2021-12-31-accounts - Westgate Evangelical Chapel

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WESTGATE EVANGELICAL CHAPEL

TRUSTEES’ REPORT 2021

Psalm 46 v 1

‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’

The past 18 months have been unprecedented for us as a Church and indeed for the world in general, due to the Global Covid 19 pandemic. We can testify to God’s blessings and protection during this difficult period. He has kept us safe at a time when we were most vulnerable and we give thanks for His Love and protection to us as a Fellowship. We can draw great comfort from knowing that His power is absolute, no matter how fiercely the storm rages around us.

Ministry & fellowship at Westgate

For the whole of 2021, we were able to meet together for worship in person for a morning service only with the necessary hygiene and social distancing measures in place due to the Covid 19 pandemic. A prayer time was also held each Wednesday afternoon.

We only held a morning service, as this would eliminate the need for a full cleaning of the building required for an evening service to be held. It was also necessary to record contact details of everyone attending for ‘track and trace’ purposes. Certain pews were blocked off to enable social distancing, which reassured attendees that the necessary procedures were being adhered to, thereby giving people confidence to attend. It has been so encouraging to be able to meet together for worship after such a long time, although singing was not permitted until the Summer of 2021 – but masks are still compulsory.

Building

Following another loss of some slates, due to storm damage in 2020, a substantial amount of work was carried out on the roof during the Summer months of 2021. A large portion (approx 1/4) of the south facing roof above the gallery, was felted & battened and approx 1000 replacement / existing slates were refitted.

The turret roof over the stairway was also felted & battened and reslated. The small ceiling to this roof was also insulated to reduce heat loss in the stair way.

Loft

A substantial safety walkway has been constructed above the ceiling of the chapel, running the full length of the roof. This will provide a safe environment in the roof space for any future repairs that may be needed

and for the job of insulation above the Chapel ceiling, thereby reducing the running cost of heating the Chapel.

Lift for disabled access

In October 2020 we were very thankful to have received a donation of £20,000 for the installation of a lift in the Church building. The lift itself was installed inside the shaft in June 2021 and it has already proven to be a huge help to many in the church who struggle to negotiate the stairs and was invaluable at two recent funerals. The Schoolroom was also re-decorated when the Lift was installed.

Finances

Regarding our Finances, God has blessed us with so many blessings over the years. All of Westgate’s income, comes from the giving of those who attend the fellowship and from those who visit us occasionally or whilst on holiday. A special thank you to all of you. A huge thank you to all who have continued to give during the time of lockdown. Many gave funding through Standing Orders and Bank Transfers, whilst others manually gave their gifts to the Treasurer. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support for the witness here at Westgate. Without regular committed giving, we would not be able to provide the support necessary for a Pastor and his family, for visiting ministers, nor for mission support.

The Scriptures emphasise the need to support those who work for the Lord and we are given good guidance about financial provision. In 1 Corinthians 16:2 we read, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him”. We are encouraged to set aside at the start of the week, a portion of that which God has prospered us with.

As with any registered charity, the government allows us to claim back some tax already paid on any offering given to Westgate, through a scheme called “Gift Aid”. Many within the fellowship already allow the church to benefit from this provision. If you pay tax, providing the basic information of address, postcode and date, just once and signing, is all that needs to be done.

Independent Examiner’s Report

For the Trustees of

WESTGATE EVANGELICAL CHAPEL

I have examined the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020. Based on my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, accounting records have not been kept in accordance with section 221 of the Companies Act, 1985, or that the accounts presented do not accord with those records, or comply with the accounting requirements of the Companies Act 1985. No matter has come to my notice in connection with my examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts.

Gareth Hopkins ACIB 33 Cleggar Park Lamphey PEMBROKE Pembs

3 February 2022

WESTGATE EVAKEUCAL CHAPEL Statement of Financial Activities FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 Summary Income and Expendilure Account Current Account Savings Accounl Total Funts 2021 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income Inve5trnent Interest 37,106 37,106 Total Incoming Resources 37,106 37,111 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable activities 61,853 61,853 Total Resource5 expended 61,853 61,853 Net Movement in Funds 4,747 4,742 Transfers between Funds 20,000 -20,000 Fund Balances at 1 Jan 2021 11,314 63,626 74,940 Fund Balances at 31 tkc 2021 6.567 43,631 50,198