CHARITY COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT CONNECTED LIFE CHURCH 2023
2023 brought further development of the new look church, now named Connected Life Church, and comprising both English and Romanian language services.
This year we studied the bible book of Nehemiah in our sermons and care groups, where we were challenged as individuals and as a congregation to consider building and restoration in our lives.
Regular groups continued, including Parents & Toddlers’, Youth, Care, and Prayer groups.
Services and some other groups continued to be accessible by electronic means, although in person meetings are now standard.
An Erdington Food bank operated from the church premises, and was supported by church members.
Church rooms were used by various community groups, including the Romanian Consulate.
An Eritrean church fellowship continues to meet at the church premises for a weekly worship service.
As a church we have continued to support the Erdington Street Pastors team which meets regularly for prayer and to walk the High Street during the day, offering support to people and a listening ear.
We have been pleased to welcome several guest speakers this year, including representatives from Romania America Mission, Safe Families, and Urban Development Birmingham.
Our Easter and Church Anniversary meetings were supported by guest speakers from Romania, and a Romanian counsellour and pastor brought teaching and preaching on family communications over one weekend.
Some parents, including the Pastor, took a group of young people to Spain for an encouraging time of Christian reflection and sharing lives.
In November our Senior Pastor was given a one month break which included attendance of a national congress in Panama which proved to be inspirational.
As part of the Christmas celebrations, we had a delightful children’s and young people’s musical concert in the church.
We continue to give thanks to God for what he is doing among us.
CONNECTED LIFE CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENT 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
| General Account | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | £ | £ | |
| Weekly Offering | 152,809 * | 79,748 | * |
| Other Income (inc donations) | 12,005 | 9,117 | |
| Gift Aid | 11,812 | 13,082 | |
| Bank Interest for HEBA account | 318 | 165 | |
| Transfer From Emmaus ** | - | 110,461 | |
| Total | 176,944 | 212,573 | |
| Payments | |||
| Ministry | 62,591 | 54,150 | |
| Church Equipment | 30,383 | 166 | |
| Upkeep of Church Premises | 30,395 | 12,000 | |
| Administration | 6,107 | 3,790 | |
| Missionary Giving | 12,845 | 3,196 | |
| Youth Work | 4,019 | 604 | |
| Other Expenditure | 37 | 2,143 | |
| Total | 146,377 | 76,049 | |
| Surplus | 30,567 | 136,524 | |
| Bank Balance as at 1st January | 229,733 | 82,532 | |
| Bank Balance as at 31st December | 260,300 | 229,733 | |
| *Excludes special project monies. | |||
| Special Project Funds | |||
| Bank Balance as at 31st December 2023 | 32,447 | 32,447 | |
| **Transfer from Emmaus as at 31st December 2023 | 101,464 |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CONNECTED LIFE CHURCH (Reg charty number 1139836.) I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ending 31st December 2023, which have been set before me. Respective responsibilities of trustees and exominer 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 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to= Ll examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Art- to follow the procedures laid down in the Beneral Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llSbl of the 2011 Act,- and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. BLT515 of independent examiners report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the actounting 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 protedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in on audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accourtrts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent exominer's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. 111 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act: and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and compfy with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met,- or 121 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be aChed. Paul Allen 4 Swan Road Draycott In The Clay A5hbourne DE6 5GW Date.. 28 September 2024