## SURE HOPE CHURCH # **COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE** ## **TRUSTEE REPORT** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2020** The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2020. ## **PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY AND OBJECTIVES ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** The Charity assumes the charitable objectives of the Church and is a member of the Assemblies of God in the UK. The Assemblies of God Incorporated is a company limited by guarantee (No. 2873415) and is also a registered charity. (No. 1032245) The year of 2020 will go down in world history as a year like no other. The word “unprecedented” has become synonymous with constant 24 hour news reports with regards the Coronavirus pandemic, otherwise specifically known as Covid19. The effects of this pandemic are by now, well understood and felt by every nation on earth, and the serious effects are still being a part of day to day life for everyone around the globe. With such a backdrop, I will endeavour to list some of the activities, responses, and remarkable efforts that have been made by Sure Hope Church during this traumatic time. The last few years have been difficult. We have experienced a significant drop in numbers attending the Church for many and varied reasons. The strain on the finances of the Church has been challenging, although we had seen some signs of recovery over the previous 18 months. The start of 2020 was heralded as a year of opportunity, with a vision for growth and outreach, with a particular hope that FoodShare would continue to grow in its contribution to the local community, and enable us to make stronger emotional and personal connections with the people who attend. The success of Messy Church, as had been noted previously, was seen as another string to the outreach bow, especially with regards to the families who were now benefitting from the Food Share programme. 1 Little did we know what was round the corner, and how the news of a possible pandemic that started in China in December 2019, would very quickly affect all of our lives, and specifically, the life of Sure Hope Church in the next few weeks, and then its continued effect being felt into 2021. ## HOMELESS PROGRAMME In agreement with CONWY COUNCIL, and a number of local Churches in the Llandudno and Colwyn Bay area, SURE HOPE CHURCH made the conference room facilities available to house a small group of Homeless people during 6 weeks of the coldest weeks in January and February. This programme was supported by a number of committed individuals from each Church, who would supervise the programme, being on-site during the night, and offer a hot evening meal, and a freshly cooked breakfast in the morning. The programme was seen to be a resounding success, and the local Council were delighted at the results and the feedback that the individuals who benefited from the programme gave as to their experience. ## COVID - 19 At the news of the first lockdown in March 2020, we decided from the offset that Sure Hope Church would act responsibly and obey all the limits, restrictions and advice that were coming from the UK Government, and then subsequently from the Welsh Government. We felt it important not to be seen as a Church that was acting in rebellion, no matter what personal views may have been held by certain individuals, and so the services and activities of the Church were duly cancelled, and the building was shut. Pastor David felt it was crucially important that we continued to “meet” virtually, and as other Churches were doing, we investigated the different options available to us. The most popular option for a number of local Churches was to hold their weekly services via “ZOOM”. An internet video platform that many people suddenly become experts in using, whether for family get-togethers, business meetings, and of course Church services. The problem with this approach is that there is no opportunity for people who don’t attend a Church under normal circumstances, would not be able to hear, see, or experience our services – and we would most definitely be “preaching to the converted.” We therefore decided that we would pre-record our services on a Friday, and then post the recording as a playlist on YouTube. This would then be made available to everyone in the Church via WhatsApp, Facebook and of course YouTube. By then “sharing” the link on other platforms, such as Messenger and Twitter, the service was then available to a much wider audience – indeed, in the first few weeks, we had some 70+ viewers, which if we consider that to mean 70 families, then there were far more people experiencing the service, and hearing the challenge of the Gospel, than would be the case if we were still meeting in the Church building. 2 ## DAILY BROADCASTS Pastor David felt it was important to have a daily contact with the congregation during these “unprecedented” times. A daily study in the Psalms was established on the first day of the first lockdown. “Visiting the watering holes of the Psalms” was the initial theme, and a 20 minute daily video recording was sent out by lunch time, each day. Mostly consisting of a straight forward Bible Study, but each broadcast also included some information, news, and encouragement for individuals. This helped to maintain the “Church Family” links, and was a real encouragement to many. ## THE BEAN BAR As with all businesses, the Bean Bar was duly closed as per public health and government guidelines. The staff were initially furloughed, but as the Summer months came to an end it was felt that the future of the Bean Bar could not be guaranteed, and with the struggles over recent years to make the facility profitable, it was decided to close the Bean Bar permanently in it’s current format, and the staff be made redundant. This was a tough decision to take, but with all the uncertainties of what the future would hold, we realised that the finances of the Church were now under even more pressures, and couldn’t possibly withstand any further strains. ## HOT MEALS PROGRAMME. We express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr Peter Calcraft and his wife Kath, for their momentous efforts in adapting and changing to the needs of the hour. One of the first programmes that was established during full lock down, was the provision of Hot Meals, delivered to those who were housebound, or families that were experiencing extreme difficulties. A number of local Chefs, who had been furloughed by their respective businesses, were willing to give of their time for free to prepare and cook nutritious meals that could be “taken out” by volunteers from the Church, and the local Community. Lists of needy individuals, including OAP’s, those who were “shielding” and families who were in financial difficulties were all beneficiaries. By the end of July, over 5000 hot meals had been delivered, and were received with gratitude by the recipients. 3 ## FOODSHARE. As the first lock down restrictions were eased during the summer, so it was time to bring the hot meal programme to an end. However, the amount of food stuffs that were required by an ever increasing number of people in the local community was growing daily. Resources were made available to us. Earlier in the year, a decision had been taken to set up FoodShare North Wales, which is a separate entity from Sure Hope Church. The FoodShare Colwyn Club is now operated on a weekly basis the Church, as a partnership between Sure Hope Church and FoodShare North Wales. Significant donations and grants were made available, including significant emergency food donations from the Welsh Government, earmarked for those who were shielding. Every room in the Church building was now used for food storage. The numbers of families benefiting from this resource increased to some 120 each week. ## AUTUMN RESTRICTIONS There was a short period in the autumn when restrictions were eased somewhat, before the Welsh Government announced a “FIRE-BREAK” lock down during the October Half Term. During this time we endeavoured to start back our Sunday Service – albeit with strict limitations. A booking in service was established on-line via Eventbrite, and an allocated seated plan made each week with 2 meter distancing, facemasks, and open doors for additional ventilation. We felt it necessary to show that we were willing to make whatever efforts necessary to re-establish some form of Sunday Service – albeit, very different, and much shorter in length to again adhere to the Welsh Government Guidelines. However, these efforts were short lived. Within 6 weeks it became apparent that another lock-down was imminent as we approached Christmas time. The decision was once again taken to close the building, and only provide an online booking programme for FoodShare. ## CHRISTMAS MEAL As Christmas approached, it was felt that SURE HOPE CHURCH could embark on a hot Christmas Meal, home delivery during the week leading up to Christmas. A remarkable programme was put together, with a significant number of volunteers. These were primarily from SURE HOPE CHURCH, but not exclusively. There were a team of people preparing the food, and then those who would cook the dinners, packers, and delivery drivers. A logistical nightmare! However, during the week leading up to Christmas we were delighted to have been able to prepare and deliver in excess of 500 hot Christmas Dinners to needy people in the local community. We are grateful to several local businesses who contributed to the cause, including Aldi and Morrisons particularly. 4 ## SURE HOPE CHURCH COMPANY LIMITED BY GURANTEE TRUSTEE REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2020 ## TRUSTEES The Trustees who served during the year are set out on page 3 of the accounts. ## RESULTS The results are set out in the attached statement of financial activities. The Trustees consider the state of affairs of the charity to be satisfactory, albeit under strain given the “unprecedented” situation. ## FINANCIAL REVIEW 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year. Without having weekly services, for nearly the entire 12 months, we were very much more reliant on our faithful partners paying their tithes and offerings directly into the Bank. Some individuals did manage to bring their weekly, or accrued weekly cash offerings, to us by one means or another. Subsequently the income of the Church has been duly affected. We have taken whatever step we possibly could to minimise our out-goings, yet at the same time, be able to support the feeding programmes as already noted, in whatever way we could where necessary. We once again thank God for His faithfulness through this incredibly difficult season. Our financial situation may well have been under strain, but finances have been made available to us as and when they have been needed. ## FUTURE STRATEGY One of the main issues that have been affected by the pandemic is in regard to the plans for building the “PAM MORRIS CENTRE” which is to replace the current dilapidated garage facility. These plans have had to be shelved temporarily, until the situation becomes more stable. We will progress with this much needed vision as soon as is possible. We recognise that the need for this facility is now more critical than ever. 5 ## RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES. Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: - Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. - Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. - State whether applicable UK accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the Trustees are aware: - There is no relevant information of which the Charitable Company’s account is unaware; and - The Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the accountant is aware of that information. ## CONCLUSION: The Trustees want to express their thanks to God for His wonderful protection and provision during these unprecedented times. We are thrilled to report that nobody in the Church has been ill from the effects of Covid19, and that we have had no hospitalisations, and therefore no deaths. For this we give God thanks. It has been an incredibly busy year for many volunteers and helpers, from within and from outside of the Church. We would want to express our sincere thanks to all those who have worked so tirelessly in their effort to demonstrate the Love of God to a hurting and fearful world. 6 The continued support and encouragement for the Trustees and the Pastor is very heartening. Most people realise the significant strain that they have all been working under. The finances of the Church, albeit under strain, yet we believe that as we are able in once again hold our weekly services in the future – we will see the situation ease somewhat. There will no doubt be the need to re-build the Church after these traumatic times. We have lost ground with regards our Youth Work, and the Children’s Activities. There are lost connections with people from the Community through the Bean Bar, and of course there has been no connection with families who attended the weekly Jumping Beans pre-school group. The future is in God’s hands, and we look to Him to lead us, guide us, equip us and enable us to do the exploits that He has planned for us to do. We look forward to be able to once again meet together as a Church family when conditions allow. We look forward to reaching out to the many people who have been impacted by the significant helps extended over the last 12 months, and we look forward to see the subsequent growth in the numbers attending SURE HOPE CHURCH, and the prosperity of all its efforts to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by whatever means possible in the days that are ahead. Pastor David Hatch On behalf of the trustees 7 L9L.￿l s'so ¥up8 S•SL•Jxa lJpuns 5&sua￿l IbMilli&gWd * IvO•i unwJv wwui yauoud•i•L .9 ryJL lot. 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