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2023-03-31-accounts

Charity number: 1168142

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 6
Independent examiner's report 7
Statement of financial activities 8
Balance sheet 9
Notes to the financial statements 10 - 17

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustees

Philip Edward Read Christopher John Burton Susan Mary Bessant Ian Lawrence Burton Benjamin Paul Harden Peter Martin Weir

Charity registered number 1168142

Principal office Unit D22, Admiralty Park Station Road Poole BH16 6HX

Page 1

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the The Lighthouse Family Church for the year 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

OBJECTS

The primary aims of the Trust are to fulfil the role of a Christian Church in the Poole, Dorset area and to provide help to others in promoting the Christian faith in the United Kingdom and overseas.

THE CHURCH: ITS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The Church is not a building, but a gathering of ordinary people of different ages and backgrounds whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The New Testament reveals the Church as a community of people, properly taught and cared for, who by loving and serving Jesus Christ, were also committed to love and care for each other and to bring a blessing to the area in which they lived. The Lighthouse Family Church, its trustees, leaders and members are committed to the restoration of those New Testament principles. It is not alone in this, it is one of many Churches in the area, country and all over the world that is rediscovering the excitement of knowing Jesus Christ. The vision is to see the people of Lytchett Matravers and the surrounding area come into this experience of knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord, Saviour and friend

The Lighthouse Family Church has a long-standing relationship with several other local Churches that pursue similar objectives in the UK and overseas and is developing relationships with other churches in planning joint ventures within the area.

Directions relating to the charitable trust are made by the Trustees in consultation with the church leaders who are responsible for governing the life and teaching of the church. Day to day decisions on expenditure and activities are decided by the church leaders, staff and volunteers in charge of different areas of the church. The power of appointment or removal of Trustees rests with the Trustees. New Trustees are primarily selected from the members of the church since this means that the Trustee body is whole heartedly involved in seeing the mission of the church worked out in practice. On being appointed, new Trustees spend time with the existing Trustees to ensure they understand their responsibilities and the legal and financial framework in which the church operates.

Whilst the church currently employs six part time staff, it is the work of every member of the church, whether employed or not, that will make the difference in the church achieving its great commission. This is done by being ‘salt and light’ amongst the people they interact with every day; by praying, by visiting the sick and others in need, in being involved in training others, in public teaching and worship, and also in administration. The financial resources of the church, to a very large extent, are given by the members and their private assets and resources are regularly used in the work of the church. Much of this work is done privately, without recognition, and the hours and value of the time cannot be quantified.

Page 2

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

THE YEAR: ITS OBJECTIVES, ACHIEVEMENTS & EVENTS

During the year ending 31st March 2023, all church activity has resumed with no restrictions from Covid-19. All meetings are in person but we are still maintaining an online presence.

General Church Activities

The Lighthouse continued with a programme of training, equipping and pastoral care for the Lighthouse Church Family. The pastoral care team continued to provide care and prayer for those in need within the church and community. An updated program of Sunday services is now running with the majority also being streamed online. Additional content continues to be made available online.

Church Growth

Although the church doesn’t have a formal membership there are some 125 people who consider themselves part of the Lighthouse Family Church. Covid-19 has seen a reduction in the number of people attending the church, but the live streaming online of our services has allowed us to reach a far wider group of people geographically and we have continued to stream online content, and in particular for some members who are unable to attend in person due to ill health.

Kingdom Life School

The Lighthouse Church started Kingdom Life School in September 2017, a programme of training aiming to equip students to boldly share and demonstrate the Kingdom of God. The school has not been able to run since the beginning of the pandemic and time is being taken to review how the school is structured with a view to restarting in the future. September 2022 saw the return of our 5-day school as a way to regroup the team, build momentum, and generate interest in the year long school. A series of online short courses have also been produced and released which have been made available both to our own church family and to other churches and home groups to continue with the mission to train and equip, and to give prospective students/partners a taste of the Kingdom Life School syllabus. The current plan is to run a six month long school in the academic year 2023/2024.

Overseas Mission Support

The Lighthouse Church is currently support mission projects in 3 areas: Uganda, Japan (and South East Asia) and the Philippines. The Trustees aim to be giving at least 10% of donations towards mission.

New Building

Having been located in the leased building at Admiralty Park for 15 years the leaders of the church began to look towards developing a larger church centre to cater for growth that has been happening amongst adults, children and youth. A 5-acre plot of land was identified and purchased January 2018 on a site close to the current building on Station Road. All demolition work has been completed. Detailed plans have been drawn up and tenders issued for the build. Additionally trust grant applications have been prepared to secure funding for the build.

Page 3

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Woodland Church

During the last year we have been able to establish a regular monthly gathering on site, using the facilities we have been able to install so far. There is a team of volunteers that work with me to deliver those sessions. We also have had several work parties to maintain the trail and open up a new one. The team made a successful application for funds towards installing an accessible off grid composting toilet, something we consider necessary to allow further development and use of the site. Work begins on its installation during the summer of 2023. It’s our hope that in the coming year with the help of some suitable social media promotion we can increase the attendance of our woodland sessions as they seem to be a useful introduction to church, in particular for young families. We recently also facilitated in placing a memorial on the site to a member of the church who had passed away, something which was the member’s wish as a keen supporter of our building project.

PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR

The key strategies for the church remain the same but will be reviewed by the Church leadership team on a regular basis. Fundraising will continue for the building project and plans for the next stages of development are in process. The church will continue to explore, in consultation with local churches and Christian agencies, other ways to assist the poorer sections of the community, both in the financial sense of the word but also in others. The church will also review its current support commitments and explore further overseas opportunities, including response to any appeals following emergencies and/or natural disasters around the world. Now that it is well established in its leased premises the church is open to explore opportunities for the building to be used more widely within the community

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The level of donations has fallen slightly over the year but remains good providing steady income. The church has made use of various government schemes including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and a Bounce Back Loan.

The property that was gifted to the church in a will has now been sold, although at the financial year end the separate garage was still on the market.

GRANT MAKING POLICY

Gifts to external organisations and individuals are considered by the Trustees on the basis of need and fulfilment of the charitable objectives. There are no upper or lower limits of support.

RISK MANAGEMENT

All major insurable risks are subject to normal Churches and employers’ insurance. Contractual risks are reviewed before entering into to assess that they could not significantly impact upon the churches ability to fulfil its objectives.

GOVERNANCE

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Acts. 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. The Trustees confirm that the accounts comply with current statutory requirements and those of the Charity’s trust deed

Page 4

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

The Lighthouse Family Church is a registered charity, number 1168142, and is constituted under a Trust deed.

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and 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 provisions of the Trust deed. 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.

Page 5

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 7 October 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Christopher John Burton

Page 6

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Lighthouse Family Church ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

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

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I 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.

Signed:

Dated: 7 October 2023

Kolade Andrew Alli ACMA

10 Gatcombe Gardens

West End Hampshire

SO18 3NA

Page 7

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
3
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Prior year adjustments
10
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
Restricted
funds
2023
£
16,745
16,745
2,200
2,200
14,545
(45,804)
(31,259)
601,556
(31,259)
570,297
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
191,630
191,630
195,353
195,353
(3,723)
-
(3,723)
538,001
(3,723)
534,278
Total
funds
2023
£
208,375
208,375
197,553
197,553
10,822
(45,804)
(34,982)
1,139,557
(34,982)
1,104,575
Total
funds
2022
£
546,542
546,542
308,316
308,316
238,226
-
238,226
901,331
238,226
1,139,557

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 8

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

Fixed assets
Note
Tangible assets
6
Current assets
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
8
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one year
9
Net assets excluding pension asset
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
10
Unrestricted funds
10
Total funds
1,054,090
42,965
1,097,055
(12,245)
2023
£
93,749
93,749
1,084,810
1,178,559
(73,984)
1,104,575
1,104,575
570,297
534,278
1,104,575
979,911
119,823
1,099,734
(3,583)
2022
£
138,749
138,749
1,096,151
1,234,900
(95,343)
1,139,557
1,139,557
601,556
538,001
1,139,557

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 07 October 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Christopher John Burton

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The Lighthouse Family Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

1.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

1.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Page 10

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Freehold property -

1.5 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.6 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.7 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

1.8 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Page 11

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. Income from charitable activities

2. Income from charitable activities
Restricted Unrestricted
funds
Total Total
funds General 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Corporate Donations 2,800 3,038 5,838 0
Events Income 0 4,796 4,796 4,404
General Donations 12,385 134,060 146,445
204,672
Gift Aid tax reclaimed 1,560 29,198 30,758 36,760
Legacies 0 0 0 278,468
Other income 0 20,538 20,538 22,238
16,745 191,630 208,375 546,542

Page 12

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

3. Expenditure on charitable activities

Restricted Unrestricted
funds
Total
Total
funds General
2023
2022
£ £
£
£
(Profit)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed
assets
0 0
0
79,032
Accountancy fees 0 0
0
3,360
Advertising 0 996
996
2,318
Bank charges 0 491
491
555
Catering & Refreshments 0 1,203
1,203
983
Event costs & Expenses 0 416
416
192
Honorariums 0 1,650
1,650
5,039
Independent examiner's fee 0 900
900
600
Legal and professional fees 0 4,576
4,576
4,262
Loan interest 0 3,154
3,154
3,496
Ministry costs 2,200 40,801
43,001
65,673
Office Equipment Incl Hire 0 2,895
2,895
5,254
Printing, Postage, and Stationery 0 2,121
2,121
2,507
Recruitment expenses 0 200
200
267
Rent 0 34,681
34,681
34,960
Subscription 0 1,289
1,289
1,673
Telephone and Computer charges 0 3,927
3,927
3,768
Training 0 1,334
1,334
100
Travelling Expenses 0 750
750
177
Utilities, Repairs and Maintenance 0 7,966
7,966
10,805
Wages and salaries 0 86,003
86,003
83,295
2,200 195,353
197,553
308,316

Page 13

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4. Independent examiner's remuneration

2023 2022
£ £
Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent
examination of the Charity's annual accounts 900 600

5. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) .

Philip Edward Read During the year ended 31 March 2023, expenses totaling £ 25,247 were paid directly to Trustee Phil Read (2022 - £24,047 ) during the year for duties carried out as minister of the church.

Mr Ian Burton

Provided the church with a loan to support the new building project, which is currently been paid back with interest.

As at the balance sheet date the amount due was £33,088 (2022 - £48,934)

6. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2022
Prior year adjustments (revaluation)
At 31 March 2023
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
Freehold
property
£
138,749
(45,000)
93,749
93,749
138,749

Page 14

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7. Debtors

Due after more than one year
Loan to Trinity Gates
Due within one year
Other debtors
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
Other loans
2023
£
1,053,037
1,053,037
1,053
1,054,090
2023
£
11,345
900
12,245
2023
£
73,984
2022
£
979,911
979,911
-
979,911
2022
£
2,983
600
3,583
2022
£
95,343

8. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

9. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Page 15

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund
Total of funds
Balance at 1
April 2022
£
538,001
601,556
1,139,557
Income
£
191,630
16,745
208,375
Balance at
Prior year
31 March
Expenditure
adjustment
2023
£
£
£
(195,353)
-
534,278
(2,200)
(45,804)
570,297
(197,553)
(45,804)
1,104,575

Page 16

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund
Total of funds
Balance at
1 April 2021
£
322,156
356,332
678,488
Income
£
524,161
22,381
546,542
Expenditure
£
(308,316)
-
(308,316)
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
222,843
222,843
Balance at
31 March
2022
£
538,001
601,556
1,139,557

Page 17