New Life Christian Fellowship
Report and Accounts
15 month period ended 30 June 2025
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE 35 Northbrooks Harlow CM19 4DB GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution and Trust Deed dated 4 August 2006 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1054354 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Patricia Hanrahan MANAGING THE CHARITY Nigel Joda Christopher Scott BANKERS National Westminster Bank plc Kingdom Bank Limited INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Jaimée Young Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal and Administrative Details Pages 2-4 Trustees' Report Page 5 Independent Examiner's Report Page 6 Receipts and Payments Account Page 7 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 8-9 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
(Opera'ng as the Bridge Church, Harlow)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
For the extended year end 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in submi>ng the Report and Accounts for the period end.
OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY
The Church exists to meet the following objec'ves:
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To advance the Chris'an 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 'me to 'me may think fit.
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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 thinks fit.
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To advance educa'on in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from 'me to 'me may think fit.
New Life Chris'an Fellowship (opera'ng as The Bridge Church, Harlow), its trustees and members are commiRed to live as a community of people, who firstly love and serve Christ, secondly love and serve one another, and then also seek to love and serve their community.
GOVERNANCE
The Trustees are responsible for the policy decisions and oversight of the charity’s activities. Trustees met regularly during the period to monitor ministry, finances, and governance matters. New trustees are appointed by the current board.
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES (2024–25)
In planning the activities, the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
During this final operating period, the church has continued to experience steady growth in community engagement and outreach. The sense of belonging and fellowship within the church family has remained strong. We give thanks to God for several new families who have joined us and become a valued part of our church community.
Our community initiatives have continued to flourish, including:
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The Saturday Breakfast Café – a welcoming space for families and individuals.
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Fridge@theBridge – a midweek food redistribution project supporting those in need.
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Life-Link Groups and Family Events – offering connection, discipleship, and community.
We are grateful to local partners such as the Co-Op, local schools, and the local authority, whose collaboration has helped us extend our reach and effectiveness.
We also gratefully acknowledge three grants totalling £5,500 were received Essex County Council , which supported our community work. We thank God for this timely provision.
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Nigel Joda continues to oversee the Harlow location, supported by a faithful and passionate team. We express deep thanks to all who serve so consistently in ministry and hospitality. FINANCE
Please Note: The accounts for 2024-5 are for an extended period of 15 months ending 30[th ] June 2025, rather the regular 12 months. This extension was necessary for us to enable the charity to synchronise the transfer of this charity together with the Bridge Church Woodford into a new CIO called Bridge Church Ministries (Charity No. 1211351) – Income and expenditure levels will therefore be considerably increased on previous years because of the extended period.
This final report covers an extended 15-month period due to the transition into the CIO.
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Opening reserves (carried forward from 2023-24): £32k
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£22k in the current account
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£10k in a deposit account
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Total Income (15 months): £63k
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Total Expenditure (15 months): £69k
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Deficit: £6k
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Closing balance as of 30 June 2025: £26k
It should be noted that £10k was gifted to the new CIO, Bridge Church Ministries (Charity No. 1211351) , prior to the closure of this charity, in anticipation of the transition. This was an intentional step to ensure continuity of ministry and resourcing for the newly incorporated organisation.
Despite the deficit, we have remained solvent throughout, and the Trustees are thankful to all those who have given faithfully during this period.
TRANSITION AND WINDING UP
As of 1 July 2025, all remaining assets, liabilities, and ministry operations of New Life Christian Fellowship (operating as The Bridge Church, Harlow) have been formally transferred to the new CIO: Bridge Church Ministries (Charity No. 1211351) .
This transition represents a significant and positive step in the ongoing development of the church's structure and mission. The CIO framework offers enhanced stability and governance for the future.
MINISTRY AND CHURCH LIFE
We have continued to gather regularly for Sunday worship and midweek ministry. It has been a joy to see people come to faith in Christ and to walk alongside others growing in discipleship.
The core community projects—particularly Fridge@theBridge , Saturday Café , and Craft Mornings —have been a consistent point of contact with our local area.
TRUSTEES
During the period, the Trustees met on several occasions, including a final AGM held on 24 November 2024 .
Special thanks are due to Nigel Joda and Pat Hanrahan , for their leadership and support and to Dawn Say , for overseeing the finances with diligence and commitment. We are also grateful to our associate church family in Woodford for their continued support—especially in financial and administrative matters.
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Trustees’ Responsibilities
As Trustees, we have ensured that proper accounting records have been maintained and that the charity’s financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. We have taken reasonable steps to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Date: Oct 10, 2025
Chris Scott
Chris Scott (Oct 10, 2025 15:10:56 GMT+1)
Rev. Christopher Scott
Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of New Life Christian Fellowship ('the charity') for the 15 month period ended 30 June 2025 on pages 6 to 9 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 2011 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 accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J. Young
J. Young (Oct 13, 2025 08:43:27 GMT+1)
Jaimée Young
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Oct 13, 2025
Page 5
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| Notes Income receipts Donations Gift aid receipts Other grants 5 Income from lettings Charitable activities Interest and other income Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds 6 Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Mortgage repayments |
General Designated Funds Funds £ £ 24,766 - 4,053 - - - 27,100 - 440 - 244 - 56,602 - 40,657 - 13,536 - 54,193 - 9,154 - 9,154 - 63,346 - (6,745) - (249) - (6,993) - 31,207 - 24,214 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ 214 - 5,500 - 752 - 6,466 5,118 400 5,518 - - 5,518 948 249 1,196 1,163 2,359 |
15 months to 30Jun2025 £ 24,980 4,053 5,500 27,100 1,192 244 63,068 45,775 13,936 59,711 9,154 9,154 68,865 (5,797) - (5,797) 32,370 26,573 |
Year to 31Mar2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Funds £ 24,766 4,053 - 27,100 440 244 56,602 40,657 13,536 54,193 9,154 9,154 63,346 (6,745) (249) (6,993) 31,207 24,214 |
|||||
| 18,359 4,491 - 20,682 849 163 |
|||||
| 44,544 | |||||
| 32,405 2,889 |
|||||
| 35,294 | |||||
| 7,186 | |||||
| 7,186 | |||||
| 42,480 | |||||
| 2,064 - |
|||||
| 2,064 30,306 |
|||||
| 32,370 |
The notes on pages 8-9 form part of these accounts.
Page 6
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Notice deposits Petty cash B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity C Liabilities Falling due within one year: Mortgage Deposit held for hire of premises Fee for Independent Examination Falling due after one year: Mortgage Total |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 24,202 - - - 12 - 24,214 - 540 - 540 - 9,154 - 340 - 1,080 - 10,574 - 92,548 - 92,548 - 103,121 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 2,359 - - 2,359 - - - - - - - - - |
15 months to 30Jun2025 £ 26,561 - 12 26,573 540 540 9,154 340 1,080 10,574 92,548 92,548 103,121 |
Year to 31Mar2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22,219 10,109 42 |
||||
| 32,370 | ||||
| 473 | ||||
| 473 | ||||
| 7,186 340 900 |
||||
| 8,426 86,834 |
||||
| 86,834 | ||||
| 95,260 |
The mortgage is repayable in monthly instalments and is secured against the church property. The mortgage is repayable in full by 31/03/2052.
| D Assets retained for charity's own use Church buildings Contents and equipment |
Value 30Jun2025 £ - 54,821 54,821 |
Value 31Mar2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
| - 84,441 |
||
| 84,441 |
The trustees have used insurance values for contents and equipment as the trustees are unable to reliably estimate current values; insurance values may differ materially from current values.
Current values have not been quoted for the church buildings because reliable valuations are not available and disclosure is not mandatory.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
by Chris Scott date Chris Scott (Oct 10, 2025 15:10:56 GMT+1) Oct 10, 2025 _____Christopher Scott _____
The notes on pages 8-9 form part of these accounts.
Page 7
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Maintenance of buildings & equipment Utilities Administration and support Church activities and events Insurance Independent examination Ministry Gifts Subscriptions and professional fees 3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Bridge Church Ministries Organisations < £1,000 Individuals |
Unrestrict | Designated funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - ed Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - - - 5,118 - - - - 5,118 - 400 - 400 |
15 months to 30Jun2025 £ 10,165 7,910 4,210 17,247 2,272 900 1,911 1,160 45,775 10,299 1,397 2,240 13,936 |
Year to 31Mar2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 10,165 7,910 4,210 12,129 2,272 900 1,911 1,160 40,657 10,299 997 2,240 13,536 |
||||||
| 10,483 7,806 2,699 6,378 1,762 864 338 2,075 |
||||||
| 32,405 | ||||||
| - 861 2,028 |
||||||
| 2,889 |
Transactions with related parties
No payments were made to trustees or persons related to them, except for reimbursement of expenses paid out on behalf of the charity.
5 Acting as agent
During the year, the charity received a gift of money on behalf of a church member from a known donor. This income was received as agent; the receipt totalling £100, and the subsequent payment, are excluded from the Receipts and Payments account.
Page 8
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| 6 Movement of funds General funds Restricted funds Food support grants Fridge @ the Bridge Fund Special offerings Total funds |
Opening balance £ 31,207 31,207 - 1,163 - 1,163 32,370 |
Receipts £ 56,602 56,602 5,500 752 214 6,466 63,068 |
Payments £ (63,346) (63,346) (4,533) (585) (400) (5,518) (68,865) |
Transfers £ (249) (249) - - 249 249 - |
Closing balance £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24,214 | |||||
| 24,214 | |||||
| 967 1,329 63 |
|||||
| 2,359 | |||||
| 26,573 |
The Food support grants were provided by Essex County Council for the provision of food for families with children and for individuals who are most in need.
Fridge @ the Bridge is a church-run activity to support a community foodbank and drop-in café. Donations are given to support this work.
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