Annual Trustees Report 2022-2023
The Oak Community Church continued to embrace change and deepen connections throughout this past year, navigating the ongoing effects of the pandemic and finding new ways to serve our community and care for one another.
Staying Connected Through Technology :
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Live streaming Sunday Services: Recognizing the ongoing needs of those unable to attend in person, we continued to live stream our Sunday morning services, reaching viewers beyond our local community and providing vital spiritual connection for those facing illness, shift work, or travel limitations.
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Zoom Prayer Meetings: Our midweek prayer meeting remained on Zoom, offering a more accessible platform for those with evening commitments. Many have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather in prayer regardless of physical limitations, and we've witnessed countless answered prayers for individuals and situations.
Responding to Community Needs:
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The Cost-of-Living Crisis: Recognizing the growing concern about heating costs, we opened our doors as a "warm space" once a week, providing a haven for local residents. This initiative offered cooked meals, warm drinks, friendly conversation, and a comfortable space to escape the cold. On Pancake Day, we were honoured to welcome the Mayor of Bromley, who witnessed firsthand the positive impact of this program.
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Good Friday Open-Air Service: After a three-year pandemic hiatus, we were happy to once again be able to join other local churches for our Churches Together in the Crays Good Friday Open-Air Service. This public gathering is a powerful witness to our community and also reaffirms the importance of Christian unity and fellowship.
Strengthening Our Church Family:
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Annual Family Meeting: As a CIO holding an Annual General Meeting during our Sunday Morning Service, we updated our church family on key decisions and financial details. This transparent approach fosters deeper connections and shared responsibility within our community.
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Bi-annual Church Holiday: Our August trip to Sizewell Hall Christian Conference Centre served as a great opportunity for fellowship and rejuvenation. This selfcatering retreat allows us to work together, have fun, and deepen bonds as a church family.
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Testimony Sundays: once every few weeks we have had a Testimony Sunday when individuals can share their news of God at work in their lives. These times of listening and sharing have been a real source of encouragement for the whole church family.
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Children’s Work: our small but dedicated team of workers have tirelessly provided weekly Junior Church lessons and activities to welcome all children and young people. Creche facilities are also available to parents of pre-school aged children. All children and young people are a vital part of our church family and we work to welcome, encourage and stand with them in prayer as they grow
Finance update
Despite cost pressures, our church's finances remained remarkably stable in 2023, thanks to the dedication and giving of our members. We're thrilled to report a balanced budget this year, fuelled by consistent giving, wise spending, and innovative energy management. Gifts to the church increased by 5% compared to last year, providing a strong foundation for our finances. Hall rentals generated £2,750 in additional income, enabling us to invest in crucial reserves and support vital charities. Our trustees agreed on a budget that enabled a fine balance of cost control and investment in key ministries. A number of steps including the use of a new smart thermostat enabled the trustees to reduce running costs by 30% despite rising fuel costs.
Maintaining a balanced budget allows us to sustain our support for our community and continued support for important charities aligned with our beliefs. Building reserve funds ensures we can respond swiftly to emergencies and remain ready to respond to our community in times of need.
Looking Ahead:
The Oak Community Church remains committed to embracing change, deepening connections, and serving our community with compassion and love. We look forward to a future filled with continued growth, impactful initiatives, and unwavering dedication to sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to:
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Our dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents to support our church and community.
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Our generous donors who make it possible for us to continue our mission.
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Each and every member of our church family for their unwavering support and commitment.
We look forward to building a stronger, more vibrant community, centred on faith, connection and service.
Operating the Charity
This report represents an account of the activities for the Oak Community Church CIO 1174870.
Trustees met regularly throughout the year (sometimes on Zoom) along with the Pastor to ensure effective and efficient coordination between the legal and practical administration of the charity and the strategic and spiritual leadership of the Church.
This report has been seen and approved as a record of the Church CIO by the current members and the trustees namely: Vivienne Curtis, Chris Holloway, Samantha Marlow, Wendy May, Ian Porteous and Vanessa Steven
Oak Community Church CIO 1174870
THE OAK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD APRIL 2022 TO MARCH 2023
Bank Account View*
Community Account Building Fund Account (General Account) (Savings Account) 70856258 50094870 Opening Balance £2,945.79 £15,000.90 Income Gifts to the church £30,695.88 Tax Return £1,551.40 Hall Hire Income £2,750.00 Church Ministries £435.77 Interest and Refunds £32.76 Expenditure Employment Costs £21,307.96 Running Costs £5,627.81 Building Upkeep £1,202.47 Charitable Giving £1,917.70 Church Ministries £908.68 Hall Hire Purchases £438.00 Closing Balance £6,976.22 £15,033.66
- The Oak Community Church operates separate bank accounts. These have previously been used to separate budgets for different purposes. With accounting systems in place these are no longer used for this purpose. The Virtual Fund view provides a breakdown of the different budget funds operated within the charity.
THE OAK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD APRIL 2022 TO MARCH 2023 Bank Account Balances
| The Oak Community Church Trustees Community Account 70856258 | |
|---|---|
| Balance as at 1st April 2021 | £2,945.79 |
| Balance as at 31st March 2022 | £6,976.22 |
| The Oak Community Church (Building Fund) Business Reserve Account | 50094870 |
| Balance as at 1st April 2021 | £15,000.90 |
| Balance as at 31st March 2022 | £15,033.66 |
THE OAK COMMUNITY CHURCH SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD APRIL 2022 TO MARCH 2023 Virtual Fund View*
| General Fund | Building Project | John 3:16 | Fellowship Fund | Reserves | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Balance | £8,766.58 | £7,484.14 | £997.97 | £698.00 | £0.00 |
| Income | |||||
| Gifts to the church | £30,485.88 | £90.00 | £120.00 | ||
| Tax Return | £1,551.40 | ||||
| Hall Hire Income | £2,750.00 | ||||
| Interest and Refunds | £32.76 | ||||
| Transfer between funds | £4,000.00 | ||||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Employment Costs | £21,307.96 | ||||
| Running Costs | £5,627.81 | ||||
| Charitable Giving | £1,470.00 | £47.70 | £400.00 | ||
| Building Upkeep | £1,202.47 | ||||
| Church Ministries | £908.68 | ||||
| Hall Hire Purchases | £438.00 | ||||
| Transfer between funds | £4,000.00 | ||||
| Closing Balance | £8,631.70 | £7,484.14 | £1,040.27 | £418.00 | £4,000.00 |
- The Oak Community Church operates a number of virtual funds to separate budgets for different purposes. With accounting systems in place these are can be tracked across whichever bank account the finances physically held within.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE OAK COMMUNITY CHURCH
I report on the accounts of the Oak Community Church for the year ended 31[st] March 2023.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 43 (2) of the Charities Act (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
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Examine the accounts (under section 43 (3) (a) of the 1993 Act);
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To follow procedure laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43 (7) (b) of the 1993 Act); and
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act, and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act
have not been met, or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………… Name: Catherine Emma Gower Melia Elder, The Temple United Reformed Church, High Street, St Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 4AX
Address: 34 Lee Church Street Lewisham London SE13 5SF Date: 23[rd] September 2023 for the financial year 2022 - 2023