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2022-12-31-accounts

Lumley Evangelical Church

Annual Report 2022

Our Mission Statement is:

Yet again, the sense of fellowship, of support, help and encouragement has been very much in evidence.

We note with sadness that another much loved member of the fellowship passed away in the early part of the year.

We have maintained our focus on the persecuted church and dedicated a Sunday to provide information about the places where it is hardest to be a Christian and to pray for those persecuted for their faith.

It was good to welcome the Platform 67 representative once more and to hear first hand of the work undertaken by this organisation which the church supports financially.

  1. The mid-week meetings for prayer and Bible study have been a source of help and encouragement. Of particular benefit was the “The Bible Course” produced by The Bible Society.

  2. Family Services have been well supported from March when it was possible to meet faceto-face again. After the summer break there was an enthusiastic return, with some families coming regularly each month, engaging with the service and taking a real interest in the message. The Christmas Family Service was particularly well attended and a number of families came to the Carol Service.

  3. Coffee Morning has continued to go well with folk enjoying being able to return to meeting around the table each fortnight from the beginning of March. There has been a consistent number of people attending with a few new faces towards the end of the year. There is an atmosphere of friendliness with good relationships established. The “Thought for the Day” has been well received and there have been meaningful conversations around the tables.

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  1. KidZone began the year on Zoom quite successfully, but it was good to be back in church from the beginning of March. The children engaged enthusiastically with the singing, with the teaching for each topic taught and with the activities to follow up. During the Autumn Term there was quite a significant increase in the number of children attending each week, with more children at the lower end of the age range. Having another church member joining the team has been a great help, now making a team of five. There are currently 40 children on role and good relationships are being developed with parents.

  2. As in previous years, a ‘Light Party’ was held in early November with a range of crafts and activities to celebrate ‘Jesus the Light of the World’. Once again it was of great benefit to welcome some extra volunteer helpers for the evening.

  3. As an alternative to a Christmas party, the final KidZone session took the form of a craft evening which was greatly enjoyed by all. With extra volunteer helpers, the children were able to move round various craft stations and take home many finished items.

  4. YZone met fortnightly on Zoom at the start of the year and then moved back into church from March. The regular group of 6 young people enjoyed all the activities, fun and food and engaged more readily in discussion and teaching from the Bible.

  5. Being greatly moved by the plight of the Ukrainians, they wanted to help in some way. They organised a very successful, well attended coffee morning in church, raising very nearly £600 which went to the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital being set up in western Ukraine.

  6. In the Autumn, 2 of the regular 6 young people felt unable to continue to come to YZone due to increased demands of homework. Whilst we understand the reasons, there is still a sense of disappointment but we have maintained contact with them. From time to time there have been other young people who have popped into church when they have noticed the lights on. Some interesting conversations have been possible but with the very different needs of the two groups, it has been difficult to accommodate those needs in the same meeting. On several occasions YZone has taken place in a home so that the needs of the regular 4 young people could be better met.

  7. Tiny Church began the New Year with a growing number of pre-school children on role, and this number continued to grow throughout the year. In April we celebrated ten years of Tiny Church and the team looked back with gratitude to God. During the summer term, Tiny Church alternated between being in the church building and the park. In July we said goodbye to the children transitioning to school and it has been encouraging to welcome most of them into KidZone, thus maintaining contact with the children and their families. From September Tiny Church was again held weekly in the church building where it continues to be enjoyed by the children and very much appreciated by parents and carers. In November, being mindful of financial pressures for families, a ‘Toy Exchange’ was organised. This was an evening event with refreshments, and those who attended found it to be really enjoyable as well as being of practical help. We have been asked to organise similar gatherings in the New Year, to provide opportunity for parents and carers to meet without children. Tiny Church finished the year with a ‘Pop-up’ Nativity, which was well attended and well received.

  8. The Sew and Grow group met fortnightly throughout the year and have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to share fellowship and Bible study as well as developing skills. Many useful items have been created, for personal use and to be packed in Shoe Boxes. New members have been added to the group during the year. Bible studies have been on the life of Jesus.

  9. The target of filling 100 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child was successfully achieved once again. A Saturday in November was set aside and families were invited to help pack the shoe boxes. Some of the boxes were also packed by the young people of YZone. As in

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previous years, we were a “drop off point” for shoe boxes during OCC collection week which was convenient for a number of individuals and groups in the locality.

  1. There was a very warm welcome from Lumley Junior School in July when the Leaver’s Assembly was taken and the “Moving On” booklets were given out. During the Autumn, it was possible to resume taking assemblies with the whole school and it is anticipated that this will continue. We were contacted by Lumley Infant School with a view to us taking regular assemblies in the New Year.

  2. Although there was an uncertain start to 2022, things gradually settled down and a much more normal range of activities was possible. There were still significant levels of anxiety felt by some but over the year greater confidence has allowed a more relaxed sense in all areas of the church’s ministry. Despite the fellowship being small and there being some further shrinkage of numbers meeting for Sunday morning worship, there have been many encouragements, with healthy support for all activities and increased numbers in several groups.

  3. Whilst many of the immediate concerns over the Covid pandemic receded during 2022, there were many more issues creating difficulties and causing alarm, both at home and across the globe, with war, political turbulence, an energy crisis and financial distress. In the midst of all this upheaval and uncertainty, we reaffirm our commitment to the Bible as the inspired Word of God, which gives us the basis for our belief and conduct.

  4. Enquiries into the possibility of engaging a youth worker were not productive and no new lines of enquiry have, as yet, become apparent. Whereas the appointment of a Pastor (or a youth worker) would be of great benefit, the fellowship needs mature believers to help share the load and to ensure the future viability of the church.

  5. An approach was made to a larger, local church, and there was a helpful exchange of perceived needs and perspectives. The approach was made first to the Pastor and then to a wider leadership group who were encouraging and understanding of our needs. It was not immediately obvious how they could help but it was agreed that as we continued to pray, they would pray about our circumstances and present to their congregation the situation in Lumley. Several months have passed and there has been no news of any possible overlap of their circumstances and ours. It continues to be the case that we want to know God’s will and purpose for the fellowship now and for the future.

Finance

  1. A Financial Report and Statement of Accounts for 2022 is included in this document. The Charity has a sound financial position and there are no concerns about unforeseen risks to the Charity’s funds. The Charity’s bank has not notified us of their intention to withdraw any of their services.

  2. A 2023 Budget Statement and report is also included for adoption. The Budget continues to support a wide range of missionary outreach through donations, investment in the outreach to the adults and children of the community and maintaining the ongoing spiritual and practical support to the members of the Church.

  3. Although there was no new works carried out during the year, there were concerns about the condition of the perimeter wall bordering Scorers Lane. Bradley Hall Chartered Surveyors were engaged to inspect the wall and report on its condition. The report indicated that there is a lean to the wall but there were no signs of substantial cracking to indicate that it is unstable. It was recommended that the condition of the wall should be monitored. The survey also indicated that the wall to the north of the property is in a poor state of repair.

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  1. Once again, The Lumley Hospital Charity made a generous donation towards the work of the fellowship in the community, and in particular the work among the children.

Looking forward - 2023

  1. The new year has begun without any restrictions or interruptions to normal services and as the work continues, we seek to be faithful to God, looking to Him, seeking His will, His direction and His blessing on all aspects of the ministry of the Church.

  2. We thank God, for the strong sense of fellowship and caring in the church. Throughout another difficult year the church has pulled together to offer support, to meet needs and to encourage one another. Despite advancing years and a limited number of helpers for each activity, there is a positive attitude and a willingness to serve God. The developing relationships within the different activities of church and the openness to consider matters of faith are encouraging. The work will continue, as God gives us strength, and we will persevere with anticipation, eager to see how God unfolds His plans for the church.

  3. It is hoped that it will be viable to run the “Christianity Explored” course this year and that it will prove to be the next logical step for those who have shown an interest in matters of faith. We pray that the interest in learning more of the Christian faith will be significant, and ongoing.

  4. We will continue, through the various activities of the church, to reach out into the community and share the message of faith in God and sins forgiven through Jesus Christ. It is our sincere prayer that, as we serve the community and share the good news of Jesus Christ, witnessing to the difference that faith makes, there will be those who embark on their own journey of faith.

  5. The pace of change in the world shows no signs of slowing and it is perhaps not surprising that there seems little hope of stability and certainty. There continue to be many challenges; to keep ourselves secure in the faith and to share that faith in a meaningful and relevant way. Whereas all around is shifting and uncertain, we bear witness to God’s steadfastness, trustworthiness and unchanging nature. Whilst there are many directions to look for help, we lift up our eyes … knowing that our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121 v 1 & 2

25. Conclusion and Appreciation

LEC Church Council February 2023

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FINANCIAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022

Introduction

  1. The annual Statement of Account is attached for year ended 31[st] December 2022.

Decisions

  1. The AGM is asked to:

  2. Receive the report and Statement of Accounts for 2022.

  3. To note the annual missionary giving of £10,230 for 2023.

Summary

  1. The outcome for the year is a surplus of £4,291 against a budgeted surplus of £4630. Events which particularly influenced the budget this year were the sale of the minibus and additional giving in respect of specific needs during the year.

  2. Overall receipts were £2,135 more than budget. Payments were £2,474 more than budget.

  3. As at 31 December, reserves totalled £105,745 .

Details

Receipts

  1. Receipts were more than budget by £2,135. Of this, offerings and donations were higher than budget by £2,213. The increase in the amount of donations during the year was mainly due to the young people’s efforts in raising funds for Ukraine, as well as Church’s offerings in support of this. In addition, the sale of the minibus added to the final total.

  2. Interest on investments continues to be fairly low due to poor interest rates during most of 2022, however they are gradually increasing which should be evident in future years. A delay in receipt of gift aid taxation due to recent changes in HMRC procedures continues to result in a zero figure on the budget in that category. Consequently, this will come into the 2023 receipts and will, therefore, be reflected in the budget figures for 2023.

Payments

  1. Payments were more than the budget by £2,474. The overspend in the Outreach, Ministry and Evangelism category is mainly due to additional giving in regard to particular needs, namely in Ukraine, an appeal from Platform 67 for solar Bibles and floods in Pakistan. Under Administration costs, a new laptop was purchased.

Decisions for 2023

  1. The Church policy is to give 50% of general offerings to missions: for 2023 the sum calculated is £10,230 (rounded up).
Statement of Account for the Year to 31 December 2022
Actual Budget Actual
2022 2022 2021
Receipts £ £ £
Offerings 17633 17500 18468
Donations 2830 750 1850
Gift Aid Tax 0 4000 0
Interest on Investments 242 880 904
Sale of assets & refunds 4560 0 38
25265 23130 21260
Payments
Outreach, Ministry and

 15255 12000 11884
~~E~~
~~li~~
Premises 3356 4000 1818
Administration 2263 2500 2805
Transport 100 0 1033
20974 18500 17540
Surplus/(Deficit) 4291 4630 3720

JI FOLLOWING A REQUEST BY THE CHURCH TREASURER AND MEMBER OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL SHIRLEY OSFIELD I AGREED TO RANtX)MLY CHECK THE CHURCH ACCOUNTS AND REFfJKf ON AREAS CHECKED AND ANY MATERIAL ERRORS OR FINDINGS. I RECONCILED RANDOM FINANCIAL INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY SHIRLEY OSFIELD INCLUDING PAYING IN 8CX)KS. CHECK AND FIECEIPTS. THUS B Y WAY OF SPECIFIC EXAMPLE I EX4MINED RECOIIDS OF OFFERING RECEIPTS AND CONFIRMED THAT THEY CORRESPONDED wrrH MONEY PAID INTO THE BANIC IN THE SAME WAY I CHECKED THAT OTHER PAYMENTS MADE TO THE CHURCH OF WHATEVER NATURE WERE flEc0￿ HAVI￿ BEEN P￿0 Imro THE 8ANIQ AS A RESULT OF MY EXAMINATION OF TrIE B(X)KS OF ACC(JJNr AND wrrHIN THE BRIEF GIVEN TO ME I HAVE FOUND THAT EVERYrH1￿ HAS BEEN ACCUFNTELY RECORDED. PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS cofrmNUE TO BE APPLIED AND THESE HAVE HELPED THE EFFICIENCY OF THIS REVIEW. HEATHER FORTH If. r