## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2025** 2025 has been a good year for the Church, with the Trustees pleased to report that there have been 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. These 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 isolation. 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 have, however, had some prayer meetings at the homes of our members, which has been a real source of encouragement to those taking part. Also, we had two Outreach events around the Christmas period, with the members involved in extensively leafletting the local area to advertise the events. The first was a Crafts and Cake afternoon which brought one visiting family to the Church and our evening Carol Service brought in two visiting families. Earlier in the year, the Pastor and his wife attended a Church Leaders Conference in Amsterdam, where they made and renewed friendships with many leaders from across Europe and the US. This was of great benefit with relationships built and many words of encouragement spoken and received. The Church 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 whilst there, 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, should circumstances allow in the future. 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. Following previous difficulties in communication that the Charity experienced with Barclays Bank, we have now completely closed our Barclays Accounts and the Church now has their bank account solely with Charities Aid Foundation, (CAF) Bank. There have been no problems with this new account. Following a Mandatory Bank Review in October to understand our objectives and operations, the Bank appear satisfied with our response and there has been no further contact regarding this. Following the setting up of a new Church in Uganda, this Church continues to do well and to grow in numbers. We continue to support the Church by paying the rent for the land on which the Church stands, as well as other equipment, support and guidance. One of our members visits on a yearly basis and is encouraged by the progress they are making. This year he is to be joined by one of our Trustees, who will be tasked with seeing how we can best support them, as well as assist in the setting up of a new PA System. As in the previous year, the Church in the UK recently took an offering for the Church in Uganda in order to provide the Church members with bibles in their local language. This has proved to be very beneficial as many of the members are limited in their understanding of English. We continue to financially support Christian Concern on a monthly basis and enjoy a good relationship with the organisation, with the Pastor having been involved in various prayer events with them. As part of our Outreach programme, we continue to operate 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. Every Sunday, our sermons are videoed for this purpose. This has been ongoing for over two years now and we have over 60 subscribers. We also run a very active “Facebook” page, 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 Income_ is similar to that of the previous year’s figure of £25,686, fractionally lower at **£25,357** although Expenditure was down from £28,857 to **£25,630** . This resulted in a loss of £273, which was an improvement on the £3,171 loss last 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 our 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. _Regarding Expenditure;_ Pastors Renumeration remains unchanged, though Ministry Gifts is down by some £1,460. The Church continues to operate in keeping with its purpose as outlined in the Trust Deed, namely the advancement of Religion and the prevention/relief of poverty; for the public benefit. With this in mind, we expect that Ministry Gifts will increase again next year in keeping with the Charities goal of supporting those in need in this country and beyond. Children’s Ministry is down £300 compared to last year, though this is also expected to rise. Travel Expenses are down slightly, although, in view of the visit to Amsterdam and an extra member visiting our Church in Uganda, this is expected to increase. Administration is fractionally up this year and Music/Worship costs down. Rent was almost identical to the last year as was Food and Hospitality costs. It is encouraging to note that Fees and Interest costs were down by £471 compared to last year. All in all, an encouraging set of results with a minimal loss. 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** ## **30.12.25** THE LINK CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS PERIOD TO 31st MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTANTS REPORT I have prepared the Income and Expenditure A/C and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2025. from the records and explanations given to me and hereby certify these financial to be in accordance therewith. G M Harrison ACMA Chartered Management Accountant Registered Member on Practice Ref l-NIL5 3 The Downs Aldridge, Walsall 03/10/2025 The Link Church Income & Ex enditure AIC For A Twelve Month Period From 1stA ril 2024 to 31st March 2025 2025 2024 Income Tithes & Offerings Special Gifts HMRC 20,183 224 4,950 20,164 5,521 Total Income 25,357 25,686 Expenditure Pastor Remuneration Travellmotor Expenses Youth Costslchild Ministry Children Ministry Gifts & Donations Repairs & Maintenance BuildinglPremises Exps Admin Costs Musiclworship Resources FoodlSubsistancelEntlAccom Subs, Conference Costs Training Int Rec Rent Training Depreciation Sundries youth￿ uck Shop Fees, Bank & Interest Paid 15,000 1,031 15,000 1,674 498 2.913 797 4,376 1,668 139 1,163 33 -39 2,370 1,427 419 1,149 -31 2.381 77 1.058 794 61 532 Total Expenses 25,630 28,857 Surplusl(Deficit) of Income -273 -3,171 The Link Church Accounts for the ear ended 31st March 2025 Balance Sheet 2025 2024 Fixed Assets Plant and Equipment Dep'n to Date 2,381 3.175 2,381 3.175 Current Assets Business Alc Business Premium Alc CIF Account Barclaycard Cash in Hand 1,018 20,334 1,018 19,813 100 100 21.452 20,931 Current Liabilities Trade Creditors & Accruals 455 455 455 455 Net Current Assets 23,378 23,651 Represented By Op Bal Surplus(Deficit) from Income & Expendit 23,651 -273 26,822 -3,171 23,378 23.651 The Link Church Notes to the Accounts E31 03 2025 l) Depreciation has been charged at 25% on a reducing balance method. GMH(03/10/2025) THE LINK CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS PERIOD TO 31st MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTANTS REPORT I have prepared the Income and Expenditure A/C and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2025. from the records and explanations given to me and hereby certify these financial to be in accordance therewith. G M Harrison ACMA Chartered Management Accountant Registered Member on Practice Ref l-NIL5 3 The Downs Aldridge, Walsall 03/10/2025 The Link Church Income & Ex enditure AIC For A Twelve Month Period From 1stA ril 2024 to 31st March 2025 2025 2024 Income Tithes & Offerings Special Gifts HMRC 20,183 224 4,950 20,164 5,521 Total Income 25,357 25,686 Expenditure Pastor Remuneration Travellmotor Expenses Youth Costslchild Ministry Children Ministry Gifts & Donations Repairs & Maintenance BuildinglPremises Exps Admin Costs Musiclworship Resources FoodlSubsistancelEntlAccom Subs, Conference Costs Training Int Rec Rent Training Depreciation Sundries youth￿ uck Shop Fees, Bank & Interest Paid 15,000 1,031 15,000 1,674 498 2.913 797 4,376 1,668 139 1,163 33 -39 2,370 1,427 419 1,149 -31 2.381 77 1.058 794 61 532 Total Expenses 25,630 28,857 Surplusl(Deficit) of Income -273 -3,171 The Link Church Accounts for the ear ended 31st March 2025 Balance Sheet 2025 2024 Fixed Assets Plant and Equipment Dep'n to Date 2,381 3.175 2,381 3.175 Current Assets Business Alc Business Premium Alc CIF Account Barclaycard Cash in Hand 1,018 20,334 1,018 19,813 100 100 21.452 20,931 Current Liabilities Trade Creditors & Accruals 455 455 455 455 Net Current Assets 23,378 23,651 Represented By Op Bal Surplus(Deficit) from Income & Expendit 23,651 -273 26,822 -3,171 23,378 23.651 The Link Church Notes to the Accounts E31 03 2025 l) Depreciation has been charged at 25% on a reducing balance method. GMH(03/10/2025)