THE MEfHODIST CHURCH REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 5rATEME (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2025 Wesley Methodlst Church. Chester Reglsterèd Charlty- Reglstratlon number 1138016 North Che5hlre Circuit Circult No lili Mlnisters Revd J Neil Stacey Deacon Suzanne Sale Stewards Heather Walker David Ciough David Acguay_e Sarah Pearson Heather Pearson Helen Johnson Denise Klngsnorth Church TaSurer Shirley Stacey I |Pa&Fe
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH, CHESTER TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CHARITY COMMISSION FOR WESLEY METHODisf CHURCH, CHESTER (CHARITY NO. 1138016): YEAR ENDING 31" AUGUST 20Z5 SEcfioN I: OVERVIEW REPORT l. Introdurtlon Wesley Methodlst Church Chester has the working name of The Wesley Church Centre; it is simply known as Wesley, by many people locally. The charitable objects are those of the Methodist Church, and include commrcment to Chrlstian service through worshlp, prayer and communtty Involvement, which provides sigftlfl¢ant publlc beneflt. 2. Weslevs Mlsslon Statement As part of the Methodlst Church. WesleV5 mi55ion is: proclalm and afflmi 0r con¥lrtion of Go(Vs love In Chrlst for us and for all the worfd: and renew (onfldence In God's presence and actlon In the world and Èn the church.. The Wesley famlly is gathered from all overchester and beyond. Our premises thernselves form a primary point of connection with each other, and our particular calling arises from their location In the heart of the city. We are called: to open the Wesley chUh Centre as a resource for all,. to encounter and engage with people beyond our fellowship's margins: and 50 to make new relationships with individuals. groups and organlsations. We aim to create a s a of warmth and o enness in which we can: offer hospltsllty to those coming into the city centre sensitlvely offer friendship, a sense of belonging and pastoral care offer opportunitles for worshlp. prayer and reflertion pmvlde opportunltles for personal, SDual and spirltual development promote actlon for soclal justice and transformation form pathways to engagement In Chrsstian communrty and to faith tommltment 3. Revlew of Wesley Churth Centre Llfe: I September ZOZ4to 31 August 20ZS 3.1 Sunday Worshlpi Weekday Artlvities and Church Ufe Wesley's membership as of 31 August 2025 was 116. Sunday morning worship contlnued throughout the year in a hybrid format i.e. worship in the building tO8ether with online participation by Zoom with the average number of people attending Worship increasing slightly during the year. Wesley is a member of the natlonal IncluSNe Church Networl preache5 a strong message of inclusion and extends a welcome to all. An ecumenical 'Open Table. monthly Sunday evening communion service for the LGBTQIA+ community and their supporters contlnued throughout the year. Sunday evening meditative services, 'Quiet Spèce,, abo took pla monthly throLtghout the year. 21Page
WESLEY MEfHOD15T CHURCH, CHESTER A number of midweek bible studÉes, fellowship meetings, dlscussion 8roups and other learning opportunltles took place throughoutthe year. Worshlp workshops also took place periodicallywith the objettive of developlng people'5 understanding of the different elements involved in curdting public worship. Deacon Suiie Sale co-ordinated the Wesley pastoral care team durlng the year wlth telephone calls and vlslts being made where needed. In June 2025 a survey was carried out to allow the congregation to express their views on recent chan8es to our patterns of Sunday morning worship. Weslews leadership team will reflect on the responses In the new year, 3.2 Centre A¢tivltie$ 3.2.1 To Open ihe Wesley Church Centre as a Resource for All Wesley continued to be valued as a place of hospitslttywhere conversation t5always FsSible artd wherefrFendship5 can be made. The Café run by Wesley CDffee Bar IWeslel5 related 'limited by guarantee, companyl continued to be the heart of WesleVs'Open Doorf, Tuesday to Saturday. The Falr Trade Shop run by Chester FairTradlng Limited also played an Important part in Wesley's communlty outreach and offering to visitors. Wesley 15 a Fair Trade Church, so Is committed to uslng fair trnde goods wherever reasonably prartiC3ble. The number of people coming into the building during the week and those attendingevents has steadily increased. The Centre has also continued to be used by a wlde range of organisatlons and community groups. In December 2024 thè premises were opened up for four days between Christmas and New Year to offer a Warm Space welcome, including hot drinks. mince pies and a friendly face. This initiative was appreciated by the many people who popped in during the wee 3.2.2 To Eniourase and Enga8e with People Beyond (r Fellowship's Margins 'Music at Weslev once again rdn 44 Tuesday lunchtime concert5 between early September and mid July, together wfth 10 Saturday orgars reatals 8nd l evening orchestral concert in the year. The average concert attendance thls year rose by 13% to 130. In November nlne local oaniSts contributed to an organ day whlch raised £884 for Christlan Aid, Wesley was also the venue for concerts given by the Chester Bach Singers. a young people's taurlng cholr from Los Angeles and the Chester Chamber Orchestra. Community Bread Making sessions continued on Mondays, organised by the co-operative social enterprise 'Bread Togetherf. in partnershlp wlth Wesley. As well as making bread these sesslons provlde much-valued opportUrtle5 for people t¢ meet and build cOnfenCe. not least for those with a range of needs. The Wesley Crèche sessions continued on Thursday and Frfday moming5. together with a Wesley run parent & toddler group on Wednèsday mornings. In July 2025 Wesley registered underthe Chatty Café scheme. This scheTne provides an identified area where those who wlsh to chat are able to join wlth others for coffee an conversation. 3.2,3 To Make New Relatlonshlps wlth Indlviduals, Groups and Orrdnisatlons Weslels commitment to support our Ukrainlan friends contlnued during the year. In Septernber we offered flnanclal support to member of the community whose wife had died In tragic circumstances and on Saturday March l a vigil was held at Wesley, attended by appr0matelY 150 people, to mark the third annTv2rsary of the Russlan Invaslon of Ukraine. 31Page
WESLEY METHODisf CHURCH, CHEsfER Earty in 2025 Wesley was awarded Church of SanCary status. An event was held on April 2 to mark this achievement, and a certificate was presented to we5Y by Revd Inderllt Bhogal. The event Included a display of banners from the Methodist Peace Fellowship. 3.3 Church Premlses In addltion to gerkerel repairs ènd regular equipment servicln& the fOlWIng projects were carried durlng the year: The hall ceiling fluorescent lights were replaced wlth LED ffttln8S. Weslevs solar panel and battery projett was successfully completed. The lounge. fair trade shop and crèche room windows fronting St. John Street were replaced with double- 81azed units. Wesley gtstefulty acknowledges grant support re¢ewed for these eco proiects from the North Cheshlre Methodlst Circuit and Chester and Stoke-on-Trent Methodist Distrit and from The Ursula KeyesTru5t, The Benefact Trust and Chestercommunity Energy. Wesley was awarded A Roch3 UK Gold Eco Church Award in July 2025, based on the work spearheaded by Wesle5 Eco Group. 4. Future Plans A project to install a safer means of access to the Worshlp Area roof space is planned for implementation by eady 2026, and a project to instsll a disabled acce55 ramp to allow Safer acce into Weslefs hall is In the early plannlng stages. A reviewof our systems of pastoral care isto be undertaken inthe aLrtumn with a ¥iew to strengthening our pastoral networks and widenln8 the pastoral team. Following the worshlp survèy mentioned prevlously. the leadershlp team will consider what further changes to patterns of worship may be desirable based on the varied opinions of the whole congregation. 5. Condusion It has been good to see increases both in attendance at worship arkd in the number of people findlng hospitality and support through our midweek work. The attainment of both 'Church of Santtuary, 5tstus and the Gold Eco Church award demon5trate5 our commitment to an holi5ti¢ understanding of mi¥ion and a possion for soclal Justl¢e. We are encouraged at the numberof peoplewho contlnue to find Insplration in our bulldlng and our people. 41Page
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH, CHESTER SEcfioN 2: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ON FINAN AND GOVERNANCE 2.1 BASIS OF PREPARATION AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF Accourirs Wesley Methodist Church, Chester is a church within the Methodist ConneKlon sn Great Britain and these accounts are prepared in accordance with the constitution, practice and disciplir7e of that Church. The flnanclal statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 In accordance wtth the Accounting ond Reportit7g by Chorities.. Statement of Recommended Practice fChurltie5 SORP (FRSJ02iJ applicable to charities pparIng their account5 in accordance with the Financlal Reporting Stsndard for Smaller Entitles applicable in the UK leffectlve from l January 20151, the FnancIal Reportlng for Smaller Entitles leffectNe l January 20151 and the Charities Act 2011. The accounts relate to the Church and its variou5 orgar155ations and its wholly owned subsidiary and related company. FLFII Name of Ch3rlty/ Church: Wesley Meth•xllst Church, Chester Registration Charlty Number: 1138016 Date of re8lStration: 15th September 2QlO Maln communication addre55'. Wesley Methodlst Churth. Stjohn Slreet, Chester CHI IDA The members of the Church Council of Wesley Methodist Church, Chester arethe CharltyTrustees. The membership Is made up of Circuit Ministers. church office holder5 and representatives appointed by the church at the Annual General Church Meetlng. The full list of Church Councll members, inclLsding changes durlng the financial year. are shown as Appendlx A to thls report. Trea5urer'. Mrs Shlrley Stacey Independent Examiner. aear Ac¢ountaTKV {InL Nlra Smlth Accounts) Ltd Investment Bankers.. Central Flnance Board of the Methodlst Church, Trustees for Meth¢xlist Churth PuFI)oses 51 Pa&Fe
WESLEY MFfHODIST CHURCH. CHESTER 2.2 GOVERNANCE 2.2.1 Alms and organlsatlon As reg15tered with the Charlty CommIss fCht7rityno. 1138016).. Wesley is a Chr15tian falth communlty offering regular Christlan worship and communtrty hospitalty through its premises during the week, Including arts and music events and exhibition5, cafe facilitie5 Ivia Trt5 affillèted companyp Wesley Coffèe Barl, crèche and toddler groups, community bread maklng sesslons and lettlngs to a varlety of local groups, 2.2.2 Purposes of the Methodlst Chur¢h The purposes of the Methodlst Church t7re ond5hall be deemedto have been since the Dfrte of Unlon the advon¢ement of.. al The Christian faith in a¢wrdance wtth the doctrfnal standards and disclpllne of The Methodist Church; bl Any charltable purpose for the time beirE of any Connexional, Distrfct, CircuiL local church or other organisation of The Methodist Church; cl Any charitable purpose forthe tlme being of any sooetyor Instltlrtion subsldiary or ancillary to The Methodlst Church,. dl Any purpose for the time being of any chartty being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church 2.2.3 Main artlvttles of the churrh Wesley Methodist Church engages in o wlde ran9e of attivities oimed ot both its OLvn members and the wider communlty.. The celebration of God's love in WOTship and prdyer. The organisation and re50vrcing of regular publtc acts of worship which aim to be open and accessible to all. The teaching of Christlanity through sermons, courses and Small Broups. The condutt of baptisms, Weddg$ and funerals. The resourctng of pastoral work Including vlsitin8 the 5i¢k and bereaved. T2king religlous assemblies in local schools. Promotion of Christianity through the stsging of events and seNices. Provislon of hospita15ty throughout the week through the Wesley Café. Provlsion of regular lunchtime and evening concerts and arts artivities and events. Provlsion of community bread making sessions. Hosting of crèche and toddler groups. Provlsion of facllities for various organisations and communlty group Meefjng& 2.2.4 Publlc Benellt We conflrm that the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commisslon's guidance on publlc benefit which has been delivered In the areas of religiou5 worshipi community support and other charitable artivitie5. 2.2.5 strurture, Governance and Management The governing document for the church is the Deed of Union119321 and MethrJdi5t Church Act119761. Detailed governance arrangements are outllned wlthin the Constrtutional Practice and Dlsclpline of the Methodlst Church by order of the annual conference ICPDI. Day to day management of the church is undertaken by the Church Leadership Team whlch Is made up of the Church Steward5, Treasurer and the Ministers. 61Page
WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH. CHESTER Some of the Trustees are appointed ex offlclo as Circuit Minlsters and the other5 are appolnted a5 church role holders and as representatlves by the annual General Church Meeting. 2.Z.6 Trustee Tralnlng A range of guldance produced by Methodist Connexlon to support the effertive runnlng of the church and the role of Trustees is glven to the Church Trustees at various meetings andlortraining se5SiOllS. 2.2.7 Related Partles The Church is part of the North Cheshire Methodist Clrcuit which is Part of the Chester & Stoke-Dfb-Trent Methodist Dlstrict and Is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. 2.2.8 Rlsk Management The major risks have been identified and recorded bythe Trustees with professional advi tsken as requlred. There is a regular annual review PrO$S undertaken and recorded. Income and Expenditure 15 belng monitored in total and is compared wlth the approved annual budget on a regular bas15 to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on rese¢ves. 2.2.9 Safe8uardin8 The Methodist Church, ulong wlth the whole Christian community, believes each person hus o value and dignity which comes dirertlyfrom God'5 creation in God's own imuge und Yikeness. ChristlGns see th potentiul osfvlfilled by God's re-crecjtion of us in ChrlsL Among other thlngs this Implies o duty to vulue ollpeople ns beorlng the imoge of God ond therexore to protect tlyemfrom horm. Methodist Connexlonal practlce outlines commltment to the following principle5: The care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children. young people and adults. The safeguarding and protectÉon of all childrenfft young people and adult5 when they are vulnerable. The establishinE of Safe. caring ¢ommunities which provide a loving environment where there Is Infomied vigilance as to the dangers of abuse. We will careIlY select and train all those any resporbybtlity within the Church, in Ilne wlth Safer Recruitment prlnciples, Includlng the use of criminal records disc105ures and reglstratlon with the relevant vettSng and barrSnE schemes. We will respond witholbt delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed. cooperating with the pollce and local authority in any Investlgatlon. We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developlng with them an appropriate mlnlstry of Informed pastoral care. We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone In a poslt(on of trust. We wlll seek to offer pastoral care and support, Including supeNision and referrdl to the proper authorltie5, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a chlld, young person or vulnerable adult. In all these principles we will follow ieglslation, guidan and recognised Bood practlce Wesley Methodlst Church, Chester commits itself to ensuring the implementrdtion of Connexlonal Safeguardin8 Policyi government legi51Htions guidance and safe prartice In the circuit and In the churches. Wesley Methodist Church, Chester commits Itself to the provision of support, advice and tralning for lay and ordained people that wlll ensure people are clear and confident about their role5 and responsibllltles In safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adutts who may be vulnerable. 71Page
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH, CHESTER 2.2.10 Reser¥es Pollcy The Reserves Policy for the Chur£h is to ain to hold a minimum sum in the General Fund equlvalent to 6 month nOndiSCretIonary expenditure based on the follo.wingyearfs budget This should be sufficient to meet unforeseen items of expenditure and/or to be able to continue, in the short tem, funding planned activities In the eventof any Inability to raise the full expenses including the assessment payable to the Methodist OrcTt. A Separate and more detalled Reserves Policy document, upd£ted annu81ty, coversthe poiry of bulldlng provisioris ith contlngency funds. to cover for known rnajor expenditures le.g. Church Centre ftat roof plaCeMentI that are likely tD be required In the next 5 year5. Signed on behalf of the Managlng Trustees of Wesley Methodt5t Church. Chester Name.. Revd J N Sts¢ey Role". Chalrof the Manoglng Trustees of Wesley Methodist Church, Chester Signature: Date; 15r Mèrth 2026 Name: Mr L Haynes Role: Secretary ofthe Managing Trustees of we$ Methodlst Church. Chester Slgnature.. Date: I" Mèrth 2026 81Pabye
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH. CHESTER APPENDIX CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP11.e. MANAGING TRUSTEESF. from 01.09.24 to date MEM8ERSHIPCATEGORY NAME (a5 at 01.09.24) CHANGES SINCE 01.IYJ.24 Minlsters Revd Neil Stacey Deacon Suzanne Sale Church Steward5 Heatherwalker Davld Clough David Acquaye Sarah Pear50n Heather Pearson Denlse Kingsnorth Helen Johnson Pauline Goodlad Victoria Evans Resigned 31.08.25 Re5ignetJ as Steward 31.08.25 Resigned 31.12.25 Appolnted 01.09.25 Appolnted 01.01.26 Church Safèguardlng Coryordlnator Jane Krèuse Church Treasurer Shirley Stscey Secretary of Church Councll Leyland Hayne5 Admln. Committee Secretary Brtan Heald Property Steward Stephen Bowden lan Evans Reslgned 22.01.25 Appointed 22.01.25 Secretary of Pastoral Committee Gillian Lan8rlck Junlor Church Ualson Clrcult Stsward Rèpresentatlve Glll Townsend Simon Kelly Resigned 31.08.25 Appointed 01.09.25 Not less than 6 and not more than 15 representatives elected by the annual General Church meeng (who ore members of the Church) Malcolm Pearson Andrew Ramsey Derek Fry Angela Macquiban Chris Royton TerryGreen Paullne Goodlad Mark Gant Michael Haynes lan Evans David Clough Resigned 31.08.25 Church Steward frorn 01.09.25 io. ii. 12. 13. 14. 15. Property steward from 22.01.25 GCM Rep. from 01.09.25 91Pdge
WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH. CHEsfER St•i)wrtoIanActhrscfWtortheYqIr0nd08JAulUIt2o2S Notrsbj rADeraihhd YWn• Totsl Totsi nd$ a¢¢OWbts lrtcome Income relalln8to the U)urch Fundrdlthg Inro Interest & Investment Income Income 5UPPOrtIDg the Mi551on of the Churth other Chalfiable Inton Other Inrome Tradin810rne 14,Y32 163P57 3<n4 36.714 1 IL496 1 1767 . 9.868 4,s s.3 42,7SO 76W3 925 48.529 j 3QgW. 336,dQ Expendkn¥e Expenditure relatlngto the (hurth Fundra151ng Expendlture Inte5t & Investment Costs Expendlture on the M15aoD of the Churth oth Charftable Expendlture Other ExpendSture Depretlatlon Tr4dlngENpedlture li 49A60 156,113 8,841 616 6,941 11,635 IA63 281 &761 8,761 6A63 7¢ 7,737 ', IW9 4910 748 76.742 76,742 70,277 256.167 L438 6akn511lossesl on Investnient propere5 NetthCDnItMWlej a9.1 18.135 ,612 8Li56 Irtsli%)&%esl on FlxedAssets 4L244 760 81,672 Totsl fvnds browtht fDrnaTd 1_,928 io SC3 IO56A37 974.755 Tololfy$c0rrFe&fvn¥rd 173 19,843 074 572 ef F*BrKI?I Incwes w.1 pln5 and SseS ar. All Ioll'agve
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH, CHESTER DeJated Toill Funds Fund blldIngtrdtstherW¢yery Investm2nt propert IrvEsbDents 19 41,3 7M.35Z CufftrfA$8ers DÉi)iotsaNJ preKXyMth -StDck csnErilmrnn 808r Dep05tts 1472Z 8U07 223J73 7353 3214 2UATI 3&263 a3.9 ¢¥v4rtll•blllt18S credttor51uJW1>T} I12 2)?3 Iq567 3W97 Z6I.326 Yotolv55etslvMwrnertth)& LOY5,W , ¥054rn 47? 354 Funds¢fth¥Chuv¢h Gerkral F1,¢lstrfck) atedFuth Iunrpstrtttedl 2Zs,Irs ZR3.173 &¢J44162j 181928 Q04A ID,C20 RestrfctedFun TotdFonrf5 IJIY4.SYI 56A37 ThEF1n7rKfa1ater5WerP¥pte8n&8gfTrtstSanh0&tdfOr15$0n i#Marth2026arKareIw&oni*I Dfthe wna£lTrvsteeSbY Rj 11 |PagTe
WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH. CHESTER Cash fk+w statement forthe year ended 31 August 2025 2025 statement of cash flows Cash from operatlng artfvltles Net cash used in operating activFties. as below 36,212 Cash Ilows from Inve5tln& a¢tNltles Dividends, interest and rents from ifwestments Purchase of property, plant and equipment Acquisltion/disposal of Investrnents Net cash provided by Investlng a¢tlvltles 20,188 1,032 ZLOOQ 220 Cash fkjws from flnanclng actfvltles Transfer between funds Net cash used In Ilnanclng activltles Change In cash and cash equl¥alents In the Teportlng perknd Cash and cash equivalents at I September 2024 Cash and ta5h equiialents at 31 August 2025 35,992 259,740 295,732 Reconclliation of net Income to net cash flowfrnm operatlng activtlies Net income for the reportlng perlod (per 50FAI Adjustments fop. Depreciation and amortisation charEe5 Divi(lends, interest and rent5 from Investments Galnslllossesl on Investments Oecreaselllncreasel in stocks (InCreasel/decase in debtors Increase/lde¢rea5el In credltors Increaselldecreasel in longterm IlabilFeS Net cash used in operatlng actlvitles 18,135 386 20,188 760 56 332 3,767 123 36,212 Analy$ls of cash and cash equlvalent Cash In hand and bank balances Short temi deposlt (less than 3 months) Totsl cash and cash equivalents 33,099 262,633 295,732 121Page
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH. CHESTER DECLARATIONS Treasurer I confirm that I have prepared the account5 from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the Control of the Managing Trustees of Wesley Methodlst Churth Chester. Slgnature of Treasurer .S.Stscey 35 Vlncent Drive, Westmlnster Park, £hester, LH4.7.RQ Address Presentatlon to the Man48lng Tnsstees at a Church Councll MeetingforApproval I confirm that the Accounts were presented to the Mat)aging Trustees at a Church CouncN Meeting and were ap.proved on I" March 2026. Slgnature of Chair of meeting Name Date Revd J N Stacey I" March 2026 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBIUTIES The Trustees are responslble for preparing the Trustees, report and the financial ststements In accordan wSth applicable law and United Klngdom Acwuntlng Stsndards luned KI0 Genernlly ALreptpd Accounting Practlcel. The law applic8tr2le to charities In England and Wales requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each fin3nEtal"ye8r wPllEh Eiveatrue 3ndf8ir.v ofthE Stats of 3rS ofthe t1ty3n[l ofthp"incomingTesouTEesBnd application of resource5 of the charty for that period. In preparing these financial statèments, the trustees are .requicedio". Select suitable accountlng policies and then apply them con5iStently," Observe the methods and principles in the Charittes SORP; Make Judgements and estimates thot are reasonable and prudent- Ststs whetherapplicable acctsuntin8 Standards have beenfollowed, subJecttoany material departures dlsclosed and explalned In the financlal statements- Prepare the financlal statements on the ongoing concem basls unless tt is inappropriate tt) presume that the -church wlll continue in operotron. Th¢Trugtees are responsible for keeping proper8ccountlng recordswhich di5Ctose with reasonable accuracyat any time the71nancial position o-f the Church and to enable them to ensure that the-financlal statements comply with the Charitles Act 2011 and Its constltution. They are also responsible f¢y safeguardlng the a55ets of the Church and hence for tsklng reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud or other Irregularities. 5fATEMEKf OF DISCLOSURE TO THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER al Sofar astheTrustee5 Bre aware, there is no relevant Informatlon of whlchthe indepe1ent examiner15 unaware bl The Tmstees have taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as tnjstees in order to make themselves aware of any relevant infomiation and to establish that the independent examiner 15 aware of that infom)ation. Wesley Methodist Church St John Street Chester, CHI I DA Sstscey TFea5urer I" March 2026 131Paae
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rgifwrf, YF2 gFr f)IsrlrJ£lii Qnly r(uKplo&e ?1 Bx¢rD.tiiot neoLf- i) li',,118lil fria',&0 M1&11$ Df conr$m 01 horo bFl<htall fA alw lthm¥ Ihatlhè I)MIllerh¢s to d18GIo¥o, 151Pag¢
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH, CHESTER NOTESTO THE A coupirs: YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Bas15 of accountlng and accounting polldes Accountlby Standard The financlal statements have been prepared in accordance wtth AcmuntNnq ond Reportlng by Charltles.. Statemeftt ofRecofftmeHdedPrortice{Chortie5 SORPfFRS102H 201S. Basls Wesley Methodist Church, Chester is a churth withln the Methodlst Connexlon In Great Brltain and these accounts are prepared in accordance with the constitutlon, practice and dlscipline of that Church. The firth7clal staterTrents 17ève beeNprepared under the Charities IEtt 2011 èccordance wtth theAccounting and Reportlng by Charities.. Ststement of Recommended Pract (Charities SORP [FRS102JJ. The accounts relate to the Church and its variou5 Qrganisations and its wholly owned sub&tdiary 4nd related oompany. Its related company is Wesley Coffee Bar, a company limited by guarantee, whlch operates a café on the Wesley Method45t Ch4Jr(h werAi5es. Jts dIre£or$ appolmted b¥ Wesley Methodlsl Church Council and ultimate conirol lies wtth the Managing Trustees tsf Wesley Methodlst Church. These acC()tJ[ have beeft"prepèred tm the b8sis of hrstorrI eost except that fixed assets are"shown at valuatlon or cost of acquisitlon less accumulated depreciation and investments are shown at their rnaet value at the end of the year. The accruols basis has been used and the Trustees present accounts that show a true and fair view of the Church's financial position and actlvitie5. The accounts have been prepared on a 80Sng concern basls. Content The finat)ckalJnformation pr£sentedi& Ke}t..fl1th.Mmparabje And oompjete.. WheiE esumatesare used these are based on experience. research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in Pound Stedin& rounded to the nearest pound. Rounding differences Should be ignored. Where the Content of this vearf5 accounts is dlfferent from that of the previous year. the comparatNe yearfs numbers have been adjusted and restated to be in the same fomiat and on the same basts. Golng concern To the best of their knowledge and bellef the trustee5 confirm that the are no material uncertainties that would call into question the Church'5 financial viability for at least 12 month5 from the date of approval of these accounts. Consolklation These accounts are the consolidated accounts of Wesley Methodistchurch, Chester and Wesley Coffee Bar. Where cross-charging has taken place. these have beers eliminatsd upon consolldatlon. IncofférAcognitton Income is brought into account when Ft is more liketythan not that the economic benefit of the income will be forthcomlng. Expendlture Thislsreco8ntsed wherTa418blllty Idncur.trJCor1stnJctlveob1latlOn ar5, thatTesultslrtthepawiiffiit being unavoidable. Liabilitiesare recogni5ed assoon asthere is a legalor constructlve obSlgatlon committing the chllr.th io pa¥ aut rles. Capital Commltments On 315t August 2025 the were no outstandlng commitments. 161Page
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH, CHESTER Tan8lble tlxed assets The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes are custodian trustee forthe church land and premises, whlch is a Model Trust property, and they hold the freehold title. The Tru5tee5 of Wesley Methodist Church, Chestevs policy is to value the freehold property on the basls of a market valuatlon, prepared by an independent chartered surveyor and to base value the organ on the lower of its historic purchase cost or net realisable value. The histori1 cost of the building is not known to the Trustee5. A markvt- valuation was Dnttertaken ty Savitts iTh MardT 2fJ19 wh7ch- va[1 thE freehdd property at £750,CK)O, and in the opinlon of the Trustees this valuation is still reasonable. The value of the organ wa>rE.Statedth2Q17118 toa.tdstodc pur£hase OtA5.thiAtsQftqaIÈd to tignet reajisable vaiue.. Flxtures, Flttin8s and Equipment individually costing more than £5,0 are now capitslised and written off on a straight-line b85is over the useful lrfe of the asset. The useful Ilves wlll depend on the nature of the asset acquired. The con5()Ildated financial statements refiect the assets owned by Wesley Coffee Bar. The depreciation policy 15 shown wlthln the separate accounts for Wesley Coffee Bar. 1.10 Investments The investments are in monetary assets and are hekl by the Trustees for Methodlst Church Purposes (rMCPI as custodian trustees. Thevaluation5, at market value, are those provided byTMCP. The unrealised galns arising on investments at the end of the yearare shown in the SOFA and in Note 19 below. 1.11 Stock Stock is valued at the lower of c05t and net realisable value. I.IZ Basic Flnanclal Instruments A financial a55eter &finèrKaFlIaiMlityisfegN[5edonI¥theftth&enty becomes ?partytfrth&contra¢tLFal provisions of the instrument. Baslc financial Instruments are initially recogni5ed at the transaction pri, unless the arran8ement constitutes a financingtransaction. where it is recogn15ed at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rdte of interest fora similar debt instrument. Debt Instruments are subsequently measured at amortlsed cost. Financial assets that are measured at C05t or amortised cost are revlewed for objective eviden of impairment at the end of each reporhng date. If there is objectlve eVIden of impalment, an impairment Ioss is recogniRd In prDfft OF1055 immediately. 1.13 Bank and Cash The liquid fund5 of bank balances and deposrt account balances are shown at the reallsable values. 1.14 Debtors ond Prepayments Debtorsandprepayrnentsare 5tated the arnountsowed toor prEpa4d by the Church and W£sle¥ Coffee Bar. 1.15 Credlt¢>r£ Creditors are amounts owed by the Church and Wesley Coffee Bar and are measured at the cash or other consideratlonexpett(ed tO?ald. 1.16 Funds Wesley Metho(fist Church, Chesterhas a number orkn1$,. General"FunLf [unrestricted), Deslgnated Fund5 lunrestrlctedl, Desl8nated Funds Iresirictedl and Endowment Funds Irestrirtedl. Wesley Coffee Bar is Included in tkneGene FNd 4FTr these£efts01id?ted atv)urts. ARy5vrplu5es on theGeneral Fund ifi ex¢ess of the required 6 month5, expenditure are usually transferred to the Designated Fund5 lunre5trictedl, whlch have been established to provide for the long-term maintenantt of the bullding. 1.17 Tax Belng a clthtyWesleyfinetho¢listChtyrchthes not paycorporatioTrtax. tt does clalmGift Aldontkn7atlons. Wesley Coffee Bar does pay corporatton tax on any profits. 171Page
WESLEY MEfHODisf CHURCH. CHESTER Independent Examination Accruals have been made for the fee forthe independent examlnatlon In the sum of £1,53112024: £1,531) forthe year, to Include rwrtewln&the ststutory accounts of Wesley Coffee Bar. Gloary of Temis The Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church manages a Common DeposTt Fund and a serle5 of pooled Investment funds for Methodist entitie5 in Great Britain and provides InVEstrvent.a(fvr£etrthos8entIes Wesley Methodist Church. Chester The North theshire Methodiat Circuit HIS Maje5Vs Revenue and Customs Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme Statement of Financlal Activities Statement of Recommended Practlce rrustees for Merhod15L Church Purposes, the legal owner and Cijstodian fwstee of all Methodist Model Trust property. including Legacies, Endowments and Aecumulated Fund5 Wesleymethodist awr£h, Che5teF Wesley Coffee Bar Church: arcult: HMRC: LPWGS: SOFA: 50RP. WMC: wc8: 181Pa&Te
WESLEY METHODlSf CHURCH, CHESTER 4 Income Relatln6 to the Churth General Fund Denathd uxdfr EndowTnent Fundfr Total Totsl CO105 188tal) Donatitins iQU91 4,247 10¥291 247 40& 16559 4,742 Iso Grants 14732 a7,05¢ 59 Regerwate Projett Other Tptal 59 25 38.OID 165,957 59 6FaFrtg lots18£5,.742.{e$ats t•YAoAlw eNe&rffl thePepartffi•tt4w C4Jur4 Idedla &. Sport wwJ2r the Ltsted Pkc£s of Worslyp Crnnt Scheme wblth fvrts VAT o)$ts tsn elldble rÈpalrste IL%tÈd used as places of worshlp. 0r6ra1ts relete to wrDUS(bnathn5t03wids en8r8yefficienryworks ca¥ried out dWIthear. £4mO £200 4000 £IAoo £992 Ur5?.(eyesTrSt Nort% cheshi MethodtstClrcLdt The BwfattTru5t Chestwcommuruty Jer8y In 2021 thrchp5 WÈYE eno)L¥882d to Ma don?tlons to the Methodst ChuKfr Pèr0 Re5erYe In reswpsetr the dptict IdÈntifiedlNaetuarTal valuatior. In re5POn to that ap1 weeY ffkiup a oorw¥on of E3&tm from tontin8ency funds. nc8 then furth¥vd+LMtiDrts havecoiflryfdttrr better tron expectte p&rFormance In thè octed def.£Vts ."48 ."ettJced. The 2024 Methodlsl ConfererKe tr£refore resDl¥ed to rEtirn dt>n8tlons made, with iJrtÈresL The amount ot £37595 Is shown as other IDCDMÈ in 2024. 5 FUndrafn87c0Me Enoowment Funds Totqt Funds Funds 2024 CorKerts 36,425 36A25 33.101 3YJ 94714 36,714 6 Inlerut & Investment Income General h(nd Yotsl 2025 Total ZOZ4 Fund5 nds Funds Bapklnterest lJwÈstmÈrrt In¢ornÈ Total 10,684 812 &629 1,239 IL453 IIA96 Cash Immediate wreTents 15 (tyD51ted wlth the Contral FinarKe B03rd of the Meth)thstChth. IrNe5fftrtsareman3E&JlrytheMethodbtTru5tsesfoTChurch Purposes. 191Pu&>e
WESLEY MFfHoDIST CHURCH. CHESTER 7 Income wpportln¢ the Mlss]on aftho Churth ' GBneral Fund '. Il¢n4ted D4nated EndoWMr Fund6 Total Tolal BervOret¥trs Work dlsathanta8ed GftTts 525 150 wOrkth Chll(ken Church Felowshlp5 other io 410 2242 175 432 149 581 3.767 4,155 8 Other Chawltabl8 Income Endowm1 Funds Totai ds Funds 2024 Donatbrs 3,2SO 5A33 1789 9 Other Incorne EndoThwt Fknd5 Tuts1 Total FndS Funds ZOZ4 Lettin&% Wae3VeSnd Ilcences Other 35.260 35,Z60 13,Z69 14.668 IOD 42,7eo 48,529 46.519 10 Tr4dlng Income eyal Fun Unyestrkied EThthwmwt Funds Tolal 2025 Total 2024 nds Funds Wedty QtsBor 76,353 TQtsl 83AgJ SJ.19D 76,355 W£sley Coffee Bar ts cornpany ITmtted by 8u2rantee which operates E Café on the We5tE¥ Methodst.Churth premlM ]i&drettw&ar&rnembeciofthiMeLhodlst. Churh ar,d ultinate cont".ol '.ifs wth ttr.e Managing TrJstees of Wesley Methodlst c.U{ch. The llcome pents the sales of Wesley Coffee Bar plus 2 grants of a"OUO fromlhe.R0an andmIth fh8ritab1e Trust and £300 from DJStomer of thecafe. 20IPag?e
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH, CHESTER 11 Expendlture relaflngtothe Church fjetheFzI Fund Dt5¢n8ted .Sufids znatsd UAds EIlovAent Totar Totsl A55essTneDtto fvthodtstChurch Ufjlitk5 C.leènlrt& Irfjurance 50,863 17,434 56,616 I941 11.392 9.685 23.808 1366 22 17A34 5074 16fi97 5.874 66,357 188 intenaThce Office Or8an ReSraOn PwJectAege¥kr•te Chu Centré Other Totsl 49 ,118 62 U4.0 23,118 6,852 153.678 20,673 oio IQ25 rTralnt¢arts C0StsJodIethe tosLtof Ibe andbkttery.woct undettake dultr8theraS wetl asthe inskliathnof d)ut4eO3sed ¥Ando 12 FundAlslttB E¥tsdlbJr¢ IkDeTrl Fund Ullre5trktsd D45wnated Denated Funds ETrdowment Fund5 Totr TOts1 Concerts 8,761 8,761 8,841 other 8,7fi1 13 Exp•ndliur8 on thq M1551on of the ChUh Gehsal Fund tswated Endowmt Fwds Tot81 2014 Fwids X)Z5 mr10n De¥ebpment 8enevclent actmles Work wrththe di53th4nts8E Workwych Children Church fellow5p5 L200 416 5,332 6263 74 74 I8 14 Other ¢hathb Expendtture G)ernlFund Endo%kn)t Fknnds Totsi Totsi Fvnds Fund5 Dor.£tksrtsto Charittes DOtIOnS to the Methodlstchurch 1799 1 4910 743 7.441 3,688 11,079 s.1 3,634 11,635 5.417 743 21 |P<igie
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH, CHESTER 15 TradlnE Ewdmire Gwwal Fwnd JJd¥natsd ' 1511t¢ UtrEreststied Evdvwrykent . Nds rot•l Total w851coffee Bar 77,la8 77.126 70,558 7Y.128 70,558 Theexperthre represeBtsthe uitslsuFplyp WagESaDd admlnlwatlon costs of Wesley Coffee eM8RIF¥Hd Té Fd5 R¥)ds Re$tted To GeneTal Fund lunrestrictedl ToDed8Ro¥ed FU5-[YAe61rjrÈèd> To Oesl8nated FurKts IrÈsYTttedl From Gener21 Fund lunrÈttAEtedl From EndowrnpntFurds From )es]ted Fuods Ireth¢tedl FroYaDe51atadfud5.1Uyttsteo1 .42,785 60.156 2100 42.785 8L156 21,000 17 Paymthtto Trnstvs pèymÈnts madetotiustE2sfort¢éftlonal sèrvl¢e5 kovlded to the¢hr¢h by.88reement wlthte Ehurch Councll MeedDg N(MrattrUste¥ who were p31de¥pen5e5 2025 Total amountId 4090 o, Norte of the trustees k an ernTAoyee of the The payments are to tyustee5 h respett of an nor8mI and fees for plai4nB the 18 Fee5forex&mlnatkJn oraudltof the ac¢ollnts ZQZ4 IndepeDdentexamlnerf5 CraudStors' fees forr¢p)rWontheaccounts 1638 1,638 19 Pald èmpToyees 5ts11Costs p8ld ¢urfnitheye8rwer&' Gr055 se$,SaIIrteS ar bertf&tslnWnd 97.427 78.217 Penslon costs Tgta15tsff costs 3,324 91.316 3AX)3 BL220 Avwage numberof51aff onpknyed duhn8theyearv There were no employees eamlng above £60,oc per year and key management personnel recelved 3ny beneflts for thElr services to the charlty. 221Pdg)e
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHURCH. CHESTER 20 Tanilble Ftlod Costorv•luatton Chvrch Inon Othernn knv05brEont Inv•stm•Dt Qth¢rfvd Towl ZO15 ffttkn8$and ewpment Iland8nd I)usn$$I hulhJln88 buNdkngs BalrttebTOU8hthNard Addltlo Rev31wtlon Dlsposèls Transfer5 BalarKe carfed fonvard 7501 789,808 IOS2 1,032 750K 790.840 Accumuknted deprtdAtbn 18fKe bT0utforrd Depreclaoon chorgoforyeaT Revaluatlons DISpolS Tr8nsfen% B3lèt)ce¢)1rf8d lorward 35P46 35,946 386 36332 332 Netbook value Brot4ht foThvard 750A 355.862 C•rylMI Imvard 75orth 2,508 7$4,$08 The Valn ot 81d &bèsed OftanÈtEvalvaLlts tèrrd out In M3rch 2Q19 trL%edorLtMlrkÈLy31Ue. Intr tsFItutiThL12TftL1tekthl%vaIYvUtLSt1ll tpasoDaNt Th hwrical ca# & not kN)fft to the I[&E. The QFgan 45 wJlued on its net book le, takLrfatÈd DntheoWts costadjUtt fr)rrytherfal ÈXI[thrÈoM ts Owdn. 21 IlebtOTrE ènd PrBpayments G•ThI FunEI ILlnrns¢rkWI De5nated Funds Endowmeni Totel Total 2024 Funds we#y1#1jthst¢buIth Clrcuit?5sessment prepaww other 14294 75 14,194 75 14,703 Wesley Coffee Bar Trdde Debtor5 Prepaym¢rrt5 353 3SJ 350 053 we5NIethDdLstCh[kn am4tAwwentts pa6dquarteriy1nad¥are 231PdLie
WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH. CHESTER IZ Cr•dknn andTrrnvlthns r41'FwTh¢t" "DeThe nd5 .dowert" Funds TUl¥I" Funds 2024 CTrdlrov5 lunder1) Wesley Methodls".Qtyurth InlÈpendprtExamineV$ Fee$ Othèr thesNre West IDeferred IrKomel ,.229 414 ODO 2,392 Wesley Coffee Bar Trade credr5 dèpendènt Examlnevs Fees WagesAccnJal HtslldayA¢trual CorporattonTax 596 302 3J2 302 909 120 L195 IL(h12 11,041 ProVf0 forkbntt Getteral Fund D8ted fvnds Epdowment "Funds Total Total F05 We&Vc0tleQ B8r Def8FredTax 477 354 477 477 23 Invpsknqnts The furCsthBt5Wrtthriofuns ore held byTPKP ill Tru5t2e5 Intprest Funds onwhkh 4RteFe51l5<redbtefy Thésèttrèretdè(Fa% MÈdltr ènd knngtem Irtdesbnents. TMCPlsthelÈgal ownprand CuSlvdtanTTYtstee Df allMÈtrK)dlstMode1TnJ5t property, Le83cle5, EDdowrDts 3n¥ AccJrrutatEd Funu pro[rty ts heW fo. and on behalf of lordl ma4reTr[lsteÈsw a rÈsry)blÈf0rthed8YtO daYma[seMentottrUst property. ATraty$bol IDv•sknentmDv•ments Ch**8etrt tnvèstmerttvaluqs TM¢P Fund 7MCP Furtd TMCP Fufid Totsi Totsl 2024 Inveslment Fund MaTketvalue at New1nveStÈnts Dlsposal of Inve5trnents Intsreste8mÉd Intsrest p3ld TMCPcosts G71wlllosseslen Irwestnknts Marketvalue at of year 16.762 22118 11,3 21,OC 893 8lZ 463 17 379 L2ri 306 73 764 IA38 &418 Investments total'-:r.8 I21,0 wwe disposed of to P8ftlyfvnd the ener8y efflciency rks tlndenèken ouring theyear. 241Page
WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH. CHESTER C¢ntral Flnance Board ICFB} and Cash at Bank The Church has current accounts at Lloyds Bank plc and the Co-operètive Bank plc, alrthorised In5tttutlons. Tthe 5ym>heWoR4h0se4GGou¥tt.s-a¥e.it¥l-a¥all&b1e.4m4d.iOs.tkeGrG_kaS-depet..tGGullts. at CFB, a common depostt fund. Interest Is eamed on these accounts and credited morithly. the sums deposited can be withdrawn without notice arfjd without1055 of interest. The Church has no other finarbcial instruments. These sums are viewed as being liquid and are shown as Current assets Dn the Balance Sheet. 241 Deslqnated Funds.(unrestrfrtedl- balonce£223.173 on 31 AugUSt2o2512024..£1928J These funds are to Serve specific purposes but are notrestricted by any document or deed to that purpose alone. These funds comprise: Contingency Fund: balance £204,46112024: £164.8751 Is avallabie to meet lon8-term maintenance of the Church premlses. Designated Supplementsry Music Fund: batance £424012024: £4.2401. The last major overhaul of the Church organ was undertaken n 2022. Wesley Mi55ion Fund: balance É3.474 {2024- £2,906) to res(yJrce and support Wesley's Chester City Centre m155ion initiatives a5 agreed by Weslevs Trustees. Stewardship Furtd: b71ace £to.998"1202tr. £9,907)Iu 5UPPUtfwèsl5 Dutreach. 24.2 Restrlcted Fund- bttlante£lO67On 31 August2025 (2024..£10 020) These funds are to serve specffic purposes and are restricted by a document. deed or resolution of the Managing Trustees of Wesley Methodist Church. Chester to that purpose alone. These funds Comprise: Regenerate! Fund: balance £4,291 12024.. £4,232) was establEshed to hold the mOnS raised to undertake the Regeneratel Project. The project is complete. "Wenevufefft'Funds:balance £,.120: £Z.'69I" provides support-forrliose in need". Ukrainian Meet Ups Fund: balance £1712024: £1,01715UPPOrt5 refiJgee5 from Ukraine. Kimbllio. Svpport And: .b818rkce £2.791 1202Q. £2.0721 raises rnorw tr¥ UPPOrt & yOtFn8" woman "h Democratic Republlc of the Congo through higher e(lucation. Open Table Fund: balance £149 C2024: Nill supports the work of the irKlusive Open Table communlty. 25. Relatrd Party TrJnsartions Tutrl Total ethodL8t Insur2rtÉ North Chhlre etd[StartuIt Methedlst citCertie Pleork Actlon For ChSldretF We Can Methodtst Hr>mes Fundforwodd Mlssbn Fund forWoAd.M15slon FdfOrWod MIsSTr or. In Fund for Property Pknod5stChur¢h PenOn FuThl In$anCe ttpreMiUmS nL41 Assessment Don8Uons 5,874 50,863 5,685 56,616 Dcnatlons 157 154 GnatTons 1,087 D¢Jwtlons Donador EaspOfferfr Annua15tewJrdshlpyart AnnLMl%ewardshlpaTht AnnLaIStewèTdshlp 70 88 530 265 641 428 37,995 2,568 4Z8 61372 the oryants8tlons are Indeperxlentof we$ Methodtst Church but con der0* UMell8 Df The Methodlst Churth In Great Brttain. 251Pclge
WESLEY MEfHODIST CHU RCH. CHESTER 26. Controllln8 Interest s Wesley Methodist Church Is part of the Methodist Connexion in Great Britain, ultimats control re5t5 with .the Metkothst Cop)nexiokk 27. Volurrteer contributlons Every entlty Iconnexion, District, Circuit, and Church) wlthin the Methodist Church In Great Britain Is heavlly rellant on volunteers who contribute their gkllts, time and. money in rhe furtherance of the work of the Church. At Wesley Methodlst Church, many members contribtjte to its mission and activf(ies. We are grateful to.all.of them-for thelr h61p.amd.c0nf(eRt...NO.atteW..bas.b8e.rAade.b¥.tb16(kLrb.t.VaIYe the non-monetary contrlbLrtlons to the Church in monetary temi& 261Page