Secretary’s Report for May 2021-22 for the Charites Commission
Cornerstone ends another year dominated by troubles around us, not just Covid, but also a major country’s leader actually taking the country to war to try and gain more power. We pray as Christians, that all will be content with just their fair share of God’s world.
Returning my thoughts to Cornerstone’s year, what we have done in returning to pre-Covid life is harder than we had hoped as many have been challenged by Covid and we have all aged, making our efforts less for totally understandable reasons.
As a church we are looking still at improving access into and around our buildings as well as improving general safety where mobility might be an issue. A massive amount of work towards this has been done including property maintenance work identified by the latest Quinquennial (5 yearly) report that we have to do for the United Reformed Church - who legally own the church buildings that we use.
A return to refreshments after Services and social activities has been made, after having been cautious with regard to Covid as many of our congregation fall into vulnerable groups.
We now need to focus on more fellowship activities together and with the wider local community as part of our Lord’s Mission.
Covid does now seem to be dragging emotionally and mentally on many of us, so prayer and conscious effort is having to be made to get our and others lives really going again. This has slowed progress in organising activities, as has doing things like Covid Risk Assessments, but now, unless Covid “spikes” upwards again, we are working to support and encourage everyone to join in activities again.
Member update emails and a coffee group meeting is helping the pastoral teams to keep people in touch with one another, and Bible discussion groups are to be re-opened soon for those that wish to attend. These may be at members’ homes or at church as the latter helps keep the building “alive” to passers-by.
We have had a rewarding “Care Service” at Cornerstone and a less effective one in Crowhurst so will consider that again in the future. Café style, or other types of Services will occasionally be tried as they can encourage sharing of thoughts which can be beneficial rather than more passive traditional Services. It has been broached by a couple of Service Leaders and if it works elsewhere without just aiming at let’s say, young children, then it should be tried as it may help some of us to keep involved and attentive where attention wanders.
Work with the audio/visual systems for our Services continues so those who cannot attend have the opportunity to join over the internet. We are still looking at what music playing system will work best rather than being reliant all of the time upon our one active organist. We have recordings also, but that does restrict variety a bit and means that we miss out on new hymns and songs that might add to our worship.
Service Orders and Church Magazine communications together with work with Central Sussex United Area also is being done to help us and them run properly and faithfully.
External and internal cleaning as well as more garden maintenance is being done to attract attention from passers-by and more use of our Notice Boards by the road and pavement will be made to make people aware of what we and other organisations, are now doing locally.
Increasing legal requirements such as Safeguarding and Health & Safety also apply to hirers and help show that we care about one another. It can also avoid us being the next church where a hirer who does something wrong at their own home, gets the church photo on the TV News so we are focusing on these particularly at present.
Our new Treasurer faces challenges forecasting budgets when all of the talk is of the “Cost of Living” crisis, but we have received an inheritance which will help and Gift Days will be reinstated to help towards any significant costs over and above normal ones if they are needed.
The church is helping the one current hirer with its charges here and supporting Fairtrade which raises our local profile when the Uckfield Fairtrade Group uses The Source in the town centre for its monthly “pop-up shop and coffee morning”.
When our new Deacon starts in the summer we will be looking to re-start the “Baby & Toddler” group as times have been, and remain hard, for young families due to Covid, living costs as well as the general stress currently around.
Other trustees have worked on Sundays in particular. This is crucial for any visitors so that they feel welcomed and are safe.
In addition to work by trustees, Cornerstone works as a team where our fellowship of 40 with about 30 being active tries to encourage use of its various talents. This has included distribution of news and activity information and working with Church in Uckfield including hosting its meetings.
Increasing the hall use is an objective for the coming year although two users have stopped during Covid. Following Safer Recruiting procedures when other hirers do not adds to the challenge of fewer and smaller organisations, but that also gives us opportunities which we will try to use as life returns to whatever “normal” might now be.
As we pull together and let God’s work shine out from our lives in Uckfield, we enter a new year at Cornerstone and have a new Deacon and Rev Andy Melvin to help us from September, so God’s work in Uckfield is looking up!
God bless you all.
Jeremy Hallett
Cornerstone Church Uckfield Secretary
CORNERSTONE CHURCH UCKFIELD
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE
YEAR ENDED 30[TH] APRIL 2022
Regd. Charity Number 1174774
CORNERSTONE CHURCH UCKFIELD ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 30TH APRIL 2022
| INCOME | 2021 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| See Note | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Ofertory – Loose |
2,317.20 | 1,912.91 | |
| 1 | |||
| - Envelopes |
6,047.00 | 3,367.20 | |
| 1 | |||
| Standing Orders | 10,335.00 | 14,067.50 | |
| 1 | |||
| Hall Rent | 1,554.00 | 2,698.00 | |
| 2 | |||
| Donations/Legacies | 2,600.00 | 27,007.39 | |
| 3 & 5 | |||
| Gift Day & Tax Refund | 7,050.95 | 5,162.70 | |
| 4 | |||
| Fundraising | 1,185.58 | 281.94 | |
| Organ | 100.00 | 250.00 | |
| 5 | |||
| Sundries | 635.86 | 9,287.63 | |
| 6 | |||
| Christian Aid | 510.00 | 753.00 | |
| CFL | 60.00 | 0.00 | |
| Future Repairs | 1,500.00 | 1,250.00 | |
| 5 |
Total 33,895.59 66,038.28
| EXPENDITURE | 2021 2022 |
|---|---|
| M&M & CSUA | 23,358.00 24,042.00 |
| 7 | |
| Heat, Light & Water | 2,487.81 1339.06 |
| 8 | |
| Pulpit Supply | 0.00 0.00 |
| Post & Stationary | 786.83 429.04 |
| Cleaning | 900.00 379.44 |
| 12 | |
| Insurance | 2850.04 2762.77 |
| 9 | |
| Photocopying | 0.00 0.00 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | 1624.91 5101.15 |
| 10 | |
| Mission | 2138.28 958.00 |
| 11 | |
| Organ/Piano | 103.00 180.00 |
| 5 |
Miscellaneous & Flowers 1417.80 629.89 12 Licences, etc 337.60 304.49 Equipment 2,200.67 334.53 CFL 360.00 0.00 Capital Expenditure 0.00 3,390.00 13 Total £38,604.94 £39,850.37 Excess Income/Expenditure £4,709.35 £26,187.96 14
Balances at Bank – 2021 £11,258.05
DEFICIT/SURPLUS for period £26,187.96 Balances at Bank – 2022 £11,258.05 £37446.01
CORNERSTONE CHURCH UCKFIELD NOTES TO ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30TH APRIL 2022
-
The totals for Envelopes, Standing Orders and Gift Day do include all Gift aid payments made by members. They are separated only because of the way in which the income has been received. Overall freewill giving is holding up quite well with many members now paying by standing order, but there is a slight fall in membership.
-
Hall rent increased, but this was mainly from ad hoc tenants that we were able to accommodate due to the loss of previous tenants, these tenants have now ceased hiring. There is still income from one long term tenant and payment for storage.
-
Donations mainly relate to money received from the estate of a deceased benefactor.
-
Total received was entirely tax refund this year. No Gift Day during this period. With lower Gift Aided income during the year, the tax rebate will be considerably lower.
-
Restricted Funds. The “ Organ Fund ” forms part of the accounts held at the Bank but is regarded as “Restricted Funds”. “ Future Repairs ” is also treated as restricted funds. The £20,000 Bereavement Donation is regarded as restricted funds at present.
-
Money received mainly from the insurance reimbursement claim due to the pandemic and the premises having to be closed. This led to a restriction on income and the loss of hirers.
-
Payments to CSUA and M&M (URC) amounted to £20,406.00 and £3636.00 respectively. This is an increase to the previous year where we were hoping for a reduction.
-
Reduction mainly because of closure of the building during lockdown. A reduction in payment to one utility company due to previous overpayment.
-
A slight reduction in premiums. Repayment claim received due to the closure of the building refer to point 6.
-
Some regular ongoing repairs and maintenance and due to the Quinquennial Report some major repairs were addressed. Increased payment of the Quinquennial Report will restrict what more can be achieved in the future.
-
Mission payments continue to include everything that has been sent to other outside charities and organisations. Reduction due to lower fundraising totals as a result of lockdown.
-
Reduction in flowers needed due to building closure. Increase in time spent cleaning due to changing pandemic protocols, but this is not reflected in expenditure as cleaning products purchased in previous year expenditure.
-
Capital Expenditure is ongoing, in order to improve access for all into the church. Expenditure so far has been for surveys and plans.
-
An increase for the year only achieved due to a bereavement donation.
………………………………………………………………………………….
Balances at Bank as at 30/04/22 were as follows:- Lloyds TSB and CAF Bank were £5066.24 and £33,825.04 respectively, but after
allowing for outstanding cheques and credits, the balances total £37446.01 of which £6350.51 is earmarked for “Future Repairs”, a balance of £3679.84 is in the “Organ Fund”, and £20,000 “Bereavement Donation”. This means that the balance available for all running costs is £7415.66. Bearing in mind the uncertainties due to rising fuel costs and the increased cost of living and a fall in membership it will be necessary to carefully manage our income and expenditure.
Organ Fund Account (held within Operating Accounts) – Organ Fund
| Balance of Account 30/04/21 | £3409.84 |
|---|---|
| Transfer from Church Operating Account | £200.00 |
| Donations | £250.00 |
| Organ Maintenance | -£180.00 |
| BALANCE | £3679.84 |
…………………………………………….(Clare Warren) Treasurer
……………………………………………(Jeremy Hallett) Secretary
Accounts examined and found to be correct……………………………………
Monika Ashmore (Hon. Examiner) Dated………………………………..
reflected in eX[rKlire as d8anirvJ pr(xlucts wrchased in prevKXJS year expenditu. 13.Capital Expenditure is (xwiNJ. In order to improve access for all into the thurch. Exp8ndilure so far has been for surveys and plans. 14.An increase for the year (mly athieved du8 lo a bereavement donation. Balances at Bank as at 30104r22 were as follows:. Lloyds TSB and CAF Bank We £5066.24 and £33,825.04 respectNely. but after allowing for outstanding cheques and credits. the balances total £37446.01 of whKh £6350.51 is eamathed lor "Future Repairs-, a balance of £3679.84 is in the -organ Fund", and £20,0(Kl 'Bereavement Donation-. means that the balance available lof all running costs is £7415.66. Bearin9 in mind the uncertainties due to rising fuel costs and the increased cost of living and a fall in membership it 111 be necessary to rarefully manage our Inr and expenditure. org Fuj Acc(x¥rt {1 wiilln Ac£AJKtsI_ (knn Fund £2. 180 CKI ..(Clare Warren) Treasurer ..(Jeremy Hallett) Secretary ACcnts eXam1r and found to be co Monika A8hmore
CORNERSTONE CHURCH UCKFIELD
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE
YEAR ENDED 30[TH] APRIL 2022
Regd. Charity Number 1174774
CORNERSTONE CHURCH UCKFIELD ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 30TH APRIL 2022
| INCOME | 2021 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| See Note | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Ofertory – Loose |
2,317.20 | 1,912.91 | |
| 1 | |||
| - Envelopes |
6,047.00 | 3,367.20 | |
| 1 | |||
| Standing Orders | 10,335.00 | 14,067.50 | |
| 1 | |||
| Hall Rent | 1,554.00 | 2,698.00 | |
| 2 | |||
| Donations/Legacies | 2,600.00 | 27,007.39 | |
| 3 & 5 | |||
| Gift Day & Tax Refund | 7,050.95 | 5,162.70 | |
| 4 | |||
| Fundraising | 1,185.58 | 281.94 | |
| Organ | 100.00 | 250.00 | |
| 5 | |||
| Sundries | 635.86 | 9,287.63 | |
| 6 | |||
| Christian Aid | 510.00 | 753.00 | |
| CFL | 60.00 | 0.00 | |
| Future Repairs | 1,500.00 | 1,250.00 | |
| 5 |
Total 33,895.59 66,038.28
| EXPENDITURE | 2021 2022 |
|---|---|
| M&M & CSUA | 23,358.00 24,042.00 |
| 7 | |
| Heat, Light & Water | 2,487.81 1339.06 |
| 8 | |
| Pulpit Supply | 0.00 0.00 |
| Post & Stationary | 786.83 429.04 |
| Cleaning | 900.00 379.44 |
| 12 | |
| Insurance | 2850.04 2762.77 |
| 9 | |
| Photocopying | 0.00 0.00 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | 1624.91 5101.15 |
| 10 | |
| Mission | 2138.28 958.00 |
| 11 | |
| Organ/Piano | 103.00 180.00 |
| 5 |
Miscellaneous & Flowers 1417.80 629.89 12 Licences, etc 337.60 304.49 Equipment 2,200.67 334.53 CFL 360.00 0.00 Capital Expenditure 0.00 3,390.00 13 Total £38,604.94 £39,850.37 Excess Income/Expenditure £4,709.35 £26,187.96 14
Balances at Bank – 2021 £11,258.05
DEFICIT/SURPLUS for period £26,187.96 Balances at Bank – 2022 £11,258.05 £37446.01
CORNERSTONE CHURCH UCKFIELD NOTES TO ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30TH APRIL 2022
-
The totals for Envelopes, Standing Orders and Gift Day do include all Gift aid payments made by members. They are separated only because of the way in which the income has been received. Overall freewill giving is holding up quite well with many members now paying by standing order, but there is a slight fall in membership.
-
Hall rent increased, but this was mainly from ad hoc tenants that we were able to accommodate due to the loss of previous tenants, these tenants have now ceased hiring. There is still income from one long term tenant and payment for storage.
-
Donations mainly relate to money received from the estate of a deceased benefactor.
-
Total received was entirely tax refund this year. No Gift Day during this period. With lower Gift Aided income during the year, the tax rebate will be considerably lower.
-
Restricted Funds. The “ Organ Fund ” forms part of the accounts held at the Bank but is regarded as “Restricted Funds”. “ Future Repairs ” is also treated as restricted funds. The £20,000 Bereavement Donation is regarded as restricted funds at present.
-
Money received mainly from the insurance reimbursement claim due to the pandemic and the premises having to be closed. This led to a restriction on income and the loss of hirers.
-
Payments to CSUA and M&M (URC) amounted to £20,406.00 and £3636.00 respectively. This is an increase to the previous year where we were hoping for a reduction.
-
Reduction mainly because of closure of the building during lockdown. A reduction in payment to one utility company due to previous overpayment.
-
A slight reduction in premiums. Repayment claim received due to the closure of the building refer to point 6.
-
Some regular ongoing repairs and maintenance and due to the Quinquennial Report some major repairs were addressed. Increased payment of the Quinquennial Report will restrict what more can be achieved in the future.
-
Mission payments continue to include everything that has been sent to other outside charities and organisations. Reduction due to lower fundraising totals as a result of lockdown.
-
Reduction in flowers needed due to building closure. Increase in time spent cleaning due to changing pandemic protocols, but this is not reflected in expenditure as cleaning products purchased in previous year expenditure.
-
Capital Expenditure is ongoing, in order to improve access for all into the church. Expenditure so far has been for surveys and plans.
-
An increase for the year only achieved due to a bereavement donation.
………………………………………………………………………………….
Balances at Bank as at 30/04/22 were as follows:- Lloyds TSB and CAF Bank were £5066.24 and £33,825.04 respectively, but after
allowing for outstanding cheques and credits, the balances total £37446.01 of which £6350.51 is earmarked for “Future Repairs”, a balance of £3679.84 is in the “Organ Fund”, and £20,000 “Bereavement Donation”. This means that the balance available for all running costs is £7415.66. Bearing in mind the uncertainties due to rising fuel costs and the increased cost of living and a fall in membership it will be necessary to carefully manage our income and expenditure.
Organ Fund Account (held within Operating Accounts) – Organ Fund
| Balance of Account 30/04/21 | £3409.84 |
|---|---|
| Transfer from Church Operating Account | £200.00 |
| Donations | £250.00 |
| Organ Maintenance | -£180.00 |
| BALANCE | £3679.84 |
…………………………………………….(Clare Warren) Treasurer
……………………………………………(Jeremy Hallett) Secretary
Accounts examined and found to be correct……………………………………
Monika Ashmore (Hon. Examiner) Dated………………………………..
reflected in eX[rKlire as d8anirvJ pr(xlucts wrchased in prevKXJS year expenditu. 13.Capital Expenditure is (xwiNJ. In order to improve access for all into the thurch. Exp8ndilure so far has been for surveys and plans. 14.An increase for the year (mly athieved du8 lo a bereavement donation. Balances at Bank as at 30104r22 were as follows:. Lloyds TSB and CAF Bank We £5066.24 and £33,825.04 respectNely. but after allowing for outstanding cheques and credits. the balances total £37446.01 of whKh £6350.51 is eamathed lor "Future Repairs-, a balance of £3679.84 is in the -organ Fund", and £20,0(Kl 'Bereavement Donation-. means that the balance available lof all running costs is £7415.66. Bearin9 in mind the uncertainties due to rising fuel costs and the increased cost of living and a fall in membership it 111 be necessary to rarefully manage our Inr and expenditure. org Fuj Acc(x¥rt {1 wiilln Ac£AJKtsI_ (knn Fund £2. 180 CKI ..(Clare Warren) Treasurer ..(Jeremy Hallett) Secretary ACcnts eXam1r and found to be co Monika A8hmore