KENSINGTON IfED REFORMED CHURCH ALLEN sfREET KENSINGTON LONDON W8 6BL ANNUAL RER)RT AND FINANCIAL S'I'ATF,MENIE FOR THF. YF.AR ENDF.D 31 MARCH 2025 Minister Reverend Sall Masse Thomas Treasurer Mrs Gifty Saba Church Secreta Vacant A55iStant Church Secretar Mr. David Nyarko Bankers Barclays Bank Lloyds Inde endent examiner M B Boydell FCA Boydell & Co Chartered Accountants 146B Chiswick High Road London W4 IPU
KENSINGfoN uED REFORTh(ED CHURCH REPORT OF THE CHURCH ELDERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Church Elders present the annual report with the financial statements for the year ended 1ch 31st 2025. Kensington UrLited Refornied Church, one 0£ the constituent churches of the Thames North Synod of the United Reformed Church, is registered as 'Kensington United Reformed thurch Charity, (Charity no:1145107) under the Charities Act (2011). Princi al Activities To provide regular acts of Christian worship each Sunday during the year and at other times in accordance with the liturgical procedures of the United Reformed Church. To offer pastoral support to church members, mernbeys of the congregation and to those seeking assistance. To provide a friendly welcome to all visitors to the church. To let the church Meetiiig Spa, sanctuary and halls when available to local orgaiiisations, both dwitable and commercial, as a Servi to the cornmunity aiid also as a means of supplementijig the income of the church. To maintain in good order the buildings and equipment of the Kensington United Reformed Church. To maintain and develop links with other Christian churches througli the Churches Together Kensington and Chelsea and with other faith groups through the Kensington and Chelsea Faith Conimunities Partnership. To ensure Kensington United Reformed Church is represented at the meetings of the Thames North Synod of tlie United Reformed Church and other appropriate couiicils of the United Refornied Church. The Elders have held Tegular meetings during the past year to consider the pastoral care and the task of maintaining the worship services of the church and the day to day running of the building and finances. The Revd Sally Massey Thomas sLqrted the ministry of our church on Isl February 2020. Her ministerial position is jointly held with St Paul's Bayswater URC with a SCOpll of 75%. Minister: Reverend Sally Massey Thomas Cliurch SecTetarsr. Ms Izumi Nishizono (until 6 October 2024) Treasurer - Mrs Gifty Saba Assistant Church &cretary: Mr David Nyarko Serving Church Elders (2024-25) Mrs Amy Augustin, Mr David Nyarko, Ms. Izumi Nishizono (until 6 October 2024), Mrs Gladys Osei, Mrs Evelyn (2uartey- Papafio, Mrs Gifty sab Mrs Sarah Worburton. Miss Kathy Donaldson
KENSINGTON UNITED REFORMED CHURCH REPORT OF IHE CHURCH ELDERS coNrtNUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Elders Elders elected are elected to serve by the Church Meeting. Under the constitution of the Kensington United Refonned aiurclL Elders will also act as Trustees to the Kensington United Reformed Church Charity. Inde endent Examiner Mr M B Boydell FCA Boydell & Co. Chartered Accountants 146B Chiswxck High Road London W4 IPU Bankers - Church Barclays Bank Leister LFS7 2BB Bankers - Church halls Ll()yds KIngtOn High Street London W8 Financial re ort The accounts have been prepared to camply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Statenient of Reconmiended Practice for Charities aiid with the regulations made under the Church Accountiiig Resulations 2006. They e pi'epared on ali accruals basis and they are subject to a repoit by an Independe.nt Exaininer. Review of this earfs activities We continue to hold regular services and meetings in-person. The outdoor service followed by a picnic in Holland Park in July liad to be held iii the Meeting Space because of raiii. There was a cldIe11t Christmas Carol servi ui our church in Deceinber. The joiiit Christmas Day service was on Zoom and the joint bible study group with St Paul's Bayswater URC between September ]d the end of June were held every other week on Zoom. The church attendance at Sunday services has dedined since Covid, and is a serious concern. A variety of groups use oui pi'emises. Edai Montessori Nursery holds leases to use the halls during the week. Other regular hirers include children's groups, toddlei groups, self-help groups, Loncert organisers, and one other Christian denomination. There were also a number of one-off leitings. The income from hires is doing well and helps OUT finances. Rooms were let to most groups at a commercial rate, aid to self-help groups (Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous) at a reduced rate. We are pleased to be able to support AA ld GA in this way.
KENSINGfoN UNIIED REFORMED CFtURCH REPORT OF THE CHURCH ELDERS cobrrINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Review of this earfs activities continued The church decided to apply to the Council for a licence for same-sex marriages in February 2024. We continue to welcome fOrnr members and new visitors to our services. We hope to develop further and restOTe coiigregation gTowth through community engagement and in prayer. Future Activities The Elders wish to focus on: Improving provision for pastoral care with the help of our minister, the Revd Sally Massey Thomas, together with the members of the congregation. Trying to identify mission and outreach in the local cotnmunity and implementing them with the help of our minister. Making the sanctuary and the Meeting spa available for church-related activities during the week. Continuing with the current programme to irnpi'ove the financial position of the church and to create a surplus of income over expenditure. Risk Mana eme The Thurch Elders are continuing to identify major risks which impact on the work of the church, especially in regard to the security of the diurch's financial assets. It was discovered that the colurnns that support the upstairs gallery are leaning. Similarly, the height of the balustrade is too low. We have been trying to address these two issues and hope they could be dealt with in the new fiscal year. The building project on the adjacent land affects our building. The issues during this fiscal year were the right to light, and the protection of the 19th century windows during the digging phase. With help from Rapleys, our surveyor, both issues will be deaIt with in the new fAsca] year. The Elders are mindm that safeguarding procedures in line with the current legislation for all who work with children mustbe maintained. A new safeguarding policy replaced the old one in February 2024. On behalf of the Church Elders
ISGToN UNTIED REFORMED CHURCH REPORT OF THE CHURCH ELDERS CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Ministerfs Report Our adivities are as outlined above and I hope we shall conlinue to develop our engagement with the local commuruty. I'd like to put on record my profound thanks and appreciation for our Elders who have taken on so many extra tasks and responsibilities to share the work previously covered by Izumi whose role went far beyoiid that required off a Church Secretary. We are all grateful for everything that Izuzni did for us over many years and wish her every blessing as her career with URC Church House continues to develop. We do, however, still need someone to take on the vital role of Church Secretary (if the person is an Elder) or Church Administrator if not an Elder. It is the same role but, in the URC, only Elders may be named as Secretary. Nominations are welcome ld encouraged for the A.G.M. This last year we have grieved the deaths of three of our long standing and much loved members - Jane Turner on 24 June 2024 F.mmanuel Larkai on 17 January 2025 Jemima Quaye on 27 March 2025 We thank God for the many blessings each of them brought to their families and to us all as a congregation and .shall stand to remeniber and honour them at our A.G.M. After soine delay it was agreed that my ministy with you and St Paul's Bayswater will continue until February next year and I have requested a further extension. For tliose who may not know, it is now a URC requirement that all minsters over the age of 68 must request a year by year extension. l intend to retire in 2027 which means it is time to start thinking about those tasks that will need handing on to others. Apart from sharing me with St Paul's I have a number of other roles for yow for Synod and the wider URC. • Churches Together in Kensington and Chelsea - I service as Ecumenical Advisor on the Standing Committee . Kensington and Chelsea knterfaith Forum, - I work with the Council and interfaith colleagues to devdop our local initiatives. . Central tA)ndon Area Group (CLAG) - I currently convene this group which meets quarterly both in person and on Zoom. . West lK)ndon Bishops and Church Leaders - I attend three MlgS a year both as a local church leader and as Acting Ecumenical Officer for the Synod. • Acting Ecumenical Officer - this engages me with all ecumenical partnership churches in our Synod. It is meant to be the other 25% of my time but for the last three years this has also induded -
. KENSINGfoN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH . REPORT OF THE CHURCH ELDERS CONIINUED . FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 . Interim Moderator with High Cross United Reformed Church. This role has continued far longer than anticipated because the minister they called was suspended before the induction servi. . For Synod l also serve on the Pastoral Committee, Assembly Executive and am a Racial Justice Advocate. . For the URC I am vice-chair of the ecumenical Churches Funerals Group. Life is never dull! I should also like to express my thanks and appreciation to Richard MuIlen-Speight who has achieved so much during his time as our Facilities Manager. By the time you read this we will have appointed someone new and we wish Richard every blessing for his new career in America. And to all of you a huge thank you for being part of our small congregalion. Your friendship, loy upport is so much appreciated. Reverend Sally as Thomas ( Minister) 2025
KENSINGTON UNITED REFORMED CFIURCH STAIEMENfoF FINANCIAL ACttVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2025 2024 Notes INCOME AND EnND[rURE INICON(ING R)URCEs Offerings Donations and gTants Inveslment income and interest Property income Other income Income lax recoverable (2) 7?74 481 19,868 107,007 7374 7,592 152 18,728 115,434 19/68 107,007 1,501 TOTAL comING RESOURCES 134,730 143,407 RESOUR USED Ministry & Mission fund contributions Ministers, expenses & I(al ministy Premises costs Other expenses Donations (3) 36538 1,098 111,838 30,638 152 36,538 1,098 111,838 30.638 152 34596 780 67,180 17.496 102 TOTAL RESOUR£ USED 180,264 180,264 120,154 NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES (45,534) (45.534) 23.253 GAINS AND LOSSES (note l) Unrealised Gam/ (LOSS) (13,836) (13,836) 27,883 NET MOVEMENf IN FUNDS (59,370) (59370) 51,136 BALAN bought forward At l April 2024 617,754 61802 567,666 BALANCES carried forWd At 31 March 2025 £ 558,384 £ 1,048 £ 559A32 £ 618A02 The notes on page5 6 to 10 forni part of these accounts.
KENSINGTON urED REFORMED CHURa BALANCE SHEET AT31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 TANGtBLE FIXED ASSErs Investment assets Church equipment (i) (4) (5) 408,098 6399 421,934 3,149 414,497 425.083 CURRENf AssErs Debtors Cash at bank (6) 32,954 116,676 31,277 167,887 149,630 CREDrroRS: amounts falling due within one year 199,164 (4 (4,695) (5,445) NET CURREwf ASSEts 144,935 193,719 £ 559W2 £ 618,802 Unrestricted Restricted 558,.384 1,048 617,754 1,048 (8) £ 559,432 £ 618002 Approved by the Church Elders on 2025 and signed on their behaIf by Gifty Saba - Treasurer/Elder Reverend Sal yTho s (MinisteT) The notes on pages 6 to 10 fonn part of these accounts.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ACrIVtrS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 AccouwfING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared in accoidance with the Statement of Recognised Practice - Accounting for Charities (2015) and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. Funds UnTestricted funds represent the funds that are not subject to any restrictions regarding thexr use and are available for use in furtheran of the objectives 0£ the Church. Restricted funds are those donated for use in a paTticular area or for specific purposes. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Elders are responsible in law. They do not include the accounis of church 8TOUPS that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are infornial gatherings of Church Mebers. Incomin ResouTces Voluntary income and capital sources: Collections are recognised when received by or on belialf of the thurch. I)lanned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Incon tax recoverable on Gift Aid is reco8nised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the Church are accounted for when the Church is notifAed of ILS legal entitlement and the amount due. Pro er incom Ilental income from the letting of thurch premises .is Tecognised when the renial is due. Income from investments Dividends and inteiest are accounted for when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income (if any) is recowsed in the same accounting year. tsains and losses on investments Realised gains OT losses are recognised when investments aTe sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of invesbments at 31 March. Resources used Grants: Grants and donations are accounted for on an accrua15 basis. ActivÈties direetly relating to the work 0£ the Church The Ministry & Mission contributions are accounted foy when payable.
ISINGroN UNED REFORMED CHURCH NOTES TOIHE. FINANCIAL ACIlVtrIES FOR THF. YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Fixed assets Consecrated land and buildings and moveable diurch furnishings: Consecrated and beneficed propeTty is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act2011. No value is pIaced on movable church furnishings held by the Elders on special trust for the Church since the Elders constder this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice build]r and movable church finIShings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off &5 expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed. Otlier fixtures fittin and office ment Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over 4 years except foT individual lien of equipmeiit with Purchase price of £2,000 or less which are wi'itten off wlien the asset i8 acquired. Investments Investments are valued at market value at the yeaT end. Current assets Amounts owing to the Church at 31 March in respect of fees, renls or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that ]nay prove uncollectible. INCOMING RESOLlliCE Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds TOT AL TOTAL 2025 2024 Offerings Freewill offering scheme Loose offerings Income tax recoverable 4852 2,740 1,501 2.650 7.374 7,374 9,093 Donations and grdnts .' Charitable donations Miscellaneous sncome Grant received 152 .152 Investment Incon and intere%t Rental and hiring income Other income 19,868 107,007 19,868 lo7.0/ 18.728 115.434 126,875 126,875 134,162 T(yfAL INCOMING RESOURCF.S 134,T30 134,730 143.407
io. KENSINGTON UNTfED REFORMED CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ACThVTfIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestncted Restricted Funds Funds TOTAL 2025 TOTAL 2024 RESOURCES USED Ministry and MissAon Fund contributions 36,538 36,538 34.596 36,538 36.538 34596 Minisiry: Visifins ministers/local ministry 1,098 780 1,098 1.098 780 14Emises costs: aeaning Manse Expenses I leat aiid light Wages Insui'ance Church building repaiis and maintenance Administration of halls Council'fax L,ice.nse tees Water I4,3 11,455 24,530 7,218 7,370 31364 1¥88 1,440 I4,3 IIA55 24,530 7,218 7,370 32,364 12.388 13.100 4.168 13,607 7,592 10.414 16.776 1,221 145 157 170 170 111038 111,838 67,180 Other expense5: Organist, choir and niusic Telephone and broadband Priiiting. ststionery. copxer and computer costs Sundry expenses Independent examiner's fee PTofessional Fees Book-keeping Depreciation 4,211 1,162 748 636 3x0 16208 4,211 1,162 748 636 3,559 1,840 818 634 3,540 4,055 1000 1,050 16,208 2,000 2.133 1133 30,638 17A96 Donations: Miscellaneous 152 152 102 152 152 102 T(yfAL RESOURCSS USED 180,264 180.264 120,154
ii. KENSIKGTON UNrrED REFORMED CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL AaIVITIES coNrINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 INVFSTMENf FIXED ASSETS Market value.. At l April 2024 Addihons at COSt Disposals Net (Loss) on annual revaluation 421,34 (13,836) At 31 March 2025 £ 408,098 The investments are all quoted on a UK stock exchange. CHURCH E utPMENT Balance l April 2024 Additions - 9,659 5383 15,042 Depreciation as at 01 April 2024 Depreciation charge for the year 6,510 2,133 Depreciation &$ at 3] March 2Q25 Balance 31 March 2025 DEBTORS 2025 2024 Prepayments URC Thames North Trnst 615 32,339 603 30,674 £ 32,954 £ 31.277 CREDfi'oI£s: AMOUN15 FALLING DUE WtrHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Accruals Other Creditors 3,540 1,155 3,540 1,905 £ 4,695 £ 5,445
12. THE KENSINGTON UNrrED REFORMED CHURCH NOTBS TO THE FINANCIAL ACfIVITIES coNrINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 RESTRICTED FUNDS Movements oli restricted funds during the year were as follows: Funds: B/f Received Expended Transfer C/f Bursary Fund for Young peoples, Christian education/ conferences Fund from funerals for church mission 849 199 849 199 £ 1,048 £ 1,048 DEVELOPME OF CHURCH BUILDINGS Kensington Uniled Reformed Cliiirch and Church Hall are owned by URC Thcimes North Trust, a registered cliarity, number 1022551. Kensington United Reformed Church (throiigh its Elders) is responsible for maintaining the premises and it Is permitted to retain any rental income derived therefrom. Monies accruing to the building deveIopment are held on belialf of Kensington United Reformed Church by the URC Thames North Trust. The financial stsitements record the income from lettings and the adniintrati0n and maintenance costs and the cost of fiirnishings and equipment. 10. THE ENKINS LEGACY URC Thames North Trust has been holdin% funds de.rived froin "The Jenkins Legacy" Following discussions with them and because they hold these funds on trust for Kensington United Reformed Church, it was agreed that the funds held by them as at l April 2009 amounting to £ .34,264 should be treated as income in the financial statements as at that date aiid they would be included as debtors. Interest arising and administration charges from that date are included in the Statement of Financial Activities. 11. CHURCH ELDERS EMOLUMENTS Two of the church elders received emoluments during the year for their services. The church secretary, Izumi Nishizono (until 6 October 2024) received £12,388 (2024 £16,776) for the administration of the hall lettings and the church treasurer, Gifty Saba received £ 2,000 (2024 £2,000) for book-keeping services.
13. INDEPENDEKf EXAMtNER'S REPORT TO THE ELDERS OF KENSINGfoN UNrrED REFORMED CHURCH This report on the accounts of the Church for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 10, is respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounling Regulations 2006 ("the Regulalions") and section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). Res ective res onsibilities of trustees and examiner The ChllTch Elders as Charity Trustees for the Cliurch are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that the audit requirenient of the Regulations and section 144(2) of the Act does not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act and the Regulations; to follow procedures laid down in Ihe general Directions given by the Charity Commission under sectton 145(5)(b) of 2011 Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of this re ort My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. That examination includes a review of the accouiitin8 iecords kept by the Church Elders and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items OT disclosures in the. accounts and seeking explanations from the Elders as trustees conceniing sucli matlers. The procedures undertaken do not PTovide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Inde endent examinerfs statemeiit In connection with my examinatiim, no matter has come to my attention.. (l) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material Tespect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Ac¢ and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting TecoTds and to comply WAth the requirements of the Act and the Regulation5 have not been me¢ or (2) to which, in my opinioTh attention should be drawn in order to enable a Proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. M B Boydell FCA Boydell & Co Chartered Accounlants 146B Chiswick High Road London W41PU 2025
14. APPENDIX TO THE 5rATEME OF FIN5ANCIAL Acr[vTrS FOR IHE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The following inforniation regarding the ChuTch Ha115 and Nursery is included in the property income and expenditure shown in the Statement of Financial AciTvittes on page 4 of the finanaaj statements. Income 2025 2024 Hall lettin%s 107,007 115,434 enditure Administratioii- by self employed individuals Lleaning Manse expenses Independent examination and accountancy (20% propoTtion) Insijrance (say 20% proportion) Council Tax Heating & lighting (say 50% proportion) Repairs and maintenance {say 50% proportion) Telephone Wages 12,388 14,903 11,455 708 1,474 16,776 13,100 4,168 708 1,518 1,221 6.804 5,207 1,840 12,265 16.182 1,162 5,605 77,582 PROFrr of income over expenditure re Halls 51342 £ 29A25 £ 64,092