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Wear Valley Christian Centre<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


# Annual General Meeting 1st March 2023 

## Reports for the Charity Commission 


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2023  A Church that Blesses<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Charity Number 1052523 

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## **ADMINISTRATOR** 

## **Bob Woods** 

## **AGM 2022** 

Saw the minutes for 2021 being accepted as a true record. 

## **2022 Review** 

Being mindful of folks concerns over Covid we used a gradual approach to opening up the fellowship. After the summer holidays, along with a vision for the final four months, we saw the fellowship back to a more normal timetable with services and events, along with some new ones. 

With the positive feedback on the weekly newsletter, we continued to use this to provide weekly information. For those unable to attend the Sunday morning service we have continued to stream this to our Youtube channel, and post and edited version on Youtube and linked to Facebook. 

## **Partners** 

It was a pleasure to see folk return after feeling unable to attend during Covid 

We have had two partners not attending throughout the year.  Sadly, last year and recently, two long-standing partners, Dorothy Matthews and Wally McWilliams passed away. 

Some folk have also suffered ill health and are not able to travel to church. 

We welcomed Steve & Cheryl Collins as partners along with Paul & Janet Johnson, who had already joined but we had to defer the formal welcome. 

Although there have been changes in partners the actual number, as of 1[st] February 2023, remains the same as last year. 

||2022|2023|
|---|---|---|
|Active members|32|32|
|Emeritus(Those housebound)|4|4|



## **Leadership Group** 

Regular monthly meetings have been held to discuss the practical and spiritual needs of the fellowship. The group is functioning with the minimum number of trustees (3). 

Thoughts around this will be presented as a separate agenda item. 

## **Land Holding Trustee** 

We are grateful to Adrian Scott who agreed to take on this role. We now have 4 Land Holding Trustees, one above the minimum requirement. 

## **Children’s and Youth Work** 

Despite exhaustive networking, advice, and advertising we were unable to attract any interest in a two-year position. To resource Kids Church we subscribed to ‘Superbook’ and purchased a wi-fi extender to access this online. We are thankful for the team of leaders that cover Kids Church on a Sunday morning. 

## **Submissions, reports, and policies** 

- Charity Commission yearly report submitted. 

- CCLI reports submitted on an on-going basis by Rachel Potts. 

## **Internet** 

The website, YouTube, and Facebook accounts continue to be updated and provide useful contact resources. In particular 

- _**YouTube**_ : Our Sunday service has been live streamed using this platform with an edited version held for later viewing. 

- _**Facebook**_ : Links to our recorded service have been posted. During the year Pastor Kahindi also posted some weekly devotionals, which are also saved to our YouTube channel. 

- _**Website:**_ Has proved valuable with some new folk finding our website, making contact, and now attending. 

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## **Estates** 

- Fire alarms and extinguishers, and main boilers have again been tested and serviced. 

- Thanks to Andrew Britton who continues to cover various minor works and ensures the alarm system is frequently tested. Also to Adrian Scott who looks after the central heating settings. 

## **Hire** 

During the year the Monday Slimming World group ceased. This has reduced our income, see treasurer’s report. The Tuesday Group continues. 

## **Insurance** 

We finally received a substantial payment for loss of income due to Covid, noted in the treasurer’s report 

## **Missions** 

We have continued to support various overseas missions work both financially and prayerfully. These are detailed below by our Missions Secretary, David Potts. 

In 2022 we also supported Christmas Child Shoebox appeal, run by Samaritans Purse, through donations totalling £200. 

## **Locally** 

The Pastor has provided a report on the church and spiritual aspects of the fellowship. We have continued to support various missions work both financially and prayerfully. These are detailed below by our Missions Secretary. 

Within the community the building has been hired by Slimming World. As a fellowship our harvest collection supported ‘Feeding Families’ charity. Early in 2022 we re-opened the Computer Café for a trial month. In December the building has been open, once a week on Thursdays, as a ‘Warm Space’ with computers, wi-fi, refreshments, and activities available. 

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**Report written by Karen Kahindi & Bob Woods Based on reports from Smith & Co Accountants, Spennymoor** 

## **TREASURER** 

|**Receipts**|**2021**|**2022**|**Change **|
|---|---|---|---|
|Offerings|39,570|45,688|6,118|
|Hire|3,300|5,025|1,725|
|Donations|1,000||-1,000|
|Gift Aid||4,053|4,053|
|Insurance claim||15,758|15,758|
||**43,870**|**70,524**|26,654|
|||||
|**Payments**|**2021**|**2022**|**Change **|
|Employees|29,436|30,396|960|
|Employees expenses|226|248|22|
|Pension Admin costs|2,120|2,231|111|
|Accountancy|1,452|1,452|0|
|Bank charges||164|164|
|General and Administration|1,672|1,585|-87|
|Housekeeping||600|600|
|Premises|5,830|6,218|389|
|Equipment and worship|209||-209|
|Insurance||1,484|1,484|
|Ministry|435|657|222|
|Missionarysupport|5,260|5,250|-10|
|Donations and Gifts|195||-195|
|Website||71|71|
|Hospitalityand events|135|707|572|
||**46,969**|**51,063**|4,094|
|Surplus/Deficit(-)foryear|**-3,099**|**19,461**|**22,560**|
|||||
|**WVCC- Reserves**|**2021**|**2022**|**Change **|
|Balance b/fwd 1 January|56,419|53,320||
|Add:-Suplus for theyear|-3,099|19,461||
|Total Funds at Bank-31 December|53,320*|72,781||
|||||
|Current Account|56,419|72,781|19,461|
|PCC sale funds|132,080|132,080|0|
|Quilter Cheviot(20th Jan 2023)|119,742|107,756|-11,986|



Charity Number 1052523 Page 4 of 8 



**Notes:** 

## _**2021-22 figures**_ 

Reconciling our accounts with that from the accountant’s report, an administrative error has shown in the starting balance of previous years reflecting in the reported funds available. This has been corrected from 2021 as £50390 to £53320*. 

## _**Ring fenced monies**_ 

We still have ring fenced money, included in the current account: 

Encounter: £922 

Computer Café: £1500. Some of this money could offset associated costs associated with the Computer Café and Warm Space e.g., heating, lighting, internet. 

## _**Gift Aid**_ 

2022 accounts show income from Gift Aid on donations (offerings). Gift Aid on small donations will be received in the 1[st] quarter of 2023 and show in next year’s accounts. 

## _**Hire**_ 

Part way through the year the Monday Slimming World group ceased. This will be a loss of £2860 over a full year 

## _**Bank Accounts**_ 

For various reasons we looked to move our current account away from HSBC. They have also closed their local branch but provide a paying in facility at the post office. We took the decision to remain with HSBC based on: 

- Many banks were not taking on new customers, especially community accounts 

- Many banks now charge for current accounts 

- There is an increasing number of Banks closing their high street branches 

- Banks had a similar stance as HSBC with their inclusivity support 

- Complex administrative work to move accounts, many banks no longer having an onsite business manager 

However, accepting that we will have to pay monthly charges, we are looking to open a savings account, which might require another current account. This is needed to provide a level of security to our reserves, with banks only protecting up to £85k if there was another ‘crash’ or went out of business. 

We are thankful for the faithful support given especially throughout 2022. 

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## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Wear Valley Christian Centre** 

This report is on the accounts for Wear Valley Christian Centre (charity number 1052523) for the year ended 31[st] December 2021. The accounts are set out on the accompanying document. 

## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner** 

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, which have been completed on a _Receipts and Payments_ basis, as allowed by The Charities Act 2011. The gross income of the charity does not exceed £250,000 and therefore, under The Act, only an independent examination is required, not a full audit. 

Accordingly, my examination has included a review of the accounting records of the charity, and a comparison of those records with the evidence presented - (receipts and invoices: all of which were made available to me) – but does not make a determination that they present a “true and fair view”, as to do so would, in law, require a full audit. 

I have acted as treasurer for the Civil Service Sports & Social Club at my workplace, and for my local church for a period of four years up to 2017 and, within the meaning of The Act, am a competent person to conduct this independent examination. 

## **Independent Examiner’s Statement** 

Having examined the accounts, and evidence available, I am satisfied that there is no reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the accounts have been prepared other than in accord with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 

Nor, in my opinion, is there any matter within the accounts to which attention would need to be drawn. 

## **Personal Details of the Independent Examiner** 

Name: Hill Benson Employment: Executive Officer in the Civil Service Address: 19 Langley Grove Bishop Auckland Co Durham DL14 6UJ Date: 23[rd] August 2022 

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**PASTOR Masai Kahindi** 

I still marvel at the fact that five years have passed since I was installed as pastor here at Wear Valley Christian Centre. Friends, the saying is true: “A Day feels like a lifetime, a lifetime feels like a day. And in this case, we can use the same saying for the year 2022, because it went like a flash. But praise God here we are in 2023, and I believe this is a time for all of us to reflect on what God has been doing this past year, and to look forward to what God will continue to do in us and through us as we walk faithfully with Him. 

The Scripture that comes to my mind is First Corinthians chapter 3, where Paul discusses God’s Kingdom building. It reminds me that each of us has had a part in what God has done this past year, and, we have a part to play in what we are trusting God is going to do. Some have planted, some have watered, some have cared for the body of Christ, and God has given in accordance to our labours. And therefore, I sense an obligation today to spend some time, to share with you on two themes. 

First, I want to celebrate the contributions made, and secondly, I want to dream with you about what God has for the future of Wear Valley Christian Centre. Now, I must admit, it isn’t possible to list all the contributions without running at the risk of missing some. And so, I want to try to celebrate those people and ministries who have brought us to where we are today, and of course, I must begin by thanking: 

1. God for all the wonderful resources He has put in our hands. God has been the one that has and will give all the increase. He is all any of us have and He is enough. And so, I thank God for His power and resources. 

2. Our leadership group for their complete dedication to this church. They have given themselves completely for this ministry. To lead us in the fear of the Lord in every way. 

3. Our administrator who is also part of our leadership group for keeping things running in order in our church. I want to thank him for his administration skills that has been outstanding, and we thank God for everything he is doing. He has helped to keep us connected and updated with all the church newsletters. 

4. Our missionary secretary for keeping us updated with what is going on with all our missionaries that we support and with what is going on in the mission field in general around the world, despite his busy schedule due to his demanding work. David has always been dedicated in making our church fully involved in mission work 

5. Our treasurer, for all the hard work she has done, and for both her and our administrator for the challenges they have gone through with the banks trying to sort out the church accounts because of all the changes that have taken place, it is only by God’s grace that we are where we are today. We really appreciate you both. We know as a church we cannot repay you but only God can. 

6. The very special people that maintain things in this building. If anything breaks, or is not working well, and some of us may not even know it, these people are the first ones to notice. These are quiet people, they tend to work alone, and quietly, but their dedication is vital to this church. Thank you for making our church what it is. Be it making just the general things work well, or the electrics so that we don’t feel the cold during winter times. 

7. All our partners, and all who participate in the life of our congregation through your worship attendance, for without you, there would be no Wear Valley Christian Centre really. So, thank you for making this church your home in every way. As a pastor, I feel really blessed to have each one of you in this church. 

8. Those who have been leading us and being a part of the worship group every Sunday. Your commitment to leading us here in this church even when there were only so few of you is beyond what words can express.  Also, those who work on the sound desk and do the laptop so we can follow the songs we sing.   I can only say, may God bless you, and may He grant you all His favour and blessings as you continue to serve Him. 

9. Each one of you who have been serving at the door welcoming people. You have been, and still are the face of our church. And we are all proud of you. And if we are, imagine how proud of you the Lord is in heaven! 

10. All of you who have persevered in seeking to build up the Kids Church. It has not been easy, but with God’s help and with your willingness and dedication all through 2022; We can see the Lord blessing our church with families and more children this year, and as leadership, we are determined to do all that we can this year to see that you get all the support you need in terms of the resources you need in that ministry. 

11. All those who are involved in the evangelism team for making yourselves available every Month to go out into our town, to pray and share the love of Jesus with people fulfilling the Great Commission beginning here in our Jerusalem. We are proud of all of you because you are the heartbeat of our church. 

12. Those who are leading our Bible studies. It has been refreshing to see all of you exercising your God given gifts and talents as you took us through some of the Books of the Bible making them alive to us.  And lastly, but not least. 

13. Those who are leading the ladies and the men’s meetings, providing the forum for us to come together as ladies and as men, enabling us to know each other more, grow together and be inspired in the things of God. Charity Number 1052523 Page 7 of 8 



14. Those involved with the monthly early morning prayer on Saturday, those organising and helping with the Faith suppers, those involved with the warm space initiative, and all involved with the many other things which go on in this church - we love and appreciate you all and pray Gods blessings on you for all you do for His glory. 

## VISION: 

My vision this year focuses on steering our church to be a Church that blesses based on Proverbs 11:25, which is our theme verse this year; “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” (MSG) Now, I believe we all realise that the greatest event this world will ever know is quickly approaching. 

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will bring to a close this world as we know it. And since the speed of this event has accelerated, it so important that we be ready for the world to come. We do this by letting God mould us from within and transform our lives both in our relationship to Him and to others. And so, as “A Church that Blesses,” we want to make this year, and the rest of our lives to reflect the Word of God. And to do that we must do three things: 

1. WE MUST BE SURE OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. 

   - We must love him with all our heart, mind, and strength.” (And the parable of the 10 virgins in the book of Matthew shows us just how important this is, because only 50% of the church was ready when the bridegroom returned). 

2. WE MUST “STUDY THE WORD OF GOD.” 

   - 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 

## 3. WE MUST ENGAGE THE WORD OF GOD IN OUR LIVES. 

James 1:22-25 instructs to “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does. 

This year we want to be real: transferring raw energy and resources into real action and focused (intentional) activity. This means that we let the Word of God transform us in relationship to Him, in speech and conduct. We need to reject the morals of the world and embrace God’s love for us. 

We must reach out beyond our group of believers and make disciples and teach them to be productive followers of Jesus Christ. We are beginning to do this. However, we have much work to do. 

I have goals for this church year. However, today I share only one with you. The goal is LIVING THE WORD OF GOD. If we will put into practice living God’s Word, we will see God giving the increase. When we rise in the morning, live the Word of God. When we go to work, live the Word of God. 

When we are at Church, live the Word of God. When we are with family, live the Word of God, when we are shopping or whatever we are doing live the Word of God. If we accomplish this goal, then we will be a healthy growing New Testament Church, and in turn, we will be a blessing in so many ways, more than we can ever imagine for we are letters, that are being read by people wherever we go. 

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