THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH IS THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE
CHRISTIAN FAITH ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES AND USAGES FOR THE TIME BEING OF CONGREGATIONALISM AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY SPECIFIC
REQUIREMENTS IN THE FOUNDATION TRUSTS. THE CHURCH MAY ALSO ADVANCE EDUCATION RELIEVE NEED AND CARRY OUT OTHER CHARITABLE PURPOSES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
In the first few months of 2021 Crediton Congregational Church ran online the usual regular worship services, prayer meetings, youth and children's groups, because of Covid 19 lockdowns. Most of our social and outreach events held at the church had to be cancelled as did the activities run by our tenants on church premises. However, from the Spring 2021 the church building began to reopen and Sunday gatherings began to get busier, socially distanced and with all the other precautions. The opening up happened gradually, because of government regulations and natural caution on the part of some members, so it was not until July that corporate singing was permitted (behind masks), and in August a service of Remembrance and Reflection on the experiences of Covid 19 took place. Services continued online until the end of 2021 to allow those especially vulnerable to continue to take part. The use of Zoom for meeting remotely continued to be useful for Sunday services and other meetings even post COVID. Hard copies of our talks are still posted to those of our congregation who cannot access in person or online.
Throughout the periods of lockdown, Community Lunches were donated by local restaurateurs and physically delivered by church volunteers to the normal attendees to remind them that they were not forgotten. The work of the Foodbank continued with groceries being delivered to homes by volunteers to reduce the risk of infection. Post Covid the work “went back to normal”.
Weekly Social drop-ins for the community began as soon as possible, but some not until September 2021, for our learning-disabled groups, and for preschool children and their carers. Structured parent and child music and movement sessions were able to resume. A new social group for 50 plus people was started and continued for the rest of the year.
During 2021 Crediton Foodbank was established as an independent Charity. The church continued to provide it with premises, financial support and many of its volunteers. The demands on the Foodbank rose considerably during this period.
In Spring 2021, the funding for the Community Development role finished after the three contracted years.
Our buildings have provided space for Crediton Foodbank, Journey Counselling service, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, the Rowell Centre, JM Acrobatics, Crediton Youth Orchestra, Alcoholics Anonymous and other organisations and individuals.
Apart from Covid 19, a major distraction this year was the appearance of dry rot in one area of our newly refurbished buildings. It took much time, effort and money to resolve and caused considerable disruption.
Covid 19 provided us with the impetus to go out into the town and we have held services in the Town Square which have been joyful occasions enjoyed by both church and community. It is our intention to carry on with open air events.
The redesigned, refurbished car park now called “the Courtyard” was completed this year and has provided a safer, far more appealing entrance to our church. It has been used very successfully for outdoor events and meetings.
The church has 101 members and 50 adherents. No new members courses have been held this year because of Covid, but will be resumed.
James Gregory Chair of Trustees"
CREDITON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
Charity Registration Number: 1175015
CREDITON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CREDITON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
We report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2021, which are set out on pages 2 and 3.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiners
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of s144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply. It is our responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under s145(5)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiners' statement
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiners' statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
-
a) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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i) to keep accounting records in accordance with s41 of the Act; and ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met; or
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b) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Stapletons Chartered Certified Accountants 4 Market Street Crediton Devon EX17 2AJ
28 September 2022
Page 1
CREDITON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| Income Collections and offerings Government Grants Rent Parking Community support award and grant Outreach Legacy Interest Expenditure Salaries Pastoral and ministry expenses Community work expenses Light, heat and water Administrative expenses Repairs and renewals Insurance Fees and donations Youth and children’s work Training Refreshments Sundry expenses Excess Income over Expenditure |
2021 £ 100,648 4,766 21,991 460 4,800 102 320 8 133,095 76,716 1,352 - 7,019 1,898 4,108 3,361 5,726 1,549 992 358 1,829 104,908 28,187 |
2020 £ 113,830 9,727 15,926 420 9,200 519 398 69 |
|---|---|---|
| 150,089 76,144 1,467 285 6,373 2,295 33,404 2,841 4,974 1,848 2,400 303 773 |
||
| 133,107 | ||
| 16,982 |
Page 2
CREDITON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021
| Current Assets Current account Deposit account Debtors Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net Assets Represented By General fund Causeway fund Manse repair fund Puppet fund Total Funds |
2021 £ 14,539 69,841 41,463 125,843 (5,070) 120,773 103,881 1,452 12,771 2,669 120,773 |
2020 £ 13,594 89,833 26,536 |
|---|---|---|
| 129,963 (33,655) |
||
| 96,308 | ||
| 75,694 1,207 16,738 2,669 |
||
| 96,308 |
Page 3