**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1059512** ## **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** Xeinadin Dalton House 9 Dalton Square LANCASTER LA1 1WD **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** |||**Page**|| |---|---|---|---| |**Reference and Administrative Details**||1|| |**Report of the Trustees**|2|to|3| |**Independent Examiner's Report**||4|| |**Statement of Financial Activities**||5|| |**Balance Sheet**||6|| |**Notes to the Financial Statements**|7|to|14| **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** |**Trustees**|Rev C Murgu| |---|---| ||Mr J Carter| ||Rev I Ellershaw| ||Mrs C Duncan (resigned 17/12/2024)| ||Mr D Kitchen| ||Mr P Burt| ||Dr M White| ||Mr I Rothwell| ||Mr J Davies| ||Mr P Hayes| ||Mr P Lumb| ||Rev M Surrey| ||Mrs S Wright| ||Mrs V Karg| |**Principal address**|The Manse| ||33 Dunkirk Avenue| ||CARNFORTH| ||LA5 9AP| |**Registered charity number**|1059512| |**Independent examiner**|Xeinadin| ||Dalton House| ||9 Dalton Square| ||LANCASTER| ||LA1 1WD| |**Bankers**|Barclays Bank Plc| ||3 Market Street| ||CARNFORTH| ||LA5 9JX| Page 1 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). ## **Objectives and activities** The object of the Carnforth Free Methodist Church is the furtherance of the religious and other charitable works of the Free Methodist Church of North America in accordance with the doctrines, disciplines and usages of that Church for the time being as set forth in the book of discipline. The Church benefits from many voluntary hours and unclaimed out of pocket expenses, contributed by a large number of people. It would be impossible to place a value on these gifts in kind, for which the Trustees are extremely grateful. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives. ## **Achievements and performance** During the year further income was received by the Charity via Gift Aid resulting in a total of £26,574 tax being recovered from HM Revenue & Customs. The Trustees are aware that the Charity has an obligation to operate for an identifiable and public benefit. When planning activities Trustees consider the Commission guidance on public benefit; in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. During 2024, the Church has continued to meet in-person meetings predominantly, albeit virtually using Zoom and YouTube to compliment face to face meetings, particularly for those who are vulnerable or elderly. During the year, the Church continued to support humanitarian work overseas, in particular, where two families continue to serve overseas in 2024. The Church has continued with work in the UK through schools work via sports outreach and the Church has continued to give compassionate gifts and help where needed in the local community. During 2024, our Lead Pastor, Cristi Murgu has continued to lead the work of the Church in the local Community and surrounding areas, supported by our Associate Pastor, Ian Ellershaw. In the meantime, the Churches Admin support has continued to fulfil a part-time role to provide administrative support to the Lead Pastor, Community Pastor and wider Church. The Pastors have been involved in visiting members of the Church and people in the local community who have had particular needs and may have asked the Church for assistance. In addition, the Church assisted community programmes have continued in person, such as divorce and bereavement support. During 2024, the Church has continued to liaise with local agencies in identifying and then supporting individuals and families in the communities. As for assets, the Church manse at Dunkirk Avenue has been maintained. The recently developed Church Conference and Resource Centre has again been used to support the Charities objectives and hosting the community support ventures, including hosting AA. During 2024, all outstanding loans relating to the £1million plus build programme were repaid. Insurance cover on all properties has been reviewed with the recommendations of the RICS and in consultation with the Church's Insurance Brokers. There were minor changes to the Charity's policies during 2024. In particular, the Trustees reviewed its child protection (safe guarding) policy, ensuring that employees and relevant volunteers received bespoke training on the subject. This will be delivered again in 2025. The Health & Safety Policy has been reviewed with ongoing risk assessments drawn up, particularly focus being given to new ministries and events run from the Centre. The Churches GDPR policy and its charitable data protection management processes are being managed. ## **Financial review** The charity does not have a formal reserves policy however it is the policy of the charity to maintain balances at a level equivalent to approximately two months expenditure to cover church running costs, should income fall. There have been no occasions when credit balances have fallen beneath this level, and no need for the matter to be escalated by the Trustees to the members of the Church for their consideration. Free reserves as at the year end were £174,253 (2023 - £61,705). No funds are in deficit. Page 2 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** ## **Future plans** The charity plans to continue with its core objectives within its immediate vicinity and the surrounding regions, in addition to which it continues to explore making more use of its new premises to support its charitable objectives. ## **Structure, governance and management** The main governing document of the Charity is set out in the Declaration of Trust dated 30 October 1996 as amended by scheme dated 9 March 2000. New Trustees are appointed on an annual basis at the Annual General Meeting and meet regularly to review management, financial and operational risk matters. Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by: ........................................................................ Mr J Carter - Trustee Page 3 **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Carnforth Free Methodist Church** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Carnforth Free Methodist Church (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2024. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. T M Preece FCCA Xeinadin Dalton House 9 Dalton Square LANCASTER LA1 1WD Date: ............................................. Page 4 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** |**Notes**
**Income and endowments from**
Donations and legacies
**Charitable activities**
Church activities
Investment income
2
Other income
**Total**
**Expenditure on**
**Charitable activities**
Church activities
Other
**Total**
**NET INCOME**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**fund**
**£**
288,835
-
1,897
1,106
291,838
160,394
530
160,924
130,914
538,325
669,239|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
5,184
11,386
-
-
16,570
15,230
-
15,230
1,340
1,050,662
1,052,002|**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
294,019
11,386
1,897
1,106
308,408
175,624
530
176,154
132,254
1,588,987
1,721,241|**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
218,151
6,959
233
1,040| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||226,383| |||||146,879
2,999| |||||149,878| |||||76,505
1,512,482| |||||1,588,987| The notes form part of these financial statements Page 5 ## **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** ## **BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024** |**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
7
Investments
8
**Current assets**
Debtors
9
Cash at bank
**Creditors**
Amounts falling due within one year
10
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Creditors**
Amounts falling due after more than one year
11
**NET ASSETS**
**Funds**
13
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**Total funds**|**Unrestricted**
**fund**
**£**
127,726
-
127,726
373,733
171,029
544,762
(3,249)
541,513
669,239
-
669,239|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
1
1
1,051,861
140
1,052,001
-
1,052,001
1,052,002
-
1,052,002|**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
127,726
1
127,727
1,425,594
171,169
1,596,763
(3,249)
1,593,514
1,721,241
-
1,721,241
669,239
1,052,002
1,721,241|**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
127,538
1
127,539
1,442,703
58,841
1,501,544
(3,434)
1,498,110
1,625,649
(36,662)
1,588,987
538,325
1,050,662
1,588,987| |---|---|---|---|---| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: ............................................. Mr J Carter - Trustee ............................................. Mr P Burt - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 6 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** ## **1. Accounting policies** ## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value. ## **Income** All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. ## **Expenditure** Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Furniture and equipment - 15% Reducing balance Computer equipment - 25% on cost ## **Taxation** The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. ## **Fund accounting** Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. ## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. ## **Going concern** There are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Page 7 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** |**2.**
**Investment income**
Deposit account interest
**3.**
**Grants payable**
Church activities
The total grants paid to institutions during the year was as follows:
Education for Life
Sportsreach
Royal British Legion
NISCU
United Christian Broadcasters
The Way Church
United Servants
Cornerstone Church, Bentham
CAP Lancaster & Morecambe
Prison Fellowship
Open Doors
The total grants paid to individuals during the year was as follows:
Individuals|**2024**
**£**
1,897
**2024**
**£**
30,969
**2024**
**£**
-
3,121
20
900
-
250
-
11,000
750
819
819
17,679
**2024**
**£**
13,290|**2023**
**£**
233
**2023**
**£**
14,618| |---|---|---| |||**2023**
**£**
600
600
40
700
40
-
111
-
-
-
-| |||2,091| |||**2023**
**£**
11,035| ## **4. Trustees' remuneration and benefits** Both the Lead Pastor and Associate Pastor (who are also Trustees) received remuneration for ministerial work done during the year. Rev C Murgu received gross pay of £31,616 (2023 - £30,141) and pension contributions of £2,370 (2023 - £2,070). Rev I Ellershaw received gross pay of £34,423 (2023 - £32,526) and pension contributions of £2,370 (2023 - £2,070). Page 8 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** ## **4. Trustees' remuneration and benefits - continued** ## **Trustees' expenses** The Trustees were reimbursed expenses of £798 (2023 - £282). ## **5. Staff costs** The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: |Charitable activities
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
**Comparatives for the statement of financial activities**
**Income and endowments from**
Donations and legacies
**Charitable activities**
Church activities
Investment income
Other income
**Total**
**Expenditure on**
**Charitable activities**
Church activities
Other
**Total**
**NET INCOME**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**fund**
**£**
168,167
-
233
1,040
169,440
137,902
2,999
140,901
28,539
509,786
538,325|| |---|---|---| |||| |||| |||| ## **6. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities** Page 9 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** ## **7. Tangible fixed assets** |**Cost**
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
**Depreciation**
At 1 January 2024
Charge for year
At 31 December 2024
**Net book value**
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
**Fixed asset investments**
**Market value**
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
**Net book value**
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023|**Furniture**
**Freehold**
**and**
**Computer**
**property**
**equipment**
**equipment**
**Totals**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
119,820
28,935
5,609
154,364
-
2,210
479
2,689
119,820
31,145
6,088
157,053
-
24,747
2,079
26,826
-
978
1,523
2,501
-
25,725
3,602
29,327
119,820
5,420
2,486
127,726
119,820
4,188
3,530
127,538
**Shares in**
**group**
**undertakings**
**£**
1
1
1| |---|---| ## **8. Fixed asset investments** There were no investment assets outside the UK. ## **9. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year** ||**2024**|**2023**| |---|---|---| ||**£**|**£**| |Other debtors|1,425,594|1,442,703| Page 10 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** |**10.**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 12)
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
**11.**
**Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year**
Bank loans (see note 12)
**12.**
**Loans**
The bank loan was repaid in full on 8 March 2024.
**13.**
**Movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Gifts for specific purposes
Building
Food bank
Ladies ministry
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**At 1/1/24**
**£**
538,325
15
1,050,482
140
25
1,050,662
1,588,987|**2024**
**£**
-
2,182
1,067
3,249
**2024**
**£**
-
**Net**
**movement**
**in funds**
**£**
130,914
(15)
1,380
-
(25)
1,340
132,254|**2023**
**£**
1,107
1,342
985
3,434
**2023**
**£**
36,662
**At**
**31/12/24**
**£**
669,239
-
1,051,862
140
-|**2023**
**£**
1,107
1,342
985
3,434
**2023**
**£**
36,662|**2023**
**£**
1,107
1,342
985| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||3,434| ||||1,052,002||| ||||1,721,241||| Page 11 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** ## **13. Movement in funds - continued** Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Gifts for specific purposes
Building
Soccer school
Men's ministry
Ladies ministry
Youth
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Gifts for specific purposes
Building
Food bank
Ladies ministry
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
291,838
3,344
1,380
6,267
4,959
160
460
16,570
308,408
**At 1/1/23**
**£**
509,786
20
1,002,439
237
-
1,002,696
1,512,482||**Resources**
**expended**
**£**
(160,924)
(3,359)
-
(6,267)
(4,959)
(185)
(460)
(15,230)
(176,154)
**Net**
**movement**
**in funds**
**£**
28,539
(5)
48,043
(97)
25
47,966
76,505|**Movement**
**in funds**
**£**
130,914
(15)
1,380
-
-
(25)
-
1,340
132,254
**At**
**31/12/23**
**£**
538,325
15
1,050,482
140
25
1,050,662
1,588,987| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||| |||||| Page 12 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** ## **13. Movement in funds - continued** Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Gifts for specific purposes
Building
Soccer school
Food bank
Ladies ministry
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
169,440
1,940
48,043
6,814
1
145
56,943
226,383|**Resources**
**Movement**
**expended**
**in funds**
**£**
**£**
(140,901)
28,539
(1,945)
(5)
-
48,043
(6,814)
-
(98)
(97)
(120)
25
(8,977)
47,966
(149,878)
76,505| |---|---|---| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Gifts for specific purposes
Building
Food bank
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**At 1/1/23**
**£**
509,786
20
1,002,439
237
1,002,696
1,512,482|**Net**
**movement**
**in funds**
**£**
159,453
(20)
49,423
(97)
49,306
208,759|**At**
**31/12/24**
**£**
669,239
-
1,051,862
140| |---|---|---|---| ||||1,052,002| ||||1,721,241| Page 13 **CARNFORTH FREE METHODIST CHURCH** **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** ## **13. Movement in funds - continued** A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Gifts for specific purposes
Building
Soccer school
Food bank
Men's ministry
Ladies ministry
Youth
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
461,278
5,284
49,423
13,081
1
4,959
305
460
73,513
534,791|**Resources**
**Movement**
**expended**
**in funds**
**£**
**£**
(301,825)
159,453
(5,304)
(20)
-
49,423
(13,081)
-
(98)
(97)
(4,959)
-
(305)
-
(460)
-
(24,207)
49,306
(326,032)
208,759| |---|---|---| ## **14. Related party disclosures** The charity provided a loan to CFMC Development Company Limited, a company of which the charity is the sole shareholder, to enable the company to undertake a building development. At the balance sheet date the amount due from CFMC Development Company Limited was £1,419,121 (2023 - £1,436,240). The total donations made by the Trustees to the charity during the year amounted to £32,785 (2023 - £42,260). Page 14