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2024-12-31-accounts

Registered Charity Number: 1158997

Sharing Life. Living Faith.

Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements For the year ended 31[st] December 2024

SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

Page
Report of the Trustees 3 to 8
Independent Examiner's Report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Statement of Financial Position 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12 to 15
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 16

SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

TRUSTEES REPORT 2024

The current trustees are Andrew Conibear (Chair), Bev Vale (Vice Chair), Rosemary Sherwin, Simon Ogden and Tim Spelman (also an Elder).

The consistent theme of the last few years has been the challenging financial position of South Street Church. The past year has been no different and the year ended with an operating loss.

Summary of finances


Year
Total income
£		 Total expenditure
£		 Net operating income
£
2024 111,277 116,636 (5,359)
2023 112,160 115,193 (3,033)
Variance (883) 1,443 (2,326)

The church relies on the giving from members and the wider congregation to function and provide all of the various outreach, youth work and ministry services. The trustees on behalf of the whole church would like to thank everyone who gifts to the work of the church. Additionally, the financial position for 2024 was supported by two significant donations received during the year – thank you, and we thank God for his continued provision for us. Without these one-off donations, the financial position would have been considerably worse. Important points that everyone associated with South Street Church must recognise Like every single organisation, we are operating in an inflationary environment. The cost of employment and utilities continue to rise whilst the income the church receives does not keep up with expenditure. Income from ‘regular giving’ over 2024 reduced, and in some months reduced significantly.

Everyone who attends and uses the various provisions of South Street Church should be concerned about this. The scope of the church to reduce expenditure is limited. The most significant cost is employment, and the provision of everything the church delivers is dependent on our paid employees, supported of course by the many volunteers who give their time so generously.

We continue to encourage all members to prayerfully consider what they can afford to gift to the church, and wherever possible, to do this via direct debit. This gives a more consistent income flow as opposed to the ad hoc nature of giving on an ‘as and when’ basis. Whilst the majority of our expenditure covers employment costs, we commit around 10% of annual income to support other external ministry work. In the past year this was over £9,000, and included donations to our sponsored child in India, Christians Against Poverty, Cogwheel Trust, David Symons, Evangelical Alliance, Faith in Kids, Scripture Union, Tear Fund, United Generations and Vision for Asia.

Moving ahead into 2025

We do have to be stark and say that the current financial position is not sustainable. Monthly regular giving has been reducing. For context, giving in November and December 2024 was around £500 each month less than in 2023. The first three months of 2025 has continued with a reduction in giving.

We have drawn down funds at the start of 2025 from the main account to cover our costs if this trend continues, but, as reported last year, this ‘topping up’ to support our activities is not sustainable over the longer term.

The trustees are now in more regular discussions with the elders about the financial position of the church. Over the next couple of years, we will have to consider the overall format and operating model of the church, if the current level of giving is our ‘normal’ operating income. Please pray for us as trustees and the overall church leadership. We want to ensure we are

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

able to support the ministry and outreach of South Street Church, to the glory of God. We continue to pray and trust that God will provide for us and guide all of us in the financial decision making surrounding the work of South Street Church.

Finally, we would like to place on record our thanks to Seb, Chloe, Cathy, Rose and Sue for everything they have done over the past year.

Andrew Conibear Chair of Trustees

ELDERS REPORT

God’s blessings in 2024 have been so abundant, we have much to be thankful for! Whether veterans of the faith or exploring Christianity for the first time, as a fellowship we encourage each other to step towards God every day.

Our year began in the book of Esther who reminded us that God uses us to fulfil his purposes in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Jesus’ journey to the cross in Mark’s Gospel led us up to Easter while our journey through Romans gave us time to reflect on the wonder of God’s character whose salvation is a gift, not something we earn through works,

The book of Judges reminded us that God uses the most unlikely of characters to rescue the most undeserving of people who turn to him. After the summer we concentrated on living out our faith and telling people about Jesus through the Living and Telling course and finished the year in 1 Corinthians 13 pondering the heart of love that motivated the incarnation.

South Street Church champions an ‘every member ministry and mission’ culture with homegroups and youth hosting Sunday services and sharing Jesus through personal witness. We continue to give thanks for everyone growing in their faith, especially our many young people. We celebrate their willingness and growing confidence in leading from the front. This year we dedicated Wendell and Huckle, baptised Jasmine, Joy, Viv and Alex and look forward to baptising others who want to make a public profession of faith in 2025.

We continue to share God’s love with the local community through our thriving ministries; toddler groups including ‘Dads and Tods’, community cafe, the Easter and Christmas extravaganzas, carol service, serving at the academy, over 70’s events, Open the Book dramas at Southmead Primary school, meeting and praying with people at our stall at the Braunton Christmas Market.

We thank God for the newcomers he brings, some of whom are exploring Christianity for the first time or re-engaging with a dormant faith.

Thank you to all those who invited, attended, cooked and served at our Alpha course, we’re seeing an increased appetite for God in unchurched people, so be bold and invite your friends, colleagues, and family to explore faith. We had special times of fellowship thanks to Eva’s initiative to organise social evenings and Holly, Amy and Dan who made our church weekend away to Hill House wonderful with sunny walks, fun in the pool and time to reflect on our busy lives. God is faithful!

Seb Latimer

on behalf of the Elders

BRAUNTON FOODBANK AND CAFÉ

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

We continue to open at our SS church on a Wednesday at 12 noon to provide food and household products to people who have a basic need. This is mainly a referral system and vouchers are issued locally through social prescribers, doctors, schools, social workers or indeed, people can turn up and we will issue an emergency voucher. Customers are then signposted to citizens advice and hopefully given help and the tools to thrive.

Alongside this we operate a community café for anyone to make use of where we serve a 3 course hot meal. This café is set up to run alongside the foodbank as we didn’t want the foodbank to be merely transactional (we give, they take) but has enabled us to get to know our community and friendships and companionship has been formed between us all. We operate with the help of a bank of volunteers from the church and the community and the volunteers are as important as our customers.

Last summer the community raised funds for us to have an additional shed. Volunteers from the trades community erected the shed and George from this church constructed a connecting roof between the two buildings. This has transformed the environment for our volunteers with more areas to work undercover from the elements.

In May we had a presence at the Braunton Fayre and offered hot drinks and cakes to passers-by. This helped raise the profile of what we do and many interesting conversations came out of the event.

In the café we have celebrated many birthdays for our customers including two special 89 year old birthdays! Not mentioning any names but they are members of this church. Just to show there is no age limit to our volunteers.

This past year we have had to cope with a change in leadership with Cathy, Seb and me taking up the slack. This has also meant that our volunteers have had to step up and lead the food distribution to maintain continuity of the provision. Why do we do this

We believe that in engaging with people that do not know God or have only a limited knowledge of His love and grace is essential. We can walk alongside people whether customers or volunteers. People matter and relationships are key.

We must form relationships first so there is trust. If as a church we stand with people in a practical way, then the church has credibility to transform and reach into peoples lives. We want to demonstrate and proclaim the gospel where we can and in a timely way. That’s when the Holy Spirit takes over! So, as explained we couldn’t open without the support from our community volunteers. Simply anyone can fall on hard times and many of our volunteers have a lived experience which makes them open hearted.

We would like to thank anyone in our church who helps us in any way – you know who you are! The roles are varied:

Sorting and packing the store shed Receiving deliveries and donations Collecting donations and fresh food from supermarkets Delivery of parcels to people who are stuck in their own homes for whatever reason Waitering in the café Cooking, washing up and making hot drinks Baking cakes Welcoming customers Sitting with individuals and sharing a meal Operating the voucher system and signposting people to further financial help Donating food and produce Donating money to buy food Most importantly – Praying If you feel compelled to help in any way, then please speak to one of us.

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

The reality is, we all, whether we have a faith or not, face challenges and need each other to thrive in the age we live in. Please reach out to one of us in confidence if you yourself need help. We are there for the whole community including church members. God wants to transform; our task is to participate.

Caroline Tucker

CARE AND VISITING TEAM REPORT

Most of the care for our members was provided by Home Groups, with the leaders having the closest relationship with their members and knowing their needs. We continued to visit the sick in hospital, as well as send flowers and cards to the ill or bereaved. We had nine members of our congregation making up our visiting team, and seven members regularly visited.

Rose Perkins Church Manager

FAMILY WORKER REPORT

Our impact in the community has continued with Toddler Group running every Monday for children under 3 and their adults. We have a lovely group that attend regularly and we are also running a waiting list currently. We range in numbers from 10 - 16 families. We provide a hot drink and biscuits, free play plus story and song time. This is a group to build relationships with adults and their children.

Little Stars is our preschool age group and runs for 2.5 & 4 year olds and their adults. We lowered the start age as we have a waiting list for Toddler Group and felt this would encourage parents and their children to move over to the ‘older’ group. This group has grown over the past year and has a regular core of about 8 families. Like Toddler Group, we have free play, hot drinks, biscuits plus story and song time. We also include an age-appropriate craft and activity plus a clear Bible link.

We have continued to run our annual Light Party and Extravaganzas as an outreach for nonchurch and church children but, again, have lowered the targeted age range to better suit the demographic in our community. We were successful with numbers running for 3 - 8 year olds so will continue with this for the time being. We also ran our annual Christmas Extravaganza leading into an ‘all-age’ carol service suitable for everyone.

Our monthly Dads and Tods group is proving to be popular. The Dads are usually provided with something to eat from biscuits, cakes and bacon sandwiches as the children play. We have three men who regularly serve this group. Including a Bible story has been discussed for future months.

We continue to hold regular all-age services and weekly groups for our church children on a Sunday. In the 5-10 year old group, the children choose which topics they would like to find out about and, in 2024, we covered ‘Women in the Bible’, ‘Romans’, ‘Lego Parables’ and ‘Brick by Brick Christmas’ from Faith in Kids. The children get a challenge to complete most weeks and win badges for service, commitment and for completing those challenges. The children are engaging with the themes well and love earning their badges (and I love the

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

privilege of working with all of them!)

Cathy Ogden Families Worker

HOME GROUPS

We continue to have 8 thriving Home Groups held at various times of the day or evening and over a number of different days. They are accessible to all ages and abilities. We have studied the Bible Society’ s course on Romans, the book of Judges, then the “Living and Telling course from Agape” followed by an excellent Advent daily readings” Love Came Down by Sinclair Ferguson” .We have started 2025 with the challenging “Practising The Way Course from John Mark Comer” The Home group studies are complemented by the Sunday sermons with Home groups being the vehicle of service within the church including hosting and leading the Sunday services.

The Home Groups enable us, as a church, to grow in the knowledge of God and His word and how to live effectively for Him. We grow closer, supporting in practical ways and encouraging each other, sharing life and living faith together.

THE POINT

The Point Youth group is run at St George’s House with support from South Street Church. It is for school years 6-9 and runs during term time on a Sunday evening 6.30 – 8.00. The youth group is open for all and is attended by approximately 25 young people from the surrounding villages.

There has been lots of fun playing games such as signs, pool and table football.

Each night we have a small discussion and we have been working through Bear Grylls Soul Fuel.

Please pray for the young people that attend and the Point Team.

Baz Barrow

YOUTH

My work with South Street Church includes a variety of practice: from church youth groups and mentoring to supporting pastorally in schools and community youth clubs.

I spend a lot of time pastorally supporting young people through mentoring sessions and group work and I also support students at the local secondary school via lunchtime clubs. I also support a local community youth club where we welcome local kids to come and engage in activities and games. I connect with both churched and unchurched children in all of my work, and I greatly enjoy connecting with the community.

Chloe Livingstone Youth Worker

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

Reference and Administration Details Registered name

South Street Evangelical Church

Registered Charity number

1158997

Principal address

South Street Braunton EX33 2AS

Senior Staff

Seb Latimer (Pastor) Sue Nightingale (Administrator)

Trustees

Name Position Appointments/Resignations Andrew Conibear Chair Rosemary Sherwin Tim Spelman Elder Trustee Simon Ogden Beverley Vale Vice chair

Independent Examiner Michael King 53 Fountain Fields High Bickington EX32 9BW 16/5/2025 Approved by the board of trustees on ....................................................... and signed on its behalf by:

............................................. Andrew Conibear, Chair

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of South Street Evangelical Church

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of South Street Evangelical Church (The Trust) for the year ended 31st December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the ‘Trust’ you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

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

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

I confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Michael King MAAT Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians 53 Fountain Fields High Bickington Devon EX37 9AP

Date: 17[th] April 17, 2025

Page 9

SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

for the Year ended 31[st] December 2024

Notes
Income and Endowments
Donations and legacies
2
Rental income
Grant income
Investment income
3
Total Incoming Resources
Charitable activities
Advancement of the Christian Faith
4
Total Resources Expended
Net Incoming / (Outgoing) resources
Transfer between funds
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds brought forward
Total Funds carried forward		 2024
2023
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
£
£
£
£
96,861
10,369
107,230
107,790
1,048
1,048
1,688
0
0
2,999
2,999
2,682
100,908
10,369
111,277
112,160
109,788
6,848
116,636
115,193
109,788
6,848
116,636
115,193
-8,880
3,521
-5,359
-3,033
0
0
-8,115
2,756
-5,359
-3,033
112,432
1,325
113,757
116,790
103,552
4,846
108,398
113,757

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

At 31[st] December 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total Total
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets 7 0 0 0 0
Current Assets
Debtors 0 0 0 0
Cash at bank 103,852 4,846 108,698 114,007
103,852 4,846 108,698 114,007
Current Liabilities
Amounts falling due within one year 8 -300 0 -300 -250
Current Assets less Current Liabilities 103,552 4,846 108,398 113,757
Total Assets less Current Liabilities 103,552 4,846 108,398 113,757
Funds
Restricted funds 9 4,846 4,846 1,325
Unrestricted funds 9 103,552 103,552 112,432
Total funds 103,552 4,846 108,398 113,757

16/5/2025 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on …………………….and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. Andrew Conibear, Chair

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of preparing the financial statements and assessment of going concern

The financial statements of the charity, 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 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. 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.

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 heading, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Equipment and fixtures and fittings - 4 years straight line

Taxation

The charity is exempt from 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 statement

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

2. Donations and Legacies

2. Donations and Legacies
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Donations
Gift Aid received
Grant received		 £
£
£
83,326
10,369
93,695
13,535
0
13,535
0
0
0
96,861
10,369
107,230
2023 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Donations
Gift Aid received
Grant received		 £
£
£
87,620
9,690
97,310
10,480
0
10,480
0
0
0
98,100
9,690
107,790

3. Investment income

3. Investment income
Interest income Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
2,999
0
2,999
2682

4. Expenditure on charitable activities

4. Expenditure on charitable activities
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
108,828
6,848
115,676
959
959
Church charitable activities
Support costs
2023
107,277
9,359
116,636
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
104,094
9,791
113,885
1,308
0
1,308
Church charitable activities
Support costs
105,402
9,791
115,193

5. Analysis of support costs

Accountancy
Insurance		 2024
2023
350
250
609
1058
959
1,308

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

6. Staff costs

. Staff costs
Salaries
Pension costs
Trustees’ expenses		 2024
2023
£
£
73,549
70,577
6,860
6,262
80,409
76,839

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31[st] December 2021.

The average monthly number of employees during the period wa
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
Tangible fixed Assets
Cost
Cost brought forward
Additions
Total cost carried forward
Depreciation
Depreciation brought forward
Charge for year
Total depreciation carried forward
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 2024
2023
No.
No.
s as follows:
5
4
Fixtures
Equipment
Total
£
1,966
1,866
3,832
0
0
0
1,966
1,866
3,832
1,966
1,866
3,832
0
0
0
1,966
1,866
3,832
0
0
0
0
0
0

7. Tangible fixed Assets

8. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors		 2024
2023
£
£
0
0
300
250
0
0
300
250

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

9. Movement in Funds Unrestricted Funds 2024

General Fund
Building Fund
Operational Reserve Fund
Youth and Children		 Balance
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance
1st Jan 2024
31st Dec 2024
77,975
99,162
-107,277
12,692
82,552
13,457
-13,457
0
21,000
21,000
0
1,746
-2,511
765
0
112,432
100,908
-109,788
0
103,552

The trustees have decided to remove the building fund and transfer all remaining monies to the general fund . There was no documentation of where the money came from and why it was set aside. The money was and still is included in the total ‘Unrestricted Funds’ and could be used as needed, including building work.

The Youth and Children fund was incorrectly included in Restricted fund. This has been presented in the Unrestricted funds. A transfer from the general fund to the Youth and Children’s was made to account for the deficit in Youth and Children’s.

Unrestricted Funds 2023
General Fund
Building Fund
Operational Reserve Fund
Total Funds
Restricted Funds 2024
Refugee Fund
Church Weekends
Food Bank
Restricted Funds 2023
Refugee Fund
Church Weekends
Food Bank
Youth and Children
Total Funds		 Balance
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance
1st Jan 2023
31st Dec 2023
81,905
102,470
-105,402
-998
77,975
13,457
0
0
0
13,457
21,000
0
0
0
21,000
116,362
102,470
-105,402
-998
112,432
Balance
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance
1st Jan 2024
31st Dec 2024
0
0.00
0
0
0
5,974
-5,180
793
1,325
4,395
-1,667
4,053
1,325
10,369
-6,848
0
4,846
Balance
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance
1st Jan 2023
31st Dec 2023
0
0
0
0
0
0
6,835
-7,555
720
0
368
2,427
-1,470
0
1,325
60
428
-766
278
0
428
9,690
-9,791
998
1,325

10. Trustee remuneration and benefits

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity.

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SOUTH STREET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

The following pages do not form part of the Financial Statements

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

ETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Donations and legacies
Donations
Gift Aid received
Grants received
Other income
Total income from donations and legacies
Investment income
Interest received
Total income from investment income
Total incoming resources
Charitable activities
Payroll expenses
Pension costs
Ministry expenses
Gifts
Food Bank
Sunday service
Youth and children
Family day and weekend away
Rent
Light and heat
Maintenance
Office expenses
Telephone
Fees and subscriptions
Safeguarding
Total expenditure on charitable activities
Support costs
Accountancy
Insurance
Total support costs
Total resources expended
Net (outgoing) / incoming resources		 2024
2023
£
£
92,908
97,310
13,535
10,480
0
1,835
1,688
108,278
109,478
2,999
2,682
2,999
2,682
111,277
112,160
73,549
70,577
6,860
6,262
3,158
4,336
9,396
8,040
1,667
1,471
171
262
2,511
1,743
5,180
8,321
4,277
3,137
3,340
2,789
1,885
3,835
607
337
698
671
2,049
1,847
328
257
115,676
113,885
350
250
609
1,058
959
1,308
116,636
115,193
-5,359
-3,033

Page 16