CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1183394
Effective Life Church
Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 October 2023
Raywin P-Cole & Co Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants ACCA Registered Firm 131 Tivoli Road, West Norwood London SE27 0EE
Effective Life Church
Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 October 2023
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees Annual Report | 1-2 |
| Chartered Accountants' report | 3 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 |
| Balance Sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the accounts | 6 - 7 |
Effective Life Church - End Of Year Trustee Report
Registered Address: 63 Freeman Road, Gravesend Kent, DA12 4ED
This is our annual report of our Charity undertakings for the year ended 31st October 2023 and our vision for the future:
Since Effective Life Church (ELC) was registered as a company limited by guarantee (Reg 11650724) on 31/10/2018 and as a charity (Reg 1183394) on 14/05/2019, we continue to make steady progress as a church and as a charitable organisation. As detailed later in our report, Pastor Matthew was nominated to join the executive board for Churches Together in Gravesham. This has deepened our relationship with local church leaders and with other churches in the area. ELC have also worked closely with a local homeless charity, Gravesham Sanctuary, which includes congregation members volunteering at their day centre.
Banking:
• ELC continues to bank with Barclays Bank Plc. It is through Barclays that the charity's transactions are conducted. Our members and church visitors have been able to make donations straight into ELC’s bank account through a Sum-Up Card Reader, which is used during our Sunday services, in addition to standing orders.
Governance:
• ELC has continued to maintain the full-time employment of Mr. Matthew Guest as Senior Pastor, as well as Mr. Luke Guest on part-time to aid Matthew in pastoring the congregation and manage the matters of the church.
• We continue to work with Raywin P-Cole & Co Ltd (RPC & Co) for their accounting services. RPC & Co have seen and approved our accounting processes, as well as set up a PAYE & pension scheme for the Senior Pastor, which remains in affect.
• RPC & Co have also helped in successfully submitting an application for GiftAid, which ELC is entitled to as a charitable organisation. This successful application allowed ELC to receive a substantial injection of funds to help fulfil the needs of the church, its members and those in need, as well as the expansion and improvement to our ministry.
• To ensure that the charity is running as optimally as possible, we needed to update the registered address for the charity. This was also updated for the bank and other linked entities to make sure we are not missing important letters and other information concerning the charity.
• The ELC board of Trustees continue to convene semi-frequently to discuss the important matters of the church, especially pertaining to the financial concerns and aspirations of the ministry. Towards the end of this year, one matter that had been discussed in detail was the potential dissolution of Effective Life Church from Companies House. We have been a registered company since 2018. However, in view of recent discussions with our accountant, the Trustee board see that many of the functions of the church don’t require us to be a company. Rather, we would seek to change entity to simply be a charitable organisation. Our accountant has started to look into how we would need to be successfully stricken off from Companies House.
• As of October 31st 2023, these are the board of trustees for Effective Life Church:
• Adenike Adeleke • Matthew Guest (Senior Pastor & Chair) • Ricky Grosvenor • Christopher Kirwan • Steve Porter
• However, one of our Trustees have expressed their intention to step away from their role when it is convenient to do so in order to take care of their mother, who increasingly requires more support. Any further changes to the trustee board are available to view on the Charity Commission website.
Achievements:
• We have been meeting at St Paul’s United Reformed Church on Singlewell Road for over a year. During this time, we have continued to develop our relationship with the people of St Paul’s. We had trialled the prospect of merging the two fellowships together with joint services which lasted for two months. However, through the process, it became clearer that it was best to remain as separate fellowships. Thankfully, our congregation were willing to follow the direction of the church leadership and have been a source of encouragement during and after the trialled phase. Luke continues to serve at St Paul’s part-time to support their services.
• As we proceed as a church, we are thankful to have seen some new families attend, as well as some old faces who wanted to start attending the church more frequently. Many of our congregants love the sense of family which has been cultivated within the church since we started back in 2017. While we seek to maintain this closeness, we also build in view to grow and see more people attend the church on a regular basis.
• Pastor Matthew has preached faithfully throughout the course of the year, delivering sermons which enrich people’s understanding of the Bible, as well as how to navigate through our ever-changing world as Christians. Church members are encouraged by Matthew’s teaching of Scripture and his engaging, and often humorous, teaching presentation. Sermons are made available to watch through our website, so people who miss our services are able to remain connected to what’s being taught on
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• We have held numerous outreach events as a church. Namely, we had a Valentine’s meal, which provided the opportunity for couples within the church to come together and celebrate each other’s marriages. We also hosted a movie night based on the Book of Esther, which many people enjoyed, as well as, “Why I Believe”, an event for people to share testimonies about how they became Christians. We also had a church picnic, and a time of baptisms at Margate Beach.
• This year also saw a strengthening of our relationships with other local churches and ministries. A big reason for this was due to Pastor Matthew being nominated to join the executive board for Churches Together in Gravesham. Matthew warmly welcomed the nomination and has been on the board since the start of 2023. This role has enabled him to connect with other church leaders, especially through executive and networking meetings. Matthew hosted a CTG prayer meeting on the eve of King Charles’s coronation and also shared on stage at the CTG Summer event.
• Luke has also been involved with Churches Together in Gravesham since the beginning of 2023. He took on the role of CTG Secretary and is responsible for sending out email bulletins and updates across their mailing list. Luke also minutes the executive board meetings, and has also been commissioned to design a Welcome Pack on behalf of Churches Together in Gravesham, in addition to an updated website.
• Pastor Matthew became the General Manager of Gravesham Sanctuary, a local charity helping those experiencing homelessness in the area. Since joining the organisation, Matthew has overseen the day-to-day running of its facilities, as well as helping clients come off the streets and find sustainable accommodation.
• His new role has provided ELC the opportunity to support a likeminded ministry. Not only have congregation members started to volunteer at their day centre, but some service users have also attend our church. Despite taking on this new job, Pastor Matthew continues to faithfully fulfil his role at Effective Life Church.
• Soon after Pastor Matthew’s employment to Gravesham Sanctuary, Luke also joined the organisation under the role of Volunteers and Social Media Manager. Luke is responsible for scheduling volunteers for shifts and running the Gravesham Sanctuary social media accounts. Both he and Pastor Matthew put together a new promotional video for the organisation, which has brought greater awareness to the work being accomplished at Gravesham Sanctuary.
• We are pleased to see Pastor Matthew and Luke utilising their experience and abilities to not only bless the people of Effective Life Church, but other ministries to spread the Gospel and encourage the wider church.
Vision and Aspirations:
• Going forward, Effective Life Church wants to continue to be a place where people can see the love of God at work through the lives of His people, whether it be through our Sunday services, mid-week groups, or special outreach events. We would like to see the ministry grow, so we can make a greater impact and help more people where possible. We also desire to strengthen the relationships we have built, working with other ministries to point people to Jesus.
• ELC aspires to enrich the lives of those attending the church through the many activities and avenues of support for those who need it. Our desire is to show the love of God through our outreach to the community, through building deeper relationships with local church leaders, and through our media channels. We desire to meet the needs of the congregants, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual, as well as deepen their understanding of the Bible and strengthen their faith in Jesus. Ultimately, we aspire to reflect the love of God and teach the Word of God faithfully in order to bring the light of Christ in an increasingly dark and uncertain world.
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Effective Life Church
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees and Members
We report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 October 2023 which are set out on the annexed pages.
Respective Responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner
The Trustees of the Charity are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; and consider that the audit requirement of section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures specified in general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes 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 the 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 and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
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1) Which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act;
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and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met;
or
- 2) To which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Raywin P-Cole & Co Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants ACCA Registered Firm 131 Tivoli Road, West Norwood London SE27 0EE
31 July 2024
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Effective Life Church Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 October 2023
| Incoming Resources Donations Resources Expended Charitable activities Personnel Costs Motor Expenses Printing, stationery & postages Donations Telephone & Fax Church Rent & Rates Insurance Development Programme Depreciation Governance costs Accountancy Legal & Professional Fees Bank Charges Total Resources Expended Net (outgoing)/incoming resources Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Notes | Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2023 £ £ £ 33,115 - 33,115 26,361 - 26,361 69 - 69 381 381 1,000 - 1,000 956 - 956 3,110 - 3,110 338 - 338 957 - 957 1,542 - 1,542 34,714 - 34,714 500 - 500 475 - 475 153 - 153 1,128 - 1,128 35,842 - 35,842 (2,726) - (2,726) - - - (2,726) - (2,726) 12,231 - 12,231 9,505 - 9,505 |
2022 £ 49,012 31,650 148 846 - 635 7,331 317 1,043 1,767 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 1 3 1 |
|||
| 43,737 | |||
| 500 971 166 |
|||
| 1,637 | |||
| 45,374 | |||
| 3,639 - |
|||
| 3,639 8,592 |
|||
| 12,231 |
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Effective Life Church Balance Sheet as at 31 October 2023
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 3 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 4 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity Unrestricted funds Total funds |
2023 £ 8,302 3,727 (2,523) 1,203 9,505 9,505 9,505 |
2022 £ 9,476 3,256 (500) 2,755 12,231 12,231 12,231 |
2022 £ 9,476 3,256 (500) 2,755 12,231 12,231 12,231 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,231 | |||
| 12,231 | |||
| 12,231 |
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 31 July 2024 & signed on their behalf by:
Rev Matthew Guest Trustee
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Effective Life Church Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023
1 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities and Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities".
Incoming resources
Unrestricted Income comprises donations and is recognised on receipt basis. Restricted Income relates to donations specifically raised for the purchase of land & buildings and is recognised on receipt basis. However, the donors have agreed that that once the primary purpose has been satisfied, any surplus funds remaining will be used for the running of the Charity's ordinary activities.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over it's estimated useful lives based on reducing balance method.
| Motor Vehicle | 25% |
|---|---|
| Equipments | 15% |
| Fixtrues & Fittings | 20% |
Resources Expended
Charitable Activities
These comprise all expenditure directly relating to the objects of the Charity. Support costs are an integral part of the expenses incurred in carrying out those charitable activities, which the Charity was established to perform.
Governance Costs
Governance costs comprise the costs of running the charity, including strategic planning for its future development, also includes accountancy & legal fees and all costs relating to consnstitutional and statutory compliance.
Church Rent & Rates
At present we do not have our own property and we are currently on a 12 months rolling tenancy agreement. Rent is paid weekly in advance of use of the premises. The significant reduction in rental cost was as a result of non use of the property during the covid 19 lockdown period. The charity is only liable to make rental payments for actual usage of the property.
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Effective Life Church Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023
| 2 Interest payable Interest payable 3 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 November 2022 Additions At 31 October 2023 Depreciation At 1 November 2022 Charge for the year At 31 October 2023 Net book value At 31 October 2023 At 31 October 2022 4 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accountancy Legal & professional fees |
Equipments £ 11,560 368 11,928 3,374 1,284 4,658 7,270 8,186 |
2023 £ - Fixtures & Fittings £ 1,613 - 1,613 323 258 581 1,032 1,290 2023 £ 500 2,023 2,523 |
2022 £ (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total £ 13,173 368 |
|||
| 13,541 | |||
| 3,697 1,542 |
|||
| 5,239 | |||
| 8,302 | |||
| 9,476 | |||
| 2022 £ 500 - |
|||
| 500 |
5 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Analysis of net assets between funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipments Fixtures & fittings Tangible fixed assets Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due after one year |
Unrestricted Funds £ 7,270 1,032 8,302 3,727 3,727 (2,523) |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - |
Total £ 7,270 1,032 |
| 8,302 3,727 |
|||
| 3,727 (2,523) |
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Effective Life Church Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 October 2023
At 31 October 2023 9,505 - 9,505
6 Trustees Remuneration included in personnel costs
Rev Matthew Guest was given an allowance as a full time minister. This including PAYE, NI contributions paid over to HMRC amounted to £15,732. Pension contributions paid over to Pension Provider amounted to £1,102. Other than that, no remuneration was paid to any of the trustees and their expenses also not borne by the Trust. The remainder of the personnel cost represents allowance given to part-time admin officer.
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