REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 8428264 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1151817
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
FOR
BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
Marsh Solutions Limited 82 Berechurch Hall Road Colchester Essex CO2 8RF
BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 12 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 13 |
BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 March 2023
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. 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 for the public benefit and are restricted to the following:
a) To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the statement of beliefs in the schedule to the articles including but not by way of limitation through the planting of other Vineyard Churches in such ways and in such parts of Bishop's Stortford, the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit;
b) To further Christian education in such parts of Bishop's Stortford, the United Kingdom and the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit;
c) To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind, including through the provision of counselling, training in life skills and support in such parts of Bishop's Stortford, the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit;
d) To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Public benefit
In planning the activities the Directors have had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Vision & Mission Statements
Our Vision is to be a community that lives out the message of Jesus and the Bible in such a way that all may grow to experience the love of God. Our Mission is to make Jesus known to those we encounter and equip them to follow Him.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
The Church met at Summercroft Primary School until the autumn. The colder weather meant that the facilities for our children's church were not suitable. In September 2022 we started meeting again at the Bishop's Stortford College. This did not prove to be satisfactory as the College was unable to give us the same hall each week. After much thought and prayer, we have moved into a coffee shop (Chateau Café) in Bishop's Stortford main shopping area. This venue has a soft play facility that is suitable for our younger children. The teenagers, at present, remain with their parents for the duration of the meeting. This is working well. We are unable to sing in this venue and are currently negotiating a venue for a biweekly worship meeting to be led by our worship leader. This will be held in the evening.
We continue to encourage our children in their faith and endeavour to make coming to church an enjoyable experience. Our current venue has encouraged this. We have good participation from parents. We continue to work on how to improve our children's ministry.
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 March 2023
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities - continued
The congregation membership remained relatively stable. We have had three families leave the congregation. Volunteers make a huge contribution to enable the church to function.
Small groups continue to play an important part of our life together. These groups support and encourage faith and contribute to the life and community of the church. There is one mens group that meets once a month. A ladies group meets in the morning every fortnight. Our small "Table Talk Groups" are doing well with most members of the church involved in these groups. We have a total of five Table Talk groups. Our traditional small group meets each week. Members continue to be involved with their neighbours and their local communities. Our leadership group meets regularly and helps with the vision and the implementation of that vision in the church. There is ongoing pastoral support for members of the congregation.
Worship leaders, who are an integral part of our worship service, are difficult to find and this continues to be a challenge for us.
Our congregation continues to be involved in helping at the Night Shelter and the Food Bank. The church was involved in the "Shoe Box" initiative at Christmas. We have joined with Christians Against Poverty. The Senior Pastor meets regularly with church leaders of the town to pray and support each other. One of our pastors is currently training to be a hospital chaplain which we feel will be a service to the community. We continue as a church to be involved in a variety of initiatives under the banner of Churches Together Bishop's Stortford to continue fostering the working relationship with other churches in our area. The church has been active in the Churches Together events that are organized during the year. These include events such a "Love Stortford" which involved members of the congregation going into the community to help others.
We are a family focused congregation and organize special events in line with the Christian calendar to foster reflection and a greater sense of community. This year we sponsored the Lent Lectures at the Bishop's Stortford College and held two days of prayer and fasting that concluded with a meeting together to pray for the church and the community. The spiritual life of the congregation is vital if it is to achieve its mission and vision. We are constantly mindful of the fact that we exist to bring the good news of God's love and grace to a world in need. The congregation has been reminded again this year that everyone needs to be involved in reaching out and touching the lives of people in their own sphere of influence. This means speaking about their faith and in practical and concrete ways, expressing God's care by serving those in need.
Money was donated to support several charities in this past year. One example is we donated money to a church operating in an area of need, enabling them to open and heat their building and provide a warm place with food for their community during the winter months.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Net income for the year was £5,269 (2021/22: £46,828). The majority of BSV’s income comprised regular donations from BSV’s congregation via standing order or direct salary giving, together with gift aid received in relation to those donations. Total income for the year was £122,561 (2021/22: £160,841).
Total expenditure for the year was £117,292 (2021/22: £114,013).
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 March 2023
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The Trustees' Policy on Reserves and Investments is to minimise the level of reserves held in order to make maximum use of available funds to further the aims of the charity and to use low risk investment, which maintains ready access to the reserves. The Trustees have the powers to invest funds as they see fit.
The Trustees consider that the free reserves are equivalent to the net current assets of Unrestricted Funds. This excludes fixed assets, which are needed for the continuing use of the charity and are generally illiquid. They consider that the free reserves should be broadly equivalent to three months' budgeted operating expenditure, which is approximately £30,000 for 2022/23. At 31 March 2023, after accounting for the net expenditure incurred in, free the year, reserves were £126,213.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Bishop's Stortford Vineyard Church ("BSV") was established as a company limited by guarantee on 4th March 2013. Ultimate responsibility for the entity rests with the Trustees however day to day management is delegated to the Senior Pastor(s) and decisions and responsibility for all pastoral and leadership matters reside with them. There is also oversight from Vineyard UK (VCUKI) area leaders and their national leadership team.
Decision making
The Board of Trustees ("Trustees") meets at least four times each year, with further meetings as required. The induction process for any newly appointed Trustee comprises an initial meeting with the Chairman where the powers and responsibilities of the Trustees are explained. They are also provided with a copy of the Vineyard Trustee manual.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number
8428264 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1151817
Registered office
8 Franklin Drive Elsenham Bishop's Stortford Hertfordshire CM22 6UG
Trustees
R Harrap C Goddard Mrs G Goddard Dr S Walton J Yona
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 March 2023
Independent Examiner
Marsh Solutions Limited 82 Berechurch Hall Road Colchester Essex CO2 8RF
Jun 14, 2023 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ R Harrap - Trustee
Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Bishop's Stortford Vineyard Church ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Christopher Marsh MAAT Association of Accounting Technicians Marsh Solutions Limited 82 Berechurch Hall Road Colchester Essex CO2 8RF
Date: ............................................. Jun 14, 2023
Page 5
BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 March 2023
| 31.3.23 Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 121,050 Investment income 2 1,511 Total 122,561 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Church Activities 117,292 _ NET INCOME 5,269 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 122,162 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 127,431 CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
31.3.22 Total funds £ 160,842 - 160,842 114,013 _ 46,829 75,333 122,162 |
|---|---|
All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET 31 March 2023
| 31.3.23 Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 8 1,218 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 9 15,382 Cash at bank 117,606 132,988 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 (6,775) NET CURRENT ASSETS 126,213 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 127,431 NET ASSETS 127,431 FUNDS 11 Unrestricted funds 127,431 TOTAL FUNDS 127,431 |
31.3.22 Total funds £ 1,624 5,239 121,186 126,425 (5,887) 120,538 122,162 122,162 122,162 122,162 |
|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2023.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
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The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: Jun 14, 2023
............................................. R Harrap - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements and assessment of going concern
The financial statements of the charitable company, 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 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
The financial statements are presented in sterling (£).
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 as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
- Computer equipment - 25% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash, current bank accounts and deposit bank accounts with no withdrawal limitations.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where then charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount.
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.
continued...
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 March 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
3.
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.3.23 | 31.3.22 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deposit account interest | 1,511 | - |
| GRANTS PAYABLE | ||
| 31.3.23 | 31.3.22 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Church Activities | 12,410 | 15,845 |
| The total grants paid to institutions during the year was as follows: | ||
| 31.3.23 | 31.3.22 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Christians Against Poverty | 1,008 | 1,008 |
| Bishops Stortford Street Pastors | - | 1,000 |
| Rayleigh Vineyard | - | 3,000 |
| Rise Upliftment | - | 1,000 |
| VCUKI Ukraine | - | 2,000 |
| Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland | 6,000 | 6,000 |
| Grand Union Vineyard Church | 5,000 | - |
| Other grants | 248 | 1,514 |
| 12,256 | 15,522 |
Giving is accrued at 10% of income received.
4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 31.3.23 | 31.3.22 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 406 | - |
| Independent Examination | 1,475 | 1,100 |
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Chris Goddard, a trustee, received a salary of £40,800 (2022: £39,550), pension contributions of £1,037 (2022: £999) and £312 (2022: £312) for use of home as office.
Gail Goddard, a trustee, also received a salary of £40,800 (2022: £39,550), pension contributions of £1,037 (2022: £999) and £312 (2022: £312) for use of home as office.
Both Chris and Gail were paid for their roles as pastors, not trustees, as permitted by the governing document.
Trustees' expenses
There were no further trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.
continued...
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 March 2023
6. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| All staff No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Church Activities NET INCOME RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 DEPRECIATION Charge for year NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2023 At 31 March 2022 |
31.3.23 31.3.22 2 2 Unrestricted fund £ 160,842 114,013 _ 46,829 75,333 122,162 Computer equipment £ 1,624 406 1,218 1,624 |
|---|---|
continued...
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 March 2023
| 9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Other creditors Accrued expenses 11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 1.4.22 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 122,162 TOTAL FUNDS 122,162 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 122,561 TOTAL FUNDS 122,561 Comparatives for movement in funds At 1.4.21 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 75,333 TOTAL FUNDS 75,333 |
31.3.23 31.3.22 £ £ 15,382 5,239 31.3.23 31.3.22 £ £ - 1,238 1,952 1,905 2,698 1,020 2,125 1,724 6,775 5,887 Net movement At in funds 31.3.23 £ £ 5,269 127,431 5,269 127,431 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (117,292) 5,269 (117,292) 5,269 Net movement At in funds 31.3.22 £ £ 46,829 122,162 46,829 122,162 |
|---|---|
continued...
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BISHOP'S STORTFORD VINEYARD CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
for the year ended 31 March 2023
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 160,842 160,842 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (114,013) 46,829 (114,013) 46,829 |
|---|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.21 £ 75,333 75,333 |
Net movement in funds £ 52,098 52,098 |
At 31.3.23 £ 127,431 127,431 |
|---|---|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 283,403 283,403 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (231,305) 52,098 (231,305) 52,098 |
|---|---|---|
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2023.
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