

Ruskington Community Church formerly known as South Lincs Church

Registered Charity Number

1052169

Registered Office Ruskington Community Church Formerly known as South Lincs Church 19 Westgate Ruskington Sleaford NG34 9ES

Charity trustees

Steven Courtney – Chair from 16[th] July 2024 Alison Gibbs – appointed 16[th] July 2024 John Jacklin – appointed 16[th] July 2024 David Wade – Chair resigned 16[th] July 2024 Sarah Lane – resigned 16[th] July 2024

Governing Document

Constitution and Trust Deed adopted 27 April 2006 as amended on 29 November 2007.

Bankers Bankers HSBC Co-operative Bank 26 Market Place Business Customer Services Sleaford PO Box 250 NG34 7SB Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

Independent Examiner

S V Miller 66 Westcliffe Street Lincoln LN1 3TZ

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Objectives

The objects of the church are for the benefit of the public:

(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 may think fit; (b) to relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or 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; and

(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.

Organisation

Membership is open to any individual who; by grace has exhibited saving faith in Lord Jesus Christ; desires to worship and serve God in the context of the Statement; and is committed to promoting the Objects. Management of the Church is by the Church Council which will include the Senior Minister of the Church, the minimum number of members of the Church Council shall be three.

Financial Review

The financial statements on pages 8 to 13 comply with statutory requirements.

The Income and Expenditure statement on page 8 shows net incoming resources for the year end 2024 minus £7,404 (2023: £3,335). The church has continued to fund a variety of projects and activities, which are in line with its stated objectives. The level of activity for the year was satisfactory and the trustees believe that this will continue for the foreseeable future. The cumulative balance on the unrestricted general fund at the year-end 2024 was £253,985 (2023: £261,389).

The church is dependent upon the continued receipt of donated income. At the year end the financial position of the church was satisfactory. The church receives a certain amount of voluntary help, it is not possible to quantify the value of the time given. We are extremely grateful to all our volunteers who help the church and its various activities to run smoothly.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees’ aim is to hold around £10,000 in reserves representing approximately three months’ worth of expenses and redundancy costs. This should allow the Trustees time to take the necessary corrective action to gain funding should current income sources dry out.

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Trustees Report for year ended 2024

The year began with the Trustees and Leadership entering into the process of employing a part time Senior Leader. An appointment was not made, but a different and very positive next step emerged, to take the church into a new season ahead.

In June, we were pleased to welcome Alison Gibbs onto the leadership team, with all three leaders serving on a part time, voluntary basis. Each leader would be responsible for different ministry areas, and Alison, with her ministerial accreditation and experience, brought spiritual gifts that very much enhanced the team.

As intended, Pastor Dave stepped down from his role as Senior Leader in July, after just over 2 years of serving the church. We are thankful to Dave for leading the church during this time into a place of stability, and especially for his wisdom and support in the leadership and trustees. The new structure of leadership would take the church into the next season, seeking to develop and add to the team as and when God’s timing provides, for the church to continue to fulfil its vision.

In the continuing partnership with Bridge Church and with NHS funding, the Meadow Wellbeing Community Hub Lead was appointed, and the Hub opened on the church premises in March, with sessions running for 4 hours both on Monday evenings and Thursday daytimes. The attendance at these sessions grew quickly, with both guests and support service staff regularly present at the Hub. The relaxed, café set-up with opportunities for participating in a range of activities, has already created a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive environment.

It has been exciting to see the start of new groups and events as part of the church’s ongoing mission to reach into and serve our community. ‘Stay Strong’ ladies chair aerobics group was started and is already growing in number. An August Holiday Club was run for KS2 children, as well as a Community BBQ in September. Both Easter and Christmas services were attended by new people.

In September the church celebrated 55 years of being a fellowship in Ruskington, plus 20 years of the new building, as well as celebrating the Assemblies of God Centenary. A special service was held in thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness and blessing.

In looking back over AOG and South Lincs Church’s history, the past has been honoured and celebrated, and the church looks with eager anticipation to what God will do in the new year to come.

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Trustees' responsibilities

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year (unless the charity is entitled to prepare accounts on the alternative receipts and payments basis). In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Internal control and risk management

The Trustees continue to monitor the major risks to which the charity is exposed and to keep under review the adequacy of the systems according to the size of the charity and the nature of its operations.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

[ORIGINAL SIGNED] Signed……………………………………………………….. Dated …………………. Steven Courtney, Chair

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

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:

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

[ORIGINAL SIGNED] Signed ………………………………………………. Dated ……………………………. Sue Miller ACMA

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT

Unrestricted Funds £ 23,748 127 25,000 504 110	Restricted	2024 Total Funds £ 23,748 127 25,000 504 110	2023 Total Funds £ 24,793 128 25,000 475 150
	Funds
	£ 0 0 0 0 0
49,489 0 _ _ 15,250 0 3,243 0 1,651 0 1,231 0 8,149 0 13,113 0 2,072 0 1,292 0 878 0 1,860 0 1,091 0 478 0 731 0 5,849 0 5 0 _ _ 56,893 0 _ _ (7,404) 0 261,389 0 _ _ 253,985 0		49,489 _ 15,250 3,243 1,651 1,231 8,149 13,113 2,072 1,292 878 1,860 1,091 478 731 5,849 5 _ 56,893 _ (7,404) 261,389 _ 253,985	50,546 __ 17,156 1,705 2,235 1,104 6,633 6,730 1,402 2,080 792 873 180 385 276 5,593 67 _ 47,211 _ 3,335 258,054 _____ 261,389

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note Tangible fixed assets 2 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 3 Prepayments 4 Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year 5 Net Current Assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than 1 year Financed by: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total Funds	2024 £ 210,174 43,658 169 16 _ 43,811 _ 253,985 0 _ 253,985 253,985 _____ 253,985	2023 £ 213,228 47,834 457 130 __ 48,161 _ 261,389 0 _ 261,389 261,389 ____ 261,389

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP.

a) Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

b) Basis of preparation
In addition, the trustees consider that donations and gifts will continue to be forthcoming. As a result, in the opinion of the trustees, adequate cash resources will be available to cover the church’s requirements for working capital and capital expenditure for at least the next year and the financial statements have therefore been prepared on the going concern basis.
c) Donations Donations received are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when received and any related tax credits are accounted for when claimed.
d) Fixed assets and additions Items from capital expenditure are capitalised and shown at cost as fixed assets in the balance sheet. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of fixed assets on a reducing balance basis over their estimated useful lives.

Freehold property no depreciation on Land & 2% straight line on buildings Furniture and equipment 25% reducing balance Computers 3 years straight line

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

e) Voluntary help

A certain amount of time is expended on the church activities which is donated free of charge. It is not possible to quantify the value of the time given, and accordingly it is neither recorded as donated income nor as an expense in the financial statements.

f) Trustees’ remuneration

One Trustee, David Wade, received a salary of £4,602 for his role as church minister employed by the charity. He is not directly remunerated for the role as a Trustee of the charity.

2. Tangible fixed assets

Historical Cost As at January 2024 Additions Disposals As at 31 December 2024 DEPRECIATION As at January 2024 Provided in year As at 31 December 2024 NBV at 31 December 2024 NBV at 31 December 2023	Freehold Furniture & Laptops Total Property Equipment £ £ £ £ 256,308 9,307 1,394 267,009 0 2,111 684 2,795 0 0 0 0 _ _ _ _ 256,308 11,418 2,078 269,804 _ _ _ _ 50,016 3,300 465 53,781 3,126 2,029 694 5,849 _ _ _ _ 53,142 5,329 1,159 59,630 _ _ _ _ 203,166 6,089 919 210,174 206,292 6,007 929 213,228 _ _ _ _____

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3. Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand
	2024	2023
HSBC current	0	(5)
Coop current	1,001	7,839
Coop savings	42,581	40,000
Cash	76	0
	_	_
	43,658	47,834
	_	_
Prepayment
	2024	2023
AoG Conference	169	135
CCLI annual subscription 2024	0	322
	169	457
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
	2024	2023
PAYE	16	130
	_	_
	16	130
	_	_

4. Prepayment

5. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

RUSKINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH Formerly known as SOUTH LINCS CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6. Employees

During the year there were two part time members of paid staff until July, from August there was one part time member of staff

Staff costs

2024 2023 15,250 17,156

7. Other

Ministry includes membership to “thirtyone:eight” which provided disclosure and barring service (DBS), training and guidance in safeguarding.

Expenditure is higher than Income due to improvements to the property.

Windows and fire exit £7,384 Security and Fire alarms £528