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2020-12-31-accounts

EMMAUS CHURCH

Gorse Cover Road, Severn Beach, Bristol

Reg. Charity No. 1059742

Trustees Report for 2020

This report provides a summary of the activities of the church during 2020, the accounts for year ending 31st December 2020 and plans for 2021 The activities of the Church were severely restricted by the Covid19 Pandemic

Approved at a Trustees meeting on 6[th] May 2021

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

____ S J Miller

Summary of Emmaus Church during 2020

Emmaus Church is an independent body, registered as a charity (No 1059742) on 12th Dec. 1996. Emmaus Church Centre (ECC) is registered as a place of worship No. 79101 and for marriages No. 42123. The Western Counties & South Wales Evangelisation Trust governs the building and grounds. Emmaus CC, where most of the activities of the charity are carried out, is situated in Gorse Cover Road, Severn Beach, near Bristol BS35 4NP

The Church was overseen by five trustees:

The church was led by a Leadership Support Team :

With regular guest Anuran Wickramasinghe

The Leadership Support Team was challenged to bring younger members to the Team. During 2020, Abigail Selby and Bridget Chattaway were invited to attend leaders meetings as guests.

The Church continued with its regular activities designed to maintain involvement with the community until mid March. From April to December activities were severely disrupted by the Coronavirus19 Pandemic.

The Church employed Mary-Anne Willmott as a self employed Church Development Worker (8 hours per week – reduced from April due to covid19 restrictions) to introduce fresh initiatives and due to retirements and others moving away, she has filled various key roles. Mary-Anne began a part-time theological training course at the Bristol Baptists College via Zoom.

Address for correspondence:

Mr S. John Miller, Salthouse Farm, Shaft Road, Severn Beach, Bristol, BS35 4NH

The primary object (as specified in the Deed of Trust) is:

“the advancement of the Christian faith and the extension of the Kingdom of God and other charitable purposes”

One or more persons who are known to be part of the body of the Church led each of the separate prime activities of the charity. The majority of activities were being supported voluntarily with time and money given by church members. The church welcomed a variety of Christian speakers from other churches to preach. A treasurer administers the finances. For details of other objects and related activities, see the Appendix.

During 2020 the church continued with regular services and activities for various age groups until the first national lockdown due to covid19. It continued to support Christian work at home and abroad. See Appendix for more details.

Normal pattern of services pre covid19

The pattern of services that developed after March 2020

The church was funded by voluntary gifts the amount of which varies from year to year and a small amount of rental income. Total income in 2020 was £33,983. This was slightly down on 2019 but was an incredible amount as the church building was closed for much of 2020.

The church encouraged those who pay tax and are committed to Emmaus Church to sign a gift aid mandate as it is a valuable source of revenue and we operate the Small Gift Aid Donation. Gift Aid Donations refund received in 2020 was £5,500 for donations made in 2019)

The church holds Santander current and deposit accounts and a Kingdom Bank savings bond. Kingdom Bank supports the work of churches and charities in keeping with Emmaus Church’s vision.

We closed the Kingdom Bank Deposit account and opened a 2 year loan account with Green Pastures, a charity that provides accommodation for the homeless from November 2019. We received significant interest in 2020.

A local social group called ‘Stitches’ met at ECC once a month for which they paid rent in January and February only.

A Baby Hub run by Sirona Care and Health continued meeting once a month at ECC for which they paid rent in January and February only. This facility was proving very popular to the local community.

Expenditure for 2020 was £24,197, down by £6,000 on 2019 as many activities were cancelled due to the covid19 pandemic and national lockdowns.

The church’s gifts to other Christian work, those in need and missions remained constant at a similar amount to 2019 at £6,309 which is around 26% of total expenditure.

The church continues to give gifts to lay preachers and the total amount was £1,450. This was £1,000 reduction on previous years as the church engaged less speakers, had shorter talks on Zoom, and less travelling expenses.

We are pleased to report that the church remains in a healthy financial situation and did not use any reserved funds.

Banks: Santander, Brindle Road, Bootle, Merseyside. L30 4GB

and Kingdom Bank Ltd, Ruddington Fields Business Park, Mere Way, Ruddington, Nottingham. NG11 6JS

Independent Examiner: Neil Kingston FCA Burton Sweet The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton, Bristol. BS48 1UR

APPENDIX

1. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH IN 2019

Object 1: The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrines set out in the first schedule hereto, and the worship of God… the preaching and proclamation of the Christian Gospel and the teaching of Christian doctrines and principles and the pastoral care of Christian people and the printing and distribution of the Bible and Christian literature.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES:

Until March 2020

Worship of God, Christian teaching and preaching, with separate groups for children, using a variety of methods including music, and multi-media presentations, with Holy Communion once a month. A number of lay preachers are invited to share the preaching responsibility along with some speakers from the congregation. On occasions the Music/Worship Team was supported by worship groups from other local churches. Most services are recorded on to CDs for the benefit of those unable to attend.

The overall number of people attending regularly remains similar to last year, and we had occasional visitors.

The Sunday Breakfast Club service for families met at Emmaus CC once a fortnight at the same time as the Sunday Morning Service. Emmaus Church organises a group for children on the other alternate Sunday mornings called ‘KidSpace’.

Sunday Morning Worship

From April 2020

Worship of God, Christian teaching and preaching (no separate groups for children) using Zoom, worship song videos (purchased extra licences to use digital resources) with Holy Communion once a month. A number of lay preachers were invited to share the responsibility of teaching and preaching on Zoom along with some speakers from the congregation. Services are no longer recorded. The church’s Worship Leader was able the lead worship when services were held outside or at the church building. The Zoom Sunday Morning Services have proved successful in the circumstances with up to 40 people joining in, including some church friends from outside the area.

We kept in touch with people who were unable to join a Zoom Service with a weekly news/prayer letter.

A few families join in the Sunday Morning Worship on Zoom. Activity Bags with a snack were given out once a month to families who attended Breakfast Club and Activity Books given for Christmas. Bags were organised and given to the teenagers of the church as a way of keeping them connected.

A few teenagers joined in Zoom services through dramatic readings and video drama skits. A young persons Bible study group met in September with the aim to run this once a month but covid19 restrictions prevented any further meetings.

Sunday Evening Services:

Leaders’ meetings

Weekly Mid-week Groups: from January to March

Mid-week Groups from April to December

Church socials:

Publicity:

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Some of the highlights of 2020:

Prayer

Special Services

Easter

o April: Easter Day Service on Zoom

Christmas

o Christmas Eve Service at Emmaus Church and on Zoom

Other Services – Funerals

AGM

Social Events/Reaching the Community

January to March

Muller’s Partnership

Celebration Partnership

Severnside Churche s

Object 2: The relief of persons who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress, also those who are elderly or infirm.

At the beginning of the year Emmaus Church, along with St Peter’s Church, Pilning and All Saints Church, Compton Greenfield made weekly donations of food to the Bristol NW Foodbank and delivered them to the outlet at St Andrew’s Church in Avonmouth.

After a break during the first lockdown Foodbank collections continued based at Salthouse Farm and were delivered to the Avonmouth Hub fortnightly. Harvest Thanksgiving food donations were given to the Foodbank along with a financial gift.

Relief and help have been offered to members of our own congregation who are in need, both from church funds, and also through other members' personal care, compassion and prayer.

Object 3: The advancement of education on the basis of Christian principles for persons of all ages.

Regular teaching in the Emmaus Church Centre for adults and children Adults followed teaching series entitled:

Children:

Two people led an assembly at Severn Beach Primary School before the covid19 restrictions.

Sponsorship/Gifts

Emmaus Church sponsored an After-School Dance Club until March (1 term) led by Amy Boucher, a street dance instructor (‘ConfiDance’)

During January, a gift to the leaders of Breakfast Club to support their work with families (up to mid March)

Regular gift to Nationwide Christian Trust, publishers of Living Light daily bible reading notes

A gift was given towards the cost of the Church Development Worker’s training in theology at Bristol Baptist College

Gifts to visiting speakers and worship leaders, and speakers on Zoom

Regular gift to ‘Changing Tunes’, to support their work with offenders and ex-offenders to reduce re-offending through music

Gifts of knitted hats for Seafarers, distributed by Steve Loader, Padre based at the Seafarers Mission at Portbury/Avonmouth docks

One off gift to Trevor Ranger for their work in taking assemblies in schools

Regular gifts to support the Celebration and the Mix (City Fellowship)

Annual subscriptions/fees to:

2. CHURCH BUILDINGS, GROUNDS and EQUIPMENT in 2020

The Church Centre building and grounds remain mostly in good order and were maintained by volunteers with the help of:

Portable electrical appliances and fire extinguishers were not tested in 2020 due to covid19 restrictions

Subscription to API for servicing the audio/visual equipment

Broadband equipment from BT to facilitate the use of Zoom Meetings App

Laptop, DVD player and camera purchased to facilitate the use of Zoom meetings

3. PLANS FOR 2021 (and beyond)

A: Individuals

B: Church

C: Community

D: Building

4. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees have had regard to the guidance produced by the Charity Commission on public benefit in preparing this report and in the various activities of the church.

All three objects as outlined in this report seek to provide activities and actions which benefit the public through the pro-active involvement of members of the church in community activities, financial support for those whose ministry is to serve others ensuring that the ultimate beneficiaries are those whom they serve rather than themselves and significant mission activities in the local community for the size of the church. The church also supports financially those in other communities and countries whose work is designed to benefit local people in their areas of operation.

The church is also keen to work not only in social mission but also in evangelistic activities because the church leaders and trustees consider that the Christian message is crucial to people knowing wholeness and healing in their lives and the church is delighted to hear stories of changed lives over the years through the church’s commitment to the Christian message.

Therefore, the Trustees consider that through direct involvement of its members and indirect involvement (through funding others) both in their local area and also further afield, the church is serving people to their benefit and for their support. It is the desire of the leaders and Trustees that the church grows in order that this work might increase.

TRUSTEE POLICIES

Investment Policy

It is agreed that the Trustees hold no more than necessary to meet normal expenditure levels in the current account, and that the remainder of the reserves are held in a deposit account, the performance of which is reviewed from time to time with the Church Treasurer.

Reserve Policy

The Trustees consider it prudent to hold up to a normal year’s expenditure in reserve in a deposit account. This is to ensure there is adequate provision to fund any unexpected expenditure as the Church is almost wholly reliant on freewill gifts from Church members which can vary considerably from year to year.

The Trustees also hold an additional reserve as it is their desire to appoint an employee if a suitable candidate were available to progress the work of the church. The free reserves at the year-end were £53,593

Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding is constantly being monitored, revised and updated. Carol Miller is the co-ordinator. Emmaus Church is registered with the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS ref: 2021). A system for police-checking Children and Youth Workers (DBS Certificates) is established.

Health and Safety Policy

The Trustees are aware of their responsibilities concerning risks to the Trust. The Church has a Health and Safety Policy which is applicable for Emmaus Church as a low risk, less than 5 employees Charity. The Church considers risk management important. Risks such as accidents in the car park and children leaving the grounds unaccompanied are assessed as part of the normal decision-making process to the Church.

Church Insurance

Emmaus Church is insured with the Congregational & General, using their standard ‘Church Choice’ Policy. Public liability has been confirmed as five million pounds.

Certificates

Portable electrical appliances are tested annually. Fire extinguishers and fire blanket are tested annually by a specialist firm. The Kitchen is registered with South Gloucestershire Council as Food Premises and was inspected by a Food Safety Officer in 2013.

Several Church members have Food Hygiene certificates which may need updating. Several Church members have First Aid certificates which may need updating.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with 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).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/constitution. 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.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 6[th] May 2021

________ SJ Miller

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF EMMAUS CHURCH

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Emmaus Church (the Charity) for the year ended 31[st] December 2020.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Charity 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 Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity 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.

Neil Kingston, FCA Burton Sweet Chartered Accountants The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR

Date: 6[th] May 2021

EMMAUS CHURCH

Receipts & Payments Account Year Ended 31 December 2020

RECEIPTS

RECEIPTS
General Restricted Totals Totals
Funds Fund 2020 2019
£ £ £ £
Collections and general gifts 6,703 829 7,532 7,956
Gift Aid donations 19,451 - 19,451 21,676
Rent 150 - 150 410
Event income 353 - 353 1,381
Deposit account interest 997 - 997 373
Gift Aid refunds 5,500 - 5,500 4,848
33,154 829 33,983 36,644
PAYMENTS
Gifts to Christian work & missionary 5,480 829 6,309 6,227
Gifts to speakers 1,450 - 1,450 2,475
Gifts to musicians - - - 175
Staff costs 6,074 - 6,074 8,194
Outreach 1,592 - 1,592 1,773
Teaching and training 1,174 - 1,174 828
Repairs and renewals 937 - 937 1,099
Accountant and Independent Examiner 528 - 528 498
Utilities 1,287 - 1,287 2,084
Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 6th May 2021 1,546 - 1,546 3,025
Insurance 1,128 - 1,128 1,065
Membership/subs/licences 1,610 - 1,610 1,295
Stationery, publishing, printing & advertising 280 - 280 67
Miscellaneous expenses - - - 49
Musical materials & equipment 282 - 282 1,449
23,368 829 24,197 30,303
Surplus of payments over receipts 9,786 - 9,786 6,341
Balance as at 1 January 2020 60,475 - 60,475 54,134
Balance as at 31 December 2020 70,261 - 70,261 60,475
Represented by:
Cash and bank balances 70,261 - 70,261 60,475

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EMMAUS CHURCH

Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at 31 December 2020

Cash Balances on Receipts and Payments
Account Carried Forward
Current Account
Deposit Account
12 Month Savings Bond
2 year loan account
Cash in hand
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Independent Examiners' fee		 2020
2019
£
£
6,086
5,297
16,911
8,101
22,248
22,061
25,000
25,000
16
16
70,261
60,475
70,261
60,475
780
528

Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 6th May 2021

S J Miller

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