Registered Charity Number: 1159621
Sheffield Church of The Nazarene
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 30 September 2025
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administratve informaton | 1 |
| Trustees' annual report | 2 – 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Receipts and payments account | 9 |
| Statement of assets and liabilites | 10 |
| Notes to the accounts | 11 - 12 |
Sheffield Church of the Nazarene Legal and administrative information For the year ended September 2025
Trustees
| Trustees | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Positon | Date Appointed | Date Resigned | |
| Helen Roberts | Secretary | 24/12/2014 | |
| Paul Salmons | Treasurer | 22/03/2021 | |
| Vivien Jessop | 22/03/2021 | ||
| Simon Cheatle | 22/03/2021 | ||
| Sam Hollingworth | 12/02/2023 | ||
| Rev Bev Fitzjohn | Pastor | 01/10/2025 | |
| Rev Rob Fitzjohn | Pastor | 01/10/2025 | |
| Key management | |||
| Rev Tommy Goodwin | Interim Pastor | 01/11/2023 | 30/09/2025 |
| Charity number | |||
| 1159621 |
Contact address
Fitzroy Road Sheffield S2 3BB
Accountants
Seven Hills Accountants Limited 57 Burton Street Sheffield S6 2HH
1
Sheffield Church of The Nazarene Trustees' annual report For the year ended 30 September 2025
The Trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Structure, governance, and management
Sheffield Church of The Nazarene is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation which registered with the Charity Commission on 24 December 2014. Sheffield Church of The Nazarene is governed by the rules and regulations set down in its governing document.
Trustee Appointments
The Senior Pastor of the church is ex-officio chairperson of the Board of Charity Trustees and their position is reviewed after two years and then every four years after that. Having served as Interim Pastor since the 1[st] November 2023, Rev Tommy Goodwin concluded his ministry with us on the 30[th] September 2025, with the appointment of Rev Beverley Fitzjohn and Reb Robert Fitzjohn as Co- Senior Pastors on the 1[st] October 2025, each on a 0.5 contract.
The remaining Trustees are elected annually by the members of Sheffield Church of The Nazarene at the annual general meeting held in February / March each year.
The Chairperson is ex officio by virtue of his/her office as Pastor of Sheffield Church of The Nazarene and the NYI and Children’s Ministry representatives are also ex officio by virtue of their office within the Church. The leader of our Children’s Ministries, Maggie Meade, chooses not to sit on the Board of Trustees.
Governance and Wider Network
The Board of Trustees meets regularly, normally on a monthly basis to consider the work and management of the church and assess and plan the financial and other aspects of the work and direction of the charity. The church/CIO is a member of the Church of The Nazarene British Isles South District (a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, Company No 7028764; Charity No 1133336) which in turn is a member of The Global Church of The Nazarene which has its headquarters in Lenexa, USA.
Committees
Committee chair and members are appointed annually by the Board of Trustees. Committees report to the Church Board at Board meetings. Committees make recommendations to the Board but do not make decisions.
The Finance Committee will meet at least once a year to review staff renumeration and make a recommendation to the Board.
Committee Members as at 30 September 2025:
Finance Commitee Paul Salmons - Chair Helen Roberts Christine Ritchie
Health & Safety matters relating to the church are reviewed by the Church Administrator and taken to the Board for comment and approval.
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Sheffield Church of The Nazarene Trustees' annual report - continued For the year ended 30 September 2025
Staffing
The Trustees recognise and are grateful for the hard work and commitment of all staff, all of who work over and above to promote the values and aims of the Church.
Salaries are reviewed annually in accordance with “Staff Pay Review Policy” and guidance provided by the holding trustee, Sheffield Church of the Nazarene British Isles South District. The recommendation from the holding trustee this year was a 5.55% increase to the basic pay rate and 3.33% increase to allowances, which represents a significant increase over the past 3 years.
Staff for this period have been:
Date Appointed/Resigned
Jo Bambrough Administrator 8 hrs / wk June Saunders Cleaner 4.5 hrs / wk David Saunders Cleaner 2 hrs / wk Jackie-Anne Moxon Cleaner 2 hrs / wk Rev Tommy Goodwin Interim Pastor 32 hrs / wk Rev Beverley Fitzjohn Co Pastor 18.75 hrs / wk Rev Robert Fitzjohn Co Pastor 18.75 hrs / wk
Resigned 30/09/2025 Appointed 01/10/2025 Appointed 01/10/2025
Risk Management
The risk management strategy of the church is in a continual process of formulation in response to the changing circumstances that could impact upon the work of the church.
The Board of Trustees, in considering this important task, take direction from on-going discussions with members both internally and through meetings with the Church of The Nazarene British Isles South District and other advisers, adopting appropriate policies as required or as they become necessary to the ongoing work of the church.
Objectives and Activities
The objects of the CIO are the advancement of the Christian faith as part of the church of the Nazarene inc. and the District principally but not exclusively in England.
In practice the charity undertakes the following:
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a) The advancement of the Christian faith as part of the Global Church of The Nazarene and the Church of the Nazarene British Isles South District.
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b) To serve and enhance the local community.
When planning our activities for the year the Board of Trustees has considered the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.
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Sheffield Church of The Nazarene Trustees' annual report - continued For the year ended 30 September 2025
Review of the Year
The aims for the year included:
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The advancement of the Christian Faith as part of the international Church of the Nazarene and the District principally but not exclusively in Sheffield.
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Serving and enhancing the local community.
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Continuation of Christian worship meetings and promotion of the Christian faith in accordance with the principles of the Church of The Nazarene.
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Work with children and young people to promote the Christian faith and /or provide local social benefit.
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Work with senior adults to promote Christian faith and / or provide local social benefit.
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Continuing to develop links with the local community, to enhance the involvement of the church with relevant local agencies on behalf of the local community.
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Continue to partner with and make the church building available to relevant local agencies seeking to benefit the local community.
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Continue to support local foodbanks with donations.
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Actively recruit and support volunteers and involvement in groups and in the local community.
During the year the charity fulfilled its aims by running a variety of activities and resources on line and in person:
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The church was open every Sunday for a morning service with average attendance of 60 people.
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During the morning service a Sunday School runs for children under the age of 12 where average attendance was 8 children.
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Special services and activities were held at Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. We also marked the end of Rev Goodwin’s Interim time as pastor with a special service followed by a buffet lunch, enjoyed by approx. 100 church members and friends.
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We had a church community gathering every month, the format of these monthly events varied e.g. Pasta and Prayer, Pizza with the Pastor, Brunch and Bible. Up to 30 church members attended each of the events.
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Our Christmas Coffee morning was a well-attended event with both church members and neighbours from the local community coming together. Altogether approx. 150 people attended the coffee morning.
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An Easter Eggstravaganza for children aged from 3 to 11 saw approx. 50 children with their parent/grandparent/carer enjoy food and drinks, crafts and games. Each child attending went home with an Easter egg.
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Our Zoom prayer meeting has continued every Monday in term time. This is a small gathering of up to 6 church members.
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Monday Club runs for children turning 4 in this academic year and is attended by 6 to 8 children every week in term time.
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Tuesday morning is Sportsbreak for mature adults where badminton, table tennis, pickle ball are regular activities for up to 10 people. Organised by people in the church it also attracts neighbours from Heeley and Meersbrook.
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Tuesday lunch time is Lunchbreak which has seen numbers grow from 6 – 8 with up to 20 regulars now attending. Organised by people in the church attendees are church members and neighbours from Heeley, Meersbrook and Gleadless Valley.
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Wednesday Club is for children in years 3, 4, 5 & 6 with regular attendance of 30 children, all from the local community.
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Sheffield Church of The Nazarene Trustees' annual report - continued For the year ended 30 September 2025
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Lunch Club for vulnerable adults had 36 members, a mix of church members and people from the local community. Supported by 12 volunteers from the church it concluded at the end of March 2025.
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A youth group met on Friday evenings for school years 7 and upwards. Attendance was between 6 and 12 teenagers all from the local community with volunteers from the church and friends of the church running the group.
We have been able to open up our building to hire to community based organisations and groups with regular weekly bookings from:
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Sarah Cotton Yoga
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U3A A Capella Singers
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AA • Dance Groups
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Carfield Community Choir • Mother & Baby Yoga
Heeley Plus have used our building for “Healthy Eating” workshops over a series of weekly programmes.
Fortix training have made occasional use of our downstairs rooms.
Our hall downstairs is used throughout the year for private hire for children’s parties.
Significant events during the period include :
The sale and purchase of the church Manse. The old Manse was a semi-detached Victorian property which carried significant maintenance and repair costs – estimated that a new roof would be needed in the next 10 years, overhaul of central heating system, damp cellar. In addition access to the property was up steep steps making it difficult for anyone with limited mobility or babies/toddlers in prams or strollers. There was no off road parking and no garage making any switch to an electric vehicle difficult. There was no downstairs toilet meaning that any visitors requiring use of a toilet needed to go upstairs into family space.
With the approval of the District the Board agreed to sell the property and look for something more suitable.
A new Manse was purchased that provided a garage and off road parking, limited steps to access the house with no steps from the pavement, a downstairs toilet for use of visitors, a more modern central heating system and other advantages e.g. flat gardens front and back, ample storage, an attic conversion that could be used as office space or a family room.
The purchase and sale of the two properties concluded at the beginning of March 2025.
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Sheffield Church of The Nazarene Trustees' annual report - continued For the year ended 30 September 2025
Having previously given notice of her intention to step down from running the Wednesday Lunch Club for vulnerable adults, Christine Ritchie concluded her voluntary service to Lunch Club at the end of March. No one was able to take over running Lunch Club and the club closed at the end of March.
Friday Club for school years 7 to 13 closed early for the summer at the beginning of July, due to a few disruptive individuals making it difficult for the Club to operate. The Club is planned to move to a Thursday evening at the start of 2026.
The recruitment and appointment of Co Pastors Beverley and Robert Fitzjohn. Whilst it had been known in the wider Nazarene church that we were looking to recruit a new pastor an active recruitment process started in March 2025, concluding in July when a members vote approved that Beverley and Robert be called as Co Pastors to the Sheffield Church.
Volunteers
The work planned, activities undertaken and achievements attained would not have been possible without the active involvement and hard work of all of the members and friends of the charity without whom the substantial work of the charity could not be realised. The Board of Trustees is grateful for the work and support of all the members and friends of the church.
As at 30 September 2025 a total of 42 volunteers are willing to work with children, youth and vulnerable adults and have been vetted through the Church Safeguarding Policy and have an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. As at 30 September 2025 approximately 35 volunteers support the Church on a weekly basis.
Financial Review of the Year
The charity has continued throughout the year to meet and tailor the expenditure it incurs to the income received through rent for use of the building and through the tithe offerings and donations received. There is much more that the Board of Trustees would like to do and we continue to explore these and the use of possible grants that may be available to enable these plans to become a reality.
During the year, grants were received as follows:
- £1,950 from Sheffield City Council for Luncheon Club
Reserves
The charity has a policy of keeping 3 month's regular outgoings in reserve. As at 30 September 2025 this target was £23,160.
Unrestricted cash funds held at 30 September 2025 were £39,811, higher than the current target. The situation is regularly monitored by the Board of Trustees.
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Sheffield Church of The Nazarene Trustees' annual report - continued For the year ended 30 September 2025
Plans for Future Periods
The Board of Trustees meets on a monthly basis to plan and look to the future of the charity. Under the guidance of our newly appointed Co Pastors Rev Beverley and Rev Robert Fitzjohn, the aim of the Church for the coming year is to maintain the current objectives and activities as previously outlined.
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above on 15 June 2026.
Signed on their behalf by:
Paul Salmons Trustee
7
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Sheffield Church of The Nazarene (“the Charity”)
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 September 2025.
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 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the 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 which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Lightfoot, FCA DChA 18 June 2026 Seven Hills Accountants Limited 57 Burton Street Sheffield S6 2HH
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Sheffield Church of the Nazarene Receipts & payments account For the year ended 30 September 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ Receipts Tithes, donations & gifts 56,362 Gift aid rebate 12,917 Legacy 10,000 Grants - Room Hire 14,403 Events income (including subs) 4,929 Other income 1,070 99,681 Asset and investment sales Net proceeds from sale of property 375,872 (after deduction of associated costs) Total receipts 475,553 Payments Staff costs 2 40,418 Travel and subsistence 5,428 1,347 3,490 21,781 Buildings maintenance 13,153 Insurance 3,468 Equipment 601 Consumables 280 Professional fees 539 Events 7,295 Gifts and donations 1,961 Worship related 2,890 Training/Staff development 235 District budgets 11,040 New Manse costs 8,978 Other costs 309 Independent examination fees 3 1,113 124,326 Asset and investment sales Costs of property purchase 334,638 (including associated costs) Total payments 458,964 Net receipts/(payments) for the year 16,589 Transfer between funds 4 1,275 Net movement in funds 17,864 Total funds brought forward 21,947 Total funds carried forward 39,811 Volunteer expenses Utilities, inc telephones, broadband, TV licence and council tax Visiting speaker costs |
Restricted funds £ 22,160 1,825 - 1,950 - 1,552 118 27,605 - 27,605 - - - - - - - 45 - - 4,670 19,485 64 - - - - - 24,264 - 24,264 3,341 (1,275) 2,066 2,998 5,064 |
2025 Total £ 78,522 14,742 10,000 1,950 14,403 6,481 1,188 127,286 375,872 503,158 40,418 5,428 1,347 3,490 21,781 13,153 3,468 646 280 539 11,965 21,446 2,954 235 11,040 8,978 309 1,113 148,590 334,638 483,228 19,930 - 19,930 24,945 44,875 |
Unrestricted fund £ 69,874 14,139 - - 10,446 3,969 142 98,570 - 98,570 32,450 1,566 306 1,767 21,043 5,632 3,396 1,676 247 559 7,274 1,770 1,516 70 12,847 1,439 101 774 94,433 - 94,433 4,137 2,255 6,392 15,555 21,947 |
Restricted funds £ 11,772 639 - 3,490 - 4,172 - 20,073 - 20,073 250 - - - - - - 211 - - 6,392 11,445 - - - - - - 18,298 - 18,298 1,775 (2,255) (480) 3,478 2,998 |
2024 Total £ 81,646 14,778 - 3,490 10,446 8,141 142 118,643 - 118,643 32,700 1,566 306 1,767 21,043 5,632 3,396 1,887 247 559 13,666 13,215 1,516 70 12,847 1,439 101 774 112,731 - 112,731 5,912 - 5,912 19,033 24,945 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sheffield Church of the Nazarene Statement of assets and liabilities As at 30 September 2025
| Unrestricted fund £ Cash assets Balances at bank and cash 39,811 Total 39,811 Debtors Gift aid claimable on gifts received up to 30 September 4,299 Room hire 128 Legacy 7,645 Gifts and donations - 12,072 Assets retained for the charity's own use Basis of valuation Church property - renovation work Cost Manse no disclosure Land Cost Equipment Actual cost or estimated replacement cost |
Restricted funds £ 5,064 5,064 2,615 - - - 2,615 |
2025 £ 44,875 44,875 6,914 128 7,645 - 14,687 617,056 3,400 45,969 666,425 |
Unrestricted fund £ 21,947 21,947 6,649 165 - 1,000 |
Restricted funds £ 2,998 2,998 - - - - 7,814 |
2024 £ 24,945 24,945 6,649 165 - 1,000 7,814 617,056 3,400 46,697 667,153 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The legal title to the ownership of the church and the manse is the Church of the Nazarene British Isles South District (BISD) who is the "holding trustee". However, the usage of the properties on an ongoing basis and the terms of disposal of the property are such that the Charity recognises the properties as being owned for accounting purposes.
| Liabilities Accountancy & independent examination fee Professional fees Staff costs |
1,050 113 562 1,725 |
- - - - |
1,050 113 562 1,725 |
810 113 562 1,485 |
- - - - |
810 113 562 1,485 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
These Financial Statements are accepted by the trustees on 15 June 2026.
Signed on behalf of the trustees by:
Paul Salmons
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Sheffield Church of the Nazarene Notes to the accounts For the year ended 30 September 2025
1 Receipts & payments account
Receipts and payments accounts are statements that summarise the movement of cash into and out of the organisation during the financial year. In this context "cash" includes cash equivalents, for example, bank accounts where cash can be readily withdrawn to pay for debts as they become due.
Funds
General funds are donations and other income receivable or generated for the objects of the organisation without further specified purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
2 Staff costs
| Salaries Employer's NI contributions Employer's allowance Employer's pension contributions |
2025 £ 38,907 3,019 (3,019) 1,511 40,418 |
2024 £ 31,357 2,181 (2,181) 1,343 32,700 |
|---|---|---|
The average number of employees during the year was 5 (2024: 5).
3 Fees paid to independent examiner's organisation
No other fees were paid to the independent examiner's organisation.
4 Restricted funds
| Missions Lunch club Lunch Break Children & Youth Other |
Balance b/fwd £ 103 1,461 20 211 1,203 2,998 |
Receipts £ 15,462 4,207 1,478 - 6,458 27,605 |
Payments £ (13,508) (4,678) (1,182) (64) (4,832) (24,264) |
Transfers £ - (990) (285) - - (1,275) |
Balance c/fwd £ 2,057 - 31 147 2,829 5,064 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Missions
Donations given and events held specifically to be spent on gifts and donations to missions are held in this fund, including balances for NMI and the balance of a donation used for a mission project in the local community.
Lunch club
The lunch club receives a grant from the Sheffield City Council to partially fund its activities, therefore the full income and expenditure is held in a restricted fund. £990 was transferred to unrestricted funds, representing the internal rent charge for use of the building.
Lunch Break
The Café Church receives funds by donations, therefore the full income and expenditure is held as a restricted fund. £285 was transferred to unrestricted funds, representing the internal rent charge for use of the building.
Children & Youth
Monies given to the Children & Youth departments to spend on their activities.
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Sheffield Church of the Nazarene Notes to the accounts - continued For the year ended 30 September 2025
4 Restricted funds - continued
Other
Other monies given for restricted purposes are included in this fund, to ring-fence them according to the Donor's wishes.
| Previous year comparison Missions Lunch club Lunch Break Children & Youth Other |
Balance b/fwd £ 472 1,166 9 211 1,620 3,478 |
Receipts £ 8,277 8,420 1,237 180 1,959 20,073 |
Payments £ (8,646) (6,370) (861) (180) (2,241) (18,298) |
Transfers £ - (1,755) (365) - (135) (2,255) |
Balance c/fwd £ 103 1,461 20 211 1,203 2,998 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 Related party transactions
Due to the structure of the charity, it is possible that various trustees and key management (including the pastor) (and family members) could be employed by the Sheffield Church of the Nazarene. Gross salaries and moving costs for trustees and key management totalled £34,708 (2025: Gross salary for trustees and key management totalled £27,530).
Conflicted trustees do not vote on matters relating to salary changes. Employment of trustees and connected persons is permitted by section 7.2.3 and 7.3 of the constitution.
T Godwin (Interim pastor and key management) lived in the manse during the year and the charity pays for the property maintenance, council tax, water and insurance directly. The net payments by the church was £4,115 in the year (2025: £3,834 was paid relating to the property).
A gift of £500 was given to Nazerene Theological College, of which H Roberts is a trsutee - this conflict was noted by the trustees when deciding to make this gift.
Trustees often attend meetings and events on behalf of the charity. The charity paid £349 for 3 trustees to attend events during the year.
Other trustees and their family have received travel expenses incurred during activities for the church and also small gifts for Christmas and Easter presents and gift vouchers as thank-you's for help.
As with other churches, trustees, key management and their families donate regularly towards the work of the church. £23,490 was given towards the general work of the church (2024: £19,408) and restricted income given from trustees and their families amounted to £8,023 (2024: £1,366) for restricted purposes open to all members to give.
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