NORTH HEATH FAMILY CHURCH (Registered Charity No. 1127133)
Annual Report – 1st October 2019 to 30th September 2020
Introduction
One of the main objectives of North Heath Family Church is to advance the Christian faith in the surrounding areas of Northumberland Heath and beyond, and to create a family environment where people feel accepted, loved, cared for and supported.
We have sought to do this primarily through:-
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community activities
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supporting other work
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supporting vulnerable people
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training and equipping
Community Activities
The Fun Days continue to be a successful way of connecting with a wide cross-section of the community of Northumberland Heath. In an area where many people experience financial hardship, the fact that all activities are free is a major attraction. It has provided the church with the opportunity to show that every individual is important and highlights the inclusiveness and generosity which is at the heart of the Christian faith. People continue to be surprised that we do not even ask for a voluntary contribution.
The usual format is a ‘drop in’ system which works well allowing families to come and go as they please. The activities broadly include a bouncy castle, craft, computer games, toddler area, refreshments with café area.
The event tends to attract children under the age of ten – accompanied by parents and often grand-parents.
The helpers are all volunteers from the church who commit to giving up so many Saturdays in order for the even to continue.
Unfortunately, we have been unable to arrange any since December due to the pandemic but will restart them once it is safe to do so.
The Free Spiritz youth group is still successful (led by Zoe Smith and a team) with up to ten young people attending between the ages of 12 to 16. The evening is informal and centres around a lounge setting with activities such as badminton, table tennis etc. It has proved to be a useful time where young people feel comfortable discussing or sharing in a relaxed setting.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic the group has been discontinued until further notice.
The work through Christians Against Poverty (CAP) continues to be successful although the courses have been restricted to Zoom communication due to the covid restrictions.
As a church we have been able to provide financial support for struggling families, in addition to making foodbank donations.
Supporting other work
Since the start of the church it has been our policy to commit 10% of our income to support other groups with a similar interest. One of these in particular is CRIBS (Christian Resources in Bexley Schools – Charity No. 1122295) which receives 5% of our income. Further information about the objective of this charity can be viewed on the Charity Commission’s website.
Maintenance Work
The maintenance costs were unusually high this year due to the rear hall requiring a new roof.
Final Comments
Although the start of the year in September was very positive the pandemic restrictions have undoubtedly had a negative impact particularly with regard to our relationship with the wider community of Northumberland Heath. It is anticipated that once some sort of normality is restored we will be able to reconnect with our neighbours once again – particularly through the regular Fun Days.
It has also been problematic maintaining normal church relationships, with severely restricted meeting times and the inability to meet together socially. Having said that the use of social media has had its benefits in that we have been able to create a closer bond and enabled us to offer various forms of support. The church has had to learn to adapt at a time when our nation has experienced one of the most difficult periods in history. It has been interesting to observe the level of concern for each other. In addition to that there has been an opportunity for everyone to participate through our Zoom meetings and allow new gifts and talents to emerge. It is important therefore to show appreciation for this special group of people – who have been so supportive during a difficult year.
This report was written by Peter Maine (Chairman of the trustees) 9[th] July 2021
NORTH HEATH FAMILY CHURCH
Summary of Accounts 1st Oct 2019 - 30th Sep 2020
| Available Balance C/F from 30/09/19 Available Balance as of 30/09/20 RECEIPTS for Year Oct 19 - Sep 20 Regular Giving Building Hire Misc Income |
£2,790.59 |
|---|---|
| £5,159.99 | |
| £23,979.04 £1,656.00 £0.00 |
|
| Total Income | £25,635.04 |
| PAYMENTS for Year Oct 18 - Sep 19 Mortgage Building Insurance Utilities Broadband & Webhost Jubilee Church Cluster (Gift) CAP Erith Debt Centre (Gift) Annual Gift for CRIBS (Charity No. 1122295) Social Events Children's Club Outreach / Evangelism / Events Copyright Licenses Memberships / CRB Checks Stationary Church Equipment Building / Maintenance Ministry Gift Pastoral Ministry Cleaning |
£5,725.68 £622.04 £1,355.22 £606.25 £500.00 £50.00 £1,606.98 £78.68 £0.00 £372.96 £359.40 £80.00 £0.00 £398.43 £5,175.00 £70.00 £6,000.00 £265.00 |
| Total Expenditure | £23,265.64 |
Mortgage outstanding as of 30/09/20 £33,532.69
Accounts prepared (by Dawn Goodwin 16/01/21) Checked and approved – no concerns to report (by Sharon Brodie 19/07/21)