THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 ## **ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 August 2024** ## **THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH HORSFORTH, LEEDS Registered Charity No. 1129305** THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH- Annual Report Ending 31stAugusl 2024 THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 # **THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH HORSFORTH, LEEDS** Town Street, Horsforth, LS18 4RJ ## **The Annual Report of the Managing Trustees and Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] August 2024** Email: mo@lswmethodists.org.uk Web site: www.grovemethodist.chessck.co.uk ## **Registered Charity No. 1129305** THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 ## **Contents:** Page: Managing Trustees Annual Report 5 - 20 Statement of Financial activities 20 Report of Independent Examiner 21 Financial reports 23 ## **Introduction** The Trustees of the Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth, present the annual report and financial statements for the year September 2023 to August 2024. Despite concern about the financial viability of the church, the very tight budget this year and the need to watch expenditure very carefully, whenever possible the church has sought to undertake financial activities as outlined in the financial accounts in line with its mission statement. Response has been made by the church and its associated groups to appeals and charities across the year as listed throughout the _._ report The accounts provide details of major transactions for the year 2023 – 2024. With some difficulty and careful management this includes payment of the full Circuit Assessment for the church, which was £58,848 This is a major and ongoing expenditure for sustaining and supporting the ministry and work of the Leeds South and West Circuit of which The Grove is one of eighteen constituent churches. This Annual Report outlines the widespread range of events and activities that the church has striven to provide across the year. These would not have been possible without the very many hours of dedicated service and voluntary help that have been given by members and adherents. **The Trustees would like to thank all volunteers for their interest, time and energy that has enabled the church to respond in such a positive way to the gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ within this community.** THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH- Annual Report Ending 31stAugusl 2024 THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2023** ## **Administrative information:** The Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth, is a registered charity number 1129305. It is governed by the Methodist Church constitution set up by Act of Parliament and by the Constitutional Practice and Discipline (CPD) of the Church as amended from time to time by the Methodist Conference. Correspondence for The Grove Methodist Church should be addressed to Rev. Mo Onyett, The Grove Methodist Church, 15 Edward Close, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 7FG. The Managing Trustees are the unpaid members of the Church Council and for the year ending 31st August 2024 those who have served on Church Council are as follows: Kath Ashby, Ann Bailey (GDPO) (to 30[th] April 2024), Kay Bassett, Barbara Buckley, David Buckley, Kirsty Butler (Circuit Representative), Judith Chaplin, Alan Firth, Rev. Jo Lightowler (Chair to 31.08.24), Carol Hoyle, Graham Hoyle, Gill Jewell, Philip Maud, Janette Mawson, Peter Mawson (Secretary), Barry Martin, Christine Martin, Jean Orton, Sylvia Parker, David Quick, Paul Thompson (Treasurer), Caroline Turner, Michael Wallis , Andy Walker, Helena Watkins, Keith Whitham, Trish Whitham, Sally Wolfe (Safeguarding Officer). Independent Examiner: Rachel Harrison (Chartered Accountant; Head of Academic Support for Kaplan Inc.) Bankers: Virgin Money, Pudsey ## **Structure and management:** The Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth is a registered charity operating with the charity number 1129305. As stipulated in The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church (vol. 2, para. 38a), being THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 a Local Church in Great Britain it forms part of the Methodist Church as a member of Leeds South and West Circuit (27/01) and of Yorkshire West Methodist District. As such, the purposes of the church are in tune with those of the Methodist Church of Great Britain. The church operates within the Charitable Objects of the Methodist Church, the purposes of the Methodist Church being and being deemed to have been since the date of union* the advancement of - (a) the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church; (b) any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, district, circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church; (c) any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church; (d) any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church. *DEED OF UNION (1932) AND METHODIST CHURCH ACT (1976) ## **Managing Trustees:** The Council is composed of the church minister, church stewards, treasurer, secretary of the Pastoral Committee, secretary of the Council, up to 15 representatives elected by the General Church Meeting (10 across the year), up to 15 additional persons appointed by the Council (11 across the year) to cover all areas of the church's life, and one circuit steward appointed by the circuit stewards. Members of the Church Council are voluntary charity trustees and so act within the duties placed upon them under charity law. They operate within five agreed rules: To act; in the best interests of the charity; in accordance with the law and the charity's governing documents; with reasonable skill and care; prudently and responsibly; and collectively. ## **Appointments and training:** THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 The Grove Church adheres to the Safer Recruitment Policy, Procedures and Guidance from the Methodist Church. This is designed to identify suitably experienced , skilled and interested people for voluntary positions including the trustee role and to deter anyone who could be a potential risk to children, young people or vulnerable adults. The system is designed to be transparent and used for every role in the church, its complexity varying with the role. Part of procedures involves steps to induct, mentor and monitor those appointed to positions. On going training is provided when necessary as is support for any volunteer needing advice on their selected role. ## **Volunteer appointments:** This Annual Report outlines the widespread range of events and activities that the church has striven to provide across the year 2023 – 2024. These would not have been possible without the very many hours of dedicated service and voluntary help that have been given by members and adherents. energy that has enabled the church to respond in such a positive way to the gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ within this community. ## **Data Protection:** To ensure compliance with necessary requirements, the Church has a Data Protection Policy that follows UK and Methodist General Data Protection specifications and is informed by Charity Commission guidance (2018). To ensure this is followed an appointed General Data Protection Regulations Officer is an important role in the church and has a vital part in working with the Trustees to ensure that every person using personal data does so in a secure and lawful manner that does not infringe the rights of those with whom we work. The currently appointed General Data Protection Officers are Ann Bailey and Ruth Symons. ## **Safeguarding:** Recognising that every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of human beings in God’s own image and THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 likeness, the Church recognises its duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. In line with Methodist Church requirements, The Grove has necessary safeguarding policies and other guiding documentation to ensure that adopted systems and procedures follow best practice. A Church Safeguarding Officer has been appointed who works independently but, when needed, also in partnership with other church officers to ensure correct safeguarding procedures are publicised and followed by the church. Annual reviews of policy and risk assessments are undertaken by the trustees. The currently appointed Church Safeguarding Officer is Sally Wolfe. ## **Purpose Statement:** Across the year The Grove Church has followed its aim, agreed by the congregation, that is in line with the stated calling of the Methodist Church. Its intention has been rooted in the desire to see communities in which the church is involved, transformed for the good of all. Its purpose is summarised in its mission statement. ## **AIMS AND ORGANISATION** The aims of the church are set out in its **Mission Statement** as follows: **The Grove Methodist Church is called to respond to the Gospel of love in Jesus Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship, service and mission.** In seeking to live out our mission statement we are **committed to** : **Worship** - which takes into account the needs of the whole church family, preserving all that is good from the past while being open to the new. **Fellowship** - which seeks to make all welcome, builds up our faith and enables us to care for one another. **Spirituality** - believing that Bible Study, Prayer, Worship, Giving and Service are vital, we seek to order our lives on the pattern of Jesus. THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 **Serving God in the World –** by seeking to live out our faith where we work and live, witnessing by word and deed in the local community, fostering interest in world affairs, engaging in world-wide mission and seeking to enhance the lives of those in our neighbourhood. - **Working together** committed to the whole Church of God and seeking greater awareness of, and co-operation with, other faiths and denominations within our community. - **Evangelism** sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with others and bringing them into fellowship. - **Secure Foundations** ensuring that we have a sound working base, ce since our commitment to worship, fellowship, spirituality and servi requires us to provide premises that are structurally sound, well maintained and underpinned by effective finance. - The church seeks to carry out its stated aims and objectives through: - Sunday services and other acts of worship. - Various meetings for prayer, fellowship, Bible study and outreach. - Membership of 'Leeds (South & West) Circuit (16/01)' - Membership of Horsforth Churches Together and support of its activities. - The Church Council and its appointed Committees, which act under its direction. ## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** ## **Review of progress and achievement across the year** By the end of August 2022, The Grove Methodist Church had emerged from a difficult year, the start of which had been marked by the reduction in premises' lettings and the need to pay a hefty energy bill that seriously questioned the future of the church. At that point, without prompt action The Grove had an estimated lifespan of 12 – 18 months before funding ran out. The Trustees took immediate and effective action making difficult decisions so that the financial picture, though challenging over the THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 medium term and almost exhausting all the savings in the bank, eased the situation. By the start of the year of this report, September 2023 – August 2024, the Trustees had planned for the future so that once the church was beyond that demanding period there was an expectation that it should begin to return to a stronger position where reserves could be gradually rebuilt. This annual report follows a challenging time and marks a year that might be summarised with the phrase 'progress sustained'. As the new year of September 2023 opened the cost of living crisis had increased running costs significantly, particularly with regards to energy expenses. In addition, an ageing and reducing congregation had resulted in levels of personal giving decreasing from previous years. Considerable discussion within the church took place, with many positive ideas put forward to help ease difficulties. These were all evaluated and actions put in place. The situation called for further positive steps that resulted in the Church Finance Committee taking the lead in seeking to identify ways forward and informing the Trustees, membership and church adherents of what was happening. An agreed Church Recovery Plan guided Trustee initiatives across the year and took the form of three stages: 1. : **Stage 1 Establishing a sound foundation of priorities** Completed on 20[th] April 2023. It aimed at establishing a firm foundation on which to move forward. The Finance Committee carefully made progress in three areas: - a). Identified current items of major expenditure for reduction, - b). Considered ways to maximise church major income sources, c). Appraised the 30+ suggested actions made by the congregation in liaison meetings for current or future implementation. Whilst taking time, this process enabled the identification of those actions that could be, and have been, implemented immediately, and importantly, those actions to be used in the next two stages of the Plan. 2. : **Stage 2 Creating breathing space** Beginning on 23[rd] April 2023 and intended to last for between 12 and 18 months. The stage 1 analysis identified a number of clear strands that formed the basis of the next stage of the recovery process. The second stage involved creation of a fast acting Small Recovery Group consisting of key officials from relevant sections of the church, meeting weekly over the THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 year and taking responsibility for 6 areas of action, in addition to reporting back to the Trustees. The key areas consisted of: - a). Increased giving by members - b). Increased rental income from Meeting Rooms - c). Increased income from other sources - d). Opportunities to reduce expenditure - e). Maximising the amount of work done by volunteers rather than paid officials - f). Employment matters The combined completion of actions in each area provided the church with a breathing space during which the pressures of financial shortage were eased and thought could be given to life and mission in the longer term. - : - **3. Stage 3 Moving forward into longer term recovery** The Stage 1 foundation analysis also identified a number of ideas about what the church might consider as it moved forward into the future. Planning began whilst stage 2 was operational as it was recognised that there would be no sense in improving the sound financial base of the church without thought being given to how the church would continue to make its impact as it strove to follow the stated church purpose statement , aims and mission. This proved a particularly significant decision by the Trustees as the Circuit expressed its wish that all constituent churches should be involved in a Circuit Review and so The Grove was well placed for involvement in Circuit plans. Throughout this difficult year, when efforts needed to be focussed upon securing a sound financial basis for the church, The Grove's mission has never wavered. It has continued to be effectively guided by its primary aim **“to respond to the Gospel of love in Jesus Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship, service and mission”** , so much so that by the end of the year the church's achievements and performance reflected sustained progress. To date the church has managed to continue with its financial commitments both in terms of its expenses and its charitable donations, without reduction, and so there has not been any adverse effect upon beneficiaries. It has maintained its welcome and access, activities and THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 services, to the immediate neighbourhood and beyond. The church community continues to provide the opportunity for spiritual growth to young and old alike, pastoral care to one another and to those outside the church, and continues to explore new ways to reach out in mission. Going into the coming year 2024 – 2025 the church had achieved an overall decrease in the deficit, increased expenditure, is near refurbishment of its attached cottage for letting, made a start on a longer term roof fund for the Centre repair, explored grant possibilities for planned developments, maintained its circuit and charity giving and is looking to achieving a small surplus in the coming year. This positive situation is complemented by continued on-going achievements in each area of its mission to public benefit as summarised below. Peter Mawson Church Council Secretary ## **Performance within main mission areas** ## **Worship** ## **Worship has been the church's response to the unbounded, transforming love and grace shown to us by God** God-centred worship remained at the heart of the church's response to its mission as a strong and underpinning foundation to the effective provision of a structural rhythm of church veneration. Numbers have been sustained at post COVID levels with an average of 60 attending Sunday morning worship, supplemented by an additional 6 – 10 zoom worshippers. In addition congregation members participated in Circuit worship through evening zoom services, attending fortnightly Encounter services or making personal use of weekly written services. THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 At key times the church brought together individual and communal devotion around shared special service opportunities, including the annual November Remembrance Sunday service, Christmas worship, Easter celebrations and local community Civic worship. Complementing this, throughout the year the church has provided a point of spiritual contact for those in the neighbourhood who have identified their own personal or family needs. In this connection The Grove was open for anyone wishing to celebrate weddings and there were conducted 5 baptisms, 3 funerals and 11 acceptances into membership **Fellowship** **In reflecting the love of God the church has continued to show and provide opportunities for care and concern for God, for other people and for oneself.** The watchful oversight of individual welfare including members and regular adherents through Pastoral Groups led by Church Visitors, is a significant part of the bond of fellowship. Keeping in touch with all those who have chosen to be linked to The Grove starts from Pastoral visitors but, to meet considerable pastoral needs amongst all members and adherents, use has also been made of telephone, social media, letters and cards. In addition, groups such as Tuesday Bible Fellowship, Ladies Group and Uniformed Organisations organised systems for weekly links to members. The welcome and fellowship provided by the church has been open to anyone coming onto the premises whether or not they chose to become active members. Monday Luncheon Club, Tuesday Coffee Morning, monthly Friday Grove Cinema and Saturday Messy Church are amongst opportunities for members of the wider community to find warm hospitality. In order to secure a safe environment for all premises users the Trustees have continued to take a keen interest in safeguarding matters, receiving feedback on the Annual Risk Assessment and Check List and reviewing the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy. Updated training has been accessed by appropriate office holders. In addition trustees accepted and agreed to Access and Environmental audits. THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 **Spirituality** **To complement the connections created by religious aspects of church provided through ritual, tradition and hospitality, across the year the church recognised a desire for deeper connections with someone or something to help individuals travel their own path and discover the God who is with us. Spirituality has been another important aspect of the church's activities open to church and community and achieved through prayer, study and meditations.** Following a decision taken by the Trustees near the start of the year, 'Prayer' became the spiritual focal point for the church. A small Study Group became the catalyst for the church's chosen focus across 2024. Looking back it was a busy time for anyone seeking to work out Church Council's mandate. First an 'Exploring Prayer' study with the Archbishop of Canterbury to pull together a small booklet about prayer discoveries. Then, a culminating exhibition of insights and perceptions under the title 'Prayer is ….' and that led on to an opportunity to look, see and try that was best summed up in the words of one participant, “I was really pleased to come along on Saturday morning. I thought it was wonderful what had been produced, beautifully set out creating an atmosphere of peace. What a lot of thought had gone into it.” That wasn't the end of the spiritual journey. All this was in preparation for a time of reflection based around imaginative prayer stations that remained in contracted form until the end of the year. With summer on the way there were lots of further opportunities for prayer and so the Group ensured that regular prayer activities to stimulate the congregation based upon the commitment to a Methodist Way of life to 'pray daily',were available. These were open ended in terms of time and covered a range of ways of deepening connections with God, oneself, and the world through body, nature, people, contemplation, craft and scripture. These in turn pointed towards a milestone event planned for the following year, a church quiet day open to everyone. These activities complemented continuation of the more usual events including individual and group group study and reflection held at appropriate times in the year such as Advent, Lent and Easter, specific times of reflection like Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and, for younger members, themed Messy Church. THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 **Serving God in the World** **Like any religious or secular organisation ,and particularly following the impact of COVID, the church could not be oblivious to numbers. However this is not its primary aim. As many people regard the church as irrelevant to everyday living, the Trustees were mindful that transformation of individuals and communities begins when the church meets need by serving its near and wider neighbourhoods. To this end, across the year, the church sought to be a place of welcome, hospitality, service and kindness to all.** In the year 2023 – 2024 The Grove provided many opportunities to help people in need whatever their setting. Traditional church outreach groups including Weekend / Weekday Walkers, Women's Fellowship, Monday Luncheon Club and Grove Ladies Group remained strong. New ventures included the development of Friday cinema into regular Saturday family events, expansion of Tuesday coffee morning as part of Warm Spaces provision and collections for Horsforth Community Pantry. The church made successful efforts to enhance town events particularly the Walk of Art, Horsforth Gala, and Christmas lights switch on; bringing the neighbourhood onto the site through the Christmas wreath project, Christmas card distribution, Nativity Trail, Tots and Tykes and providing a base for Scouting / Guiding Uniformed Groups. Successfully following its mission it supported those on the edge with food bank gifts, refugee clothes and gift box collections and financial appeals for a range of national and international disasters: Libyan Flood Relief and Gaza Humanitarian Crisis. The traditional support for other charities including Christian Aid, Action for Children, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Baby Bank and Harehills Outreach. ## **Working together** **Ever mindful that maximum impact is often achieved by working with other groups, Trustees sought to co-operate and connect with other faiths and denominations and community groups.** It should be apparent from what is already reported that over the year the church took seriously its commitment to challenge injustice and eradicate THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 poverty whenever it could and often as part of a joint venture with other like-minded groups. Amongst effective commitments were co-operation with the Circuit and its churches, Horsforth Churches Together and neighbouring closing churches. New ventures involved backing, on several occasions, for Horsforth Climate Action so as to promote care for creation and a united approach towards the climate emergency situation, and, along with other national churches, raising awareness of the fragile situation in Bethlehem and the Middle East. Each partnership was aimed at mutual understanding that all are part of creation, enabling joint concern for the world we live in and encouraging all people to flourish. ## **Evangelism** **The Trustees have been committed to the growth of the church but not through a hard sell policy. In each aspect of the church's mission they have encouraged an on-going experience of God's spirit active in lives that creates a space for God to be at work amongst individuals and communities.** The effectiveness of the church in its worship, spirituality, fellowship and service, as noted above, has created a relational church that has continually striven towards being a place of welcome, hospitality and safe space, open to all who have chosen to come onto the site. Its success in these areas is a mark of the effectiveness of The Grove across 2023 – 2024 in living in such a way that through the activities presented and the creative ways of presenting the church, its witness bears the fruit of others having been drawn to participate and appreciate the experience provided. ## **Secure foundations** **As noted above, the church has successfully survived a year of challenge to ensure provision of a sound financial and building base from which to operate.** The report highlights the steps taken and their effectiveness in meeting difficult financial affairs to end the year in a positive position. Alongside financial efforts, the Trustees have managed building matters effectively. THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 Achievements include successful appointments for its efficient running, of a new Church Caretaker and Booking Secretary, refurbishment of attached church cottage for letting, opening of roof fund to cover anticipated expenses in repairing Centre roof, and miscellaneous building repairs and improvements to ensure that the premises is fit for use and hiring. The success of actions taken is testified to by the full calender of church and community group lettings. ## **Additional information on achievement and performance** ## : **Position by end of year** - The church has been enabled to weather the current crisis through careful oversight of church finances and by making use of reserve funds that was planned expenditure for the activity room roof in the Centre when needed. - Maintaining a level of attendance across the year, and despite the need to run on its reserves, the church has continued to sustain income levels that has enabled it to cover running costs and undertake events and activities in line with its stated Mission Statement. - Once again, savings have enabled the church to produce sufficient finances to undertake necessary improvements, and, together with its organisations, to make donations to outside charitable bodies as noted above _._ - In accordance with Charity Commission regulations, Trustees are mindful of best value when it comes to premises' use and so have maintained fees for use of the premises and parking areas in line with market expectations. - In order to comply with Methodist Insurance requirements a detailed inventory of all church equipment has been maintained. As part of - safety regulations the Trustees accepted the Annual Risk Assessment and Check List. - submission of the Annual Return formerly known as Schedule A with accompanying notes and the Health and Safety Return, as well as through regular reports from the Property Committee to Church Council. - In ensuring that the building provides the safe and secure base that is needed for furthering the Mission Statement and working in the THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 community, regular maintenance and improvements are made. Annual PAT testing of electrical equipment has been carried out and, as appropriate, organisations and groups have been required to undertake COVID risk assessments. - Given the tight state of church finances, major works of improvement have been closely monitored. However, whenever possible, tasks needing urgent attention have been undertaken. - Having experienced leaks from a small expanse of flat roof - ineffectively relaid at the time of the refurbishment of the Community - Centre, the church has continued to spend much time and energy seeking a solution to the problems so as to ensure the premises remain sound and secure. - The church organ is 84 years old and, recognising that in recent years there have been a number of organ failures, before the start of this year, the church undertook restoration work at a cost of £15,000 but has been constantly aware that at some point in the future full restoration incorporating modern day standards might be needed. The expense has been estimated at between £60,000 and £100,000. - Moves have been made to sustain the church's environmentally friendly approach. The Environmental Audit was updated and in consequence the Centre ceiling lights continue to be changed for LED lighting. This action has meant the successful reduction in power consumption from 3420 watts to 335 watts. In addition, draught seals have been fitted around all external doors and windows. - A data protection review has been undertaken to update the church data map. ## **Other public benefits from special projects and responses to important events** - Libyan Floods: On 10[th] September 2023 heavy rainfall caused two dams upstream of Derna to collapse, resulting in devastating flooding that left at least 5,923 dead, thousands missing, and more than 40,000 internally displaced, according to the United Nations, and large-scale destruction in eastern Libya. The church responded immediately by participating in the Christian Aid prayer request and launching a successful appeal for donations to the emergency fund. THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 - Church Christmas services, at which £625,12 was collected, were used to raise funds for Children in Need. - Across the year the church continually raised awareness of the devastating situation in Israel-Palestine. Through a fund-raising appeal £425 was donated to the UNICEF Gaza Emergency Appeal to help with the humanitarian crisis. - On Good Friday The Grove sought support from across local denominations to raise £277.56 in aid of its on-going charity work with Mission Aviation Fellowship. - Traditional church support for Christian Aid projects continued during the year and £539.10 was donated to the charity's work. - Throughout 2023 – 2024 the church sustained its interest and activity in several organisations aimed at benefitting society in general, and specific minorities in particular, including Dementia Friendly Church, Horsforth Live at Home Scheme. a special project aimed at decreasing social isolation and loneliness by supporting the independence of elderly people in their own homes, and Fairtrade awareness. - Refugee support: In a bid to make a difference, support was provided for the appeal by the Refugee Council of Britain for the collection of men's clothing given to the HCT Migrants' Support Group to help 120 male asylum seekers (mostly African) currently housed in a nearby Leeds hotel. At Christmas the church responded to an appeal for Christmas presents of socks and toiletries. In June the church responded to an appeal for men's summer clothes. ## **Value of the church not in monetary terms** - The range of activities and services outlined above is evidence of the church’s particular impact on its immediate locality and its residents, whether they are Methodist members and adherents or non-church neighbours. This outline of the scope of the church’s interest and support also indicates a positive, if less direct, influence at national and international levels in a wide number of areas. - The church continues to offer a welcome place of traditional and varied worship, geographically placed at the heart of Horsforth. Our well-maintained and attractive premises are THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 extensively used by church groups and the wider community throughout each week whenever possible. - The church community continues to provide the opportunity for spiritual growth to young and old alike, pastoral care to one - another and those outside the church, and continues to explore new ways to reach out in mission. - Above all it seeks to provide a pattern for living that responds to the gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ by following a life of - discipleship through worship, service and mission. ## **Financial Review by The Church Treasurer** The last couple of years have not been easy from a financial perspective. Back in 2023 we recognised that we could not continue to run annual deficits for much longer. The impact of Covid had meant that our reserves were dwindling and we risked running out of money. As a consequence we have had to make some difficult decisions. However, after some significant outlays in 2023-24 we can now see light at the end of the tunnel. We ended up again spending more money than we received, but our forecast for next year indicates we should end up with a small surplus. This will enable us to build up our reserves over time. We recognise that our members have been facing increased costs in their own daily living. We are hugely grateful for their ongoing support in their financial contributions to the church. It really has made a tremendous difference. We still have some significant financial challenges ahead. In the short term we know that there will be major costs involved in repairing the Centre roof. However, we are confident that over the long term we have established stronger financial foundations to support the development of our mission at The Grove. Paul Thompson Treasurer, Horsforth Grove Methodist Church THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 # **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth** THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2024 ## **Reserves Policy** The General Fund comprises the unrestricted reserves of the Church. It aims to accumulate the equivalent of six months potential expenditure, currently estimated as between £80,000 to £85,000. Approved by The Grove Church Council on 25[th] February 2025 and signed on its behalf by Peter Mawson, Secretary to the Church Council. THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH- Annual Report Ending 31stAugusl 2024 ThE GROVE MEfHODIST OIVRCH HORSFORTH SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT for the YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2024 The Annual Report of the Trustees comprises page5 1 to 23 of thi5 booklet. Thi5 Financial Information is a summary of the Independently Examined Annual Account5 which are available from the Treasurer. The Independent Examiner's Rep)rt is unqualtfied. Approved by The Gfobt Church Coundl on 25th February 2025 Signed on il'5 behalf Trustee Peter Mow50n. Church Counal SecretGry Trustee Poul Thompson. Chwch Treosurer FINANCIAL POSITIOPI AT 315T AUGUST 2014 2023-2024 2022-2023 Church property and organ at insurarKe value Bank accounts Debtors 8.034,786 7,838,878 26,525 51,842 20,510 4,145 8,C*l,821 7,894,865 UABILITIE5 Creditors 1,128 438 8,CWJ.693 7,894,427 FUNDED BY Restricted Funds: PropErty valuation reserve 6enevobEnt fund 8.034,786 7B38.878 8.035,766 7039.858 Designated Funds: Trustee5 for Methodist Church Purposes Organ fund Property fund Projects for young people Roof replacement fund General fund 12,269 787 2,041 1,267 11,004 3,414 3,414 2.2SI 24,124 Vnre5tricted Fund5: 36,843 8.COJ,693 7,894,427 Page I THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH- Annual Report Ending 31stAugusl 2024 THE GROVE MEfHODIST CHURCH HORSFORTh SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT for ihe YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2024 RESULTS FOR IHEYEAR 2023-2024 2022-2023 INCOME CollectK)n5 & Grft Ald tsx relund5 Net rental income. hire of rooms, caf park & use by Church Of8anistlor6 t)onation5 8ank Intèresr & other InC(#￿e Fundraising events 74.267 55.564 7.824 2,231 1.081 72,834 49.876 12.007 2.121 140.967 20.411 141.346 99 Restricted & l)esignated Funds Total Income 161.378 141.445 ExpeNOrnJRE Circuit assessment Maintenance of the Church. repalrs, heating. Insurance etc Malntènance of the Centre, repaSrs. healin& cSèanin8 etc Maintenance of No 43 New St. repairs. heatin& etc Caretaker Salary and Premise5 manager salary & acommodatbn Planned mainienance Adrninistrab'on, photocopier. stationery Other expenses, organ & musfic Outreach SubScTiptyL￿s & donations Fundrdising Events 58.848 18.323 29,633 12.904 24,622 3.567 1.772 1.827 57.469 29.116 32,743 23,237 144 1.557 2,647 3,402 2.328 2.189 153,68S 17.335 154.643 2.748 Restricted & Designated Funds Total expenses 171.020 157.390 SURPLUSI IOEFICIT) for the yeaf .9,642 .15,946 ￿n￿alIsed revaluation property 8alns for the yeaf 195, 719,180 Net movement In fvnds Funds ai the beginning of the year 186,2fj6 7,894,427 703,234 7,191.193 FUNDS ATTHE END OF THÉ YEAR I(￿,693 7.894.427 Page 2