Trustees’ Annual Report For 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023 City Life Church Chapel Hill Truro TR1 3BD Registered Charity no. 1174403 ## **Trustees** Matt Noble Pastor Helen Holmes Church Secretary Ian Pearce Treasurer Helen Lewis Deacon Michael Cutler Deacon Graeme Penwright Deacon Hannah Harris Elder Sharon Patterson Elder Barney Trevivian Elder City Life Church has appointed the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd to be the Holding Trustee of the property. ## **Structures, governance and management** City Life Church is governed by a constitution which was approved by the church meeting on 8 November 2010. City Life Church was registered as an unincorporated association with the Charity Commission on 29 August 2017 under the church’s former name of Truro Baptist Church. (Prior to this date the church was an excepted charity and was not required to register with the Charity Commission). The church meeting passed a resolution on 23 September 2020 to change the church’s name to City Life Church Truro and this was registered with the Charity Commission to take effect from 1 January 2021.The church meeting passed a resolution on 17 May 2021 to allow for online and blended meetings following increased use of new technologies during the pandemic. The amended constitution was registered with the Charity Commission in May 2021. In January 2022, the church meeting voted to agree a change from the name ‘church member’ to ‘Partner’ which was agreed better reflected what it means to be committed to belonging to the church. Partners meet four times a year to consider important issues requiring a decision, such as matters relating to vision, budgets, staffing and buildings. They also commit to pray, gather and give and to journey together to see the vision of the church fulfilled. Trustees are appointed at Partners’ meetings. Charity Trustees shall serve so long as they have the support of the Partners’ Meeting and (except for those in pastoral office) shall be actively appointed and reappointed at least once every three years. The trustees are made up of deacons and elders. At City Life Church the deacons are responsible for: 1 - Financial management - Management /development of buildings - Meeting our legal requirements (e.g. Equality Act, Safeguarding, Health and Safety) - Oversight of the church's activities (linking with the ministry team leaders and eldership) - Oversight of administration - Welcome and assimilation of new people to the church - Oversight of fellowship fund - Seeking to maintain unity in the Church The deacons meet every other month to consider the business matters of the church as listed above. The elders, together with the Pastor, take responsibility for establishing and encouraging the implementation of the overall vision for City Life Church; spiritual discernment and oversight; overseeing significant pastoral issues; supporting the pastor in the development and delivery of the preaching programme; consideration of mission and outreach opportunities; praying for the church and community; providing support to the pastor. Trustees are Partners of the church and bring experience in leadership, accounting and workplace management. In addition to the Trustees the following positions have been recognised either as paid or voluntary roles to lead the following ministries: ## Paid positions: Pastor Assistant Pastor (Children and Families) Administrator (two part-time roles) Community Pastor Youth Worker Toddler, Baby and Families Lead Worker (term-time) Toddler, Baby and Family Group Team Worker (term-time) ## Voluntary positions: Assistant Pastor (Whole Life Discipleship) Treasurer Secretary Toddler and Baby Group Team Volunteers Welcome team co-ordinator and team volunteers Prayer co-ordinator Designated Persons for Safeguarding Small group leaders e.g. Alpha, Homegroups 2 Cleaning and maintenance crew Training and guidance are provided to the Trustees and team leaders as required. ## **Safeguarding** The church recognises its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all children and young people under the age of 18 and adults in need of care and support, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability, as set out in the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2018), and Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. The church has a robust Safeguarding policy that is reviewed annually by the Designated People for Safeguarding and approved by the Church Meeting. Staff and volunteers are required to attend training every three years. ## **Objectives and activities** The principal purpose of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world. The church undertakes the following activities: - regular public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching; - baptism, as defined in the Union’s Declaration of Principle; - the Communion of the Lord’s Supper which shall normally be observed at least once a month; - evangelism and mission, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally; - the teaching, encouragement, welcome and inclusion of young people; - nurture and growth of Christian disciples; - education and training for Christian and community service; - giving and encouraging pastoral care; - supporting and encouraging charitable social action in the United Kingdom and abroad; - encouraging relationships with, and supporting Baptists and other Christians. - Public benefits include: - provision of sacred spaces and worship services - contributing to the spiritual and moral education of children - providing pastoral care to those in need - carrying out, as a practical expression of religious beliefs, other activities such as relief of poverty, parenting courses, money management courses, distribution of donated furniture and white goods - providing the church building for other activities that support our religious beliefs including support groups and counselling - supporting good mental and physical health Services we provide: - worship services - groups for children and young people 3 - parent and toddler and parent and baby groups - use of the building for activities that support the community e.g. support groups - building available for the community to hire - pastoral support for the congregation and wider community - community space for Christian prayer How we advance the Christian faith: - City Life Church provides a place of worship and a House of Prayer. - The church provides pastoral care through home visits and working alongside partner organisations such as Christians Against Poverty. - The church provides activities for youth and children which teach the Christian faith. - The church runs Alpha courses to allow people to further explore the Christian faith. - Existing followers are encouraged to pray and read the Bible regularly and to meet with other Christians to support one another in their faith. The church provides small groups to facilitate this. - The church supports outreach work including running a community cafe, speaking to people on the streets about Jesus, community focussed worship events and resourcing individuals to represent Jesus wherever they are placed. ## **Achievements and performance** ## **Church services/acts of worship** City Life Church provides regular acts of worship including weekly services which include provision for children and young people. Communion is also included in the morning service at least once a month. We believe these times together are essential in building up faith, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and preparing us for the week ahead. They also provide opportunities for us to connect with one another and most importantly to connect corporately with our heavenly Father. Baptism is encouraged for all who have made a commitment to make Jesus their Lord and Saviour. In the last year five people were baptised. When we gather we provide space and encouragement for people to both encounter God’s presence and hear God’s word. We both preach and teach from the Bible whilst at the same time encouraging everyone to engage with the Bible for themselves. We recognise that, because we are all different, each of us does this in different ways, so we have a variety of people sharing, and have developed a number of different contexts in which this can happen (Sundays, mid-week groups, one to one discussion, WhatsApp groups etc). In addition, we have prepared a number of individual reading plans for people to follow themselves. These have covered a number of different books of the Bible and themes. In January we held 12 hours of non-stop prayer and worship to which Christians from the city were invited. This was felt to be a significant time that we intend to repeat. 4 ## **Prayer** It’s a joy to see our House of Prayer being used on a regular basis, the artwork and the changing themes through the year, with so many people making use of the space for prayer and meeting with God. “Prayer is the practice of the presence of God” and as we are instructed by James (4:8), “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. Prayer is something that we all can and should be involved in! As a church, we believe that prayer is central to our lives, ‘a thread of gold that runs through the fabric of the whole church’ and we believe in the power of prayer. Prayer is flourishing in all aspects of church life and in countless places - both seen and unseen, in the church, offices, House of Prayer, on the streets of Truro and in the homes and workplaces of all our Partners and worshippers, in home groups, prayer triplets, at prayer gatherings, meetings and on many other occasions. Prayer requests continue to come in regularly for Partners and for their families and friends’ needs through our Keeping Connected WhatsApp group, which gives us all the chance to join in prayer for each other. Our regular prayer gatherings throughout the week include prayer breakfast online on Thursday mornings, weekly intercessors’ meeting, and prayer before Sunday services. We also have regular prayer for the persecuted church and for Children and the Youth in our communities. Our intercessors group continues to meet each week to pray for the needs of our church family, our Partners and all that family life of a church entails, praying for individual circumstances as well as corporate, community and worldwide situations. The prayer request box beside the coffee hatch does not get a huge influx of requests, but is used by a few people and gives an opportunity for those using the lounge area to request prayer for specific needs. We have also a prayer box in the Toddlers group area, giving visiting Mums, Dads and Carers the opportunity to fill in a prayer card when they are asking for prayer. In January 2023, we had an amazing month of prayer and fasting together with other churches in Truro which included an online prayer meeting every weekday morning focusing on different aspects and groups within the city. We have had several days throughout the year devoted to prayer and in June we had a month devoted to prayer and worship which was very powerful. Also, in April we held a Prayer Ministry training day. On Sunday mornings there is often a call for prayer during the service, bringing forward many people seeking prayer from the prayer ministry team. It is not always possible, but sometimes we are able to hear the testimonies of those who have received an answer to prayer, and what an encouragement that is to us all, in strengthening our faith and offering hope. And for those occasions when we don’t know how to pray, we should remember the words of Max Lucado: ‘Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.’ And we should always remember that “Our prayers can go where we cannot...there are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.” (Brother Andrew) 5 ## **Working with other churches and Christians** We recognise that we are part of the body of Christ, the wider church in our city, county and further afield. We also have strong links with the other Baptist churches and pioneering projects in Cornwall and have met a number of times through the year to support and encourage one another. Churches Together in Truro (CTT) ceased to exist and consideration is being given as to what may take its place. The pastors of the churches in Truro meet together regularly to pray and the churches have gathered to pray and worship together. In January we had a month of prayer and fasting across the city with daily zoom prayer meetings, shared bible readings and a prayer focus, and a couple of larger gatherings to seek God’s purposes for our city together. We also host a monthly Prayer for the Persecuted Church event using resources from Open Doors to pray for Christians in challenging circumstances across the world. ## **Children, Youth and Families** Our monthly Sunday rhythm for Children, Youth and Families continues to flow well, always being amazingly run by our team of volunteers. We are so very thankful and really blessed by all the volunteers who faithfully lead and help in Powerhouse, Youth and Toddlers. The first Sunday of the month is usually when we gather as church family and all worship, celebrate, encourage, and encounter together. The second and fourth Sunday of the month we have groups for all children and young people. On the third weekend we hold our family Saturday get-together called _The Lighthouse_ , this is attended by our Powerhouse Sunday families and many of our Toddler and Baby Group families. Our Youth PM group have also enjoyed breakfast together, social events and going along to residential camps and conferences together. Our Toddler and Baby Groups continue to grow, we now run four groups a week during term time. We have a specific group for babies and pre-walkers once a week. We continue to apply for grants to fund staff and resources on an ongoing basis. We can welcome nearly 100 families a week from our local community. Dads and Kids is very popular on the first Saturday of each month, the breakfast is always well received alongside good conversation, friendship building and fun toys and activities. We continue to maintain good relationships with local primary schools, going along to share bible stories, lead assemblies and also producing You Tube films on RE topics for them to use in their classrooms. 6 ## **Pastoral care** The majority of pastoral care that takes place in the church is naturally happening daily in many ways, for example, through friendships and one to one contact, including providing meals, lifts, accommodation, meeting up to listen over a cup of coffee and praying for one another. We have welcomed a significant number of new individuals and families who have arrived as migrant workers to build the new A30 link road and bypass or to take up positions in the health and social care sectors. They have enriched our church family, bringing broader ethnic and cultural diversity and Christian experience. Alongside this the Community Pastor has been providing support and activities in the following ways, but we know this is just one aspect of the pastoral care taking place across the church. Pastoral Support - visiting individuals particularly to support and encourage those who are struggling with physical and mental health conditions or may be in residential care. This has included supporting the bereaved. Lanterns – working with Christians Against Poverty supporting leadership of a group for both CAP clients and others through teaching, prayer and discipleship. Many members of this group have been introduced through visits to New Start and evangelism on the streets. New Start – supporting adults living at New Start which is a housing scheme for homeless people with support needs, including those with alcohol, drug and other addictions and mental health problems. The church has been able to establish a music workshop with the residents which allows them to enjoy their musical gifts. The group have now held a number of performances. Evangelism on the streets of Truro- this includes using sketch boards and opening questions to give people the chance to talk about life and God and hear a bit more about who Christians say God is. For those who are interested, more resources and signposts are given and prayer is offered. A number of people from across the Truro churches have been involved in this ministry in association with Open Air Campaigners (OAC). This year there was a special outreach/ mission supported by OAC evangelists from across the country and by members of other local churches. There has been a good level of engagement from the public and some people have re-connected with God and church through these activities. This has also been a great way to develop people’s confidence in sharing their faith. ’ - Men s Group a weekly Bible study held for men to meet together and to connect socially. Some members live alone and are socially isolated and find attending Sunday church services overwhelming. This group offers a safe and supportive space for them to discuss faith and any other issues. - ReStore the desire to support practical needs has further developed over the year into a flourishing project. This was initially grant funded by Cornwall Community Fund and this year has been generously supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation. The project aims to help those in need in our community to make a new start by recycling and re-using unwanted furniture. This often helps to give emotional and practical support to those donating furniture as well as those receiving it. We are also able to share donations with St Petrocs Homeless and the British Heart Foundation charity. Kitchenware and small items are donated to members of Lanterns. We have also established links with New Start 7 and the Cornwall Refuge Trust who signpost clients to ReStore once accommodation has been provided. ## **Digital Communication** This year we have refreshed the website, continued to stream and/or upload Sunday services to YouTube, used social media (Facebook and Instagram) to enable wider access and improved communication with our own church family as well as the wider community. Our YouTube Channel has grown to over 150 subscribers and our Facebook page has over 700 followers. Two WhatsApp groups (one for the leadership team and one for the wider church) are used to share news, encouragements and prayer requests. ## **Growing as disciples** We support people in their discipleship through: - Meeting every Sunday morning to worship, pray, hear teaching and minister to one another. We see these gathered times as essential for equipping people for their everyday lives - Continuing to provide guided bible reading plans, with a WhatsApp group to allow people to share thoughts and encouragement - A whole range of small groups meeting to give people space to connect including bible study groups, walking group, exercise group, prayer groups. - We ran the Alpha course from January to April, providing an opportunity for participants to explore more about the Christian faith. A number of these people are continuing to meet to go deeper in their exploration of faith in a follow-up small group. - We have run a number of sessions on our vision theme of ‘ARISE’ – helping people to explore further what it means to partner with God to see his kingdom come in their lives and community. - We have provided a range of opportunities for people to connect in a more relaxed manner including Sunday lunches and a picnic in the park - We have hosted ‘Fuel the Fire’ evenings for a time of equipping, training, encouragement and ministry for anyone who has any kind of oversight or leadership within the church or community. - We have gathered those with a prophetic gifting or an interest in exploring the prophetic together to listen to what God is saying over the church and community. - We have hosted termly ‘Deep rooted’ women’s evenings to give ladies space to support one another and grow in their faith - We also encourage everyone to find an area where they can serve the church as people often grow in their faith as they serve others. - ## **Trelander Community Work** The Trelander café has met every second Saturday of the month for the last year. There is a strong team who work together to set up, bake cakes, serve delicious food, spend time listening and talking to people and interacting with 8 the children over a crafts table. The café is well supported with up to 60 people coming each month. We don’t charge a set price for the food so that everyone can have something and donate what they are able – and we always manage to cover our costs. The local councillor continues to run his surgery alongside the café and two members of the café team also support the community centre committee. ## **Mission** Our focus is also beyond Truro and this is reflected in our support of a number of different individuals, agencies and organisation in the county, nation and beyond. We give financial support to BMS World Mission, Baptist Home Mission, Youth with a Mission, Open Air Campaigners, Breathe Communities Penzance. We also give to different causes as need arises, and as part of our special Christmas appeal. We support two couples serving overseas with BMS World Mission and gave regular financial support to a full-time worker with YWAM Orlando until April 2023. As a church we have pledged up to 10% of our income to outside causes for God’s kingdom to increase on the earth. There were one-off donations to 5 other appeals or charities: DEC Earthquake appeal, Children of Hope, Tear Fund, World Day of Prayer and Safe Spaces. ## **Care for the Environment** In September 2021 the church made a Climate and Environmental Crisis declaration. This set out how care for the planet and the people most affected by environmental disasters and is a key expression of our Christian faith. Each year we prepare an action plan of how we will support this commitment. This year it has included: - Registering as an Eco-church and getting bronze certification - A focussed service using Tearfund and BMS material looking at the impact of climate change on some of the world’s poorest communities - Displays and information about environmental care - Preparing an ethical purchasing policy - Reviewing our energy provider with environmental considerations - Organising a community litter pick alongside the Trelander café - Taking the children to the park to discover God through his amazing creation - Increasing the amount of pollinator plants on site - Installing water saving devices including water butts and tap fittings - Added a section about care for the environment to the website ## **Use of our buildings** We are blessed with a large building which we have sought to use effectively to deliver the vision of the church – either through our own organised activities (such as Toddler and Baby groups, Youth group, Exercise class, small groups 9 and Dads and Kids) or through others who use our building and who share our aims. We are pleased to be able to offer the building free of charge to support the work of CAP (Christians Against Poverty) in Truro. We also let rooms to a variety of different charitable groups, often at a significantly reduced rate. We also have the House of Prayer and meeting room in an adjacent building. The House of Prayer is available any time of the day or night and has been used by both our own church family and other Christians for prayer gatherings. The meeting room is often used for counselling and pastoral care. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW 2022/23** This has been a year of growth. Our congregation has grown over the last eighteen months; our income has grown and so has our expenditure. In the past we have used the term ‘Member’ of our Church. We now use the term ‘Partner’. ## **Income and Expenditure** For the last two years we have built up some reserves which are kept in a separate bank account. We went into 2022/23 with a deficit budget where anticipated expenditure would outstrip income by £19,500. We planned to draw this down from our general reserves to balance our books. This was a similar position for 2021/22, although the planned deficit was higher this year. In the end, increased income from our Partners meant that we did not need to draw down any money from our general reserves. ## **Income** City Life Church financial year is from 1[st] September to 31[st] August. Church Partners provide our main source of income in the form of cash offerings, covenanted income, donations and Gift Aid. (Covenanted income is weekly/monthly giving by Bank Standing Order or bank transfer from our partners). In March 2022 we introduced a card terminal to encourage more casual giving from Partners not engaged in covenanted income. Our core income has actually increased substantially compared to last year which is a great blessing. The largest growth was from covenanted income which went up from £78,000 to £95,100. There was also an increase in Gift Aid, Our unrestricted income totalled £175,378 compared to £153,264 last year. In addition, we had a gift of £20,000 from one of our partners. This was put in our Reserves bank account. Restricted income totalled £43,856 which was greatly increased from £14,600 last year. The main elements were: Gift aid of £5,700, grants of £6,000 and a gift from a partner of £20,000. Our Christmas appeal raised £3,100 for a house build in Kenya through a charity that we support. 10 It is worth mentioning that key parts of our outreach into the community are through weekly sessions for parents and toddlers and the Restore project. Both of these outreach projects are supported by grants. This last year we drew down £17,500 grant money from the Reserve bank account and currently hold £17,900 in grants for this coming year. ## **Expenditure** Our total unrestricted expenditure was £229,862. Restricted expenditure was £11,721. Expenditure over most areas of church life expanded this year. Staffing costs are up as the Church now supports nine staff: full-time Pastor, part-time Children & Families and Community Pastors, a Youth Worker, two job-share office administration staff and two Toddler workers. Salary costs amounted to £102,370. In addition, the Church supports a number of outreach activities which incurred expenditure amounting to £8,061. Some of this was covered by specific donations to our Church. There were two other areas of expenditure worth noting: £9,700 was spent on Church maintenance including £5,460 on replacing outside veranda decking and £9,730 on energy costs. Our two-year energy contract came to an end on 1[st] January 2023 and charge rates went up considerably. Costs last year were £3,270. As a Church we aim to give at least 10% of our core income to outside causes: BMS Home Mission, BMS World Mission, and to a number of our partners involved in external Christian organisations. . ## **Funds and Balance Sheet** The Church has three bank accounts: **GENERAL FUND** – Main bank account for the Church. The balance at the end of the year was £12,848. **OLD MANSE SAVINGS ACCOUNT** – When the Church Manse was rented out last year, £2000 was transferred from Reserves to maintain a balance to fund any high-cost maintenance issues on the old Manse. ## **RESERVES AND GRANTS SAVINGS ACCOUNT** – The Church maintains a general reserve as well as storing grant money received for future use. In addition, we used £17,800 of our grants and received £18,355 in new grants. We now have a grants total of £17,905 carried forward to the new financial year. The closing balance was £81,900. It is planned to use £19,500 of this to help balance the books for the coming year. ## **Reserves Policy** The Trustees of every charity are required to establish and record a reserves policy. Reserves are those funds which are designated to meet an emergency situation where a significant source of income has gone, or has been reduced, or a significant need to spend has arisen. 11 Our Reserve bank account balance will give us latitude to cover any unforeseen emergencies that may arise – unexpected drop in income or unforeseen expenditure. ## **The section below will be retained for a situation that might occur once our reserves have been spent.** City Life Church has an operational reserve set up on our main General Fund bank account. This is an undesignated emergency reserve of £8,000 on the General Fund in addition to unrestricted reserves held in our Reserve bank account. This was increased from £3,000 to £4,000 in September 2015 following approval from the Trustees that month. This was increased again from £4,000 to £6,000 in September 2017 following approval from the Trustees, further increased to £7,000 for 2018/19 and again in 2019/20 to £8,000. With our current liabilities, this figure will not change for the following year. There are two key risks: _1._ An amount might be needed to meet an unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need. For the Church, this mainly centres on the fabric of the old Manse, the Church and the House of Prayer. _The maintenance budgets for the Church premises and the Manse have been increased in earlier years although this was paused for 2020/21. Any major maintenance project should be funded from the balances held in the Reserve bank account._ _2._ One or more key donors leaves the church leading to a reduction in income. This suggests having reserves equivalent to a number of weeks of income to allow time to encourage greater giving or to cut back on expenditure. _A key donor leaving could lead to a shortfall of £8,000pa. The reserve now stands at £8,000._ The operational implementation by the Treasurer is relatively straightforward. A reserve has been established as a line in the budget. This means the bank balance must not fall below the reserve. However, as a precaution, if the balance is close to the reserve, the Treasurer will report this to the Pastor. Depending on the circumstances, the Pastor and the Treasurer will determine whether the matter is brought to the Trustees. If it does fall below the reserve figure, the Treasurer will note the date, the balance and any relevant circumstances. This will then go the Trustees. The overall management of the budget, including the reserve, is put on the agenda of the Trustees’ meeting every two months. If the reserve issue is serious, the Pastor may require an ad-hoc meeting of the Trustees. In keeping with the reserves policy, funds are maintained to meet foreseeable recurring expenditure. 12 ## **Internal Controls** The Church accounts are maintained on QuickBooks. Payroll is processed on the HMRC Basic Payroll Tools online software. The Church accounts are in the ‘Payments and Receipts’ form. The Treasurer updates the accounts each week from the General Fund weekly bank statements and occasionally for the other two savings accounts when interest is received or money is transferred. Therefore, the accounts are matched to bank balances as the accounts are updated. The budget is prepared during July and August and is presented to the Trustees for discussion and approval in time for presentation and approval at the Church Partners meeting in September. The Treasurer produces profit and loss reports to a defined standard every quarter which are presented to the Trustees’ Team. There is always a standing item on Finances on the Trustees’ Meeting, held every two months. ## **Outlook for 2023/24** The budget for 2023-24 shows that City Life Church has a balanced budget. To meet this, the Church may have to draw down up to £19,500 from our Reserves bank account. With this, we will be able to meet our planned commitments for the year ahead. Our planned core expenditure is more than our core income - similar to the previous three years. Our Church does not want to stand still when there is so much need in our community. We have, by our standards, substantial general reserves of nearly £64,100 to draw upon for this next year and for the future, if required. We have a total of £17,900 in our Reserves which will be used this coming year to support two of our outreaches – Toddlers and Restore. The grants that we hold will be sufficient for this year but we will need to attract new grants of at least £25,000 for 2024/25. Our income grew substantially last year and we aim to appeal to our Partners to engage in, or increase, covenanted giving. The majority of our expenditure is spent on staffing costs (61%). In addition, there are other essential elements like insurance, heating, rates etc. On the other areas of discretionary spend, there have been some modest increases as we expect a more normal year of activities. The Church enters a new year with inflation forecast at 7% for staff pay increases. Energy costs are forecast to grow from £9,700 to £14,500 this coming year as this is the first full year under the new tariff. We are in the process of establishing two other worshipping communities in the east and the west of Truro, meeting once a month. Budgets of £1,000 each have been established. These will run in conjunction with the main Church to be known as City Life Central. 13 Our planned giving to outside causes will be 10% of our core income (regular giving, donations and gift aid). ## **Declaration** The Trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report Signed on behalf of the charity trustees Matt Noble Pastor Helen Holmes Church Secretary Date: 4[th] February 2024 14 CITY LIFE CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 CITY LIFE CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 CONTENTS Pagg Receipts and Payments Account statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Accounts 3to6 CITY LIFE CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds YIE 3110812023 Total YIE 3110812022 Total Note Income receipts Church income Income for outside ¢auses 180,948 35.208 3,078 216.156 3.078 170.300 2.035 Total receipts for year 219 234 172335 Charltable payments Minister and Staff costs Old & New Manse expenses Church premises Fellowship expenses Glving to outside causes other expensesltransactions Adrninistrative expenses 102,366 14,285 27,768 17,983 13.076 51.800 2.584 102,366 14,285 27,768 17,983 24,488 52,109 2,584 96,700 18.471 13,859 16,250 13,722 23,369 2,442 11,412 309 10 Total paymenls for year 229 862 241583 184813 Net receipts for year 48,914 26,565 -22.349 -12,478 Openlng Bank balances 79,107 91,585 Closing Bank balances 56,758 79,107 Note: Closlng bank balancos: Gongral £12.848: Reserve & Grants £41.900: Old Manse £2,010 TOTAL £56.758 Page I CITY LIFE CHURCH STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 UnroStri¢t¢d Funds Restricted Funds YIE 3110812022 3110812023 Cash Funds General fund Reserve & Grants Old Manse 12,848 28,995 2.010 12,848 41,900 2.010 10.568 66.538 2,001 12.905 Other Monetary Assets Baptist Corporation Savings alc Giftaid due but not received Llabilities PAYEINI liablllty for July & Aug-no liability 88 SMP credit covers PAYEINI Independent Examiners Fee BU DB Pension Deficit. Company Barclaycard Uncashed cheques 40,027 7,045 40.027 7.045 6.254 1,802 450 450 300 9.300 130 90 67 607 ' This debt is now a nominal figure. The Church pays £1 a month Non-monetary Assets Held for Church's own use- The Church is the beneficial owner (subject to the relevant trusts) of the following 88sets. the legal lille of which is held by the church's custodian (the Baptisl Corporation Ltd). 3110812023 90 67 607 Church premises (at insured value) Church manse {8t purchase price in 2007) The Church also owns fixtures furniture and equipment (at insured value) 2,968,284 249,950 164.905 3383 139 The Accounts and Statement of Assets and Llabllltles are approved on behalt ollhe Board of DeaGons and Partners: AGM Chair Secretary Date: Page 2 CITY LIFE CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounts have been prepared on the recelpts and payments basis and comply with Charlties Act 2011. Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds YIE 3110812022 3110812023 2. CHURCH INCOME Covenants Card payments Cash offerings. envelopes. CAF Giflaid reclaims Ext8mal grants. Donations Lettings Old M8nse rental Toddlers Restore Trelander café Pastoral Assistant support SWBA Support- Minister SWBA Support- C Home Transfers from ReseNes Misc Income - Interest Misc. Income- Youth subs, Events and Social Events 94,911 7,617 6,383 21,136 18.425 7,444 1,065 14.080 726 538 474 94,911 7,617 6,383 26,886 24.425 28.049 1.065 14,080 726 538 474 78,054 2,801 5.836 19,322 22.529 3,574 1,075 18.000 491 760 5750 6000 20.605 1,650 625 625 8,333 8333 13,000 274 274 1500 270 1,770 3,197 175 198 216 156 170 300 3. INCOME FOR OUTSIDE CAUSES Christmas Appe81 (Kenya) 3,078 3,078 2,035 Grants Truro City for Restore £500 Cornwall Community Fund for Restore £500 Garfield Weston for Restore £4000 Comwall Community Fund for Toddlers £3000 Page 3 CITY LIFE CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds YIE 3110812022 3110812023 4. MINISTER AND STAFF COSTS Minister NOTE 12 Gross stipend and employerfs Nl Pension Fund contributions Ministels expenses b. Asst. Pastor- Youth Gross salary and employerfs Nl Pension Fund contributions Expenses . Children's Pastor Gross salary and employels Nl Pension Fund contributions d. Adminislrator- Job Share Gross salary and employels Nl Pension Fund contributions . Community Pastor Gross salary and employer's Nl Pension Fund contributions Expenses f. Hannah Harris Expenses g. Toddlers, Worker Gross salary and employels Nl Pension Fund contributions h. Toddlers. Asslstant Gross salary i. Toddler & Baby WoTker Gros5 Salary 30136 3713 3.351 30,136 3,713 3.351 30,549 7,460 1,265 11.814 582 11,814 582 12,664 637 465 13.761 689 13.761 689 12.598 626 10,555 10.555 10.216 272 12,755 638 589 974 12,755 638 589 974 12,217 520 887 45 8,104 404 8.104 404 6,057 222 2,599 2,599 1,702 102 366 1,702 102 366 5a OLD MANSE EXPENSES Old Manse insurance Manse repairs and expenses 411 278 689 411 278 689 389 4,448 5b NEW MANSE EXPENSES New Manse expenses Support payments 2,916 10.680 2.916 10.680 2.954 10.680 6. CHURCH PREMISES Church repairs and maintenance Church equipment Church insuran Church gas & electriclty Church water charges Telephone and IT Cleaning, caretaking and gardening 9,713 2.572 2,810 9,729 829 1163 952 27.768 9,713 2,572 2.810 9.729 829 1,163 952 27,768 1,664 3.897 2.586 3,273 741 992 706 13.859 Page 4 CITY LIFE CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Unrestrlcted Funds Restrfcted Funds YIE 3110812023 3110812022 7. FELLOWSHIP EXPENSES Children's ministy Fellowship fund Music copyright licence Youth expenditure Outreach Training Catering Visiting speakers Other 1,079 510 1.470 1.235 8.061 451 1,716 50 3.411 1,079 510 1.470 1.235 8.061 451 1.716 50 3.411 1.351 271 1.366 2.279 5.849 1.773 1,588 375 1,398 8. GIVING TO OUTSIDE CAUSES OAC BMS Worfd mission SWBA Home Mission YWAM Children of Hope Christmas Appeal - Kenya Pe￿Zan￿ Church planting Porthleven - Supported by SWBA Other 2,555 3,155 2,955 1,360 347 2,555 3,155 2.955 1.360 347 3,079 1.800 8.333 904 2,726 2.310 2,310 2,040 425 2035 1,800 3,079 1.800 8,333 904 76 g. OTHER EXPENSES Social events Fellowship payment Baptist Corp Savings alc Trans from Reserves 309 309 1,317 1,402 40,000 11,800 40,000 11,800 20.650 309 369 10. ADMINISTRATION COSTS Independent examinerfs fee Bank charges Regium card terminal Stationery Photocopying Petty cashlpostage Subscriptions 444 187 180 266 818 196 493 444 187 180 266 818 196 493 100 192 go 433 778 339 510 Page 5 CITY LIFE CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 11. RESTRICTED FUNDS Fund name At 1st Sept 2022 Incoming resources Rgsour¢es expended At 31st Aug 2023 Christmas Appeal- Kenya Trips Grants IReseTves bla) Old Manse 3,079 90 18.355 3,079 309 17,800 17.350 2.001 17,905 2.010 Total 12. MINISTER'S REMUNERATION The Minister acts as one of the church's trustee5 and receives remuneration and other benefits in respect of mortgage 5UPPOrt. water rates and Council tax. The old manse is let. Page 6 Mrs T.D Robinson F.M.A.A.T C.P.AA Certified Licensed and Regulated by the Association of Accounting TechDician8 and Certified Public Accountants A550ciation to prtrvide services in attordante Y4ith Licence no 2022,- details of whith are drsplayed at the address below. Simply Solutions Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees of . City life Church - Registered Charity Number- 1174403 I report on t1￿ accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st August 2023, which are set out on the attached pyages. Res ctive res onsibilities of trustee5 and examiner The Cliarity'5 trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's trustees consider tliat an audit is not reL]uired for tlus year under Section 144 of the Chartties Ael 2011 It Charities Act) and that an Liidependent Examittation is needed. It is my responsibility to.. Exiimine the accounts UtLder Section 145 OE the Charities Act. To Eollow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Coinmission (under Section 145 (5)(bl of tlie CharitTes Act), and To stale whether particular mallers have comc to my attention. Basi5 of Inde endent Exaniiner's re ort My examination was carried out in accorda]ice with general Direction5 given by the Ch£iTity Commission. An exainination includes a Tevicw of the accountsng records kept by the charity and a compai'ison of tlie accounts presented with those recoi'ds. It also incl udes consideration of any unLLsuaJ ite1r￿ or di5closure5 lll the accountf and seeking explanatin1￿ from the tiUStees Con￿rning any such matters. The procedures undcrtakcn do not provide all the evidenTr that would be required iii an audit, and conscqucntly no opiiiion is given as to whether tlie accouiits pie5ent a 'true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matlers set out in tlie statemeni belomy Inde endent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination. no mattor has come to my attention. l. Which &ves me reasonable cause to believe that in. any materTral respect, the requirements.. To keep accounlinv records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Art,. and To prepayc accounts which accord with the clC£Oi]nting Tecord5 and comply with t accountxns requireinents of the Cliarities Act have not been met,. or 2. To whith. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandll of the acLounts to be read￿d. T D Robin5011. F.M.A.A.T C.P.A.,. Dated 6tli October 2023 Simply Solutions ISW) Ltd Registered Offi￿. Peni'enton Mill. Treviskeyi Lanner CoTnwo11. Th16 6Aq Tel/Fax". 012U9 820884 Eniail.. info@5implyaccountstotnwall.co.uk Company Number.. 0952n64 CITY LIFE CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 CITY LIFE CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 CONTENTS Pagg Receipts and Payments Account statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Accounts 3to6 CITY LIFE CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds YIE 3110812023 Total YIE 3110812022 Total Note Income receipts Church income Income for outside ¢auses 180,948 35.208 3,078 216.156 3.078 170.300 2.035 Total receipts for year 219 234 172335 Charltable payments Minister and Staff costs Old & New Manse expenses Church premises Fellowship expenses Glving to outside causes other expensesltransactions Adrninistrative expenses 102,366 14,285 27,768 17,983 13.076 51.800 2.584 102,366 14,285 27,768 17,983 24,488 52,109 2,584 96,700 18.471 13,859 16,250 13,722 23,369 2,442 11,412 309 10 Total paymenls for year 229 862 241583 184813 Net receipts for year 48,914 26,565 -22.349 -12,478 Openlng Bank balances 79,107 91,585 Closing Bank balances 56,758 79,107 Note: Closlng bank balancos: Gongral £12.848: Reserve & Grants £41.900: Old Manse £2,010 TOTAL £56.758 Page I CITY LIFE CHURCH STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 UnroStri¢t¢d Funds Restricted Funds YIE 3110812022 3110812023 Cash Funds General fund Reserve & Grants Old Manse 12,848 28,995 2.010 12,848 41,900 2.010 10.568 66.538 2,001 12.905 Other Monetary Assets Baptist Corporation Savings alc Giftaid due but not received Llabilities PAYEINI liablllty for July & Aug-no liability 88 SMP credit covers PAYEINI Independent Examiners Fee BU DB Pension Deficit. Company Barclaycard Uncashed cheques 40,027 7,045 40.027 7.045 6.254 1,802 450 450 300 9.300 130 90 67 607 ' This debt is now a nominal figure. The Church pays £1 a month Non-monetary Assets Held for Church's own use- The Church is the beneficial owner (subject to the relevant trusts) of the following 88sets. the legal lille of which is held by the church's custodian (the Baptisl Corporation Ltd). 3110812023 90 67 607 Church premises (at insured value) Church manse {8t purchase price in 2007) The Church also owns fixtures furniture and equipment (at insured value) 2,968,284 249,950 164.905 3383 139 The Accounts and Statement of Assets and Llabllltles are approved on behalt ollhe Board of DeaGons and Partners: AGM Chair Secretary Date: Page 2 CITY LIFE CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounts have been prepared on the recelpts and payments basis and comply with Charlties Act 2011. Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds YIE 3110812022 3110812023 2. CHURCH INCOME Covenants Card payments Cash offerings. envelopes. CAF Giflaid reclaims Ext8mal grants. Donations Lettings Old M8nse rental Toddlers Restore Trelander café Pastoral Assistant support SWBA Support- Minister SWBA Support- C Home Transfers from ReseNes Misc Income - Interest Misc. Income- Youth subs, Events and Social Events 94,911 7,617 6,383 21,136 18.425 7,444 1,065 14.080 726 538 474 94,911 7,617 6,383 26,886 24.425 28.049 1.065 14,080 726 538 474 78,054 2,801 5.836 19,322 22.529 3,574 1,075 18.000 491 760 5750 6000 20.605 1,650 625 625 8,333 8333 13,000 274 274 1500 270 1,770 3,197 175 198 216 156 170 300 3. INCOME FOR OUTSIDE CAUSES Christmas Appe81 (Kenya) 3,078 3,078 2,035 Grants Truro City for Restore £500 Cornwall Community Fund for Restore £500 Garfield Weston for Restore £4000 Comwall Community Fund for Toddlers £3000 Page 3 CITY LIFE CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds YIE 3110812022 3110812023 4. MINISTER AND STAFF COSTS Minister NOTE 12 Gross stipend and employerfs Nl Pension Fund contributions Ministels expenses b. Asst. Pastor- Youth Gross salary and employerfs Nl Pension Fund contributions Expenses . Children's Pastor Gross salary and employels Nl Pension Fund contributions d. Adminislrator- Job Share Gross salary and employels Nl Pension Fund contributions . Community Pastor Gross salary and employer's Nl Pension Fund contributions Expenses f. Hannah Harris Expenses g. Toddlers, Worker Gross salary and employels Nl Pension Fund contributions h. Toddlers. Asslstant Gross salary i. Toddler & Baby WoTker Gros5 Salary 30136 3713 3.351 30,136 3,713 3.351 30,549 7,460 1,265 11.814 582 11,814 582 12,664 637 465 13.761 689 13.761 689 12.598 626 10,555 10.555 10.216 272 12,755 638 589 974 12,755 638 589 974 12,217 520 887 45 8,104 404 8.104 404 6,057 222 2,599 2,599 1,702 102 366 1,702 102 366 5a OLD MANSE EXPENSES Old Manse insurance Manse repairs and expenses 411 278 689 411 278 689 389 4,448 5b NEW MANSE EXPENSES New Manse expenses Support payments 2,916 10.680 2.916 10.680 2.954 10.680 6. CHURCH PREMISES Church repairs and maintenance Church equipment Church insuran Church gas & electriclty Church water charges Telephone and IT Cleaning, caretaking and gardening 9,713 2.572 2,810 9,729 829 1163 952 27.768 9,713 2,572 2.810 9.729 829 1,163 952 27,768 1,664 3.897 2.586 3,273 741 992 706 13.859 Page 4 CITY LIFE CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Unrestrlcted Funds Restrfcted Funds YIE 3110812023 3110812022 7. FELLOWSHIP EXPENSES Children's ministy Fellowship fund Music copyright licence Youth expenditure Outreach Training Catering Visiting speakers Other 1,079 510 1.470 1.235 8.061 451 1,716 50 3.411 1,079 510 1.470 1.235 8.061 451 1.716 50 3.411 1.351 271 1.366 2.279 5.849 1.773 1,588 375 1,398 8. GIVING TO OUTSIDE CAUSES OAC BMS Worfd mission SWBA Home Mission YWAM Children of Hope Christmas Appeal - Kenya Pe￿Zan￿ Church planting Porthleven - Supported by SWBA Other 2,555 3,155 2,955 1,360 347 2,555 3,155 2.955 1.360 347 3,079 1.800 8.333 904 2,726 2.310 2,310 2,040 425 2035 1,800 3,079 1.800 8,333 904 76 g. OTHER EXPENSES Social events Fellowship payment Baptist Corp Savings alc Trans from Reserves 309 309 1,317 1,402 40,000 11,800 40,000 11,800 20.650 309 369 10. ADMINISTRATION COSTS Independent examinerfs fee Bank charges Regium card terminal Stationery Photocopying Petty cashlpostage Subscriptions 444 187 180 266 818 196 493 444 187 180 266 818 196 493 100 192 go 433 778 339 510 Page 5 CITY LIFE CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 11. RESTRICTED FUNDS Fund name At 1st Sept 2022 Incoming resources Rgsour¢es expended At 31st Aug 2023 Christmas Appeal- Kenya Trips Grants IReseTves bla) Old Manse 3,079 90 18.355 3,079 309 17,800 17.350 2.001 17,905 2.010 Total 12. MINISTER'S REMUNERATION The Minister acts as one of the church's trustee5 and receives remuneration and other benefits in respect of mortgage 5UPPOrt. water rates and Council tax. The old manse is let. Page 6 Mrs T.D Robinson F.M.A.A.T C.P.AA Certified Licensed and Regulated by the Association of Accounting TechDician8 and Certified Public Accountants A550ciation to prtrvide services in attordante Y4ith Licence no 2022,- details of whith are drsplayed at the address below. Simply Solutions Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees of . City life Church - Registered Charity Number- 1174403 I report on t1￿ accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st August 2023, which are set out on the attached pyages. Res ctive res onsibilities of trustee5 and examiner The Cliarity'5 trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's trustees consider tliat an audit is not reL]uired for tlus year under Section 144 of the Chartties Ael 2011 It Charities Act) and that an Liidependent Examittation is needed. It is my responsibility to.. Exiimine the accounts UtLder Section 145 OE the Charities Act. To Eollow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Coinmission (under Section 145 (5)(bl of tlie CharitTes Act), and To stale whether particular mallers have comc to my attention. Basi5 of Inde endent Exaniiner's re ort My examination was carried out in accorda]ice with general Direction5 given by the Ch£iTity Commission. An exainination includes a Tevicw of the accountsng records kept by the charity and a compai'ison of tlie accounts presented with those recoi'ds. It also incl udes consideration of any unLLsuaJ ite1r￿ or di5closure5 lll the accountf and seeking explanatin1￿ from the tiUStees Con￿rning any such matters. The procedures undcrtakcn do not provide all the evidenTr that would be required iii an audit, and conscqucntly no opiiiion is given as to whether tlie accouiits pie5ent a 'true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matlers set out in tlie statemeni belomy Inde endent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination. no mattor has come to my attention. l. Which &ves me reasonable cause to believe that in. any materTral respect, the requirements.. To keep accounlinv records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Art,. and To prepayc accounts which accord with the clC£Oi]nting Tecord5 and comply with t accountxns requireinents of the Cliarities Act have not been met,. or 2. To whith. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandll of the acLounts to be read￿d. T D Robin5011. F.M.A.A.T C.P.A.,. Dated 6tli October 2023 Simply Solutions ISW) Ltd Registered Offi￿. Peni'enton Mill. Treviskeyi Lanner CoTnwo11. Th16 6Aq Tel/Fax". 012U9 820884 Eniail.. info@5implyaccountstotnwall.co.uk Company Number.. 0952n64