Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Wylde Green United Reformed Church Charity Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Contents Trustee's Report Independent Examiner's report Statement of Financial Activities for the year Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts 10-14
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Trnstees Report Reference and Administrative Details: Wylde Green United Refonned Church is situated within the West Midlands Synod of the United Refomied Church. Wylde Green URC is a charity registered with th¢ Charity Commission (No. 1136135) The correspondence address: Church Sretary Mrs Bev Lyne, 7 Cheadle Drive, Birn)ingham B23 5XF Stru¢tur4 Governance and Management Constitution The Church is a constituent part of the United Refornied Church which was formed by Act of Parliament in l972, as amended in 1981 and 2000. The Governing document of the Wylde Green United Refonned Church Charity was adopted by the Church, at a Church Meeting on 15th July 2009 and registration with the Charity Commission was fornllY confmed on I st June 2010. The pastoral and financial oversight of the congregation is achieved through the local councils of the Church and the wider representative councils. These being the elected Elders that fornially meet monthly both as Eld¢rs of the Church and as Trustees of the Charity and as part of the collective membership at the Church Meeting, which is open to all persons who have been forn]ally admitted to membership of the ' Church and whose names are on the membership roll. The wider representative councils are the West Midlands Synod to which the Church is affiliated and the General Assembly of the United Refornied Church. Governanee The Elders meet monthly both as Elders and where financial matters are concerned, as Trustees of th¢ Church and are the principal management committee of the Church, The Elders Meeting consists of the Minister and of Elders elected by the collective church membership at Church Meeting. The Treasurer (fonnally known as the Convenor of the Finance Committee) and the Convenor of the Fabric Committee, if not elected Elders. can attend the Elders Meeting as ex-officio members. Elders serve for three years and are then eligible for re-election for a further three years, after which they must stand down for at least a year. The Financial management of the Church is regulated through the Financial Standing Instructions (or the Financial Constitution), which was adopted by the Church Meeting in 2000 and amended in 2003 and further revised and approved at the Church Meeting in Novernb¢r 2011. The detailed financial management is delegated to the Finance Committee, working within this ConstitutiotL The membership of the Finance Committee is made up of officers with particular responsibilities and representatives of the Trustees and the Church Membership. Due to the size of the charity. the TteeS consider that an audit is not required for the 2023 year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 201 l and that accordingly only an Independent Examination is needed. The Church Meeting was held six times in the year, one of which was an AGM. The Church Meeting endorses (or not) the decisions of the Trustees on Financial matters and regulates and approves (or not) all other matters associated with the rLmning of the Church. Church Meetings can be attended by anyone connected with the Church, but voting is restricted to members of the Church.
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report In September 2019 Revd Dr Christopher Dowd was inducted as the Minister of Wylde Green United Refom]ed Church. He is an enthusiastic Minister with many innovative ideas to help the Church progress. Table of Elders Name Date Elected Date Down Stood Office Held Laura Fowler Jason Gardner Jacqui Goring November 2019 November 2020 November 2020 December 2023 December 2023 Heather Hall November 2020 Mike Harris Andrew Hughes November 2021 November 2020 December 2023 May 2023 August 2023 Leon Karatekin Samara Knight Pat Lister Bev Lyne Val Madill Helen Rowe Kathryn Willis November 2022 November 2021 November 2020 November 2018 November 2022 November 2022 November 2019 Jt Church Secretary Jt Church Secretary Aims and Objectives The Church operates within the Scheme of Union of the United Reforn]ed Church and the Governing Document approved by the membership at Church Meeting. The objectives of the church can be summarised as 'the advancement of religion, but specifically quantified by the following: To provide regular public worship for all To promote the Christian faith To teach the faith to all ages To provide training, nurture and activities for children and young people To serve the community To give pastoral care and support to members and others in need, particularly those in sickness, distress or poverty To provide premises and resources for community groups and activities.
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report The Church's Mission Statement is: 'Making the love of Jesus a reality in the community seven days a week. Reaching out, welcoming in,, Activities and Performance The number of church members as at 31 st December 2023 was: l 02. The number of Junior Church children and young people at the same date was: 27. During 2023 we continued our church services at I l am on Sunday mornings and we were able to offer a digital Zoom service for those not able to join us in person. Other services included daily morning and evening online prayers and our 4.30pm phone in service on Sunday afternoons. Our midweek prayer lunch on Wednesdays continued to thrive. For those in our fellowship who are not online, we continued to prepare and deliver a weekly pack, which included daily liturgy, prayers, Sunday sern]on and prayers for others. Weekly Bible Study continued on line and in person and included people from as far as Cardiff and Yorkshire. Christian Education continued also with several study days including theology around the LGBTQ+ community. We held morning Holy Week Prayers and Breakfast at Easter, and invited the local Ministers from different Christian traditions to lead the services each day. We also read the Gospel of Mark in its entirety on Maundy Thursday. It was a great joy to hold Sunday services on the church field. Worshipping God outside for Easter Day sunrise service, pet service, carols and fireworks etc as well as church fairs. We continued our social events throughout the year with concerts, films, theatre trips, quizzes, and fairs. As an expression of our concern for the environment and the fragility of God's creation our Wylder&Gre¢ner Eco group continued work in preparing our community garden space with a grow to share ethos and using the LOAF principles of Locally Grown, Organic, Animal Friendly and Fairtrade. The Eco group also organised several children's Eco sessions during the year to increase awareness and develop learning and continued the work of increasing the wildlife and diversity on the church field. We held several events to raise awareness of Fair-Trade issues including a fair-trade breakfast and autumn coffee morning. In May we joined together to watch and celebrdte the King, s Coronation and in July we held a very successful 24 hour 'Great Toilet Sit, to raise funds for our Outside Toilet to be located on the field. We successfully obtsined a grant to sct up an older person chair exercise class to promote health and well being. It is a popular weekly event and we also enjoy the tea and chat afterwards! Over the winter months we again offered a warni welcome space where we served breakfast, board games and prepared crafts and other activities for families to enjoy. We have continued to decorate our Church doors to share our Christian ethos with our neighbours. Our outside prayer box continues to be well used by people in the locality, and the prayers forn] part of our morning worship. Our crafty knitters have continued regular decoration of the post box situated outside our church and the scenes have included the Coronation, Mothering Sunday and Remembrance Day. Britwell Fair Trade and Eco Shop CIC continued to run with additions of new Eco Friendly products. The shop has four charities it supports so any excess funds are attributed to The Fair Trade Foundation, Climate Coalition, Transforn] Trade and a local community charity. The shop continued to open on Saturday mornings and also Sunday after the church service. We also were successful in opening after our university concerts held throughout the year.
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report We are delighted that the Hen Welfare Trust continue to use our field to rehorne hens. This was arranged three times during 2023. Following the successful church holidays held over the last few years we travelled this year to Cambridge, staying in Westminster College. Twelve people travelled from Wylde Green and we were joined by Rev Dr Janet Tollington who led daily Bible Study. Our Junior Church was run and co-ordinated by Susan Jones. Junior Church was active on Sundays and catered for babies through to teenagers. During the school holidays we ran a breakfast and crafts club for a week, with children from junior church and from our local community The local Infant School also came and held their Christmas Service in the church. The Church also has 6 uniforn]ed organisations: A Guide Unit (currently not meeting), one Brownie pack, one Rainbow Unit, a Scout Troop, a Cub Scout pack and a Beaver Colony. The scouts held their annual bonfire night fundraising event in November. We also provided room space for some Unifornied groups connected to a different church. Adult Groups and activities which are part of the Church inelude: A Badminton club, a book group, the Church Choir, Church Band, a Sunday lunch at a local restsurant for those people who live alone, and family lunches held at the church and in the grounds. We hosted a monthly film club, and several community Food Courts and began a weekly gentle chair exercise group. Our Wylder&Greener Eco Group met regularly and took positive actions which gained us a silver award. We are now working hard to achieve gold status. A variety of other organisations not directly connected with the Church, use the Church premises each week and pay a rental for their use of the facilities. We were very happy to welcome students from Birmingham University to perforni regular Sunday afternoon concerts and continued to delight in the orchestral concert perfonnances from Enigma Brass, Sutton Wind Band and the Black Country Big Band. The church was involved in collections for Papyrus, a young person's suicide prevention charity, Christian Aid, and supported the Leprosy Mission, Binningham City Mission, a local food bank and St Basils homeless charity, as well as appeals made by the Disasters Emergency Committee. This year we paraded the streets in December with the Christmas Santa Float, raising funds for Acorns Children's Hospice. st Our Christmas events and services included Blue Christmas which took place on the 21 of December, the shortest day of the year, Carols and Fireworks, a community event on the church field, Beer and Carols which took place at our local Deli shop as well as our regular Christmas Eve, Midnight and Christmas Day services. The Christmas charities we supported were the Red Cross Gaza Appeal, and Cherished a local based charity that offers care and support for children and young people.
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Chureh Premises The condition of the Church, Manse and other associated buildings is of constant concern and a large part of our annual budget is devoted to the routine repairs, maintenance and upkeep of these facilities. External contractors were employed to carry out specific duties such as the regular servicing of the fire system, the heating system and lightning protection. The Church has been the recipient of a number of bequests and it is the duty of the Eldership to ensure the responsible use of these funds and as such the Elders have liaised with the Fabric and Finance Committees in order to discuss and plan how these funds should be used to support the objectives of the church. There are two principal concerns that face the Charity on an on-going basis: The reliability of 'Congregational Giving, as its major income A fabric 'disast¢r' The Church has a team whose particular responsibilities are being aware of and implementing the Health and Safety requirements on the premises. as part of this we are fully aware of the varying needs of our members and visitors and print the details of the provisions we have for those with disabilities or special needs at the back of the Church Handbook. Prepared on behalf of the Trustees by Bev Lyne Signed on behalf of the Trustees Trustee: Date: 1ffj/2oZF 1719Izo Ig- Trustee: Date:
Wylde Green United Refomwd Church Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 Independent Examiner's report to the members of Wylde Green URC I report on the accounts of Wylde Green United Reformed Church for the year ended 31 December 2023. Respertlve responslbllitles of trustees and examlner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 {"the Charities Act") and that an independent examination is needed. Basls of Independent examlner's statement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions Biven by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charlty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items presented with those records and seeking explanations from the 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 falr view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement beS0w. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention l. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, In any material respect, the requlrement (al to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act: and Ibl to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting record5 and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities 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 accounts to be reached. Signed on 22 May 2024 by Roger Monk Independent Examiner
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Wylde Green United Reformed Church Charity Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023 General Legacy Peopl¢& Fabric Total Funds Fund Outreach Projects Funds Funds Fund Total Funds 2023 2022 Notes Incoming resources Congregational giving Tax recovered LKttings Donations and ants Investment income Other & Fundraisin8 events Wedding fees 60,346 16.262 44,434 17,018 1,341 7,084 700 60 J46 69J52 16262 15,402 44,434 35289 17,796 34,814 7,700 lJ41 571 7,084 6,745 7(K Total incoming resources 147 185 17796 164981 135059 Resources upended URC disbursements Salaries. fees & grants Mans¢ expenses Church expenses Fabric committee General expenses Subscriptions and donations Church life 52,464 23,050 4,232 16,901 24,686 12,837 5,133 52,464 52,464 23,050 24511 4232 3J68 16,901 14,773 62,040 16,753 12,837 10,170 S,133 456 37.354 6,970 6,970 5J58 Total resources expended 146 273 37 354 183 627 128,053 Net incoming l (outgoing) resources 912 (19558) (18646) 7,006 Fund balanL%s at l January 65,790 82.840 13,399 (19558) 162,029 Fund balances at 31 December 19558 72.840 13 399 il 143J83 162 029 The notes on pages 10 to 15 forn] part of these Accounts.
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Wylde Green United Reforn]ed Church Charity Balance sheet as at 31 December 2023 TotAI funds Total funds 2023 2022 Notes Fixed assets Investments Current assets Debtors 7.887 115,306 25,669 148,862 2.292 125,266 37,984 165,542 Cash on deposit Cash at bank Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 10 5,479 3,513 Net current assets 143.383 162,029 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Iyet totsl &&8ets 143J83 162,029 . Reserves General Funds 76,702 65,790 Legacy Fund 72.840 82.840 People & Outreach Funds 13,399 13,399 Fabric Projects Fund (19,558) TotAI re8erve8 143J83 153,582 The notes on pages 10 to 15 fonn part of these Accounts. Appmved by the Trustees on xx October 2024 and authorised to be signed on their behalf by: Trustee Trustee
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Wylde Green United Reformed Church Charity Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 Accounting Policies These accounts have been prepared in aordanCe with the Stst¢ment of Recommend¢d Practice 'Accounting by Charities, issued by the Charity Commissioners and with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom. The accounts have been prepared on the basis of accruals accounting. Th¢r¢fore income is matched with associated expenditur¢. In summary. accruals accounting requires that: income is recognised at the point when it is due to the charity, regardless of whether any cash a&sociated with th¢ transaction has actually been received and expenditure is recogmised at the point when the relevant goods and services ar¢ supplied, regardless of whether or not an invoice has been received or payment has actually been made. A summary follows of the more important accounting policies, which have been applied consistently. Tangible fixed assets Property associated with the charity is vested in URC (W.Midlands) Trust Ltd, the Synod trust body, and cannot b¢ disposed of without the consent of the Synod Finance Committee. This property is therefore considered inalienable and no useful purpose would b¢ gained by the inclusion of an amount in the accounts for land and buildings. Equipm¢n( furniture and fittings purchased by the charity are treated as outgoing resources in the year of purchase and ther¢for¢ no amount is shown in the balance sh¢¢t for such items. Fixed Investments Investments in government stocks and similar items which are intended to b¢ held for more than one year are treated as fixed assets. The initial cost of investments is their purchas¢ cost. Investhient$ are valued at market value at the balance sheet dats. Changes in value during the year are reported in the Statement of Financial Activiti¢s. Income from investments is includ¢d, together WAth any recoverable tax elem¢n( as an incoming resource to the 8en¢rdl fund on an accruals basis. lrfacies Legacies are treated as income in the year in which they are received. Where a donor has placed Conditions on the use of a legacy it is set apart from the general funds of the charity and used only for the specific purpose intended. L¢gacies over £500 received without conditions should be designated to particular reserves in accordance with th¢ charity's Financi Standing Instructions and Reserves policy. Ineome Tax recovered Receipts in respect of T&x claims for Gift Aid donations are treated as relating to the calendar year in which the. tax year ends i.e. those relating to the t&x year ended 5 April 2023 are included as income in 2023. Similarly, with regard to claims under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme these are treated as incom¢ quarterly in arrears i.e. t&x recoverable in this respect up to 30th September 2023. is included as income in 2023. 10
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Reserves The charity has no endowment or restricted funds at present. Funds apart from the charity's general fund are established by the Trustccs and Rcserves may b¢ designatcd to those funds in accordance with the charity's current reserves policy. Donations and grants received 2023 2022 Genernl Funds Donations passing through Mothers & Toddlers Group Other grants Book Group From fomier members Music Events Traidcraft Badminton Baptism, wedding & funeral donations Fees donated Unifornied Organisations Others inc food court 4,475 1,680 1,578 1,680 50 250 520 1,358 1,500 245 350 220 300 840 Synod ener8y improvement grant Community garden grant 17796 4300 33,067 4,075 People & Outreach Fund (iDcludey Older persons actlvity project) Congregational donations Field Shed donation from member ' Sutton Coldfield Town Council Grant 647 375 250 3000 3625 1,747 Total 34,814 7,700
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Salaries, fees & grants DRAFT 2023 2022 Wages and Salaries Ministerfs car and book allowances (after 20 % Synod recovery) Pulpit & Organist supply Caretakers, Cleaners and others Employers. NIC & Pension contributions 55 1.099 160 20,876 1,958 22,802 609 23,050 24,510 Manse expenses 2023 2022 Council t&x (after 200/0 Synod recovery) Water (after 200/0 Synod recovery) 2,359 549 1,802 228 Repairs & renewals (after £500 Synod Grant) 1,324 852 4.232 2,882 Church expenses 2023 2022 11,557 5,951 4,941 2,470 720 97 594 Insurance {2023 inc fabric committ¢¢) Electricity Water Rates Telephone & FI 3.637 1,099 608 16.901 14,773 12
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report Fabric Committee 2023 2022 Church and halls (2023 in¢ insurance) 15,896 7,229 Fabric Projects 2023 energy improvements Synod Fencing Grant Field toilet and community garden 37.354 10,851 (1.327) 8,790 62,040 16,753 Legacy Fund 2023 2022 Total brought-forward 72,840 82,840 Received from Executors Allocations Total carried-forward The L¢gacy Fund holds three unconditional legacies received in 2017 and is used to segregate those funds from the General Funds of the Charity. In 2022 the Trustees allocated £1 0,000 to 2023 Energy Effici¢n¢y Projects. Debtors 2023 2022 Lettings Prepayments Other debtors 1.448 6.439 573 331 1,883 7,887 2,787 Investments 90 & 35 day Charity deposit accounts are held with the Teachers Building Society standing at £75,0(K) (2022: £85,000), with a Churches, Mutual Credit Union account having a balancc of £40,306 (2022: £40,234). A Charities, Deposit Account with CCLA Inv¢stment Management Limited was also hel(L which was closed during the year (2021: £8). 13
Wylde Green United Reformed Church Annual Report 10 Creditors 2023 2022 Commitment for Lif¢ Utilities Other CrltOrS & accruals Amounts held for Church pUOses. Choir gown fund 464 2,320 953 2,029 3.450 58 Christmas Collections 3,795 3.795 14