Registered Charity number 1127744
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
CONTENTS of the Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 August 2025
Contents
Reference and Administrative details ........................................................................................................................ 3 Report to the Trustees ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Objectives and Activities ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Achievements and Performance ............................................................................................................................ 5 Financial Review ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 Going Concern ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 Future Plans ......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Structure, Governance and Management ........................................................................................................... 11 Statement of Financial Activity ................................................................................................................................ 13 Balance Sheet ........................................................................................................................................................... 14 Notes to the Financial Statements ........................................................................................................................... 15 Declaration ............................................................................................................................................................... 25 Independent Examiners Report ............................................................................................................................... 26
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Reference and Administrative details
Trustees: Rev G. Baalham Ms L. Booyse Ms V. Collins Mr I. Conroy Mrs Y. Ellard (from 1[st] May 2025) Mrs D. Ford Mrs S. Ford Mrs H. Greaves (to 31[st] Dec 2024) Mrs S. Jones Mrs J. Jordan Mr P. Jordan Ms R. Lewis Mr E. Madakudya Mrs J. Mason Rev C. McKie (to 31[st] Aug 2025) Ms T. Njini Mrs C. Ofield Ms C. Okon Mr I. Pattison (from 1[st] Jan 2025) Ms N. Postle Mrs J. Rose (from 1[st] May 2025) Dr Sattianayagam (to 30[th] Apr 2025) Mrs I. Sattianayagam (to 30[th] Apr 2025) Mrs L. Turksom Full name of the Church: St Paul’s Methodist Church Alternative name: Crawley Methodist Church Registered Charity Number: 1127744 Principal address St Paul’s Methodist Church, Woodfield Road, Northgate, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 8ER Independent examiner: Yvette How MAAT Investment Bankers: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Report to the Trustees
The Trustees submit their annual report and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31August 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and 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) as amended by the update bulletin (effective 1 January 2015).
Objectives and Activities
Objectives
St Paul’s Methodist Church’s Mission is to: Unite in Faith, Worship in Faith, Grow in Faith, Share the Good News, Make Disciples, and Serve in Love.
Note: ‘Faith’ refers to the Christian faith and Good News’ refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Church also supports and contributes to the purposes of the Methodist Church which are the advancement of:
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a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church;
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b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church;
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c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church;
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d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church.
Activities
The activities of St Paul’s Methodist Church are designed to meet the objectives of the mission statement and, by doing so, to benefit its members, its congregation and the wider public, by supporting Christians as they seek to worship God and to live out their faith, by sharing the Christian message, by helping those in need, and by working for social justice. A list of the main, regular activities is given below. This list does not include one-off special events. For a fuller description of the activities, please see the church website: www.crawleymethodistchurch.org.uk
Activities List
| Activities List | |
|---|---|
| Sunday Worship Services | Prayer Meetings |
| Friday Contemporary Worship Service | Loaves and Fishes (Community Café) |
| A variety of informal Worship and Social Events | Pastoral Visiting |
| Fellowship Groups | Community Use of the Building |
| Sunday School Groups | Fund Raising for others |
| Young Peoples’ Singing Groups | Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association |
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Public Benefit
The trustees have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives in planning its future activities. In particular, they have considered how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
Achievements and Performance
St Paul’s Methodist Church has continued to fulfil its mission objectives through the provision of opportunities for its members, and the wider community, to engage in Christian worship, prayer, bible study, fellowship, and a range of social and community activities. The Church has continued to pursue the aims and strategies of its mission plan (please see the Future Plans section). The church’s achievements and performance are reported in terms of the progress made toward the aims and with the strategies.
Worship
AIM: To develop our worship so that it becomes more accessible, more relevant, and more helpful to our people as they seek to know God and worship Him.
STRATEGY: Make worship more accessible, welcoming, relevant and engaging, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with Church and for young people and families
PROGRESS:
During the course of the year, we continued with our intergenerational approach to worship, to further engage children and families. The children were often asked to do something in the service linked to the theme and to feed back to the congregation later in the service. The children continued to read, sing, help lead the singing from the front, act in short sketches and, in June, they led the service, having been involved in the planning and writing of the service.
The sermon has continued to be divided into shorter talks, making it more accessible for younger people or for those who come to church less often. Sometimes there are discussions and activities for adults as well as children and we have continued to introduce more contemporary and modern worship songs. Adult members of the congregation continue to volunteer to read – either from their seats or by coming up to the front. In July, one of our Fellowship groups led the service. We have up to three own arrangement services in each quarter and these are being led by members of the congregation. A Worship Leader was commissioned in July, having completed the Methodist Worship Leader training.
The mid-week service on Tuesdays continued until February, when there was no one to lead these services. A new monthly contemporary worship service was introduced in January for those who prefer the more contemporary approach. Both adults and families with children are attending this service.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Fellowship, prayer, bible study
AIM: To help our people grow as disciples and to engage them in fellowship based on Bible study, prayer, mutual support and encouragement.
STRATEGY: Extend and enhance the fellowship groups and reshape the pastoral support system.
PROGRESS:
Four Fellowship groups have continued to meet throughout the year, at different times and days, providing a range of approaches to better meet the preferences and lifestyles of our congregation and community. The church has extended the number of fellowship groups to cover different days times and provide a range of approaches, to better meet the preferences and lifestyles of our congregation and community. The new pastoral system was amended/updated during the year, in which all members of the church and adherents, are in small groups, who look out for each other. We recruited multiple new Pastoral Visitors and in July had a service to celebrate the new system which was well attended and enjoyed by all. Pastoral Visitors oversee a number of groups, giving additional support where needed. The entire system is overseen by our minister.
Family and Youth activities
AIM: To reach new people, particularly young people and families, and engage them with us, so that they hear the Gospel message, come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and grow as disciples.
STRATEGY: Expand and enhance the provision for families, children and young people. Promote and share more widely all that St Paul’s offers.
PROGRESS:
The Young People’s Singing Group continued to meet weekly during term time. The group has been growing throughout the year. They continue to lead worship regularly on a Sunday morning and at the contemporary worship services. Sunday School has grown to the need for 2 groups every week and enjoys a diverse range of activities.
In December we had a full nativity service led by the young people focusing on the viewpoint of the Donkey.
The Church set up 1[st] Crawley Boy’s Brigade and Girl’s Association which meets weekly during term time. All the leaders have been trained and we are excited to see how this grows. 3 young people went to the Battalion camp and 3 young people attended the Junior Day Trip. All of them have taken part in competitions and events and enjoyed them thoroughly.
10 young people went to 3generate in October with the Circuit which is an amazing experience to explore their faith and see thousands of other young people join together to worship and have fun.
In June the young people led King’s Kids service which was well attended and the YPSG sung at. This was followed by inflatables and a BBQ for all.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
Year Ended 31 August 2025
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Volunteering
AIM: To engage a greater proportion of our people in volunteering to help and serve in the church and in the community.
STRATEGY: Help our people recognise and develop the gifts that God has given them and encourage them to respond to the opportunities to use these gifts in the church and in the community.
PROGRESS:
The church leadership has continued to engage with the congregation to explore opportunities and encourage volunteering. A personal invitational approach has produced some encouraging results in some areas, but there is more work to be done to ensure that there will be sufficient volunteers in the future.
Building and Resources
AIM: To make our building fit for our mission purposes, focusing on reroofing, refurbishing, and remodeling the Sanctuary.
Finish the Sanctuary Project (reroofing and refurbishment) and improve other parts of the building.
PROGRESS:
There were a few snags left to be sorted from the sanctuary project, once these have been addressed, we will be installing acoustic treatment. Various facilities and have been upgraded and general repair on the building has continued. The largest project except for the completed of the Sanctuary project was refurbishing our main kitchen which was original to the building.
Other Aspects
The following activities and aspects of the church have also contributed significantly to the aims of church’s mission plan.
The Loaves and Fishes community café, which is run entirely by volunteers, has been running well, covering four days a week. Serving people both from the congregation and the local community. The café continues to provide food and drinks, ranging from snacks to light meals, at very affordable prices. It also provides a warm and welcoming place for our church members and the local community to meet.
As a part of its service to the community, the church lets rooms to a variety of groups and organisations. Most of these lettings are to charitable, community, educational, health, and welfare organisations, and are at very affordable rates with significant discounts. We have continued to provide space to Crawley’s refugee community for support groups and language classes.
During the year, we held a number of one-off activities to invite people in from the community including a large King’s Kids service led by the young people with inflatables and a BBQ.
Collections have been made for a range of charities, including Action for Children, Christian Aid, All We Can and Water Aid. We also collect clothing for Refugees Welcome throughout the year. Our Harvest Contributions went to Crawley Open House and the Easter Team Food Bank.
The church continues to develop its website and social media to engage with its members and the community, and to advertise and promote all that it offers.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Financial Review
Overview
A balanced General Fund budget was planned for the financial year ending 31[st] August 2025. The outcome was a General Fund surplus of £36,850. General Fund income was above the budget prediction and expenditure was below the budget prediction.
Total income for all funds was £13k lower than the previous year. Expenditure was above the budget prediction by roughly £14k but lower than the than the previous year, mainly due to the refurbishment done the previous year.
With the cost of the Sanctuary project in 2023/24, there was some minor works and equipment purchases done in 2024/25 which increased the expenditure above what was predicted. However, this project has been a great asset to help reignite Church growth and make the building fit for the future by making it a modern useable space for generations to come.
Similar to last year’s report, the makeup of the Church’s income has changed significantly over time. After adjusting for inflation, the last eleven years show a downward trend in giving (pledges, offerings, donations and Gift Aid tax refunds) and an upward trend in lettings. In 2014 lettings accounted for 22% of the General Fund income whereas, in 2024, it is now 58%. In contrast, income from giving to the General Fund has dropped from 66% of the General Fund income in 2014 to 33% in 2024. The lettings income is very encouraging and it continues to increase year on year in recent year, with an increase of 9% from last year. However, the lettings market can be volatile and there are risks in becoming overdependent on this income stream.
The decline in active membership continues to be an issue. If this trend is not reversed, income from pledges, offerings and donations will continue to drop, leading to a reduction in total income, and the shortage of volunteers to run the mission critical activities will become more acute. The church’s highest priority is to grow the church by sharing the gospel and making disciples.
Income and Expenditure
General Fund
Most of the church’s income is from pledges, offerings and donations, and lettings.
The income from pledges was above the budget prediction but £2,608 below the previous year. Loose cash offerings were higher than the previous year, but donations were significantly below budget predictions and much lower than the previous year. Overall, income from giving to the General Fund (pledges, offerings, donations, contributions from external organisations, and Gift Aid) was £6,105 less than last year and £8,983 less than two years ago. This reduction in income may be partly attributed to the cost-of-living crisis, but the primary cause is the declining trend in active membership.
The income from lettings was £89,331 (9,331 above the budget prediction of £80,000). This is the highest year of income from lettings to date.
Income from the Loaves and Fishes Café was slightly above the budget prediction, with an increase of £5.4% and above last year’s income, but significantly lower than the income received two years ago.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
Year Ended 31 August 2025
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Most of the General Fund expenditure is incurred on the Circuit Assessment (used by the Circuit to pay ministers’ stipends and related costs, and to pay the District Assessment); the costs of running the church building (maintenance, cleaning and lettings salaries, energy and other utilities, etc.); and the costs of running the church’s activities.
Circuit Assessment was in line with budget predictions. Energy expenditure and property maintenance expenditure were higher than predicted. Expenditure on salaries was broadly in-line with predictions. There were smaller underspends and overspends in several other budget areas. In total the underspends outweighed the overspends.
The church also received a legacy of £500.
Designated Funds
The major expenditure in the designated funds was for maintenance of the property. We have transferred £20,000 into the fund during the year. This was to cover the cost of the kitchen refurbishment and to cover the remaining sanctuary project costs due after the snagging period.
Restricted Funds
As planned, the sanctuary project used the majority of the restricted funds for the redevelopment of the sanctuary.
Assets
No new assets were added during the financial year. The building has been revalued in accordance with the accounting policy.
Funds and Reserves
The General Fund reserves of the church (i.e. the net current General Fund assets) at 31[st] August 2025 were £138,167, which meets the requirements of the reserves policy.
At 31[st] August 2025 the total net current assets of all the church funds was £151,161 and the total of all the church funds (i.e. including fixed assets) was £6,166,686.
Going Concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern .
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Future Plans
We plan to worship and serve God, and to share His love with the community, by continuing to pursue the vision expressed in our mission statement.
Our priorities for the year ahead include church growth, fellowship and discipleship, human resources, and building improvements.
Our priority for the year ahead is church growth.
Our aim is to:
- reach new people, particularly young people and families, and engage them with us, so that they hear the Gospel message, come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and grow as disciples.
We are seeking to follow where the Holy Spirit leads and, at this stage, we plan to pursue the following strategies to achieve our priority aims:
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Make worship more accessible, welcoming, relevant and engaging, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with Church and for young people and families
-
Expand and enhance the provision for families, children and young people
-
Extend and enhance the fellowship groups and reshape the pastoral support system
-
Promote and share more widely all that St Paul’s offers
-
Help our people recognise and develop the gifts that God has given them and encourage them to respond to the opportunities to use these gifts in the church and in the community.
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Complete the remaining aspects of the Sanctuary Project including: addressing the snagging items, finishing the installation of the AV systems and adding acoustic treatment, and installing solar panels.
We also plan to continue running all the activities listed in the activities section of this report.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
The governing document for the church is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976)
Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church (CPD) by order of the annual conference.
The members of St Paul’s Methodist Church Council are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of church office holders, Minister, and representatives appointed by the Church at the General Church Meeting (the Church’s Annual General Meeting) and by the Church Council.
Day to day management of the church is undertaken by the Church Leadership Team together with the Minister. The Leadership Team is appointed by the Church Council.
Basis of preparation and legal framework
The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard (FRSSE) 2015
Trustee Training
A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the church and the role of Trustees is given to the Church Trustees at various meetings and / or training sessions.
Related Parties
The Church is part of the Redhill and East Grinstead Circuit which is part of the South East District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference.
Risk Management
The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Trustees with professional advice taken as required. A regular annual review process is undertaken and recorded.
Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a quarter yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves.
Safeguarding
St Paul’s Methodist Church commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches.
St Paul’s Methodist Church commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.
Reserves Policy
The General Reserves Policy for the Church is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to 6 months’ average expenditure. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on the church building and / or to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full expenses including the assessment payable to the Circuit.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Investment Policy
A low-risk liquid position is maintained. The Deposit Fund administered by the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church is utilised to deposit any funds surplus to immediate requirements.
Exemptions from Disclosure
There are no exemptions from disclosure.
Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others
The Church holds no funds as a custodian trustee on behalf of others.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY Year Ended 31 August 2025
Statement of Financial Activity
| Notes Unrestricted funds Designated Funds Restricted funds Total funds |
Prior year total funds |
|---|---|
| Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Pledges and offerings 4 35,068 — — 35,068 Donations 65 1 — 66 Gift Aid tax refunds 7,305 — — 7,305 Legacies Income from charitable activities 5 — 500 — 500 Fund raising — — — — Loaves and Fishes 6,325 — — 6,325 Other charitable activities Other trading activities 6 170 — — 170 Lettings 89,331 — — 89,331 Investments 7 5,347 22 45 5,413 |
37,676 988 8,879 1,000 — 5,930 140 81,815 20,892 |
| Total income 143,610 523 45 144,177 Expenditure on: Salaries, NIC and pension costs 8 29,114 — — 29,114 Circuit Assessment 19,500 — — 19,500 Maintenance of Church buildings and property 11 17,163 11,830 574 29,566 Utilities (insurance, energy, water, etc) 12 31,224 — — 31,224 Grants and Donations 13 — — — — Loaves and Fishes 3,755 — — 3,755 Other expenditure 14 6,004 597 — 6,601 |
157,321 24,595 39,000 469,036 22,853 (2,443) 2,139 6,293 |
| Total expenditure 106,759 12,427 574 119,760 |
561,473 |
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer 36,850 (11,904) (529) 24,417 |
(404,152) |
| Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in — 20,000 — 20,000 Gross transfers between funds - out (20,000) — — (20,000) Other recognised gains / losses Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use 15 254,275 — — 254,275 |
40,000 (40,000) 406,674 |
| Net movement in funds 271,125 8,096 (529) 278,692 Reconciliation of funds |
2,522 |
| Total funds brought forward 5,882,567 4,844 583 5,887,994 |
5,885,472 |
| Total funds carried forward 6,153,692 12,941 54 6,166,686 |
5,887,994 |
Note: Values are in British pounds sterling (GBP). Components may not sum to totals because of rounding to the nearest pound.
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Year Ended 31 August 2025
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
BALANCE SHEET
Balance Sheet
| Notes | General | Designated | Restricted | At | 31/08/2025 | At | 31/08/2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Funds | Funds | ||||||
| £ | £ | |||||||
| Fixed assets | ||||||||
| Tangible assets | 15 | 6,015,525 | — | — | 6,015,525 | 5,761,250 | ||
| Fixed assets | 6,015,525 | — | — | 6,015,525 | 5,761,250 | |||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Debtors | 16 | 10,140 | — | — | 10,140 | 1,977 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 16 | 131,481 | 12,941 | 70 | 144,492 | 179,688 | ||
| Current assets | 141,621 | 12,941 | 70 | 154,632 | 181,665 | |||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Credi tors : Amounts falling due in one year | 17 | 3,454 | — | 17 | 3,471 | 54,921 | ||
| Net current assets less current liabilities | 138,167 | 12,941 | 54 | 151,161 | 126,744 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 6,153,692 | 12,941 | 54 | 6,166,686 | 5,887,994 | |||
| Total net assets less liabilities | 6,153,692 | 12,941 | 54 | 6,166,686 | 5,887,994 | |||
| Represented by | 20 | |||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||||
| Unrestricted - General fund | 6,153,692 | — | — | 6,153,692 | 5,882,567 | |||
| Designated | ||||||||
| Designated - Hymn Book Fund | — | 415 | — | 415 | — | |||
| Designated - Redevelopment & Refurbishment | — | 12,437 | — | 12,437 | 4,244 | |||
| Designated - Youth | — | 88 | — | 88 | 600 | |||
| Restricted | ||||||||
| Restricted - Redevelopment & Refurbishment | — | — | 54 | 54 | 583 | |||
| Funds of the church | 6,153,692 | 12,941 | 54 | 6,166,686 | 5,887,994 |
Note: Values are in British pounds sterling (GBP). Components may not sum to totals because of rounding to the nearest pound.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Notes to the Financial Statements
In the following notes, values are in British pounds sterling (GBP). The components of tables may not sum to totals because of rounding to the nearest pound .
1. Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in accordance with the 2015 version 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 lreland (FRS 102) as amended by the update bulletin (effective 1 January 2015).
2. Funds
The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Church which are Unrestricted. Restricted funds which are held for a narrower purpose including those for internal organisations. Details of each material fund are disclosed in note 20. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash.
3. Accounting policies
Basis
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost, except that investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year, on the accruals basis to show a true and fair view of the Church’s financial position and activities.
Income
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Church becomes entitled to the resources, and the trustees are reasonably certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Expenditure
This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the Church to pay out resources.
Grants
Grants made by the Church from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement or when the Church accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment.
VAT
Since the Church is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Tangible fixed assets for use by the Church
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost more than £3,000. The freehold property is shown at cost, based on the insurer’s valuation.
Depreciation
Assets having an initial cost of £3,000 or less are written off in full in the year of acquisition. Furniture and Fittings of a durable nature having an initial cost greater than £3,000 are depreciated at the rate of 33.33% per annum on a straight-line basis. Computer and Electronic equipment having an initial cost greater than £3,000 are depreciated at 50% per annum on a straight-line basis.
Investment Properties
Investment properties - no property is currently deemed to not be held for the long-term purposes of the charity.
Investments
Investments are valued in the balance sheet at market value at the year end. Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable. Any gains or losses on revaluation at the year-end are shown in the SOFA.
Debtors and Prepayments
Debtors include outstanding lettings invoices in August.
Creditors
Creditors include outstanding items relating to utilities, etc. in August .
Volunteers
A certain amount of time is spent on the charity's activities, which is donated free of charge. lt is not possible to quantify the value of time given and accordingly it is recorded neither as donated income or as expense in the financial statement.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended 31 August 2025
4. Donations and legacies
| 1200 - Envelope Scheme & Direct bank receipts 1220 - Offer ng - Loose Cash 1230 – Donations 1260 - Contributions From Ext Orgs 1250 - Tax Reclaimed On Gift Aid 1255 – Legacies Donations and legacies Totals |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year 34,498 — — 34,498 36,490 570 — — 570 1,186 65 1 — 66 249 — — — — 739 7,305 — — 7,305 8,879 — 500 — 500 1,000 |
|---|---|
| 42,437 501 — 42,938 48,543 |
5. Charitable activities
| 1410 - Loaves & Fishes 1400 - Fees - Weddings, Funerals etc Income from charitable activities Totals |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year 6,325 — — 6,325 5,930 170 — — —140 6,495 — — 6,495 6,070 |
|---|---|
6. Other trading activities
| 1300 - Property Lettings Other trading activities Totals Investment income 1510 - CFB General Dep a/c Interest 1511 - CFB Redev Dep a/c Interest 1514 - CFB Project Dep a/c Interest Investments Totals |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year 89,331 — — 89,331 81,815 |
|---|---|
| 89,331 — — 89,331 81,815 Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year 5,347 — — 5,347 5,499 — 22 — 22 608 — — 45 45 14,785 |
|
| 5,347 22 45 5,413 20,892 |
7. Investment income
The Church holds three interest-bearing Methodist Church Central Finance Board (CFB) deposit accounts
-
CFB General Deposit Account : used primarily to hold on deposit General and Benevolence funds that are not immediately required.
-
CFB Redevelopment Deposit Account: used to hold on deposit Redevelopment and Refurbishment designated funds until they are required
-
CFB Project Deposit Account: used to hold on deposit the Redevelopment and Refurbishment restricted funds until they are required.
8. Paid employees
| 4010 - Salaries - Cleaners 4011 - Salaries -Lettings Salaries, NIC and pension costs Totals |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year 15,907 — — 15,907 13,373 13,207 — — 13,207 11,222 |
|---|---|
| 29,114 — — 29,114 24,595 |
The Church has two part-time paid employees.
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St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year Ended 31 August 2025
9. Paid trustees
Nicola, Postle, trustee, is employed as Lettings Manager and Cleaner and was paid £22,349 during the 2024-25 financial year.
10. Fees for examination or audit of the accounts
2023-24 Independent Examination Fee £315 2024-25 Independent Examination Fee £400 (provision)
11. Maintenance of Church buildings and property
| 4200 - Property Maintenance 4210 - Property Redevelopment 4225 - Grounds Maintenance 4250 - Window Cleaning 4252 - Cleaning Materials 4255 - Cleaning Maintenance of Church buildings & property Totals |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year 13,208 12,412 — 25,620 16,670 — (582) 574 (8) 449,111 1,167 — — 1,167 1,658 624 — — 624 581 1,207 — — 1,207 868 957 — — 957 147 |
|---|---|
| 17,163 11,830 574 29,566 469,036 |
12. Utilities
| 4220 - Gas 4230 - Electricity 4240 - Water 4245 - Waste Disposal 4260 - Telephone and Broadband 5050 - Insurance Utilities (insurance, energy, water, etc) Totals |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year 8,978 — — 8,978 6,037 13,917 — — 13,917 6,549 904 — — 904 1,293 1,113 — — 1,113 1,038 442 — — 442 86 5,870 — — 5,870 7,850 |
|---|---|
| 31,224 — — 31,224 22,853 |
13. Grants and donations
| 2000 - Gifts & Donations 2300 - Benevolence – Disbursements 6000 - Connexional/Other Contribs Grants and Donations Totals |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (2,443) |
|---|---|
| — — — — (2,443) |
In the 2021-22 financial year the Connexion requested all churches to make a donation towards the shortfall in the Methodist Church pension fund and St Paul’s made a donation of £2,250. The pension fund position improved and the donations from churches were not required. The Connexion refunded all donations in the 2023-24 financial year, with interest included, and St Paul’s received a refund £2,443. Nothing to report for 2024-25.
Page 18 of 26
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended 31 August 2025
14. Other expenditure
| 2100 - Worship Resources 2110 - Presentation Bibles, Candles 2130 - Printing, Postage & Stationery 2200 - Junior Church & Youth 3010 - Other Catering Expenses 3025 - Publicity new 3040 - Church Growth 3050 - Web Site development 4205 - Property Letting Expenses 4300 - Miscellaneous Expenses 5000 - Treasurer/Stewardship Expenses 5001 - Bank charges 5010 - Professional Fees 5030 - Minister's Local Expenses Other expenditure Totals |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted This year Last year 1,005 85 — 1,090 1,564 59 — — 59 42 20 — — 20 — 1,155 512 — 1,667 436 1,430 — — 1,430 1,166 — — — — 206 787 — — 787 919 175 — — 175 193 697 — — 697 944 44 — — 44 227 173 — — 173 75 144 — — 144 130 315 — — 315 365 — — — — 25 |
|---|---|
| 6,004 597 — 6,601 6,293 |
15. Tangible assets
This Year (2024-2025)
| Church (non-investment) | Fixtures, fittings, and | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| land and buildings | Equipment | ||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost or valuation | |||
| At beginning of the year | 5,761,250 | - | 5,761,250 |
| Additions | - | - | - |
| Disposals | - | - | - |
| Revaluations | 254,275 | - | 254,275 |
| Transfers | - | - | - |
| At end of the year | 6,015,525 | - | 6,015,525 |
| Depreciation and impairments | |||
| At beginning of the year | - | - | - |
| Disposals | - | - | - |
| Depreciation | - | - | - |
| Impairment | - | - | - |
| Transfers | - | - | - |
| At end of the year | - | - | - |
| Net book value at beginning of the year | 5,761,250 | - | 5,761,250 |
| Net book value at end of the year | 6,015,525 | - | 6,015,525 |
Page 19 of 26
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Previous Year (2023-2024)
| Church (non-investment) | Fixtures, fittings, and | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| land and buildings | Equipment | ||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost or valuation | |||
| At beginning of the year | 5,354,576 | - | 5,354,576 |
| Additions | - | - | - |
| Disposals | - | - | - |
| Revaluations | 406,674 | - | 406,674 |
| Transfers | - | - | - |
| At end of the year | 5,761,250 | - | 5,761,250 |
| Depreciation and impairments | |||
| At beginning of the year | - | - | - |
| Disposals | - | - | - |
| Depreciation | - | - | - |
| Impairment | - | - | - |
| Transfers | - | - | - |
| At end of the year | - | - | - |
| Net book value at beginning of the year | 5,354,576 | - | 5,354,576 |
| Net book value at end of the year | 5,761,250 | - | 5,761,250 |
Page 20 of 26
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year Ended 31 August 2025
16. Analysis of current assets
| Debtors and prepayments | This year | Last year |
|---|---|---|
| Prepayments | 1,625 | 1,625 |
| Accrued income | 8,515 | 352 |
| Other debtors | - | - |
| Total debtors and prepayments | 10,140 | 1,977 |
| Analysis of cash at bank | This year | Last year |
| Bank balance held in HSBC Bank | 7,376 | 14,759 |
| Bank balance held in CFB | 136,966 | 164,779 |
| Bank balance held in Sainsbury Card | - | 150 |
| Loaves and Fishes Float | 150 | - |
| Total Cash at Bank | 144,492 | 179,688 |
17. Analysis of current liabilities and long-term creditors
| Current Liabilities | This year | Last year |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Creditors | 1,639 | 54,385 |
| Other Creditors | 1,832 | 535 |
| Total Current Liabilities | 3,471 | 54,921 |
18. Capital commitments and contingent liabilities
At the 31st August 2025 the Church has no capital commitments. No Contingent liabilities were identified at 31st August 2025.
19. Loans and creditors due after one year
There were no creditors due after one year in the financial year 2024-2025.
20. Detailed analysis of individual fund movements
Unrestricted funds
General Fund: for the running costs of the Church and the Church building, including the Church activities, the Circuit Assessment and any costs not covered by the other funds.
Designated funds
Hymn Book Fund: for replacing and/or updating hymn books.
Outreach Hospitality Fund: for refreshments and other hospitality expenses for outreach events and activities.
Page 21 of 26
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Redevelopment & Refurbishment Fund: for redeveloping and refurbishing the Church buildings and resources.
Benevolence Fund: for disbursements to those in need and support for those in poverty.
Youth Fund for provision of activities and resources for children and young people.
Restricted funds
Redevelopment & Refurbishment Fund: for redeveloping and refurbishing the Church buildings. All donations given specifically for the purpose of this fund, and any proceeds from fundraising specifically advertised as raising money for this purpose, are placed in this fund. It complements the identically named designated fund above.
Page 22 of 26
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year Ended 31 August 2025
This Year (2024-2025)
| Fund and type | Fund | Incoming | Outgoing | Transfers | Gains and | Fund balances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| balances | Resources | Resources | Losses | carried forward | ||
| brought | ||||||
| forward | ||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| General - General fund | 5,882,567 | 143,610 | 106,759 | (20,000) | 254,275 | 6,153,692 |
| Sub-totals | 5,882,567 | 143,610 | 106,759 | (20,000) | 254.275 | 6,153,692 |
| Designated | ||||||
| Hymn - Hymn Book Fund | — | 500 | 85 | — | — | 415 |
| Outreach Hospitality Fund | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Redevelopment & Refurbishment Fund | 4,244 | 23 | 11,830 | 20,000 | — | 12,437 |
| Benevolence Fund | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Youth Fund | 600 | — | 512 | — | — | 88 |
| Sub-totals | 4,844 | 523 | 12,427 | 20,000 | — | 12,941 |
| Restricted | ||||||
| Redevelopment & Refurbishment Fund | 583 | 45 | 574 | — | — | 54 |
| Sub-totals | 583 | 45 | 574 | — | — | 54 |
| Totals | 5,887,994 | 144,177 | 119,760 | — | 254,275 | 6,166,686 |
Last Year (2023-2024)
| Fund and type | Fund balances | Incoming | Outgoing | Transfers | Gains and | Fund balances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| brought forward | Resources | Resources | Losses | carried forward | ||
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| General - General fund | 5,485,723 | 141,926 | 111,756 | (40,000) | 406,674 | 5,882,567 |
| Sub-totals | 5,485,723 | 141,926 | 111,756 | (40,000) | 406,674 | 5,882,567 |
| Designated | ||||||
| Hymn - Hymn Book Fund | 90 | — | 90 | — | — | — |
| Outreach Hospitality Fund | 516 | — | 516 | — | — | — |
| Redevelopment & Refurbishment Fund | 10,116 | 609 | 46,481 | 40,000 | — | 4,244 |
| Benevolence Fund | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Youth Fund | 600 | — | — | — | — | 600 |
| Sub-totals | 11,322 | 609 | 47,087 | 40,000 | — | 4,844 |
| Restricted | ||||||
| Redevelopment & Refurbishment Fund | 388,427 | 14,785 | 402,630 | — | — | 583 |
| Sub-totals | 388,427 | 14,785 | 402,630 | — | — | 583 |
| Totals | 5,885,472 | 157,321 | 561,473 | — | 406,674 | 5,887,994 |
Page 23 of 26
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended 31 August 2025
21. Related party transactions
| Name of related party | Relationship | Description of transaction | Payments to related | Value of gifts to related |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| party during the year | party during the year | |||
| Redhill and East Grinstead | Methodist Church | Payment of Circuit Assessment | 19,500 | - |
| Methodist Circuit | ||||
| Lazer World, Laser Planet | Companies owned by | Purchase of property and grounds | 2,075 | |
| Isaac Conroy, trustee | maintenance services | |||
| Total Related Party Transactions | 21,575 | - |
22. Donations
There were no donations made to other organisations by the Church from Church funds or from Internal Organisation funds which are not itemised elsewhere.
23. Events after the reporting period
There were no reportable events after the reporting period.
Page 24 of 26
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
DECLARATION
Year Ended 31 August 2025
This Report of the Trustees and these Financial Statements were approved by the Church Council on 19[th] April 2026 and signed on behalf of the Church Council by
Signature: Name
:
Page 25 of 26
St Paul’s Methodist Church, Crawley
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT
To the Trustees of St Paul’s Methodist Church
This Report is on the Church Accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2025
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The Church’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (effective January 2015) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An 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 you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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;
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities act 2011
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirement of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: Yvette How MAAT
Signature:
Relevant Professional qualification or body: MAAT
Address: 6 Frailey Close, Maybury, Woking, GU22 8EB
Date: 28[th] April 2026
Page 26 of 26