**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1108473** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND** ## **UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **FOR** **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** |||**Page**|| |---|---|---|---| |**Report of the Trustees**|1|to|5| |**Independent Examiner's Report**||6|| |**Statement of Financial Activities**||7|| |**Statement of Financial Position**||8|| |**Notes to the Financial Statements**|9|to|16| **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. 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). ## **Background** Grace Community Church was formed from a merger between City Church, Stevenage and Hydean Way Baptist Church in October 2004. The trust was formed in March 2005. In March 2009 the church, via the trust, obtained a mortgage to purchase a building with grounds in Hydean Way, Stevenage at which point the Trust became responsible for its ongoing maintenance and development. Grace Community Church is a member of the Catalyst family of churches (which is a part of Newfrontiers), and a member of Churches Together in Stevenage (CTiS). ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Objectives and aims** The promotion of the Christian Faith by establishing, maintaining and supporting Christian Fellowships, Missionaries and other Christian workers. Page 1 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** ## **Review of Activities & Achievements 2023** When planning activities the elders and trustees give due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance to charities for the advancement of religion. We aim to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of the community of Stevenage and the neighbouring area. We also engage in specific activities through which to show the love of God to others in the local community and beyond. During the year the Church continued to grow. Several people joined who were refugees being housed in local hotels. The Church Congregation continues to become more diverse culturally, ethnically and in age and socio-economic background. In September the Church employed a second full-time elder/pastor, a need which had become urgent due to the growth of the Church and its activities. This had been a goal since the start of the Church and represented a significant event in the life of the Church. The regular activities of the church included: - Sunday meeting for the whole church where worship, teaching and fellowship took place. These meetings were also live streamed over the internet and continued to be accessed by a significant number of people. These included church members who were unable to attend in person (holidays, illness etc) but also non-members wanting to see what the Church is like. - Midweek meetings in the Church Building for encouraging Christian discipleship. These replaced Small Groups meeting in people's homes which were paused at the start of the year to give the leaders a break. - Youth ministry: this included activities as a part of the Sunday whole church meeting as well as a mid-week meeting. In addition, monthly 'youth club' and 'film night' events were run aimed at unchurched as well as churched young people. In August the group attended the 'Newday' Bible week run by Newfrontiers. - Children's church as part of the Sunday meeting. - Young adults group (aged 18-30) providing opportunities for exploring being a Christian and social activities. - Monthly mid-week prayer meeting to worship God and to pray for the life and activity of the church and the needs of the wider town, nation and world. - Bi-weekly Saturday morning prayer meeting - Offering a pastoral care service to church attenders In addition, the church conducted various social events, outreach activities and social action projects which included: - **Doorway** - ministering to the spiritual needs of adults with learning difficulties. Doorway celebrated their 20th Anniversary in June - **Coffee Shop** - open to the community and serving inexpensive refreshments and light lunches every Friday in term time. - **Grace's Space** - a monthly Saturday club to support children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. - **The Journey Place** - a weekly drop-in, providing a supportive community for vulnerable local people. Many of the people using this service have a history of mental ill health, learning difficulties, homelessness, etc. A hot meal is provided each session at minimal cost to attendees. (This started as a joint project with YMCA but was taken over as a church activity when YMCA pulled out in 2016 due to lack of funds). - **Mainly Music** - a music-based learning and development activity for babies/toddlers and their parents/carers, held weekly during term-time. - **Children's Clothes Bank** - the demand from the local community and refugee/ asylum seeker families continued to be great throughout the year. Used and new clothes plus toiletries were provided with donations coming from a wide variety of sources including local businesses, local churches and the general public. Again, the Church's young people made up a significant proportion of the team running what has become a large operation. Storage for the clothes is becoming an issue. - **Childrens Christmas Party** - A party with disco and presents for some local under-privileged families, hosted in the church building. - **Boxing Day Christmas Event for Refugees** - Games, food, presents for under 18s and a place to hang out for refugees and asylum seekers. This drew in over forty people, Christians, Muslims and those with no faith, who are being housed in local hotels. Page 2 ## **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** Throughout the year the church supported a local foodbank by collecting donations and by church members helping to serve. We also continued to be involved in supporting overseas mission and social care activities with Newfrontiers and others, including: - Himalayan Inland Mission, India. - Christian Faith Tabernacle Churches, Zimbabwe. - -A family supporting refugees in Greece (through Catalyst). - The organisation 'Open Doors' who support persecuted Christians throughout the world. The Church building was used through the course of the year by the following non-church groups and organisations: - 'Just Sing' Community Choir - rehearsals and annual concert - Stevenage Community Gospel Choir - rehearsals - Local Family Centre - team meetings and courses run for their clients - Peartree Nursery School - use of car park - Peartree Junior School - use of car park as overflow for conferences - Local Authority - use as polling station for local elections The Trustees continued to maintain the fabric of the building. After the major refurbishment work of last year only minor repair work was required. The accounting software received a much-needed update. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Finance Review 2023** These are the eightteenth set of accounts for a full calendar year. The income of the Church came principally from voluntary donations from church members which made up approximately 78% of the total. Many of these were eligible for Gift Aid and GASDS and the tax reclaim made up the majority of the rest of the income. Income from the hiring of the building to outside organisations was slightly up on last year. Total income was slightly ahead of the previous year. The Trust continued to expend resources in five main areas: ## 1. Property running costs. 2. Management and administration. This included: the salary of a full time elder/pastor for the whole year; and a part-time admin assistant/bookkeeper, a part-time cleaner and a second full time elder/pastor for some of the year. The Trust also continued to pay a pension to a retired pastor. 3. Funding of Church ministries and activities. 4. Mission giving to overseas and external organisations. (All giving received for specified missionary work is held in restricted funds). Expenditure was significantly less than budget. This was mainly due to the employment of a second full-time elder/pastor being planned from January but not happening until September. Energy costs also came in lower than budget. This gave a surplus to take into the next financial year. When considering the overall financial position at the end of 2023 and the setting of budgets for 2024, the Trustees noted the following: - The employment of a second full-time elder/pastor will make the finances tighter, with much less room for building projects and improvements. - Energy costs are likely to remain volatile Page 3 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Reserves policy** The Trustees keep a minimum of £20,000 as a contingency float for emergencies and to secure a reserve to pay all salaries for six months in the event that donations cease. At the end of 2019 the Trustees agreed to increase the second full time Elder`s reserve to £30,000. This, along with the £20,000 contingency, was invested in a saving account with Kingdom Bank in 2020. ## **Risk Review** The Trustees are conscious that the work can only continue with the financial support of the members and congregation giving by collection and donation. Without this support the work would be unable to continue. ## **FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS** In 2024 it is planned to: - Continue to provide regular church activities. - Continue to seek to grow the church. - Continue to emphasise and encourage prayer. - Continue to develop leadership at all levels within the church. - Continue to promote Christian discipleship within the church. - Continue to support and develop our existing outreach and social action projects - Continue to support overseas missions. - Continue to maintain and develop the building ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** The trust is a charity registered on 7 March 2005 (Charity No. 1108473). Its governing document is the Declaration of Trust, dated 10 February 2005. ## **Charitable objectives** As a Christian congregation, Grace Community Church has the purpose of promoting the Christian religion. ## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees** There were no resignations during the course of the year and no new appointments. Therefore, the composition of the Trustees remained unchanged. ## **Organisational structure** The spiritual government and leadership of the church fellowship is carried out by the church's team of elders. The trustees are responsible for the proper management and administration of the trust's funds, assets and activities in accordance with the provision of the trust deed and in furtherance of the trust's objectives. Three elders have served as trustees in 2023. The trust deed requires the trustees to meet at least twice every calendar year. In 2023 the trustees held a formal in-person meeting on three occasions. Jon Woodrow continued as Chairman of the Trustees throughout the year. At the start of the year the Trust employed a full time elder/pastor, a part time admin assistant/bookkeeper, and a part-time cleaner. During the course of the year the bookkeeper retired and the part-time cleaner left and a second full-time elder/pastor was employed. ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** ## **Registered Charity number** 1108473 Page 4 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** **Principal address** Hydean Way Stevenage Hertfordshire SG2 9XJ ## **Trustees** P Watkins J Scott J C G Woodrow J V Sugden D Horne Mrs J Kuffour Mrs T Dance Mrs L Scott ## **Independent Examiner** Neil Harding FCA Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants Croft Chambers 11 Bancroft Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 1JQ Approved by order of the board of trustees on 27 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by: J C G Woodrow - Trustee Page 5 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Grace Community Church (Stevenage)** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Grace Community Church (Stevenage) (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2023. ## **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** 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. Neil Harding FCA Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants Croft Chambers 11 Bancroft Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 1JQ 28 October 2024 Page 6 ## **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** |Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
2
147,532
Other trading activities
3
7,315
**Total**
154,847
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Raising funds
-
**Charitable activities**
Grace Community Church
137,444
**Total**
137,444
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
17,403
**Transfers between funds**
10
(644)
**Net movement in funds**
16,759
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
89,571
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
106,330|Restricted
funds
£
20,748
-
20,748
3,324
24,403
27,727
(6,979)
644
(6,335)
438,560
432,225|31.12.23
31.12.22
Total
Total
funds
funds
£
£
168,280
202,864
7,315
6,696
175,595
209,560
3,324
60,553
161,847
208,325
165,171
268,878
10,424
(59,318)
-
-
10,424
(59,318)
528,131
587,449
538,555
528,131| |---|---|---| The notes form part of these financial statements Page 7 ## **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION** ## **31 DECEMBER 2023** |Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
7
-
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
8
3,200
Cash at bank and in hand
117,187
120,387
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
9
(14,057)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
106,330
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
106,330
**NET ASSETS**
106,330
**FUNDS**
10
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Restricted
funds
£
429,378
-
7,960
7,960
(5,113)
2,847
432,225
432,225|31.12.23
Total
funds
£
429,378
3,200
125,147
128,347
(19,170)
109,177
538,555
538,555
106,330
432,225
538,555|31.12.22
Total
funds
£
432,402
4,776
104,299
109,075
(13,346)
95,729
528,131
528,131
89,571
438,560
528,131| |---|---|---|---| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 27 October 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: L Scott - Trustee J C G Woodrow - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 8 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **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. Grace Community Church (Stevenage) meets the definition of a public entity under FRS 102. The accounts are prepared in pounds sterling. ## **Income** All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: - Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. - Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts. - Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis. ## **Expenditure** Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates: - Costs of generating funds comprise of the costs associated with attracting voluntary income through fundraising. - Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of each fixed asset over its expected useful life. The annual rates used, which are consistent with last year are:- Building - over 50 years Land - not depreciated Minor fixed asset additions are not capitalised, instead they are expensed via the Statement of Financial Activities. ## **Taxation** The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. ## **Fund accounting** Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal. continued... Page 9 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** ## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** The charity has a NEST pension scheme, although to date no employees have been enrolled in it. Those employees who are eligible to make contributions already have their own schemes and the charity pay their contributions into these - the contributions paid by the charity and the employee are sufficient to cover the contributions required under auto-enrolement. Contributions payable by the charity' are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. ## **Short term debtors and creditors** The charitable company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. ## **Cash at bank and in hand** Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. ## **2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES** ## **3.** |Gift aided and other donations
Gift aid receivable
**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**
Premises usage donations
Other income|31.12.23
£
141,635
26,645
168,280
31.12.23
£
3,175
4,140
7,315|31.12.22
£
174,291
28,573|31.12.22
£
174,291
28,573| |---|---|---|---| |||202,864|| |||31.12.22
£
2,627
4,069
6,696|| ||||6,696| ## **4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022. Mr J C G Woodrow is the Chair of Trustees. He is also the Senior Church Leader and is paid a salary for this role and this is included in note 5, Staff Costs. ## **Trustees' expenses** There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022. During the year most of the Trustees will at some point submit an expense claim for repayment for items purchased on behalf of the church. continued... Page 10 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **5. STAFF COSTS** The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: ||||31.12.23|31.12.22| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Support staff||5|7| ||No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.|||| |**6.**|**2022 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF**|**FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**||| |||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total| |||funds|funds|funds| |||£|£|£| ||**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**|||| ||Donations and legacies|144,113|58,751|202,864| ||Other trading activities|6,696|-|6,696| ||**Total**|150,809|58,751|209,560| ||**EXPENDITURE ON**|||| ||Raising funds|-|60,553|60,553| ||**Charitable activities**|||| ||Grace Community Church|182,059|26,266|208,325| ||**Total**|182,059|86,819|268,878| ||**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**|(31,250)|(28,068)|(59,318)| ||**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**|||| ||Total funds brought forward|120,821|466,628|587,449| ||**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|89,571|438,560|528,131| continued... Page 11 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** |**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**|| |---|---| |**COST**
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1 January 2023
Charge for year
At 31 December 2023
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022|Freehold
property
£
453,570| ||21,168
3,024| ||24,192| ||429,378| ||432,402| Included in cost or valuation of land and buildings is freehold land of £302,380 (2022 - £302,380) which is not depreciated. ## **8. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** |**8.**|**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**||| |---|---|---|---| |||31.12.23|31.12.22| |||£|£| ||Prepayments and accrued income|3,200|4,776| |**9.**|**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**||| |||31.12.23|31.12.22| |||£|£| ||Trade creditors|-|159| ||Other creditors|19,170|13,187| |||19,170|13,346| continued... Page 12 ## **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** |At 1.1.23
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
39,571
Contingency Fund
20,000
Second Full Time Elder Fund
30,000
89,571
**Restricted funds**
Acts 2 v45
2,859
Miscellaneous
2,477
Property Fund
432,402
Youth Fund
822
Clothes Bank Fund
-
438,560
**TOTAL FUNDS**
528,131
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Mission Funds
Acts 2 v45
Miscellaneous
Property Fund
Youth Fund
Clothes Bank Fund
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Net
movement
in funds
£
17,403
-
-
17,403
(1,687)
(1,283)
(3,024)
(150)
(835)
(6,979)
10,424
Incoming
resources
£
154,847
18,436
1,363
-
-
150
799
20,748
175,595|Transfers
between
At
funds
31.12.23
£
£
(20,644)
36,330
-
20,000
20,000
50,000
(644)
106,330
-
1,172
(191)
1,003
-
429,378
-
672
835
-
644
432,225
-
538,555
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(137,444)
17,403
(18,436)
-
(3,050)
(1,687)
(1,283)
(1,283)
(3,024)
(3,024)
(300)
(150)
(1,634)
(835)
(27,727)
(6,979)
(165,171)
10,424| |---|---|---| continued... Page 13 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** ## **Comparatives for movement in funds** |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
Contingency Fund
Second Full Time Elder Fund
**Restricted funds**
Acts 2 v45
Miscellaneous
Property Fund
Youth Fund
Special Projects
**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1.1.22
£
70,821
20,000
30,000
120,821
2,537
1,295
435,426
1,120
26,250
466,628
587,449|Net
movement
in funds
£
(31,250)
-
-
(31,250)
322
1,182
(3,024)
(298)
(26,250)
(28,068)
(59,318)|At
31.12.22
£
39,571
20,000
30,000| |---|---|---|---| ||||89,571
2,859
2,477
432,402
822
-| ||||438,560| ||||528,131| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Mission Funds
Acts 2 v45
Miscellaneous
Property Fund
Youth Fund
Special Projects
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
150,809
20,080
2,858
4,832
-
-
30,981
58,751
209,560|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(182,059)
(31,250)
(20,080)
-
(2,536)
322
(3,650)
1,182
(3,024)
(3,024)
(298)
(298)
(57,231)
(26,250)
(86,819)
(28,068)
(268,878)
(59,318)|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(182,059)
(31,250)
(20,080)
-
(2,536)
322
(3,650)
1,182
(3,024)
(3,024)
(298)
(298)
(57,231)
(26,250)
(86,819)
(28,068)
(268,878)
(59,318)| |---|---|---|---| ||||(28,068)| ||||(59,318)| ## **General funds** The general funds are the unrestricted funds available for the use of the Church. The contingency fund is a designated fund for emergencies and a reserve to allow salaries to be paid should donations cease. continued... Page 14 **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** The second full time elder fund is a designated fund for possible use towards paying a second full time Elder's salary. ## **Restricted funds** Each week we collect money for specific missionary and aid organisation which we support as a Church. These vary each week and rotate on a published calendar. This money is then topped up from funds and sent to the organisation. We show this in the accounts as 'Restricted Missionary Giving' to show that we are holding that money and sending it straight out again. There is one restricted fund that is different, it is called the ACTS 2v45 Fund, it represents the balance of a special monthly offering designed to provide funds to be used at the discretion of the Elders. Tax is not reclaimed on any money given to this fund as it is used primarily to meet the needs of individual members of the church. ## **Purpose of each restricted fund** ## **Mission Funds** Comprised within this heading are Catalyst, H.I.M offerings, Light for Life, Tearfund, and Zimbabwe. The purposes of these are: - Catalyst (a part of Newfrontiers) - For donations to Newfrontiers, the group of Christian Churches to which we are affiliated and the relief work they are doing in troubled countries. - H.I.M offerings - for donations to the Himalayan Inland Mission - a Christian organisation in India who run an orphanage and give help to the disadvantaged. We have personal contact with the Directors of this organisation. - Zimbabwe - For the support of Christian work in Zimbabwe and to provide money for famine relief, channelled through a personal contact with Zekia Moyo. - Greece - To support Jonathon and Sarah Crowhurst and family who are working with refugees in Greece.. - Open Doors - Open Doors is an independent registered charity (no. 1125684) and it serves persecuted Christians around the world by providing vital support, delivering resources and providing training. **Acts 2 v 45 offerings** For members of the church who have financial needs - used at Elders' discretion. No gift aid is claimed back on any donations to this fund. ## **Property Fund** A restricted fund set up for the land and buildings and donations received towards the cost of the Hydean Way Worship Centre and other property related costs. ## **Youth Fund** The church received a legacy from an ex church member. This bequest was specifically given to fund Youth activity. ## **Special Projects** A fund set up to receive donations specifically given for special projects within Grace Community Church - this fund was all spent during 2022 on a major building refurbishment project. ## **Miscellaneous fund** Page 15 continued... **GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH (STEVENAGE)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** A restricted fund that comprises Journey Place, Clothes Bank and other miscellaneous specific receipts. The purposes of these are: - Journey Place - The Journey Place is a weekly drop-in which is held on the church premises each Tuesday. It's open to all poor and disadvantaged who would appreciate being part of a supportive community. There are teas & coffees and a low-cost lunch, along with various activities, and there's always a listening ear for anyone who needs it. - Clothes Bank - A monthly drop-in to provide clothes to needy families with 3 - 18 year-old children. ## **11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2023 other than the salary paid to Mr J C G Woodrow as the Senior Church Leader. He is also, on a voluntary basis, the Chair of the Trustees. His salary is agreed by the Board of Trustees. Page 16