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2020-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 06759923 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1127027

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

for

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

MastersFuller Chartered Certified Accountants 38 Salisbury Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 1RD

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 12
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 13 to 14

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2020. 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims

The objects of the charity operating through the church are:

"to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs appearing in the Constitution wherever the trustees may from time to time think fit and to fulfil such other purposes as are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected with the charitable work of the charity;"

"to relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and to relieve the distress caused thereby wherever the church is advancing the Christian Faith".

Principal activities

The charity operates as a church, hereafter referred to as Ruwach Christian Church (the church), from premises at 87 Eastern Road, Haywards Heath. The pastoral leadership of the church is the responsibility of Tom and Sophie Partis, who became the recognised spiritual leadership of the church on 1st April 2018. Tom Partis joined the church staff as Assistant Pastor on a full-time basis from 1st September 2017 having previously been a primary school teacher. Tom Partis is one of the elders and has been a member of Ruwach since its inception in 2002.

Public benefit

The trustees have considered the Charities Commission general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the aims, objectives and planned activities of the charity.

Development of the church

The church commenced in September 2002 with 8 participants. It has grown steadily such that 18 years later it averaged approximately 80 at its Sunday morning services. The church is also very active during the entire week providing courses at its training school, facilities for children and youth groups, other fellowship groups known as "life groups" that meet on a weekly basis in homes. In 2020, because of the restrictions imposed by the Corona Virus pandemic, many of these meetings were curtailed but the activity of the church and the provision of support to its members was maintained. Sunday worship and sermons were provided online via Facebook, training courses and the life groups continued using Zoom and other practical support was provided (e.g. shopping, collecting prescriptions, taking to medical appointments etc.). Other support and counselling has been provided via telephone or during one-to-one walks. The engagement of members with church activities has largely been maintained and we look forward to returning to the experience of unrestricted meetings and fellowship in 2021.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

In 2020 activities related to the local community in Haywards Heath and the surrounding Mid-Sussex area were cancelled because of the national lockdown rules. Whenever these events (Haywards Heath Spring Fair, Lindfield Village Day, Haywards Heath Town Day, and the Haywards Heath Christmas Festival) are reinstated Ruwach expects to be fully involved again. The church normally has a very active youth programme. Some contact and activity has been possible online in 2020 but has been severely limited. We are expectant that this area of activity will be restored in 2021. We have a dedicated youth leader employed by the church supported by a team of volunteers. The expectation is that with schools reopening in March 2021 and with increased connection with local schools and community groups, there is potential for significant growth, especially with the youth and couples with young families. There is considerable housing development in the area bringing in new residents and especially young families.

Page 1

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial results

The financial results of the charity's activities through the church are shown in the attached Financial Statements, which have been drawn up in compliance with 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 January 2015).

From time to time monies are received which are specified by donors as to what they may be spent upon. Such monies are therefore credited to Restricted Funds as relevant until such time they are defrayed for their intended purpose.

Despite the potential impact of the pandemic on people's finances the core church membership maintained their level of regular giving using online payments. However, the lack of services held in person meant that no cash or cheque offerings were collected at Sunday services which caused some reduction in income. Our income in 2020, as recorded in the annual accounts, fell by approximately £17,000 compared with 2019.

Expenditure is closely scrutinised by the Trustees. In the light of the reduced income and with no significant reserves it was necessary to make a number of changes to reduce expenditure. We have made major savings on hall hire because of no public meetings. Staff levels have been reduced during 2020. Improved terms have been negotiated with utility and telecoms suppliers which have produced some savings in 2020 and will produce increased savings in 2021. Overall expenditure was approximately £40,000 less than the previous year. Although our current/savings account balance has reduced due to the shortfall of income versus expenditure in recent years we have no mortgages or loans of any nature, and the rental cost of our premises at Eastern Road is very modest at £680 per month and is on the basis of a 5-year lease. The church continues to make full use of these premises. They provide office space and meeting rooms as well as being available to use for evening services and some midweek groups. During lockdown we have held meetings in person for a restricted number of attendees (approx. 25) conforming to social distancing rules and the guidelines for acts of worship.

Reserves policy

The trustees have considered the needs of the charity for the maintenance of appropriate levels of free reserves in accordance with best practice. The trustees believe that, as the church is a faith venture, minimal free reserves should be maintained in the unrestricted (general) fund. The trustees believe therefore that our objective is the retention of free reserves equivalent to three months operating expenses in hand to be appropriate at the present time while recognising that such requirements may change as the church develops.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

Ruwach Christian Church is controlled by its governing documents, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Charity constitution

In 2019 it was decided to review the constitution in light of change in leadership and structure and to reflect the close links with COTN. The revised constitution was presented to the membership and ratified at the Annual General Meeting held on 13th April 2019. A copy of the revised constitution is attached.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The trustees are appointed by the elders, approved by the existing trustees and ratified by the church membership. They serve for two years when they are nominated for re-election, or until they resign.

Trustees

S J Beard P Crouch D Barlow M Allwright

Mark Allwright joined as an additional trustee in April 2020. It is the aim of the church to appoint additional trustees and we continue to seek suitable candidates that meet the criteria detailed in the constitution.

Page 2

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Structure and management

Day to day operational responsibility for running the church and the spiritual government and leadership of the church lies with the Pastor and his wife Sophie and the elders. The elders are accountable to and covered by Pastor Marius Gradwell as representing Church of the Nations (COTN) - www.cotn.org. We make a regular financial contribution to this global network of churches.

The elders during the period to the date of this report has comprised: -

Tom and Sophie Partis Stephen and Alison Beard Philip and Trine Crouch

Day to day responsibility for the financial affairs falls to the administration department which is accountable to the elders and thence the trustees. Since November 2016 bookkeeping and accountancy services, including payroll, pensions and gift aid management, have been provided by Amanda May of 123 Accounting Services, 25 Holmesdale Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9JP. Amanda provides monthly management accounts and the initial preparation work for the annual accounts and the service provided is excellent..

Life groups

The church comprises several "life groups" who meet weekly typically in private homes (but via Zoom during the lockdown) to provide support, encouragement, and fellowship for church members as well as some visitors. There are currently seven life groups with an average of 10-12 members. The life group leaders are accountable directly to the Pastor.

Risk management

The trustees have considered the various risks to which they believe the charity is potentially exposed and as far as is practicable have put in place appropriate procedures in recognition of and to mitigate the effect of such risks. A risk register has been compiled. This has included a specific risk assessment related to the provision of Sunday Services confirming to the national guidelines during lockdown.

Safeguarding

This area continues to be monitored closely especially in the area where the church has responsibility for children or vulnerable persons. No safeguarding issues or complaints were raised in 2020.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

06759923 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1127027

Registered office

87 Eastern Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 3NQ

Trustees

S J Beard P Crouch D Barlow M Allwright (appointed 21.3.20)

Page 3

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner

MastersFuller Chartered Certified Accountants 38 Salisbury Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 1RD

Solicitors

DMH Stallard Gainsborough House, Pegler Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 7FZ

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 27th March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

P Crouch - Trustee

Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Ruwach Christian Church

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Ruwach Christian Church ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st December 2020.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

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.

Ian Walker FCCA Association of Chartered Certified Accountants MastersFuller 38 Salisbury Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 1RD

27th March 2021

Page 5

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Statement of Financial Activities

for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

2020
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
100,821
Other trading activities
2
780
Investment income
3
-
Total
101,601
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Church running costs
88,251
Grants & donations
13,760
Total
102,011
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(410)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
8,798
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
8,388
2019
Total
funds
£
117,994
2,707
3
120,704
128,294
14,000
142,294
(21,590)
30,388
8,798

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Balance Sheet

31st December 2020

2020
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
788
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
6,071
Cash at bank and in hand
4,135
10,206
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
9
(2,606)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
7,600
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
8,388
NET ASSETS
8,388
FUNDS
12
Unrestricted funds
8,388
TOTAL FUNDS
8,388
2019
Total
funds
£
661
6,041
9,744
15,785
(7,648)
8,137
8,798
8,798
8,798
8,798

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2020.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2020 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 27th March 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

S J Beard - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, 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 Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Audio-visual equipment - 50% on cost Office furniture & equipment - 20% on cost

Taxation

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

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

continued...

Page 8

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
2020 2019
£ £
Other income 215 2,075
Ruwach Training School 565 632
780 2,707
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
2020 2019
£ £
Deposit account interest - 3
4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
2020 2019
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 464 630
Hire of plant and machinery 2,122 2,204
Other operating leases 7,264 6,105

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st December 2020 nor for the year ended 31st December 2019.

6. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Pastoral care
Administration
2020
1
2
3
2019
1
3
4

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

continued...

Page 9

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Office
Audio-visual furniture
equipment & equipment Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 1st January 2020 8,878 7,414 16,292
Additions - 591 591
At 31st December 2020 8,878 8,005 16,883
DEPRECIATION
At 1st January 2020 8,624 7,007 15,631
Charge for year 254 210 464
At 31st December 2020 8,878 7,217 16,095
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31st December 2020 - 788 788
At 31st December 2019 254 407 661
8. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2020 2019
£ £
Tax 4,151 6,041
Prepayments and accrued income 250 -
Prepayments 1,670 -
6,071 6,041
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2020 2019
£ £
Other loans (see note 10) - 5,000
Social security and other taxes 773 1,323
Accrued expenses 1,833 1,325
2,606 7,648
10. LOANS
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
2020 2019
£ £
Amounts falling due within one year on demand:
Other loans - 5,000

continued...

Page 10

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

11. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between one and five years
In more than five years
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.1.20
£
8,798
8,798
Incoming
resources
£
101,601
101,601
At 1.1.19
£
30,388
30,388
2020
2019
£
£
8,160
8,080
27,880
32,640
-
3,400
36,040
44,120
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.20
£
£
(410)
8,388
(410)
8,388
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(102,011)
(410)
(102,011)
(410)
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.19
£
£
(21,590)
8,798
(21,590)
8,798

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

continued...

Page 11

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
120,704
120,704
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(142,294)
(21,590)
(142,294)
(21,590)
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(142,294)
(21,590)
(142,294)
(21,590)
(21,590)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Net
movement At
At 1.1.19 in funds 31.12.20
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 30,388 (22,000) 8,388
TOTAL FUNDS 30,388 (22,000) 8,388

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
222,305
222,305
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(244,305)
(22,000)
(244,305)
(22,000)
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(244,305)
(22,000)
(244,305)
(22,000)
(22,000)

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st December 2020.

Page 12

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Tithes & offerings under Gift aid
Other offerings
Gift aid
Other trading activities
Other income
Ruwach Training School
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Wages
Social security
Staff costs
Office equipment rental
Rent
Rates & water
Insurance
Light & heat
Telephone
Postage & stationery
Advertising
Sundries
Hall hire
Repairs & maintenance
Computer & website
Youth expenses
Motor expenses
Ruwach Training School
Hospitality
Praise & worship
Catering
Children's ministry
Accountancy
Legal & professional fees
Subscriptions
Carried forward
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31st December 2020
2020
£
68,303
13,120
19,398
100,821
215
565
780
-
101,601
61,754
1,436
438
2,122
7,264
283
956
1,647
1,941
327
-
56
1,377
818
463
39
466
-
475
616
-
-
2,488
129
768
85,863
2019
£
68,958
28,208
20,828
117,994
2,075
632
2,707
3
120,704
67,266
2,272
1,072
2,204
6,105
278
1,107
1,785
1,693
375
23
998
13,237
12,396
802
1,073
540
332
1,871
1,370
567
856
2,779
145
604
121,750

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 13

RUWACH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December 2020

Charitable activities
Brought forward
Bank charges
Pension
Grants
Travel costs
Conferences
Depreciation - Office furniture & equipment
Depreciation - Audio-visual equipment
Total resources expended
Net expenditure
2020
£
85,863
218
1,333
14,133
-
-
210
254
102,011
102,011
(410)
2019
£
121,750
338
6,127
11,270
1,009
1,170
161
469
142,294
142,294
(21,590)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 14