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2023-12-31-accounts

EMMAUS CHURCH

Gorse Cover Road, Severn Beach, Bristol

Reg. Charity No. 1059742

Trustees Report for 2023

This report provides a summary of the activities of the church during 2023, the accounts for year ending 31st December 2023 and plans for 2024

Approved at a Trustees meeting on 2[nd] May 2024

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

____ S J Miller

Summary of Emmaus Church during 2023

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. ECC where most of the activities of the charity are carried out, is situated in Gorse Cover Road, Severn Beach, BS35 4NP.

The Church was overseen by seven trustees:

The church was led by a Leadership Team :

Address for correspondence:

Mr S. John Miller, Churchside, Gorse Cover Road, Severn Beach, Bristol BS35 4NP

The primary object (as specified in the Deed of Trust dated 21[st] November 1996) is:

‘THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DOCTRINES SET OUT THE FIRST SCHEDULE HERETO AND THE WORSHIP OF GOD IN THE SAID COUNTY AND ELSEWHERE BY ANY MEANS WHATSOEVER INCLUDING (BUT NOT BY WAY OF LIMITATION) THE PREACHING AND PROCLAMATION OF THE CHRISTIAN GOSPEL AND THE TEACHING OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE AND PRINCIPLES AND THE PASTORAL CARE OF CHRISTIAN PEOPLE AND THE PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE BIBLE AND CHRISTIAN LITERATURE. ‘

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 the exception of J M Molyneux’ involvement) with time and money given by church members. A treasurer administers the finances. For details of other objects and related activities, see the Appendix.

The Trustees oversee the Church’s activities to ensure that it is fulfilling its Charitable Purposes, as detailed in the Deed of Trust. The Second Schedule of the Deed of Trust sets out the method of recruiting and appointing new charity trustees, and the requirements for their appointment.

During 2023, the church continued to support Christian work at home and abroad. See Appendix for more details.

The pattern of services is as follows

The church was funded by voluntary gifts the amount of which varies from year to year with a small amount of rental income.

2022 2023 Increase/Decrease
Income £36,428 £43,639 +£7,211

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.

2022 2023 Increase/Decrease
Gift Aid Refund £5,844 £5,555 -
£289

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.

The church has a loan account with Green Pastures (a charity that provides accommodation for the homeless).

Rent Income from other groups 2023

A local social group called ‘Stitches’ met monthly at ECC.

A Baby Hub run by Sirona Care and Health met monthly at ECC.

The local Steering Group of the Neighbourhood Plan met monthly at ECC for their meetings and hired ECC for an open evening

The local Parish Council began holding bi-monthly meetings at ECC from March 2023

Expenditure for 2023 was £49,515.

Year 2022 2023 Increase/Decrease
Expenditure £33,430 £49,515 +£16,085
Gifts to other Christian
work		 £7,767 £8,142 + £375
Gifts to lay preachers £3,135 £2,640 -
£495

During the year there was a deficit of £5,876 which reduced reserves to £78,287 at the year end.

Banks: Santander, Brindle Road, Bootle, Merseyside. L30 4GB and Kingdom Bank Ltd, Ruddington Fields Business Park, Mere Way, Ruddington, Nottingham. NG11 6JS

Independent Examiner: Joshua Kingston, BSc (Hons) ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton, Bristol. BS48 1UR

APPENDIX

1. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH IN 2023

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:

Sunday Morning Services were the main church activity including worship, prayer, interviews, Christian teaching and preaching with a separate group for children during part of the service, with Holy Communion once a month with up to 40 people attending. A number of lay Christian preachers from other local churches were invited to share the responsibility of teaching and preaching supplemented with some speakers from the congregation.

We kept in touch with people who were unable to attend a Service with a fortnightly/monthly news/prayer letter.

Leaders’ meetings

Mid-week Groups

Church socials:

Publicity:

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Some of the highlights of 2023:

Prayer

Special Services

Easter

Christmas

Other Services

Annual General Meeting

Social Events/Reaching the Community

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.

Foodbank collections continued based at the home of a member living in Severn Beach and were regularly delivered to the North West Bristol Avonmouth Hub. Harvest Thanksgiving food donations were also delivered to the Foodbank.

A weekly Bristol North West Foodbank outlet commenced at ECC in December supported by the staff of the Avonmouth Hub.

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.

Charity/Person 2023
Tearfund – sending relief to where the need is greatest in the wider
world (Ukraine)		 £550
Rwanda Orphans Project – sponsorship of and Christmas gifts to two
orphaned young people through SKI, Muller’s		 £480
Rwanda Orphans Project – Peter Andrews to support his work in
Rwanda		 £1,500
Open Doors UK – a charity supported persecuted Christians across the
world		 £1,100
In Hope, a charity supporting homeless people in Bristol £600
India Mission, a charity supporting needy families £600
Bristol North West Foodbank £380
Designated Giving £1,932

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:

and activities in a side room for half an hour during the main service.

Local Schools:

Sponsorship/Gifts

Person/Organisation 2023
Regular
Gift		 Nationwide Christian Trust, publishers of Living Light
daily bible reading notes		 £800
Gifts Visiting speakers, worship leaders and speakers on
Zoom		 £2,640
Gift Steve Loader, Chaplain to Seafarers at Port of Bristol £500
Gift Trevor Ranger, for his work in taking assemblies at
primary schools		 £500
Regular
Gift		 Celebration/The Mix (City Fellowship) £240

Gifts of knitted hats and gloves were distributed by Steve Loader to Seafarers at Port of Bristol.

Annual subscriptions/fees to:

2. CHURCH BUILDINGS, GROUNDS & EQUIPMENT IN 2023

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

Other expenditure:

3. PLANS FOR 2024 (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 £78,150

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.

Related Party Transactions

Robert Scott Cook, Sam Marsh and Luke Addison were Trustees of the charity in the year. It is normal practice for Emmaus Church visiting preachers to be remunerated £80 to cover expenses. During the year, Luke Addison preached three times, Robert Scott Cook preached once and Sam Marsh preached twice. This remuneration is allowed under the constitution of the charity.

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 31st December 2023..

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.

Joshua Kingston, BSc (Hons) ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR

Date: 2[nd] May 2024

EMMAUS CHURCH

Receipts & Payments Account Year Ended 31 December 2023

RECEIPTS

RECEIPTS
Collections and general gifts
Gift Aid donations
Rent
Event income
Deposit account interest
Gift Aid refunds
Outreach
Teaching and training
Miscellaneous Income		 Unrestricted Designated
Totals
Totals
Funds
Fund
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
4,853
1,942
6,795
5,108
27,233
-
27,233
22,221
1,050
-
1,050
750
1,136
-
1,136
470
1,287
-
1,287
811
5,555
-
5,555
5,844
-
-
-
34
-
-
-
1,190
583
-
583
-
41,697
1,942
43,639
36,428
PAYMENTS
Gifts to Christian work & missionary
Gifts to speakers
Gifts to musicians
Staff costs
Outreach
Teaching and training
Repairs and renewals
Accountant and Independent Examiner
Utilities
Church cleaning & maintenance
Insurance
Membership/subs/licences
Stationery, publishing, printing & advertising
Miscellaneous expenses
Musical materials & equipment		 6,210
1,932
8,142
7,767
2,640
-
2,640
3,135
-
-
-
40
17,061
-
17,061
3,989
1,904
-
1,904
1,154
826
-
826
2,992
5,570
-
5,570
3,280
1,866
-
1,866
900
2,546
-
2,546
2,084
2,671
-
2,671
3,508
1,480
-
1,480
1,290
1,787
-
1,787
1,530
749
-
749
967
536
-
536
59
1,737
-
1,737
735
Surplus of payments over receipts
Balance as at 1 January 2022		 47,583
1,932
49,515
33,430
(5,886)
10
(5,876)
2,998
84,036
127
84,163
81,165
Balance as at 31 December 2023 78,150
137
78,287
84,163
Represented by:
Cash and bank balances		 78,150
137
78,287
84,163

EMMAUS CHURCH

Statement of Assets and Liabilities Year Ended 31 December 2023

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		 2023
£
4,187
26,366
22,718
25,000
16
78,287
78,287
1,170		 2022
£
8,349
28,427
22,371
25,000
16
84,163
84,163
1,080

Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 2nd May 2023.

S J Miller