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2022-12-31-accounts

2022 Balance Sheet

Mount Elim Evangelical Church Charity No. 1141828

Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2022

Current Accounts Current Accounts Current Accounts
1. Main Current Account
Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2022 Current Account
Income
Total In
Less Expenditure
Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2021		 £
8,490.72
99,978.33
108,469.05
102,884.60
5,584.45
2. Active Saver Current Account
Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2022 Current Account
Income
Total In
Less Expenditure
Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2022		 147.54
920.45
1,067.99
197.99
870.00
3. Busy Bees Account
Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2022 Current Account
Income
Total In
Less Expenditure
Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2022		 250.00
126.20
376.20
163.84
212.36
4. Youth Account
Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2022 Current Account
Income
Total In
Less Expenditure
Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2022		 123.65
300.00
423.65
326.95
96.70
5. Building Current Account
Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2022 Current Account
Income
Total In
Less Expenditure
Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2022		 28,711.74
385,037.46
413,749.20
60,352.00
353,397.20
NSI Savings Account
Balance at bank as of 1st January 2020
Transfers In
Interest
Total In
Transfers Out
Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2022		 41,408.34
0.00
38.54
41,446.88
0.00
41,446.88
Current Account
Active Saver Account
Busy Bees Account
Building Account
Youth Account
NSI Saving Account
Total

Page 1

2022 Year End PL

Mount Elim Evangelical Church Charity No. 1141828

Annual Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2022

Statement of Financial Activities on Main Account

Income
Offerings
Tax reclaimed on Gift Aid
Gift Aid Building Project
Transfers
Donations
Hall Hire
Other income
Donations to Building Project
Expenditure
Pulpit & Salary
Tax & NI
Cleaning
Electricity
Building insurance and repairs
Water
Paul Davies Clwb Ponty and Schools
Pension Contributions
Grass
Outreach
Sunday School and Clwb Ponty
Conferences and Study Books
Equipment
Safeguarding
Donations
Transfers
Sundry
Church expenses
Profit/(Loss)		 2021
£
35,227.57
9,373.76
30.00
-
-
40.00
1,079.49
-
45,750.82
24,275.06
6,135.32
260.00
1,296.00
886.64
76.92
2,700.00
1,708.00
276.00
395.00
178.93
250.49
486.10
263.75
2,340.00
2,493.75
205.00
688.73
44,915.69
835.13		 2022
£
37,156.95
8,015.33
14,921.55
1,076.38
1,870.00
720.00
1,493.65
34,724.47
99,978.33
25,636.88
5,226.99
520.00
1,296.00
986.18
134.21
2,400.00
1,741.81
377.00
2,492.84
512.97
1,206.93
480.14
61.25
8,233.87
50,311.02
658.15
608.36
102,884.60
(2,906.27)

As an Independent Checker I have checked and signed the accounts and have found nothing of material value that prevented me from agreeing with the year end statement as of 31st December 2022 for the funds held at Barclays PLC on Current, Active Saver, Busy Bees, Youth and Building Accounts, and the National Savings and Investment Savings Account.

Date: 14th February 2022

Signed: Gaius A. Douglas, Accountant, FFA, FFTA

Page 1

2022 Year End PL

Mount Elim Evangelical Church Charity No. 1141828

Annual Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2022

Statement of Financial Activities Building Account

Income
Donations
Grants
Easyfundraising
Transfers
Gift Aid
Other
Expenditure
Professional Fees
Planning
Transfers
Land Search
Contractor Costs
Land Purchase
Securing Loan Fees
Other
Profit/(Loss)		 2021
£
27,295.00
-
69.66
649.94
1,523.75
277.35
29,815.70
2,541.97
1,530.00
-
67.60
-
42,750.00
-
276.00
47,165.57
(17,349.87)		 2022
£
203,504.72
164,000.00
81.19
1,870.00
14,921.55
660.00
385,037.46
1,977.00
-
550.00
-
55,425.00
-
2,400.00
-
60,352.00
324,685.46

Page 1

Mount Elim Evangelical Church, Pontardawe Members’ AGM

Wednesday, 29 March 2023 at 7:00pm

Present: Sue Bradley, Paul & Jayne Clement, Alun & Dawn Davies, Denise Davies, Martyn & Mandy Edwards, Ken Evans , Jill Heggarty, Caroline Jones, Steffan & Cath Jones, Heather Morgan, Dilys Milton, Stefan Panov, Colin Rowe, Samantha Sandry, David Sercombe, Pete & Pat Smith, Alan & Kerry Thomas, Dawn Williams (24)

On Zoom: Elisabeth Clement, Babs Dewitt, Gaynor Hughes, Tony & Jenny Moorley (5)

Apologies/ Not Present : Joseph & Gwenllian Dooher, Tony Epps, Kath Hamm, Kayleigh Jones, Anni Panova, Victoria Porter, Dan Sandry, Glynis Tierney (9)

32.1 Devotions

Steffan referred to two verses from John 17 – vv. 11 and 23. He stressed that the church should reflect the unity of the Trinity. This is especially so as people from outside look upon us and a church with one purpose and unity together is a powerful witness to those around us. He went on to say how we can be one in a Members’ Meeting and emphasised before we speak we should: 1. Search the Scriptures, that our response is biblical and biblically proportionate; 2. Search our heart, that we are speaking for the right reasons and not for our own interests; 3. Search our words, that they are godly and gracious; 4. Search our prayers, that we are prayerful for others and for God’s glory.

We sang hymn 370 (The Church’s One Foundation)

32.2 New Members

Heather and Mandy were welcomed to their first members meeting. They will be given the ‘right hand of fellowship’ at the next Communion Service.

We mourn the recent passing of two dear members: Caryl Evans, who was a light and inspiration to us all; and Dorothy Wonnacott, a keen supporter then faithful member since the founding of the church.

32.3 Minutes of 16 November 2023

These were proposed by Kerry and seconded by Alun, carried unanimously, and signed.

32.4 Matters Arising

i. 31.4 iii - Just to reiterate that we need to leave a space outside church near the gate for Denise to park when she picks up and drops off Jill.

ii. 31.9

iii. 31.10

32.5 Pastor’s Report

Steff has continued Mark’s gospel in the Sunday morning services. The evening services has been two parallel series - “Living in the Light” and “Big Questions: Stories told by Jesus” We have completed our overview of the life of Elijah in the Prayer Meeting. It has been encouraging seeing the monthly House Groups restart, with David leading at Alun and Dawn’s home and Steffan at their home. We are doing an overview of the Book of Jeremiah.

Challenges

We have had five bereavements of church members and friends or family of members since Christmas: Brian Jones (Sue’s father); Caryl Evans; Dorothy Wonacott; Tony Epps’ father-inlaw; and Victoria’s grandmother.

Tony Davies has drifted away from church since Covid. We haven’t seen some former regulars for a few months either – eg, Judith, Lowri and the girls; Eirian; Delyth; Alison Blake.

Babs, Glynis, Tony Epps, and Gaynor have not always been able to attend church due to illhealth. Others have family responsibilities which make attendance less regular. Steffan feels and misses their presence and encouragements at church.

Whilst we rejoice at the new people in church we must be mindful that we are to reach out to the lost in the Pontardawe area too. This was always the consistent prayer of Dorothy.

Steffan has found some Wednesdays challenging due to the weather (floods or ice); heating issues; and internet connection problems with Zoom. This can be distracting and disruptive at the beginning of a prayer meeting.

He has also had a health scare. He has been checked and nothing sinister has been found. The doctors have noted a slightly enlarged prostate, which is currently being putting down to hormonal issues. He is awaiting a cystoscopy in May.

Encouragements:

i. Seeing the Church serving and pulling together in such a variety of kind, selfless and generous ways, as always.

ii. New Christians coming into church life (in chronological order): Isabel; Mel; Marcus, Angela and Rhys; Linda and family; Mary and family; Ben, Naomi and the boys; Mikey, Bethany and Finlay

iii. Grateful for the opportunity of a Study Leave in June-July

iv. Seeing the building work commencing on the new church building!

Opportunities:

i. GSUS Live has gone into Ystalyfera and Bro Dur School ii. Steff and others are taking some Easter assemblies in Cwmtawe School iii. Christianity Explored course going well

iv. Being able to visit the Visions of Hope centre in Abergavenny with James Goddard; and Joanna Rees showing a desire to go to Hope House.

v. Some unbelievers who have attended in the last few weeks

A number of people prayed and gave thanks for all the blessings that God has bestowed upon us; and for Steff, Cath and the family, that they might continue to be protected and blessed.

32.6 Church Ministries - Written Reports

Steff read out the reports and these are attached to the minutes.

We need additional workers in a number of areas, especially to teach the Senior Sunday School as Gwenllian is stepping down at Easter due to imminent birth of their first child.

Clwb Ponty and Busy Bees could also do with additional hands, and also people to be in the Creche during Sunday services (Pat has kindly volunteered to arrange the rota for Creche).

32.7 New Church Officials

i. Treasurer: The elders have approached someone to see if they would be interested in taking on the role of treasurer. If anyone else would like to do the role then if they could speak to the elders they would be grateful.

ii. Church Warden/ Caretaker: It was felt that we require one person to be a point of contact for any issues regarding building and grounds rather than Steffan or Alan. Martyn was proposed to take on this role and he agreed. This was passed unanimously by the members.

iii. Policies Officer: Increasingly all churches have to compile and complete a variety of policies. These need to be monitored and maintained to ensure the church complies with regulation and statuary requirements. Dawn Williams would also like help with Safeguarding duties. Dawn Davies volunteered to take this on. The elders will speak with her.

32.8 Planning for Spring and Summer

i. Easter:

ii. Caryl’s and Dorothy’s funerals – details to be confirmed

iii. Mens curry night with Mike Adams on Thursday May 4[th]

iv. Church Anniversary Weekend at the Botanic Garden of Wales – May 13[th] – Jonathan Thomas will be with us for the whole weekend. On the Sunday we will have a tea at 4:00pm followed by Jonathan’s talk

v. Tenby trip – will look for June 10[th ]

vi. Preachers for Steffan’s study leave have been arranged. We have tried to engage preachers for a number of weeks for continuity and also to allow trainee pastors’ the opportunity to preach in the sane church more than once. We have engaged: Chance Faulkner; Alun Johnson; Mark Jenkins. We will also have two pastors from Vermont on one Sunday and John Williams from Gorseinon.

vii. EMW camps are being signed up and it is good to see the interest from the children to attend.

viii. Heart of the Valley show – date to be confirmed

32.9 Social Ideas and Outreach Possibilities

Some ideas were suggested:

32.10 What’s App Group

The messages in the current church What’s App group can sometimes be overwhelming and, especially for people in work, important messages may be missed amongst all the messages sent.

Steffan suggested that we have an additional group which can only be posted to by the elders. It will be like a bulletin board where important notices can be shared. No one will be able to reply but it will enable everyone to be kept up to date.

The current group will continue for encouragement and sharing.

Please remember the rule of no posts before 9:00am or after 9:pm still applies.

32.11 Practical Matters

i. Church capacity – we are ‘bursting’ at the seams some Sundays which is an answer to prayer and something that we are very thankful to God for. To anticipate an increase in numbers beyond current capacity the following will be done:

ii. Tea and coffee rota – Steffan will ask Gwenllian if she still wishes to continue with this rota or if we need to pass it on

iii. Back up for Zoom operation in the evenings. Steffan will ask Ben and Lizzie to show Dewi and Owain how to operate it and they can act as back up.

32.12 Building Project

i. Funding: We now require £60,000 to reach our target. This is an amazing blessing from God in just over 12 months of fundraising. We continue to apply for grants and seek funding.

ii. Sale of Mount Elim: We have seen the plans to build a house on the Mount Elim site drawn up by Charter Homes. We now await the plan to be submitted and approved by the Council. From that point we have another 6 months in the church before we are required to leave. We trust in God’s timing for all of this.

iii. Building Stage: The work commenced on March 13[th] with the levelling of the ground! We praise the Lord for this exciting develop and look forward to seeing the foundations and base slabs laid over the coming weeks. A prayer meeting to give thanks was held on Zoom.

32.13 Financial Report

The audited accounts were presented to the members along with the main church’s account Profit and Loss statement.

These were agreed by the members. Steffan gave the church’s thanks to Gaius Douglas the auditor for auditing the accounts.

Alan also gave a breakdown of donations for the year as this was requested at the last meeting.

32.14 AOB

No other business was raised prior to the meeting.

32.15 Prayer

Alan and David prayed and the meeting was closed at 9.15pm

Annual Report AGM March 2023

1. Sunday Schools

Junior Classes: Lizzie and I currently teach the younger children, with Sue understandably having stepped back until the Easter due to family circumstances. We are still using the Go Teach and Come Learn books. We started a new book some weeks ago and have looked at Three Good Kings, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah. There was a brief study on Jeremiah and over the next few weeks we will be looking at the Easter story, finishing this current book with some studies on Daniel. The children listen very well, are happy to ask questions and enjoy the activities in their work books each week. Attendance is quite consistent, about 7-9 most weeks. We have split the children into 2 junior classes again due to the recent increase in numbers. Please pray for the teachers that we would be encouraged and know God’s blessing as we prepare, and ask that God would speak to each child so that they would come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour ( Jayne )

Senior Class: Sunday School continues to be a real encouragement for Gwenllian and myself. We now have 9 regular young people in the class and it is such a joy to be with them and get to know them better. We have spent most of this year studying Luke and will be finishing in the next few weeks. It has been a privilege for Gwenllian and me to study Luke ourselves and hear God speaking to us personally as well as being able to share this with the young people. We pray that they have come to know Jesus better and that the Holy Spirit will truly apply what they’ve learnt, to their hearts. The group have had many opportunities outside of Sunday school to be together, which has resulted in more openness and freedom to share and chat on a Sunday Morning. We are so grateful for this. Gwenllian will be taking her ‘maternity leave’ after Easter. I am so grateful for her partnership and encouragement in this work and both I and the Young people will really miss her. Please pray for God’s blessing and protection over them as a family, and for a replacement for her. (Cath)

2. Busy Bees

Since last autumn our numbers have increased in Busy Bees, with anything up to 20 children attending. This includes babies and toddlers , we have mums and grans and sometimes a dad who comes along. Everyone seems to enjoy the sessions and we alternate with Cath and myself, along with Denise, Lynn, Glynis, Dawn Davies and Kath Hamm when they are available. We could not operate without the help of these ladies as they prepare the food and help with tidying up afterwards. They are also invaluable in socialising and talking with the mums etc. Mums will often open up to us about any problems they may be having and ask us for advice.

We have a free play session, snack time and sometimes a simple Bible story and craft, followed by singing with instruments which the children love.

We thank God for the increase in our numbers and the ladies who faithfully help us, if anyone would like to join us please feel free to come along on a Tuesday morning at 9.30am you would be very welcome ( Kerry )

3. Children and Young People

Clwb Ponty: This year we have looked at Jesus’ miracles; and the events before and after Jesus’ death and resurrection. As always, the children have enjoyed games, challenges, songs and various crafts. Last summer we had a BBQ and trip to Aberavon; and this year we have had a Family Quiz and a Canal walk. We look forward to a bonfire at Hafod Wennol Farm in the coming weeks. As always we are grateful for the help and support of the planning team (Paul Davies, Victoria and Cath). Tony and Jenny also ran an effective and popular Bonfire Night event in November.

We have enjoyed the company of Angel, Emmanuel and David since Christmas. However, it has been difficult drawing children from outside of the church family recently. We were glad to see some new children from Llangiwg School after the 40[th] Anniversary; and are hoping and praying that God might use the Holiday Bible Club next week to bring new children from the local schools who will start attending regularly ( Steffan )

Impact Youth: We now have 14 children regularly attending Impact, a mix of Mountt Elim and Bethel. We’ve had a productive year studying the book of Acts; and recently we have been looking at topics from “Bitesize Theology” (Peter Jeffery) which looks at key subjects of the Christian faith. We will hopefully be continuing with this throughout the summer term. We have been so encouraged by the response of the children and the mature way in which they engage and discuss what they’ve just learnt. As always, the children are a very close knit group, who are very welcoming of new members. It has been wonderful to see evidence of some of them having a very real relationship with God. Paul, Nat, Steffan and myself are so encouraged and thankful that by God’s amazing grace, he is producing fruit through Impact; and we ask you to pray that as a new influx of children join us after Easter, God will continue to work in their lives and bring them all to a saving faith in Him ( Caroline )

4. Women’s Meeting

Dawn Williams and I share the preparation and leadership of these meetings. They are held on Thursday morning and are always a time of great blessing where we can share concerns and help and encourage one another. We are also able to share in a valuable and precious time of prayer for each other and for the wider church. Recently our Bible Study has focused on a series entitled 'Finding Christ in the Old Testament' The section headings have included The Pre-existent Creator; The Lamb of God; The Tabernacle - Emmanuel, God with us; Priests and Prophets; God's Anointed Son and The Suffering Servant.

We’ve also enjoyed gatherings at Dawn’s home, including on a Saturday evening with women who can’t usually come on Thursday mornings. ( Pat )

5. Men’s Ministry

The Men’s Study Group completed their Systematic Theology studies and moved onto the course ‘God’s Big Picture’ by Vaughan Roberts. This is a video and book study which gives an overview of the Bible telling its one overarching story – the story of Jesus Christ. It is a great overview that help to put into context the Old Testament Books and God’s plan for salvation. We meet once a month on Zoom and should conclude the course by the summer.

A number walks were arranged last summer and were enjoyed by all, along with some men’s breakfasts. We also had celebrations for Martyn and Colin’s special birthdays!

Coming up we have a Curry Night on May 4th with Mike Adams, and more walks and further breakfasts as we go through the year.

Some of the men have also been doing some ‘helping hands’ work for our brothers and sisters in Christ which has been a good way of helping our church family.

6. Prayer Meeting

The Prayer Meeting returned to the church building last spring and it has been an encouragement to meet and pray together in person again. The numbers have increased regularly since Christmas and it is good to see the members setting an example in this. It is essential that prayer remains at the heart of the life of the church: we are dependent on God’s blessing in all things. The prayer meeting is also a great opportunity to grow as a family, as we share our burdens and prayer points.

Zoom is clearly a blessing for those who would otherwise be unable to attend, and we are grateful for this; however we would encourage you to come in person if possible as this is always a mutual blessing. Amidst the blessing, however, we have been challenges by rain, ice and floods!

We’ve been blessed this year to have Heledd Job (IFES) and Mikey and Bethany (on Zoom) visit the prayer meeting (we will invite more in the coming year) - and it is good that the termly AECW prayer meeting has resumed.

The House Groups have met twice so far, and there is obvious potential for spiritual growth as we study Jeremiah together, and for mutual prayer and support ( Steffan )