REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1144715
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
FOR
GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 3 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 5 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6 | to | 9 |
GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The Charity's objects are fully stated in the trust deed of God Central Church, Harlow. They are:
- To advance the Christian faith;
Other charitable aims as the trustees see fit, which in practice include; the relief of the disadvantaged (needy, in hardship,
- aged, sick, homeless);
In the beginning . . .
In January 2010 the church started with a handful of people meeting in local homes. God linked hearts together and in March 2010 ‘Newfrontiers Harlow Church Plant’ was formed, prayed for by many of the local churches and had a website up and running!
By God’s favour more people became connected with Newfrontiers Harlow Church Plant and a public launch took place on the 14th November 2010 in the Harlow Playhouse.
In the lead up to this event the name God Central Church was chosen as the scripture God had spoken about in birthing the church was 1 Kings 18 where Elijah rebuilds the alter of the Lord at Mount Carmel and God promises to turn the hearts of the people back to Him as Elijah trusts God and keeps God central to everything going on.
We have subsequently held services in the Queensgate Cineworld cinema and now meet weekly at Pemberly Academy, just off of the Harlow Town Centre.
Volunteers
God Central provides numerous opportunities for its members to serve as volunteers. In fact the running of the church is dependent on church members serving in voluntary capacities. We are a diverse people blessed with a myriad of gifts, we seek to encourage everyone to walk in the particular gifting that God has given them and offer practical opportunities for service within the church.
The leadership and trustees would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who volunteers within God Central in whatever capacity. We honour your commitment to God and His church.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
We have had a challenging year in 2020/21. We were unable to gather in person from mid-March 2020 due to the global pandemic, which brought some challenges, but we were able to quickly adapt to be able to record worship and preaches to be streamed on a Sunday morning, allowing us to continue to seek God in our own houses. We also made good use of online video platforms such as Zoom to allow us to continue to meet on a Sunday morning and for mid-week housegroups.
Pemberley Academy kindly waived our rent for the period in which we were not meeting and so we were able to use these savings to donate to worthy causes during the year, including mission overseas and to bless the staff of the Princess Alexandra Hospital and purchase some items from their wish-list.
It has been a difficult bu good year and we are very thankful for the commitment of everyone who is involved in church, in any and all capacities. This church would not be the same if not for the dedication of each and every person.
Public benefit
The Trustees have due regard for the public benefit guidance published by the Charities Commission. Specifically, they have studied the following Charity Commission documents and believe that the activities of the Charity and the contents of this report are compliant with the public benefit guidance provided therein.
-
Charities and Public Benefit (January 2008)
-
The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit (December 2008)
-
CC15b - Charity Reporting and Accounting: The essentials (April 2009)
The majority of the Church's meetings and events are open to the public. It is a key aim to attract newcomers into the various activities of the church so that they can participate in and benefit from all that the church has to offer. To date all of God Central's events and activities have been free of charge. Where an expense may be incurred such as the cost of travel to events or books for particular study courses, every effort is made to ensure that cost does not exclude those to whom the activity would be especially beneficial.
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GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Due to the impact of the pandemic and our not being able to meet in person, income decreased on the previous period (around £28k income compared to £57k last year) expenditure reduced on the year due to the savings in rental and other costs to be around £25k resulting in a surplus of £2.5k.
Reserves policy
As a Christian Church we operate by faith, trusting that God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply, however, principles of good stewardship and legal regulations obligate the charity to have a reserves policy.
Having due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on reserves, the trustees consider it prudent to hold a minimum of three months expenditure as a reserve. These funds are unrestricted and held as current assets.
This policy is reviewed by the trustees at least annually or when the charity undergoes significant changes in income, expenditure or structure.
FUTURE PLANS
We have been so thankful for the things that God has done with the church this year and expect to see more in the coming year.
As ever, we are looking ahead to the new year with excitement as we eagerly wait to see what God will do in our midst. We have had a number of prophetic words regarding growth in church numbers and are look forward to seeing how this will come to fruition.We specifically look ahead to a time when we are able to gather together again face-to-face.
We look forward to continuing in our mission of seeing Jesus made more famous in Harlow and to the ends of the earth by establishing a significant church here in Harlow, Essex.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
From time to time the trustees will review the skills that the board has and determine whether there are any knowledge or skills gaps that need to be fulfilled.
Trustees are recruited from within the church membership of God Central Church, Harlow they should be active, reliable members of reasonably long standing. They should be people who clearly demonstrate their understanding and commitment to the vision and values of the church and have demonstrated this commitment through serving and making financial contribution to the church. Furthermore they need to be people who are deemed to have competence commensurate with the fulfilment of the responsibilities of Trustees.
New Trustees are proposed by existing Trustees, in consultation with the church's apostolic oversight. The appointment of a new trustee to the board must be passed by a vote of the majority of the trustees. A trustee may only be appointed to the board once a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check has been received.
Organisational structure
The Trustees have overall legal and financial responsibility for the Charity. They have entrusted to the Pastor and core leadership team the responsibility for the spiritual and strategic direction of the church, as well as its day-to-day running.
Induction and training of new trustees
Upon appointment a trustee will be provided with the following documentation:
- A copy of the trust deed and any amendments to it - A copy of the charity's latest report and statement of accounts - A copy of the last meeting's minutes - A copy of the most recent management figures - A copy of the Child Protection Policy - A copy of the general and financial procedures
The training needs of trustees will be assessed on an individual basis and training will be provided by attending courses or through the mentoring of another trustee
Wider network
God Central Church, Harlow is a part of a family of churches known as Newfrontiers. Newfrontiers is a network of churches who partner together on mission. This church network not only provides support to the local church, but also enables the local church to extend its missional reach to many parts of the world. Newfrontiers; with over 700 churches in over 60 nations, has recently been organised into several "apostolic spheres". God Central Church, Harlow is associated with the Relational Mission sphere.
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GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1144715
Principal address
Gothic House Station Road Old Harlow Essex CM17 0AP
Trustees
Mr B Clark (resigned 31.12.20) Mr I Remfry Chair (appointed 31.12.20) Miss L H Hewitt Treasurer Mr B Norris Mrs E Bird (appointed 31.12.20) (resigned 14.2.22)
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 31 March 2022 and signed on its behalf by:
Miss L H Hewitt - Trustee
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GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 26,454 | 1,605 | 28,059 | 57,092 | |
| Investment income | 2 | 3 | - | 3 | - |
| Total | 26,457 | 1,605 | 28,062 | 57,092 | |
| EXPENDITURE ON | |||||
| Charitable activities | |||||
| Advancement of the Gospel | 20,227 | - | 20,227 | 46,264 | |
| Relief of those in need | 3,456 | 1,813 | 5,269 | 1,106 | |
| Total | 23,683 | 1,813 | 25,496 | 47,370 | |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | 2,774 | (208) | 2,566 | 9,722 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 13,656 | 934 | 14,590 | 4,868 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 16,430 | 726 | 17,156 | 14,590 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
BALANCE SHEET
31 March 2021
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 16,430 | 726 | 17,156 | 14,590 | |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 16,430 | 726 | 17,156 | 14,590 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 16,430 | 726 | 17,156 | 14,590 | |
| NET ASSETS | 16,430 | 726 | 17,156 | 14,590 | |
| FUNDS | 6 | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | 16,430 | 13,656 | |||
| Restricted funds | 726 | 934 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 17,156 | 14,590 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 31 March 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:
Miss L H Hewitt - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements and assessment of going concern
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure once payment has been made.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and current bank accounts.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
3.
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deposit account interest | 3 | - |
| TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS | ||
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Trustees' salaries | 9,885 | 7,813 |
The charity considers that the key management personnel of the church include the trustees, trustee remuneration and benefits are listed above.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2021 nor for the year ended 31 March 2020.
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continued...
GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
4. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 31.3.21 | 31.3.20 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time employees | 1 | 1 | ||||
| No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. | ||||||
| 5. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL | ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | ||||
| funds | funds | funds | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 55,310 | 1,782 | 57,092 | |||
| EXPENDITURE ON | ||||||
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| Advancement of the Gospel | 46,264 | - | 46,264 | |||
| Relief of those in need | - | 1,106 | 1,106 | |||
| Total | 46,264 | 1,106 | 47,370 | |||
| NET INCOME | 9,046 | 676 | 9,722 | |||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 4,610 | 258 | 4,868 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 13,656 | 934 | 14,590 | |||
| 6. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||||
| Net | ||||||
| movement | At | |||||
| At 1.4.20 | in funds | 31.3.21 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||
| General fund | 13,656 | 2,774 | 16,430 | |||
| Restricted funds | ||||||
| Social Action fund | 208 | (208) | - | |||
| Building fund | 726 | - | 726 | |||
| 934 | (208) | 726 | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 14,590 | 2,566 | 17,156 |
continued...
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GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
6. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 26,457 | (23,683) | 2,774 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Social Action fund | - | (208) | (208) |
| Other restricted donations | 1,605 | (1,605) | - |
| 1,605 | (1,813) | (208) | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 28,062 | (25,496) | 2,566 |
| Comparatives for movement in funds | |||
| Net | |||
| movement | At | ||
| At 1.4.19 | in funds | 31.3.20 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 4,610 | 9,046 | 13,656 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Social Action fund | 258 | (50) | 208 |
| Building fund | - | 726 | 726 |
| 258 | 676 | 934 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 4,868 | 9,722 | 14,590 |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | |||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 55,310 | (46,264) | 9,046 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Social Action fund | 1,056 | (1,106) | (50) |
| Building fund | 726 | - | 726 |
| 1,782 | (1,106) | 676 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 57,092 | (47,370) | 9,722 |
continued...
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GOD CENTRAL CHURCH, HARLOW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2021
6. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Net | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| movement | At | ||
| At 1.4.19 | in funds | 31.3.21 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 4,610 | 11,820 | 16,430 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Social Action fund | 258 | (258) | - |
| Building fund | - | 726 | 726 |
| 258 | 468 | 726 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 4,868 | 12,288 | 17,156 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 81,767 | (69,947) | 11,820 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Social Action fund | 1,056 | (1,314) | (258) |
| Other restricted donations | 1,605 | (1,605) | - |
| Building fund | 726 | - | 726 |
| 3,387 | (2,919) | 468 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 85,154 | (72,866) | 12,288 |
Social Action fund - these are monies from special offerings which have been given for the purpose of reaching out to those less fortunate in both our community and worldwide.
Children and Youth Fund - these are monies from special offerings and specific fundraising events which are given towards Children's and Youth work, this includes the annual trip to the Newfrontiers run youth camp NewDay and Champions club run by Red Balloon Foundation.
Special offering - these are monies given by members of the congregation. In 2018/19 this was as part of a special one-off giving day in order to allow the charity to purchase additional equipment and signage for Cineworld.
Building fund - these are monies given specifically towards a future building for the church, either a new rental or purchase.
7. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
During the year Mr Clark was paid £9,885, (2020: £7,813) for his role as Pastor in the church, this payment was not to compensate him for any duties as a trustee. Decisions regarding amounts paid to Mr Clark are taken by the remaining trustees.
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