OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-08-31-accounts

Charity No. 1134664

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

CHARLES OSEI, BSc, MSc, ACIE, MCIPP, AFA, ATA CHARITY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER / ACCOUNTANT

FLAT 3, 11 ROCHDALE WAY

LONDON

SE8 4LY

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

CONTENTS

Page

1-3 Legal and Administrative Details
4-5 Trustees Report
6-7 Independent Examiner's report
8 Balance Sheet
9 Statement of Financial Activities
10-13 Notes to the Accounts

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

REGISTERED OFFICE: 265 Burrage Road Plumstead London SE18 7JW BANKERS: HSBC Bank

ACCOUNTANTS:

Charles Osei, BSc (Hons), MSc, ACIE, AFA, ATA, MCIPP

Flat 3, 11 Rochdale Way, Deptford London SE8 4LY

Page 1

MEMBERS OF THE CIRCUIT MEETING Trustee's

Trustee
Position Name Form Year
Circuit Officers
Superintendent Minister Revd Greg Obong-Oshotse Y 23-24
Minister Revd Dr Anselmo Amaral Y 23-24
Minister Revd Dr Chellaian Lawrence Y 23-24
Minister Revd Patrick Eggleston [AM] Y 23-24
Circuit Meeting secretary
Circuit Treasurer Ms Elizabeth Lightfoor-Taylor
Circuit Manses Co-ordinator Mr Francis Johnson
Circuit Stewards: Ms Marian VanDyck Y 24-25
Mrs Madonna Johnson Y 22-23
Mr Femi Lawson Y 23-24
Local Preachers’ Secretary: Mr Brentnol Roach
Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinator: Mr Hudson Jackson Y 22-23
Church Representatives
Abbey Wood
Senior Steward Mr Archibald Dadzie Y 23-24
Treasurer Mr Kofi Narh-Saam Y 23-24
Property Steward Mr Seun Adebanjo
Representative Mr Robert Ndume Y 23-24
Barnehurst
Senior Steward Mrs Maggie Cooper
Treasurer Mr Ray Cooper
Property Steward Mr Leslie Gamadeku
Representative Mrs Cathy Turner
Belvedere
Senior Steward Mrs Madonna Johnson
Treasurer Mrs Marilyn Akuoko
Property Steward Mr Eugene Owusu
Representative Mrs Ann Hartley Y 23-24
Bexleyheath
Senior Steward Mrs Lucy Parry
Treasurer Mr Ishmael Aggrey
Property Steward Mr Roger Forward Y 23-24
Representative Mrs Christiane Sanvee Y 23-24
Trinity
Senior Steward Mr Ben Godwyll Y 23-24
Treasurer Mr Ebenezer Gyang-Kodia
Property Steward Mr Tolu Tikare
Representative Mr Adebayo Jolaoso Y 23-24
Representative Mrs Kofo Famurewa Y 23-24

Page 2

MEMBERS OF THE CIRCUIT MEETING - (CONTD) Trustee's

Trustee's
Trustee
Position Name Form Year
Circuit Officers
Welling
Senior Steward Mr Tony Hayes
Representative Miss Sandy Kennedy Y 23-24
Wesley Hall
Senior Steward Mrs Karen Gilham Y 23-24
Treasurer Mr Paul Nichols
Property Steward Mr Barry Munden

Page 3

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2024

The Lesnes Abbey present their report together with the independently examined accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024

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 Elizabeth Lightfoot-Taylor

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 institutionsubsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church;

(d) any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary orancillary to the Methodist Church.’ Our activities include the following:

  1. Supporting local churches in the provision of regular public acts of worshipopen to members of the church and non- members alike.

  2. The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.

  3. Pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.

  4. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31, AUGUST 2024

Members of Trustees of LESNES ABBEY

Members who served during the year and at the date of this report are:

Page 4

Superintendent MinisRevd Greg Obong-Oshotse Minister Revd ANSELMO AMARAL Minister Revd Chellaian Lawrence Minister Revd Patrick Eggleston [AM] Supernumerary Minister Circuit Treasurer Elizabeth Lightfoot-Taylor Circuit Stewards:

Ms Marian VanDyck Mrs Madonna Johnson Mr Femi Lawson

Circuit AdministratorMiss 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 Avenue and Pan was £45k higher than the previous year an increase of 20%. Income from donation was totals £13k

Expenditure trends

Total expenditure in the year was £205k as compared to £194k in the previous year, an increase of 12% mainly due to the increase in staff costs as a result of having filled the minister position that was vacant.

Fund balances

As at 31 August 2024 the net current assets of the Circuit were £115k, this amount includes £69k debts due from assessment and £13k is a restricted fund in the TMCP account. There is a £5k loan due wthin the year from Trinity,

APPROVAL

This report was approved by the Trustees on ……15[th] April 2025... 2025 and signed on their behalf by :

Page 5

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO THE TRUSTEES OF LENSES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages 8 - 13.

This report is made solely to the Trustees of Lenses Abbey Methodist Circuit, as a body, in accordance with regulations made under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and Charity SORP. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Trustees matters I am required to state to them in an independent Examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and Charity's trustees for my independent examination work, for this report, or for the statement I have given below.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and independent examiner

As charity trustees and for the purposes of charity law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements, the Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed. I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out:-

a) examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

b) follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

c) state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity, and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as 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 accounts present a “true and fair view” and the reports limited to those matters set out in the statement on the next page.

Page 6

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO THE TRUSTEES OF LENSES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Charles Osei, BSc (Hons), MSc, ACIE, AFA, ATA , MCIPP Date 17th March 2025 Flat 3, 11 Rochdale Way Deptford London SE8 4LY

Page 7

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024

Notes 2023/24 2022/23
£ £
Tangible Fixed Assets
Circuit Masses & Equipment 1,322,903
877,473
Investment Properties 492,761
Current Assets 326,845
Debtors 4
71,130
71,130 21,250
Cash at Bank and in hand 5
43,834
43,834 40,152
114,964
Creditors
Amount due withinoOne Year
(3,264
Other Creditors 6 (5,700) )
Net Assets/Liabilities ~~1,924,928~~ ~~1,262,456~~
Reserves
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund 33,022 28,845
Designated Fund 1,863,107 1,204,318
Restricted Funds: 28,799 29,293
1,924,928 1,262,456

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ……………………………………..and were signed on its behalf by:

…………………………….

Elizabeth Lightfoot-Taylor

Revd Greg Obong-Oshotse

Page 8

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Unrestricted
Notes
Funds
£
Resources Arising
Income from Charitable Activities
2
225,312
Total Income
Expenditure:
225,312
Charitable Activities -General
3
221,135
Total Expenditure
221,135
Resources retained for further use
4,177
Revaluation gains
Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliations of Funds
-
Brought forward 01/09/2023
28,845
Carried forward 31/08/2024
33,022
Unrestricted
Notes
Funds
£
Resources Arising
Income from Charitable Activities
2
225,312
Total Income
Expenditure:
225,312
Charitable Activities -General
3
221,135
Total Expenditure
221,135
Resources retained for further use
4,177
Revaluation gains
Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliations of Funds
-
Brought forward 01/09/2023
28,845
Carried forward 31/08/2024
33,022
Restricted
Funds
£
-
Designated
Fund
£
-
2023/24
Total
Funds
£
225,312
2022/23
Total
Funds
£
180,06
8
225,312
221,135
0
494
-
-
225,312
221,629
180,06
8
194,44
2
221,135
4,177
-
28,845
33,022
494
(494)
0
29,293
28,799
0
-
658,789
1,204,318
1,863,107
221,629
3,683
658,789
1,262,456
1,924,928
194,442
(14,374)
0
1,276,830
1,262,456

The charity made no recognised gains and losses other than those reported in the income and expenditure account.

Page 9

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation.

These accounts have been prepared on an accrual basis and include income and expenditure as they are earned or incurred, rather than as cash received or paid. Reference to the "Charities SORP" refers to the Charites SORP (FRS 102): Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 2nd edition effective 1 January 2019.

1a. Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

1b. Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or consrtructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is possible that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

1c. Government grants

Government grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.

1d. Fund accounting

Unrestricted Funds are receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.

Restricted Funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor. Designated Funds are unrestricted funds but earmarked by the trustees for specific purposes.

Page 10

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1e. Taxation

The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

1f. Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at amount prepaid.

1g. Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1h. Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

1i. Financial Instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1j. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Charity does not currently have any significant accounting estimates or areas of judgement.

1k. Tangible Fixed Assets

Equipment and other tangible fixed assets are capitalised when the cost is £500 or more

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Computer equipment - straight line over 3years

Page 11

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Incoming Resources
Donations & Legacies
Income From Monetary Investment
Income From Investment Properties
Assessment of Churches
Other Income
Total Capital Project Income
Cost of Activities in Furtherance of
Objectives
Salaries & Associated Costs
Property Maintenance
District Assessment & Levy
Other Outgoings
Total resources expended
Unrestricted
2024
£
12,704
952
33,201
159,975
18,480
225,312
Unrestricted
2024
£
141,138
1,835
46,432
31,730
~~221,135~~
Restricted
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
~~-~~
Restricted
£
494
~~494~~
2023/24
£
12,704
952
33,201
159,975
18,480
225,312
Total
2023/24
£
141,138
1,835
46,926
31,730
~~221,629~~
2022/23
£
340
536
18,969
152,939
7,284

180,068

Total
2022/23
£
110,325
4,092
46,186
33,839

~~194,442~~

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Debtors
Cash at Hand and Bank
HSBC Current Account
Central Finance Board
TMCP
Total
2024
£
71,130
71,130
£
14,308
16,206
13,320
43,834
2023
£
21,250
21,250

£
20,741
6,415
12,996

40,152

6 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Other creditors

2024 2023 £ £

5,700 3,264 5,700 3,264

Page 12

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity No. 1134664

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

7 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
fund
£
Fixed assets
1,815,664
Current assets
114,964
Current Liabilities
(5,700)
1,924,928
8 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated Fund
Restricted funds
Restricted fund
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated Fund
Restricted funds
Restricted fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Restricted
fund
£
0
-
0
-
At 1.9.23
£
28,845
1,204,318
29,293

1,262,456
~~2024~~
~~Incoming~~
resources
£
225,312
0
0
225,312
(5,700)
2024
Total
funds
£
1,815,664
114,964
1,924,928
~~Net~~
(3,264)
..
2023
Total
funds
£
1204318
61,402
1,262,456
~~At~~
31.8.24
£
33,022
1,863,107
28,799
1,924,928
(3,264)
..
2023
Total
funds
£
1204318
61,402
1,262,456
~~At~~
31.8.24
£
33,022
1,863,107
28,799
1,924,928
~~movement~~
in funds
£
4,177
658,789
(494)
662,472
~~2024~~
~~Resources~~
expended
£
221,135
-
494
221,629
~~2024~~
~~Movement~~
in funds
£
4,177
0
(494)
3,683

Page 13

LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT

CHARITY NUMBER: 1134664

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANACIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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 ‘are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of union the advancement of –

ACTIVITIES

Our activities include the following:

  1. Supporting local churches in the provision of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non- members alike.

  2. The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups and Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.

  3. Pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.

  4. 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 eleven churches in the Circuit of which seven 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.

In October 2023 the Circuit lost one of it's active churches. Currently it is being used as a community centre for the current community groups that are using the building until the Circuit Members decide what they will do with the building.

The Circuit has three full-time Methodist Ministers who exercise pastoral charge over the seven 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. They 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