WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH Report and Accounts Issue 1 year ended 30 September 2022
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
| ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE | ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE | Fulling Mill Lane | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welwyn | |||
| Herts. AL6 9NH | |||
| GOVERNING DOCUMENT | With effect from 6th May 2010, the Church was registered | ||
| with the Charity Commission (reg. No. 1135832). | |||
| It is governed by a new Constitution dated 11th July 2009, | |||
| (as updated by amendment dated 20 February 2019), | |||
| and revised Rules of | Practice which were adopted | ||
| by the church in November 2009 and May 2022. | |||
| Prior to this the church was an excepted charity, governed by | |||
| the Trust deed dated | 12 November 1892, and the associated | ||
| schedule of Articles of Faith, The Rules of Practice, | |||
| and The Procedures | for the management and | ||
| administration of the church as a charity. | |||
| CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER | 1135832 | ||
| TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR | Mostyn Roberts | Elder and Pastor | |
| MANAGING THE CHARITY | Chris Pountney | Elder | |
| Nigel Pountney | Deacon | ||
| Anthony Hendley | Deacon | ||
| Matt Jones | Deacon | ||
| HOLDING TRUSTEES | Wendy Evers | ||
| Andrew Ward | |||
| Carolyn Clark | |||
| Simon Barfoot | |||
| BANKERS | Barclays Bank | ||
| The Welwyn Group | |||
| 12/12A The Howard Centre | |||
| Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL8 6ER | |||
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER | Archie McDowall BA, | CA | |
| Stewardship | |||
| 1 Lamb's Passage | |||
| London | |||
| EC1Y 8AB | |||
| CONTENTS | |||
| Page 1 | Legal & Administrative Details | ||
| Pages 2-3 | Report of the Trustees | ||
| Page 4 | Independent Examiner's Report | ||
| Page 5 | Receipts | and Payments Account | |
| Page 6 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities | ||
| Pages 7-8 | Notes to the Accounts |
Page 1
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
The Trustees are pleased to present the Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2022.
Objects of the charity
The charity, which is a church, is governed by a Constitution and is constituted as a Trust.
The church's principal object, as set out in its governing document, is the advancement of the Christian religion as defined by the Schedule of Articles of Faith , both in the Welwyn area and elsewhere. This purpose is achieved by:
a) Regular meetings for public worship and for Bible teaching b) Financial support for our pastor and others so that they can devote themselves to the ministry of preaching, teaching and pastoral care; this includes support to train others for this work c) Evangelistic activities in the community
d) Production and distribution of Christian literature
e) Practical help to those in need, especially to fellow believers
Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements
To further the objects and vision, the charity’s main activities and achievements were as follows: The Church continued to meet for worship and “teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ”. It placed a strong emphasis on all the means of grace and regularly met for prayer and Bible study. The Sunday services were also Livestreamed and the midweek Bible Studies and prayer meetings used Zoom to include folk who were unable to attend. During the year, the church premises were used for the teaching programme including Sunday Bible classes, and weekday evening activities for children and young people. A number of other activities for different interest groups was arranged, and the Church continued to evangelise and to show the love of Christ to the local community.
The Church took an active interest in missionary work at home and overseas by prayer and financial support.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance given by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
Financial review
Unrestricted voluntary receipts were just under £95,000, which is much higher than in the previous year. Restricted voluntary receipts were slightly lower at £11,000. Receipts from charitable activities were a little higher than the previous year at just under £600. A sum of £300 was received from interest on investments, and £11,500 from the sale of a parcel of land.
Overall, the total receipts increased by over £20,000 compared to the previous year. Direct charitable activity payments were higher than the previous year by £7,000 at just over £64,000. Grants paid were slightly lower at £25,500. Unrestricted support costs were higher by £11,000 over the year. Overall, total receipts exceeded total payments by nearly £6,000.
The impact of Covid-19 on the church's finances has been very limited, with regular giving from members and attenders increasing. Higher expenditure has resulted from the premises being used more frequently during the year.
Future Plans
The key strategies for the church are to remain the same.
Grants Policy
In keeping with the Aims of the Charity, the Church supported a number of institutions and individuals both at home and overseas. The Church business meeting determined those causes to which grants are made, based upon either an annual review of previous recipients or as a new cause. No ongoing commitment is given to any recipient prior to renewal.
Investments Policy
The Deacons have pursued an investment policy which provides shorter and longer term returns in vehicles specifically set up for Charities. Risk is reduced by spreading across different schemes.
Policy on Reserves
The Officers have agreed a policy on reserves such that unrestricted funds are maintained at a level to: a) Cover ministerial, care, local outreach, administration and support costs without which the Church could not function.
b) Provide funds which can be designated to specific projects to enable these projects to be undertaken at short notice.
At the year end, the unrestricted net reserves were in the region of £76,000. This sum is being held to
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to provide funds for future use, including £6,000 for maintenance projects, and £40,000 for the ministry, eg the succession plan for the incumbent Pastor.
The trustees believe the charity should aim to hold £76,000 to meet these requirements.
The level of reserves is monitored and reviewed by the Charity Trustees twice annually.
Governance
The names of the Trustees who served since 1st October 2021 are listed on Page 1. They were elected by a majority of the Members in accordance with the provisions of the governing documents. The Trustees meet regularly to monitor and review activities in accordance with existing policy and decisions, and propose new or modifications to existing policy and decisions for adoption at the Church members meeting.
Organisational Structure
All Members subscribe to the Rules of Practice , which cover the administration of the Church and its Officers. The roles of Elders and Deacons within the Church are described in that document and are based on the New Testament teaching. The scope of the authority of the Church Officers in the discharge of their legal responsibilities is documented in the Procedures for the management and administration of the Church as a charity, Fourth Edition (June 2012).
Risk Management
All major insurable risks are subject to normal Churches' and employers' insurance. Contractual risks are reviewed before being entered into to assess that they could not significantly impact upon the Church's ability to fulfil its objectives.
A review is undertaken during the year of the major risks to which the church is exposed. The officers have taken appropriate steps to mitigate these risks.
Trustees Responsibilities
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by
Signed
…Mostyn Roberts……...Dated…19/3/23… ……N.D.Pountney……...Dated…19/3/2023……
Page 3
Independent Examiner's Report To the Trustees of
Welwyn Evangelical Church
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Welwyn Evangelical Church (the Trust) for the year ended 30 September 2022 on pages 5 to 8 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts 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 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed Archie McDowall BA, CA
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB
Date: 27-Mar-23
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WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
| Unrestricted | Restricted | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Funds | 2022 | 2021 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Receipts | |||||
| Voluntary receipts | |||||
| Grants and gifts received | 2a | 94,673 | 11,068 | 105,741 | 96,964 |
| 94,673 | 11,068 | 105,741 | 96,964 | ||
| Other receipts | |||||
| Interest received | 307 | - | 307 | 330 | |
| Charitable activities | 2b | 579 | - | 579 | 362 |
| Sale of Assets | 11,500 | - | 11,500 | - | |
| Total Receipts | 107,059 | 11,068 | 118,127 | 97,656 | |
| Payments | |||||
| Payments in furtherance of the | church's objectives | ||||
| Direct charitable activity | 3 | 64,242 | - | 64,242 | 57,175 |
| Grants paid | 3 | 15,098 | 10,458 | 25,555 | 27,624 |
| Support costs | 3 | 19,961 | - | 19,961 | 8,679 |
| Sale of Assets | 3 | 2,782 | - | 2,782 | - |
| Total Payments | 102,083 | 10,458 | 112,540 | 93,478 | |
| Net Receipts/(Payments) | 4,976 | 610 | 5,586 | 4,178 | |
| before transfers | |||||
| Transfers between funds | 6 | (510) | 510 | - | - |
| Net Movement in Funds | 4,466 | 1,120 | 5,586 | 4,178 | |
| Cash funds as at last year end | 72,575 | 100 | 72,675 | 68,497 | |
| Cash funds at this year end | 77,041 | 1,220 | 78,261 | 72,675 |
The notes on pages 7-8 form part of these accounts.
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WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
| 1. Cash Funds Barclays Bank General Account CAF short term deposits Cambridge & Counties Bank deposits Petty Cash - Bookstall 2. Other monetary assets Book Stock - valuation at cost Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid Other debtors 3. Liabilities Employment costs due to HMRC Fee for Independent Examination Accrued expenses 4. Assets retained for charity's own use The value of the assets owned are: Freehold Building Refurbishments and improvements Plant/Machinery/Equipment Program related investment |
Unrestricted Restricted General Funds £ £ 49,821 1,220 - - 27,211 - 10 - |
2022 £ 51,041 - 27,211 10 |
2021 £ 24,680 21,044 26,941 10 72,675 250 2,183 - 2,433 2,891 770 118 3,780 Historic cost as of 30/09/2022 At cost At cost See note below |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77,041 1,220 |
78,261 | ||
| 215 - 2,599 771 - - |
215 3,371 - |
||
| 2,814 771 |
3,585 | ||
| 1,723 - 770 - 897 125 |
1,723 770 1,022 |
||
| 3,390 125 |
3,515 | ||
| £ 100,000 130,200 30,100 80,000 |
|||
| 340,300 |
The Freehold property above comprises the Church premises at Fulling Mill Lane.
The Program Related Investment is an advance made in September 1999 for £100,000 on a property for the Pastor who holds the registered title. The church made available an additional sum of £15,000 in March 2006 towards part-equity in the property extension. Subsequently, the new evaluation and redistribution in the share of ownership was calculated as 55.08% of the proceeds of sale in favour of the church. In March 2016 the Pastor increased his share of ownership by paying the church £35,000, thereby reducing the church's share to 48.72%. The Trustees are confident that the current market value of the property is above cost.
The accounts were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf,
Signed
…Mostyn Roberts……...Dated…19/3/23… ……N.D.Pountney……...Dated…19/3/2023……
The notes on page 7-8 form part of these accounts
Page 6
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
1. Accounting Policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis with a statement of assets
and liabilities.
| 2. Incoming Resources (a) Voluntary income Gifts and donations Tax recovered Bequests received (b) Incoming resources from charitable activities |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 79,382 9,761 89,143.29 82,374 15,291 1,306 16,597.29 14,590 - - - - |
|---|---|
| 94,673 11,068 105,741 96,964 |
|
| 35 - 35 23 370 - 370 167 173 - 173 172 |
|
Literature sales Youth Work/ Ladies events Sundry income 3. Charitable activity costs Direct charitable costs Ministry costs Church teaching etc Local Evangelism Youth/Adult work Grants (see note 4) UK Missionary International Missionary Support costs Property and repairs Governance costs Other administration Sale of Assets Total |
|
| 579 - 579 362 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 56,244 - 56,244 54,371 3,170 - 3,170 1,725 3,635 - 3,635 779 1,193 - 1,193 300 |
|
| 64,242 - 64,242 57,175 |
|
| 12,398 7,146 19,544 23,849 2,700 3,311 6,011 3,775 |
|
| 15,098 10,458 25,555 27,624 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 16,631 - 16,631 6,939 780 - 780 750 2,550 - 2,550 990 |
|
| 19,961 - 19,961 8,679 |
|
| 2,782 - 2,782 - |
|
| 2,782 - 2,782 - |
|
| 102,083 10,458 112,540 93,478 |
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WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022
4. Grants Paid
| 4. Grants Paid | |
|---|---|
| Gospel Work Missionary Work Ministerial Training Medical Provision Hardship Relief |
Institutions Individuals 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 9,275 - 9,275 8,700 4,623 - 4,623 4,475 1,200 - 1,200 1,200 3,615 - 3,615 - 6,843 - 6,843 13,249 |
| 25,555 - 25,555 27,624 |
The major grants paid in the year were: European Mission Fellowship £8,154 (for support of a Pastor in Spain and a Pastor in Italy who are leading church work, and for hardship relief in Ukraine) ReachAcross £3,615 (for medical provision in Central Asia) Overseas Missionary Fellowship £2,000 (for Gospel Work in Taiwan) United For Mission £4,575 (for Gospel work in the UK and France) Gospel Grace Church, Sri Lanka £6,011 (for Church planting work and hardship relief in Sri Lanka) Pastors Academy £1,200 (for ministerial training in the UK)
5. Employees
The Church has one employee (2021: 1), with most of the church's activities being carried out by volunteers. The Pastor, JM Roberts, is both a church leader and a trustee. His gross salary, paid in his role as a church leader, is allowed by the governing document, and was within a salary band of £50,000 to £60,000. No remuneration was paid to any other trustee during the year nor to any person connected to them. No trustee expenses were paid to any trustee during the year.
| 6. Movement of Restricted Funds Harvest 22 (EMF/ NZF Foodbank) EMF Ukraine Emergency Sri Lanka Poor Relief Harvest 21 (ReachAcross) |
Balance at Balance at 30 Sept 2021 Receipts Payments Transfers 30 Sept 2022 £ £ £ £ £ - 1,095 - - 1,095 - 3,531 3,531 - - - 2,801 3,311 510 - 100 3,640 3,615 - 125 |
|---|---|
| 100 11,068 10,458 510 1,220 |
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