nden Methodi8t of the Trustees arMI
nden Meth0(r1 Churth ntents of the Finawal S for the Year Ended 31 A ust 2025 Report ol the Trustees I to 13 ReFJOrt of the IndeFéndent Auditors 14 to 16 Statement of Financial A¢tNths 17 ststement of Finaneial PoSin 18 Statement of Cash Fh 19 Note5 to the Statement of Cash Flcws 20
nden Church
the
ear Ended 31 Au ust 2025
The tru$tees present their rewrtwith thefinalal ststements ofthe charityfortheyearended 31 Auaust 2025.
The trustees have adopted the prOvis)n$ of AcoxFnting and ReKK)rting by Charities." Statement of
Recommended practi aable to charities preparing thew aC1n¢$ in accordance wrth the Financial
Rep)rting Stsndard aFWKable in the UK and Repubk of IlarffI (FRS 102> (effle 1 January 2019)
th the grants and dwalM)ns raTr1 in the yearforlh8 Shaped for Mk%sion prc4ect (see bekywl. the church's
202412025 annual lumover has ayain exceeded the £0.5m threshohj and has thereft)re to be treated as a
'large' charity under the provisions of the Chanties stalent ot ROrnMended Pract. Trustees belwe
that. whilst the causes of thi% increase in annual turrther are primarity ore-off finanryal events lunlikety lo be
rgpealed in future years), annual incLwr going fopard. whilsl kwer than £0.5m. are aFS)roaching this level so
a rash statwnent may be required tyi future yea. Trustees stress that the undedying 5cate and
complexty of the church's operion has not altered. The content ofthis r4). whilst addressing the increased
disclosure requirements for trustees to COlder. also refiect thks lath of any rnater change to the church's
operabonal arcumslances.
As required by the Statement of Ree4)mMend F4aclice for large a Statement of Ca¥h Flow is
Included in the Financ1 Slatents bekw.
OWECTIVES AND AIMS
OUR VISION is..
LNes. relathsh¥ and communittes in this 7hDrkl tranSfoned by ts k)¥e ofGod in J8sus Chri$L
OUR STRATEGY for sharing in this WO ofGcKI i¥ to..
Encounter God.,
Equip God's people..
Extend God's Kingdom.
THE SIX VALUES THAT SHAPE US:
1. christ-Cent Disupleship IwhKh is G¢Idian( SrArit-fAled KI diswfined in pyayer and Bib wding)
2. Other
en Meth(tst Church rt ofthe Trus Year En OBJECTIVES AND AIPAS (continued) OLTrr Leadership Team have worked lo cwiplth Ihe Mi5wn kth)n Plan for 2024-2025 (thg renamed annual Executive Plan) Wh was agreed by Church CourKil on 9th Juty 2024. Thi5 Set out an overyiew of the scope of our church's activit and priorities for the per from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025. What follows not meant as a nprehenSIve retth of all our actvilt. but rattrr a Sarnp indicative of swe. Volunteers are at the core of all that the churth und&1akes and. wit)Ut suth volur)teer support. the church would not be able to mount all the initialp4es it currenty SUFwis. In excess of 2CM) volunteers WO ross many of the churth's progTh?rrwn. It is not p)ssbi 18 to capture the hours worked by volunteer5 or iheir rfirect COnbUt as so mary work femolety of direct managerial control trHJl ulili%e the aciion plans deveb)p8d by the ehurth. Charitable tatu• and publk b•rb•fft As in past years. Huh Street Methodist Church has c4xththwJ to provth many OFixxnltles fc the wider communty lo rak8e funds for gcxl causes. and we see Ihis as a key w of our worbJ4ransfoming woth. We abo support and encourage ffemtrs to involved in bxal. nal and internatn01 charities. Many ofour members continue lo hel) Ihc6e hxally who are in need ty supyting our SHARE schem. Our Christmas apFeal raised funts to provKle bcal f11 with supemiathet vouchers at chrtrnas. Our Summer Share Scheme provNJed yjpport to a kal sthool to fjnab them to offer holKday club pLqces to families most in need. Craft bags and essential fcoj supplies V4ere tth to identrfEd families through the Share team during the schcol bwks. In athJitw)n. yearfs SHARE ffrt)ney was also used to pay for drama hdiday club places at the Circuiys perf(Thing ¥ts SPACE w4ect. Our volunteer.run IeyS Cafe has continued to WOVKle a cc¥nfotsble. friendty and affordable coffee shop as an aside. makes a welcome contrilyJl]on to church furNts. In parts1P wth Watling View School, we have n1Ued to oller woth experwKe to ¥dunteers with a(klitK)nal needs. From mid-october to hpn'l in thi8 financial year. rwunteerS ran-Swp¢rThu(sW where our Vrfess cafe remained open on Thursdays until 2wn arKI swve soup betwe 12 and 2. In seeking lo prowde SUFPJrt to those kcal households affwxed by the cost of INing crists, we continued to partner HarFerthn Money Ath4Ke Cth ty aJIty.n9 them b) meetwith dients and potential dients on our premB8s ore a fortnwJhl. As in previous yearn. we also raEed Tr¥)rey our agreed tharthes. indudirJ The Haven, All Can Ith8 Meth¢)dist relief and devebpment fund). Christian AKI. MHA ktion for Children and the Prison Felk)wship Angels. The trustees confinn that they have referred to the gUKlar contained in the Charty Ccffnmission's general gUKlan on public benefft when reviewing the ¢hariVs avns and Ottyecyes ar in planning future activthe$. The Trustees consh*r that our ehur¢h is deaty Charitab b(rth in rls inienth)n and rrntice and provKles substantial PUbr benefft lo Ihe kncal oyrrfnunity and wbjer wcrfk1. The church does not make direct grants to third parfies but provides support to the ccKnmunrty in many far- feaching initiatives. The church does not Ir1r any direct expenditure on raising fvnds for the future. Its gNing programmes are operated by volunteers. Page 2
Ha nden M Trus for the Year En ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORPAAKE CHARITABLE ACTMTIES Wornhlp Every weekwe have ntinUed to fvestream ourtwo differentstyles of Sunday mommig worship and to cyerate a'hybri(r mcmjel of church - seeking to include both those who us on srte at the same tr.me as continuing to reach those who join us online. have continued to reath through (yjr INestreamed onsrte worship and social media presence many new peorde who may never to our , and many MethcJists from across the natTron are sb'll connecting with Gj through our 7Aeekty online worship. We are pleased to be able to offer families at weddings and funerab¥ Ihe QPFJtunty to livestream servKes to fwnty and frd$ who are often overseas or housetound. IAÈ a delight&J that 8 number of olher ¢hurd9 in and beycffld our wi Melhcxlist cKcuit. have used our online resources {semion Videos and 9)nYMn recordM)gs} within their worship. espeoalty where they lack preachers or musKrans. Our senOn series are led ty suggeslK)ns and feedbaL - and this yealy have induded.. Vthat is... Communion... Fatth... Evangewsm... FelkThvshi)... Justsficathm... Intercession... Sanctfftationv: "Quesfions of Jesus"" and"Joumey in the Wldemess". V4ovk is continuing lo axl communicat#)n behveen groups regarding our sefmon series. Thts is b"ng seen mainty in related resr(S m available arbj reviews by the Our Dementia Friendty and Gatlwing sep11$ {worship desnedfOradUItsWi1h kaming diffrulties) conts'nued duiing this past year. although the fOrnr has been taken into thal care tthies, where a reguLqr month provisbon of worship is established. In¢lu$iv• Churcn Our Ministy Team Ims continued actNety to seek Convethns wth those vthose exFerFenee of church has tjeen one of exdusion. aTrJ Ihefindings from these have hewl shape g)me of our worship and preaching. This remains a woth in progress and is taken into our next eXeujti plan under the heading of'Justice. Dnity and Solidarity" Pastoral care Our Pastoral Secxetary. Maggie GraThJ. h&s c(mtinwJ to oversee the wcrfk of our PastCl Team. which continues to consist of herself. Fran Gardner, Cjeacon Sarah Védett and Rev Mark Hammond. They have continued to rneet monthty to ensure that those most in need of pastoral care re¢eNe appropriate levels of contact. Thts has been especk81 IMrtant as we tthe an increasingty ageing demographic and many people to care for. The member5 of Batford Methodist Church conlinLd to rece pastoral tsre through HNJh Street's pastoral system. The majority of the members of the former South¢ Nth(MJist Church are now well established as members at High Street Our Pastoral Team led our annual bereaNeff*nt sevite on Sunday 3rd Novemter 2024. Shap•d for PAi¥sion Building Proi•ct Bxkground Pftor to the onset of the Cowd pandem. our Project Team had been ck)se to finalising proposals for substant1 building scheme, desNJned lo make our premises rrb)re fft for tyjr current and future mission actwities. In the Church's E¥ecutNe Plan. the Project Team haj been tssked reviewing the proposed stheme to ascertain whh ernents of the largef scheme may be sensible to progress. In January 2024, the Prcie¢t Team presenled proFosab to the Churth Counal for a reduced F)roit- invokn.ng the reordering of the church nave and transepts. A consult8tp)n ofthe churth membets was launched with a fvrther presentation al On extended General Church Meeting f8ig Day Inl in Mard12024. Final woposals were agreed by Church Council in July 2024, and the Project and Leajership Teams were authcrfised by Church CourKil to progress these through the remaining consents prctess lQ"rcubt. DistrKt and Connexn}. Page 3
Ha hurch of the Tru for th8 2025 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE (contlnu•d) CHARITA8LE ACTivmES (¢onlinu•d) Shawd for Mlsslon Building Projrtt (con1[nu) Agreed Scope of the project This projera was lo reorder the Church and included: a. The removal arKI disposal of and red chairs from th8 nave and transepi8". b. The purchase of up lo 350 stackth wcmxlen (wilh trc4W and s(wr cushi)ns} up to 8 tables: c. The reftjrbishment of the fthr. d. The feplacement ofthe steps to dats Oo ind stfree access).. The installation of a new Ihling system a1 ele¢IC win¢kyw blinds". f. The redeo)ralion of the Church", g. The enlargement ofthe fire exil in the Transert Proiect Comption In the finawal Perh c¢)vered by this repor( the Prqect and Leadership Teams sUccefullY.. a. Ga¥ied pr(¥ect consent from.. The Circurt Meeting", The Distr1 ProFerty Otrw. The Listed Buihjing Athisory cEtte¢. and Pkanning kn"ty regartthng the fire exiL b. Gained grant funding approval fmm". The Circuit Meeting.. and c. Finalised the {includwig final chair selecknn) in eonsullaticffi with the Connexional d. Finalksed overall prqect costs. e. Canigj out a y4Jtt8ssful prqec funthaising (¥npaW. Plannèj and managed the onsite ThpIelrtatX)n and comp7 ofthe wciecl The on-site works for the projed started on Monday 10th Febnjary 2025 and were cnpleted on Schedu to enable a grand reopening forworship ¢)n Easter Sunday 20 Aw'l 2025. Responsibilty the day-tdaY prciect management was held by a Prqect Mantyement Team u)nststing of ts ccrfnbined members of the Prc4ect Team, Property Team and Tfynul, Comfrts arKI V)r5hip c<)0rdirOr. Vthibt the major rtems of work were carrEd out by speaalust c¥)ntradors. membws of the Project Management Team did a huge amount of preparatory work, including delivery of and chaits to their new hcrfnes and cleaning stonework. During the perKKI of the works our tr40 Suntsy moming servKes Ilnformal and TrnditK)nall continued in the church hall. with chiklren's church opernting from a numbw of smaller nx¥ns. For financial impxt see Firla1 Revvw bebw. Prc4ecl su(£ess OLrtoJm This project was the cuhnination of many Yea of planning. and tts Comp on schedule and on budget is a remarable achw8menl. This has includ8d the generous financial suNyt of the church members, the Circurt, and the Distri(. Since reopening on Easter Tr4y. the thurch has hc61ed an(Vor run a number of large scale events which have greaty berfil from the much fiexilMIty and capabilty gained through this project. induding.. A Communty Fun Day on 10 May 2025. to whth over 31Kl members of the communty came", Games & Glue craft and games sessk)ns for primary sthwl thildren hekl throughout August 2025. to which a total of over 100 thibJren came,. Sty and Play KningS for carers and tC4Jdkr also hehd during August 2025. to which 8 total of over 100 children attended.. and our Train Fun Day hehj on 16 August 2025 at whith we welcomed on to the premises 3l vtsits £1.oixI for our two chosen charitss The Page 4
n metThodt Lhur ¢e rt ot Ine InJsTees nded 31 ust 2025 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORPAANCE (cofitlnu•d) Bulldlng Malntenanco In addition lo the extra ¥Kvk invdved in $UFv.r the Shawj for MM#)n ProJe(i cmjr propety maintenar team have continued to Wotk hard to keep bulkJir in excellent condition and d0)n. The p8riod covered by this report induded redecoratth and rerbewal offurnrture in SleY$. The Mlnlstry Team Our Ministy Team consists of Iwo ordained staff, Rev Mark Hammond De7 Sarah WK&ett. plus one lay member, Lewis Cox (CommunlI0n$ and INorship Cctrfdinator). This team has continued to meet regularty to plan our sernon series and W0hP lo ensure we rrrake full use of the gtfts and graces of our membership. Atthe end of February 2026. L)en Sarah Vld(ett will be leaving High Street lo take up her nth¥ appointment in the Realing Circuit. At this stage a profile is not being prepar&J lor a new Deacon. and further conshderatKJn is to be given regardg the shape arKI make up of Hh Streeys Jiure staff le in order to reflect both the ldS of HKJh Street and the availabl of udaiied nNnistets throughr the Methcxfist Church in Britain. Support Staff Our staff team. made up of empbyees plus a number of full-ts"ff volunteers. has continued to $upp)n and netp deveKJp ano communKxe ai as a cnur¢n. AS nas aayS Ogen me case, me staff team Supports and is supwrted by a vast team of vc4unteers. who a engaged in all activits across the church. Recruilment of volunteers continues to te an ryrtant part of1 process and we are conlinualty short of volunteers to do dl that we wish lo do. Youth Work Our Lead Youth lyker, Ruth Lindridge continues lowork arrw us with errthusk3sm arml care. Ruth continues lo build strong re1atbjnsh with the yourg people. pwents and church members. A small but very committed group of volunteers work with Ruth on the youth team, aThJ it remains a PlK)nty lo grtrw this team and develop the youth programme. Chlldren Chuv¢h Children's Church continues lo operate at each Sunday morning service. The Chldren's Team worked with the youth worker. Ruth Lindridge to plan this yearfs tran$rt•Jn. The year 6 chi5dren moved into the LX at thè start ofJune. Ex•rnples of Som• of Our Many Iniliatsv•s: Tea @ 3 . This weekly afterTrJ)n for okjer ffthibers. for felbashp. friendshi) and spirttual conversatw)n continues to thrive. Home cC4¥wn . Our cUni)n Tewn have continued io offer extended ConMnunn to those of our Cfwrch Community who are houseiM)und. Buiklirg Blo(kn- Building Blockn has conimu&J and is still *ry rwlar for parents and tcthlws. Alpha and Bible Courses. and homegroups- During this year we ha¥E wn regular )ha and Bib courses lo supp)rt the spiritual gr(y•Ah of all comers. and we have continued to encourage and surwrt our many church home woups. P495
ACHIEVEME1 AND PERFORMANCE Icontlnuod) Ill••ion A¢¢lon Plan1202K0261 On 29 Juty 2025. the Church Counryl agreed a MISS fv£tion Plan for the t4¥elve InthS starting 1st September 2025, following a prc¢ess of consultation with Ihose invofved in Ihe wort( rf the •Trlu(kng I)ut from our BVJ Day In IGerwal Church Meetyw. l on 28 ju 2025 FINANCIAL REVIEW Flnancial positlon The Tewlts forthe vear shtrn 17 and 18. Key fwwial events" Overall income for Ihe ehur¢h in the vear fell b¥ £599.143 to £720.9W. Hrywe¥er. the 202J4 fiour8 inclu both a one-off donation folluwing the transfer. at Th) cost. of the freehokJ witerest in the Co-op supemiarf(et al 130 Southdown Road. Harpenden, Herts ALS 1PU to High Street. valued at £81.0. as well as &)uthdovm's cbsing cash balan of £70.694. Of this. £49.694 was alkKated lo the Medium-Tefm Propety FurKI and £21,000 to the D@snated Youth FuTrJ. The 2024r25 fgure includes donat. reL4tgJ grft aid and grants for the Shap&J for Mission project totslling £295.378. Recurrent IrKOr fell by £23.826 to £425.523 in 2024125. Overall expenditure ieaSed by £92.478 to £510.237. Hoew. this incbAes re¥enug c4)sts the Shapwj for Missw)n prcy& of £47.783: recurrerrt expendure was up by £44.691 k> £462.453. Thus, alihough there is an obwall rep)rted net Surplus of £210.663 in these aco)unts, there K8 an ¢werall recuffent net dthit of £36.954 {2023r24: suryAus of £31.587). I Ora m¢>)Th In me unresubxeo wnos iÈ)eth tun¢ transtersl feli ty £44.758 to £457,189. but Ihe 2023f24 figure includes the £70.694 from Souththy•m mentK)n•J aimm. Re[rent Unrestri inc£¥ne rose by £25,937. Overall unrestricbd expendiiure rose by £46.227 to £435,796 Ting prTharity the indusion of Total inccre in the Restn"eted funds irthased by £292.513 to £310.609 on the bad( of donations and grants for the ShaFed for Mlon Proiect, while total costs on Restricted fvnds rose ty £46.251 with £47.783 attributable to the Shared for ML$sft Prg&L Rotsr¥o8 poIIcy The Church's Financial Reserves P1¢Y deals with our Gerrnl Unrestrhxed Fund. Other Funds, detailed in these accounts bul whth do notf(Nm Wof Res8$frff PU>se501mIrnen1 ofthe FwKial Reseryes Poly teiow, are.. Medium Tem) Propety Fund {Oesw8 Youth Work Fund (Designated) Youth Woth Project (Restri(aed} AudKJ Ual Fur IRestrKted) Special Colkctsons (Restricted) Church PremÉses (Pemwnent ETrJ¢yrnt) MissKK) De•t Fund {De&gnated) Organ RefVfbtsht Fund Icwnated) Benevolence Fund {Restricted} Legw Fund for Fkyers IRestrKted) Heating Pro11 Fund (Restricted) Shaped for klLssDn Fund (Restricted) P6
nden kIethots1 Chu rt of the Trustees rthey rEn FINANCIAL REVIEW Iconthiued) 1. Gen•ral Fund In the General Fund. overall inccrfne rose by £35.932. wynarity the to Ihe inaugural inclusM)n of the Southdown Cow rental income of £34,375. The Bars ase ran to 301h June 2025 but was not renwed due to the opening of a banking hub in Harperthn. Revenue from Herts County Council held constant as they continue to occupy the space in the rear rcoms under licence and pay rent. The annual I1ce for 2025 has yet to be renewed as the tenant is continuing to 0pY the premises and pay the ficence fee at the 2024 rate, trustees are confident that the 2025 licence will te renewed. Ino)me frcffi giving including Gfft "d rc¥se by a diminutive £4e6 to £261.091. There Ere again no gles. , dOnatiC slpped by £2.C63 to £19.110. Expenditure in the General Fund totslbj £427,761, St £54.870 up prevK•us year. Our assessment rose by £28.672 due to the indvsion for the first tine of the Southdown assessrrwt. Repairs. induding lor Vsleys, r¢)se by £3,040. Legal & professb)nal fee5 were £8.639 higher. atthough £1.700 of these were Required transfers to top up the Organ. Heating and Aud>VLsual Funds tcrtalling £16,313 were made. as well as an initial transfer of £3,652 to the ShaFed for mK)n fvnd to prowde for the depreciation of the chairs, tsbles, Its"ng and blinds from 1st March 2025 when the assets were deemed to be in use. Tcb3ether these totslled £19,965. No transfer was m to the Medium Tenn ProFerty Fund, as exptained beknv. This leaves urrent Operating Defvt in the General Fund of£35.3. The Y<xrth Fund5 were drawn down ty £46,749 to fund youth expenditures, ¢)ffsetb"rMJ this defit The church also berieffted from a Circuit thilty grant of £16,674 {2023124'. £17.631). intrtsjueed afier the 5hwp irreaSe in electrw c(th that followed the Ukraine war and vthich will continue unts"l June 2026. As a Sarqe church with a ¢oNderabk range of arKI ¢)verseas mission acbvities. the churth aims to hold sufficnt IiquKI reserves in the Unrestr General Fund to cover urca six months, or 50% of annual recurrent expenditures. In calculating the ReseNes RatKI. we exdude uTrrestrlc donath)ns lo Meth)di8t Funds and discretKJn8ry transfers lonrom other Funds. Any significant reduction in gross income or incTrase in c¥)sts that the trustees conshred lety to be Femanent would activate cost reduct measures. In framing this the twstees are mindful of establishing the correct balance belEen financial prudence and prcwty e4)ending fvnds raised fof the church's charitable oty'ectives. They ad(nchvledge that the Reserves Poliry should be assessed not just on a historic basis but also againsl madM aThJ k)rw.twm fmwKial tffqeclions whth they revie* regularly and at least annualty- The 2024r25 finanaal year opened with the Reserves Ratso at 48.2% and it ended the year on target at 50.1% after a £12,000 Iransfer to Ihe AftssK)n Developfftht Fund. The acCwnuK)n of unrestrwxed and dwnated reseNes o¥er past yeas is proving prudent to meet the current chaifenging environment The trustees are oflhevivw thatthe financial poSitn ofthe church is sound but will be v1101 to react as nxessary lo any deterv). Longer temi improvements in giving are being Sought to ensure conth"nuing financial Sta"lIty. Page 7
nden Methorftst Chu Y rEnded31A ust FINANCIAL REVIEW {c¢)ntInu> l R£8trlctsd Funds The Shaped for MissN)n Fundwas eslablished to record thefinances relating to the ShaFed formission buikling PfojecL t)ofians, asxried Grft Aid arKI grants totslled £295,378. The project itself In¢lLed removing the pew3 frorn the church, sanding and re-sealing the floor. deCOrating the inside of the church. the acquisition ol new Stackab Chai trJ repe Ihe ptrK8. O4r1erKlty Iwjhting and electric blinds for the souih transept. Ccjsts deble Fixlures and Fiiti"ng5 in the year tolalled £182.590 and depreciation of £3.652 was provJed. £30.149 was exFen(kd on Jrts to freehohj prerni8es at High Straet and added to the ErK1¢7wed Prom Fund. Prop8ty assets totslling £46,898 were scrapped as a result of these works. £44,131 expended on property repairs needed as a result of the projec( primarily re- d)lating the main church space. Bank deF of £42.182 mal al the Central Finance Board representing al dcor widening in the Scmjth Transept. bl the provIs of a phqr)o, c), additThial improvement wort(s currenty beiThJ SpeCff for &iMpIDn 202¥2026 and d} the first tra? of annual depreciion transferred from the Gewl Fund. The 8¢nevolence Fund accommodatss all our SHARE xtivffjes whlie simuTraneousty meeling the requirements of Standing Order 651. Dcrf)ations tolalled £7.128 and onward donations of £6,633 were made. including vouchers for Chrislmas SHARE and a variety of children's and famity xtivitS for Summer SHARE. The Standing Ordefs of the Methcxlist Church plxe restriCtn$ on the BeneVnCe Fund and it is IesSary to keep a portton back for one-off items: sulL fvnds will be to suppyt Fe¢ in need. The Speryal CollectKJns Fund houses colb8cts mounted Ularty in supportof third-paty charities that share the church's Charitab obJectNes. These funds are ckaty restri as lo use and are passed to the third- paty charities without delay In 2024r25, these totalled £4,91012023124.. £8,009) The rnstrictwJ Youth V4t¥lt FuThJ was d(v•4n to its fum extent wi 202Y24. with On irrteresi of £186 remaining at yeaf end. This was tranthred to the Desonat&J YLKth Fund during the current ygar and the Jnd clos&l. New audio visual and Publ •Jdress equi[t was instslled in 2020r2021 at a cost of £119.531. It is capitalised in the reStrted Ad)-isal Fund and is b"ng deprted ¢)4Er 10 yeats. The one re¥tricted legacy ld at TPACP Ixcount 197061 haj a baknee of £1.573 at 31 August 2024. of whtch £800 was drawn dunng the year and earnrked for the proviSn of in the Church in line with the settk)rfs re8tridM)n. The remainmw balan( of£838 wll (w this obithe fLY a whle yet The heating system project wa5 0)Mted in 2014115 and the ed propety element of the expenditure was transferred to the Endowed Prop8ty Fund. The tsan of the expendrture, primarity the new boilers and controls. has been charged a9ainst this restritsj fvnd. It has teen capitalised arKI will be deprecsated over 30 years. 3. D•8lgnatod FundB The deSnated Medium Temi Prowty Fu3 recogniw tth the kn.terM repair u)mmthenls of our premises as well as their Unpredthb b.ming and nature. The tnjstees undertake a comprehensive assessment of suth k)nger-lerni cydul liabiliti.es annualty. estimating their likety cost and probable timing. It was drawn upon during the year for the new elec side dcK)r to f&ilitate disabkd access, for a felt repair of the South Transept r(xrf. for the skinming and -Sealing of Vlesleys. IIc*)r and for fencang betsveen the rear rooms and the car path. The opening balance at 1 September 2024 was £103.263. A fthv major items Such as sanding and re-sealing the Church fknr and redecorating intemally were induded in the Shaped tor Mission Project (see aix)ve} due to ease of xcess with the being taken out and have therefore been removed frcrfn the 2year propety plan. The rnsult is that Ihe Fund is finalalty aThJ the d&isK>n was made to take a 'holpJay' this financial year and next from tOP-UPS frcrfn the General Fund. The ck)sing balance was £99,878. held al the Central Finan Board. The Tntstees believe that the net balarte is adequate for fvture Mai repair liabiliti8S. Pago 8
Ha
en Meth(Kf1 Chwch
Re ort of the TnJ
for the Year Ended 31
ust2
25
FINANCIAL REVIEW (contlnuod}
3. DIgnated Funds Icontlnuod)
The obj'ective of the MissN)n DevelOnt Fund 1$ io SUFwi the (J)st of impknents"ng the miSSn strategy
developed at the Church's Strategy Days. The (penirKJ baLn at 1 Septemb&r 2024 was £297,300. The
fund beneffted in the year frC a £12,000 injeetK>n from the General Fund and £13,349 of interest received on
bank deposits. The closing fund balance after inleresl was £322.649. held at the Central Finance Board
{£176.591) and in a Mcxjel Trust Fund account at TMCP (£146.058)
The designated Youth Fund opened the year at £148.256. n was drawn down from the General Fund
by £46,749 to fund youth actMb"es. The lund benefited in the year frcrfn £6,671 of interest receNed on bank
deposits plus unpwged giving of £2.677. The ck>s"rng balae after inte1 irKome was £111.084. split as to
£34.612 in a Dkndel Trust FuTrJ acUnt at TMCP arKI £76.471 at the Central Finnce Board.
The annual transfer from the Gerwal Fund to the Organ RefuIshMent Fund of £2.000 was made. taking its
yearwend balance lo £20,365.
4. Endowm•nt Funds
Foilcmiing the implementsti¢Jn of FRS 1tY2. a rewsed accounling FK)ky was estabfished arKI implemented as
at 31 August 2017 (see A£countsng PoIleS). AdditN)ns and deletths from this fund occasned as a result of
the Shap&J for MisSn wciect are deat wilh atove.
STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND IAANAGEP
Goveming docum•nt
The charty is controlled by its govemmig dcthment a deed of trust and rtIlutes an unIncporaIed charity.
The charity has no subsidiary Un(rtakI.ngS.
Organlsational structur• and managwnont
Harpenden Methodist Churth was originalty fOrrd durirwJ th9 19th century but mved to its eurrenl premises
in 1929 and is a churth wthin the Methodist Connexion in Gre Brilain. Its address is High Street.
Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2RU. Its constitution is govem&J by an Act of Parliament and. on 1 April 219, it
ble a registered charity Wbth registered number 1128950.
The charity is a constituent church in the Vkst Herts arKI Borde Methodist CircuQ an umbrella grouping of
22 local Methc
Ha en Methcllist Church the Trustees h Y rEnd d31Au 20 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND lIANAGEME1 (Continued) R18k management The trustees. adSed by the Finance and Prcferty Committees. regularly examine the principal areas of the Church's operations and nSider the major risks faced in each of these areas. The church has developed a set of Finanual Control procedures. to which managemenU$taff are committed, that ensure proper intemal control is maintained. TW are reviffwed nualty to ertsure they remain apwtyriate for the charitys OFeralion. The Leadership Tegularty devdcys a detailed plan to ensurn the jentI rBks are revivwed at $t annually and, where p0sbIe, action is taken to minimtse such risks. Church Counol then considers the risks identifEd by the Leadership Team's rwwi, the aclN)ns prop)sed and the systeff6 establkshwj to albyw these risks to be mitigated to an acceptable bevel in its day-tQ-day operaA$. Trustees undertske regular revivws of the Church5 invent(ry of assds and ertsures that the sums as8Lbred under its gk)bal Insuran polw quatetry TefierA the repknment value of such assets. A e4Jmprehensive review of suth values was last undertaken in January and thg inueases Tr) assurwj thed with effect from that date. The church ¢knes rK)t maintain a defined benefrt penwn schwne Ixrt makes contr11thS {defined in employment contracts). urthr auttrenrolment to the g)vemmenl SFonsored NEST pensK)n scheme. The church therefore has Tr) bnger temi renshjn liabilib'es. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Rogist•r•d Charity numb•r 1128950 Prlnclpal addrn88 Harpenden Methodist Church High Street Harpenden Hertfofdshire AL5 2RU Page 10
Ha Chur of the Trus for the Year Ended 31 Au ust 2025 REFERENCE AND AOIAINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Registered Clwrity Number 1128950 Prlneipal •ddr•s8 Harpenden meth0t Church Hyh Street Harpenden AL5 2RU Tru81oe8 - prfncil officern Rev M Hammond Minister Oéacon S Wckett Deacon M R IAtods Tr&3surer Thos• vkno sorvod 48 Inte0$ durfng the year and to tho date of this r*port are •• follow•: Ministerial Team.. Rev M HammoTrJ Deacon S Wckett Circuit Appointees.. Rev R Hawkins (retired 31107r2025) DEd Churth Stavards.. H Jones K Jackson-Robbin$ (retired 011(W2025) A Sonola (retired 011c6r2025) N Gurra J Jacobs (retired 01106r20251 G Knwhtley C KnigheY D Choi M Lawford A Efunbajo K So (appointed 01106r20251 S Wlliams•Ganta (appointed 011(W20251 R Jackson-Robbins (apwinted 011rw2025) Secretary ofthe Church Counol.. P Bayfield Church Treasurer. M R WoLxIs Pastoral Se¢retsry". M Grand Members appoinled ty COU. S Pearson P Black P CrThYther-Newman Lcox J Jacobs {appoinW 011(W2025} E Wane (retired 01106121r251 pa11
n Me1hthft Church 1Au ust 2025 Th080 who s•rv•d x tnM14 durfng the year and to th• dat• of thi• rnport arn •• follo (contlnued): Representstives fr the Gwal Church Meeting." P AU(ins D Crew (retired 01110r2W251 R Manning (retired 28106r2025} J Prentre J BrooktrHughes C Fletcher Iretsred 281CW20251 S Hammond C Lvrtis-Lim C Meillon S Morris M Pearson J Polley L Schlich C Walden P Winyard C Wollaston (retired 281CfA20251 K Jackson-Robbin$ (appointed 281L%f20251 A Sonola18pwJinled 28106r2025} C wken8 (appointed 01109r20251 Hicks and Compary Chartered Accountants and stalulory Auditor Vaughan Chambers Vaughan Road Harpen¢Jen ALS 4EE Bankern HSBC Bank Pk 1 High Street Harpenden AL5 2RS Central Finance Boa 9 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4PE Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes Central Buildings Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JQ UnFty Trust Bank p Nine Brind* Pbce &rMIngh B1 2J8 (until 09105r20251 P•3e 12
den Methootst Church rt of the Trustees yor the Year Ended TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILiff STATEMENT The trustees are resFonsible for prewing Ihe RqNt of the Trustees and the finala1 statements in accordance with appIe low arKI Uniled ngdoM paUntIrJ Standards (United Kingdom General A¢cepted Aco)untiw PraLce). The law appIlble to Charit in England aThJ Wath. the Chants A(# 2011, Charty {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees lo prepar8 financial stslemenls for h financkql year Wh gNe a true and fair of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming reurCeS and applution of resources. induding the income and 8xpenthtU. ofthe chity for that pgriod. In prepanng those financial statwnents, the trustees are reauired to.. select suitable aceounling policies and then appty them consistenty.. obsèNe the methods and prin&p in the Charity SORP.. make judgements and estimatés that are reasonable and prLKlent stale whether apICable wjunts'ng standards have been fld. sulyt to any material departures discbsed and explained in the financbal statements,. ppare the financial Statents on lh8 9ing c(w b&is urths li is inapkyopriate lo presume that the chanty will continue in business. The trustees are responsib fr)r keeping proper acr>)unting records whth disclose reasonable accuracy at any time the finanual wsitM)n of the chanty and to enable them to ensure that the financial ststements comtdy with the Charities Act 2011. the Charrty (Accounts a1 RetKfftsl Regulattins 2008 and the proVisr of the trust deed. They are a*0 resFx)nSib for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for takin9 rea$(Th s(eps the prevenkn and deteckn of fraud and other ryuknti8s. Approved by order ofthe board of trustees on .. . Rev M Hammond- Trustee P•¥ 13
rt of the Inde rtdenl Auditors to the Trus t Chur Oplnlon We have audited the financral statements of Harwden Methodist Church (the 'chanty') for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial A£tivits, the Statement of Financial Posit. the Statement of Cash Flw and notes lo Ihe financial statements. includirvJ a summary of sb3nrfKant actounting Pol. The financial reporb.ng framewth that has been appld in their preparatp)n is ak¥JlKable Law and United n9th)m Acccyjnbng Starh4ards {United King(hNn Genwdty N£cepted knounting PractKel. In our ovnn the financial StatTnts.. give a true and fair view of the stste of the charity's afTrairs as at 31 August 225 and of its irtcoming resources and applKation of resources, for the year then end&l", . have been prcferty prepared in act£1rdan with United "nJ0rn Gewalty Actepted Accountwu Prnctu: and . have been prepared in accord with the requirerrents ofthe Chariti85 kt 2011. 8a818 for oplnion We conducted our audit in accor with Internath)nal Stsndards on Audibng (u IISAS (UK)) and app1Kab law. Our responsibilitss under those standards are furtherdescn'bed in theAuditors' responsibili$ for the audit ofthe financial slatements wtion ofour rep)rt. VtyÈ are IndeW)de ofthecharity in [dance with the ethi1 requirements that are relevant to our audil of the financial Ststents in the UK including the FRC'S Ethical Standard. and we have fuhllbj our other ethal reSEn$illes in xc4Jrdance with these requirements. We beIve that the audit ewdenee we have obtained ts suftwt and appropriate lo provide basis for our opinv)n. Conc1k1 rglatlng to going Conwn In auditing the financial statemen15, we have corKluded that Ihe trustees. use of the g)ing CO bas18 of aceounting in the preparation of tr finanoal statements i% appropriate. Based on the woth we have Ferformed. we have not thntified ary material unCertalieS Yelating to events or COr(lonS that. individualty or collectNety. may (xst significant Iloubt ¢)n the charity's ability to o)ntinue as a going concem for 8 pervJd of at least twek4e months frrffi Tthen the financial statements are aLrthorised for Our responsibilits and the responsbilitss Ihe trustees with to wiThJ Con are de8cbed in the relgvant sec"ons of this repyL The trustees are resrrf)nsible for the other irrfomiation. The other infonnation comprises the infomialion included in the Annual Repryl other than the fmar&al statements and our Report ofthe Independent Auditors tweon. Our cpinion on the finawal Statem does not cover the othef Irf0rrrl)n aThl. except to the extent otheThvise 8xplicty stated in our reprt we do eyprnss any frym cl aSsurnO ¢4)lusIon thereon. In connedion with our audit clthe f#Mncial stateme. our responsibilty is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other informatK)n is materialty inconsistent with the finanaal stslements or r kn¢ywledge obtained in the audtt or otwiso appearn to be mnalty mi8ststed. If we identify such material incOnstenc1es apparent maten.al misstatements, we are required to detemiine whether this gNes rise to a material misstatement in the financial sLernents thernse. If. bawj on the woth we have perf0md. we enrlUd$ that there is a material misslatement of this other irrfomwti¢M, we are required to report that facL Vk have nothing to re[#1 in this regard. Mattern on vknlch tA* arn r•qulrod to r•port by •x¢epOon We have nothing to rewrt in resp8Ct of Ihe folhMng matters v4here the Charili8s (knunts and Reports) Regulati)ns 2CO8 requires us to rep)rt to you rf. in our 1n)n.. the infomiatDn given in the Rewt of the Trustees ts inca)nsistent in ary material respe¢t with the fin8rKial Statements. or sufficient accounting reo)rds have not been kepf or the financial statements are not in agreement wth the accounting rd$ and retums. or we have not received all the infomwtion and explanat#)ns VIE require for our aud Page 14
rtoftheln dent Au¢Srtors to the Tntslees of den Methodist Church Ha P¢#ponslbllliles of tru8lee8 As explained more fvjlly in fv Trvskes. Respwtslrtw blatemrt lh8 trustees are resFK)nstJl8 tor the preparatn of the financial $Lmts whth gNe a tn aThJ faw and for SLth intemal Control as the trustees determine is neSary to enab Ihe rryaratK>n of finarwj Statnents Ihat are free from material misslalemenL whether due to fra3 or er[c. In preparing the finarti81 statemeth. the trustees are reSp)nsbleforasserKj the charity's abilrty to continue as a going concern. disck)sing, as apPIab. matters r81aled to going concem and using the going concem basis of aOuntr.ng unless the trustees oither intend to Ib4UKlate tharity or to cease OPeratn$, or havg no reakn. altemative but to do so. Our ra8pon8ibilltlas for the audll of the flnanclal slatemonts We have been appointed as auditors under Seclion 144 of the Charths 2011 and re[ in accordance with the Act and relevant gUlationS made or having effect thereunder. Our ¢)bje¢tNes a to obtsin reasonabbe assuran¢e atrtWhthr the an01 ststements as a whole are free ffom material m¢sststement, whether due to fraj or error. and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that indudes our opin. Reasonable assurance is a hh Wel of assurance, but ts not a guarantse that an audrt condsjcted in acefjrd with ISAS (UK) wll atrways debx a material misststement when r( extsts. Mi5sLements tsn arise from fraud or err and are o)nshJered material rf, indivkdualty or in the aggregate, they could rea50nabty be exFecied to infiuence the econom deCIsn$ of users taken on the basis of these financial slatements. The extent to whth our wrnlures are capable of deteding wregularthes, incwing fraj 1$ dets1 bel¢)vr. Irregulants. Induding tra. are Instances d non-compr Trth laws ano regUnS. vve aeggn procedures in line with our responwbih'tw. outlined ab)ve, to detect matsrial misstatements in respect of irregukgribes. including fraud. The extrt to whth our pffKedufes &e capable of detecting irregularities, Including fraud is detailed tth.. Based on our understanding ol the entity and sedor in whK it opwes. we Mdentrfi8d the principal risks of non.compliance with and regulath)ns relating to th8 limrtwj company. also conswjered those laws arKI regUL3tnS that have a direct impact on the preparntion of the finanual statements. communuted identsfied L7ws and regula$ through(xrt our team and remained akrt to arty indutKsns of non-complk4nc£ throughout the audiL assessed the susceptibilrty of the companies, ffinancial Statnts to malefial misststement. induding obtaining an understanding of how fraud may ¢xrJJr. by making enquirie5 of the directors and management as to where they considered there was suscepb'bilty to fraud and considerirwJ the intemal controls in plaee to mitvjate fraud risks and rWJn-crylan¢e with laws and regulatths. In Tesponse to the risk of fraud through management bias (induding the risk of override of controls) and the risk of irregularits and non<ompliance ¥th and regUkti$, wa dgsvJned procedure5 whth included, but were not limited to.. . perfom)ing anatytleal procethres to pjentsfy tjnusud or unexFethd transactK)ns - aessing whether ju(SJements and assumptK)ns made in deterrng accounting estimates were indultve of potential bias . reved a sample of transactwjns from the dierfs records - perfonning completeness of income tests - test checking the apprcpriateness of joumal entries - agreeing finanaal slatement disclosures to the undetyw surwt.ng ¢knimentaknn - thing for corresFondence wilh the Companies House - reading the minutes of board of director5. resolutb)ns - ched(ing for any actual and wlentkgl lth"gatKJn and daims including InSpkn"ng legal costs - ¢hkry for any actual and potential enqui$ from regulatory Ixxlies P•Jo 15
rt ofthe Inde nden Methodist Church Our rn•pon8lblliti•s for the audit of the financlal statom•nts l¢ontlnued) There are inherent limitstsons in our audit Procedures outlined above. The mre removed th laws and regulations are from financial trSaCtI)n$. the less likety il is that we woukl bècome aware of non•cOmplnee. Auditing standards also limit the a111 proeedures to identsfy n0n-c0mplkge wtth Iws and regulations to erwuiry of the di10($ and other man•3Thnt and the inspectmyi of regulatory and begal correspondence. any. IAaterial Mlsststertnts that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise fr<Mn error as they may invOe deliberate concealment or collusn. We are not responsible for preventing non4omplk8nce arKI cannot be eXted to detect non-ccrfnpliance wth all laws and regulations. A fvrther descripti)n of our e$FslIS for the 8JIt ofthe ffirtancial statts is thated on the Financial Reporting Couwl'$ website at ww.frc.org.uklaudrtespmSlbllit$. This descrption fomis part of our Rep)rt of the Independent 4110r$. Use of our rnport This report is made solety to the tharrvs trustees. as a boty, in actordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audrt work has been undertaken $0 that we mvJht state lo the harity's trustees Ih¢)se Matte¥ are reqUId to state to them in an audit5. report and for Th) other purp)se. To th8 fvlbst extent Fennitted by I•AT. we do not accept or assume resnSibl1rtY to anyone other than the haTity and the charity's InMtees as a body. for our aJIt work. for this reixrt cff for the opinKns we have Philip FCA (Sen)r Stslulryy AlIOrI For and n beham of Hicks and compry Chartered Accountsnts and Stslulory Auditor Vaughan Chambers Vaughan Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4EE 16
nden Metho(fist Church tatemenl of Financial Activrtiès for the Year Ended 31 Au ust 2025 31.8.25 31.8.24 funds funds funds nds Notes INCOME AND ENDOY4MENTS FROPA Lk)natsons and legacies 270.196 307,415 57T,611 1,169,575 151.988 151,988 38.160 39 115.268 35.196 Investment income Other income 3.194 39 Total 457.189 310.609 1320 043 EXPENDITURE ON Charitabl? activities Charitab actNit 74441 510.237 417.759 46.898 Totsl 435.796 417 759 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDrruRE) 21.393 236.168 1T rranslers bet%Yeen funds 16 30.149 (46.8981 210,663 902,284 N•t mov•m•nt In funds 3.618 (16,749) 210,663 902.284 RECONCIUATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought foThvard 810,093 199,359 1,764,716 2,7Y4,168 1.871,884 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 813.711 1747 967 2 774 168 The notes fomi part ofthese finala1 Statements P49 17
nden Melhorf1 Churth Statement of Financial Pos. . 31.8.25 31.8.24 Total funds funds funds fvnds fund8 FIXED ASSErs Tangib assets 12 293,610 1.747.967 2,046,444 1,898.161 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank 13 14 77,521 815913 832.650 129.643 962393 893.434 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 15 122,906 (22,906) 117,427) NEf CURRENT ASSErs TOTAL ASss LESS CURREKf LIABILITIES 813.711 423,153 1,747.967 2.984,831 2,774,168 NET ASSErs 813.711 423.153 1.747.967 LWkn831 2.774.168 FUNDS Unrestricted furKI$ ReStted funds Endrnent funds 16 813,711 423.153 1747.967 810,093 199,359 1 764 716 TOTAL FUNI)S 2 774 168 nan¢ial s tements were approved ty Ihe Board of Trust&s and aLthortsed for issue on Wi 4farKI were signed on its thalf ty: Rgv M Ham d- Tntstee •r The notes fomi part af these fina181 stateffnls P4e 18
Ha nden Mdhcw Church Siatement ot Casn for the Year Ended 31 Au ust 2025 31.8.25 31.8.24 Cash flows from operatlng acllvltle8 73,761 Net cash provKled by operating &livitss 73,761 Cash flows from Investlng a¢tlvltles Purchase of tangible fixed assets Sale of tangible fixed assets Interest recewed 1213.866} 39 1803.6481 35,196 Net cash used in investing a¢bvit 175 667) 768 452 Ca8h flows from financing adivits•s Income attribJtsble lo enOnent ExperKliture attrt)utable to endcywme 8CA).000 Net cash {used inyprovthl by fman¢ing &ivits 800.0fy) Change In cash and cash •quivalents In the reportlng p¢ri¢xl Cash and c•8h •quivahnts at tho boginning of th• reportlng prl¢)d 79.792 105.309 815913 710.604 Cash and Gash wuivalgnts at tho •nd of th• r•portlng porlod 815,913 The notes fom of these financial staiements P¥19
Ha nden Methodist Church es to the Statem rEn 31Au ust 2025 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOPJE TO CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 31.8.25 31.8.24 Net incomo for the veportlng porlod pgrtho Sl¥t•mwt of Financial Activltle8) AdJu8tm•nts tor. Depreciats"on charges Loss on disposal of fixed assets Interest recoNed Income attribjtable to en1knvMt Expenditure 8ttribulabk to endowment Dea$el{lncseI in debtors Inease in creditcvs 210.663 2,284 19,685 46.859 (38.160} 16.315 135.1961 1800.0001 46.898 10.933 111,083) Net cash provlded by op•ratlons 302 357 73,761 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NEf FUNDS At 1.9.24 Cash Ilc At 31.8.2S Net cash Cash at bank 816913 Totsl 815.913 Page 20
nden Meth0t Chu Notes to the Finanual S r the Year Ended 31 Au ust 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Ba818 of prnparlng the flnanelal statements Harpenden Methodist Church is a church withii the MethodL%t Connexion in Great Britain and these accounts are prepar&J in cOrdan wth Ihe constitut#)n. wice and discipline ofthat Church. They are also prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounting and Reporknng by Charities". Statement of Recommended PractKe appluble to dwrties preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial ReFth'ng Standard applicabk in the UK and the Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) leffectNe 1st January 20191., Finanryal Reming Standard 102 ' The Financial Reporting Slandard applKable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Charttses Act 2011. The financial ststements have been prepared under hislorK cost conntion. as fflcrtjffied by the revaluation of rtain assets. These acr))unts reLqte to the Chureh and rts vatious niemal organisations. HarFenden Meth(#Jist Church is a pubk benefrt entity uThJw FRS 102. Income and oxpondituro Income. whh is Main donations. ts accounted in the acCountW p8riod to whith rt relates provKling that any unpaid income at the end of each accounting is ¢JMsNlered by Tnjstees to be fulty Income tsx is recoverab from the HM Revenue and CustoThB on Gift AkJ donatN?n$ arKI is xcounted for on an accruals bas. ExndIture Liabilities are recc#Jnised as expendilure as scy)n as 15 a Wl ¢onstru¢trve oblat>Th commith.ng the Chanty to that expenditure. it is Probab that a trartsfer of economic benefits will be required in settIenl and the a)w)unl of the obfyatK)n can be raSured refiatty. Expendiwre Is accounted fe on an arnals basLS aTrJ has been dassifioj under headings that aggregate all costs related lo the calewry. Imiere costs cannot be directy attrttArted to particuLgr headin9S thffy hwrfe been allccaled to activilies on a baws consistent with the use of rEsources The trustees have undertaken a Teviwl of the diSck)sU of charite Xtivities costs in the aco)unts. In their opinion. the Church has onty one overall xtivity for accounts dIlOsure purposes. Ajso in their opinn, rt would te more appropriate to analyse ts chaniable actiwties costs in line with the expenditure heajings used in the Church's management &xounts. The accounts have therefore been prepared on this basr6 and cC#nparalpS slwyn swnilarly. AllotIOn of costs Costs are allcKated to the fund to whth they relate. Tangible fixod as8•ts Church knd and buildings: The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes are custorfn trustee for the church nd and premises, which is Model Trust property. and they hold freehold trt. In 1978. tsvo leases for temis of 125 years were granted on land at the rear of the churth. One. a head ase was granted to T&E Neville Ltd (now Nevil Trust) and Davenwt House was Lwilt ty thwn C that kned land. The other lease was granted to St Albans District Council. at a peppereorn rent, for Wlt is now the counul car park. In aCx0rdan with the ThplKK)ns of Stsrwjiry Ordws. these fvnds are sh¢xTn as En(Med. Under the provk8w)ns of FRS 102. the Churth Premws can either be Stated al a value based on a form81 valuation or at eapitalised histoit cost. In view of the drfty and expense in obtaining such a formal valuation, the Church Premises have been stated at caprtalwd histor cos( at 31st August 20158. of £964.716. Subsequent addrfK)ns have been caytalised at ¢yJst. induding £30.149 in 2024r2025. This similaty applies to the Churth Organ whth has a caliSed htstoric cost of £nil. Ouring 2023r2024, the Circuit agreed to transfer. for no Conshderatn. the k¢al managing trusteeship of the freehold proFety at 130 Southdchvn Road to Hh Street wth efft from 31s1 August 2024. As Harpenden Meth¢)disl Church with the existing Hh Street premises. the TnJstees for MethcJisl Church Purposes are custodran trustee for the thurch Jand and wemises and they Ild the freehold trtle. Page 21
nden Methodist Church Not8s to the Financial Statements- Ye 2025 AccoupinNG POLICIES- ¢ontInd Tangibl• fu•d a38•ts - Gontlnued These premises (the Halls) are sUldi¥ed a) the supernarket premises crcupied by the Ctrop under a 99-year kase from June 1980 and b} Ihe upper pats to Harpenden Trust under a 999-year lease from December 2022. The supemiarkel kase currenuy o)mmands an annual rtt of £37.500 per annum (review June 20251 but the Harpenden Tnjst lease is at a peppercom rent. The rentsl income from these leases has fbxfn to Hyh Street with effect from 1st September 2024. In Nryew of the length oflhe HarFenden Tntst lease and ts l• rtal strewn. it is rK)t considered that this propety has any current eaptsl value. Hrywever. the Co-op lease still has 55 years to run and an infom)al VaatIon received su93ests that. atan inveslment yield of 5% based on current rentsl value of £40.CQO per annum. this propety has a cJJrrent capital value of £8(M).000 and, as the propety Is owned by Trustees for Methcmjist Church PurFK)ses as custojkin tnjstee and High Street has no capability to tum this ¢aprtal into ineome. the freehold propety has been treated as Endowed and aiNtalised at the above-mentK)ned vau8. The dePrecti policy for Church Premises is 2% pw annum on c¢xt As the deprecthn caku]abon is based on costfvaluation res#Jual Yalue aa as the residual vae is not exFctad to fall beb)w cost, the depreciation charge ts £nil. Other fixed assets. Following the completK>n of the heatng systan W4ect dufing 2014r2015. ts equipment element has begn rnprtalised and o¥er 30 yeaTS on a str8KJht4ine basis. Following the completion of the ShaFd for Miswon project during 2024r2025. the equipment ernent {£182.590) has been capilalised and depreryalgj ¢)ver 25 years C a stravJh14irke basis from the date of the proieLYs e4)MptK)nl28I02r2025>. Computer and PAIAV equ¥rnit we d8pr8ciated at 21YA per annwn on cosL Items of fixed capilal expendriure atove £3.000 are cawtaliqed and depreciated at an appropriate rate. Taxatlon The Church's surpluses are deiNed from. arKI are aFpli&J t(wards, the maintenanc of charitable activities and as such are not SUbit to taxatth. Fund accoufiting Details of the natyjre and pUr[K ( each fiJnd is set out in note 16. Legaci•s Le9 are credited on recept to the relevant fund as iThJKed by the wishes of the testator. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 31.8.25 Tol•l fund8 31.8.24 Total funds Un$trIced Restrctgd EThJowment funds ftjnds Pledged Collectn$ Gifts and donatnS Income L7x refijnds Grants received Unpledged cdlections Sundry income 193.578 6,428 48.351 2.677 19.162 193.578 151.870 1¥2,215 898,401 47.548 145.442 31.987 129.986 132.663 19,162 21,415 577.611 1.169 579 Page 22 onlinued...
Ha nden Met t Church Notes to the Finanual Statements- txntin for the Year Ended 31 Au ust2 DONATIONS AND. LEGACIES - continued Grants reNed, included in the above. are as foll(pws: 31.25 31.8.24 Other grants 132.663 During the year grants totslling £132.663 were ved. £129.986 of whKh were in supp)rt of the Shaped for Mission proied Of this total. £71.327 was receNed from the West Herts and Borde thodist Circuit and £58.659 frcrn the Beds. Essex and Herts MethodK8t DistricL OTHER TRADING ACTMTIES 31.8.25 31.8.24 Total funds funts funds frjnds fvnds Contrtbution$ for use of premises Ground rent DavenFOrt House Coffee bunge Rental In¢ome- Crf)p 71.922 71.922 74.892 581 19,110 26.581 19,110 19,203 21,173 115.268 INVEsfMENT INCOME 31.8.25 Total funds 31.8.24 Total funds funds funds funds Interest and investrnent income 3.194 38.160 31.8.25 31.8.24 Total funds fvnds fvnd8 Sundry TlP1S on sales of equipment 39 39 CHARITABLE ACTivmES COSTS DirerA Costs {see cx)sts {see note 7) nc*e 81 Totsls Charitable activiti8S 288.970 510.237 Page 23 )ntinued...
Ha nden Methc4Jist Church estothe Fina tstem for the Y r Ended 31 A ust2 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARtrABLE ACTMTIES 31A.25 31.8.24 Ministerial l Administrative staff costs Encountering God eosts Equipping God's PpIe costs Extending God's n9()rn costs Youth IAbrk costs 198.898 169.357 4,017 131 37.543 654 36.525 288.970 257,358 SUPPORT COSTS Comms / Marketing Operatmy Finar Tolals Charitable activities 13432 66.314 TRUSTEES. REMLINERATION AND 8ENEFrrs There We no Irustees, rernuner8t or other benefts for the year ended 31 August 2025 ncf for the year en¢Jed 31 ALVUSt 2024. There were no trustees, expens paKI for thfr year endèd 31 August 2025 for the year ended 31 August 2024. 10. STAFF COSTS 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Employefs pens•)n c4)ntributrons Employer's sccial securty costs 126,620 6.616 114,342 6,024 Total Staff Costs 144,609 128 703 Vthh effect frtyn 1 September 2015, qualrfying enwIoye a 'opbY4nto' the govemmenfs auto- enrolmefit pens#)n scheme with matthed contrbutions from the Churth to a maximum of 6%. than as shtrn below arKI in Note 17. none of tr trustees nor per%>ns (Xfflnted with them received any muneratIon, expenses or(rther beneffts from the Church. The contr• ofemployment for the 3 trustees bdow were entered into by the church with the due authority of Church Council. Lewis Cox. the church's Cwdinator for Erwuntering God and Communicatsons. ts land was at 1 September 2024) a trustee. He recNed remunerth.on of£38,480 in 202412025 under his employment contract {202312024 £37.LKJ1). Addrtionalty. the thurch paKI £2.309 of employer pension contribLrtnS in 2024f2iy25 under this contraa {202Y2024 - £2.2201. Louise Sthlth, the church's oifKe Administrat(Y is {and was at 1 septem 20241, a trustee and her services were provided to date under a contract of plOYMent with the church. In 2024r2025. she received runeratIOn of £13.117 under her emnntC0ntraCt{2O22O24- £12,612). Additionally, the church paid £656 of empkymer pensicffl contributnS in 2024r2025 under this contract1202312024_ £631). Page 24 continued...
Ha nden MethtsSt Church Notes to the Financial Statements - conts"n r the Year Ended 31 Au ust 2(r25 10. STAFF COSTS- contlnued Salty Hammond is {and was at 1 September2024). a trustee and her Serv as an assi8tanl caretaker were provided lo date under a ccffltract of empbyment wrth the thurch. In 2024r2025, she received remunerath.on of £7,954 under her empb)yTrent contract {2023r2024- £7.681}. Addith?nalty. the church paid £477 of emptyer pensmin eontr>ubons in 2024r2025 under this contract (2023r2024 - £4571. The average Month number of eMpkn during the year was as follows: 31.8.25 31.8.24 No employees received emohjments in excess of £60.(. 11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEME OF FINANCIAL ACTivrriES Unrestricted Restricled End0VmnI funds funds lorai nds INCOME AND ENDOWIENTS FROII L)onalions and legaues 354.994 14,585 800,1 1,169,579 Other trading actIve5 Investrnent Inco 115,268 31,685 115.268 35,196 T¢)tal 8(M) 000 1.320.043 EXPENDITURE ON Charitablg activltles Charitable xtNths 417 759 INCOMEI{EXPEla)ITURE} Tr4nsf•rn between ftsnds 112.378 <10.094) 743 43> 8.000 902.284 N•t mov•m•nt In funds 113.121 110.837) 8IXI,000 902.284 RECONCLIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought foThvard 6%.972 210.196 964.716 1.871.884 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 810.093 199.359 1764 716 2 774 168 25 continued...
nden Methodist Church Notes to the Financi tements. continwj r Ended 31 Au ust 202 12. TANG18LE FIXED ASSETS Cryuter and PAIAV Equpment Land and Buiklings and Fthings Totsl$ COST At 1 September 2024 Additions Disposais 1.764.716 30.149 70,807 182.590 157.687 1.127 1.993.210 213.866 At 31 August 2025 1747 967 2 160 178 DEPRECIATION Al 1 September 2024 Charge for year 23.600 71.449 95.049 Al 31 August 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 August 2025 1747 967 73 692 2 045 444 At 31 August 2024 1.764.718 47,207 86.238 1,898,161 Under the prOvisnS of FRS 11y2. the Church Prernises 12n either be stated at a value based on a fornal valuation or revert to caytslised histcrfic Cost. In vw of the difficumy and e>pense in obtaining such a formal valuatKn. the Church Premises were slated at camalised htstoit cost of £W,716 at 31st August 2018. In the yearto 31st August 2024. thefreehold prefflLses ofthe supemiarket premises at 130 Southdcwn Road. Harpenden were transfefred to H¥Jh Street were valued. by reference tt) the then passing rent. al £800,000.The UFper parts of these emiseS are let to the Harpenden Trusts on a 999 ye¥ kase from Dernber 2022 at a Peppe rent and Tr) capital value is assumed for thi% element. During the year to 31st August 2025. the church completed its ShaF¢d for Mission pro11 (see Trustee Annual Repjrt abJve} to maximise the effetxive use of Ihe main thurch space and expended £30,149 on prwrty imprOvts land prorerty assets of£46,498} and £182.59) on related Fixtures and Fitb"rbgs. P•Je 26 continued...
Ha nden M hurch Notes to the Financial talet . contin he Year Ended 31 Au ust 2025 13. OEBTORS: AMOLINTS FAWNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.8.25 31.8.24 19.6Tr 27.618 49,903 Prepayments 77,521 14. CASH AT BANK Total funds furAts funds fund Trustee for Methrxjist Pufpc6es accounts Deposits w¢th Centra Finance Board Other bank a¢Ints 180.670 541.557 43.836 181.508 670,362 43.836 128.805 786.(3 129.643 895.7C 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.8.26 31.8.24 Trade crwj1t¥ Social rity and other taxes Other Credit¥ Accruals and deferred irKome 2,196 1.C61 13,861 Page 27 continued...
nden Methodtst Church Notes to the Fina Year Ended 31 Au nl ust 20 16. MOVEMEKf IN FUNDS Net Tran4ers At 1.9.24 furKIs funds 31.8.25 Unrestrlcted funds General fund DesKJnaled fund - Propety Fund De$hJnated fiJrKI . Mission Deveb)p))ent DesKJnated fund. Y¢>Jlh Trjk DeswJnated fund- Organ Repair FuThJ 243.n17 103.263 297.300 148.256 14,784 269.734 99,879 322.650 111.083 (3.3841 13,350 12.000 146,559) 810,093 21.393 {17,775) 813.711 R8Stricted funds Special COllectr Healing Project Youth Work Legacies AV Project BeneVenceJSHARE Shaped for Mission 13} 71691 73,849 (190) I73 121A31 3A76 838 123.241 4.105 110.1431 26 247 617 7) 199,359 236.168 {12.374) 423.153 Endowmont fund• Church Premises 1764 716 1747 967 TOTAL FUNDS 2n4168 210.663 2 984.831 Net movement in fund& inclLthd the above are as folkn•ts'. Incoming Resour Movement Tesourcos expen(led in funds UnrnstrIc fundB General fund Deslqnated fund- Propety Fur¥J DesvJnated furKI- MissKJn tkvebwrtnt Designated fund - Youth Destgnaled fund - OryJan Repaw Furm 429.004 4.652 13,349 (427,761) (8.036) 1.243 (3,384) 13.350 9,380 798 457,189 {435.796) 21,393 R•stsi¢t•d funds Speual Collections Healing Proied Youth Ihbrk Legacies AV Project BenevolenceJSHARE Shaped for MisSn 4,910 1.158 {4,913) {2.3601 (3) 11.202) (735) 110.143) 629 1.810 7.261 111,9531 (6,6321 310,609 174841) 236,168 Endowmwrt fund• Churth PrernBes TOTAL FUNDS 767.798 557 1351 210.663 28 tinued...
Ha den Meth d. Churth Notes to the Financial Statements - for the Year Ended 31 Au ust 2025 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued Compafatlvo8 for movem•nt in funds Transfers At 31.8.24 At 1.9.23 in funds fijnds Unre8trfcted funds General fund OesKJnated furKI - Propety Fund Designated fund - Miswn tkvekwnt Designated fvnd - Youth Wofk DeSnated fvrKI - Organ Repair Fund 215.555 47.267 266.397 149,772 15.929 39.128 30.904 28,831 12,221 16,869 243,705 103.264 297,301 148,256 130,347} 6*.972 112,378 743 810.093 Ro8trlctsd fundB Heating Proj1 Youth Legac$ AV Project 71.539 14.49) 1,496 120.043 {l.2r) 751 72.693 185 1,S73 121,432 3.476 {15,056) (10.564) 11.953 210.196 (10.094> {743> 199.359 EndOneTht funds Church PrlSe$ ,716 000 1,764 716 TOTAL FUNDS 1.871.884 gX12,284 2 774 168 C(rfnparali•e net #) funds. incknled in the StVe are as fdk•xs.' Inccffling Resources Nthivent in funds UnreStr1et fund¥ General fund Designated fiJnd- Property Fund Designated fund. MiSsn tknkjWnt Designated fund - YoLrth Vknrk ijesignaw Tuno- vrgan Repair Fund 388.881 52.392 30.903 28,831 {372.9521 {13,2641 15.929 39.128 30,904 28.831 501.947 1389.5691 112.378 Restrfctsd fund8 Speck41 &Alections Healing Project Youth Work Legacies AV Project BenevoiencelSHARE (8.IX19} {2.3S8} {2) 1.152 753 (1.206) 751 77 110,564) 1,388 6.717 {11,952} 5.869) 18. {28,190) {10.0941 Endowmwrt funds Church Prwnises 8,000 800.000 TOTAL FUNDS 1.320.043 417.7591 902.284 conlinued...
nden Methodist Church Notes lo the Fina arEn ements. ntInd ust 202 31Au 16. MOVEMEKf IN FUNDS- continurfl Reslrithd lunds.. Legacies Fund: Unless o Model Trust Direct has S8red to allN for local use, legacies receNed are deposrted with the Trustees for Methodist Church PU ITMCPI. Al applications for the release of such monies must be m to. and approved by. ThICP. As at 31 August 2025, the balances availab were as folkys - for use in reLqlion to the provtsion of church flowers (Fund No.197(6}- £838 Endowment funth" In accordance the provBions of FRS 102. the freeho crf the High Street church premises has been staled at its historic cost at 31st Aug1 2018 plus Jdrt)nsldeletK)ns since then at cost value. Freehold premises also indudes the premises at sthdwn RoJ at a valuation basgj on investment ylds. Total ErKY1 funds total £1.747.967 (see Note 12). 17. CAPITAL COMPAITMEpirs There are no lithlibe& tontwKJent or o1herWe. that are Th)t provkled for in these lnts. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES The church received a93regatedonationsfrom trustees ot£65,721 in 2024r2025 (2023r2024- £41,325>