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← Rivers Of Life Christian Fellowship Stockton -On-Tees

2023-12-31-accounts

RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship Stockton-on-Tees

Registered Charity No: 1116634

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Contents

Item Page No.
Trustees Annual Report 3-8
Independent Examiner’s Report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Balance Sheet 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 13-15

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees present their report and unaudited financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing documents, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019.

Trustees of the Charity

The directors of the charity are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. Details of the trustees who have served during the year and since the year end can be found on page 8.

TRUSTEES REPORT

1. Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship is a charitable trust governed by a trust deed dated 27th July 2006.

Appointment of Trustees

New trustees are appointed from time to time at the discretion of the ‘Spiritual Leadership’ with the agreement of the trustees.

Trustee Induction and Training

Current trustees are familiar with the ethos and values, and conversant with the Declaration of Trust of Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship.

New trustees undergo an induction process that gives them insight into the roles and responsibilities of trustees and the aims and objectives of the charity.

Following their induction, trustees are encouraged to participate in external training events that will benefit their role and are kept informed of relevant matters by the senior leader.

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. Objectives and Activities

Local Needs

Ropner Ward (Parkfield and Oxbridge) is in the Stockton West constituency and is home to just over 9,600 people. Experian Mosaic Public Sector (EMPS) tells us it is likely to be predominantly home to single people and home sharers who are likely to be renting their homes from private landlords. Levels of household income are likely to be limited. According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2019, it is the 4th (out of 26, with 26th being least deprived) most deprived Ward in Stockton-on-Tees Borough.

The Church building is situated in the Parkfield area of Stockton on Tees and suffers a higher level of crime and deprivation than an average part of Stockton, the Northeast, or the nation.

Significant levels of crime are committed in the area with a distinct link to drugs misuse.

The church runs different outreach and support activities. For full details of outreach and support refer to achievement and performance on page 5.

Organisation Summary

To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the statement of Beliefs in such ways and in such parts of Stockton on Tees, the United Kingdom or world as the Trustees from time to time think fit.

Summary of Main Activities

To relieve the sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind, including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of Stockton on Tees or the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit.

Public Benefit

Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship has been committed to the objectives set out in the governing document

We have actively been involved in promoting the Christian Faith bringing both love and practical support where the Leadership/Trustees deem appropriate, and particularly expressed through the provision of a warm and welcoming environment where local people can enjoy food, community and conversation.

We also support several ministries both locally & internationally including the support a child through an international child sponsorship programme.

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

There is a commitment to making sure we have the right structure in place to achieve our charitable objectives.

We feel over the last year that good progress has been made overall in developing a solid basis for growth.

We are an active member of a churches together multi-faith movement known as ‘Transforming Teesside Together’, delivering projects and serving communities across the Tees Valley.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary of Main Achievements

We continue to support through 2023 the regular commitments decided by the Leadership/Trustees.

There have been numerous occasions during the year where financial relief has been given within and outside the Fellowship

We have exercised a tight budget throughout the year.

Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship has supported local and international ministries.

We manage our own Gift Aid Tax claims, saving the charity significant fees.

Outreach events, regular meetings and drop-in events have been significant to the community and families of those involved in Rivers of Life Fellowship and the local neighbourhood.

The church premises are used extensively each week by both members and a wide variety of groups and projects.

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Visitors who access the building during drop-in times benefit from the assistance of visiting district nurses and support agencies who provide health checks, medical assistance, drug blood tests (with clean reward vouchers), drug awareness training and advice.

The local community policing team are regular visitors to the drop-ins.

The building is frequently used by ‘A Way Out’, a local women’s outreach charity to connect with local residents, especially vulnerable women.

Achievements Against Objectives Set

We have made significant repairs and enhancements to the building during 2023, particularly to two of our large visitors rooms, to provide a pleasant and welcoming ambience for both members and the many visitors who make use of the various services, drop-ins and meetings throughout the year.

We have made significant progress towards paying off a 7-year mortgage on the building and should make final payments in 2025.

Reserves Policy

It is the intention of the trustees to maintain cash-backed unrestricted general reserve funds as a minimum of three months of core expenditure, based on the charities size and the level of financial commitments held, and they estimate that a reserve of circa £3,000.The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in Income of unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable Charity Law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its financial activities for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Total income for the year amounted to £27,013 (2022: £18,944) of which £5,382 (2022: £1,740) was restricted. Expenditure of £32,445 (2022: £13,918) was incurred of which £5,382 (2022: £1,623) was for restricted purposes. At 31 December 2023, the charity had unrestricted funds of £4,347 (2022: £9,779).

The trustees are satisfied with the financial position of the organisation at 31 December 2023 and are confident that the strategies in place will lead to the organisation being able to fulfil its growth objectives.

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Name: RIVERS OF LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON Charity No: 1116634 Principal Address: Lightfoot Grove Stockton-On-Tees TS18 3EE

TRUSTEES Gary Leeming Elaine Briscoe Janet Clark Dorothy Mckay Stanley Johnson Bankers: Virgin Money 46 High Street Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1SB Independent Examiner: John Kumpalume AFA MIPA 6 Coatham Road Stockton on Tees TS19 8QY

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approval

This report was approved by the trustees on 21 October 2024 and signed on their behalf by Stanley Johnson.

Signature…………………………………………………..

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

INDEPENDENTEXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

RIVERS OF LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Report to the Trustees of Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship on Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 set out on pages 10 and 11.

Respective responsibilities of the Charity and the Independent Examiner

As members of the Charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements; you consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 3(3) and section 144(2) of the Act do not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to

Basis of examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently 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:

Akondaawo John Kumpalume, AFA MIPA AJK Accounting Services Ltd

6 Coatham Road Stockton on Tees TS19 8QY Date: 18 October 2024

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total
funds		 Total
funds
2023 2023 2023 2022
INCOME £ £ £ £
Charitable Activities 21,631 4,000 25,631 17,204
Mortgage fund 1,382 1,382 1,740
Total Income 21,631 5,382 27,013 18,944
EXPENDITURES
Charities Activities 27,063 4,000 31,063 13,918
Mortgage fund 1,382 1,382
Total Expenditures 27,063 5,382 32,445 13,918
Net Income/Expenditure 5,432
-		 - 5,432
-		 5,026
Total funds brought forward 9,779 - 9,779 4,753
Total funds carried forward 4,347 - 4,347 9,779

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Fixed Assets 2023 2023 2022 2022
£ £ £ £
Land and Buildings 85,000 85000 85000
Current Assets
Cash at bank 4,347 4,347 9779 9779
Total Assets 89,347 94779
Long term liabilities
Land and Buildings 4,286 4,286 6429 6429
Net Assets 85,061 88350
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds 4,347 9779
General Reserves 80,714 78571
Charity funds 85,061 88350
----- End of picture text -----

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

For the year ending 31 December 2023 the Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Trustees’ responsibilities:

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 21 October 2024

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:

……………………………………………………… Chair of Trustees

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities and applicable accounting standard FRS102.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

This is the first year that the accounts have been prepared using the accrual accounting method and this has resulted in the adjustment to the opening reserves. There was insufficient information to prepare comparatives for all balances, however, comparatives are available on the Statement of Financial Activities.

Rivers of Life fellowship Stockton-on-Tees meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Fund accounting.

Restricted Funds comprise revenue donations or grants for a specific activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.

Unrestricted Funds are income funds which are to be spent on the general purposes.

Designated funds are general funds set aside for use in the future. Project funds are designated for particular projects for administration purposes only. Designated funds remain unrestricted, and the will move any surplus to other general funds.

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Incoming resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Resources expended.

Resources expended have been analysed using a natural classification.

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fixed assets

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, less estimated residual values, of all fixed assets, over their expected useful lives. It is calculated at the following rate:

Land and Buildings Reviewed as needed for revaluation but not depreciated Church.

Other fixed assets are written off in the year of purchase. The trustees consider that this is prudent in view of the short life of these assets.

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ANALYSIS - DECEMBER 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
INCOME 2023 2023 2023
Income from Charitable Activities £ £ £
Donations 8,636 4000 12636
Offerings 10,948 10948
Gift Aid 1,240 1240
Mortgage Fund 1,382 1382
20,824 5,382 26206
Other Income
Other Income 807 807
807 807
Total Income 21,631 5,382 27,013
EXPENDITURES
Charitable Activities
Gas 4,313 4,313
Electricity 1,249 1,249
Broadband 360 360
Guest Speakers expenses 300 300
Fellowship 16,092 16,092
Charity support 3,633 3,633
Warm Space 431 431
Mortgage fund 1,382 1,382
Upper room 685 4,000 4,685
Total Expenditures 27,063 5,382 32,445
----- End of picture text -----

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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3. FIXED ASSETS

----- Start of picture text -----
Land
Total
Buildings
£ £
At 1 January 2023 85,000 85,000
- -
Additions
- -
Disposals
At 31 December 2023 85,000 85,000
Depreciation
- -
At 1 January 2023
- -
Charge for the year
Tota at 31 December 2023 - -
Net Book Value at 31 December 2023 85,000 85,000
----- End of picture text -----

4. SALARIES AND WAGES

Number of employees 2023
0		 2022
0

5. BANK AND CASH IN HAND

----- Start of picture text -----
2023
£
Barclays Current Account 4347
Petty cash 0
Total 4347
----- End of picture text -----

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