Annual Report AGM March 2026
(Note: Every list is in alphabetical order)
Sunday Schools
Junior Group: Angela (who joined us last year), Jayne and I now teach one combined class since September and this is working well. We have a regular group of between 4 - 6 children, from 6 – 11 years old We continue to use the Go Teach and Come Learn books and in the last 5 months we’ve looked at - The Ten Commandments, The First Christians, Journey to the Promised Land and Peter Speaks about Jesus. We will be looking at the Easter story in the coming weeks. We have a lovely group of children who listen well, complete their books eagerly and feel comfortable asking questions. We have also had the welcome addition of Owain who has been helping and observing from time to time with a view to start teaching this class soon, which will be very much appreciated. We were sorry to lose Alissa last March who left to have baby Jude in April, so we’d like say a big thank you to Alissa for all her help. Please pray that God would use the teachers in this ministry for His glory and honour and as the children hear the stories from the Bible each week a seed would be planted within them that God would grow, so that each child would come to know Jesus as their own personal Saviour ( Sue )
Senior Group: Over the past year, our teenage Sunday class has around 8 young people, ranging from 13 to 16 years old, attending on a regular basis. Cath Jones and I have had the privilege of studying the Bible with these wonderful young people. We began the year with Elijah, looking at his courage in standing for God even when he felt completely alone. We explored dramatic moments like the showdown on Mount Carmel and the quiet moment when Elijah heard God in a gentle whisper. These stories opened up conversations about listening for God’s voice, trusting Him in uncertainty, and finding strength when life feels overwhelming; all very relevant as our young people navigate today’s complicated world. We then turned to Jesus’ parables and miracles; stories that challenged us and invited us to see God’s kingdom from fresh angles. What has been most encouraging is watching the group grow in confidence, empathy, and their willingness to ask honest and difficult questions. It has genuinely been a privilege to be part of it all. We really do appreciate your prayers for us as Sunday school teachers and for the young people. ( Dawn D )
Busy Bees
We have around 8 to 10 children who attend with an accompanying adult but this varies from week to week. We start the session with free play activities, lots of social interaction with the mums and they help themselves to tea and coffee. Sometimes we have craft during this time. We have our snacks which starts with a prayer of thanks to God. The children have a variety of fruit with toast and sweet and savoury items. We then get together and have a simple Bible story, which is followed with songs, lots of nursery rhymes and some biblical ones which are often linked to the story.
There is a lovely group of ladies attending and everyone seems to appreciate the morning. We are grateful to the youngsters who put out the tables on a Sunday evening, this is a very big help as it saves a lot of time for us in setting up for the session. We couldn’t have Busy Bees without the help of all of our volunteers – Beryl, Denise, Diane, Heather, Kath Hamm, Kerry and Lynn. You are welcome to join us as although we have a committed group, we can’t all be there every week ( Kerry )
Clwb Ponty Kids Club
We have been really encouraged by the regular and enthusiastic attendance of the children coming to Clwb this year. Numbers are usually around 15 each week. Each week the children take part in a song, activity, story, memory verse and have snacks. In the Autumn term we looked at big questions such as “Why am I a Christian?” and “Why do I pray?” and the children enjoyed the Neon Party and The Bonfire Night Special, which was a lovely time to build on relationships with the parents. Before Christmas we looked at key statements - “Jesus, our Saviour”, “Immanuel, God with us” and “Christ the Lord” - and the children took part in creating a slideshow for the nativity service, which some children and parents from Clwb Ponty and Busy Bees attended. During this last term we have looked at the early chapters of Genesis. We have been encouraged by the children’s engagement and questions. The team is Cath, Paul Davies, Sam and Steffan, and it’s been lovely to have help from Carys Hamm throughout the year, as well as support from Owain, Grace and Mathew.
Please pray for the salvation of all the children who attend, many of whom are from non-Christian families. Pray that the truth of Jesus and the gospel will embed in their hearts and minds and they would share this with their families. We give thanks for two children who have moved up from Busy Bees – may this trend continue this year - and please pray for Maisie and Isaac as they move up to Impact after Easter. Pray for the leaders to have continued energy and joy in sharing the truth ( Sam )
Impact Youth
It has been another wonderful year of our very special youth group. It is amazing to see the growth in many of these young people (in maturity, spiritual growth and physical stature!). Over the past year, we have seen numbers grow as, for example, friends and family have come along, and some young people have come through our links at Cwmtawe.
The team consists of Ben and Naomi, Caroline, Paul Davies; Rachel and Ras from Bethel Clydach (with Nat Ayling and Steffan on the planning team). Last term we looked at an evangelistic course for youth called VOX, and are currently studying Ephesians together. Each week one of the team will lead the teaching by opening up the Bible and it is always engaging and fruitful for those already on the journey of faith and those still exploring who is Jesus. It always blows me away how much many of the young people engage in these sessions and seeing them grow in their love of Jesus. We have also had special events, such as the Bonfire Event and testimony evenings, and the ‘Made for More’ Saturday morning looking at biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality.
It is also precious to hear of some of the members leading CUs, helping on Beach Missions, being salt and light in their schools and colleges, and others who have moved away and still serving Jesus elsewhere (eg, Charlotte at Oak Hall and Ioan in Cardiff). Thank you for your prayers and continued support in helping this generation of young people to love, serve, and follow Jesus ( Paul Davies )
Schools Work
We are grateful to God for the openings at the local schools in the last year. Paul Davies continues to have regular opportunities at Llangiwg and Rhyd-y-Fro Primary Schools; and Alltwen Primary School took part in the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal. We were able welcome children from Llangiwg to the church for a session on Christian marriage and for ‘Christmas Unwrapped’, and once again were able to visit Ysgol Gymraeg Pontardawe to do ‘Christmas Unwrapped’ with 80 children there.
‘Good News For Everyone’ provided NTs for us to take into Cwmtawe Community School and Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera (both Ystalyfera and Bro Dur Aberavon campuses). The doors are still open in Cwmtawe School, with CICS, regular assemblies, and full lessons with year 7 (‘Basics of Beliefs’), and upcoming ‘First Easter’ lessons with year 9, God willing. We are grateful that many of our young people are actively involved with CUs in the local schools and colleges ( Steffan)
Women’s Ministry
Women’s Meeting: We continue to meet every Thursday at 12.30 with refreshments and a time of fellowship, study and prayer. We have studied the books of Esther and Ruth and have gained a deeper understanding of the loyalty and faith of the women whom God used through ordinary actions showing the sovereignty of God. While we are currently waiting for our new study book, ‘Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World’ by Joanna Weaver, we are sharing particular Bible verses that have had special meaning and have helped and guided us through life’s trials. We have listened to testimonies with new and existing members of the Church whom we have had the pleasure to welcome to the group and this has been a blessing to us all. We thank God and give Him all the praise and glory for being able to come alongside each other and having the opportunity for heart felt fellowship ( Dawn W)
Women’s Ministry Team: Cath, Dawn W, Kayleigh, Lynn and Mandy are now on the Women’s Vision Team and we are grateful for their eagerness to join. During the autumn term, we had our first meeting and we were encouraged as we reviewed the current care and provision for women at Mount Elim. For example, we agreed that a termly outreach event could be a specific future focus. This included our annual wreath making event at Christmas, which drew many close friends and women from the community to church to hear a gospel message. We are so grateful to Naomi and Kayleigh for their work in putting this together. In January we had a walk and breakfast at church, which again drew friends, and this was a great opportunity to have time to chat and build relationships. We hope to have another breakfast with a speaker soon. ( Cath J )
Men’s Ministry
We have had a truly blessed year in the Men’s Ministry. We see this ministry as both an evangelistic outreach and a vital opportunity to bring the Christian men of the church together for fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth. The Men’s Vision Team includes Alun, Cen, Nathaniel, Steffan and Martyn, and we have planned a variety of events. We begin this Saturday (Feb 28th) with a visit and guided tour of Moriah Chapel in Loughor, which was instrumental in the beginnings of the remarkable 1904–1905 Welsh Revival. At the end of March, God willing, we will be hosting a men’s breakfast at the church with Chris Jones, a former hard man of Welsh rugby, who will be sharing the powerful story of his conversion and how he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. We also hope to arrange a couple of walks in the coming months. We want to support one another in prayer, messages and meetings, and hopefully the WhatsApp Men’s Group will be used in this way too,
We are also continuing the ‘Cowboys’ Garden and Maintenance ministry, offering practical help to anyone in the church who needs assistance around their property. Despite the recent bad weather, we have already been able to complete one job, and look forward to serving more in the months ahead. Anyone is welcome to join this team. Our prayer is that through all the events and activities planned for this coming year, God will open the hearts and minds of the men of Pontardawe and the surrounding areas, as well as our family and friends who attend. May everything we do bring glory to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. ( Martyn )
Praise Points
Answers to Prayer:
(a) Evidence of spiritual growth and maturity; new spiritual life; and others who are showing signs of being drawn to the Lord Jesus in humility and sincerity. For example:
-
Baptism services in the autumn
-
Regular attendance of new Christians and ‘seekers’ at Sunday services
-
Increased prayer as a fellowship, especially through the Prayer Meeting, Women’s Meeting and WhatsApp groups
-
Christianity Explored courses
-
Discipleship Course
-
YPF
(b) Appointment of Ben George as a new elder to bolster the leadership and pastoral care of the church – and the ongoing faithful service of Alan and David as elders
(c) The unity, warmth and togetherness of the church, as seen most clearly during illnesses; major operations; births and adoptions; support of those grieving and caring for loved ones
(d) The immense generosity of the church – the number of volunteers (as seen in the reports, for example – and much more); financial gifts towards the church and building project; regular support for one another and faithful prayers
Prayer Points
(a) Those who need comfort and support. For example:
Angela, Brian, Jenny – loss and grief Babs, Glynis, Tony Epps - housebound to varying degrees Dawn D, Denise, Eirian, Elen, Mandy, Pat – ongoing health matters Andie, Anni P, Dawn W, Kath Hamm, Kayleigh, Luned, Mel, Peter M – caring for loved ones
Parents caring for children; those in the workplace; individuals who might be lonely
(b) Widespread conversions and salvation amongst the ‘seekers’, young people, and family and friends mentioned above – and many others whom the Lord will call
(c) Vision, clarity and personnel as we look forward to the opportunities afforded us by having a new building
(d) For Jesus to be made known and glorified in all that we do, as individuals, families and church.
Mount Elim Evangelical Church Charity No. 1141828
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2025
| Current Accounts | Current Accounts |
|---|---|
| 1. Main Current Account-*429 Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2025 Current Account Income Total In Less Expenditure Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2025 |
£ 3,937.09 149,665.65 |
| 153,602.74 | |
| 152,119.68 | |
| 1,483.06 | |
| 2. Business Premium ME Account-**525 Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2025 Current Account Income Interest Transfers Total In Less Expenditure Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2025 |
146,054.74 1,519.54 131,165.00 |
| 278,739.28 | |
| 200,000.00 | |
| 78,739.28 | |
| 3. Busy Bees Account-*135 Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2025 Current Account Income Total In Less Expenditure Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2025 |
640.68 228.92 |
| 869.60 | |
| 73.64 | |
| 795.96 | |
| 4. Youth Account-**870 Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2025 Current Account Income Total In Less Expenditure Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2025 |
181.92 1,262.00 |
| 1,443.92 | |
| 1,048.98 | |
| 394.94 | |
| 5. Building Current Account-**546 Balance at bank as of 1st Jan 2025 Current Account Income Total In Less Expenditure Balance at Bank as of 31st December 2025 |
2,574.00 264,063.15 |
| 266,637.15 | |
| 265,350.00 | |
| 1,287.15 | |
| NSI Savings Account Balance at bank as of 1st January 2025 Transfers In Interest Total In Transfers Out Balancepaid on closureo of account on 30th October 2025 |
42,186.37 0.00 349.05 |
| 42,535.42 | |
| 42,535.42 | |
| 0.00 |
Mount Elim Evangelical Church Charity No. 1141828
Annual Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2025
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) |
2024 £ 59,944.55 15,328.10 2,821.33 469.48 1,083.00 120.00 309.99 20,975.00 101,051.45 28,654.86 5,487.04 - 1,196.48 872.75 415.21 2,800.00 1,986.79 390.00 1,498.47 1,394.41 483.09 1,056.74 397.28 1,698.29 57,646.82 629.01 662.98 107,270.22 (6,218.77) |
2025 £ 81,034.59 18,631.01 4,017.11 25.00 - - 44,192.94 1,765.00 149,665.65 29,858.37 6,799.08 825.00 2,222.02 2,189.90 267.98 3,600.00 1,954.19 360.00 1,876.51 2,274.86 1,040.12 566.75 291.48 1,620.46 95,247.72 563.30 561.94 152,119.68 (2,454.03) |
|---|---|---|
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 2025 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: 21 February 2026
Signed: Gaius A. Douglas, Accountant, FFA, FFTA