LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
CHARITY NUMBER: 1134664
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANACIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND AIM OF CIRCUIT
Lesnes Abbey Circuit forms part of the London Methodist District and is governed by the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church. Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team along with the Local Preachers Meeting members.
As a Circuit our primary aim is to fulfil the purposes of the Methodist Church which
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‘are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of union the advancement of –
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(a) the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church;
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(b) any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, district, circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church;
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(c) any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church;
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(d) any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church.’
ACTIVITIES
Our activities include the following:
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Supporting local churches in the provision of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non- members alike.
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The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups and Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.
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Pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.
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Promotion of Christianity through the staging of in person events and services via you tube, thus reaching out to those who cannot attend physically. Provision of Chaplaincy services to the local hospital and prison.
CIRCUIT MEETINGS (TRUSTEES’ MEETINGS)
The members of the Circuit Meeting constitute the Trustees of the Circuit.(See appendix for names of Trustees.) During the year under review, the trustees met thrice (September, March & June) to review the mission of the Circuit in the past year, to plan for our future ministry and to receive the circuit annual accounts.
REVIEW OF OUR MISSION
a. Support to local churches
- There are twelve churches in the Circuit of which eight are Methodist congregations, one Church of England and the remaining three are Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs)[Methodist/Anglican/United Reformed]. In addition to these established churches, also a church plant in a local school, Heronsgate Primary School.
The Circuit has three full-time Methodist Ministers who exercise pastoral charge over the eight Methodist churches. The Church of England
congregation and the LEPs are looked after by three full-time Anglican priests and one URC minister. A married couple who are both ordained URC ministers exercise pastoral charge over the church plant. We have two retired Methodist Ministers one of whom is active. In the Connexional year 2022/2023, all our churches were open on every Sunday for public acts of worship.
- b. Teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups In addition to services held in the local churches, the Circuit also organised three united services which were held in different churches. These services provided additional means for some of our members who live on their own to have fellowship with others and to make new friends.
We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. When reviewing the aims and objectives of the circuit, the Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. The guidance is consulted in carrying out our activities, for example those pertaining to fund raising. This ensures that our work is within the confines of the rules and expectations of the commission. We make sure that we work to the charity’s aims and objectives, which are centred around the benefit of the public.
CONTRIBUTION MADE BY VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the fabric of the circuit. Without them, it would not function. They make up the majority of the various committees that exist. They collect visiting ministers from home, station etc who have not got cars. Hold coffee mornings and luncheon clubs, act as administrators and clerical staff. They maintain manses and churches as much as possible.
SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHARITY
During the year, the Charity worked to:
(a) Provide the staff and facilities to enable mission to reach the community and grow the Church family which in turn provided mutual support to those within it. (b) Provided support for organisations working in society to help the vulnerable where they need it.
(c) Provide facilities for groups to meet, run by the community, for recovering alcoholics, weight loss programs, the elderly, mothers with young children, and youth groups e.g. Scout Groups and playgroups.
Signed
Revd Greg Obong-Oshotse
Superintendent Minister, Chair and Trustee
APPENDIX
MEMBERS OF LESNES ABBEY CIRCUIT MEETING (TRUSTEES)
Revd Greg Obong-Oshotse Revd Dr Chellaian Lawrence Minister Revd Dr Anselmo Amaral Minister Revd Patrick Eggleston Minister Revd Dr Elaine Colechin Minister Mr Steve Hienno Circuit Treasurer Deacon Pat Soule Ms Marian VanDyck Mrs Madonna Johnson Circuit Steward Mr Femi Lawson Circuit Steward Mr Hudson Jackson Mr Francis Johnson Mr Brentnol Roach Church Representatives Abbey Wood Mr Archibald Dadzie Senior Steward Mr Kofi Narh-Saam Treasurer Mrs Seun Adebanjo Property Steward Mr Robert Ndume Representative Barnehurst Mrs Maggie Cooper Senior Steward Mr Ray Cooper Treasurer Mr Leslie Gamadeku Property Steward Miss Cathy Turner Representative Belvedere Mrs Madonna Johnson Senior Steward Mrs Marilyn Akuoku Treasurer Vacant Property Steward Mrs Ann Hartley Representative Bexleyheath Mr Roger Forward Senior Steward Vacant Treasurer Vacant Property Steward Ms.Christiane Sanvee Representative vacant Representative Trinity Mr Ben Godwyll Senior Steward Mr Ebenezer Gyan-Kodiah Treasurer Mr Tolu Tikare Property Steward Mr Adebayo Jolaoso Representative Mrs Kofu Famurewa Representative Welling Mr Tony Hayes Senior Steward Ms Martha Etsibah Treasurer Vacant Property Steward Miss Sandy Kennedy Representative Wesley Hall
Superintendent Minister (Chair) Minister Minister Minister Minister Circuit Treasurer Supernumerary Deacon Senior Circuit Steward Circuit Steward Circuit Steward Circuit Safeguarding Secretary Circuit Manses Coordinator/Property Steward Local Preachers’ Secretary
Senior Steward Treasurer Property Steward Representative Representative
Mrs Karen Gilham Senior Steward Mr Paul Nichols Treasurer Mr Barry Munden Property Steward Vacant Representative Vacant Representative
Lesnes Abbey
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
| INCOME RESOURCES Notes Voluntary income 1 Income From Investment Others RESOURCES USED Cost of Activities in Furtherance of Obje 2 TOTAL RESOURCES USED Net (outgoing) in the year NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR Transfer between Funds: BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Restricted 340 - 19,100 0 160,223 - |
Unrestricted Restricted 340 - 19,100 0 160,223 - |
Unrestricted Restricted 340 - 19,100 0 160,223 - |
Unrestricted Restricted 340 - 19,100 0 160,223 - |
2023 340 19,100 160,223 |
2022 0 17,894 179,583 197,477 200,604 |
2022 0 17,894 179,583 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179,662 | - | 179,662 | ||||||
| 181,596 | 556 | 182,152 | ||||||
| 181,596 | 555.83 | 182,152 | 200,604 | |||||
| (1,934) | (556) | (2,490) | (3,128) | |||||
| (1,934) (556) (2,490) 1,226,167 32,508 1,258,675 1,224,233 31,952 1,256,185 |
(3,128) 1,270,418 |
|||||||
| 1,267,290 |
All activities are derived from continuing operations
The notes on pages 7 to 10 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Lesnes Abbey BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023
Note 2023 2022 £ £
| TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Manses & Equipment | 877,473 | 877,473 | |||
| Investment Properties | 326,845 | 326,845 | |||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Debtors | 3 | 50,303 | 50,303 | ||
| HSBC Current Account | 4 | 22,670 | 6,854 | ||
| Central Finance Board | 6,467 | 24,772 | |||
| TMCP | 32,508 | 32,508 | |||
| _____ | _____ | ||||
| 111,947 | 114,437 | ||||
| _____ | _____ | ||||
| CREDITORS: Amounts falling | |||||
| Under 1 year | 5 | 20,531 | 50,204 | ||
| Loans to the Circuit Due | - | 10,000 | |||
| _____ | _____ | ||||
| 91,416 | 54,233 | ||||
| _____ | _____ | ||||
| NET ASSETS | 1,295,734 | 1,258,551 | |||
| _____ | _____ | ||||
| FUNDS | |||||
| Unrestricted Funds | 6 | 1,263,782 | 1,226,043 | ||
| Restricted Funds | 7 | 31,952 | 32,508 | ||
| _____ | _____ | ||||
| 1,295,734 | 1,258,551 | ||||
| _____ | _____ | ||||
| 0 |
The notes on pages 7 to 10 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Approved by the Trustees on ……………………………………………… 2023 and signed on their behalf by :
…………………………………………………… ……………. ………………………………………. STEPHEN HIENNO Rev Greg Obong-Oshotse Treasurer Superintendent
Lesnes Abbey
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2023
BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historic cost convention except where assets have been stated at valuation. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities Revised 2005 ( SORP 2005 )applicable Standards and the Companies Act 2011.
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES.
1.1 FUNDS
General funds represent the funds of the circuit that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the Circuit. The purpose of any restricted funds is noted in the financial statements.
The financial statements include transactions, assets, and liabilities for which the Circuit can be held responsible. They do not include the financial statements of Circuit groups that owe an affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Circuit members.
INCOMING RESOURCES.
1.2 Voluntary income and capital resources.
Voluntary income and donations are recognised when received.
1.3 Other Ordinary Income.
Rental income from letting of circuit premises is accounted for when due.
1.4 Income from investments.
Dividends and interests are accounted for when received.
APPLICATION OF RESOURCES.
1.5 Grants.
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid.
THE METHODIST CHURCH
Lesnes Abbey
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2023
1.8 Other fixtures , fittings and office equipments.
All other fixtures, fittings and Equipments used by the circuit are written off as and when incurred.
Lesnes Abbey
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2023
Charity Registration number - 1134664
Principal address: 265, Burrage Road, Plumstead, London SE18 7JW (Circuit Office)
Bankers - HSBC Bank Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Accountant and Independent Examiner.
Lesnes Abbey
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2023
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| PAGE | |
| Trustees Report | 1 to 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 10 |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
12 and 13
Lesnes Abbey
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2023
The following pages are for the Trustees of the LESNES ABBEY CIRCUIT only
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO
THE Trustees of LESNES ABBEY CIRCUIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2023
I report on the accounts of the LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
for the year ended 31, August 2023 which are set out on pages 5 to 10.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TRUSTEES OF LESNES ABBEY AND THE EXAMINER
The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements.
The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 ( the 2011 Act ) and that an Independent Examination is required. It is my responsibility to:
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i) Examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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ii) To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, and
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iii) To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT.
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. The examination includes a review of the financial records kept by the Circuit and a comparison of the financial statements with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosure in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as the Managing trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a "true and fair" view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT.
In connection with my examination of your financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023, no matter has come to my attention :
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1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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To keep financial records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act : and
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To prepare financial statements which accord with the financial records and
- comply with the Accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met ; or
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Independent Examiner
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | TOTAL FUNDS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 1. Incoming Resources | |||||
| Activities in Furtherance of the Charity's | Objects | ||||
| Donations & Legacies | 340 | - | - | 340 | - |
| Income From Monetary Investment | 130 | 130 | 26 | ||
| Income from Investment Properties | 18,969 | 18,969 | 17,868 | ||
| Assessment of Churches | 152,939 | 152,939 | 170,848 | ||
| Other Income | 7,284 | 7,284 | 8,734 | ||
| _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | |
| TOTAL INCOME | 179,662 | - | - | 179,662 | 197,476 |
| _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
RESOURCES USED
| Unrestricted 2. Cost of Activities in Furtherance of Obj Funds £ Salaries & Associated Costs 109,732 Property Maintenance 4,092 District Assessment & Levy 43,807 Office Expenses - Other Outgoings 23,965 - 181,596 ____ TOTAL RESOURCES USED 181,596 Excess (Deficit) Over Income (1,934) Transfer Between Funds BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD 1,226,167 NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR 1,224,233 |
Restricted Endowment Funds Funds £ £ - - - 556 - _ _ 556 - _ _ 556 - (556) - 32,508 - 31,952 - |
2023 Total £ 109,732 4,092 44,363 - 23,965 - 182,152 ____ 182,152 (2,490) 1,258,675 1,256,185 |
2022 Total £ 119,568 6,098 46,525 160 28,254 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200,604 ____ 200,604 |
|||
| (3,128) 1,270,418 1,267,290 |
LESNES ABBEY CIRCUIT TRUSTEES REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2023
The Lesnes Abbey present their report together with the independently examined accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CIRCUIT.
The Circuit is managed by the Superintendent, Ministers and elected Stewards from the various churches.
Superintendent
Rev Greg Obong-Oshotse
Treasurer
Mr Stephen Hienno
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Circuit is managed by the trustees and is made up of the ministers and elected stewards. The Circuit ensures that incoming steward are well equipped by arranging for them to attend training and seminars organised by the circuits.
The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976)
Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD).
Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting, the Circuit Finance and Property Committee and the Circuit Policy Committee.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Lesnes Abbey Circuit forms part of the London Methodist District and is governed by the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church. As a Circuit our
primary aim is to fulfil the purposes of the Methodist Church which ‘are and shall be 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.’
Our activities include the following:
-
Supporting local churches in the provision of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non- members alike.
-
The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.
-
Pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.
-
Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.
Members of Trustees of LESNES ABBEY
Members who served during the year and at the date of this report are:
Superintendent Minister Rev Greg Obong-Oshotse Minister Minister Revd Chellaian Lawrence Minister Revd Patrick Eggleston [AM]
Supernumerary Minister Circuit Treasurer Mr Steve Hienno Circuit Stewards: Ms Marian VanDyck Mrs Madonna Johnson Mr Femi Lawson
Circuit Administrator Miss Julie Websdale
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Income trends
Circuit income is primarily drawn from the assessments paid by the circuit churches. The rental income relates to the rental of a manse at 27 Canberra Road, Charlton. Total income at £180k was £17k lower than the previous year.
Expenditure trends
Total expenditure in the year was £182k as compared to £201k the previous year., this was mainly due to the reduction in staff costs as a result of having one less minister for the year.
Fund balances
As at 31 August 2023 the net current assets of the Circuit were £91k, giving approximately 10 months cover for expenditure based on the 2021-22 expenses. We also have to repay £30k towards the loan in the three years between 2019-20 and 2022-23 to fully repay this loan.
APPROVAL
This report was approved by the Trustees on …………………………………….... 2023 and signed on their behalf by :
Lesnes Abbey Methodist Circuit
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Lesnes Abbey Methodist Circuit
Year ended 31 August 2023
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Lesnes Abbey Methodist Circuit (“the charity”) for the year ended 31 August 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination and I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed earlier *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
“ the accounting records were not kept in accordance with the section 130 of the Charities Act:, or
“ the accounts did not accord with the accounting records: or
“ the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and contents of the accounts set out in the Charities(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair” view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination of which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Kojo Gyamera Independent Examiner
6 Grove Farm Court Brookfields Avenue Mitcham Surrey CR4 4BT