HOPE CHURCH (UK) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered Charity number: 1052769
HOPE CHURCH (UK) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 CONTENTS Pages Administrative infomation Trustees, report including statement of Trustees, responsibilities Report of the independent examiner Statement of financial activities Balance sheet 10 Notes to the financial statements
HOPE CHURCH IUK) ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees: Pastor Simon Smailus - Chairperson Mr Alan Jones - Treasurer Miss Elizabeth Ball Pastor John Pri Pastor David McKeown Address: Hope Church Marsh Lane Stone Cross West Bromwich West Midlands B712DR Bankers: HSBC UK 328 High Street West Bromwich West Midlands B70 8DJ Kingdom Bank Media House Padge Road Beeston Nottingham NG9 2RS Accountants: MTS Accountancy Services Limited Kenant Chambers 2 Bath Avenue Wolverhampton West Midlands INV14EQ Registered Charity number.. 1052769 Enquiries Hope Church Marsh Lane Stone Cross West Bromwich West Midlands B712DR Page 1
HOPE CHURCH (UK) TRUSTEES. REPORT INTRODUCTION The Trustees submit their annual report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP} Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The charity registered as a charity with the Charity Commission in England and Wales on 24 June 1979 and is governed by a Trust Deed dated 19 July 1993 last amended on 10 February 2013. The charity is managed by its Board of Trustees. The Trustees who served on the board during the year were as follows: Pastor Simon Smailus - Chairperson Mr Alan Jones - Treasurer Miss Elizabeth Ball Pastor John Price Pastor David McKeown The charity aims to identify and train new Trustees as and when they become aware of individuals who are willing and available. and most importantly whose values align with the charity's objectives, where it is perceived that an additional Trustee is required. OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES The objectives of the charity are: 1. The advancement of the Christian religion by the proclamation and furtherance of the Gospel of God, concerning His Son Jesus Christ The Lord, and the preaching and teaching of the Word of God in accordance with the statement of Fundamental Truths of The Assemblies of God in Great Britain and Ireland ('The Statemenf,), as approved by the General Council from time to time. Such other charitable purposes as shall further the attainment of the objectives of the charity. 3. The furtherance of other charitable work that is consistent with The Statement. 4. The furtherance of the work of the Assemblies of God in Great Britain and Ireland ("AOG°}, and the promotion of the spiritual teaching and religious obSerVanS that manifest in The Statement. Page 2
HOPE CHURCH (UK) TRUSTEES, REPORT (Continued) OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL ACTNITIES (continued) The charity's principal activities comprise-. 1. The operation of the church from its premises in Marsh Lane, West Bromwich, including the provision of the Sunday, mid-week services and other services arranged from time to time. 2. The operation of a weekly Parent and Toddler group. and evening sessions for age groups 7 to 11 and 12to16. 3. The provision of Easter, Harvest Festival and Christmas services, and Christmas Carol services. 4. The provision ofa Christmas Grotto at a low cost, to help ensure that all children getto celebrate Christmas; 5. Life Groups have been established in several homes where church members can meet in smaller groups and invite friends and neighbours to an informal time together to support and encourage one another. 6. Outreach to the people within the church's catchment area. especially those who attend the church for various activities. REVIEW OF THE YEAR'S ACTIVITIES Hope Church experienced a yearof resilience and significant achievements across various departments in 2024, despite challenges such as the Pastovs illness and a decrease in demand for some children's groups. The Trustees, the Core leadership team, volunteers and all the church family provided tremendous support to ensure delivery of all charitable objectives listed above. This was done in unity, with love and prayerfully as demonstrated in the great success of the new initiative of Summer in the Psalms. Building maintenance is key to the smooth operation of the church and this year saw major repairs to our heating and electrical systems. Cleanup days by church member also ensured that the building remained in great operational state. During 2024 Hope Church continued to support its missionaries and increased its financial support to its existing missionaries in Spain, Macedonia, United Kingdom and in persecuted nations. No new personnel or causes were added to the list. Among other missionary work, our missionaries impacted positively the lives of people within their communities through distribution of food parcels, meals, scholarships, outreaches, sports activities, high standard and practical Christian vocalional and faith- based training, conferences and Sunday church services. All missionaries expressed gratitude for both monetary gifts and prayer support. Our Children's ministry is available to our schools, community and also to children who attend the church. A new initiative for an Open Day was carried out in October 2024 and was very well attended by local organisations, charities, businesses, and the community- This was followed by the fabulous Christmas Santa Grotto event which was also well attended by community families and supported by a fantastic team of helpers trom Hope Ghurcfi. Page 3
HOPE CHURCH (UK) TRUSTEES, REPORT (Continued) REVIEW OF THE YEAR'S ACTIVITIES (continued) We also had a number of school classes attend the church from a local school as part of their religious education studies which provides help to our local community. Hope kids continued its 30-year legacy as a weekly outreach club, providing songs, stories, games, and fun to around 15 children weekly. It continued to show Jesus to children, many of whom receive no other Christian input. The program included sports evenings, craft evenings, and end-of-term parties. Youngerjunior leaders also served, contributing to their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Junior Church sessions during tem times sucSsfUllY followed Chronological Bible Storying and then launched "FOUNDATIONS, a 52-Week Chronological Bible Curriculum for Kids" in September 2024. The program was supported by a dedicated team of 15 volunteers. Hope Toddlers, weekly outreach club for parents and preschoolers continued until November 2024, despite declining attendance, demonstrating commitment until new toddlers were no longer attending. Our pastoral care team do a tremendous work in the community visiting the elderly and infirm and providing support to vulnerable adults. Prayer and worship teams continued to serve and edify the church with more involvement of young people leading worship and an increase in prayer sessions both online and face to face. Through Prayer and worship the congregation's spiritual and physical needs are met as evidenced by testimonies shared throughout the year. In addition to the above activities, the church serViS and operational activities depended on the volunteering from its wider membership from various departments like Core leadership, Stewardship, Children, Worship, Cleaning, Health & Safety and Catering teams to ensure smooth running of its core objectives and activities. In 2024, there were various opportunities for its members to socialize and fellowship together outside nomial church services e.g. men's meals, family meals, women's meals and weekly tealcoffee sessions after the service. The Trustees would like to thank everyone who has taken part in serving at Hope Church in any capacity throughout 2024 especially in the midst of Pastoral challenges due to illness. Thank you for your love, prayers, dedication, resilience and passion to seeing the advancement of the Kingdom of God in our church and community. You are amazing. FINANCIAL REVIEW The results for the year and financial position of the Charity are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 9 and Balance Sheet on page 10. Income for the year to 31 December 2024 was £123,271 (2023: £101,015) and expenditure was £90,105 (2023: £94,706} giving a surplus for this period of £33,166 (2023.. £6,309). Total Balance Sheet reserves as at 31 December 2024 are £1,033,180 (2023: £1,000,014) of which £945,000 (2023.. £945,000) is attributed to Fixed Assets {Church building) while the remainder of £88,180 (2023.. £55,014} is unrestricted general reserves. The Church's funding mainly comes from gifts and donations made by the church members together with the associated Gift Aid thereon. Grants received from time to time also assist with church activities. There were no new grants received in 2024. The increase in congregants who pay by regular standing Orders and those who gift aid their offering has resulted in increased and more stable income for the church. Pa8¢ 4
HOPE CHURCH (UK) TRUSTEES, REPORT (Continued) PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS The Trustees intend to continue with its operation of a church from its premises in Marsh Lane, West Bromwich providing Sunday and midweek services. It is intended that we continue with the other groups and activities detailed in our principal activities above. Hope Church plans to re-introduce the Youth Service which was discontinued in 2023 due to lack of leading volunteers. We also look to introducing small groups for greater support and deeper personal relationships within our congregation. The key uncertainty facing the Charity to provide all its activities is dependent upon.. 1. the financial support through tithes and offerings of the congregations and membership. 2. the goodwill and volunteering of the membership to assist in the running of the activities- and 3. the continued provision of new members from our spiritual outreach. PUBLIC BENEFIT The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidan contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefitwhen reviewing the Chanty's aims and objectives and in planning future activities and setbng the grant making policy for the year. Page 5
HOPE CHURCH (UK) TRUSTEES, REPORT (Continued) RESERVES POLICY The Trustees have continued to review and keep general reserves at levels that allow for unexpected andlor unforeseen events but also explore to reinvest into church and outreach activities when we hold substantial unrestricted reserves Restricted reserves are held when not all monies received for specified purposes have been paid out at the end of the year. This year, the restricted reserves represent the Fixed Assets.. The Trustees have reviewed the major risks associated with the charitable activities of the Church and have taken steps to mitigate against those risks. At the signing of 2024 accounts, the Trustees are reasonably confident that the Church is a going concern and that it has sufficient funds to meet its commitments as they fall due without compromising its reserves policy. However, they also recognise that they need to continue to maintain the financial stability of the Church, due to the unpredictable nature of offerings and donations which are the main Sour income against potential church building repairs that may owur from time to time. TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to Charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of the resources of the Charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS 102) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. act in accordance with the rules of the Charity, the Charity Commission and the Trust Deed. state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures discussed and explained in the financial statements. prepare financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial ststements comply with the Charities Act 2011. the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Page 6
HOPE CHURCH (UK) TRUSTEES, REPORT (Continued) STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO INDEPENDENT EXAMINER We, the Trustees of the Charity who held Offi at the date of approval of these financial statements, as set out above, each confirm so far as we are aware, thatr. there is no relevant infomats'on of which the Charitys Independent Examiner is unaware" and we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken as Trustees in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant infomation and to estsblish that the Charity's Independent Examiner is aware of that infonnation. App ved by the Trustees on 21 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by.. Pastor Simon Smailus Trustee Page 7
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOPE CHURCH (UK) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOPE CHURCH (UK) I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 14. RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF THE REPORT As the Charity's Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT I have completed my examination. I 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., or (2) the accounts do not accord with these records" or 13) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fom and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no 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. Matthew Slater FMAAT MTS Accountancy Services Limited Kenant Chambers 2 Bath Avenue Wolverhampton West Midlands WV14EQ Date: 21 October 2025 Page 8
HOPE CHURCH (UK) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Fncluding summary of income and expenditure account) AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Restricted Unrestricted funds fund 2024 Restricted Unrestricted Total fund fund 2023 Total Income Donations Tithes and offerings Gift Aid Income from departments Investments Interest received 107.399 15,407 465 107,399 15,407 465 84,939 12.222 506 84,939 12,222 3.730 3,224 124 124 Total income 123.271 123.271 3.224 97,791 101.015 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (note 2) 90.105 90,105 11,219 83,487 94,706 Total expenditure 90,105 90,105 11.219 83.487 94,706 Net surplus l (deficit) before gains and (losses) on revaluations in the year 33.166 33.166 (7.995) 14,304 6,309 Net gain on revaluation of tangible fixed assets 945.000 945.000 Net surplusl(deficit) after gains and (losses) on revaluations in the year 33,166 33.166 (7.995) 959.304 951,309 Total funds brought forward at 1 January 2024 1.000,014 1,000.014 7.995 40,710 48,705 Transfer Between funds 945.000 (945.0(Kl) Total funds carried fOard at 31 December 2024 945.000 88,180 1,033,180 1.000.014 1,000,014 Al gains and losses recognised iri the year are induded above. These unaudtted financial statements have been subject to Independent Examination. See rewrt on page 8. not•• on pages 11 to 14 form part of lh• financial ststements. Page 9
HOPE CHURCH IUK) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 945,000 945. 000 TOTAL FIXED ASSETS 945,000 945, 000 CURRENT ASSETS Prepayments Cash at bank and in hand 143 90,663 90,806 56,124 56,124 CURRENT LIABILITIES: Creditors Accruals (158) 2,468 (2,626) (150) 960 (1, 110) NET CURRENT ASSETS 88,180 54,014 NET ASSETS 1,033,180 1,000,014 CHARITY RESERVES Unrestricted Funds 88,180 55,014 Restricted Funds 945.000 945, 000 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 1.033,180 1,000,014 These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 21 October 2025. Signed on behalf of the board of Trustees.. Pastor Si on Smallus - Chairperson lan Jones - Treasurer These unaudited financial statements have been subject to independent examination. See report on page 7. The notes on page3 11 to 14 fortn part of the financial 5tatement5. Pa9e 10
HOPE CHURCH (UK) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES a. Charity status The charity is a constituted under a Trust Deed in the United Kingdom and registered with the Charity Commission in England. The address of the principal offfice is given in the Charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the Charity's operation and principal activities are given on pages 2 and 3. b. Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities" as applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 {FRS 102) applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold propety. The Trust, as a small charity, is exempt from the requirements to prepare a Statement of Cash flows. The presentation currency of the financial statements is the pound sterling (£). The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. c. Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objective of the Charity and which have not been designed for other purposes. Restricted funds are amounts which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors, or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes and are not available for any other purpose. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against each specific fund. The aim of each restricted fund is given in Note 6 to the financial 5tstements. d. Income recognition All income is included in the SOFA when the Charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met., the amountcan be quantified with reasonable accuracy,. and it is probable that the income will be received. Expenditure recognition All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties. it is probable that settlement wlll be required antj the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Page11
HOPE CHURCH (UK) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) f. Tangible fixed assets Freehold property is stated at its value for continuing use. It is not depreciated as it is maintained to a good standard by the Trustees. and is considered to be a permanent endowment of the chsrity. Other tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impaimient losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuats'on of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following basis- Fixtures and fittings offi equipment 5 years on a straight line basis 4 years on a straight line basis g. Debtors and creditors receivable I payable within one year Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and re[Vable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impaimient are recognised in expenditure. h. Tax The Charity is exempt from taxation under seckn'on 506{1) of the Taxes Act 1988 on the basis that the fund is recognised as a Charity by the Inland Revenue. 2 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTMTIES Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total 2024 2023 Staff costs (see note 3) Utility bills Ministry Insurance Donations to AOG Telephone Building repairs maintenance Equipment hire IT costs Printing, stationery & advertising Sundry expenses Department explgrant Children Bank charges Professional fees Depreciation 34.730 6.322 26.433 1.869 34,730 6.322 26,433 1,869 31.797 6.642 29,410 1,669 2,419 390 368 9.168 9.168 7.253 509 3,012 3,646 3.646 248 248 1.396 448 1.850 6.039 1.029 168 1.711 360 1.396 671 179 2.431 671 179 2,431 90.105 90,105 Of the £94.706 total expenditure in 2023, £11,219 was restricted. Page 12 94.706
HOPE CHURCH (UK) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 3 STAFF COSTS AND TRUSTEES REMUNERATION 2024 2023 Salaries and NIC Pension costs 33,198 1.532 30,420 1.377 34,730 31,797 Staff costs represent the salary and pension costs of a trustee, who is paid for his role as a Pastor, not for his servi$ as a trustee, which are provided free of charge. The Charity also paid a total of £4,076 towards his accommodation costs. These costs are included in Ministry Expenses. The average number of staff employed during the year was 3 (2023.. 3 staff) Trustee Remuneration During the year Trustees were reimbursed £7 (2023.. £Nil) for out-of-pocket expenses. 4 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold Property Plant & machinery Totsl Cost or valuation At 1 January 2024 Revaluation Addition 945,000 7.713 952,713 At 31 December 2024 945.000 7,713 952,713 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the year 7.713 7,353 At 31 December 2024 7,713 7,713 Net book value 31 December 2024 945,000 945,000 31 Dember 2023 945,000 945,000 Page13
HOPE CHURCH (UK) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 5 STATEMENT OF FUNDS At 1 January 2024 Transfer Between Funds At 31 December 2024 Income Expenditure Unrestricted fund 1.000,014 123.271 (90,105) (945,000> 88,180 Restricted fund 945,000 945,000 Total funds 1,000.014 123,268 (90.105) 1,033,180 The Restricted Funds figure of £945.000 is attributed to Fixed Assets- Buildings. 6 RESTRICTED FUNDS No restricted funds received or spent in 2024. Page 14