2024-03-31-accounts - The Link Church

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2024

The Trustees are pleased to report that 2024 has been a good year for the Church, with no restrictions or interruptions to our weekly Sunday Services. 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. As the number of Church attendees is small and predominantly young families, there are no immediate plans to add a midweek meeting to our schedule.

We continue to meet at the Scout Hall in Aldridge who rent the premises to us at the cost of £45/ 3 hour session. We have been meeting there since October 2022, and have sole use of the premises. We are able to advertise our meetings with banners outside the property and this has resulted in people visiting us. There can be difficulties over parking when there are football matches taking place across from the premises. However, 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.

This year we have had a number of visitors to the Church. One new adult joined us and attended regularly, though it appears she has now left. At a time when many churches are seeing a decline in numbers, the Trustees are pleased as to the general health of the Church, with numbers remaining steady. In the last year we have had 2 new births, increasing to 7 the number of children now attending.

Following difficulties in communication that the Charity experienced with Barclays Bank over a number of months, and in proving that the information requested had, indeed, been provided to them; it was decided by the Trustees to open an alternative Bank Account. Although the difficulties with Barclays were eventually resolved and we still have a small amount both in Savings and in the Current Account; the Church now has their main bank account with Charities Aid Foundation, (CAF) Bank. There have been no problems with this new account.

There have been significant developments over the churches work in Uganda. Following concerns back in early 2023 as to the beliefs and teaching of the Apostle of The Link Church, Uganda, a letter was sent by the Trustees expressing our concerns over his unbiblical teachings. Despite this, there was no effort by the Uganda Pastors to curb these messages and Apostle Timothy Kizito continues to preach and teach heresy. A follow up letter was sent but, sadly, to no effect. The Church subsequently broke off all contact and support with these churches. However, the Church has now set up its own Church in Uganda; land is rented and a substantial tent structure erected under which the Church meets. Much equipment has been purchased and a Pastor known to us, put in place. One of our members, who has now visited the Church on two occasions to provide support and guidance, recently brought back an encouraging report as to its progress. We need now to explore how we can best support the Church, especially with regard to teaching materials. We here in the UK recently provided the church members with bibles in their local language

We continue to financially support Christian Concern on a monthly basis, enjoy a good relationship with the organisation, and have been involved in various prayer events with them.

There has been a significant development in our Outreach programme, with the setting up of 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 now being videoed for this purpose. This has been ongoing for over a year now and we now have 55 subscribers with a few of our Blogs attracting 50 or even a 100+ views. We also incorporate a variety of media images into our Blogs, all in an attempt to raise our profile and attract new members to the Church. 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 stronger relationships. The Link Church continues to teach, support and guide both its members and those who are not currently of the faith, in order to help them to fulfil their full potential.

Finances

Church giving has increased slightly from a low last year of £25,000, to approximately £25,700. Although expenditure was reduced by some £500 to approximately £28,850, this resulted in a loss of almost £3,200 over the year. What has been encouraging in these difficult times, of rising food, fuel, energy costs and cost of living; is the commitment and faithfulness of the members and the strong relationships that exist between them. With no major changes in circumstances, we would expect to be slightly up in terms of our Income next year.

Expenses are about £500 down on last year. Pastors renumeration remains unchanged. Ministry gifts increased by some £2,400, which is in keeping with the Charities goal of supporting those in this country and beyond. Although we no longer support The Link Church, Uganda, we have significant expenses in supporting our new Church Outreach in Uganda. Administration is down by some £1,100 with no major purchases this year. Rent was reduced by some £1,500 as forecasted. Spending on our children’s work was up slightly as the Sunday School increases in numbers, and music and worship down around £500. Food and hospitality costs are similar to last year.

I now outline our Statement of Values which best describes what is important to the 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 whilst establishing a presence in Aldridge. The Trustees are happy with the health and direction of the Church, and from a financial point of view, would hope to ‘break even’ next year.

Pastor Douglas Miller For the Trustees

THE LINK CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31st MARCH 2024 Prepared by G M Harrison ACMA Chartered Management Accountant Registered Member in Practice Ref l-NIL5 3 The Downs, Aldridge Walsall W59 0 27/1112024

The Link Church Income & Ex enditure AIC For A Twelve Month Period From 1st A ril 2023 to 31st March 2024 2024 2023 Income Tithes & Offerings Special Gifts HMRC 20,164 19,975 415 4,606 5,521 Total Income 25.686 24,996 Expenditure Pastor Remuneration Travel/Motor Expenses Youth Costslchild Ministry Children Ministry Gifts & Donations Repairs & Maintenance BuildinglPremises Exps Admin Costs Musiclworship Resources FoodlSubsistancelEnUAccom Subs, Conference Costs Training Int Rec Rent Training Depreciation Sundries Youthrruck Shop Fees, Bank & Interest Paid 15,000 1.674 15,000 1,692 797 4,376 538 1,982 420 1.427 419 1,149 2,518 959 1.072 -31 2,381 77 1.058 -37 3.891 1,255 532 45 Total Expenses 28,857 29,347 Surplusl(Deficit) of Income -3,171 4,351

The Link Church Accounts for the ear ended 31st March 2024 Balance Sheet 2024 2023 Fixed Assets Plant and Equipment Dep'n to Date 3,175 4.233 3,175 4,233 Current Assets Business Alc Business Premium Alc CIF Account Barclaycard Cash in Hand 22,941 1.018 19.813 100 100 20.931 23.044 Current Liabilities Trade Creditors & Accruals 455 455 455 455 Net Current Assets 23.651 26,822 Represented By Op Bal Surplus(Deficit) from Income & Expendit 26.822 -3,171 31,173 4.351 23.651 26.822

The Link Church E 31" March 2024 l) Plant depreciation has been charged at 25% on the reducing balance method.