ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
| INDEX TO ACCOUNTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Legal and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees’ Report | 2 - 4 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 5 |
| Receipts and Payments Accounts | 6 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 7 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 8 - 9 |
ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1054416
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
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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 2024
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The trustees submit their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2024.
Constitution and objects
Eternity Christian Centre (also formerly known as Earlham Christian Centre) was founded in 1991. The governing model constitution with trust deed was adopted on 19 January 2009 (replacing previous model constitution of 29 September 1993). Eternity Christian Centre 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 church has no financial dealings with associated trading companies, but in accordance with the affiliation requirements of Assemblies of God, does contribute a percentage of income to the national and regional administration of Assemblies of God.
Employees (both full time and part time) and volunteer church members undertake the church activities. Two trustees are employed in accordance with the Model Deed, namely the Senior Pastor P Venner and Mrs J Venner as Executive Pastor and Treasurer. They receive an annual salary of £34,040 and £16,000 respectively. They also received a contribution for Manse/Rectory of £6,000 each per annum. No individual trustee is paid more than £60,000 per annum.
Employee Pension contributions are paid according to statutory requirements and to the chosen funds of the employees, namely NEST government pension fund and private stakeholder pension funds.
Payroll services are outsourced to an independent business.
Funds are derived principally from contributions from church members' tithes, gifts and offerings. Church funds are used in accordance with the Model Deed objectives. Funds received are either unrestricted or designated receipts which are held in accordance with the purpose for which the income was received.
Review of Activities and Results
This year has been an exciting year for Eternity Church, with an influx of committed students, new families and consistent growth. This is evident in the increase in tithes and offerings. Expenses also increased but this was largely due to the rise in the cost of living ie centre running costs and utilities.
Page 2
ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
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We have seen people come to faith in Christ and we baptised converts on our annual Super Sunday in September.
Our annual Heart for the House offering was the best we have had, and it helped us to start talks with architects to extend a children’s wing onto the building. The costs will be very high but with continued support we can do something that will make a difference.
KidsRock has flourished under a very capable team, and we are grateful to the team of teachers and leaders.
Our teen ministry, Destiny, has also flourished under the current leadership.
Fuel student ministry has continued to be a source of encouragement and friendship to the local students within and without the church. We have a large group of students in the church who regularly organise social and charitable events amongst themselves and on campus and we support them spiritually and financially where possible. The church has also offered the building as a meeting place, free of charge, for some of these events.
The refreshments department, under a new team leader, has rallied fresh impetus and support from members of the church. Being a church that is very social it has been good to be able to serve refreshments consistently again.
The Tech team has been able to finance new equipment, which in turn has improved the Sunday Service sound and music. The worship and music is an integral part of the church identity and this has really helped. We have further plans to redevelop the stage and screens over the next year or two, as funds allow. The band has grown in membership and ability, and we are very proud of the musicianship displayed, but more so by the sensitivity displayed by the leaders in the worship sessions.
The First Impressions team had new members joining the team. We are very pleased about this as they are an important part of our Sunday Service and the first people that the community meet on arrival at church.
Connect Groups, ably headed up by Ps Alfred Kpodo, have seen nearly 70% participation by church members. This figure is much higher than churches usually experience, and credit goes to Alfred and his team of Connect Group leaders. These groups remain the real heart of the church. They are a vital part of overseeing the pastoral and spiritual needs of the congregation.
Mens Ministry also had various activities this year, such as football, breakfasts and the Momentum Conference. The conference was a huge success and speaker Ps Sujith Alex brought some challenging messages to the men.
The Ladies Ministry continued to meet regularly at the church hall and was well supported throughout the year.
Ps Paddy Venner retained a strong link with schools in Norfolk, presenting his life coaching programs to KS2 children.
We have seen a steady increase in items donated to the food bank. All items donated are sent to Alive Church in Norwich who run a food bank distribution centre for those in need in the city.
We are very grateful to God for the good year we have had.
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.
Page: 3
ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
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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 Rev A Kpodo Chairman Trustee
Page: 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
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We report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 5th April 2024, 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: 5
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS | |||||
| FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024 | |||||
| _______________ | |||||
| General Fund | Total | Total | |||
| (Unrestricted) | (Restricted) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | |||||
| Income Receipts | |||||
| Donations,legacies and other similar receipts | 2 | £129,040 | £0 | £129,040 | £109,171 |
| Operatingactivities | 3 | £0 | £0 | £0 | £142 |
| Total receipts | £129,040 | £0 | £129,040 | £109,313 | |
| Resources expended | |||||
| Charitable activities | 4 | £111,704 | £0 | £111,704 | £108,599 |
| Management and Administration | 5 | £4,172 | £0 | £4,172 | £4,705 |
| Totalpayments | £115,876 | £0 | £115,876 | £113,304 | |
| Total | Total | ||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Net receipts/(payments)for theyear | £13,164 | £0 | £13,164 | -£3,991 | |
| b/f Cash and Bank balances on 6 April | £19,311 | £0 | £19,311 | £23,302 | |
| Cash on hand at 5 April | £989 | £0 | £989 | £0 | |
| TOTAL Cash and Bank balances at 5 April | £33,464 | £0 | £33,464 | £19,311 | |
| Page 6 |
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 5 APRIL 2024 | ||||
| ______________ | ||||
| Monetary Assets | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| General Fund | ||||
| Bank and cash balances | ||||
| Bank current account | £7,919 | £5,105 | ||
| Savings Account | £24,557 | £14,206 | ||
| Cash on Hand | £988 | £0 | ||
| Total cash and bank balances at 5 April 2024 | £33,464 | £19,311 | ||
| 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: 7 |
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS | |||||
| YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024 | |||||
| ___________ | ________ | ||||
| 2 | Donations, Legacies and other similar receipts | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Tithes and Offerings - non Gift Aid | £51,567 | £0 | £51,567 | £34,112 | |
| Tithes and Offerings - Gift Aid | £60,983 | £0 | £60,983 | £48,333 | |
| Gift Aid Refund | £16,149 | £0 | £16,149 | £17,093 | |
| Interest Received | £341 | £0 | £341 | £83 | |
| Special Offerings | £0 | £0 | £0 | £9,148 | |
| Missions | £0 | £0 | £0 | £402 | |
| £129,040 | £0 | £129,040 | £109,171 | ||
| Operating activities to further Charity’s objects | |||||
| 3 | Unrestricted | Restricted | **Total ** | **Total ** | |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Sundries | £0 | £0 | £0 | £142 | |
| £0 | £0 | £0 | £142 | ||
| Page: 8 |
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS | |||||
| YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024 | |||||
| ___________ | ________ | ||||
| 2 | Donations, Legacies and other similar receipts | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Tithes and Offerings - non Gift Aid | £51,567 | £0 | £51,567 | £34,112 | |
| Tithes and Offerings - Gift Aid | £60,983 | £0 | £60,983 | £48,333 | |
| Gift Aid Refund | £16,149 | £0 | £16,149 | £17,093 | |
| Interest Received | £341 | £0 | £341 | £83 | |
| Special Offerings | £0 | £0 | £0 | £9,148 | |
| Missions | £0 | £0 | £0 | £402 | |
| £129,040 | £0 | £129,040 | £109,171 | ||
| Operating activities to further Charity’s objects | |||||
| 3 | Unrestricted | Restricted | **Total ** | **Total ** | |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Sundries | £0 | £0 | £0 | £142 | |
| £0 | £0 | £0 | £142 | ||
| Page: 8 |
| ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ETERNITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE NORWICH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) | |||||
| YEAR ENDED5 APRIL 2024 | |||||
| ______________ | |||||
| 4 | Charitable activities | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Bank Charges | £527 | £0 | £527 | £110 | |
| Catering (Supplies & Food) | £1,742 | £0 | £1,742 | £956 | |
| Centre Maintenance and RunningCosts | £7,956 | £0 | £7,956 | £4,662 | |
| Cleaning | £5,262 | £0 | £5,262 | £4,096 | |
| Communion Supplies | £474 | £0 | £474 | £0 | |
| Computer Software,Consumables and Website Costs | £1,057 | £0 | £1,057 | £1,331 | |
| Equipment & Furniture | £1,933 | £0 | £1,933 | £9,453 | |
| Insurance | £1,602 | £0 | £1,602 | £1,626 | |
| Lighting,Heatingand Water | £3,478 | £0 | £3,478 | £2,896 | |
| Manse Rent | £12,000 | £0 | £12,000 | £12,000 | |
| Ministryexpenses(guests) | £2,076 | £0 | £2,076 | £500 | |
| Missions | £3,856 | £0 | £3,856 | £4,364 | |
| Music,Media and Online Church Service Costs | £2,260 | £0 | £2,260 | £2,518 | |
| Pastor expenses | £460 | £0 | £460 | £34 | |
| Printing | £192 | £0 | £192 | £0 | |
| Special Events | £940 | £0 | £940 | £1,518 | |
| Special Gifts | £1,528 | £0 | £1,528 | £0 | |
| Stationery | £273 | £0 | £273 | £233 | |
| Staff Costs | £59,263 | £0 | £59,263 | £58,021 | |
| Student Ministry | £680 | £0 | £680 | £0 | |
| Sundries | £483 | £0 | £483 | £1,262 | |
| Telephone | £1,944 | £0 | £1,944 | £1,730 | |
| Training& Conferences | £1,470 | £0 | £1,470 | £650 | |
| Travel expenses | £0 | £0 | £0 | £189 | |
| Youth/Children Ministry | £248 | £0 | £248 | £450 | |
| £111,704 | £0 | £111,704 | £108,599 | ||
| 5 | Management and Administration | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| General Fund | |||||
| Independent examiner’s fees | £200 | £0 | £200 | £200 | |
| AOG Contribution | £2,520 | £0 | £2,520 | £2,880 | |
| Payroll Services | £524 | £0 | £524 | £836 | |
| Subscriptions and Licences | £928 | £0 | £928 | £789 | |
| £4,172 | £0 | 4,172 | 4,705 | ||
| Page: 9 |