OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-03-31-accounts

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31st MARCH 2024

Charity Registration No (England and Wales): 1059248 Charity Registration No (Scotland): SC039469 Company Number: 03121130

Contents Page
Report of the trustees 1 - 9
Independent auditor’s report 10-13
Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31stMarch 2024
14
Comparative statement of financial activities
15
Balance sheet 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements
18 - 27

CHUR OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with their financial statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.

1. Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Registration No (England and Wales): 1059248

Charity Registration No (Scotland):

SC039469

Company Number: 03121130

Principal Office: The Forge, Manor Farm Courtyard Main Street West Hagbourne Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0ND

(a) Advisers

Bankers

Royal Bank of Scotland Plc Drummond House (FH) Branch Customer Service Centre Drummond House 1 Redheughs Avenue Edinburgh EH12 9JN

Solicitors

None designated as of this report

Auditors

UHY Ross Brooke Suite I Windrush Court Abingdon Business Park Abingdon OX14 1SY

Independent Financial Advisers

Peter Manduell & Co Financial Services Ltd. Hamilton House, 17A Cedar Rd Sutton Surrey SM2 5DA

Page 1

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

1. Reference and Administrative Details (Continued)

(b) Charity Trustees

The directors of the Charity are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.

The Trustees, who were also the key management personnel, serving during the year and since the year end are as follows:

Chairman David Hulme Deputy Chairman David Brocklehurst George Delap (Resigned 31[st] March 2024) Christopher Howard Robin Hurd Paul Roberts John Tompsett Daniel Tompsett

*denotes an employed trustee (key management)

(c) Board Changes

Following the December 2007 revision of the Articles of Association, there is no requirement for “retirement by rotation.” Therefore, no trustee will retire at the Annual General Meeting. Mr George Delap retired on 31[st] March 2024.

2. Structure, Governance and Management

(a) Governing Document

The full name of the Charity is “Church of God – United Kingdom” (COG-UK). It is a charitable company limited by guarantee (company number 03121130) which was incorporated on 2[nd] November 1995 and registered with the Charity Commissioners of England and Wales on 15[th] November 1996. The registration number is 1059248. The Charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, dated 2[nd] September 1996 as subsequently revised. The members of the Charity consist of the Chairman, the Secretary, and the Deputy Chairman (if one is appointed) and such other members as the Trustees may appoint in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

(b) Appointment of Trustees

As set out in the Articles of Association there are a minimum of three Trustees and no set maximum number of Trustees. There are currently eight Trustees. New Trustees may be nominated by the existing Trustees.

(c) Trustee Induction and Training

To be nominated an individual should possess the qualifications outlined in Scripture for ordination to an office of service within the Church. Trustees are provided with a handbook prepared by Berwin Leighton Paisner that explains their role and responsibilities. Trustees are updated regularly to keep them apprised of changes in the law.

Page 2

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

2. Structure, Governance and Management (Continued)

(d) Organisation

The Board of Trustees administers the Charity. The Board seeks to meet a minimum of four times per year. Subcommittees, if necessary, are appointed on an ad hoc basis and disbanded when they have completed the task for which they are formed. The Chairman is also the Chief Executive of the Charity and is responsible for the day-to-day operations. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority within the scope and limits of his authority including finance, employment, pastoral care of the congregations and production of written material for public distribution.

(e) Related Parties

COG-UK has operated as an organisation associated with the Church of God, an International Community (COG, aIC) in the United States of America. Although capable of independent operation, COG-UK has willingly subordinated itself in doctrine and certain other matters to the constitution of COG, aIC, in so far as it does not bring COG-UK into conflict with the laws of England, Wales and Scotland.

For geographical and cultural reasons, COG-UK has often been used as a vehicle through which COG, aIC has pursued its mission in countries other than the United States. In the past, COG-UK received financial support in the form of grants from COG, aIC. Those grants were used primarily to provide a financial base for non-UK activities. In the current fiscal year, 2022/2023, as in several previous fiscal years, there were no grants to COG-UK from the COG, aIC. Rather, COG-UK’s financial position has been such that it can provide assistance for programs outside the UK from its own resources.

(f) Risk Management

The Trustees have made a thorough review of all foreseeable risks to the Charity including liability for their own acts or failures to act, risks associated with the use of rented properties, risks associated with youth and other Church programs as well as financial and operational risks. For example, the Trustees have established a reserves policy to address certain financial risks. Where possible, the Charity has provided, with the assistance of outside advisers, appropriate insurance cover. The Trustees have, for risks that are identified, and for which there is no insurance cover, attempted to mitigate them by appropriate action and the oversight of competent personnel. For example, youth activities are staffed with experienced people who have been screened internally and externally. The Trustees recognise that the risks the Charity faces can change. Therefore, the Trustees are committed to evaluating programs and activities of the Charity on an ongoing basis and to implement practices to cover or mitigate those risks. As part of this, a Safeguarding policy has been prepared in relation to children and vulnerable adults and is reviewed and updated as necessary. A formal risk register is also in the process of being prepared by the Charity.

3.

Objectives and Activities

(a) Objects of COG-UK

The Charity’s objects as set out in its Memorandum of Association are the advancement of religion by preaching throughout the world the Gospel of Jesus Christ concerning the Kingdom of God, and to advance such other charitable purposes as the Trustees shall determine. When planning our activities for the year, the Board have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

Page 3

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

3. Objectives and Activities (Continued)

(b) Mission Statement

The mission of the Church of God-UK is to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God in all the world as a witness and to take care of those whom God calls into His Church through Jesus Christ.

(c) Employees

In order to achieve the above, we employed five full-time employees plus eleven part-time employees. Of the full-time employees, four are church pastors. The Church employs three part-time pastors. Pastors are not office-based, but live and work in areas convenient to the churches they pastor. Five of the pastors’ wives are part-time employees who receive a salary for their services to the Church in assisting their husbands with their pastoral duties.

COG-UK’s head office is located in West Hagbourne, Oxfordshire, and is staffed by an office director who also pastors a local congregation, plus congregations in Belgium, Paris, and Geneva, one full-time (but largely home-based), and two part-time office employees (one largely home-based, one office based).

(d) Activities/Strategies

Activities of COG-UK which support its principal objects and mission are:

Strategies of COG-UK to achieve its principal objects and mission include:

Page 4

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

4. Achievements and Performance

Covid-19

Provision continued to be made for the Covid-19 situation, with congregations following local restrictions, but generally able to return to in person meetings. Precautions continued to be observed, respecting local rules and care for the members. Advice continued to be given for members to stay home if they had symptoms of that or other respiratory conditions which could spread rapidly through those attending events, particularly at the Feast of Tabernacles (“the Feast”).

Church

The number of congregations in the United Kingdom and its dependencies is eleven.

Telephone and internet links are regularly used to include outlying members in church services. This service was greatly expanded during the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to be utilised to better serve remote and housebound members. Most areas have maintained this service for outlying members to varying degrees, and it has also been utilised to expand the service provided for members during the Feast.

Attendance:

Membership within the UK remained stable.

Member Services

Transcripts

Each week, a sermon transcript is e-mailed to members in the UK, the US, Europe and Africa. Additionally, approximately every four weeks, copies of each sermon transcript are mailed by post to other scattered members and ministers in Europe and Africa. The preparation of the transcripts is handled in the US, with the distribution for the UK served areas being handled from the UK office. On a local level, pastors make arrangements for members in their area with a need for weekly transcripts to be available in a suitable manner.

These transcripts are translated for scattered members in French-speaking areas. Each calendar month, two selected sermon transcripts are made available on the Internet for members to download from the Church’s website.

Bible Studies by Computer

With the Covid-19 situation, several pastors took advantage of the wide uptake of Zoom within their areas to continue to provide Bible Studies remotely.

Monthly shipments of CD/DVD teaching material from the US provide a further opportunity to integrate this group by issuing a monthly schedule of selections to listen to on other weeks. The intent is to enhance a sense of community at a more local, though physically dispersed, level. One member in the Isle of Man is housebound, and though all the above operates throughout the year, the special service given to such members through the UK Office is deeply appreciated.

Access to ministry is by the usual technologies. The realisation there is easy access when needed continues to prove very effective.

Page 5

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

4. Achievements and Performance (Continued)

Feast of Tabernacles

The annual Feast of Tabernacles was held 29th September - 7th October 2023 at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, North Wales.

Church members from the UK and some international areas assembled for daily worship services and biblical instruction. This spiritual teaching was supplemented with a social programme designed to meet the needs of both young and old that made use of tourist facilities in the North Wales area.

The infirm and ill members unable to attend the Festival in person were provided with support in their homes as recorded messages and regular communications via Zoom from their spiritual family at the assemblies were sent to them.

As we have noticed in previous years, we received complimentary messages from our hosts at Venue Cymru, hotels and the local landlords about the exemplary behaviour and happy demeanour of our brethren.

Youth

Summer Camp

The 2023 Summer Camp was planned for 30[th] July to 6[th] August 2023, returning to Hooke Court.

A group of 23 campers and 17 staff (many of whom were parents of attending campers) gathered in Dorset and enjoyed their time together participating in a hill walk, leatherwork, creative productions, speech education, bible education, a boat trip, initiative training, field sports, a formal dinner, and a speech club. It was an encouraging experience to be able to be together and resume some normality.

This time, we maintained a clean bill of health for all attendees throughout the programme, which was able to be completed and end with the customary formal dinner as in past years.

International

UK personnel continue to provide pastoral support in international areas.

In person visits were able to resume this year, with support still provided online, and congregations in Africa were on occasion able to join with congregations in the UK for online services – in addition to joining online for the Feast.

The minister in Benin translates monthly member letters into French for distribution to all the Francophones.

A UK Pastor has had the pastoral care of the members in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Sermons were provided to the congregations throughout the year, with in person visits resuming. The Feast was held in Pré du Lac, near Annecy.

Page 6

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

4. Achievements and Performance (Continued)

In the Scandinavian area a UK pastor provided counselling and Bible Studies for the membership online, with the Scandinavian members combining with the Birmingham congregation.

In Anglophone West Africa, the Church's resident Ghanaian pastor held regular Sabbath services and Bible studies for the congregations via Zoom as internet connections permitted. Two UK ministers travelled to Kenya on two occasions, in April and May 2023 and in January 2024, in response to enquiries and requests for a visit from people there who indicated an interest in becoming members of the Church.

A UK elder, mentored by an elder who is a trustee and a former pastor, provided ministerial support to the members in Germany and Austria. They were able to join with UK congregations for Zoom services, with additional support provided through email communications and audio-conferencing.

Media

The Church continued to have its internationally circulated online magazine, Vision , designed in London. Design elements of its website at www.vision.org also benefited from the work of the design consultancy. Though the funding of this aspect of the Church’s frontline efforts to reach the general public comes from the US, the wisdom of using a London-based agency continues to pay dividends in the publication’s international acceptance.

The Vision.org website remains the Church’s main vehicle dedicated to educating the general public about biblical principles which furthers the primary mission and objective of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ concerning the Kingdom of God throughout the world.

5. Financial Review

(a) Indigenous income and results for the year

This source of income remained unchanged compared with the previous year. The income of the Church is largely derived from its congregational members, with occasional contributions from non-members.

There was a net surplus for the year of £966,963 compared to a net surplus of £922,376 for the previous year. Income and expenditure from normal sources have remained at a similar level to that in the previous year.

(b) Investment Powers and Policy.

The Charity’s constitution allows the Trustees to invest in any way they wish.

The Trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of operating the Church and the reserves policy set out below, have operated a policy of keeping available funds in an interest-bearing deposit account.

The Trustees approved the investment of a proportion of the Church’s funds with CCLA and purchased Investment Fund Income Units managed by COIF Charity Funds with the aim of achieving a return above inflation.

During the period the CCLA investments generated a return of 1.77% against a benchmark of 2.3% inflation (CPI). Total unrealised gains for the year were 7.1% and interest receivable 1.77%.

Page 7

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

5. Financial Review (Continued)

(c) Reserves Policy

The Trustees have established the level of reserves (that is those that are freely available) that the charity ought to have a minimum of £150,000. In arriving at this level of reserves they have had regard to regular annual operating costs in the region of £600,000 and the ability to operate for a period of approximately three months without any incoming resources in that period. The actual reserves at 31 March 2024, excluding fixed assets, were £ 3,189,101 (2023: £2,223,471).

The fund came about following receipt of substantial and unexpected donations leading to a considerable increase in the Church’s reserves. Accordingly, the Trustees considered it prudent to invest a substantial proportion of the surplus funds with CCLA, in order to generate income and hence take advantage of any opportunities which might present themselves to further the work of the Church.

The balance of the restricted fund at 31 March 2024 is £70,148.

6. Risk Management

Steps taken by the Trustees to assess and manage risk are described at 2(f) above.

The Trustees have considered the problems raised by the possibility of a future pandemic as experienced with Covid-19 and the effect that this could have on the Charity. They have also considered the ongoing ‘Cost of Living’ situation which is causing hardship for many within the areas in which the charity operates. In that regard, there remains a possibility that members of the Church, who contribute to the Charity financially, may face financial difficulties, with either a reduction or loss of income or increased personal expenses. Thus far, no members have been substantially impacted, but the situation will continue to be monitored.

Expenditure has returned to pre-Covid levels, with some increases due to the cost-of-living situation.

Meetings and services were held online via Zoom until restrictions lifted and it was deemed safe to return to in person services. They continue to be provided as a way of linking housebound members with their local congregations, which enables the Charity to continue to perform its functions and for members of the church to have online contact with each other.

The Charity recognizes the difficulties that those who are members of the church are facing, including increased financial, social and mental stresses as a result of the disruptions to the economy, restricted physical contact with others and general anxiety caused by the pandemic and the dangers that these pose. The Charity has offered such support, material and pastoral, as was possible to the members during the crisis.

7. Plans for Future Periods

The charity’s plans for the future include continuing to strengthen existing programmes, increasing outreach by using new media, reaching new geographical areas, strengthening communication with members, utilising new technology, and reaching and encouraging the younger generation to become members of the Church when able to do so.

Page 8

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

8. Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The Trustees prepare accounts for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the net incoming and outgoing resources for that period. In preparing these accounts, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting by Charities". They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

9. Charity Trustees’ Statement

The charity Trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law and Trustees for the purposes of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report, are set out on page 2.

In accordance with company law, as the company’s directors, we certify that:

Basis of preparation

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2019) (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. As well as part 15 of the Companies Act 2006

----- Start of picture text -----
DAVID HULME AVID HULME
| |
Chairman Chairman
\ On On behalf of the Trustees behalf of the Trustees
----- End of picture text -----

Page 9

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Church of God – United Kingdom (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

Page 10

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 9, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with regulations made under those Acts.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Page 11

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the areas in which management is required to exercise significant judgement, such as the disclosure of adjusting items. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act, Charities Act and tax legislation.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditors/audit-assurance/auditor-sresponsibilities-for-the-audit-of-the-fi/description-of-the-auditor%E2%80%99s-responsibilities-for: This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Page 12

CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, and to the charitable company’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members and trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, the charitable company’s members as a body and the charitable company’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Caroline Webster FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of UHY Ross Brooke, Statutory Auditor Suite I, Windrush Court, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon OX14 1SY

Date………………….. 02/09/24

UHY Ross Brooke is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 13

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including an income and expenditure account) YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

Unrestricted

Note
Funds

£
Income and endowments
from:
General donations & legacies 4
1,719,927
Restricted donations:
Festival
-
Assistance
-
Youth
-
Investments
Deposit interest
13,365
Other Income
5
-
Total
1,733,292
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
Local congregations
380,401
Media
20,588
Festival
139,187
Assistance
-
International
179,571
Youth
78,012
Other expenditure
11,400
Total
7
809,159
Net Income
924,133
Transfers between funds (10,826)
Gains on investments
53,656
Net Movement in Funds
966,963
Total funds brought forwards
2,223,471
Total funds carried forwards3,190,434
Restricted

Funds

£
-
24,168
15,276
3,227
-
-
42,671
-
-
24,168
15,276
-
14,053
-
53,497
(10,826)

10,826

-

-
70,148
70,148
Total

2024

£
1,719,927
24,168
15,276
3,227
13,365
-

1,775,963

380,401
20,588
163,355
15,276
179,571
92,065
11,400

862,656

913,307
-
53,656
966,963
2,293,619

3,260,582

Total
2023
£
1,621,591
28,811
7,932
2,577
715
-
1,661,626
296,567
17,662
145,026
7,932
187,941
74,522
9,600
739,250
922,376
-

922,376
1,371,243
2,293,619

All the above amounts relate to continuing activities. The charitable company has no recognised gains and losses other than the net movement in funds in the year.

The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements

Page 14

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including an income and expenditure account) YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2023

Unrestricted

Note
Funds

£
Income and endowments
from:
General donations
4
1,621,591
Restricted donations:
Festival
-
Assistance
-
Youth
-
Investments
Deposit interest
715
Other Income
5
-
Total
1,622,306
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
Local congregations
296,567
Media
17,662
Festival
116,215
Assistance
-
International
187,941
Youth
66,915
Other expenditure
9,600
Total
7
694,900
Net Income
927,406
Transfers between funds
(4,983)
Net Movement in Funds
922,423
Funds at 1st April 2022
1,301,048
Funds at 31st March 2023
2,223,471
Restricted

Funds

£
-
28,811
7,932
2,577
-
-
39,320
-
-
28,811
7,932
-
7,607
-
44,350
(5,030)
4,983

(47)
70,195
70,148
Total

2023

£
1,621,591
28,811
7,932
2,577
715
-

1,661,626

296,567
17,662
145,026
7,932
187,941
74,522
9,600

739,250

922,376
-
922,376
1,371,243

2,293,619
Total
2022
£
512,159
30,790
8,990
3,078
240
35,942
591,199
242,669
40,133
52,225
8,990
148,434
49,611
7,200
549,262
41,907
-
41,907
1,329,336
1,371,243

The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements

Page 15

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

BALANCE SHEET YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

Note 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets 9 1,333 - - -
Investments 10 753,656 -
754,989 -
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments 11 169,941 312,131
Cash at bank 2,356,976 1,998,274
2,526,917 2,310,405
Creditors, amounts falling
due within one year 12 (21,324) (21,324) (16,786)
(16,786)
Net Current Assets 2,505,593 2,293,619
Total Assets Less Current
Liabilities 3,260,582 2,293,619
Income Funds
Restricted funds 14 70,148 70,148
Unrestricted funds 3,190,434 2,223,471
Total Funds 3,260,582 2,293,619

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on……………… and are signed on their behalf by: 28/08/24 David Hulme David Hulme Trustee/Director Trustee/Director

The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements

Page 16

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash (used in)/ provided by operating activities
18
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of fixed assets
Interest income
Payments to acquire investments
Net cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
2024
£
1,047,917
(2,580)
13,365
(700,000)
(689,215)
358,702
1,998,274
2,356,976
2023
£
602,398
-
715
715
603,113
1,395,161
1,998,274
2023
£
602,398
-
715

The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements

Page 17

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

  1. General Information

Church of God – United Kingdom is an incorporated Charity limited by guarantee. The registered charity number (England and Wales) is 1059248 and the registered charity number (Scotland) is SC039469. The company number is 03121130 and the principal office address is The Forge, Manor Farm Courtyard, Main Street, West Hagbourne, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0ND.

The financial statements have been prepared in pounds sterling and the figures are rounded to the nearest £.

2. Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below and have been consistently applied throughout the current and preceding year.

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

After making enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources and no material uncertainties to continue its activities for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements as outlined in the Trustees report.

A separate income and expenditure account has not been prepared as the figures comprising net expenditure for the year shown in the Statement of Financial Activities give the information required under the Companies Act 2006, together with details of other recognised gains and losses.

Page 18

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised when there is a constructive obligation to pay for expenditure.

Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it related.

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Fixed assets with a cost below £1,000 are not capitalised.

Computer software - 2 years straight line
Fixtures and fittings - 20% p.a. on cost
Equipment - 20% p.a. on cost
Boat - 20% p.a. on cost
Leasehold improvements - over the remaining life of the lease

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date, based upon valuations provided by fund managers.

All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise.

Income is applied exclusively to charitable purposes and therefore the charity is entitled to the exemption from tax afforded by the Corporation Tax Act 2010.

Pension contributions are paid into personal pension schemes on the advice of independent financial advisors. Pension costs are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities account on an accrual’s basis.

Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Page 19

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

( J) Financial Instruments

Financial instruments are classified and accounted for, according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as either financial assets, financial liabilities, or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charitable company after deducting all its liabilities.

3. Judgements in Applying Accounting Policies and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

In the application of the charitable company's accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

There were no judgement or material estimation uncertainties affecting the reported financial performance in the current or prior year.

4. Donations, gifts and legacies

Donations
Legacies


2024

£
1,719,927
-


1,719,927


2023
£
1,619,948
1,643
1,621,591

The charity receives its income from the members of The Church.

5. Other income

There was no other income during the year.

6. Net Income/ (Expenditure) for the Year

This is stated after charging: 2024 2023
£ £
Auditor’s remuneration 11,400 9,600
Operating leases – office rentals 28,323 24,391

Page 20

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

7. Analysis of Total Resources Expended

2024
Staff
Costs
£
Direct charitable expenditure:
Local congregations
201,891
Media
3,645
Festival
43,154
Assistance
-
International
54,187
Youth
41,558
Allocated Costs
46,532
Governance costs
-
390,967

2023
Staff
Costs
£
Direct charitable expenditure:
Local congregations
173,327
Media
3,129
Festival
37,049
Assistance
-
International
46,521
Youth
35,680
Allocated Costs
39,948
Governance costs
-
335,654
Direct
Costs
£
144,624
-
91,962
15,276
125,384
16,620
-
11,400
405,266
Other
Direct
Costs
£
94,172
-
83,755
7,932
141,420
9,775
-
9,600
346,654
Allocated
Costs
£
33,886
16,943
28,239
-
-
33,887
(46,532)
-
66,423
Allocated
Costs
£
29,067
14,533
24,223
-
-
29,067
(39,948)
-
56,942
Total
2024
£
380,401
20,588
163,355
15,276
179,571
92,065

-
11,400

862,656

Total
2023
£
296,566
17,662
145,027
7,932-
187,941
74,522
-
9,600

739,250

Page 21

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

8. Employees and Staff Costs

Salaries and wages
National insurance
Pension costs
Other staff costs – health and life insurance

2024

£
347,731
25,732
8,435
9,069


390,967

2023
£
296,002
21,623
7,036
10,993
335,654

The average monthly number of employees during the period was 17 (2023: 15) of whom 8 were part time (equivalent to four full time).

Salaries of £80,216 (2023: £77,995) and pension costs of £1,163 (2023: £1,126) relate to the key management personnel.

No employee is paid at or above £60,000 a year.

  1. Tangible Fixed Assets
I
Cost
At 1st April 2023
Additions
At 31st March
2024
Depreciation
At 1st April 2023
Charge in the year
At 31st March
2024
Net book value
At 31st March
2024
At 31st March
2023
Leasehold
mprovements
6,888
-
6,888
6,888

-
6,888
-
-
Boat
3,996
-
3,996
3,996
-
3,996
-
-
Office
Equipment
42,696
2,580
45,276
42,696
1,247
43,943
1,333
-
Computer
Software
1,451
-

1,451

1,451
-

1,451

-

-
Total
55,031
2,580
57,611
55,031
1,247
56,278
1,333
-

The assets above are used primarily in the administration of the Church.

Page 22

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

10. Fixed asset investments

Market value at 1 April 2023
Additions
Net gains on investments
Market value at 31 March 2024
The investment assets are held:
UK other securities
Historical cost:
At 31 March 2024
Listed
Investments
£
-
700,000
53,656
753,656
2024
£
753,656
£
700,000


During the year, the charity purchased units in the COIF Charities Investment Fund Income Units, Investments are held primarily to provide an investment return for the charity.

11.
Debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income


12.
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals

2024

£

161,894
8,047


169,941

2024

£
1,288
8,396
-
11,640


21,324

2023
£
303,236
8,895
312,131
2023
£
(150)
7,096
-
9,840
16,786

Page 23

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

13.
Analysis of Net Assets by Fund
2024
Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities


2023

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Restricted
Funds
£
-
70,148
-
70,148
Restricted
Funds
£
-
70,148
-
70,148
Unrestricted
Funds
£
754,989
2,456,769
(21,324)


3,190,434

Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
2,240,257
(16,786)


2,223,471
Total
£
754,989
2,526,917
(21,324)
3,260,582
Total
£
-
2,310,405
(16,786)
2,293,619

Page 24

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

14. Restricted Funds


Restricted Funds
Festival
Assistance
Youth

Festival
Assistance
Youth
Balance Movement
1st
in
April
Resources
2023
Incoming
£ £
-
24,168
70,148 15,276
-
3,227
70,148 42,671

Balance Movement
1st
in
April
Resources
2022
Incoming
£
£
-
28,811
70,148
7,932
47 2,577
70,195
39,320
Movement
in
Resources
Outgoing
£
(24,168)
(15,276)
(14,053)

(53,497)

Movement
in
Resources
Outgoing
£
(28,811)
(7,932)
(7,607)

(44,350)





T/fers
£
-
-
10,826









Balance
31st
March
2024
£
-
70,148
-


70,148
Balance
31st
March
2023
£
-
70,148
70,148




10,826

Restricted funds and their purposes:

Festival - for the funding of the annual holy days, principally the Feast of Tabernacles. Assistance - for assisting needy congregational members in the UK and developing countries. Youth - for the funding of youth activities including but not limited to summer camp.

Page 25

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

15. Transactions with Trustees and Related Persons

Trustees are reimbursed actual costs necessarily incurred on church business. Messrs George Delap, Paul Roberts, Robert Boraker, David Brocklehurst, John Tompsett, David Hulme, Christopher Howard and Robin Hurd were respectively reimbursed £Nil (2023: £443), £1070 (2023: £484), £Nil (2023: £378), £21,087 (2023: £25,917), £Nil (2023: £Nil ), £Nil (2023: £Nil), £8,339 (2023: £4,267), £Nil (2023: £Nil) during the year. The charity's memorandum and articles allow for up to 50% of the Trustees to be paid employees of the Church. At the yearend, within creditors the charity owed £Nil (2023: Robert Boraker £Nil and David Brocklehurst £Nil). The following received salaries and pensions for the performance of their normal duties as follows:

G. Delap
D. Brocklehurst
C. Howard
2024
Salary
£
20,804
45,003
17,884
Pension
£
-
1,163
-
2023
Salary
£
20,233
43,760
17,394
Pension
£
-
1,126
-

Some Trustees’ wives are part-time employees of the Church and, as such, receive a small monthly allowance. The total salaries the year were as follows:

L Delap
C. Brocklehurst
M. Howard
2024
Salary
£
6,000
6,000
600
Pension
£
-
-
-
2023
Salary
£
4,500
6,000
2,850
Pension
£
-
-
-

16. Operating Leases

The Church had total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:


When payable:
In less than one year
Between one and five years
Land and Buildings
2024 2023
£
£
11,250
-
7,125
-


18,375
-

17. Indemnity Insurance

The charity has not taken indemnity insurance in respect of its Trustees.

Page 26

CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

18. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income for the year (as per the statement
of financial activities)
Net movement in funds
Adjustment for:
Depreciation
(Gains)/losses on investments
Interest from investments
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors


2024
£
966,963
1,247
(53,656)
(13,365)
142,190
4,538


1,047,917

2023
£
922,376
-
-
(715)
(300,797)
(18,466)
602,398

19. Events after the end of the period

In April 2024,12,616 units with a value of £250,000 were purchased for COIF Charities Investment Fund Inc.

Page 27