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Welwyn Garden City United Reformed Church Year Book 2025

Minister’s 2026 Year Book Report

The year seems to have flown by and we are, once again, at that time where we come to write our reports and reflect on the life of Welwyn Garden City United Reformed Church.

Perhaps the main thing that we should take the time to pause, reflect upon, and give thanks to God for, is the fact that we continue to be a thriving fellowship, with many activities and opportunities for outreach taking place alongside those things which nurture and encourage those of us who are already well established within the worshipping community.

Our regular Sunday morning worship continues to be a blessing, and thanks need to be given to those people who lead worship on the Sundays that I am not here. Some of those individuals come from within our fellowship, leading either on their own or as part of the worship team; others come to us from other churches; but all bring a different flavour and add a wider perspective to the worship that we share in.

Our monthly mid-week worship which takes place on the second Wednesday morning of every month began to dwindle in the size of congregation towards the end of 2025 and I began to consider discontinuing it for a while. However, a well-publicised special Christmas service brought in some new attendees, and so we have continued to gather together faithfully each month. It is a time of sharing fellowship together, for gathering together to worship God, and to meet and be refreshed at the Lord’s table. I am extremely thankful to Philip, who sets everything up every month and provides hot drinks for

everyone; and we are all blessed by Brenda’s continued willingness to come along and play the piano for us.

The Bible Study on Friday mornings continues to meet as regularly as possible, and we study the Bible using a variety of different resources, while also enjoying a time of fellowship over tea and coffee. In recent times we have looked at The Bible Course and The Case for Christmas, and we are currently working through the book of Romans.

The high point of the Christian year is always Easter and alongside our regular Easter Day worship one other service that has started to become a fixture for us comes during Holy Week. This is our Tenebrae service that we hold on the evening of Maundy Thursday. It is a service of quiet reflection, where we share together in Holy Communion, listen to some music, and focus on readings from Scripture. Our only light source comes from lit candles in the centre of the gathering and, as the service proceeds, they are gradually extinguished until we finally descend into darkness, symbolising Christ’s own journey on that evening towards arrest and trial under cover of darkness. When the service ends, we depart in silence, not sharing in the usual fellowship that we would after worship, but holding on to the atmosphere of the night and reflecting on what we have heard. This is always a moving service and the congregation has steadily grown each year since we started holding it here.

Finally, as ever I want to thank everyone who does a job, fulfils a role, offers help, or simply does what needs to be done, to ensure that our fellowship continues to be a thriving community that offers a welcome to everyone who comes into our building. It isn’t always easy, but it is a vital part of sharing the love of God and of building his kingdom,

which is, ultimately, why we are here. So, thank you, all of you, and please continue to do all the good things that you do!

In His name, Martyn

SECRETARY’S REPORT Year 2025

Baptisms and Blessings There were no Baptism’s or Blessings in 2025

Weddings and Blessings No Weddings in Church in 2025

Deaths

We said goodbye to our following dear friends and Church Members

Roger Simpson, Brian Richardson, Margaret Harker, Melvyn Deans and Margaret Kirkpatrick.

Membership

No new members joined in 2025 but due to deaths we lost 5 elderly members.

Elders

Secretary- Philip Read

Matthew Read, Cherylle Cooper, Ade Onasile, Joyce Nicolson and Derek Groves.

Minister

Rev. Martyn Neads is the minister for our Pastorate of three Churches Harpenden Wheathampstead and Welwyn Garden City and is now the only minister, with responsibility for the other 5 churches across 7 sites in the Local Area Group until another Minister is appointed.

Pastoral Care

We revised our Pastoral Teams in 2025 and aim to carry out a further revision in 2026 post Elders Elections. Worship

Martyn leads Communion on the first Sunday of the month and mid-week communion on the second Wednesday of every month. Martyn also leads Family Worship at 10. 30am.on the second Sunday of every month.

We continue to offer Worship on zoom for those unable to attend but able to access the services on zoom or You Tube.

We also hold a Praise Café on the occasional Sunday Afternoon.

We also hold a Time to Remember Tea when people who have lost loved ones are invited to come together to enjoy fellowship, an afternoon tea, and a short service of remembrance led by Martyn.

The arrangement for 5[th] Sundays when we come together as a Pastorate for worship remains.

Our Worship Team still lead Worship once a month.

Tina, our Minister in Training, stepped in to fill the gaps by leading Worship and presiding at midweek communion on

occasion until the end of her time with us in May 2025. She was a huge asset and was sadly missed when the time came for her to move on.

We were delighted to attend her Induction Service in September 2025 in Norwich and wish her well in her new post.

Visiting preachers are booked to fill spaces in Sunday Worship.

Teaching

We have 2 Bible Study Groups:-One Meets on Zoom on Thursday Evenings still led by Janet and John. The second meets on Friday Mornings led by Martyn and Tina also took the lead on some Friday mornings until her departure.

Employees

Mission Developer

We were delighted to appoint Tracy Nicholls, a Member of our Church as our new Mission Developer on a part time basis.

She looks after Forget me not Café a dementia group and Tuesday Community Café. She also supports/organises other annual outreach events as a church member and in her role as Mission Developer.

Children’s Youth and Family Worker

We have endeavoured to keep the groups Wendy created and led by employing/encouraging new volunteers. So far we have been successful in employing Anna Soffit to look

after Chatter and Tots and the Baby Group keeping them alive. Allison has been running a youth group which meets once a month at present. We have been advised to apply for a grant from Synod to fund the post of Children’s and Family Worker and an application is in the process of being completed.

Lynn Neads looks after Junior Church on the 1[st] and 2[nd] Sundays of the month

Caretaker

Lee Nicholls remains in this post.

Church Administrator

Allison Giles remains in this post. The Office has been moved downstairs and is shared by Allison, Tracy and Martyn when he is in the building.

Defbrillator

We were delighted to receive a Defibrillator from DPPS (Defibrillators In Public Places) who also check and maintain the equipment located at the front of our building. We made a donation of £560 to the Charity plus an additional £380 form a Quiz Night and have committed to donating 50% of the profits raised at our biannual Quiz Nights in future.

Outreach Gifts Total Donated £4,510 see the breakdown below

We support New Zion Food Bank on the 1[st] Sunday of every month and are grateful to Helen K for delivering these gifts of produce. Any gifts of cash are transferred electronically

to New Zion. In 2025 we have collected and sent £738 in cash.

In Christian Aid week we held a WGC Male Voice Choir concert which raised £962.95 for their annual appeal.

Gifts of produce from our Harvest Festival were shared with New Zion Food Bank.

Gifts from our November Gift Service were shared with, Woodhall Lane Family Support, Homestart, Food Bank, Welwyn Hatfield Women’s’ Refuge and the Salvation Army.

We donated a cheque for £1,300 to Isabel Hospice. (50% of the profit) from our 2025 Christmas Fayre.

Crisis at Christmas was our nominated Charity this year and we were able to provide 12 places by raising a total of £357.60 with the money raised from our retiring collection at Carols by Candlelight and Christmas Card donations.

During 2025 we also donated £125 to the Jamacia Hurricane Appeal and £86.45 to the Myanmar Appeal from retiring collections in church following Morning Worship.

All were gratefully received, thank you for your generosity which has helped to bring a little joy and comfort into the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.

Social and Fundraising

Families have enjoyed Games Nights, Film Nights and a Fire pit party.

People are also welcome to join a Fellowship Lunch at a local Café on the 3[rd] Sunday of every month.

Big Build Fundraising

Sunday Coffee, donations from church groups plus Sunday Sales Table help to boost our funds. Total raised £1,271

50% of Christmas Fayre was £1,220

Together these raised £2491 and with grants and Stewardship money received brings the total in the local building fund at the end of December 2025 to £442,000

We would welcome new ideas for 2026 Joyce Nicolson Elder

Treasurer’s Statement

Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their support over the last year both financially and with your time and energy to enable us to fundraise and carry out the work of the Church. A particular thank you to Philip for his assistance with the Sunday collections and Helen K. for her support in the account’s preparation.

Income – overall income is down compared to last year. Voluntary income has dropped by 16.6% and synod grants have reduced (although we are currently not paying out for a youth worker).

Positively the income for hall hire has increased by 21.1%, which brings in a significant amount.

Expenditure – costs have remained similar to last year, which considering the age of the building and costs involved in maintenance and prices going up is good news. Many thanks to all those involved. A total of £54,239 has been spent on redevelopment in 2025.

Church Donations – throughout the year the Church has done some wonderful work in supporting other organisations and gifted money to Isabel Hospice, Local Food Bank and Crisis to name a few. Thank you again for your generosity, so we can support these good causes.

Funds available – Most of the money held in our accounts are for building redevelopment. Only about £40K is available as Church assets. The total of Restricted funds are held for specific purpose and cannot be used generally. The reason it looks positive is due to the Stewardship grant received. This is on deposit at Thames North Synod and now stands at £402,733. The £486,919 from the sale of Wood Hall Lane is held and owned by Thames North Synod and only appears in our accounts as note 16. It does not make up the total assets of the Church as we must ask the trust to let us draw down the money.

Grants - We also have an additional £280,000 grant awarded for use of ECO work on the building redevelopment, which is yet to be used.

Many thanks again to everyone for your ongoing support – Sarah (Treasurer)

Children and Families

It has been a busy, fun and exciting time over the last twelve months as part of, what must be, the coolest group of children and families.

Our Sunday’s have seen our fantastic children work together is so many different ways, whether learning about prayer, exploring stories of some of the Bible heroes, creating fantastic art, and let us not forget our first foray into film making with out stop-motion animation of Daniel and the lion’s den.

It is such a privilege to watch the children share ideas, and put God’s love into practice - this year we made and sent over 40 Christmas cards to Methodist Homes (a charity that runs an appeal every year to provide Christmas cards to care home residents). We also took part in another Food Bank challenge, this time the children took turns in finding the best food deals for £15 - we certainly saw some savvy shopping and donated a great haul to the Food Bank.

We have also discovered a love for a fire-pit party and one chilly (and thankfully dry) evening in October saw a group of families and friends enjoy hotdogs and soup around the fire, before toasting marshmallows to make smores. There is something so cosy about sitting and chatting around a fire and everyone enjoyed themselves.

An amazing opportunity also presented itself for some amazing fundraising (thank you Allison) when we were offered the opportunity to produce some bee-related art work for a local company to display on their hoardings. The pictures were vibrant and varied, and we are hoping to use the vouchers we were given to buy some outdoor play equipment.

As we know, church does not just happen on a Sunday morning, and we are blessed by a growing Saturday Families’ Church. This is currently taking place once a

month and a number of new families, with younger children, have attended recently.

The mornings are a fun, loud and creative mix of craft, toddler play, lego, games- just to name a few of the activities we get up to. This is followed by a short time or worship where we share a story and dance along to some lively worship songs.

Over the last year we have enjoyed sharing themes including fruits of the spirit, creation, and Christian festivals of harvest, Christmas and Easter. One particularly fun session was around the wise and foolish builders - we saw some amazing spaghetti towers

being built, followed by Martyn demonstrating (with the help of the children) the perils of building a house (Lego) on sand foundations - isn’t it amazing how wet sand sticks to everything!

These Saturday mornings wouldn’t be possible without the help of Sandra, Phillip and Wale who assist in overseeing the chaos and most importantly ensuring everyone is well fed and watered - thank you so much for all that you do. Also a quick thank you to Alex for all your help in setting up the toddlers area for us each month.

Finally, it is such a joy being with all our families and children, watching them work, learn and play together -

they are truly God’s blessing to us all as we watch them grow in His love. Lyn Neads

Building and Property Group Annual Report

As always, much of this team’s work concerns getting repairs done, often on a DIY basis where relatively minor and thanks are due to our Caretaker, Lee in this regard as well as carrying out the polishing of the hall floors which he does over the summer.

We are still searching for a local, reliable handyman, but it seems anyone who is any good is busy and overloaded.

Many inspections take place periodically in order that we keep on top of our legal obligations; and to name a few - fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and smoke detectors, gas safety certificates and upstairs central heating, and hard wiring electrical tests and portable appliance tests on all our electrical goods.

Fire alarm sounders had become to show their age, and faulty ones have been replaced.

Electrical works are undertaken by Keylight Services, the new name for Mill Green Electrical who have widened their scope and now handle mechanical services as well. They have carried out many tasks on our electrical installation during the year, mostly relating to supplies to our IT equipment and the car park barrier. The changeover to LED bulbs is now almost complete.

Hall & Randall inspect our roofs and clean the gutters at the end of each leaf drop season under the Synod maintenance plan, at no cost to us. The inspection the year before highlighted roof leaks in the main hall that were beginning to damage the fabric of the building. The defect occurs at the valley gutters in between two roof slopes where the gap between the tiles is tight, in the past the secret rainwater hopper heads were thought to have been the problem. Previous temporary repairs were unsuccessful and Rapleys, the Synod surveyors who carried out our last quinquennial inspection in 2021, were commissioned at the end of 2024 to provide us with a report and an indication of recommended remedial works. The initial site visit was fixed for January 2025, and their report was received in March. The recommended remedial works are still being costed by Rapleys’ preferred roofing firm, but their repair on the worst valley gutter (near the outside fire escape doors) may have worked.

Sean Nicolson, well known to many, continues to look after our plumbing and gas central heating needs through his firm.

We have installed a bench seat at the front of the Church with a plaque in memory of our dear friend, Jean Hughes.

Our wish to install a defibrillator on this side of the town centre has been accomplished, it contains also a bleed control kit, we will continue to raise funds for its upkeep.

The Church office has been moved downstairs in an effort to make it more accessible, and improvements will continue to be made. Hanging vertical blinds have been

fitted above the high-level window in the worship space without impeding the external fire escape doors below.

The Elders have considered the security of our building, without turning a Church into a Fortress; we try to avoid too many locked spaces and ideas for CCTV, and alarm systems have not been progressed.

The Manse, at 49 Parkway, is currently let out and professionally managed by Carnegie lettings on our behalf. We are grateful for their assistance in handling the Renter’s Rights Act which comes into force in 2025. Apart from day-to-day maintenance, the major project has been relocating a new gas boiler into the upstairs airing cupboard, the British Gas recommendation implemented many years ago of putting a boiler in the roof space proved terribly inconvenient when it came to access for maintenance. Along with Carnegies we will monitor the ‘cold bridging’ problem with the replacement windows which have the potential to cause condensation.

A Church fire drill at the end of the year carried out after worship on a Sunday highlighted one or two minor issues which will be addressed in 2026.

Progress on our redevelopment plans has again been slow in 2025. These would provide overdue improvements to the Kitchen, Toilets and Circulation Space. But by the end of the year, the final design had been firmed up and tender documents prepared ready for issue in the New Year. This complied with directions from the April Church Meeting that we should test the market with our scheme, establishing the extent of the expected shortfall in funds. Results will be reported on in 2026.

The original three-year planning permission would have lapsed in the Summer but – with agreement of all parties involved – a start was made on diverting the existing drainage around the footprint of the new extension. A further CCTV drain survey was undertaken to establish that an existing surface water drain run could be re-used. This proves that a ‘meaningful start’ has been made on the scheme and the ‘certificate of lawful development’ has been confirmed and the necessary paperwork is awaited.

The final design includes many ECO features and a grant from the URC Thames North Synod has been secured towards the extra costs involved.

Our small group, which also supports the Treasurer, would welcome new members with fresh ideas for our buildings. Philip Read - 25 March 2026

Mission Developer 2025 reports

COMMUNITY CAFÉ

Over the last year we have run a very successful drop in café, for people in the community, who like socialising, doing activities and partaking of our nibbles and refreshments. We have had people in from places like the Citizen’s Advice, who spoke about benefits, and information on how they could help our guests.

We had a member of our church, come in to do a wood turning demonstration, which was very popular. Last year we had a harpist, who gave a wonderful performance, where guests could ‘have a go’ with the harps she bought along.

We have table games, like snakes and ladders, Jenga, crosswords and wordsearches, for guests to do at their leisure. Bingo happens at the Café, in the 1[st] week of the month.

In 2025 we had a summer BBQ outside, and the weather was kind to us. We celebrate Christmas and Easter, and guests’ birthdays too.

We have wonderful team of helpers and volunteers, who work tirelessly, to provide the best service, and we aim to cater to people’s dietary needs. We welcome all abilities to our sessions, and have disabled access and toilets available on site.

FORGET ME NOT CLUB.

This is our support group for those with memory loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s, and their carers. We took this group over from Alzheimer’s UK, who used our building. We have a representative form Memory Support, who comes in once per month, to offer assistance and advice to carers, who need it, and it is a confidential consultation.

Our sessions run on a dual basis; 1 week a brought in activity, delivered by our trusted group of businesses, who are Dementia friendly in their approach. On the 2nd week, we offer in house fun activities, to stimulate body and mind. This continues throughout the month.

Our aim is to provide a fun and stimulating social environment, to make our guests week a bit brighter. We are a small group, and our dedicated team of volunteers, provide an individual service, providing refreshments, help when required, and getting stuck in with activities.

In-house activities include;

Crafts, like making sunflowers, with a 3-dimensional twist. Planting seeds, and tracking their progress as they grow. Tic Tac, and The Price I Right, amongst many others.

We have seated sports and yoga, singers and a harpist, the schedule changes with each time period.

We had an excellent Christmas party last year, with a singer, who provided wonderful entertainment for our guests.

This year, at Easter, we held an Easter Bonnett competition and high tea for our guests. The bonnets were made the week previously, by our guests, and a small prize was given for 1[st] , 2[nd] and 3[rd] place. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. We had a variety of games, quizzes and activities, like pin the tail on the bunny.

THURSDAY CLUB.

Thursday Club is a social club for seniors, although we welcome anyone who would like to come along. We run activities, like Cross stitch Experience, local interest group talks, easy all ability exercise, jigsaw afternoon and singers, bingo, and the programme varies throughout the year. We have had Citizens Advice, who spoke about unclaimed benefits, and answered people’s questions. We celebrated Christmas with a party, and we make sure we celebrate our guest’s birthdays, with cards and cake. We had easter crafts where we encourage all of our guests to participate, and we can adapt the activity to suit. Each session is split in 2; the 1[st] half being the activity, and then half way through, we have refreshments, followed by the rest of the activity, and chat of course.

We are a friendly group, and we all look out for each other. It’s a fun afternoon, with lots of laughter and fun. Everyone leaves with a smile, and that is our aim; to brighten our guests lives, and develop lasting friendships. Tracy Mission Developer

Flowers and décor team

Once again Joyce N (our team leader), has asked me to give you our news. On a regular week to week basis there

are still only three of us working on the flowers that are supplied for worship. Occasionally a chosen colour or particular flower arrangement will be there for a celebration or funerals.

Thankfully at Easter, Harvest and Christmas extra hands come to support us and lovely displays around the Church are admired. It would be a blessing to be able to welcome anyone willing to join the team and maybe even shadowing us for one or two weeks would encourage or inspire you.

Joyce N, Mary S, Margaret R.

Bibe Study Group

In 2025 we met most Friday morning at church for coffee and discussions on the Bible. These were led by our Minister, Martyn. We have followed courses using videos and bible readings on a variety of areas from the Bible. It’s an opportunity to discuss, query and get a better understanding of the Bible.

Come along on Friday at 10:00am to join us for an hour of Bible Study alongside a coffee.

On behalf of the Bible Study group Helen K

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

‘An oasis of silent contemplation, companionship and spirituality’.

Our Christian meditation group meet, by zoom, every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm, for a forty minute time together of prayer and reflection.

Our aim in this time of silent prayer and contemplation is to enter into the presence of God, through the internal repetition of the word, ‘Maranatha’, the Aramaic word, found at the end of the New Testament, in Revelation 21:20. , meaning, ‘come Lord Jesus , come.’

Our time together opens with a recognition of the desire to put aside our busy lives and chattering minds, to sit comfortably and to focus on God: ‘The plan is to be in the presence of Jesus which might only last for short intervals, but it’s the quality of this time that matters. Some times are easier than others.’ For those who take part, this is a special time of shared faith, prayer and also fellowship: a ‘safe place’.

We end every session with this prayer ….

May this group be a true spiritual home for the seeker, a friend for the lonely, a guide for the confused. May those who pray here be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to serve all who come, and to receive them as Christ Himself. In the silence of this room may all the suffering, violence, and confusion of the world encounter the Power that will console, renew and uplift the human spirit.

May this silence be a power to open the hearts of men and women to the vision of God, and so to each other, in love and peace, justice and human dignity. May the beauty of the divine life, fill this group and the hearts of all who pray here, with joyful hope. May all who come here weighed down by the problems of humanity leave giving thanks for the wonder of human life. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Father Lawrence

Helen Cunningham

Heartland Local Area Group (LAG)

With now just one minister across the LAG, 2025 has been focusing on Team Ministry. What that might look like for the LAG and for the individual Churches.

We were encouraged that the Moderator wanted us to call a Minister, and after much discussion it was agreed that St Albans and Newland Churches, although geographically far apart, would work to create a joint person specification for the role, with input from Martyn Neads, as to be ready for when we could formally submit the request to the Pastoral Committee.

At Aprils Pastoral Committee meeting it was agreed that a second Stipendiary Minister was needed in Heartland, and so the hard work began and by July a full Profile of the role had been issued and arrangements for the first meeting of the Vacancy Committee was agreed.

In October the Vacancy Committee met with a prospective candidate, who subsequently accepted an invitation to preach with a View in January 2026, which proved successful and the induction of the new minister takes place in May 2026.

The LAG continues to explore Team Ministry, and, once the new minister is in post, and gaps identified we will also explore the possibility of a third stipendiary Minister. Be that full or part time, or even from another denomination.

Cherylle

Welcome Group

‘All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome, in this place‘.

I’m sure you can hear the tune of this hymn and it will now stay in your head for a while!

There is a whole rainbow tapestry of silken strands that makes any one individual person feel that they belong, are wanted, treasured, welcomed to a particular group, community or church…..the strands that bind us , keep us, lift us, hold us. It is important that as a church community, a fellowship of souls, we care for all of these strands and in offering a warm welcome to all we are weaving one silken thread into our whole church tapestry of love, faith and care.

The task, as a member of the Welcome group is very simple, to give that warm welcome to all, to set the scene for our community of faith and fellowship as friends, regulars or strangers enter our door. If you would like to talk further about joining the Welcome group….. …..you would be very welcome! Helen C

Chatter & Tots:-

Since Wendy, our Children, Youth & Families worker, moved on last year, Anna, who hires a room on our premises for her pregnancy and yoga classes, has been employed to run the Baby Group and the Chatter & Tots groups for the church. She has proved to be a great asset and both groups have enjoyed her friendly welcome.

However, as the number of babies on Wednesday afternoons has been very low, it was decided to combine the two groups and from now on we are called Babies and Tots and meet on Thursday mornings.

The government now fund nursery places for much younger children, so our toddlers move on much earlier than used to be the case but three babies and ten 1-3 year olds (including identical twin girls that I can't tell apart!) with mums or grandparents arrived for our first combined meeting following the Easter break and enjoyed a variety of toys and ride- on cars (always popular!) before gathering together for a short session of singing and celebration of any birthdays.

It's always a fun morning and it would be great if we could find someone to come sometimes to man a simple craft table.

Ann Meers

WELWYN GARDEN CITY VNITED REFORMED CHURCH Cknarlty Number 1107010 Pwl STATEMENT OF FINANCLAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2026 Unr88tTrlcled Fund8 Gener&1 Deslynatsd ReBtrlcted TOTAL Fund• 2026 TOTAL 2024 Nots INCOVANG RESOURCES Voluntary income ActhilEes lor generallrwJ funds Im&lmpnl irtlern8t iThy)mo Totsl Incornlng r•sourc88 14,861 27.815 45,681 V2,385 21.647 9,672 54,749 126.80) 4.389 60.534 206,524 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charltabk aclfvilles URC Mkni61ry and Mlsthn Fund Mlnlstd81 cost$ Ernploy8e COBts COBI ol churi a¢liYM Oonalions p888od c Projects ¢J)vernancè (tsl$- Ind0FInI OXAmb)or Jlng devewmenl Totsl R••ourco¥ gxpgndgd 34,116 15,208 19,879 33.002 202 34,116 15,288 35,881 51,438 3,358 34.356 16,580 43,827 51.486 1e,rrtr2 11.846 3.153 6.79] 2.118 600 64230 2(M),805 io 54,239 89.640 l(M.375 6,790 205,624 Nèt Incomlngl l outgolno) rè8oiir¢• b•lix• I&1m•nt gaInlI018•&I Ind traMlgr• -9,626 -2.401 .29.1( -41.133 901 N•t gln¥(IosBBBI on Inv•Blm8nts 218 218 2.515 NDt Incomlng IloutgL4ng) r•sourc before tran8fers -9.825 -2.183 .29.1ce 40,915 3.415 Gro•0 TrnTr•f•rn be1We fund• g.SL¥J -10.fy)0 SC Not movthiont In fund$ -125 -28,6r -40,915 3.415 Tolal fvnda blhvd, 1 Jonuary 2026 5,623 50,343 543.267 59è,233 Total fvnd* ¢llwd. 31 D•¢omb¢r 2026 5.497 38,180 658,317

WELWYN OARDEN CITY UNITED REFORMED CHURGH Chirfty Number 1167010 P4è2 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2026 Unr¢8trlcled OvnJl 088lgnated R•itrlot•d Funds TOTAL 2026 TOTAL 2024 CURRENT ASSETS Oabtors eank and C8eh 8alan¢81 WGC Depodl AttnI Invg6lrnents 11 12 13 14 7,477 80.278 43s,g58 81,119 &Y,928 5,497 ,0 73,827 402,733 38.100 514,660 74,248 402,733 81,337 $58,317 5,497 38.160 CURRENT LIABIUTJE8 CredTrlors p8Y8bk wilNn one year TOTAL NEf ASSET8 16 5.497 51 599 233 THE FUNDS OF THE ¢HARITY UN851ri(l£d inc4m8 lund$ Re8tricled ITscome luN19 TOTAL FUNDS 6,497 38.180 43,657 55,986 514 660 514.e60 S.497 38.180 558.317 599,233 APPROVED BY CIURCH MEETING ANO 81GNED ON BEHALF BY ON

WELWYN GARDEM CITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Chrlty Numbor 1167010 Page 3 1. Accountlng Pollcle8 la Basls ol Aceounting Tha finane¢#l statemenls have been prepared in accordance with Slalemenl ol Recommended P11¢8. Accounting and Reporling by Charill& (SORP FR81021 i$sued by Charity commis81c. and the Unlted RefMed Churth guidan¢e. The accwals basis of accounting has teen adopted, and the principal acrountlng policle8 sel out below are applied consislenlty. To simplify ACUntIng in future years we plan lo move back lo Receipls and Payments w)unl8 1b Fund Accounllng Unreslrled fund8 are avallable for use ol th8 dls¢rellon of tha church In furiherance of its charitable obieolives. Re81ricled funds are Subjec lo reslrlotlons on Ih&lr expendlture thpoged by the donor. or conlained in tho lerms of a grant. 1c Assets Freehokl propety.. The Trustee8 of Ihe church and manse buildings are the Thames North Synod Trust who hold them upon trust for purp08e8 con¢td with W&VY G8rden City URC. ExpeNJllure incurred on the chuf¢h and manse Is wrlllen off In the year it Is IUrred. Frxed assats this year are Wfillen ofl in the year of purchase . Id Inuxnlng R8souic86 All volunlory Jving is included In the financlal statements for the per in which il is receNed. All other ino)m8 18 gen8rally f8c¢yJni8&I when il 18 receiva)ie. le Re8ourGeB Expended The URG Minlslry & Ml$slon Fund ¢onlr4bullon18 paha regularfy and Is Included In Ihe ftnanclal staiements for the year lo which il r8lale8. Resources expended are recognised In the period lo which they are incurred and include allributable VAT which cannot be rec#)veied. They are allocaled lo the Partular a¢livity to which they 18. Governance costs rèpresent dlrecl expenditure on the govemance of the church, Induding Ihe production and IndeptsThYent 8crutlny of these fln8nclal 8tatemenl8. 11 Taxat A8 part of the United Reformed Church, the church is an excepted char6ty wllhln the meanlng of the Taxes Ac18. Accordingly1118 polenlially exempl from taxauon in respect of income and caprtal galns received lo the exten( that such Income or gain5 are applled to &xGluslvely charllablo purp)ses. No provfslcm frjr laxalion h88 been M18 in these finandal stalements. lg Volunlaer8 The church is a benefKb3ry of many volunteers who give their lime and skllls for Ihe benefit of Ihe church. Thkg benefit is greatly appreciated bul nol qyanlifiable in monel8ry terms

WELWYN GAPDEN CITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Charlty Numbgr 1147010 140TES TO TrIE 8TATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITES FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2026 UnreBtrlcted Fund G¢ngr41 DgBlgn&tsd R88trfctod Fund• TOYAL 2026 TOTAL 2024 2. Voluntary In¢ome Tilhe8 and Offerity8 Glft ofund¥ Gift8 Special cox8¢tnI { SBnl onw8rd$l 25,096 4,523 580 31,68> 6,323 3,585 4,4 39.346 9,629 2,859 2.115 2.405 3. A¢tlAt199 for ven•Mng fundg Synca grant8 for Chlhjren and Mls$kn employees. n Half Borough Cr>w¢il HCC 9rants SyL or8nl pa81¥ IEnèrgy co818upporti Gsrfdd W88ton Grant lor &Jskl r8dokloFThnl Pren8$ hlre w4c M&n¥e rental Fundrai8lrvJ URC Youth group 9rant Flovrs donatlo Sundry inccfrrfinG C8fè,MaG8, Chthr aThJ Totsl 12,843 5.71JJ 12.843 &700 3.268 4e,070 18.480 47,954 16.480 3,16fj 37.832 18.285 5.484 3,166 87S 2,347 27 15 875 2,347 501 1.031 4. Invo8lment Ineomè Thi5 Indudes Ihe Inter1 from the WGC doprt o¢¢ounl he 8t Thgnxy North wknich18 re8triraed lor the dO0pt ol ourbulldkng. Th1$ wo8 o gronl Irtyn th¢ Sleward#hip Fund from Ihe legacy of Dr B Everord. Intomt hdu¢le¥ Ihal Irom HSBC Sav1rS, Jup¥ter and CCLA 6. Mlnl8try Mls6lon Fun¢1 The chuyth GOntritrJl8s lo the central URC costs of trairJng and provkllng mlnl818rs Ilndudlng Iho eèntraHséd p&yftwnt of 8tlpend peibBkn cont110n8 aryj other Lnefi15 for Mlater8}, running Ihe denomln8tn, and Ihe kn ml8slon of the n¥liori¥l l. Mlnlst•rlal Co•t8 C MBnee rental cOntOn to Harp8n(kn URC and o)ntributlon lo HandrI mar •xpww l MiThstsV2kexp8rK4e8 7. Cogt of Church A¢tlvlt Chur¢h ¢¢• Util103 InBuror awitenance of buihlings Ckganlng Grounds Travel l inc NoTrvh]h I Licensgs CBl8rinGI8v8n Wornhlp expvnles Equlpment Flower8 Admln Go¥t Thamos hlorth YIGC DgpoBIt Communlc4tlons 10.202 4.883 10.235 4.883 11.557 11.562 844 1,331 812 1,13 2.831 527 1.198 1,081 12,162 6,550 12,105 11,550 2,163 11,562 -201 12 812 1.044 1,319 783 762 3.46$ 1.481 870 2.591 240 1.198 1.Q81 fj49 1,133 1,544 762 1,095 1,046 327 olfice Ismall office equ> tekphone, broadb8tKI 1,424 377

WELWYN OARDEN CITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH C•1ty Numbor 1187010 Page 6 Donatlgn8 P0818d on elal cAbcalOr are paBtsd to oro0nl8oln& •.o.18abol Cibl&. Chrblkn . Food 8ank projts Proipds roplann+ng Ilghts. bolbr. blinds, d8fib kn818J 10. Bulld Pl¥nnlno and ¢on8tructk)n Paynnl8 lo ar¢hi18¢t8 and con8uSlanl& antl (Mryth0 of naw drainogè 8yBlam Th1$ &xcpllofial Ond1$ we r&vebp part olth¢ bulkJiThJ A lolal of£54,239 WAS epenl on rede¥eWwL Unreslrkled Funds Gonoral D••lgnftt•d R••trlelod Fund• TOTAL 2026 TOTAL 2024 11, D¢b¢o• Gift recoveyabl Pr8paKI Iic8n68$ and InsumncÈ Premi8e8 Hire Oul$t4ndlng grgDI frwi Tham88 Norlh SyM¥J 320 2,268 7.477 12. Cash 81 Bank lex WGC D•po•ltAecount I Bank current aco)unl sn95 A&ouThl -11.312 60,1 45,268 13,886 eo 381 6,605 13. WGC Depo8lt account Thig Sum Ix he h a Welyn Ga¥den Cjly ÈJRC Depo911 account 41 ThBme8 Synod Ttust 14. Inv•slm9nl Juplter Invee(ments COIF Investments 6,949 36,288 12, 25,540 38 ICM) 19,509 16.183 15. Current Llibblltl•# . onty r•ptsrt•d Sn 2024 Crèditors p8y8bb withln on& 18ab91 Ho8pk Expen8e8 GrouThJ8 Hwnden 181e15I •xp8nseJ CknanlrvJ 1,350 1.7 1,315 731 16. Th•m•8 North 8ynod Tru•t. Woodhall Lang 801• fund In addlllon 10 Ag8ets rncarded above. Thame$ North SYMO TnJ8t £486,919 Imm Ihe 88kry of w9hl1 La thurch Wewn G8r¢en Clly URC c•n dra from Ihi8 fund f¢r bl&11j davdopn*nt 17. Tham•¥ North ECO gi•nt A sum of£280,000 was awar¢kd AS 4 9raThf and bg used for ECO th durirvJ the bwkllng red9velvnl Thi818 hekl by Th$ Norfh Tr1.

WELWYN GARDEN CITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Charfty Numbor 1167010 Pago S GENERAL FUND Tmls fund has no re8trfctioro 1)n Its U6e DESIGNATEO FUNDS Benevolght Fund~ IIH8 hol¢J¥ for u80 to support ThJi¥hlLtpkn wyth •nwg•ncy lunds. Tha Eklern JnWnlor th1$ fund M•lntanonc• Fund- thls b 88tsbled lo fund the malnlenanee ol thè thurch man8e k¥gmises', It ha8 regular budgeted Iran8ler8 from Ihe General FuThY. The supervised by tho Bulhdlng Team Car Fund. IhM b held lo prtsvklts a minlslels car If rewlr Re8•rs Fund - hok18 Ihe regeN88 oflha dhurch RESTRICTED FUND8 Bo¢k io Work- lund 10 pPort expvnse8 for 8OOKlng WOFk Im8nagad by Ihg Ekler81 Blp Bulld fundral8•- monoy Ir¢yn 2023 WardS for the buikltng deknprnnl Bulldlng lund- fund u1 lo CBWure gE8n18 and gift8 lor buiding re(knWmeni Chrfsfmo8 FAyrg- 50% glven lo Isab Hospke, 50% Iransleired ID Buiklkng fvndralBg Fory8t m• Not Club. donatlon Jnd Herfs County Councl gfanl ol £S,OCQ IDr the Dernenlia Sufport Dlscr8llon8ry Fund- for Miniiler nra1 Bpond Equlpmont Fund- fund ksr 8qulprneni lor re(¥Jrding wor8hlp l o¥ethe•J dl44oy èl Denbrlllalor Fund . support for owdBfibrill&tot incJudln9 menoy raised by Qulz nbhl Q•neral EArni4rk¢<l- lund forydr short ienn spvt¥Js 0.9. new audh? equipnwit from glfts FabrEc_ for u88 In 98Mral church labrlc iWato6 Flower Fund - prowdin9 church flow8ts frorn donatsons (now hekl In cJMsr( bank account) MIBslon Dèv fund- Thame8 Norih tyod grant and church edge$ f¥r rry0Y1g a mi}n worker Now koyo Ilablllty- ld for Mlur8 kay d8POBiI returns Chalfer and Tots Fund- donatlons rec•lved al Weekty Toddlor grw. ¢ommunlly Cafo,. di)nthn8 for w88Wy ¢8fé. Grgnl from Hatfield Borough Ctyjrtil HCC tOW8td8 8¥ent WBM Spa8 Spoclal Collocllon•- c01kn48 8ent onward8 to e.0. Crists. Chii8tian A. Jamacia Ar•8al Support for M188lon lund- dorsauon gn lo pport J1[el¢h wc¥k Youth Equlpfflgiit I liic IJRC grAnti. to $upFx)rt our Youth gmup Synod iupport granl- Money frcffj Thwnes North Synod Welwyn Hatfteld BC Communlty Granl- grani8 used lo prowld? supporl café events Chlldren. Ytwth, Famlly Fund - granl fl7 Th8[$ Norfh SyTrod and pledg•8 to 8UPPDrt Ih? Childrers and Famlly worker In¢¢)m• Expemllturn Tranil•r Galn8lLo8s1 CIF General 5,823 94,749 .104,375 5,497 DESIGNATED 88nevoleThl Fund Car Fund Mainlenat)c• ResefV6 Fund RESTRICTED 88ck To Wo 810 Buikl luNJralslng Buiing Funcs linc Gfjrfd Wetston Grant I Chfistfflas Faye Ci8crelionary Fund Equ+wnenl Fur¥J 75 -240 435 10.txx) 3,314 24.411 10,1 30.405 -10 218 18,783 459,892 1.991 17.858 2.794 18.754 423.e60 1,300 500 1,214 4,635 -66.320 -274 1.220 -1,220 1,214 11,479 -9.608 -940 -1,198 -1,220 -2,193 -12.970 Fbwer Fund Forget N48 Nol dub General Earmark8d for Glfts rn(fv Mlssknn I)eveloprn1 Mew keys Ilabllmy C¥g8nis81ion Ch8tterandTol8 OrganIsall Comrnunlty Youth equipTrI lino URC gY8rt } Sped&l Coleelkn8 Suw)rt fund for Mbsion tr40 Synorl grant recePd 8C Cornmunity Giant CIHldron , Youlh , FaTlY Total• 875 6,426 2,083 17.437 183 4,205 548 21,485 235 17.017 235 723 200 423 934 1.Qg0 2.251 -1.147 .465 .42 -2,251 2,475 7.494 493 2,475 7,494 493 159,672 218 558,3fj7

WELWYN GARDEN CFfY UNITEO REFORMED CHVRCH Charlly Numb&r 1187010 Poge 7 TREASURER'S STATEMENT I hovg preppred fin?w81 Blatemenls ors p8988 1 10 6 lor 31 2026 fr¢un the ccJunling mc.ords of the chur Narne IzloilL6 StgnalLK8 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT l rri on the finanoal 51aiernenl8 ol G8rden Crty URC lor the yaarendod 31 DeCeT 2ff25, Wh aiE Sel Nt onpage8 1 10 S Resp8Ctlve re8portslblllt1&5 The church 18 le8ponsie for Ihe preperatn ol the finan¢kwl atstemenls. arKI considers ihat the aud fQqUtrornenl of Section 43121 of Ilie Ch8I11s Acl 19931thts Aell doe8 riot apply. 11 1$ my r•wn81b511ty 10 slale. on the ba81$ of prordurEa 8pe¢ified Ihe Gen¢yral Thieclion8 gsven by the Charity Commi$sione¥s uiidtrr 4317llbl of I1 Art, 11h6r partiEar matter8 have c¢)me to my attention. Basls of l¢idepond8nl Examliier's repTrrt My exatninalion was (%rrd out in a(Lordan wth General DirecllJns ofthè Charily Comn)i&SiDners. Ar examinalitrn IncILeS a rpvEw ol th aLwuriUiiy re(yJr¥ k8pI by e thurGh atKI a wJnpailson orth8 ac(xwJnlg presented wilh those fecoT¥55. It in(yJdes c¢)n8Kloration of any unusu81 il$ms oi disdosures in the linanci31 Blal8m8n18, and seeklng exlqnalloiis thncernlng any suth mattors. The RdureS U9dert8ken do nol provttk all eVKIen that woukl b8 rUIred aud aThl cM8equenlly I do ThDI ewess ali audii opinion on 11)B wbwgiv8n tsy Ihe flnanoal s18tsments. Indendent Examln8V$ $tstomgnl Datg Sig Nam8 aro Address of Indwnderil Ewiinor Q.., V

2025-12-31-accounts