2023-12-31-accounts

SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

Registered Charity Number 1134003

SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

CONTENTS

Page 1 Legal and Administrative Information Page 3 Trustees Annual Report Page 7 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees Page 9 Statement of Financial Activities Page 10 Balance Sheet Page 11 Notes to the Financial Statements

SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER: 1134003

START OF FINANCIAL YEAR: 1[ST] JANUARY 2023 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR: 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

REGISTERED CHARITY ADDRESS: 1–5 ROMAN CRESCENT,

SOUTHWICK,

WEST SUSSEX

BN42 4TY

PRIMARY BANKERS: BARCLAYS BANK Plc.,

LEICESTER

LE87 2BB

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: HAINES and CO.,

28/29 CARLTON TERRACE,

PORTSLADE, BRIGHTON

BN41 1UR

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Trustees’ Annual Report

Year ending 31[st] December 2023

Reference & Administrative Details

Charity Name: Southwick Christian Community Church.

Charity Registration Number: 1134003

Trustees:

• Mr. James Benka-Coker (Elder, Chairperson)

• Mrs. Janice Dale (Elder, Safeguarding Officer)

• Mr. Brian Box (Secretary)

• Mr. Tony Byrne (Elder)

• Mrs. Isobel Edwards (Elder)

• Mrs. Rosalind Lind (Treasurer, incoming) 1 Jan - 31 Dec

• Mrs. Anne Andrews

No other persons served as Charity Trustees during 2023.

Structure, Governance and Management

The approved governing document is a Trust Deed (approved 2[nd] November 2009) based on a Congregational Federation template. A local constitution outlining operation procedures at SCCC was prepared; this was unanimously agreed and accepted at the Annual Church (General) Meeting on 3[rd] May 2011.

The Congregation Federation Ltd is the Property and Holding Trustee.

SCCC appoints local Managing Trustees, including a Treasurer and a Secretary, all of whom hold office for a renewable three-year term.

Election & subsequent re-election is at the recommendation of the membership, Nomination by the Trust & the confirmation of a Church Member’s meeting.

The spiritual governance of the Church is managed by an Eldership (who are also Trustees).

The Minister is normally the senior and presiding Elder in these meetings. However, the position is currently vacant, and recruitment efforts have been ongoing throughout the year.

The Charity also appoints a Safeguarding Officer, Health and Safety Officer and Building Management Officer, who are honorary officers advising the Trust.

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The Trust is also responsible for appointing, managing & remunerating employees where considered necessary to further its activities. Over the course of 2023 there were 4 part-time employees (a 5[th] resigned during the course of the year) involved in Administration, Caretaking/cleaning, Coffee Shop Supervision & Youth/Family work.

The Trust is also extremely grateful to the “army” of unsalaried volunteers both within and outside of the membership of the church, who supported and assisted in the day-to-day execution of tasks that helped us to achieve our objectives over the year – particularly in pastoral care of others in church & group leadership, worship, Coffee shop duties, compassionate & evangelistic outreach to our community & beyond, and Youth/Family programmes. We owe an extra debt of gratitude to these as we have been without a serving Pastor during the year.

Objectives and Activities

The Charity’s objectives are those set out in the governing document and local church constitution.

The Charity seeks to advance the Christian faith according to general biblical principles as well as to the specific principles of the Baptist Union and the Congregation Federation. The Charity also seeks to advance education, relieve need, and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and other parts of the World.

As a community-based church inspired by our Christian Faith, our aim is to offer a wide range of educational, recreational, health and wellbeing, social and spiritual activities for all age groups in the local community to enhance the service provision available to all sectors of the population.

The Charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes and aims that are for the public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

Church membership at the end of 2023 stood at 52.

The main activities conducted by the Church that we believe conferred benefit included:

Weekly Sunday Services of worship, including Bible-based Christian preaching, activities for children & young people, & social interaction post-service.

Weekly outreach activities for children & youth were organised & run by our team of Youth workers on salary as well as a host of willing & able volunteers. These include Friday evening groups & the Sunday school activities described above. Our weekly Parent & Toddler group was a Soft Play project “Two by Two” with inflatable equipment themed on Noah’s Ark providing relief for busy parents with toddlers.

A Coffee shop (“Lite Bites”) open 2 days a week from 10:30 am till 2 pm Tuesdays & Wednesdays that offers cost-effective lighter cooked meals & drinks, offering a safe space for relaxation, conversation & introspection with an option for casual conversation with pastoral volunteers as desired.

Various low-cost subscription class-based exercise programmes (Gentle Exercise, Aerobics & Pilates) aimed at people with different age and health profiles conducted by professional instructors to promote physical fitness and wellbeing amongst the attending public.

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Other Christian Teaching & fellowship events include faith exploration groups, Life Groups including one with focus on the more elderly (Evergreens), and a “Worship Team” musical & singing Band. We also host a fortnightly Art Club.

The Charity manages the building structure at 1-5, Roman Crescent, Southwick. This houses the Worship Centre, Community Hall, Coffee Shop and ancillary residential facilities of two flats. The Charity manages no other real estate at this time.

We continue to host a public NHS defibrillator on our premises, as well as providing secure Guest Wifi for those on our premises.

Further afield, we supported various activities abroad in Zimbabwe, & India [Nagaland] , in keeping with our objectives stated above.

In designing & executing the above & other activities, the Trustees have given due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Financial Review & Reserves Policy

Full independent accounts are presented in a separate report.

The Voluntary Giving and Offerings, together with Gift Aid claimed back during the year amounted to £58,402.

At the end of the year there was £ 230 in a reserve account, as well as £60,895 in a charity investment fund, in addition to bank balances standing at £39,645. These funds are adjudged to be sufficient to cover the foreseeable running costs and expenditure of the Trust.

Our lettings, rents and activities produced a beneficial income as well as providing many varied and healthy activities for the local community.

Lite Bites Coffee shop has continued to play a significant part in reaching our community, despite making an overall operational loss of just £887 over the year (when salaries & expenses paid out to staff performing coffee shop duties are taken into account).

Overall the available funds carried forward as at 31[st] December 2023 were £107,082.

Readily available funds remained adequate throughout 2023 and all costs were met on time.

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the Charity’s current needs.

At the end of the financial year 2023, a reserve amount of £61,125 is held split between a deposit account and a managed charity investment accumulation fund. This is based on the charity’s size and the level of future financial commitments, including the desirability of procuring a manse for a future minister - the feasibility of which is under active consideration.

The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives, even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or an unexpected rise in expenditure.

The Trustees will endeavour to not set aside funds unnecessarily.

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Exemptions from Disclosure

No Trustees have required exemption from disclosure by law; The Board is as stated within this document.

Funds held as Custodian Trustee on behalf of others

No Funds were held during 2023 as a Custodian Trustee on behalf of others.

Declarations

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees

----- Start of picture text -----
Compiler Attestor
Signature(s)
Full name(s) James Benka-Coker Brian Box
Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Elder & Trustee Chair Trustee Secretary
Date
----- End of picture text -----

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IThdepende￿ erominer's rq￿rt lo the Tr￿tte5 ofsouthwick Chri%lian CoMnU￿ty Church I rep)rt to the trustees on my examination of th¢ accounts of Southwick Christian Community Church (the Tn￿) for the year ended 31 December 2023, wthich ar¢ set out on pages 3 10 15. Res￿nsibilItieS Imd basif oIre￿rt As the charity tr￿￿ee5 of the TntsL you are respO￿b]e for the preparation of the accounts in ac￿rdanCe Viith the requiretnents of the Charities Aci 2011 ('th¢ Act.). I rewrt in resF*Ct of my examination of the Tn￿t's &COiUlts G4rried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carr)'ing out n]y examination I have follow￿ all the applicable Di￿tionS given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5Xb) of the ACL IThIe￿ndenf ayominer s slatemenl I have completed my wminalion. I CODfirni no material matters have come to my atiention in conne¢lion with the examination which gives me cawe to believe that in any (l) accoimting records wcte not kept in resrect of the Tntst as required by section 130 of the (2) the accouDts do ￿lt accord with those re£orL8. I have no Concen￿ aTrl have come xross no other matieT5 in connection with the cxaminaiion to which attention should in this r¢tx)rt in order to enable a pro Simon J es ACA 28r29 Carlton Terrace Portsl&le East Sussex 25th Septemirr 2024 Page 7 of 15

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SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

	Notes Unrestricted Restricted TOTALTotal	Notes Unrestricted Restricted TOTALTotal
		Funds Funds 20232022
		£ £ ££
INCOME
Voluntary Income	2a	57,393 1,009 58,402 75,004
Activities for Generating Funds2b		40,204 750 40,954 31,333
Other Income	2c	2,610 3 2,613 (995)
		_
TOTAL INCOME		£ 100,206 1,762 101,968 105,342
EXPENDITURE
Charitable Activities	3a	82,990 1,787 84,777 106,048
Governance Costs	3b	976 - 976 82
		_
TOTAL EXPENDITURE		£ 83,966 1,787 85,753 106,130
Net Incoming/
(Outgoing) Resources		£ 16,240(25) 16,215(788)
Total Funds Brought Forward		89,380 1,487 90,867 91,655
Funds Transferred	--	- - - N/A
		_
TOTAL FUNDS		105,620 1,462 107,082 90,867
CARRIED FORWARD		£ 105,620 1,462 107,082 90,867

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SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets 4 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 5 Bank Accounts 6 CCLA-CoIF Deposit Fund 7 M&G Investment Fund 8 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS Due within one year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS NET ASSETS £ THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY TOTAL FUNDS £	Unrestricted Restricted TOTALTotal Funds Funds 20232022 £ £ ££ 5,306 - 5,306 7,075 2,463 21 2,485 3,458 38,204 1,441 39,645 23,139 230 - 230 220 60,895 - 60,895 58,341 _ 101,793 1,462 103,255 85,158 1,479 - 1,479 1,366 _ 100,314 1,462 101,776 83,792 105,620 1,462 107,082 90,867 105,620 1,462 107,082 90,867 105,620 1,462 107,082 90,867

The notes on pages 11 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

Signed……………………………… (name)………..………………………………..(Trustee) Dated……/……./…….. Signed……………………………… (name)……………..…………………………..(Trustee) Dated……/……./…….. Signed……………………………… (name)……………..…………………………..(Trustee) Dated……/……./……..

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SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1a. Convention

These accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16[th] July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

1b. Funds

Unrestricted Funds

These comprise those funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable activities.

Restricted Funds

These are the funds which can only be used for specific purposes within the objects of the Charity. These restrictions arise, when either specified by the donor or when funds are raised for restricted purposes. The Contingency Fund is restricted to cover any financial commitment the Charity may have in settling the financial deficit to the Baptist Union Pension scheme, should such a deficit become due. Should this deficit not arise the fund can be used in accordance with the principles and aims of the Charity.

1c. Income

Voluntary Income and Capital Sources

• Income Tax recoverable on Covenants or Gift Aid donations is recognized when the gifts are received.

Other ordinary income

• Rental Income from the letting of premises is recognized when the rental is due.

• Bank interest

• Bank interest is accounted for when received.

1d. Expenditure

Grants and Donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the Trust.

1e. Fixed Assets

Depreciation is provided at the rate of 25% on a reducing balance basis on all Fixed Assets.

1f. Fixed Asset Investment

Fixed Asset Investments are recorded at market value at the Balance Sheet date. Any gains or losses on revaluation are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.

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SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

		Unrestricted Restricted TOTALTotal
		Funds Funds 20232022
		£ £ ££
**2. **	INCOMING RESOURCES
2a.	VOLUNTARY INCOME
	Gifts and Offerings received	46,531 850 47,381 62,512
	Gift Aid received	10,862 159 11,021 12,491
		_
	TOTAL VOLUNTARY INCOME	57,393 1,009 58,402 75,004
2b.	ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING	FUNDS
	Rents and Lettings	23,560 - 23,560 18,706
	Activities Receipts	5,243 - 5,243 2,831
	Coffee Shop Receipts	11,401 - 11,401 9,484
	Event Receipts	- 750 750 312
		_
	TOTAL ACTIVITY RECEIPTS	40,204 750 40,954 31,333
2c.	OTHER INCOME
	Grants	- - - -
	Council Tax Refund	- - - -
	Heat and Light Refund	- - - -
	Equipment Refund	- - - -
	Bank Loyalty and Sundry	45 3 48 77
	CCLA-COIF Deposit Interest	10 - 10 2
	M&G Fund Yield (Deficit)	2,554 - 2,554 (1,074)
	Insurance claim	- - - -
		_
	TOTAL OTHER INCOME	2,610 3 2,613 (995)
	TOTALLING	£ 100,206 1,762 101,968 105,342

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SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

		Unrestricted Restricted TOTALTotal
		Funds Funds 20232022
		£ £ ££
**3. **	EXPENDITURE
3a.	Charitable Activities
	Administration Costs	12,762 - 12,762 8,586
	Advance of Cash Floats	- - - -
	Bank Charges	291 116 407 477
	Building Equip. & Maint’n’nce	2,399 - 2,399 4,059
	Building Flat Repairs	3,036 - 3,036 -
	Children and Youth	- - - -
	Cleaning and Waste	1,595 - 1,595 1,700
	Council Tax	452 - 452 795
	Consumables (Coffee Shop)	4,731 - 4,731 4,349
	Depreciation	1,769 - 1,769 2,358
	Events Expenditure	100 730 830 -
	Equipment	377 - 377 506
	Gardens	850 - 850 712
	Gifts and Donations	- 570 570 4,125
	Instructors	500 - 500 300
	Insurance	2,371 - 2,371 2,301
	Licences	477 - 477 1,146
	Lighting and Heating	11,109 - 11,109 6,181
	Motor and Travelling	- - - 100
	Refreshments	- - - -
	Resources	1,234 - 1,234 431
	Salaries, Pension etc.	27,861 - 27,861 58,194
	Subscriptions	4,217 - 4,217 1,493
	Sundry	- - - 161
	Tithes/Mission	2,000 - 2,000 4,360
	Training	- - - -
	Volunteer Costs	100 371 471 -
	Water Rates	3,989 - 3,989 3,713
		_
	TOTAL EXPENDED	£ 82,990 1,787 84,777 106,048
3b.	Governance Costs	976 - 976 82
		_
	TOTALLING	£ 83,966 1,787 85,753 106,130

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SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

		Unrestricted Restricted TOTALTotal
		Funds Funds 20232022
		£ £ ££
**4. **	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
	Net Book Value as at 01.01.23	7,075 8,569
	Capital Items Purchased	0 864
	Total Value	7,075 9,433
	Depreciation Charge (25 %)	1,769 2,358
	NET BOOK VALUE as at 31.12.23	5,306 7,075
**5. **	DEBTORS
	Gift Aid claim 1 qtr	2,463 21 2,485 3,458
**6. **	CASH AT BANK
	General Fund a/c	37,334 - 37,334 21,558
	Lite Bites a/c	544 - 544 131
	Mission Fund a/c	311 1,441 1,752 1,435
	Cash in Hand	15 - 15 15
	TOTAL	38,204 1,441 39,645 23,139
**7. **	CCLA-COIF DEPOSIT FUND
	Deposit Balance as at 01.01.23	220 - 220 218
	Transfer from (to) General Fund	- - - -
	Remainder	220 - 220 218
	Interest received	10 - 10 2
	TOTAL FUNDS as at 31.12.23	230 - 230 220
**8. **	M&G INVESTMENT FUND
	Investment Balance as at 01.01.23	58,341 - 58,341 69,415
	Transfer to (from) fund category	- - - -
	Transfer from (to) General Fund	- - - (10,000)
	Investment remaining at 31.12.23	58,341 - 58,341 59,415
	Projected Interest Profit (Loss)	2,554 - 2,554 (1,074)
	- as at 31.12.23	60,895 - 60,895 58,341
	Charibond 321.127 Units	13,269 - 13,269 12,383
	Charifund 158.772 Units	47,626 - 47,626 45,958
	TOTAL FUNDS as at 31.12.23	60,895 - 60,895 58,341

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SOUTHWICK CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

9. CREDITORS Heating and Lighting Independent Examiner 10. STAFFING COSTS & NUMBERS Gross Wages and Salaries Employer’s National Ins. Costs Pension Costs	Unrestricted Restricted TOTALTotal Funds Funds 20232022 £ £ ££ 679 - 679 666 800 - 800 700 _ £ 1,479 - 1,479 1,366 27,255 52,586 - - 606 5,659 _ £ 27,861 58,194

The Total Number of employees engaged in the Trust during 2023 was 5, dropping to 4. ( 2022 - 7 / 6 ).

No employee received emoluments greater than £60,000 per annum.

11. TRUSTEE RENUMERATION

None of the trustees was employed by this Charity or received any remuneration during 2023.

One trustee was reimbursed expenses of £520 incurred on behalf of the charity, being primarily payments to a visiting pastor.

12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

One trustee was reimbursed expenses of £520 incurred on behalf of the charity, being primarily payments to a visiting pastor.

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