ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023
| INDEX TO ACCOUNTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Legal and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees’ Report | 2 - 3 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 4 |
| Receipts and Payments Accounts | 5 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 6 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 7 - 8 |
ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1054416
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023
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Address of Charity
Registered address: 171 Earlham Green Lane Norwich NR5 8RF
Tel: Norwich (01603) 457774
Trustees
Rev P A Venner (Chairman) Mrs J Venner Mr A Kpodo Mrs P Kpodo Mr D Devadoss
Treasurer
Mrs J Venner
Bankers
HSBC 18 London Street Norwich Norfolk NR2 1LG
Reporting Accountants
Adrian Smith Accountants Ltd 61 Freeland Close Thorpe Marriott Norwich Norfolk NR8 6XR
Page 1
ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023
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The trustees submit their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2023.
Constitution and objects
Eternity Christian Centre (also formerly known as Earlham (Norwich) Christian Centre) was founded in 1991, the governing constitution adopted on 29 September 1993 and became registered as a charity on 9 April 1996 (registration number 1054416). The objectives of the charity are as follows:
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(i) The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement and the Articles of belief of the Assemblies of God in Great Britain and Ireland as approved by the General Council from time to time and 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.
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(ii) The furtherance of the other charitable work of the Church consistently with the Doctrines and Articles. 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 councelling and spiritual and emotional support in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time may think fit.
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(iii) 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
The trustees who have served during the year and since the year end are set out on page 1.
Review of activities and results
This year has seen the church growing with many new students, families, and couples joining, and a boost to our number of musicians and members of other important departments.
Our Sunday services are once again. The Sunday worship time continues to be vibrant, engaging and uplifting and is a tremendous part of our church culture.
Our online service has been streamlined to now only include the weekly message in video format. The format is working well and will continue for the foreseeable future.
Connect Groups have continued mostly online, but this is slowly changing. Plans are in place to open more groups in the 2023-2024 year.
Our childrens and Teens work on a Sunday is running very smoothly and is well attended. However the Sunday Creche remains a challenge due to lack of volunteers.
The students continue to thrive as a group, meeting together for socials, prayer, worship and fundraising on their own for various community projects.
So far as monthly income is concerned, there has been an improvement after some challenging messages from the pastors. We have had to dip into our Savings reserves to pay monthly bills. We continue to pray into this and look at ways to encourage the church members to give financially to the ‘store house’.
However we took up our annual ‘Heart for the House’ offering in October 2022 which was very well supported financially. This offering was to fund replacement of the music technical equipment and instruments. We are happy to report that this is in progress and should be completed by summer 2023.
Discipleship School was once again successfully run online and well attended. This popular format will continue.
Page 2
ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023
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The Men’s and Ladies Groups have met numerous times for socials and this has proved as popular as ever. We continue to look for ideas and ways for people to connect in person in a social context.
Our Senior Pastor continues to have a strong influence in many local schools due to the counselling that he does with the pupils. The church continues to support this important community work.
We trust God for another great year and are grateful for all He has done this past year.
Freehold property
The freehold premises, Eternity Christian Centre Norwich, Earlham Green Lane, Norwich, is owned by the Church, with Assemblies Of God Property Trust as the holding trustee. A professional survey and commercial valuation value of the property was last attained in 2019.
Risk Management
The trustees monitor risks on an ongoing basis, this includes identifying the likelihood of risk events occurring and their possible impact on the charity. They consider how the current systems of internal control might be further enhanced to mitigate major risks.
Reserves Policy
Where possible and feasible, it is the charity’s policy to maintain unrestricted funds in savings that equate to 2 or 3 months of anticipated resources expended. At this level the trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the short term, in the event of a significant drop in funding.
Rev P A Venner Chairman
_________ Rev A Kpodo Trustee
Page: 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023
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We report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 5th April 2023, which are set out on pages 5 to 9.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) does not apply. It is our responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 43 (7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
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1) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the
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requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting
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requirements of the Act
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have not been met; or
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2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper undertaking of the accounts to be reached.
Adrian Smith Accountants Ltd 61 Freeland Close Thorpe Marriott Norwich Norfolk NR8 6XR
Page: 4
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS | |||||
| FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023 | |||||
| _______________ | |||||
| General Fund | Total | Total | |||
| (Unrestricted) | (Restricted) | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Notes | |||||
| Income Receipts | |||||
| Donations,legacies and other similar receipts | 2 | £108,769 | £402 | £109,171 | £93,629 |
| Operatingactivities | 3 | £142 | £0 | £142 | £0 |
| Total receipts | £108,911 | £402 | £109,313 | £93,629 | |
| Resources expended | |||||
| Charitable activities | 4 | £108,199 | £400 | £108,599 | £100,666 |
| Management and Administration | 5 | £4,705 | £0 | £4,705 | £5,059 |
| Totalpayments | £112,904 | £400 | £113,304 | £105,725 | |
| Net receipts/(payments)for | |||||
| thisyear | -£3,993 | £2 | -£3,991 | -£12,096 | |
| Cash and bank balances at | |||||
| 5 April 2022 | -£3,846 | £27,148 | £23,302 | £35,398 | |
| Restricted Funds 2020 now Unrestricted - adjustment | £27,148 | -£27,148 | £0 | - | |
| Cash and bank balances at | |||||
| 5 April 2023 | £19,309 | £2 | £19,311 | £23,302 | |
| Page 5 |
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 5 APRIL 2023 | ||||
| ______________ | ||||
| Monetary Assets | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| General Fund | ||||
| Bank and cash balances | ||||
| Bank current account | £5,105 | £8,310 | ||
| Savings Account | £14,206 | £14,992 | ||
| Total cash and bank balances at 5 April 2023 | £19,311 | £23,302 | ||
| Other assets | ||||
| Church building- owned bythe charity- Assemblies of God Property | ||||
| Trust are the holdingTrustees. | £825,000 | £825,000 | ||
| Furniture and equipment in Church building (costs unknown) | ||||
| Liabilities | ||||
| General Fund | £ NIL | £ NIL | ||
| Page: 6 |
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS | |||||
| YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023 | |||||
| ___________ | ________ | ||||
| 2 | Donations, Legacies and other similar receipts | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| General Offerings | £34,112 | £0 | £34,112 | £35,873 | |
| Gift Aided Offerings | £48,333 | £0 | £48,333 | £46,165 | |
| Gift Aid Refund | £17,093 | £0 | £17,093 | £11,565 | |
| Interest Received | £83 | £0 | £83 | £2 | |
| Special Offerings | £9,148 | £0 | £9,148 | £24 | |
| Missions | £0 | £402 | £402 | £0 | |
| £108,769 | £402 | £109,171 | £93,629 | ||
| Operating activities to further Charity’s objects | |||||
| 3 | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Sundries | £142 | £0 | £142 | £0 | |
| £142 | £0 | £142 | £0 | ||
| Page: 7 |
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS | |||||
| YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023 | |||||
| ___________ | ________ | ||||
| 2 | Donations, Legacies and other similar receipts | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| General Offerings | £34,112 | £0 | £34,112 | £35,873 | |
| Gift Aided Offerings | £48,333 | £0 | £48,333 | £46,165 | |
| Gift Aid Refund | £17,093 | £0 | £17,093 | £11,565 | |
| Interest Received | £83 | £0 | £83 | £2 | |
| Special Offerings | £9,148 | £0 | £9,148 | £24 | |
| Missions | £0 | £402 | £402 | £0 | |
| £108,769 | £402 | £109,171 | £93,629 | ||
| Operating activities to further Charity’s objects | |||||
| 3 | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Sundries | £142 | £0 | £142 | £0 | |
| £142 | £0 | £142 | £0 | ||
| Page: 7 |
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS(CONTINUED) | |||||
| YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023 | |||||
| ______________ | |||||
| 4 | Charitable activities | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Bank Charges | £110 | £0 | £110 | £249 | |
| Catering (Supplies & Food) | £956 | £0 | £956 | £619 | |
| Centre Maintenance and RunningCosts | £4,662 | £0 | £4,662 | £4,000 | |
| Cleaning | £4,096 | £0 | £4,096 | £3,088 | |
| Computer Software,Consumables and Website Costs | £1,331 | £0 | £1,331 | £1,131 | |
| Equipment & Furniture Purchased | £9,453 | £0 | £9,453 | £1,143 | |
| Insurance | £1,626 | £0 | £1,626 | £1,581 | |
| Lighting,Heatingand Water | £2,896 | £0 | £2,896 | £2,994 | |
| Manse Rent | £12,000 | £0 | £12,000 | £12,000 | |
| Ministry | £500 | £0 | £500 | £1,100 | |
| Missions | £3,964 | £400 | £4,364 | £3,864 | |
| Music,Media and Online Church Service Costs | £2,518 | £0 | £2,518 | £3,957 | |
| Pastor expenses | £34 | £0 | £34 | £0 | |
| Printing | £0 | £0 | £0 | £51 | |
| Special Events | £1,518 | £0 | £1,518 | £137 | |
| Special Gifts | £0 | £0 | £0 | £614 | |
| Stationery | £233 | £0 | £233 | £214 | |
| Staff and Pensions | £58,021 | £0 | £58,021 | £60,325 | |
| Students | £0 | £0 | £0 | £70 | |
| Sundries | £1,262 | £0 | £1,262 | £1,598 | |
| Telephone | £1,730 | £0 | £1,730 | £1,798 | |
| Training& Conferences | £650 | £0 | £650 | £0 | |
| Travel | £189 | £0 | £189 | £49 | |
| Youth/Children(Sunday) | £450 | £0 | £450 | £84 | |
| £108,199 | £400 | £108,599 | £100,666 | ||
| 5 | Management and Administration | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Independent examiner’s fees | £200 | £0 | 200 | £200 | |
| AOG Contribution | £2,880 | £0 | 2,880 | £2,880 | |
| Payroll Services | £836 | £0 | 836 | £864 | |
| Subscriptions & Licences | £789 | £0 | 789 | £1,115 | |
| £4,705 | £0 | 4,705 | 5,059 | ||
| Page: 8 |