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← Christchurch Harpenden

2023-12-31-accounts

ChristChurch Harpenden

Report and Accounts Year ended 31 December 2023

1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk

ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31 December 2023

The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Registered charity name ChristChurch Harpenden Charity registration number 1168847 Principal office and registered office 4 Vaughan Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4ED The trustees Mr Simon Anderson Mr Richard Clarke (Treasurer) Mr Andrew Cox Mrs Lauren Cox (Chair of Trustees) Mr Gharry Eccles Rev Philip Hammersley Mrs Rebecca Huntsman Mr Philip Ioannou Mr Nicholas Jelfs Mr Edwin Kwok Rev Gareth Loh Rev Ian Randall Mr Oliver Richardson Mrs Sarah Vickers (Secretary to the Trustees until 20/11/2023) Dr Haydn Williams Mrs Pauline Mills (Appointed 30/05/2023 and Secretary to the Trustees from 20/11/2023) Independent Examiner Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited 1 Lamb’s Passage, London, EC1Y 8AB

Bank

Lloyds Banking Group

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

ChristChurch is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and was registered with the Charity Commission on 22 August 2016 under Charity number 1168847. It is governed by a constitution dated 16 November 2015 and approved by the membership of the church at a meeting on that date. An updated Church Guide was also approved by the membership of the church at that meeting.

Organisational structure

The Trustees (set out on page 1) are responsible for the general control and management of the Charity. The Trustees delegate the day to day running of the functions of the Charity to the Senior Minister and his Staff team (set out on page 4) and dedicated staff are responsible for particular areas of church life. Significant decisions regarding the Charity will be made by the Elders or Deacons (who are all Trustees) or by the Trustee body as a whole.

The Trustees meet together as a body to deal with church business monthly and formal Trustees meetings take place quarterly. All formal Trustee meetings are minuted. To assist in the smooth running of the Charity, the Trustees have set up a number of committees, which report back regularly to the Board of Trustees. Elder and Deacon meetings take place monthly.

The Trustees give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits for their work as Trustees. The three Ministers were employees of the Charity (as well as being trustees) and received remuneration in their role as employees. The three ministers also had the benefit of housing and thereby provided benefit for their respective families.

Recruitment and appointment of Trustees and Staff

The Constitution identifies that the Church Officers (Elders and Deacons) are the Trustees of the church as a Registered Charity. Suggestions that a particular member should be considered for appointment as a Church Officer are made to or by the existing Trustees. If the proposed appointment is agreed and the candidate is not disqualified from office under section 178 of the Charities Act 2011 or under the Automatic Disqualification Rules 2018, then the proposal for them to become an Officer of the church and Trustee will be considered at a Members Meeting and thereafter voted on by members in accordance with the Constitution and Church Guide.

Appointments of Staff are considered and made by the Elders and Staff. Staff appointments are generally made for an indefinite period, unless specifically agreed otherwise.

Trustee training

Prior to appointment, all Trustees are made aware of the scope of their responsibilities as trustees and are provided with relevant documentation for the Charity and Charity Commission publications. Trustees receive training on trustee duties and safeguarding following appointment and receive monthly Charity Bulletins from Trust Advice, an organisation providing advice to charities (in particular churches) as well as the Charity Commission regular ‘News’ publication.

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

During the reporting year 1 trustee attended online training for trustees run by Trust Advice.

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee (a committee of the Trustees) uses the Charity Governance Code for smaller charities to help the Trustees continuously strive for improvement in our standards of governance. It meets quarterly to review governance matters.

Risk management

The Trustees assess the risks the Charity faces on an ongoing basis. This includes:

The Trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to manage the risks that have been identified and to identify any impending risks on the horizon.

Managing Safeguarding risk

Safeguarding risk is managed primarily by the Safeguarding Committee, a Trustee Committee which also includes non-trustee members with relevant knowledge to assist in this area. The Charity has a Safeguarding Policy, which is based on the thirtyone:eight model. The Policy sets out our procedures for the protection of children and adults at risk. It describes what the church and its appointed leaders will endeavour to do to protect the welfare of the children and adults at risk in church-linked groups. Appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, supported by regularly reviewed policies and training, are made for all the Trustees and those who work with children or other vulnerable groups within the church.

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Affiliations and advice

ChristChurch is affiliated to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). ChristChurch has long been the beneficiary of help, advice and legal services provided by the FIEC and from their conferences which have been attended by several Staff members over the years. Edward Connor Solicitors (a sister organisation to the FIEC) is a valued source of legal advice for the Trustees. ChristChurch also seeks advice from Stewardship and Trust Advice (formerly Advice for the Voluntary Sector) as appropriate.

ChristChurch is also affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance (EA).

Post Reporting Period - Trustee Changes

None to date

Staff team during the Reporting Period

Senior Minister Rev Gareth Loh Associate Minister Rev Ian Randall Assistant Minister Rev Philip Hammersley Operations Manager Mr Rob Booth (appointed 3/11/23) Children’s & Youth Worker Miss Deborah Goodhead Children’s & Youth Worker Mr Harry McCrossan (appointed 1/9/23) School Leaver Intern Miss Mila Largatzis (resigned 31/7/23) Women’s Worker Mrs Allison Hilton Office Manager Mrs Janet Fawcett (appointed 12/6/23) Administrator Mrs Pauline Mills (resigned 31/3/23)

Post Reporting Period - Staff Changes

None to date

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Objectives and activities

The purposes of the Charity are defined in the Constitution as:

The Trustees consider our objectives and activities on an ongoing basis, to ensure they continue to reflect our aims and this includes consideration of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

ChristChurch Harpenden (“ ChristChurch ”) wants to be:

a Church for others . . . committed to reaching out in meaningful ways to friends and families with the good news of Jesus Christ;

a Church that grows . . . making and maturing disciples, meeting together in large and small groups to learn from the Bible, to encourage and motivate one another, and being equipped to serve;

a Church in the world . . . both challenging and attractive to our community and demonstrating practically the love of Christ, addressing everyone with a clear biblical perspective on the issues of the day, and sending out people to minister to our world.

In three words . . . Mission, Maturity, Ministry

Main activities

ChristChurch is open to all, whether Christians or seekers, who wish to learn more about the Christian faith. We want our church to be accessible and welcoming. To this end we:

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Congregation - ChristChurch has a congregation of approximately 400, including children, who attend regularly and are involved in the church’s activities.

Membership - ChristChurch extends fellowship to all who attend, and we encourage all regular attendees to join us in membership so that they can play a full part in the life of the church, influencing the direction of the church through the regular members meetings and taking on roles with significant responsibility. As at 31 December 2023 there were 181 members.

Volunteers - ChristChurch encourages all members and attenders to be involved, on a voluntary basis, in the church’s activities, sharing their faith and skills with others – an ‘all-member ministry’. Volunteers are key within ChristChurch. All volunteers working with projects involving children or other vulnerable groups are DBS checked. There is also a Volunteer Management Policy and a Code of Conduct for Volunteers.

Strategic Report

The following sections for achievements and performance and financial review form the strategic report of the Charity.

Achievements and Performance

The Charity carries out a wide range of activities in pursuance of its charitable aims. The Trustees consider that these activities, summarised below, provide public benefit, both to those who worship at our church and the wider communities of Harpenden and the surrounding area.

1. REGULAR RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Our church in Harpenden provides a centre for Christian worship and ministry and for the activities associated with our faith. We offer a range of religious services and activities including:

Services of Worship

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Homegroups

Women’s Work

Men’s Work

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Youth & Children’s Groups

In the reporting year, during term time, the church ran multiple weekly youth and children's activities, including:

All of these groups are open to the general public, but the activities which take place on days other than Sunday are designed to be easier for those without a Christian background to access and children and families are encouraged to invite their friends along.

Alongside these regular groups, we also ran a range of one-off events, including:

Approximately 150 children take part in the church’s activities regularly and it is a joy to see them engaging with and enjoying the teaching about the Lord Jesus and the gospel.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care in ChristChurch is delivered through a number of channels within the church

Pastoral care is coordinated through the church office and those needing pastoral support are given support through our staff team (senior minister, associate minister, assistant minister and women’s worker). We have a separate youth team who attend to youth and children. There are lay members who also undertake pastoral care visits as part of a network of pastoral support.

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Pastoral care - People have been supported spiritually with fellowship and prayer along with practical support for those in need. We have a number of housebound and care home members who are visited on a regular basis.

Practical Support has involved providing meals to the sick or those with new babies, assistance with house moves and shopping. Those who are carers to vulnerable partners or relatives were supported.

Financial Support is provided through a hardship fund and a pastoral care fund. The hardship fund supported specific individuals who have financial difficulty as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Our pastoral fund is used to support individuals with specific pastoral needs during times of crisis. We have members of the church who serve at Harpenden Money Advice (see page 14 ) and so we are able to signpost individuals to that organisation when they have financial challenges.

Family support was coordinated for families who foster and those single parent households in need of specific support.

External Support – we do not provide specialist advice in our pastoral care to members and we have clear risk assessments as to the support we offer. So where appropriate we will signpost to other agencies: GP medical advice, Citizens Advice Bureau, Biblical counselling, mediation facilities, social services, Harpenden Money Advice.

Prayer

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Mission

ChristChurch is committed to supporting mission work both financially and through prayer and the practical support of its Mission Partners, both within and beyond the UK.

ChristChurch has an active Mission Committee who meet three times a year. The Committee reviews financial support of Mission Partners regularly. The Committee acts as a sounding board for those considering missions work and brings recommendations to the elders of the church about possible new mission partners or organisations.

During the reporting year ChristChurch:

Training People for Ministry

As a large and well-supported church, we believe that we have a responsibility to support smaller/other churches. The Rev Philip Hammersley (Assistant Minister) is currently in the third year of a four-year training post within ChristChurch. Throughout these four years ChristChurch is funding two days of study per week at the London Theological Seminary. At the end of that time, it is expected that he will go on to be a minister of another church.

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

2. SPECIAL EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

3. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & PARTNERSHIPS

Parent and Toddler Group (MaMites)

Father & Toddler Group (Saturdads)

Ministry to the Elderly – Senior Citizens Tea Parties

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

St Albans & Harpenden Christian Education Project, Step

Jump!

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Azalea

Harpenden Money Advice Centre (HMAC)

Plans for future periods (i.e., Post Reporting Period)

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

• Financial Review

Principal funding sources

The principal funding of the Charity is voluntary donations by members, attendees at church services and other supporters. Total income in the Reporting Period amounted to £624,710 (including Gift Aid).

The Charity does not have a defined benefit pension scheme and pension costs are not material to the Charity.

The Charity does not hold any financial investments other than monies held in deposit accounts. Subject to the reserves policy (see below), most of the Charity’s funds are spent in the short term to fulfil the Charity’s objectives.

Significant Events Affecting Financial Performance

The Trustees have identified that a reduction in donations resulting from either a decrease in the number of members or an average reduction in giving per member (and non-member givers) would be the principal financial risk to the Charity. This risk would be managed by reducing the Charity’s expenditure. This may include a review of staffing levels.

Total income for the reporting period decreased by £533,547 (46%). However, donations for general activities were £58,285 (11%) higher than the prior year. Overall, the accounts show a total surplus for the year of £118,630.

Reserves

At the end of the financial period the Charity had net current assets of £206,480. The amount of general funds the Charity holds is £225,521, with designated funds of £1,872, 859 and restricted funds totalled £1,973.

The Charity did not have any material amounts designated or otherwise committed at the end of the period.

The Trustees consider that the appropriate value of reserves that should be held by the Charity is £120,000 equivalent to three months of current expenditure. The actual level of general reserves is more than this figure.

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ChristChurch Harpenden Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ responsibilities statement

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).

Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and the application of resources, including the 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 Companies Act 2006. 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’ Annual Report and the Strategic Report were approved by the Trustees and presented to the Members AGM on 13 May 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Lauren Cox R Clarke Lauren Cox (Sep 26, 2024 17:36 GMT+1) R Clarke (Sep 24, 2024 15:33 GMT+1) Lauren Cox Richard Clarke Trustee Trustee Sep 26, 2024 Sep 24, 2024

16

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

('the Charity')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 on pages 18 to 29 following, which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 21 and 22.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

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

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

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

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

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

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Sarah Crispin

Sarah Crispin (Sep 30, 2024 11:24 GMT+1)

Sarah Crispin ACA Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB

Date: Sep 30, 2024

Page 17

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations
3
Charitable activities
4
Investments
5
Other income
6
Total income and endowments
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
7
Raising funds
8
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
15
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
15		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
420,899
10,343
7,601
6,134
444,977
470,925
-
470,925
(25,949)
965,841
939,892
1,158,488
2,098,380		 Restricted
Funds
£
162,987
-
16,747
-
179,734
32,879
2,276
35,155
144,579
(965,841)
(821,262)
823,235
1,973		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
583,885
525,600
10,343
8,292
24,348
2,998
6,134
621,367
624,710
1,158,257
503,804
484,480
2,276
783
506,080
485,263
118,630
672,994
-
-
118,630
672,994
1,981,723
1,308,729
2,100,353
1,981,723

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

All income and expenditure derive from continuing operations.

The notes on page 21-28 form part of these accounts.

Page 18

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
10
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
12
CREDITORS: Amounts falling
due within one year
13
Net current assets / (liabilities)
TOTAL NET ASSETS
FUND BALANCES
15
Unrestricted Funds
General funds
Designated funds
Restricted Funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,893,873
1,893,873
21,394
223,281
244,676
(40,168)
204,507
2,098,380
225,521
1,872,859
2,098,380
-
2,098,380		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
280
1,693
1,973
-
1,973
1,973
-
-
-
1,973
1,973		 Total
Funds
2023
£
1,893,873
1,893,873
21,674
224,974
246,649
(40,168)
206,480
2,100,353
225,521
1,872,859
2,098,380
1,973
2,100,353		 Total
Funds
2022
£
868,669
868,669
26,352
1,106,892
1,133,244
(20,190)
1,113,054
1,981,723
289,819
868,669
1,158,488
823,235
1,981,723

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and were signed on its behalf by:

R Clarke R Clarke (Sep 24, 2024 15:33 GMT+1) --------------------------------------Richard Clarke Sep 24, 2024 Date: _______

Charity number: 1168847

The notes on page 21-28 form part of these accounts.

Page 19

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Note
2023
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
a
118,938
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
24,348
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
-
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(1,025,204)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
(1,000,856)
(881,918)
b
1,106,892
b
224,974
Note a: Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities
2023
£
118,630
Adjustments for:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
(24,348)
Loss/(profit) on the sale of fixed assets
-
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
4,678
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
19,978
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
118,938
Note b: Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2023
£
Cash at bank with immediate access
224,974
Total cash and cash equivalents
224,974
Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial
activities)
Cash and equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Change in cash and equivalents in the reporting period		 2022
£
51,065
2,998
731,991
-
734,989
786,054
320,838
1,106,892
2022
£
672,994
(2,998)
(621,367)
(5,222)
7,658
51,065
2022
£
1,106,892
1,106,892

Page 20

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Statutory Information

The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The charity's registered number and principal address can be found on the Charity Information page.

2 Accounting Policies

These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the "Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) ("the Charities SORP"), with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102") and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.

The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (the '2008 Regulations') requires charities to prepare their accounts in accordance with 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005' but this accounting standard has since been withdrawn and has been replaced by the Charities SORP mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The charity has prepared these financial statements in accordance with the new Charities SORP; this departure from the 2008 Regulations is believed to be necessary for these financial statements to give a 'true and fair view'.

The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.

a) Going concern

The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular the trustees have considered the charity's forecasts and projections and the possible implications should projected income and / or expenditure vary unexpectedly. The trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

b) Income

Income including investment income is recognised in the period in which the charity becomes entitled to receipt, the amount receivable can be measured with reasonable certainty, and receipt is probable. For the most part, income is generally recognised when it is received. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.

Income from donations includes:

Recoverable gift aid. This is recognised when the related donation is received. Gift aid that has not been recovered by the balance sheet date is included as a debtor.

The charity relies on volunteers to carry out many of its activities. However, in accordance with the SORP, the value of these services has not been included in these financial statements as they cannot be reliably measured.

Income from charitable activities represents income receivable from goods, services and facilities supplied in furtherance of the charity's charitable objects. It includes income from church events and activities.

Investment income represents income generated by the charity's assets and includes income from bank interest.

Other income comprises gains arising from the disposal of tangible fixed assets.

The charity has taken the view that it has only one charitable activity, namely the advancement of the Christian faith, and all income from donations, legacies and charitable activities is in respect of this one activity.

c) Expenditure

Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, is recognised when it is incurred or, if earlier, when a legal or constructive obligation for a payment arises provided that it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured

The charity makes grants to other institutions and individuals to further its charitable objectives. Grants payable are recognised as constructive obligations arise, which is generally when the charity expresses a commitment to the recipient that can be measured reliably and then only to the extent that any conditions associated with the grant are outside of the control of the charity.

Expenditure on raising funds comprises the costs incurred on managing investments.

The Charities SORP requires charities with income over £500,000 to allocate costs to the various activities undertaken by the charity. The nature of the work of the church is considered to be so integrated that the core charitable activity costs are considered to be for the one activity.

Page 21

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 Accounting Policies (cont.)

Governance costs, which are included in expenditure on charitable activities but are identified separately in the notes to the accounts, includes costs associated with the independent examination of the financial statements, compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and any other expenditure incurred on the strategic management of the charity.

d) 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. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects. Endowment funds are donations that are retained as capital in accordance with the donor's wishes. The nature of the restriction determines whether the endowments represent permanent endowments or expendable endowments.

e) Tangible fixed assets

Items purchased or donated for the charity's own use are capitalised when the cost of purchased items, or the fair value of donated items, is more than £1,000 and the item is expected to benefit the charity over more than one accounting period. Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis so as to write down the value of each asset to its estimated residual value (if any) over its expected useful economic life. To achieve this objective the following rates of depreciation are charged:

Freehold property Is not depreciated Garden office Over 10 years Fixtures, fittings & equipment Over 4 years

The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment in periods when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

f) Pension scheme arrangements

The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. Obligations for contributions to these schemes are recognised as an expense when the liability arises. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.

g) Taxation The charity has taken advantage of the various reliefs from taxation available to charities and no tax is payable on the charity's income.

h) Financial instruments

The charity's financial assets and financial liabilities all qualify as basic financial instruments, as defined by FRS102. Except for loans, creditors and debtors are measured at their expected settlement value (normally the amount of cash that the charity expects to pay or receive). The charity recognises liabilities for the principal of those loans that remains outstanding at the year end (i.e. the liabilities exclude any interest chargeable on the loans in future years).

i) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

ln preparing financial statements certain judgements, estimates and assumptions have to be made that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The trustees consider the following to be significant:

3 Donations

Donations of cash and similar
Income tax recoverable
4
Income from charitable activities
Church events & activities
Other income		 2023
£
493,252
90,633
583,885
2023
£
9,150
1,193
10,343		 2022
£
432,147
93,453
525,600
2022
£
7,557
735
8,292

Page 22

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5 Investment income

Bank interest
6
Other income
Gains on disposal of church premises
Insurance claim
7
Charitable expenditure
a
Costs incurred directly on specific activities
Ministry staff costs
Programmes
Church meeting costs
Property costs
Grants payable (note 8c)
b
Costs incurred on support & administration
Governance costs
Independent examiner's fee
Audit fee
Operational staff costs
Other support costs
Total expenditure		 2023
£
24,348
24,348
2023
£
-
6,134
6,134
2023
£
210,409
24,498
10,833
82,573
328,313
118,686
446,999
4,920
-
4,920
33,978
17,907
56,805
503,804		 2022
£
2,998
2,998
2022
£
621,367
-
621,367
2022
£
241,495
28,593
4,731
58,733
333,552
77,095
410,647
-
5,400
5,400
53,619
14,814
73,832
484,480

The fee payable to the independent examiner for preparing and examining the accounts was £4,920; in addition the charity paid £893 to Stewardship for payroll bureau services.

c Grants payable

Grants for UK and overseas mission
Grants for the relief of poverty
The comparatives for the previous year are as follows:
Grants for UK and overseas mission
Grants for the relief of poverty		 Institutions
£
52,916
800
53,716
Institutions
£
46,595
800
47,395		 Individuals
£
64,970
-
64,970
Individuals
£
30,395
-
30,395		 2023
£
117,886
800
118,686
2022
£
76,990
800
77,790

Page 23

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 Charitable expenditure (cont.)

The charity's principal grants to institutions comprised:

Azalea
Care2Share
Hook Evangelical
UFM
Interserve
Wycliffe
Inter Team
OMF
STEP
Jump
ChristChurch Redbourn
Veritas College re Nepal
Nepal Development Association
Kingsley Hall Church
London Bible Church
Sanctuary Foundation
Grants to institutions for less than £1,000 each
of raising funds
Investment management fees
Gross wages and salaries
Social security
Pension costs
ysis of staff costs, the cost of key management personnel and trustee remuneration		 2023
£
3,000
1,800
1,500
3,000
2,080
9,720
6,000
-
3,400
800
3,200
1,800
700
3,840
8,091
3,985
800
53,716
2023
£
2,276
2,276
2023
£
188,223
11,576
4,479
204,278		 2022
£
3,000
1,800
2,000
3,000
3,120
9,720
6,000
2,700
3,400
1,495
4,800
1,800
1,200
2,560
-
-
800
47,395
2022
£
783
783
2022
£
243,729
19,727
7,328
270,784

8 Cost of raising funds

The average monthly number of employees during the year was 8. Most of the charity's activities are carried out by volunteers.

No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.

The charity's key management comprise the trustees and the key staff named on the Charity Information page. Total employment benefits payable to key management for the year were as follows:

Other
Employer
Wages &
employment
pension
salaries
benefits
contributions
Trustees:
Rev Gareth Loh
44,745
-
1,155
Rev Philip Hammersley
28,067
-
655
Rev Ian Randall
36,020
-
893		 2023
£
45,900
28,722
36,913
111,535

Page 24

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 Analysis of staff costs, the cost of key management personnel and trustee remuneration (cont.)

The following amounts were payable in the previous year:

Other Employer
Wages & employment pension 2022
salaries benefits contributions £
Trustees:
Rev Gareth Lewis 48,986 - 3,208 52,194
Rev Gareth Loh 37,300 - 932 38,232
Rev Philip Hammersley 25,750 - 585 26,335
Rev Ian Randall 13,449 325 13,774

The above trustees served as church leaders and received the above payments for serving in that capacity, not for serving as trustees; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.

In addition the charity incurred expenditure totalling £49,498 (2022: £2,767) in respect of the customary provision of accommodation to Rev Gareth Loh, Rev Ian Randall and Rev Philip Hammersley, who are trustees, so that they could better perform their duties.

10 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions
At 31 December 2023
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Freehold
Property
£
868,669
1,004,190
1,872,859
-
-
-
1,872,859
868,669		 Garden
Office
£
-
21,014
21,014
-
-
-
21,014
-		 Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£
13,153
-
13,153
13,153
-
13,153
-
-		 Total
2023
£
881,822
1,025,204
1,907,026
13,153
-
13,153
1,893,873
868,669

The trustees consider that the residual value of the freehold properties owned by the charity are at least equal to their original cost and therefore no depreciation has been charged. The Garden office was not in use until after the year end so depreciation will be charged from 2024 onwards.

11 Debtors

Falling due within one year:
Tax recoverable
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
h at Bank and in Hand
Cash at bank with immediate access		 2023
£
18,603
1,384
1,687
21,674
2023
£
224,974
224,974		 2022
£
22,489
2,710
1,153
26,352
2022
£
1,106,892
1,106,892

12 Cash at Bank and in Hand

Page 25

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13 Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year

itors: liabilities falling due within one year
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals
Grant obligations		 2023
£
-
2,329
17,839
20,000
40,168		 2022
£
5,764
1,872
12,554
20,190

14 Pension commitments

During the year employer’s pension contributions totalling £4,202 (2022: £7,328) were payable to defined contribution personal pension schemes. Pension contributions of £2,039 (2022: £1,839) were owing at the balance sheet date.

15 Funds

During the year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:

Designated Funds
Church premises
General Unrestricted Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Property fund
Pastoral fund
Hardship fund
Other restricted funds
Aggregate of funds		 Opening
balance
2023
£
868,669
868,669
289,819
1,158,488
823,235
-
-
-
823,235
1,981,723		 Incoming
resources
2023
£
-
444,977
444,977
128,767
10,120
125
40,721
179,734
624,710
-		 Outgoing
resources
2023
£
-
(470,925)
(470,925)
(3,972)
(10,120)
-
(21,062)
(35,155)
(506,080)
-		 Transfers
in the year
2023
£
1,004,190
1,004,190
(38,349)
965,841
(948,030)
-
1,557
(19,368)
(965,841)
-		 Gains and
losses
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Closing
balance
2023
£
1,872,859
1,872,859
225,521
2,098,380
-
-
1,682
291
1,973
2,100,353

The transfers referred to above were made for the following reasons:

a) From General to Hardship & Other restricted funds to recognise the opening balances on these funds.

b) From the Property fund & General funds to the Church premises fund to reflect the purchase of a property for ministers' accommodation.

c) From Other restricted funds to General funds to reflect the purchase of a garden office for use by the Senior Minister.

Page 26

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15 Funds (cont.)

Analysis of net assets by fund

The assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:

ysis of net assets by fund
assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
Tangible fixed assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors falling due within one year		 General
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
21,014
1,872,859
21,394
-
223,281
-
(40,168)
-
225,521
1,872,859
Unrestricted Funds		 Restricted
funds
£
-
280
1,693
-
1,973		 2023
£
1,893,873
21,674
224,974
(40,168)
2,100,353

In the previous year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:

Designated Funds
Church premises
General Unrestricted Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Property fund
Aggregate of funds		 Opening
balance
2022
£
979,293
979,293
285,742
1,265,035
43,694
43,694
1,308,729		 Incoming
resources
2022
£
-
-
489,037
489,037
669,220
669,220
1,158,257		 Outgoing
resources
2022
£
-
-
(484,960)
(484,960)
(303)
(303)
(485,263)		 Transfers
in the year
2022
£
(110,624)
(110,624)
-
(110,624)
110,624
110,624
-		 Gains and
losses
2022
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Closing
balance
2022
£
868,669
868,669
289,819
1,158,488
823,235
823,235
1,981,723

Analysis of net assets by fund

In the previous year, the assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:

Tangible fixed assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors falling due within one year		 General
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
-
868,669
26,352
-
283,657
-
(20,190)
-
289,819
868,669
Unrestricted Funds		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
823,235
-
823,235		 2022
£
868,669
26,352
1,106,892
(20,190)
1,981,723

Page 27

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15 Funds (cont.)

Designated Funds

The Church Premises holds the properties owned by the charity. The trustees desire is that whenever possible, the sale of any church property would be reinvested in another property.

Restricted Funds

The Property fund represents money raised for the purchase of properties. The Pastoral fund relates to specific donations given for pastoral needs.

The Hardship fund is to relieve hardship. Other restricted funds are for specifc one off appeals. In 2023, this included fundraising for Ukraine and donations to the upkeep of church houses.

16 Transactions with related parties

During the year the charity:

During the year the charity also made the following payments to, or for, related parties:

Except as disclosed in note 9 'Analysis of staff costs', there have been no other transactions with related parties during the year.

17 Reconciliation with previously reported funds

During the year the charity reviewed the treatment of the church premises fund following the purchase of the manse in 2023. The trustees believe that the restrictions on the property donations were fulfilled on purchase of the properties and therefore they have taken the decision that the church premises fund should be treated as unrestricted. The comparatives presented in these accounts have been re-stated so that they reflect this change in policy and the cost of the church premises is now shown as a designated fund. There is no impact on total reserves or prior year results.

Page 28

CHRISTCHURCH HARPENDEN

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES WITH COMPARATIVES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations
3
Charitable activities
4
Investments
5
Other income
6
Total income and endowments
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities:
7
Raising funds
8
Total Expenditure
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
15
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
15		 General
Designated
2023
2023
£
£
420,899
-
10,343
-
7,601
-
6,134
-
444,977
-
470,925
-
-
-
470,925
-
-
-
(25,949)
-
(38,349)
1,004,190
(64,298)
1,004,190
289,819
868,669
225,521
1,872,859
Unrestricted funds		 Restricted
2023
£
162,987
-
16,747
-
179,734
32,879
2,276
35,155
-
144,579
(965,841)
(821,262)
823,235
1,973		 Total
2023
£
583,885
10,343
24,348
6,134
624,710
503,804
2,276
506,080
-
118,630
-
118,630
1,981,723
2,100,353		 General
Designated
2022
2022
£
£
479,350
-
8,292
-
1,395
-
-
-
489,037
-
484,177
-
783
-
484,960
-
-
-
4,077
-
-
(110,624)
4,077
(110,624)
285,742
979,293
289,819
868,669
Unrestricted funds		 Restricted
2022
£
46,250
1,603
621,367
669,220
303
-
303
-
668,917
110,624
779,541
43,694
823,235		 Total
2022
£
525,600
8,292
2,998
621,367
1,158,257
484,480
783
485,263
-
672,994
-
672,994
1,308,729
1,981,723

Page 29