The Beacon Elim Churches (CIO) Park Road, Grimshaw Park
Blackburn, BB2 3DJ
Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended:
31st December 2022
Charity No: 1173561
Trustees:
Simon Pastorello (ex-officio Chairman)
Emmanuel Ofosu
Brenda George
Peter Warren
Finance:
Andrew Fisher (Treasurer)
Valentina Raia (Finance Officer)
Rebekah Holt (External Examiner)
Overview
The impact of the pandemic was undeniably evident, particularly at the outset of 2022. However, the year marked a pivotal moment for our Church. Activities previously paused due to the pandemic not only resumed but expanded with the introduction of further initiatives, all in alignment with our charitable objectives.
Our community engagement resumed with renewed passion. A highlight was the Shadsworth Fun Day, which returned after three years, drawing an attendance of approximately 300 individuals from the estate. The festive season brought warmth and joy, as evidenced by our Shadsworth Christmas Party, a testament to our dedication to engage with the community, which attracted over 60 participants who partook in the event, which included a festive meal in a family-welcoming setting. Furthermore, we had the privilege to re-open our Shadsworth Church plant.
At our primary church establishment in Blackburn, we have noted with appreciation the influx of new members who have found a home at ‘The Beacon’.
Digitally, our outreach has maintained an upward trajectory, reflecting consistent augmentation in online viewership and meaningful engagement.
From a financial perspective, 2022 marked a return to pre-pandemic income levels, despite a congregation size that was approximately half of that in 2019. It is noteworthy that our financial contributions witnessed an increase of approximately 13%, marginally surpassing pre-pandemic figures. This robust financial position enabled us to extend support to missionary endeavours in Ukraine, Pakistan, and Kenya.
Governance
The constitutional affairs of the Church are overseen by our Board of Trustees. The current board comprises Simon Pastorello, who serves as the Ex-officio and Chair, along with Emmanuel Ofosu, Brenda George, Peter Warren.
Parallel to this, the Church's spiritual matters are the responsibility of the Leadership Team. This team consists of Simon Pastorello, who holds the position of Senior Leader, Emmanuel Ofosu, in the capacity of Assistant Pastor, and Peter Warren. It's noteworthy that all members of the Leadership Team also hold roles as trustees of the Church.
Annually, our Church Members gather for the Annual General Meeting, a significant event that facilitates both reporting on church affairs and voting on pivotal issues, which includes the election and re-election of Leaders and Trustees. According to our constitution, while the nomination of potential candidates for election remains an exclusive right of the existing team. However, suggestions from Church members are valued and welcome.
Regarding the frequency of meetings, the Leadership Team adheres to a weekly meeting schedule. Meeting minutes are diligently recorded and securely archived in a shared online platform. In contrast, the Board of Trustees meets multiple times throughout the year, aligning their meetings with the Church's evolving needs.
In the interest of transparency, it is pertinent to mention that throughout the year, no Charity Trustee reported a conflict of interest in any deliberated matter.
Management
To ensure efficient and effective oversight of various facets of our Church, the responsibility of practical management has been delegated to distinct department heads. These appointments are made judiciously by the Leadership team. Currently, our Church's departments encompass:
1. Finance
-
Safeguarding and Children work
-
Youth work
4. Worship
- Tech and Media
6. Stewarding
-
Health and safety
-
Buildings management
-
Dorcas Project
-
Over 50’s
Objectives and Activities
The principal mission of our Church is to further the Christian faith. This mission is manifested both locally and internationally through endeavours at our Central Church and our Church-plant in Shadsworth. In the wake of the challenges presented by the pandemic, we have redoubled our efforts, passionately re-engaging with our community and our members.
Throughout the year, we have channelled our energies to achieve our charitable aims through a diverse range of activities including:
-
Hosting regular Sunday Services, which are also accessible via a Live Stream for those who cannot attend in person.
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Conducting regular prayer meetings.
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Offering pastoral care and support.
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Engaging in children and youth work to provide guidance and foster the next generation's faith.
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Providing training, mentoring, and discipleship to deepen our members' understanding and commitment.
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Expanding our reach through outreach events and evangelism.
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Collaborating with other denominations through our interdenominational unity work.
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Supporting local education through dedicated school work.
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Organising food bank collections to aid those in need.
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Extending our global reach by supporting missionaries in their endeavours.
Should you require a more in-depth insight into our activities, please reach out to us at info@thebeaconblackburn.org.
Membership
As of the current reporting period, our membership comprises 74 adult members 20 young people and children (this does not include those who regularly attend our weekly youth club).
Financial Overview
There has been a notable increase in the financial contributions made to our church this year. Specifically, the tithes and offerings from our Central congregation grew by 13.41%, escalating from £60,565.30 to £68,692.93. Similarly, the contributions from our Shadsworth congregation witnessed a significant ascent, moving from a modest £148.63 to an impressive £8,199.05. When combined with the £3,345 generated from the leasing of our building, the total accumulation amounts to £80,236.98. This figure marginally surpasses our pre-pandemic revenue, which stood at £80,178.88 in 2019.
The primary reason why the year closed in a -£20,000 negative is because of one-off extraordinary (but necessary) expenditure undertaken during the year.
For more details, please see our financial statements.
Trustees Statement
We the Charity Trustees attest the Charity’s compliance with its constitution and the fulfilment of its objectives. For more information on our financial activities, please see the attached financial statement and the independent examiner’s report.
Faithfully,
Emmanuel Ofosu (On behalf of the Charity Trustees)
The Beacon Elim Churches
Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2022
| Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | |||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||
| Income from | 2 | ||
| Donations | 102,218.25 | 76,582.87 | |
| Charitable Activities | 716.50 | 14,277.63 | |
| Other trading activities | 10,029.60 | 7,862.43 | |
| 112,964.35 | 98,722.93 | ||
| Expenditure on | 3 | ||
| Charitable activities | 132,923.53 | 93,460.57 | |
| Governance costs | - | - | |
| 132,923.53 | 93,460.57 | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) | (19,959.18) | 5,262.36 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||
| Total Funds brought forward | 55,330.77 | 50,068.41 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 35,371.59 | 55,330.77 |
The Beacon Elim Churches
Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2022
| As at 31 December 2022 Balance Sheet |
|
|---|---|
| Cash at bank and in hand Prepayments Total Current Assets Accounts Payable Accruals Business Charge Cards Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net Current Assets (Liabilities) Total Assets less Current Liabilities Net Assets Current Year Earnings Funds brought forward Total Funds of the charity: Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Funds of the charity: Current Assets |
Total Funds 2021 Total Funds 2020 36,021.41 56,402.13 407.23 546 |
| 36,428.64 56,948.42 440.77 273.75 - 1,186 616.28 158 |
|
| 1,057.05 1,617.65 35,371.59 55,330.77 35,371.59 55,330.77 |
|
| 35,371.59 55,330.77 |
|
| (19,959.18) 5,262.36 55,330.77 50,068.41 |
|
| 35,371.59 55,330.77 |
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on _05/09/2023_______ and were signed on its behalf by:
THE BEACON ELIM CHURCHES
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Allocation and apportionment of costs
Support costs directly attributable to an activity have been allocated to that activity. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to any activity they have been allocated in proportion to direct expenditure.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
2. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations (Central) | 74,244.93 | 66,506.30 |
| Donations (Shadsworth) | 8,199.05 | 148.63 |
| Gift Aid recovered | 14,556.23 | 8,727.94 |
| Children donations | 508.22 | - |
| Youth donations | 1,846.12 | 270.00 |
| Missions donations | 132.00 | 180.00 |
| Ukraine donations | 2,636.70 | - |
| Welfare donations | 95.00 | 750.00 |
| Income for Charitable Activities | 716.50 | 7,977.63 |
| Income from Charitable Activities | - | 6,300.00 |
| Church Manse’s rent | 5,759.60 | 6,352.05 |
| Rental Income | 3,345.00 | - |
| Other Income | 925.00 | 1,510.38 |
| 112,964.35 | 98,722.93 | |
| CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS | ||
| 2022 | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Staff costs | 73,618.78 | 66,199.93 |
| Children ministry | 520.94 | 412.70 |
| Youth ministry | 2,098.13 | 566.16 |
| Shadsworth Campus | 2,468.24 | 319.18 |
| Charitable Activities | 1,403.76 | 6,738.38 |
| Fundraising work | 2,310.00 | - |
| Building Project | - | 428.40 |
| Conferences | 915.43 | 938.00 |
| Training costs | 667.43 | 654.53 |
| Travel expenses | 57.30 | - |
| Missions | 4,400.00 | 4,636.27 |
| Admin costs | 2,578.05 | 1,977.80 |
| Advertising | - | 150.00 |
| Bank charges | 132.85 | 68.83 |
| Catering | 891.07 | 249.74 |
| Church Manse maintenance | 360.14 | 400.00 |
| Cleaning | 1,596.75 | 1,032.25 |
| Gas & Electricity | 2,779.96 | 941.72 |
| GoCardless and Stripe fees | 234.24 | 148.35 |
| Insurance | 1,776.41 | 930.22 |
| Legal and professional advice | 100.00 | 350.00 |
| Ministry expenses | 3,409.31 | 699.08 |
| Postage | 23.80 | 9.54 |
| Printing & Stationary costs | 436.95 | 145.20 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | 26,364.47 | 1,979.88 |
| Subscriptions | 1,241.48 | 1,216.66 |
| Tech & Media | 1,506.72 | 1,501.61 |
| Telephone & Internet | 156.28 | 108.73 |
| Visiting speakers | 316.55 | 219.25 |
| Water | 558.49 | 438.19 |
3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
132,923.53
93,460.57
4. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
No salary exceeds £33,444
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2022 nor for the period ended 31 December 2021.
Independent Exarnlnerfs Report to the trustees of The Beacon Elim Churches I report to the trustee5 on my examinatlon of the accounts of The Beacon. Elim Pentecostal Church, Blackburn (the Trustl for the year ended 31 December 2022. Responslbllltles and basls of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you a responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'The ACYI. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my èxamination I have followed all the applicable Direction5 given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examinerfs ststement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connettion with the examination which give5 me cause to believe that In any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with sectSon 130 of the Act; or 'the accounts do not accord with the cOrdS. I have no concerns and have come acTOSS no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name.. R Holt FCA Address.. 47 Ashfield Road Chorley PR7 ILP Date: 21 February 2023