Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
## Life Community Church Storrington
Charity registration number: 1172456
Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **CONTENTS**
|Reference and Administrative Details|1|
|---|---|
|Trustees' Report|2 to 11|
|Independent Examiner's Report|12|
|Statement of Financial Activities|13|
|Balance Sheet|14|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|15 to 25|
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
## **Trustees**
Peter Verheul Stuart Spinney Dr Bonnie Tse Tim Burr, Chair
## **Charity Registration** 1172456 **Number**
**Principal Office** Oakside West Chiltington Road Pulborough West Sussex RH20 2PR **Independent Examiner** G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF **Bankers** CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling ME19 4JQ
Page 1
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT**
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2024.
## **Objectives and activities**
## **Structure, governance and management**
## _**Nature of governing document**_
Life Community Church Storrington is a registered charity, number 1172456, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
## _**Recruitment and appointment 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.
## _**Organisational structure**_
The charity is overseen by the trustees listed on page 1. The day to day running of the church fellowship is overseen by five elders and seven deacons.
## _**Risk management**_
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
## _**Objects and aims**_
The objectives of the charity are:
• To advance the Christian faith by, but not exclusively by, gathering in public or at other times for teaching of the Bible, worship and praise, evangelism, study, prayer, child and youth work and community service;
- To relieve poverty both in the UK and overseas by any means such as gifts, donations,
- contributions, loans and advances with or without interest;
• To fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected to the charitable work of the Charity as the Trustees from time to time may think fit.
The trustees view the activities of Life Community Church to be aligned with its charitable objectives and to be delivering well against those objectives.
## _**Public benefit**_
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Page 2
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
## **Achievements and performance**
## _**Overview**_
Life Community Church in Storrington has continued to grow and serve the needs of the community throughout the reporting period. The church meets every Sunday at the Storrington Leisure Centre for a 90-minute Christian service that includes musical worship, preaching, and prayer. In addition, there are various activities for youth and children.
The Sunday service is open to everyone in the community. The church warmly welcomes individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds. It embraces each person as they are and actively supports them on their journey toward Jesus Christ and in their daily lives. The church aims to create a family-like atmosphere for all attending.
In addition to the Sunday service, the church operates a café, shop, and meeting space in the town center of Storrington, providing community support across various areas while maintaining a strong emphasis on Christian teachings.
During the week, church members gather in smaller groups for prayer and Bible study. The church also organizes larger events, such as weekends of Christian fellowship, trips to Christian youth camps, and special days aimed at supporting the local community.
Furthermore, the church engages in supporting projects both in the UK and abroad.
## _**Sunday Service**_
The church gathers every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Leisure Centre in Storrington for a 90-minute service, with an average attendance of around 120 people.
The Sunday service begins with a time of worship, led by the church's musicians and supported by a technical team, alongside general announcements for the church community. This is followed by a Christian message delivered by different speakers from the church, with the main speaker being Church Minister Nathanael Edwards. Other church members also contribute from time to time. Once a month, the congregation participates in a communion service that involves sharing bread and wine.
During the service, children and youth have their own separate activities that last for one hour.
At the end of each service, tea and coffee are served to the attendees. The seating, sound equipment, refreshments, and children's activity areas are all set up before the service begins and are taken down afterward.
## _**Youth and Children’s activities**_
## _Sunday Church Groups_
Sparks (0 Years - Reception/Year 1): This age group included 10 children, along with leaders and helpers.
Page 3
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
Fireworks (Year 1/2 - Year 5): There were 20 to 25 children in this age group. The leaders provided appropriate content tailored to the children's varying levels.
Wildfires (Youth - Year 6-8): This group consisted of 20 children, and they utilized the cricket pavilion at the Leisure Centre. During the summer season, they also met at The Village Hub when the cricket club used the facilities. This group is led by dedicated volunteers.
Furnace Fires Youth (Year 9+): Introduced last year, this group has seen success, typically consisting of up to 10 youth. The need for this group became clear as our youth grew older and required a more mature, Bible-focused setting. They feel a strong sense of belonging within the service and the church family, as they are allowed to remain for the entire worship session. We have excellent leaders and helpers in this group, ensuring we are well-supported for the upcoming year.
## _Friday Night Groups_
Kids Club (6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. - Year 3-5): The number of children attending this group varies from week to week. Most of the participants come from the local area, as we offer this group for free. Some children from the church also attend.
Youth Group (7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Year 6+): Attendance for this group has fluctuated over the year; however, we have recently seen an increase in the number of youth participating on Friday evenings.
_Additional activities._
## CAMPS:
NEWDAY: In the summer, a group of thirteen youth and four adults attended the NewDay Christian Youth Conference. The event was a success for all the participants and is expected to grow in the coming years.
Easter Camp: An Easter camp was held at Pulborough Primary School as an outreach event, primarily attracting children from the local area.
## MORE:
Friday Sparks - Toddler Group: This group meets at the Leisure Centre every Friday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. We have a dedicated team of volunteers who help with setup, cleanup, and support during the sessions. The group has grown, with over 100 parents, caregivers, grandparents, and children attending each week. Recently, we introduced "Monty," the orange puppet, who is operated by two leaders. Monty has become quite popular, allowing us to share Bible stories and convey the gospel message in a fun and engaging way for both children and adults. Additionally, another leader has taken charge of the weekly crafts related to the Bible story, which align with our Sunday Sparks activities to maximize resource efficiency. Overall, it is a successful and beloved group.
Tuesday Youth Bible Study: This group meets biweekly at the Village Hub for a Bible study led by two leaders. Up to 10 youth attend, engaging in valuable, in-depth studies tailored to their age group.
Page 4
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
Steyning Grammar School - Rock Road Christian Union: Nick Peebles, our Associate Minister, led this group at the school once a week for Year 7 and 8 students on a rotating schedule. There was an increase in student engagement with the Christian Union, which met on Tuesdays at Steyning Grammar Rock Road. The group grew to include a regular attendance of sixteen students. A variety of topics were covered and the group began supporting a charity with a Christian ethos called Life Support. It was encouraging to see the growth and engagement from the students, who recently raised £300 for the charity during an event they organized at lunchtime. Additionally, as a church, we conducted worship assemblies at local secondary and primary schools.
## _**Ministries**_
This section covers the wide range of church activities that take place during the week, away from the Sunday Service.
The Church ran Alpha courses on a regular basis, these courses are open to anyone and explore questions about life, faith and meaning. During this period, two courses for adults were completed with a total of 14 attendees, and one course for youth completed with 10 attendees.
The Women Together ministry met for monthly breakfast sessions with speakers and a longer conference day once a year also with speakers and times of worship. This ministry also provided a monthly written encouragement piece for members.
The Lord’s Larder ministry prepared food parcels for individuals against their specific needs (e.g. Nappies for young mothers). People were referred by church members, schools and the wider community. Approximately three people were helped per month under this scheme with more at Christmas.
The church ran a marriage course based on the material from HTB church. It ran over 7 evening sessions and five couples attended.
The Lunch Club is a collaboration between the four churches of Storrington. Each month approximately 60 people were given a two course Sunday lunch with transport provided for those that need it. People who joined the lunch were often lonely, unable to cook for themselves or may have mental health issues.
The Men’s Ministry was involved with 12 events and activities. These ranged from Light Night socials, Going Deeper Bible studies, making and serving breakfast for a Women’s breakfast and our inaugural Men Together conference at Dalesdown last September. Study sessions have been a mix of character studies on Jonah and Samson, and thematic studies on Forgiveness and the Heart of Worship. Each session averaged about 20 per meeting. Our first Men Together conference had 35 men join us.
And finally, birthday cards are provided for regular attendees of the church.
Page 5
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
## _**Teaching**_
Teaching the Word of Jesus from the Bible is a central aspect of the church’s activities. One of the primary teaching opportunities occurs during the Sunday service, where teachings typically last between 30 and 45 minutes. These sessions are led by Nathaniel Edwards, the church minister, and are shared with elders, deacons, and visiting speakers.
During this reporting period, the church has hosted a monthly meeting called ‘Vital,’ where members gather to hear the Word of God and engage in worship. Additionally, the church holds an ‘In His Presence’ evening every three months, which is an extended time of worship open to all local churches.
GIFT groups (Growing in Faith Together) provide church members with a mid-week opportunity to meet in a home setting. There are seven small groups, each typically consisting of five to ten people. These gatherings have fostered deeper friendships within the church family as they explore the Bible together. Encouraging studies have included topics such as Hearing from God as we read His Word, the Kingship of Jesus, and God’s Grace. GIFT groups also feature social evenings, prayer, and worship, making them an excellent venue for getting to know a few people more intimately. One of these groups, called ‘Mum’s the Word,’ specifically caters to mothers and babies.
Moreover, the church organizes teaching evenings focused on various Biblical topics and contemporary issues that Christians wish to understand in the context of Scripture. These sessions, known as ‘Grow’ and ‘What About,’ are led by experienced teachers within the church.
## _**Prayer Meetings**_
The church places a high importance on prayer and held dedicated meetings for this purpose. These included the Sunday Evening Prayer Meeting, as well as Monday and Tuesday meetings focused on healing and prayer for missions.
## _**High Street Outreach**_
The church owns a small former shop located on the high street of Storrington, which serves as a meeting place during the week. This facility, called The Village Hub, includes a meeting room for small group discussions, an office for church staff, a kitchen, a prayer room, and a small shop offering coffee, sandwiches, cakes, and locally sourced items.
As an organization, we are committed to serving the people of Storrington in any way we can, providing practical assistance and connecting individuals with organizations better equipped to offer specific support. The Village Hub plays a vital role in our local community, a sentiment echoed by many residents.
Page 6
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
The Village Hub consists of a gift shop, café, and community space. Our café offers a variety of goods, from locally roasted coffee to handmade sandwiches, while our gift shop features artisan products crafted by local makers. We prioritize supporting our local economy and have built strong relationships across the South Downs. Our stock is ethical, sustainable, and charity-focused whenever possible. We aim to create a comfortable environment where people can relax and socialize. There are always two staff members on shift to provide a listening ear and companionship, addressing one of the community's greatest needs.
In The Village Hub, we offer a range of activities to engage the local community. Our Baby Club has successfully transitioned its first group of babies to age-appropriate programs while continually welcoming new mothers and babies. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the importance of providing a calm and intimate environment for new and first-time mothers. We also run a weekly In Stitches group, which creates a space for socializing and bonding through knitting, crochet, and other stitching activities. This year, we collaborated on decorating tote bags sold to benefit Life Support Ministries and created blankets, jumpers, and clothing items sent to Zambia as well as donated to the local Family Support Unit. Several members are knitting limb socks for injured Ukrainian soldiers. The group is lively and sociable, with seasonal parties fostering new friendships.
The Bible Encounter group meets biweekly, offering a relaxed atmosphere for individuals to explore their faith and seek answers to their questions. This year's studies covered topics including King David in the Old Testament, an introduction to the Psalms, Nehemiah, and the Gospel of Mark. We discuss contemporary issues raised by scripture, deepening our understanding of faith in today’s world.
We also host a weekly group for seniors, providing social support and fostering friendships that extend beyond our meetings. Many participants lack nearby family, making us a valuable support network. We offer meals, gardening assistance, cleaning, and shopping help, especially after hospital stays. Our monthly High Tea is so popular it often has a waiting list. We celebrate birthdays, organize outings, and recently hosted a beach trip, which was greatly enjoyed by our seniors.
Additionally, we collaborate with various groups, such as Liaise at Frontline, to provide free debt and benefits advice. This year, they facilitated debt relief orders for four clients, successfully writing off their debts, and helped one client declare bankruptcy. They are preparing two additional debt relief orders and have assisted numerous clients with payment arrangements and benefit applications. The increasing reliance on food banks has led to the launch of the Pulborough Pantry, which quickly became busy and vital for low-income individuals struggling to survive.
In response to rising demand, and referrals from local doctors and healthcare providers, we have expanded our offerings. We now run a bereavement café that has been well-attended and beneficial.
Page 7
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
The Village Hub also hosts the Horsham Wellbeing Clinic, offering services such as alcohol and smoking cessation programs and health checks. We aim to start a mother and baby group with the NHS focused on breastfeeding support. Additionally, we collaborate to provide free monthly computer help sessions and a repair café, offering free clothing and electrical repairs to reduce waste and extend the life of beloved items. We have also hosted monthly surgeries with Horsham Councillors, allowing residents to ask questions and provide suggestions.
Our community engagement continues with popular events like 'Meet the Author,' where local authors discuss their books and interact with residents. During school holidays, our free children’s activities have included pottery, watercolour painting, and crafting, providing creative outlets for kids.
The 'Love Storrington' event included litter picking, children's crafts, a seniors' fish and chip lunch, and a village treasure hunt, fostering community involvement.
Our annual free Christmas event saw 130 children visit Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus, receive gifts, participate in various crafts, and enjoy take-home cookies. This event is a highlight of our year and continues to grow in popularity.
The Village Hub remains a cornerstone of community support, continually adapting to meet the needs of Storrington residents and enriching local life through diverse and meaningful programs.
## _**The shop**_
The shop began trading on 22 May 2021. Within the retail offer, the aim is to stock items that support charitable causes, are ethically and sustainably produced, or are made by local artists. A small range of Christian literature is also held for sale. The café, within the shop, aims to provide a setting where church and community can encounter one another on equal terms. Trade is not limited, however, to items directly serving the objects of the charity, and the Trustees recognise that such trading activity should not be at the expense of charitable funds. For the year to 30 April 2024, its third year, the shop made a surplus of £1,313 after attributable overheads (including depreciation of equipment) of £2,038. So there was no call on charitable funds. Going forward, the aim is that the shop at least contribute a market rent (some £5,000 a year) for the space it occupies within the Hub.
## _**International Support**_
The church maintains connections with missionaries serving in various regions, including Africa (Holgar and Jilly Schein in South Africa, and Mary and Martin Barber in Madagascar), Asia, and Europe (David and Kellie Bentley in Spain, and Karen Pettit in France). Their work encompasses education, efforts to combat human trafficking, community development, and counseling. The church and its members contribute to support their missions.
Additionally, a monthly missionary prayer meeting keeps everyone informed about their activities and provides essential information for ongoing spiritual support and prayer.
Page 8
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
## _**Safeguarding**_
Policies and practices have been established to ensure the safety of children and youth work, as well as at The Village Hub. The church is a member of www.thirtyoneeight.org, an organization that specializes in safeguarding standards. This resource provides training, accountability, and support to help us maintain those standards. The safeguarding team consists of members who completed their “safeguarding leads” training in May 2024, and Nick Peebles (associate Minister) has recently renewed his lead safeguarding training.
Over the past year, several new practices have been implemented, including:
- More visible t-shirts for kid and youth workers.
- A review of the sign-in and collection methods for children.
- Enhanced safety measures for restroom use in a shared public building.
- Online storage of data for outreach groups, such as the youth club and toddler group.
- Team meetings hosted by Nick Peebles for each group to report and provide feedback.
- A new email address specifically for safeguarding matters within the church.
- Updates to the information board used for kids and youth activities on Sundays and
- Fridays.
- Communication to children and parents regarding the leaders of each group with a
- “who’s who” guide.
- Policies uploaded to Google Cloud for secure and accessible storage.
- Email logging of safeguarding issues.
The training emphasized the importance of effective communication with the trustees.
## _**Health and Safety / First Aid**_
In 2023, seven individuals were trained in "FAA Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (RQS)." Risk assessments were conducted for events and for The Village Hub. All staff members received training in fire warden duties, manual handling, and desktop assessments. Additionally, eyesight tests are available to all staff.
## _**Communication**_
The church utilizes various communication methods, including:
- A weekly email newsletter called ‘In Touch,’ which outlines upcoming activities, provides details about the Sunday service, and includes useful contact information for church members.
- A WhatsApp broadcast group for sharing ad-hoc information with the church community.
- Emails specifically for members of the weekly GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) groups.
- Spoken announcements during the Sunday service.
Page 9
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
- Social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
- Flyers for specific events, such as the Alpha course.
- Promotion of church events on local websites for broader outreach.
## _**Staffing**_
During the year under review, the charity employed an assistant Minister and an outreach coordinator, both full-time, and four part-time workers: a Minister, a youth worker, an administrator, and an administrative assistant.
## **Financial review**
During the year the charity made a surplus of £6,697 (2022-23: deficit of £19,123). The change between the two years is explained by the receipt at the year-end of a single donation of £30,000, to support salary costs in the following year (2024-25). Without that forward-looking donation, there would be a deficit of £23,303 for 2023-24. Most of this can however be attributed to depreciation of tangible fixed assets, amounting to a charge for the year of £16,089. It is not the Trustees’ policy to seek to build reserves against asset depreciation, but rather to apply available funds to the Church’s current charitable operations. (See reserves policy below.) Major refurbishment or renewal is to be addressed by raising funds restricted to those ends, as with the acquisition and refurbishment of the Village Hub outreach centre.
## **Policy on reserves**
The charity aims to maintain reserves adequate to continue its charitable operations. At the end of the year the total unrestricted reserves carried forward amounted to £475,256 (2023: £462,330). There is a further aim of maintaining cash balances equivalent to three months’ expenditure.
## **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.
Page 10
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)**
## **Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities 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 the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees 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.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 17 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... Tim Burr Trustee
Page 11
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Life Community Church Storrington for the year ended 30 April 2024.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of Life Community Church Storrington 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 Life Community Church Storrington's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
Since Life Community Church Storrington'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 Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Life Community Church Storrington 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 accounting 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.
...................................... G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd
17 December 2024
Page 12
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024**
|**Note**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
**Income and Endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
2
220,282
Charitable activities
3
9,763
Other trading activities
4
45,607
Investment income
5
2,009
Total income
277,661
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
6
27,013
Charitable activities
7
237,722
Total expenditure
264,735
Net
income/(expenditure)
12,926
Net movement in funds
12,926
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought
forward
462,330
Total funds carried
forward
16
475,256|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
37,745
-
-
-
37,745
14,475
29,499
43,974
(6,229)
(6,229)
13,548
7,319|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
258,027
9,763
45,607
2,009
315,406
41,488
267,221
308,709
6,697
6,697
475,878
482,575|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
219,753
4,529
44,080
833|
|---|---|---|---|
||||269,195|
||||43,063
245,255|
||||288,318|
||||(19,123)|
||||(19,123)
495,001|
||||475,878|
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 13
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2024**
|**Note**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
11
**Current assets**
Stocks
12
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
14
**Net current assets**
**Net assets**
**Funds of the charity:**
**Restricted income funds**
Restricted funds
**Unrestricted income funds**
Unrestricted funds
**Total funds**
16|**2024**
**£**
376,156
376,156
7,398
11,862
87,843
107,103
(684)
106,419
482,575
7,319
475,256
482,575|**2023**
**£**
386,483|
|---|---|---|
|||386,483|
|||5,233
12,772
74,789|
|||92,794
(3,399)|
|||89,395|
|||475,878|
|||13,548
462,330|
|||475,878|
The financial statements on pages 13 to 25 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 17 December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
......................................... Tim Burr Trustee
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 14
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Statement of compliance**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
## **Basis of preparation**
Life Community Church Storrington meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
## **Going concern**
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
## **Income and endowments**
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
## _**Donations and legacies**_
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
## _**Gift aid**_
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
## _**Interest receivable**_
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
## **Expenditure**
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category.
Page 15
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## _**Raising funds**_
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
## _**Charitable activities**_
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
## **Taxation**
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
## **Depreciation and amortisation**
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
**Asset class Depreciation method and rate** Land and buildings 2% on cost Furniture and equipment 25% on cost
## **Stock**
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO).
## **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.
Page 16
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## **Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
## **Liabilities**
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.
## **Fund structure**
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Page 17
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## **2 Income from donations and legacies**
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
Donations and legacies;
Donations
187,757
Gift aid reclaimed
32,525
220,282
**3 Income from charitable activities**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
Events
9,763
Lettings
-
9,763
**4 Income from other trading activities**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
Trading income;
Shop sales
45,607
45,607|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
37,745
-
37,745
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
225,502
32,525
258,027
**Total**
**2024**
**£**
9,763
-
9,763
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
45,607
45,607|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
187,480
32,273|
|---|---|---|---|
||||219,753|
||||**Total**
**2023**
**£**
4,326
203|
||||4,529|
||||**Total**
**2023**
**£**
44,080|
||||44,080|
Page 18
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## **5 Investment income**
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
Interest receivable and
similar income;
Interest receivable on
bank deposits
2,009|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
2,009|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
833|
|---|---|---|---|
## **6 Expenditure on raising funds**
## **a) Costs of trading activities**
|**Note**
Costs of goods sold
Shop running costs
Depreciation
Staff Costs
10|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
23,138
2,945
930
-
27,013|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
14,475
14,475|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
23,138
2,945
930
14,475
41,488|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
25,663
2,273
930
14,197|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||43,063|
Page 19
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## **7 Expenditure on charitable activities**
|**Note**
Events
Gatherings
Local outreach
Missions
8
Other gift expense
8
Pastoral care
8
Premises and
administration
10
Training and teaching
10
The Village Hub
10
Ukraine response
8
Youth and children
10
Independent
examination
Depreciation|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
13,300
15,177
8,923
25,722
100
5,610
46,973
41,020
6,039
-
58,799
900
15,159
237,722|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
1,203
8,687
100
-
-
-
12,705
6,804
-
-
-
29,499|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
13,300
15,177
10,126
34,409
200
5,610
46,973
41,020
18,744
6,804
58,799
900
15,159
267,221|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
8,922
12,781
8,298
32,403
3,290
10,985
34,176
36,900
19,391
18,025
45,526
840
13,718|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||245,255|
## **8 Grant-making**
## **Analysis of grants**
|Mission support and
missionary gifts|**Grants to institutions**
**2024**
**£**
**2023**
**£**
14,140
16,430|**Grants to individuals**
**2024**
**£**
**2023**
**£**
22,848
34,755|
|---|---|---|
## **9 Trustees remuneration and expenses**
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year.
Page 20
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## **10 Staff costs**
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
|**Staff costs during the year were:**
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs|**2024**
**£**
129,374
5,281
7,279
141,934|**2023**
**£**
105,029
4,220
6,622|
|---|---|---|
|||115,871|
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:
|Employees|**2024**
**No**
5|**2023**
**No**
4|
|---|---|---|
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year
## **11 Tangible fixed assets**
|**Cost**
At 1 May 2023
Additions
At 30 April 2024
**Depreciation**
At 1 May 2023
Charge for the year
At 30 April 2024
**Net book value**
At 30 April 2024
At 30 April 2023|**Land and**
**buildings**
**£**
403,573
-
403,573
24,042
8,071
32,113
371,460
379,531|**Furniture**
**and**
**equipment**
**£**
26,308
5,762
32,070
19,356
8,018
27,374
4,696
6,952|**Total**
**£**
429,881
5,762|
|---|---|---|---|
||||435,643|
||||43,398
16,089|
||||59,487|
||||376,156|
||||386,483|
Page 21
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## **12 Stock**
|Stocks
**13 Debtors**
Prepayments
Accrued income|**2024**
**£**
7,398
**2024**
**£**
1,075
10,787
11,862|**2023**
**£**
5,233|
|---|---|---|
|||**2023**
**£**
1,246
11,526|
|||12,772|
## **14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
|**14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**|||
|---|---|---|
|Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals|**2024**
**£**
-
-
324
360
684|**2023**
**£**
79
2,264
756
300|
|||3,399|
## **15 Pension and other schemes**
## **Defined contribution pension scheme**
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to - £7,279 (2023 £6,622).
Contributions totalling £507 (2023 - £756) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.
Page 22
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## **16 Funds**
|**Current year**
**Unrestricted funds**
**_General_**
General Funds
**Restricted funds**
Schein fund
Lord's Larder
Specific gifts
Missions collections
Outreach co-ordinator
Life Community Ministries
Ukraine
**Total funds**|**Balance at**
**1 May 2023**
**£**
462,330
-
407
-
-
-
42
13,099
13,548
475,878|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
277,661
3,220
1,470
110
4,340
27,000
1,605
-
37,745
315,406|**Resources**
**expended**
**£**
(264,735)
(2,720)
(1,203)
(110)
(4,340)
(27,000)
(1,617)
(6,984)
(43,974)
(308,709)|**Balance at**
**30 April**
**2024**
**£**
475,256
500
674
-
-
-
30
6,115|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||7,319|
|||||482,575|
Page 23
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
|**Prior year**
**Unrestricted funds**
**_General_**
General Funds
**Restricted funds**
Schein fund
Lord's Larder
Specific gifts
Missions collections
Outreach co-ordinator
The Village Hub
Life Community Ministries
Settlement administrator
Ukraine
**Total funds**|**Balance at**
**1 May 2022**
**£**
466,998
-
265
-
1,492
-
137
988
2,100
23,021
28,003
495,001|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
215,968
2,720
1,526
12,570
2,555
27,000
530
121
1,050
5,155
53,227
269,195|**Resources**
**expended**
**£**
(220,636)
(2,720)
(1,384)
(12,570)
(4,047)
(27,000)
(667)
(1,067)
(3,150)
(15,077)
(67,682)
(288,318)|**Balance at**
**30 April**
**2023**
**£**
462,330
-
407
-
-
-
-
42
-
13,099|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||13,548|
|||||475,878|
Page 24
## **LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH STORRINGTON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 (CONTINUED)**
## **17 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
376,156
99,784
(684)
475,256
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
386,483
79,246
(3,399)
462,330|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
7,319
-
7,319
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
13,548
-
13,548|**Total funds**
**at 30 April**
**2024**
**£**
376,156
107,103
(684)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||482,575|
||||**Total funds**
**at 30 April**
**2023**
**£**
386,483
92,794
(3,399)|
||||475,878|
Page 25