OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 MARCH 2023

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

INDEX

Page
CHARITY INFORMATION 1
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES 2 - 5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT 6
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 7
BALANCE SHEET 8
STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS 9
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 10 -15

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

CHARITY INFORMATION

TRUSTEES:

CHURCH PASTOR

Stephen Eaves Michael Hew Stephanie Jones Chan Naraine Neil Spencer Helen Thomson Chris Woods Stephen Eaves

ELDERS. Roger Hughes Lynn Jennings Helen Thomson

SECRETARY: TREASURER

John Walker Stephanie Jones Helen Thomson

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: BANKERS:

ENQUIRIES:

1161799

CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Stephen Eaves 5a Longmeadow Close Sutton Coldfield B75 7SQ

Page 1

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, 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.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The church was constituted as an incorporated charitable organization on 22 May 2015 and from September 2015, assumed, by way of transfer, the assets and undertakings carried out by a charitable trust also known as Ark Community Church Sutton Coldfield.

The objectives of the organisation are to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Evangelical Alliance statement of beliefs. The church may also fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable and relate to the charitable work of the church. During the period the objects of the Charity were put into effect by the Pastor and assistant Pastor in conjunction with members of a leadership group appointed to hold responsibility for ministries within the church, namely community engagement, children and youth, worship, hospitality, pastoral support and facilities and administration.

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives and activities.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Ark Community Church continued to provide weekly worship services and live streaming was transferred from FaceBook to YouTube. Regular attendance continued to increase to the extent that the capacity of the hall was insufficient for everyone to meet together at the same time and the lounge could not hold all of the children in comfort. As a result, twin services were implemented from October effectively doubling the space to address this problem. With people joining the fellowship from Hong Kong, Honduras and Ukraine we have needed to provide translation for both adults and children, and we have seen these groups adding greatly to the life and culture of the church family.

The church has continued to offer a range of opportunities for people to pray together. Weekly prayer meetings took place in the church lounge, and there were special times of more prolonged prayer organized such as Pizza and Prayer nights.

The New Year saw an end to the lease held by Four Oaks Boys Club, for the property in Wilmcote Drive. The site was then vacated and left empty whilst the church waited for a suitable community lease to be drawn up. As a result, a few activities were stopped or relocated elsewhere. The Ark Youth group was discontinued following this process.

Page 2

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Children’s work has been very busy and there has needed to be further expansion of the volunteer leaders’ team. There have been several babies and toddlers making use of the creche, Adventurers (for Reception to year 6) and Illuminate (for years 7-13) have also seen numbers increasing. Activity days for children have taken place in school holidays and these have been very successful.

At the beginning of November, our part-time Community Engagement Leader, became a full-time Assistant Pastor. At the same time, the Worship and Tech Leader moved from part to full-time working as well. These developments were in response to the increasing demands of a larger congregation as well as a recognition of the need to invest in developing capability for the future. The positive impact of these changes was very quickly evident.

An Alpha course ran from January to March consisting of both an English and a Cantonese speaking group. More than 60 people were part of the course, which enabled many to understand and embrace the Gospel message for the very first time. The year saw more baptisms take place at Ark than at any previous time in its history, for which we are very thankful to God.

Several community events were organised both at the church and on the Dugdale Crescent Village Green. These events have continued to be successful in bringing members of the local community together to have fun and build friendships. Both interest and attendances have grown significantly, with animal fun days and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee being particularly successful.

The Grapevine, a weekly coffee morning open to anyone, has continued to provide a place to engage with others and offer something to eat and drink without charge. With increasing financial pressure and fears regarding fuel costs, these events have become increasingly popular, attracting in particular, a large contingent of newly migrated people from Hong Kong

Stepping Stones Projects has gone from strength to strength. Numbers have risen from around 8 postCOVID to around 15. The combination of weekly social interaction, craft activities and exercise sessions continues to meet an unmet need and relationships within the group are growing stronger over time.

The community dance group, Dance it Out!, part of the Kids UK charity have continued to work with Ark to provide powerful performances at church services. Numbers are growing to the extent that there are now two age groups meeting separately each week. The weekly martial Arts classes are also attracting more interest and there are now separate groups for different ages.

The fellowship has continued to benefit from its apostolic relationship with LifeSpring Church, Wolverhampton, with many shared events taking place. The Ark Pastor made a mission trip to India along with pastors from LifeSpring and Emmanuel New Life Church, Burntwood, teaching and preaching to many hundreds of people in rural villages. This further cemented partnership working between the churches. There have been regular LifeSpring Apostolic Family (LAF) Zoom meetings involving Ark leaders connecting with leaders from churches in Zambia, Zimbabwe, India, Nepal and South Africa.

Page 3

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND ORGANISATIONAL MANAGEMENT

The church is structured as a charitable incorporated organization, incorporated on 22 May 2015. Names of the Trustees who served during the year and since the period end are shown on page 1. Roger Hughes stood down as Trustee on 20 September 2022.

The charity is organized so that the Trustees who are also the management committee meet regularly to manage its affairs and are responsible for overall governance of the organization and keep under review its policies and practices. Trustees are sought, approved, and appointed in conjunction with the Elders in accordance with the provisions in the constitution and they keep their skill requirements under review and provide induction procedures and training relevant to the individuals’ knowledge and understanding.

There is a full time Pastor who in conjunction with the assistant pastor, manages the day-to-day administration and in conjunction with members of a leadership group appointed to hold responsibility for ministries within the church, namely community engagement, children and youth, worship, hospitality, pastoral support and facilities and administration. The Pastor also oversees the staff team and volunteers.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial performance

The church’s principal funding sources are voluntary donations from fellowship and visitors with other income from donations and grants in support of activities.

The income for the year was £138,157 an increase of 18% on the previous year following a resumption of full activities after Covid restrictions and an increase in fellowship numbers and visitors. Related expenditure was 31% higher at £145,102 due largely to increased staffing and activity costs.

Overall unrestricted funds increased by £6,088 whilst restricted funds decreased by £13,033 giving a net excess of expenditure over income of £6,945. Trustees have put in place measures to address the deficit going forward.

Reserves policy

The trustees seek to limit unrestricted funds and restricted funds in respect of its Stepping Stones projects to no more than two year’s budgeted regular expenditure. They aim to apply mission and other restricted reserves to the specific activities within a twelve-month period.

Page 4

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Risk policy

The Trustees have identified certain risks to which the charity was exposed as part of their responsibilities in running the church. The main risks relate to ensuring robust governance policies and practices are maintained and in its financial activities. The Church has established risk management, investment, safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries, complaints, and data protection policies which are reviewed by the trustees regularly.

Specifically, the Trustees and all adults who are involved with children and vulnerable beneficiaries are screened by an independent body (31-8) and follow the church’s guidelines with appropriate training provided. The church maintains Public and Employees liability insurance with a charity specialist insurer. Financial management is managed by quarterly reporting and scrutiny by Trustees.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Signed On behalf of the Trustees on 2[nd] August 2023

Helen Thomson Trustee

Page 5

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Ark Community Church Sutton Coldfield

I report on the accounts of Ark Community Church Sutton Coldfield for the year ended 31 March 2023, which are set out on pages 7 to 15.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s unqualified statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Name: Richard Morton Address: 41 Cremorne Road, Sutton Coldfield Date 2[nd] August 2023

Page 6

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Income
Charitable activities
Donations and gifts 2 93,562 75 93,637 79,835
Activities and events 7,543 17,309 24,852 15,195
Grants received - 1,655 1,655 7,598
Investment & other income 18,004 9 18,013 14,715
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total 119,109 19,048 138,157 117,343
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Expenditure
Charitable activities
Staff costs 3 68,003 9,959 77,962 60,361
Activities and events 4 43,992 19,124 63,116 47,779
Governance 5 4,024 - 4,024 1,809
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total 116,019 29,083 145,102 109,949
─────── ─────── ────── ───────
Net income/(expenditure) 3,090 (10,035) (6,945) 7,394
Transfers between funds 2,998 (2,998) - -
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Net movement in funds 6,088 (13,033) (6,945) 7,394
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 161,186 221,644 382,830 375,436
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total funds carried forward 167,274 208,611 375,885 382,830
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

Page 7

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2023

2023 2022
Notes £
£

£

£
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets 6 331,960 341,632
Current assets
Debtors 7 6,841 6,534
Cash at bank 27,811 32,333
Bank deposit 16,000 10,000
────── ──────
50,652 48,867
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 8 (6,727) (7,669)
───── ─────
Net current assets 43,925 41,198
────── ──────
Total net assets 375,885 375,830
══════ ══════
Funds of the charity:
Unrestricted 167,274 161,186
Restricted 9 208,611 221,644
────── ──────
375,885 382,830
══════ ══════

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these accounts.

Signed by

Name HELEN THOMSON - Treasurer

Approved by the Trustees on 2[nd] August 2023

Page 8

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
2023 2022
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities: (below)
Net cash generated/(absorbed) by operating activities
1,438 11,537
_____ _____
Cash flows from investing activities:
Interest from investments
40
365
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (net)
(-) (89)
_____
_____
Net cash generated by investing activities 40 276
_____ _____
Cash flow from financing activities -

-
_____ _____
Change in cash and cash equivalents
1,478 11,813
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 42,333
30,520
_____ _____
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
43,811
42,333
_____
_____
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow
from operating activities
Net (expenditure)/income for the year
(6,945) 7,394
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
9,672 9,671
Investment income
(40) (365)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
( 307) (2,629)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(942) (2,535)
_____ _____
Net cash generated/(absorbed) by operating activities
1,438 11,537
_____ _____

Page 9

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

(a) Basis of preparation

(b) Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income has been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

(d)

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any purpose of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified to be solely used for a particular purpose.

(f) Tangible fixed assets

The church premises are included at cost as ascertaining a market value would incur significant costs which would be onerous compared with the additional benefits to the reader. Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight-line basis as follows;

Improvements to leasehold premises Length of the lease Fixtures and fittings 10 years Equipment 3 years

(g) Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.

Page 10

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2 Voluntary income 2023 2022
£ £
Donations and gifts 75,955 64,378
Gift Aid 17,682 15,457
────── ─────
93,637 79,835
═════ ═════
3 Staff costs
Salaries (incl: £9,576, 2022 £12,014 restricted) 75,162 58,228
Pension costs (incl: £383, 2022 £481 restricted) 2,800 2,133
────── ─────
77,962 60,361
═════ ═════

The average number of persons employed was 5 including 2 within Stepping Stones Projects.

4 Activities and events expenditure

Premises costs 12,512 15,562
Depreciation 9,672 9,671
Ministry and outreach 4,216 2,308
Youth & children 1,217 837
Other activities and events 12,517 3,414
Hospitality 2,369 1,405
Mission and giving 13,945 10,063
Office expenses 2,025 1,211
Equipment 2,229 1,533
Other costs 2,414 1,775
────── ─────
63,116 47,779
══════ ═════
5 Governance and support
Membership & compliance costs 773 932
Insurance 997 877
Legal costs 2,254 -
Independent examiners fees - -
─────── ───────
4,024 1,809
═══════ ══════

Page 11

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL SATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

6 Fixed assets
Leasehold
Equipment
Total
improvements
& fixtures
£ £ £
Cost
At beginning of year 414,906 11,720 426,626
Additions - - -
Disposals ( -) (
-)
(
-)
─────── ─────── ──────
At end of year 414,906 11,720 426,626
─────── ─────── ──────
Depreciation
At beginning of year 73,851 11,143 84,994
Charge for the year 9,382 290 9,672
On disposals (
-)
( -) (
-)
─────── ─────── ───────
At end of year 83,233 11,433 94,666
─────── ─────── ───────
Net Book Value -31 March 2023 331,673 287 331,960
═══════
═══════
═══════
Net Book Value – 31 March 2022 341,054 578
341,632
═══════ ═══════ ══════
7 Debtors 2023 2022
£ £
Gift Aid receivable 4,693 3,772
Amounts due for activities 1,365 2,262
Other debtors 783 500
───── ─────
6,841 6,534
═════ ═════

Page 12

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8 Creditors 2023 2022
£ £
Accruals & other creditors 6,727 7,669
═════ ════
9 Restricted funds
Stepping Other Leasehold Total
Stones premises
Income
£ £ £ £
Voluntary income - 718 - 718
Grants received - 1,055 - 1,055
Activity income 13,180 4,086 - 17,266
Interest 9 - - 9
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total 13,189 5,859 - 19,048
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Expenditure
Staff costs 9,959 - - 9,959
Activity costs 724 9,018 9,382 19,124
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total 10,683 9,018 9,382 29,083
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Net movement in funds 2,506 (3,159) (9,382) (10,035)
Transfers re internal charges (2,570) (428)
-
(2,998)
Total funds brought forward 22,132 7,922 191,590 221,644
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total funds carried forward 22,068 4,335 182,208 208,611
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
10 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Assets
£ £ £
Fixed assets 144,356 187,604 331,960
Cash and bank balances and deposits 23,944 19,867 43,811
Other current assets less liabilities (1,026) 1,140 114
─────── ─────── ───────
167,274 208,611 375,885
═══════ ═══════ ══════

Page 13

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

11 Statement of Financial Activities (previous year)

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Income
Charitable activities
Voluntary income 77,542 2,293 79,835 90,580
Activities and events 1,393 13,802 15,195 3,137
Grants received - 7,598 7,598 19,916
Investment and other income 14,715 - 14,715 1,361
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total 93,650 23,693 117,343 114,994
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Expenditure
Charitable activities
Staff costs 47,866 12,495 60,361 60,254
Activities and events 32,232 14,922 47,154 30,734
Governance 2,434 - 2,434 1,888
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total 82,592 27,417 109,949 92,876
────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Net gain on investments - - - 2,980
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Net income/(expenditure) 11,118 (3,724) 7,394 22,118
Transfers between funds 2,400 (2,400) - -
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Net movement in funds 13,518 (6,124) 7,394 22,118
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 147,668 227,768 375,436 353,318
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total funds carried forward 161,186 221,664 375,830 375,436
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

Page 14

ARK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUTTON COLDFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

12 Restricted funds (previous year)

Stepping Other Leasehold
Total
Stones premises
Income £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts - 2,293 - 2,293
Activity income 13,576 226 - 13,802
Grants received 5,298 2,300 - 7,598
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total 18,874 4,819 - 23,693
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Expenditure
Staff costs 12,495 . - - 12,495
Activity costs 808 4,733 9,381 14,922
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total 13,303 4,733 9,381 27,417
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Net movement in funds 5,571 86 (9,381) (3,724)
Transfers re internal charges (2,400) - - (2,400)
Total funds brought forward 18,961 7,836 200,971 227,768
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total funds carried forward 22,132 7,922 191,590 221,644
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

13 Related Party Transactions

Two employees were Trustees during the year and details of their remuneration and expenses under their contracts of employment are as follows;

Stephen Eaves (Pastor) salary £30,684 pension contributions £1,309.

Stephanie Jones (Support project leader) Salary £5,796 pension contributions £247.

None of the Trustees received any remuneration or expenses in respect of their office of trustee and there were no other transactions with related parties.

Page 15