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2022-07-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From : 1[st] August 2021 to 31[st] July 2022

Charity name: The Mission Church Morriston

Charity registration number: 1154691

Aims and Purposes:

The Church's aim is to welcome as many people as possible into our Church community, in order for them to learn more about the Christian faith and take part in public worship of Jesus.

Objectives and Activities

The Mission Church is committed to the advancement of the Christian faith, firstly to our local community (Morriston) but also nationally and internationally.

Public benefit

When planning our activities for the year, the trustees considered the Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Whilst also bearing in mind that we are operating during a pandemic. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith through:

Achievement and performance

Update on meetings during this time due to Covid -19

We continued to meet for Sunday worship during this period, until 17[th] April on Zoom, then we moved to meeting physically back at the hall. We did continue to keep Zoom for those who were further afield and who could not attend due to illness etc. Zoom has been a real blessing in allowing those who wouldn’t have normally to join us on Zoom. We continue to make moves to make all of our meetings in person but still rely on Zoom for others.

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Worship and prayer

We have had a fantastic time in our 11[th] year finishing off the Book of Matthew (which over three and a half years to complete!), then completing the Book of Philippians, 2 Timothy, Colossians and Philemon. We have continued to preach and teach in an expositional manner, stating what's there explaining what's there and learning as a Church to apply what's there. It is simply a matter of making the point of the passage the point of the sermon. We have continued to supply notes of the sermon's preached and will revisit the sermon during the course of the week in our Connect Groups.

A new initiative connected with the weekly preaching, takes place on a Monday morning called “Sermon Prep”, a group, that is open to all, both members and non-members, identifying the tools needed for good expositional preaching and teaching. These tools consist of praying, reading over the text several times, asking the Who, What, Why, When, Where and How questions, along with identifying repeating phrases and words, looking at the original meaning of those words, seeing how the verse sits within the paragraph, chapter, Book and Bible. This has been regularly attended by 6 people which has been a huge encouragement!

We spend time looking at the structure of the text, try and find suitable literation, whilst thinking about general and specific application.

We have continued to be open to supporting other Churches through preaching when asked, and have regular times preaching at another local Church in the evening, when their Pastor is on holiday.

Prayer group and Connect groups and discipleship groups

Prayer is crucial to who we are and what we do, it reveals where our confidence is, in facing everyday life. As Pastor and with the leadership team, whenever we meet we try and start with prayer, from Sunday mornings, connect groups, COG Meetings, Elders Meetings, Kidz Connect etc.

We have also continued to have a minimum of 3 x weekly prayer times throughout the year, usually in January, May and September. We have been greatly encouraged by those attending, the prayers offered and the dynamic way in which our Lord Jesus answers those prayers in accordance to His good, pleasing and perfect will.

There are a number of ways that we encourage people to grow as Christians in their walk with God, 1-1's, Connect Groups, Discipleship Groups, attending Conferences and getting involved in serving by using their gifts in God given Ministries.

The Connect Groups have continued throughout the past year. We have consolidated what were our 4 Connect Groups that meet weekly, in line with the School Term, to a centralised meeting in person/zoom that meet in the day-time and evening on a Tuesday.

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The Connect Groups provide a great opportunity to connect with one another, have fellowship, pray together, look at the sermon, and undertake Bible Studies.

We have a reading group called “Read and Relate”, which meets bi-monthly on a Saturday morning, from 7:30am-8:30am. A small group of around 12-13 people meet and journey through a Book written by a Christian, dealing with understanding and getting to Jesus more, but also it helps us to connect deeper with one another, develop our confidence in reading and grow in our understanding in what it means to be a Christian. So far, we have tackled two Books, we meet month on and then have a month off taking 4 chapters every month.

The Pastor facilitates this, there are two other discipleship groups, each meeting monthly, one that is going through a Book on Gospel Leadership and another one where the pastor is going through a Book Called “Disciplines of a godly man”, facilitating both groups.

’ – Children s ministry Kidz Connect

We continued our Kidz Connect group through the whole of the year. It started as a way of our younger people being able to connect during lockdown and due to geographical circumstances, we felt it more appropriate to continue online.

We have a committed group of children and adults who regularly attend, all from within the church congregation. This year we have seen growth in the number of those attending both weekly and generally across the year - 13 adults and 8 children aged 5 years to 15 years. All children and adults are welcome at “Kidz Connect” not just those who attend church. A friend has also been invited.

The evening always begins with a fun ice breaker followed by notices, video of a bible-based song and bible teaching after we have read a chapter of the book we will be studying. This year we have worked through the book of Nehemiah. The children are actively encouraged to read verses aloud on the night (and most actively do want to!). The evening concludes sometimes with sharing news or learning a bible verse. Before the end of each half term and term, we have a purely fun night of games and sometimes we are blessed with yummy treats.

Family Services

Our family services have continued to take place every 6-8 weeks, usually in line with the school terms. This has continued online during the pandemic. We have been going through stories of the bible. The family services are a chance for all the family to be together at church for the whole time we are in the building.

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They are an excellent way for individuals to invite their family and friends who may be non-Christians. We sing songs with actions, usually have a fun interactive part usually based on the story we are about to hear from and then a Bible story. We also share a buffet together after the service.

Memorial Hall Committee

Two of our trustees continue to sit on the committee for the Memorial Hall (where the Church meets), meetings restarted physically in Sept 2021, the Elder who oversees this has been in regular contact with the chairman and booking secretary when needed.

Management

As Leaders and trustees, we meet regularly through COG (Church Operations Group), where a yearly Church planner has been put together, which helps us plan for the year. During these meetings we will review all of the Church Policies and Procedures, along with planning for the various events that take place. We also continue to meet twice a year for our formal Trustee meetings, minutes are kept and published on our website.

This enables the team to grow in both their understanding of their responsibilities as Trustees and Church Leaders, see where there is a cross over and plan accordingly.

Formal Complaints update

After the complaints from Feb 2021 were received, and the Independent Safeguarding Culture Review was commissioned, we have continued to liaise with The Charity Commission regarding the formal complaints. We have worked closely alongside (Christian Safeguarding Services) We are now members, coordinating policy and training with them. Our Safeguarding co-ordinator liaised on a monthly basis with Paul Harrison, and the Church secretary liaised with The Charity Commission.

The Independent Safeguarding Culture Review was completed in August 2021 which produced an Independent Safeguarding Culture Review implementation plan. This plan helped the trustees focus on areas to improve and employ. It remained a working document throughout this period of reporting. The Mission Church received a closing letter on 10[th] September 2021, this letter stated that their case was closed.

The Trustees remain committed and focused on their legal duties and responsibilities. Each trustees undertook training with CSS spanning five months over Oct 2021-March 2022.

Also, as a result of this we have a new Safeguarding policy and procedures that was finalised in October 2022. The policy and procedures also include Codes of conduct, Complaints and concerns, allegations against staff or volunteers and whistleblowing.

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Mission and Evangelism

The Mission Church continues to look for ways to be involved in both the local and wider community. Some of the ways we do this are:

Family Services

Our family services have continued to take place every 6-8 weeks, usually in line with the school terms. We have been going through stories of the bible. The family services are a chance for all the family to be together at church for the whole time we are in the building. They are an excellent way for individuals to invite their family and friends who may be non-Christians. We sing songs with actions, usually have a fun interactive part usually based on the story we are about to hear from and then a Bible story. We also share a buffet, provided by the congregation.

Partnerships with other Churches.

The Mission Church has continued to seek and develop “informal partnerships” with other Churches and Pastors. We continue to pray for other Churches and periodically meet with Church leaders to encourage one another, share resources where we can, and provide preaching support.

The Mission Church supports other Pastors in Wales, England and in Nepal, by sending encouraging texts, purchasing Books for one another, meeting in person, through zoom and visiting one another and obviously praying for one another and hospitality.

Beginnings

Our Baby and Toddler group re-opened June 2022, it was suspended due to Covid 19, the group started back meeting once a week on a Wednesday during term times. It uses the Memorial Hall, for a three hours and it is a group where parents, carers and grandparents can bring their babies and children to enjoy free play and healthy snacks.

We have a group of six volunteers who regularly set up and serve during this time. All staff have a DBS enhanced check and are members of the Church. The group sees around 20 children.

Involved Together

Involved together is our weekly group for older people within our Church, it restarted in January 2022, and was suspended previously due to Covid 19. The group meets at the Pastor’s home and is a time where older people, can enjoy a meal together and take part in fellowship along with a message from the bible. This group meets weekly during term times and usually sees around 8-12 people.

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Love in Action

As a Church we like to share the love of Jesus Christ with others. One of the ways we do this is through what we call 'Love in Action'. Which means when we are made aware of a need amongst our Church or wider community, we try to meet that need, e.g. we have provided meals for a couple who had a baby. We also try to send flowers and cards to those who are going through a difficult time or need some encouragement.

– Nepal

Mark our Pastor continues to preach in Nepal, usually on a yearly basis, and run a small training conference for Pastors, elders and emerging leaders, again taking them through expositional preaching and teaching. We did not go to Nepal in October 2021 due to Covid-19.

The Elders also continue to meet on Zoom with our main contacts in Nepal for prayer, study and updates.

We are currently planning for the trip and the necessary material needed for September 2022. We continue to give financially to the work in Nepal, both to the children’s home, and the work of a Church in Kathmandu. This is done via Western Union in the main.

Pastoral care

The Pastor, regularly meets with people in the Church, who consider themselves to be in need of pastoral support. During the past year we have continued to meet either on a weekly/fortnightly/monthly basis with numerous families, listening to them, praying with them and suggesting ways forward as we look at Scripture together.

This has helped those families start to work through necessary issues in a constructive helpful way.

Along with now meeting with people in person, although Covid 19 has affected this ministry, we have contacted people on a regular basis via the telephone, to see how they are doing, delivered food where necessary and continued to take some to both hospital and doctor’s appointments.

Membership

All are welcome to attend our regular services, connect groups and prayer group. For those wanting to make a deeper commitment to the body of Christ, membership is available. We have a clear structure on those wishing to pursue membership.

We currently have 24 members, this includes - two members left in March 2022. We also welcomed four new members in May 2022.

We have two members meeting each year.

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These meetings are planned for May and November, November is when we have our AGM.

Agendas and minutes are provided and are available on the member’s section of our website.

Website and social media

A great way to promote the Church and inform people is through the internet. The Mission Church has its own website which is updated regularly and provides a wealth of information on the Church and its activities. There is also a member’s area in which to access meeting minutes and other relevant documentation. It also has the full version of the Independent Safeguarding Culture Review We also use Facebook, to inform people of upcoming events and to advertise what is going on in the Church.

Financial review

Independent examiner of accounts : Phillip Harris

Gordon Down and Co
144, Walters Road
Swansea
SA1 5RW
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the
end of the period		 The total income received during this period was :
£ 42,861
The total expenditure for this period was £46,464
Leaving expenditure over income total of : £3,603
Statement explaining the
policy for holding
reserves stating why
they are held		 The reserves covers a month’s hall hire and
running costs for one month, one month’s salary
and one month’s remuneration which is £2345 (Oct
2021)
This amount is held within the church savings
account, which currently holds £7,173
Amount of reserves held We currently hold £2,345
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 N/A
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a
going concern		 The coronavirus to date has not affected any
income, we are still able to operate within the
governmental guidelines and undertook most of
our meetings on Zoom, until we met physically in
April 2022.

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Trustee remuneration, benefits and expenses.

The charity makes monthly payments to one of the trustees Pastor M Skinner for his services as a pastor. This is under an office holder’s agreement not an employee. The is also a memorandum of office in place detailing remuneration and expenses for the pastor. As part of this there is a monthly payment made to him for previous incurred expenses as part of ministry.

Trustees are permitted within our financial procedures to claim for items such as travel costs, accommodation costs, conferences, hospitality, and books.

Our charity constitution makes provision for the remuneration of trustees. (point 10)

Financial donations and support

In this period, we have been able to support a number of other charities namely :

We also financially support a number of individuals involved in Christian ministry and make financial donations to individuals, known to the Church, who are in need (regardless of their faith)

This includes- Iranian family gift of £476 May 22 and Free will offering £1235 June 18[th]

In this period, we have also spent £10,150 on our Nepal partnerships.

Church structure

The Mission Church is governed by the Church constitution and rules dated 1st November 2013. All Church Officers (Pastor, Elders and Deacons) become a Trustee when they assume their position as a Church Officer. The Trustees meet twice a year. Decisions are made by a majority vote between the trustees.

Administrative details

Charity name The Mission Church Morriston
Other name the charity
uses		 None
Registered contact Dawn Fearn
Registered charity
number		 1154691
Charity’s principal
address		 143, Vicarage Road
Morriston
Swansea
SA6 6DR

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Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
whole year
1 Mark Skinner Pastor/Elder
2 Ian Fearn Elder
3 Dawn Fearn Deacon and secretary
4 Christine Skinner Treasurer
5 David Stanton Deacon
6 Kerri Hopkins Deacon 23rdNovember 2021
7 Sheress Griffiths Deacon Left Trustee position on
12/01/2022

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MISSION CHURCH, MORRISTON

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST JULY 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
2021 2022
INCOME THIS YEAR
24,169 Collections and Offerings 30,445
2,509 Other Gifts, Donations and Income Received 8,742
4,478 Gift Aid Tax Reclaimed 3,674
31,156 42,861
EXPENDITURE THIS YEAR
5,057 Donations and Support 3,715
Outreach:
- Hospitality 180
105 Events and Activities 177
- Hall Hire 130
3,097 Nepal Support Expenditure 10,150
14,400 Remuneration of Church Workers 14,436
14 Books and Materials 20
249 Stationery 206
349 Insurance 309
180 Sundry Expenses and Equipment 2,552
2,929 Subscriptions and Regulatory Costs 3,156
150 Website Costs 100
10,178 Expenses for Church workers 11,333
36,708 Total Expenditure 46,464
-5,552 Excess of Expenditure over Income for the Year -3,603
17,964 Funds Brought Forward 12,412
12,412 Funds Carried Forward 8,809
----- End of picture text -----

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MISSION CHURCH, MORRISTON

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST JULY 2022

Analysis of Funds at end of year

2021
19
Cash in hand
11,516
Bank Savings Account
877
Bank Account
12,412		 2022
475
7,173
1,161
8,809

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ members of The Mission Church, Morriston On accounts for the year 31[st] July 2022 Charity no 1154691 ended (if any) Set out on pages 2-3

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31[st] July 2022.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 26/05/2023 Signed: P.Harris Name: Philip Harris Relevant professional FCA qualification(s) or body: Address: 144 Walter Road Swansea SA1 5RW

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