**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2022** The Trustees are pleased to report that 2022 has been a good year for the Church, with Covid pandemic restrictions at an end and a real sense of being able to get back to “normal” with no interruption to our weekly Services. We had been meeting every week at Aldridge Community Centre throughout the year and my wife accepted as a Trustee for the Centre. However, a large religious group started to meet at the Centre in September 2022 despite us expressing concerns as to how busy the Centre would get and offering to rent out another large room, which would result in some extra income for the Centre. This group were renting out all the other rooms, for 6 hours/week making it more lucrative for the Centre, and so, they went ahead with the booking. Consequently, we made enquiries of the Scout Hall, which we had previously rented out for a couple of weeks, and they agreed to rent the premises to us at the cost of £45/ 3 hour session. This was agreed and, from October 2022, we have been meeting there, having sole use of the premises. It is our intention to remain there for the foreseeable future, whilst always looking out for a more permanent solution, i.e. our own building. It has been a real blessing for the body of Christ to be able to worship as we are called to in the Bible, without distraction. The times of fellowship have been a real benefit to our spiritual and mental health, at a time when many still continue to struggle in terms of loneliness and over their mental health. Church _giving_ has significantly increased from last year and recent years, at approximately £37,100 compared to £28,200 the year before and £29,100 the year before that. What has been encouraging in these difficult times, of rising fuel, energy costs and cost of living is the commitment and faithfulness of the members and the strong relationships that exist between them. Although we have not had any new adults join us, and one adult leave, considering that many churches have lost up to a third of their congregants and made significant financial losses due to Covid and lockdowns, the Trustees are pleased as to the general health of the Church. _Expenses_ are up on last year (by around £4,000), with the reasons highlighted below. Pastors remuneration remains unchanged. Ministry gifts and donations have increased by around £4,300. This is due to a one-off gift to Full Life Church, Holmfirth, whose Pastor has been known to the Church for many years. With their soft play centre closed during lockdown, the church found themselves a month behind with their rent. The Link Church made a gift of a month’s rent, namely £2,250. In addition, we held a large Outreach event at a local hotel, “Dedicating” 3 of our children, resulting in costs of £1250 and one-off gifts of £650 were made to 3 Christian organisations. The Link Church continues to support the Pastor of the main Church in Kampala, Uganda; Pastor Livingstone, who received support of around £800 in this financial year. We continue to support Christian Concern on a monthly basis and enjoy a good relationship with the organisation, and have been involved in a prayer event with them over “Zoom.” We also advertised with King Alfred School, providing this Christian school which has recently been established, with support of £250. Expenses on our children have increased by some £500, as we have been investing in good quality teaching materials from Answers In Genesis. We really do believe that it is vital to invest in our children, who are the future of the Church. Increased expenditure of over £1,200 in administration is mainly down to the purchase of a new Church computer. Rent has decreased by around £1340. Whilst this was expected, we would expect this to reduce further next year as we establish ourselves at the Scout Hall. Church equipment has been kept in storage facilities, costing us around £2,100 p.a. which is only set to increase. Following discussions with the Trustees, it was agreed that a Church office would be built in the Pastor’s garden to allow all the books and study materials, office equipment to be moved from the garage and all the Church equipment currently in storage, to be kept in the garage. Although estimated to cost in the region of £7,000, this would pay for itself over the next 3 years, with storage costs set to increase. This figure will be reflected in next years accounts. The Church has previously discussed the possibility of members visiting the elderly and of putting on a Carol Service in their Care Homes. With Covid restrictions slow to be removed, and church members having extremely busy personal lives at present, this venture has still to be pursued. This has also meant that the proposal to set up a “You Tube” Channel with Blogs and Sermons videoed and put on the Channel in an attempt to reach out to those who currently do not attend Church. Our sermons are being videoed in preparation for this launch. We also continue to tape our sermons, which are then downloaded onto our Website for the public, and members to enjoy. The Link Church still continues to enjoy support from Mike Hennigan, an established Ministers Fellowship International Pastor from the USA, and other Christian Ministers, and we meet up twice/yearly for Leader’s meetings and to enjoy fellowship together and build strong relationships. The Church continues to teach, support and guide both its members and those who are not currently of the faith. I now outline our **Statement of Values** which best describes what is important to us as a Church;- ## **Family** We are a family of believers who care and cherish our time together and with God. As believers, family is what brings us together; no matter what, family will love and support you. As The Link Church, we are part of the same family, being sons and daughters of God and valuable members of His household. We encourage and support each other in all aspects of life, but we all have a part to play and a contribution to make. We value family as God’s model for society to raise, equip and develop the next generation. ## **Teaching and the Bible** The Bible, as God’s Word, is our foundation and we value its teaching. As The Link Church we place our primary focus on the Bible as God's word and direction. It is the absolute truth, so we use it as the foundation to support and guide our lives. When we meet together, this takes place through our Preaching and Teaching; we also encourage personal study of the Word of God. Knowledge of the Bible (God’s Word) enables us to stand firm in everything life brings. ## **Relationships** God desires relationship with us; we build our relationships with God and each other both in and out of Church. Relationships are what we all want, first with God and then with each other. As The Link Church our relationships with one another are real. God created mankind to share his life with, he wants to walk with you in all things. The Link Church develops its members to build this God focused relationship, inside and outside of Church. We are joined together with Jesus at the centre of our lives; it is he who brings us together and keeps us together in the tough times. ## **Growth and Maturity** We look to grow in our faith and also welcome new members into the Church. Every living thing has to grow and as Christians we are no different. Imagine a baby that doesn’t grow, or one that grows and fails to mature - you'd be worried! The same is true in our Christian lives, we should all be growing and maturing in the ways of God. Church growth is an increasing in our understanding and likeness to God, as well as an increase in believers. ## **Godliness, Holiness and becoming like Christ** Jesus Christ is our perfect example. To be a Christian means to become like Christ, but that is a journey, it doesn’t happen overnight. The more we are obedient to God the more he can use us and the more he changes us by the Holy Spirit. We please God as we become more like Christ. We therefore value and practice integrity, excellence and faith. In **conclusion** ; as well as seeking to increase our membership, the Church continues to focus on the development of each of its existing members and to permanently “put down roots” and establish a presence in the village of Aldridge. Now that the pandemic is over, we are in a good position both financially and spiritually to achieve these goals. ## **Pastor Douglas Miller** ## **For the Trustees** THE LINK CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS PERIOD TO 31st MARCH 2022 ACCOUNTANTS REPORT I have prepared the Income and Expenditure A/C and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2022, from the records and explanations given to me and hereby certify these financial to be in accordance therewith. M Harr on ACMA Chartered Management Accountant Registered Member on Practice Ref l-NIL5 3 The Downs Aldridge, Walsall 12/0712022 Th Link Ch r Income & Ex endlture AIC For A Twelve Month Period From 1stA ril 2021 t 31st M h 2 22 2022 2021 Tithes & Offerings Special Gifts HMRC 28,217 5.239 3.661 23,175 5,068 Total Income 37,117 28.243 Expenditure Pastor Remuneration Travellmotor Expens8S Youth Costslchild Ministry Children Ministry Gifts & Donations Repairs & Maintenance BuildinglPremises Exps Admin Costs Musiclworship Resources FoodlSubsistancelEnVAccom Subs, Conference Costs Training Int Rec Rent Training Depreciation Sundries youth￿ uck Shop Fees, Bank & Interest Paid 15,000 15.000 682 5.589 174 1,282 14 1.389 1,334 769 2,615 997 703 -11 4.813 3.471 205 494 895 Total Expènsès 29.926 26,918 SurplusllDeficit) of Income 7.191 2,326 The Link Church Accounts for the ear ended 31st March 2022 Balan 2022 2021 Flxed Assets Musical Equipment Dep'n to Date Current Assets Business Alc Business Premium Alc 2nd AJC Barclaycard Cash in Hand 10.503 21,025 3,314 21,023 100 100 31,628 24,437 Current Llabllltles Trade Creditors & Accruals 455 455 455 455 Net Current Assets 31,173 23,982 Represented By Op Bal Surplus{Deficit) from Income & Expendil 23,982 7,191 21.656 2.326 31,173 23,982 The Link Church Notes to the Accounts E31 03 2022 l) Depreciation has been charged at 25% on a reducing balance method. GMH{12/07/20221 THE LINK CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS PERIOD TO 31st MARCH 2022 ACCOUNTANTS REPORT I have prepared the Income and Expenditure A/C and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2022, from the records and explanations given to me and hereby certify these financial to be in accordance therewith. M Harr on ACMA Chartered Management Accountant Registered Member on Practice Ref l-NIL5 3 The Downs Aldridge, Walsall 12/0712022 Th Link Ch r Income & Ex endlture AIC For A Twelve Month Period From 1stA ril 2021 t 31st M h 2 22 2022 2021 Tithes & Offerings Special Gifts HMRC 28,217 5.239 3.661 23,175 5,068 Total Income 37,117 28.243 Expenditure Pastor Remuneration Travellmotor Expens8S Youth Costslchild Ministry Children Ministry Gifts & Donations Repairs & Maintenance BuildinglPremises Exps Admin Costs Musiclworship Resources FoodlSubsistancelEnVAccom Subs, Conference Costs Training Int Rec Rent Training Depreciation Sundries youth￿ uck Shop Fees, Bank & Interest Paid 15,000 15.000 682 5.589 174 1,282 14 1.389 1,334 769 2,615 997 703 -11 4.813 3.471 205 494 895 Total Expènsès 29.926 26,918 SurplusllDeficit) of Income 7.191 2,326 The Link Church Accounts for the ear ended 31st March 2022 Balan 2022 2021 Flxed Assets Musical Equipment Dep'n to Date Current Assets Business Alc Business Premium Alc 2nd AJC Barclaycard Cash in Hand 10.503 21,025 3,314 21,023 100 100 31,628 24,437 Current Llabllltles Trade Creditors & Accruals 455 455 455 455 Net Current Assets 31,173 23,982 Represented By Op Bal Surplus{Deficit) from Income & Expendil 23,982 7,191 21.656 2.326 31,173 23,982 The Link Church Notes to the Accounts E31 03 2022 l) Depreciation has been charged at 25% on a reducing balance method. GMH{12/07/20221