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2025-03-31-accounts

EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY Registered Charity No. 1114439

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Address:

Victoria Hall – Knowsley Street Bolton, BL1 2AS Email: ephrataboltonuk@gmail.com www.ephratabolton.org

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Constitution

Constitution adopted 23 March 2003; Updated: 14[th] April 2019

1. Name

The name of the Association shall be EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY (“the Charity”)

2. National location of principal office VICTORIA HALL, KNOWSLEY STREET, BOLTON, BL1 2AS

3. Object[s]

The objects of the Ephrata Church Community are:

  1. To advance the Christian faith and values by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through the preaching of the Word of God, publications, and the organisation of social events.

  2. To promote the physical and mental well-being of members; to tackle loneliness among older people and patients in care homes and hospitals; and to relieve poverty by providing care for those in need and by cooperating with others to offer help to victims of war and other misfortune.

Nothing in this constitution shall authorise an application of the property of the EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY for the purposes which are not charitable in accordance with [section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005] and [section 2 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008]

4. Powers

The EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY has the power to do anything which is calculated to further its object[s] or is conducive or incidental to doing so. In particular, the EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY’s powers include the power to:

(1) employ and remunerate such staff as are necessary for carrying out the work of the EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY. The EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY may employ or

remunerate a charity trustee only to the extent that it is permitted to do so by clause 6 (Benefits and payments to charity trustees and connected persons) and provided it complies with the conditions of those clauses;

(2) deposit or invest funds, employ a professional fund manager, and arrange for the investments or other property of the EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY to be held in the name of a nominee, in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as the trustees of a trust are permitted to do by the Trustee Act 2000;

(3) borrow money and charge the whole or any part of its property as security for the repayment of the money borrowed. The EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY must comply as appropriate with sections 124 and 125 of the Charities Act 2011 if it wishes to mortgage land;

(4) buy, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any property and to maintain and equip it for use;

(5) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the property belonging to the EPHRATA CHURCH COMMUNITY. In exercising this power, the EPHRATA CHURCH

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COMMUNITY must comply as appropriate with sections 117 and 119-123 of the Charities Act 2011

Trustees:

Dr Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba, PhD Mr Franck Fuangi Sambenga Mrs Mayikama Mulenge, BA(Hons) Mr Perseverant Mupolo, MSc Mr William Peverly.

Office:

Victoria Hall, Knowsley Street, Bolton, BL1 2AS

Account name: Ephrata Church Community Sort Code: 20-10-71 Account number: 23440702

Bankers: Barclays Bank 1-5 Market St, Bolton BL1 1BU

Accountant:

EAC Accountancy Assist Ltd Wilsons Park Monsall Road Manchester M40 8WN

External Examiner:

MK Services Pvt Limited 2a Tweedale street Rochdale, OL11 1HH

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Report of Activities from 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025

During the year, Ephrata Church Community played a vital role in supporting local people through faith-based initiatives, outreach, and well-being projects. Through conferences, youth empowerment, mental and physical health support, and regular outreach activities— including care home visits, town centre evangelism, media engagement, and community events—the church shared the love of God while addressing loneliness, mental health, and social inclusion. Despite challenges, the community grew stronger, remaining committed to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and supporting the marginalised.

Our theme for this year, “Running Towards the Goal” , was inspired by Philippians 3:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 . Just as athletes strive toward their finish line, so too are we, as Christians and members of Ephrata Church, called to continually press forward with dedication and perseverance toward what lies ahead in Christ.

Key Activities and Events

This year has been a year marked by both challenges and blessings, but through it all, our community has thrived. Here’s a snapshot of some key events and milestones:

Each of these gatherings was an opportunity to grow in faith, connect with one another, and be empowered to pursue the goals set before us.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Outreach has been central to our mission this year. We were honoured to participate in the following activities:

Mission Conference Highlights

Our 2024 Mission Conference was especially blessed by the presence of two distinguished speakers, Bishop Dr. Soni Mukwenze Emmanuel from the USA and Pastor Carlos Jose from Brazil. Their messages deeply inspired our congregation and encouraged us to continue in our mission of spreading the Gospel.

Expanding Our Care Home Singing Outreach

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A significant highlight this year has been the success of our care home singing project. Following positive media coverage, many organisations have reached out to learn from our experience. This led to a remarkable invitation to the 2024 Paralympics Games in Paris . We were invited to share our experience and support the launch of a new care home initiative called “L’heure de Sourire” (The Hour of Smiles).

Alongside Elysee , Benedict , Esperant , and I had the privilege of performing in two centres: a care home and an autism centre. The joy and engagement of the residents were palpable, and it was a blessing to see how music can touch lives across borders.

Partnership with Bethlehem Ephrata in DR Congo

Ephrata Bolton has maintained a strong partnership with Bethlehem Ephrata in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our efforts this year have focused on helping primary school children learn computer skills and English . We are pleased to report that with the donation of solar panels, used laptops, a printer, and a projector, students are now gaining valuable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.

We extend an open call to anyone willing to donate new or used laptops. Our church will cover the transportation costs to ensure these resources reach those in need. May God bless your generosity.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the blessings of 2024, we are immensely grateful to Victoria Hall, Bolton Methodist Mission, for continuing to provide us with a space to rent in order to meet each Sunday. This has been a lifeline for many members who desperately need both spiritual and mental support.

As we look forward, we stand firm on the promises of Romans 15:13 : “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” We believe that 2025 will bring even greater things as we continue to run towards the goal, in Jesus’ name.

Approved by the board on 30 December 2025

Chairperson: Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba

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Accounts for Ephrata Church Community For a Period from 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025

Balance on 1stApril 2024 12801.12
Income from Charitable activities
Grants projects 24538
Gift aid donations and reclaim 4684.18
Membership contribution 17616.2
Invoices receipts 500
Sundry income -
Investment income
Bank interest -
Total incoming resources S/T 47338.38
Expenditure on charitable activities
Wages and Salaries -
Pensions -
Bonuses -
Employer’s NI -
Temporary staff and recruitment -
Staff training and welfare -
Travel and subsistence Volunteers expenses 9340
S/T 9,340
Premises costs -
Rent and room hire 5627.9
Services charges -
Light and heat -
S/T 5627.9
General administrative expenses -
Telephone and Broadband internet, Website 616.7
Postage -
Stationery and printing 250
Courier services -
Information and publications (online 920
services)
Subscriptions -
Bank debts & Merchant charges 6370.08
Insurance 859.21
Equipment expensed 270
Equipment hire -
Software / computer costs -
Repairs and maintenance 772
Bad debts -
Sundryexpenses -
S/T 10,059
Legal and professional costs
Audit fees
Accountancy fees 320
Solicitors fees -
Projects running costs 16778.24
Support missions Management fees 2225.69
Advertising and PR 200
Other legal andprofessional 69
S/T 19,593
Other -
Subcontractor costs -
Direct labour -
Carriage -
Discounts allowed -
Commissions payable -
Other direct costs -
Distribution costs -
Interest payable -
Non-equity dividends -
S/T
Total resources expended 44618,82
Net surplus/deficit for theperiod 15520.68

Approved by the board on 30 December 2025

Chairperson: Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Ephrata Church Community

Registered Charity Number: 1114439

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Ephrata Church Community (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31 March 2025 , which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, and the related notes.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of Ephrata Church Community, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I have carried out an independent examination of these accounts as required under section 145 of the Act . My examination was conducted in accordance with the Charity Commission’s Directions made under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

An independent examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide the level of assurance that would be required in an audit. Accordingly, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act

    • have not been met ; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Independent Examiner:

Signature------------------------- S Rbab

Syeda Rubab, MBA Finance, MAAT MK Services Pvt Limited 2a Tweedale Street Rochdale OL11 1HH

Date: 07-01-2026