Oxford Vineyard Church
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 August 2024
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
OXFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE Stowford Farm Bayswater Road Headington Oxford OX3 9RZ GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution for a charitable incorporated organisation from 17 November 2021. CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1064237 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR A Myatt MANAGING THE CHARITY J Durber A Curtis (appointed December 2024) S Morris (resigned December 2024) W Buchan (appointed January 2024) (resigned October 2024) BANKERS CAF Bank INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Ajay Rajani FCIE Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2-4 Trustees' Report Page 5 Independent Examiner's Report Page 6 Receipts and Payments Account Page 7 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Page 8 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
OXFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The trustees, who are the charity's directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year.
Legal Status
Until 17 November 2021 Oxford Vineyard Church was a charitable company limited by guarantee and was governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. On 17 November the charity converted to a charitable incorporated organisation and is now governed by a Constitution.
Charity Objectives
The objectives of the Company are set out in its Memorandum of Association and may be summarised as under:
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The furtherance of religious or secular public education.
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The advancement of the Christian faith including missionary activities in the United Kingdom and overseas and also including but not limited to the planting of new churches and organisations of congregations.
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The relief of the poor and needy.
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The relief of the sick and elderly.
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Such other charitable objects and for the benefit of such other charitable bodies and institutions as the Committee shall in their absolute discretion see fit.
Review of Activities
The Charity is a Vineyard Church affiliated to Vineyard Churches UK, and a member of the Evangelical Alliance. The Church was started in April 1992 to reach out to unchurched people in the Oxford area. The Charity is committed to providing teaching and instruction to equip people for all life’s situations, to advance the Christian faith through outreach events and to plant new Churches. It is also committed to provide care and support to the poor and sick in the community.
Church Focus. Our vision and aim as a church remain the same - ‘To build worshipping communities in the Oxford area, that reach out & bring the transforming reality of Jesus into every life.' We have continued to see a flow of people coming to know Jesus for the first time and lives changed by the power of God. We aim to grow passionate followers of Jesus.
We continued to implement the DMM model with Discovery Studies – a process we expected to take 3 years to transition. Two years into the model, we were encouraged by the number of Studies starting.
A slimmed down weekend model of meetings goes hand in hand with the Discovery Studies. We had a Brunch on the first & third Sunday of the month, where we ate together as we discussed the Bible, then worshipped and prayed for each other. The 2[nd] Sunday would be devoted to the continuation of Explorers and the 4[th] Sunday to Fireside. We would have a Retreat day 3-4 times a year, using spiritual exercises to strengthen & encourage our people.
Our Compassion Ministry continued as we gave out food to those in need. Food is taken to the Community Emergency Foodbank, which is supported by a large group of churches in Oxford. Our Help Fund continued to provide support to those in need, who almost exclusively had no connection to the church.
We continue to support a couple from the church in Central Asia who do language, medical training and provide water and sanitation to remote mountain villages, building bridges to enable road building and cutting hours or even days off the travel time; as well as building worshipping communities. We help to finance this family and to support them while they had to be back in the UK. Andrew Myatt continues to lead the Vineyard Persian Partnership, which coordinates the work of Vineyard Churches in USA, Germany and the UK into the countries of the ancient Persian empire. Justice & Joy is a special offering taken up in the early autumn to provide food & emergency help to some of the poorest in Central Asia survive through the winter.
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OXFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT CONTINUED
Review of Activities continued
Transformation comes from knowing God - he changes us from the inside & not by religious conformity. As we give the Holy Spirit room in our lives, we find healing in many dimensions bringing personal growth. The church also ministers to the sick at the Sunday Services and at mid-week meetings. Pastoral assistance is provided as requested.
To that we add training in what the Bible says, releasing each person to their unique calling from God. We are all called to ‘do the stuff’ - an army not an audience. Our aim is to release each person into the unique calling God has for them, and help them discover their God-given gifts.
We continue to use the Immanuel Prayer Ministry model to help ordinary people draw close to Jesus and get rid of emotional & psychological baggage they have picked up through life.
Andrew & Mandy continue to organise the Leaders Soul Spa Retreats for Vineyard Churches, both online and in person.
Church Planting. Part of our vision is to plant churches that reach unchurched people. Members of the church are trained when they show interest and released when the staff considers them to be ready – this process of training can take many years. This process has taken a back seat while we develop the DMM model. We have helped plant 10 churches so far, including plants in New Zealand and more recently in Australia. VCUKI provides training via the Leadership Pathway to help with the training of new leaders.
Oversight
Oxford Vineyard Church is part of Vineyard Churches UK. Oversight of the church is provided through our area, which is led by Guy & Esther Pritchard from Farnham Vineyard. Our Pastoral Support is given by David & Alison Flowers who lead the Leeds Vineyard. Andrew & Mandy Myatt provide Pastoral Support to the Vineyard Church in Salisbury.
Office . All staff now work from home.
Risk Assessment
The Trustees carry out a full risk assessment annually, including reviewing the DBS policy, and other policies such as Health & Safety.
Public Benefit
In planning the activities the Trustees have given consideration to the guidance provided by the Charity Commission on ‘public benefit’. Public Benefit is seen in the above activities, including the provision of worship and teaching, training and pastoral support, helping those in need in the Oxford area and Central Asia, and giving leadership support across the Vineyard movement. All these things are available to anyone in the community whether or not they come to an Oxford Vineyard event. Sunday meetings are open to anyone from any background or belief system. A considerable amount of our financial, time and energy resources go towards those who are not part of the church. We continue to give 12% of our income to organisations outside the Oxford area.
Structure and governance
Selection and training: Trustees can be suggested by any of the current trustees, and if after discussion deemed appropriate are approached by Andrew Myatt. They are given various documents, including the VCUKI Trustees’ Handbook. Most of the training is on-the-job and working alongside more experienced trustees.
Decisions by staff and trustees: The Trustees take responsibility for legal and financial areas, and allow the Leadership (currently Andrew & Mandy Myatt) freedom to handle the pastoral and spiritual direction of the church. Before each trustees’ meeting a report is circulated by Andrew Myatt bringing the trustees up to date on what is happening in the church (which is especially relevant for the trustees who live away from Oxford), so that their decisions are fully informed. Financial reports are sent to the Trustees by the middle of the following month and adjustments to the budget are made as necessary. Andrew Myatt leaves the room whenever there is a discussion or decision regarding staff salaries.
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OXFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT CONTINUED
Future Plans
Andrew puts together a budget every April/May which starts in September for the next 12 months. The budget is presented to the trustees before adjustment and approval. The ongoing plans for church life are discussed with some of the leaders in the church.
The DMM model will continue to be implemented and further training will be held. A lot more attention will be given to individuals, especially those who are seeking to, or are already running Discovery Studies. This mentoring is to help them in their personal lives as well as helping them to succeed with the DMM model, and each person will receive a couple of calls a month, as well as holding a central training session online.
Financial Review
During the year income decreased by £27,366 to £70,696, and expenditure decreased by £6,227 to £82,044. As a result the cash deficit for the year was £11,348 (2023: a cash surplus of £9,791). The total cash held by the charity decreased by £11,348 to £21,284, of which £961 was restricted.
Reserves Policy
The trustees have established a policy whereby free reserves (which the trustees define as being unrestricted cash) held by the charity should be no less than £18,000 (which equates to about 3 months' unrestricted expenditure). The charity ended the year with unrestricted cash of £20,323 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy. Steps will be taken to stem the net outflow of cash should free reserves fall much below £20,000. A Tripwire Budget was prepared and will be implemented if the charity's bank balances fall below £15,000.
Risk Statement
The trustees have reviewed the risks to which a small charity operating with few employees is exposed. Appropriate procedures are in place to identify, monitor and review these risks on a regular basis.
Responsibilities of trustees
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Andrew Myatt
_______ Andrew Myatt (Apr 22, 2025 14:04 GMT+1) Andrew Myatt
Date: Apr 22, 2025
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
OXFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Oxford Vineyard Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 August 2024 on pages 6 to 8 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 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 2011 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:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Ajay Rajani
Ajay Rajani (May 27, 2025 12:36 GMT+1)
Ajay Rajani FCIE Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB
Date: May 27, 2025
Page 5
OXFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Notes Income receipts Donations Gift aid receipts Income from courses and events Bank Interest Capital and similar receipts Sale of motor vehicle Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds 5 Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Net of receipts / (payments) before Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others |
Unrestricted Funds £ 54,658 12,326 - 664 67,647 - 67,647 70,491 8,570 79,061 (11,413) - (11,413) 31,736 20,323 |
Restricted Funds £ 2,473 576 - - 3,049 - 3,049 - 2,984 2,984 65 - 65 896 961 |
2024 £ 57,131 12,901 - 664 70,696 - 70,696 70,491 11,554 82,044 (11,348) - (11,348) 32,632 21,284 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79,189 18,097 35 213 |
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| 97,534 528 |
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| 98,062 | ||||
| 73,104 15,167 |
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| 88,271 | ||||
| 9,791 - |
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| 9,791 22,842 |
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| 32,632 |
The notes on page 8 form part of these accounts.
Page 6
OXFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity Hall hire Other debtors C Liabilities Payroll related creditors Independent examiner's fee Other creditors D Assets retained for charity's own use Music. PA and computer equipment |
Unrestricted funds £ 20,323 20,323 1,022 675 294 1,991 2,019 1,200 441 3,660 |
Restricted funds £ 961 961 - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Unrestricted |
2024 £ 21,284 21,284 1,022 675 294 1,991 2,019 1,200 441 3,660 Cost £ 958 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32,632 | ||||
| 32,632 | ||||
| 1,234 - 359 |
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| 1,592 | ||||
| 1,558 1,020 24 |
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| 2,602 | ||||
| Current value £ |
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| - |
The current value of the equipment owned by the charity is believed to be negligible.
E Guarantees and secured debts
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Andrew Myatt
Andrew Myatt (Apr 22, 2025 14:04 GMT+1) -------------------------------------------Andrew Myatt Apr 22, 2025 Date: ______
The notes on page 8 form part of these accounts.
Page 7
OXFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
Unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| Unrestricted funds £ 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Pastoral worker and related costs 54,730 Pastoral expenses 2,407 Meetings expense 876 Motor vehicle costs - Mission expenses 597 Other ministry costs 250 Staff and office services 6,820 Office costs 2,286 Insurance 860 Professional fees and subscriptions 645 Independent examiner's fee 1,020 70,491 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total 2024 £ 54,730 2,407 876 - 597 250 6,820 2,286 860 645 1,020 70,491 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50,886 1,729 2,295 1,741 1,446 501 9,319 2,298 860 650 1,380 |
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| 73,104 |
| 3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Frontiers 4,070 Vineyard Churches UK 4,500 Individuals facing hardship - 8,570 |
2,604 - 380 2,984 |
6,674 4,500 380 11,554 |
10,299 4,475 393 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15,167 |
4 Transactions with related parties
A Myatt served as a church leader and was paid £17,821 (2023: £12,220) for serving in that capacity, not for serving as trustees; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
In addition the charity incurred expenditure totalling £37,967 (2023: £37,600) in respect of the provision of accommodation (which is customary for ministers) to A Myatt, who is a trustee so that he could better perform his duties. This includes rent payments totalling £30,000 (2023: £30,000) to A Myatt in respect of a manse that he owns and occupies.
5 Movements on restricted funds
| vements on restricted funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Help fund Justice & Joy fund |
Opening balances £ 896 - 896 |
Receipts £ 445 2,604 3,049 |
Payments £ (380) (2,604) (2,984) |
Transfers £ - - - |
Closing balances £ 961 - |
| 961 |
The Help fund was created from donations received to help those in the local area facing hardship. The Justice & Joy fund represents donations given to support international missions work.
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