**EPPING FOREST COMMUNITY CHURCH trust** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT for 2021** 


## • **THE TRUST: Structure, Governance and Management** 

The Epping Forest Community Church (EFCC) Trust was constituted by Deed of Trust on 5[th] January 1999 and is a registered charity No 1074617. 

The Charity Trustees during the year to 31 December 2021 were as follows: 

- Paul Blackham - Chairperson (elected 23.10.18) 

- Gill Harryman - Treasurer (elected 27.08.18) 

- Janice Westwood (elected 13.01.19) 

- Rachel Bartels (elected 13.01.19) 

The Deed of Trust allows that any person over the age of 18 meeting the Trust’s and the Charity Commissioners criteria is eligible to stand as a Trustee of EFCC.  A new Trustee may be appointed by a resolution of the Trustees passed at a meeting of the Trustees at which there is the majority of the Trustees present.  There must be a minimum of three Trustees at any one time with no maximum set. 

At the beginning of the year the day-to-day affairs of EFCC were managed by our full-time employed Church Leaders, Rich Seaman and Katie Nicholson, ably supported and assisted by the five-strong voluntary Leadership Support Team. This structure was altered during the year as noted below. 

EFCC owns, and is based out of, Grosvenor Hall, Grosvenor Drive, Loughton IG10 2LG. 

## • **SUMMARY OF THE PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY** 

The objects of the charity remain as: 

(a) to advance the Christian faith, in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs, in the Epping Forest District and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the Trustees may from time-to-time think  fit 

(b) to relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and to relieve the stress caused thereby in the said locality and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees may from time-to-time think fit 

(c) to promote and fulfil such other charitable purposes beneficial to the community in the said locality and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the Trustees may from time-to-time think fit. 

In summary Epping Forest Community Church exists to advance the Christian faith and serve the local community (and wider) in accordance with the objects of the charity and provides: 

- A public place of worship 

- Multiple activities and projects to serve the local community 

- International Support to those most marginalized 

- A venue for other community organisations to use 

Page 1 of 4 



## • **WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING IN 2021….** 

Despite the prevailing global conditions, and building upon what we had learnt through 2020, the emphasis of the church's activities continued to focus upon reaching out to, and serving, the local community. 

Sunday morning meetings continued to be via Zoom for the first 7 months of the year. Small groups met via Zoom or in person as restrictions allowed up till July, after which, group leaders were free to make their own decisions about how best to meet and some groups ceased meetings until restrictions were ended. 

A new Christians and young adults’ group started meeting together weekly from March. Along with support and teaching, part of the intention of the group is to develop young leaders. 

We were able to successfully organise a “covid secure” Easter family event at Grosvenor Hall, despite the restrictions in place at that time. 

In April, a homework club was set up, aimed initially at those who needed extra help catching up with missed work during the previous year and this ran until early July. 

After the government announced an end to all restrictions from 19[th] July, we resumed Sunday morning inperson meetings, giving due attention to ventilation & spaced seating. Also in July, we introduced a short Sunday afternoon meeting at Grosvenor Hall, focused mainly on sung worship, testimony, words of knowledge, prophecy & encouragement. 

Since September whole church meetings have been held in-person. Most small groups are also in-person, others have continued with Zoom to cater for those who are unable or unwilling to meet face to face. Additionally, we instituted a weekly outreach event in Debden Broadway taking place on Thursday mornings, inviting people to hear the gospel of Jesus, offering prayer and letting them know about the Church. 

In the Autumn, 3 new groups were launched: an after school club for 8-12s, a recovery meeting for those dealing with addictions and a focus group for training people to hear God in the prophetic and words of knowledge. 

On October 31[st] we ran an alternative Hallowe’en event outside the building, offering hot & cold drinks, snacks, children’s activities and giving away children’s bibles. 

Several important Christmas events were still able to be held in December, including a children’s Christmas Party, the children’s Nativity Play, a candlelit Carol Service, and Christmas Day Lunch. 

Despite everything, and with a bit of ingenuity and a stoic disregard for cold weather, we have been able to continue to baptise a good number of people into new life in Christ all throughout the year. 

## • **CHURCH GROWTH IN 2021….** 

After almost 2 years navigating through restrictions & guidelines, the impact of not meeting together freely has been keenly felt. It has been helpful to pause and assess the bigger picture of why church exists, what its primary objectives are and what things are important to the people that comprise it - and this is an ongoing process. 

There have been large fluctuations in numbers attending meetings and groups, both online and in-person, and this is still evident as we look ahead to entering the third year since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. During this year some people have moved away, or are now at other local churches, and some people regrettably have passed away. On the other hand we have been able to welcome many new people joining us, and we were particularly blessed to be able to welcome back several people who have been working abroad for several years on mission work especially in Africa and Asia – one person in fact has recently returned after nearly 20 years abroad. 

Page 2 of 4 



## • **WHO DOES IT ALL IN 2021….** 

In May 2020 we invited everyone in EFCC to put aside a week to pray, fast and ask God about the church. One outcome of this was the decision to implement a change in the leadership structure. Consequently, at the beginning of 2021 it was agreed to appoint each of the existing 5 members of the former Support Team into voluntary leadership, thus forming the new Leadership Team. 

Later in the year, after a sabbatical, one of our former senior leaders made a request to step down from that role, in order to concentrate her skills & gifts in the area of outreach and young people - her growing desire and enthusiasm to work largely in the community made this a natural progression. Consequently, a new role of Community Outreach Worker was created, and she formally resigned from her leadership role on 1st October to take up this position. As well as undertaking both evangelistic & pastoral initiatives in Debden & Loughton the new role involves the mentoring of young adults. 

Accordingly, our new Leadership Team now comprises Rich, plus Chris, Helen, Jodi, Nita, and Rob, and Katie is our new Community and Outreach Worker. 

In addition to the above we still retain a fantastic group of both paid and voluntary staff and helpers, without whom we would be lost. Together they all look after every aspect of running the Church and I thank God for them! 

Regrettably this year we have had again to “furlough” three of our staff for various periods of time during “Lock Down”, but we are grateful to the Government for their generous support through CJRS. 

Nothing would be possible without the continuing unfailing generosity of everyone who supports us and, particularly this year when again times have been so challenging for everyone, we continue to be amazed by, and are so grateful for, all that has been given to us. This year, even throughout the continuing ravages of the pandemic, we have as you can see in the section below, yet again been able to make ends meet financially. Additionally, we have been greatly blessed with an extremely generous bequest from a wonderful and greatly missed couple. 

## • **FINANCIAL REPORT** 

The Trustees were satisfied with the financial statement provided by our wonderful Treasurer and thank her most sincerely for all the work she undertook for the Trust. As referred to above the generosity of the members of EFCC and others continues to amaze us, and we remain so thankful for the financial investment people are making. 

In 2021 total income (including legacy) was **£239387** and total expenditure **£147195** . 

(The detailed figures are contained in the attached End of Year Financial Statements.) 

The above income figure includes special collections and love offerings as follows: - 

|•|Hope House Project|£11350|
|---|---|---|
|•|Fountain of Life Hospice|£ 1250|
|•|Indian orphanage appeal|£ 3536|



Page 3 of 4 



From the collections received, we made regular monthly payments to the following: 

- Margaret Gordon (Central Asia) 

- Emily and Drew Maust (Cameroon) 

- Tough Talk (UK) 

- Fountain of Life Hospice (Central Asia) 

- Samaritan's Purse (UK & US) 

- Indian Orphanage 

Additionally, we have tithed a total of £10358 out of General Funds to various local, national and international organisations. 

We have also received income from Hall Bookings, albeit still significantly reduced from previous years due to “Lock Down”, of £2001 

## **AND FINALLY…** 

In conclusion I must again reiterate that all of the above represents just a fraction of the life and work of the EFCC Family, and I count it a great privilege and honour be a part of it. 

Further, I would like to once more express a great big “THANK YOU” to all of you who have made it happen! 

DATED 23rd[th] October 2022 

Paul Blackham 

Chairperson 

For and on behalf of the Trustees – Epping Forest Community Church 

Page 4 of 4 



EPPING FOREST COMMUNITY CHURCH
End of Year Financial Statements
Year ending 31 December 2021
Notes to the accounts
l. We received a legacy of £525 in March plus £84,479 in December. Total £85,004.
2. The value of the freehold property is an estimate of £500,000, as in the previous year.
3. The gain on the property valuation, the depreciation charges and the adjustment journals are included to
bring the accounting records into alignment with the actual position.
Page I

Receipts and Payments Account
Totsl funds
Prior
'ear funds
Recelpts
Planned gimng
Cost Recovery for Specific Actwitifys
General Donations- imported Irorn DC
General giving sundry
Sunday cash collections
89,184
30
83.670
100
440
84,211
Tol81 H8nnedgiwng
89,274
Collections and other giving
Antonia
Collection - ISF- M Gordon
Coll&ction- Samaritan's Purse
Collection- Tough Talk
Collection - Wycliffe - D Maust
Collection for Anchor project
Collection for Hope House
Collection- Indian Orphanage
Collections Sp￿la1
Fountain of Lrfe- H05PI
400
6,228
1,200
950
5.948
5.490
11,350
3.536
6,301
1,200
550
5.423
6,370
4,867
6,575
2,620
35,906
1,250
36,352
Tot81 ColleL¥ions and oth&rgwng
Other voluntsry receipts
Legacy
Pastoral Care Fund - Extern81
Pastoral Care Fund- llltemal
85,004
200
970
86,774
1,935
7,922
9,857
Total Other voluntary re￿p1S
Grft Aid recovered
Tax recovered on Gift ￿($
25,478
25.478
28 766
28.766
Total GiftAid r8e0ve￿d
Investment Income
Gross Interest
Income frorn Hall Bookings
166
2,001
2, 167
512
2,261
2,774
Tol81 Investment Income
Totsl Receipts
239,387
1S9,516
Payments
Missionary and Charitable Gming
Afterschool club
Children's work (special events)
Food distribution to needy costs
Fountain of Life- Hospice
Gift- ISF - M Gordon
Gift~ Samaritans Purse
Gift- Tough T81k
Gfft- Wycliffe- D Maust
Gift fvr Hope House
Gift- Indian Orphanage
Gifts- Sundry
Gifts from Pastoral Care Fund- ExEem&1
Gifts from Pastoral Care Fund- Internal
Outreach Debden
Special Collection5
345
93
1,500
7.480
1.650
3,437
7,220
14,312
5.030
207
1,721
4,405
293
3,137
7,237
1,375
3.100
6.720
10.108
3,864
75
2.891
2,842
6.686
11,651
59,695
10,358
58, C>53
Total Ms&onary 8nd Gh8ritable Giwng
Clergy and Staffing costs
Page 2

Employerfs N8t Ins
General staff
Leaders Development and Trdining
Permanent Insurance
Salaries Leaders
Staff Pensions
Youth Workers
2,699
3,606
445
394
65.562
4.387
3.266
3.472
861
390
69,747
4.306
1,500
,544
Total Clergy ènd Sl8ffing costs
77,095
Church Running Expenses
Advertising & publicty
Children s worklsundayl
Christian Resources
Computer Expenses
Equipment repairs & maintenance
Events
Office Supplies
PAIAV sundry equipment & ￿paIrS
Photocopier costs
Refreshments & Kitchen Supplies
Subscriptions & licen¢2$
Telephone and Broadband
Web Sts
Wom&n's Group
Youth Group Expenses
Youth Group Holidays & Outings
Youth (>oup Soul Sur%ivor
93
547
57
594
791
23
131
108
1,388
91
102
14
182
395
642
924
153
105
177
274
508
859
143
320
3,951
Total chU￿h Running E¥pens&s
4,055
Hall Running Costs
Caretaker
Cleaning
Covid 19 exp
Electricty
Gas
Hall Maintenance & Repairs
Insurance
Water
100
4,150
4,142
597
979
1.290
476
1.492
631
9,611
275
619
2,544
1,523
87
9, 134
Total H811 Running Costs
Co8chlMinibu8 Costs
Minibu5 Expenses
57
57
Total Coadi/Mnibus Costs
Assets
Depreciation- FFF
Depreciation- Motor Vehicle3
Depreciation- Sheds
12.9941
1,706
144
(7, 144)
Total Assèts
Totsl Payments
147,195
156,860
Excess of Receipts over Pay￿Ents
8rought forward balance
92.191
217,767
2,656
215.111
Gains & losse5 on revaluation
348,183
Other adjustments
41,966
700.107
CaTried forward balance
217,767
Page 3

Statement of assets and liabilities
FIXED ASSETS
Freehold Building (E)
Furniture Fixtures and Fittings
500,000
15.000
Total
£515,000
CURRENT ASSTS
Natwest Bank Current Account
Natwest Bank Reserve Account
Kingdotn Bank
Mission Housing Equity Loan
Petty Cash
Loan Given
Total
54,638
49,690
50,647
30,000
347
830
£186,152
LIABILITIES
CTL
(£1,045)
NET ASSETS
£700,107
Page 4

CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner's Report
Roport to the trustgosl
members of
ir?
On a¢¢ounts for the year
ended
Charity no
(if any)
Set out on pages
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (Ihe Trusv,) forthe ended31 I t Lo Li
Responslbilities and
basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible forthe preparat¥)n of the
accounts in accordancewith the requirements of the Charibes Act 2011
('the Acr).
I report in respect of my examination of the Tntsys accounts carrted out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I
have foifowed all the applicab￿ Directions given by the Charity CornmissKin
under section 145(5){b) of the Act.
Independent rthe charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am quarfred to
examinevs statement undertake the examinatton by being a qualrfied rnember of linsert name of
app[Icab￿ listed body]]. Delete I l rfnot applicable.
I have complded my examination. I confim) that no materFal matters have
come to my altentÈon in connection with ihe examination (other than that
disclosed below ") which giv8s me cause to believe that in, any material
respecl..
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130
of the Charitses Act" or
the accounts did nol accord with the accounting records. or
the accounts did r￿t comply with Ihe applicable requirements
concerning the fomi content of accounts set oul in the Charilies
(Accounts and Rep(￿) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement
thal the accounts give a Irue and fairf viewwhich is r)ot a matter
considered as part of an independent examinat￿)n.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in cfflnection
with the examination to which attentron should be drawn in this ￿port in
order to enabie a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
' Please delete the words in the brackets rfthey do not apply.
Signed:
Dats:
-/,-/tsLL
Name:
hJ
Relevant profossional
qualifi¢atlon(s) or b¢yly
IER
Oct 2018

(if any):
Address:
*2
Section B
Disclosure
Onty complete if the examiner needs to highlight matend matters of concern
(see CC32, Independent examination of charity account&. directions and
guidance for examiners).
Give here brlef details of
any items that the
examiner wishes to
discloso.
IER
Od 2018