THE CHURCH IN NORWICH
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Charity Name: | The Church in Norwich |
|---|---|
| Charity Registration Number: | 1183551 |
| Governing Document: | Trust Deed dated 23 May 2019 |
| Principal Office Address: | 382 Bowthorpe Road, Norwich, NR5 8AG |
| Registered Bank Address: | The Old Bakery, The Street, Bracon Ash, NR14 8EL |
| Trustees: | Mr Robert Anthony Finch |
| Mr Christopher Paul Hill | |
| Mr Young Chul Kim | |
| Bankers: | Lloyds Bank plc (Sort Code: 30-90-89) |
| Barclays Bank plc (Sort Code: 20-62-68) | |
| Solicitors: | Jackamans Solicitors, Oak House, 7 Northgate Street, Ipswich, |
| IP1 3BX | |
| Independent Examiner: | (Appointed Independent Examiner to be signed on submission) |
THE CHURCH IN NORWICH
TRUSTEES' REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have prepared the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act') and have used the Receipts and Payments basis (Form CC16a) for presenting the accounts.
Governing Document and Constitutional Status
The Church in Norwich is constituted under a trust deed dated 23 May 2019 and was registered as a Charity with the Charity Commission on the same date. Trustees are appointed by resolution passed at a meeting of the Church of which at least 14 days' notice has been given at a previous meeting of the Church. There shall be no fewer than two trustees and not exceeding five trustees at any time.
The board of trustees meets regularly to provide strategic oversight, review financial performance (including the monitoring of monthly bank statements), and ensure the charity remains a going concern. All activities are conducted in strict accordance with the charity’s governing document to ensure the effective delivery of its objects.
Risk Management
The trustees have examined the major financial risks that the charity faces and confirm that suitable measures, such as monitoring cash balances, managing loan liabilities, and maintaining adequate insurance policies, have been taken to control these risks.
Objectives and Activities
The main object of the charity is to support and advance the Christian faith and the functioning of the church life. During the reporting period, the trustees have shepherded the charity's spiritual and educational aims, aligning closely with several key scriptural principles:
1. Prophesying & Functioning of All Believers: We strive to foster an environment where all members are perfected to function and have the opportunity to prophesy during our Lord's Day (Sunday) gatherings for mutual edification, as patterned in the scriptures:
'Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy... For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.' — 1 Corinthians 14:1, 31
'For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you... having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.' — Romans 12:3-6
2. Mutual Edification & Speaking: Every day, the believers read through the Holy Word for Morning Revival (HWMR) booklets, building up our understanding of scriptural truths while speaking and fellowshipping with one another.
3. Weekly Prayer & Bible Studies: Regular weekly prayer meetings and systematic Bible studies are held to seek the Lord's shepherding and anchor the believers in the healthy teaching.
4. Weekday Home-to-Home Church Life: W e encourage a vibrant church life that extends beyond Sunday services. Believers open their homes on weekdays for small group gatherings, breaking bread building one another up in the faith, emulating the early church (Acts 2:46-47):together and
'And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.' —
Charity Registration No. 1183551
Page 2
THE CHURCH IN NORWICH
TRUSTEES' REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024
Summary of Activities and Achievements (2023–2024)
Missions and Conferences: The charity supported regional and international blending events. In April 2023, the church subsidized travel and coordination for young people attending the North America College Training. A total of 6 young people from the East of England region participated, with 5 going from Norwich and 1 from a neighboring locality (supported by local coordinates). In July 2023, the church provided a £300 grant to assist a training participant with travel expenses for mission-related work in Poland.
Spiritual Training: The church hosted the Summer Video Training locally in Norwich during July 2023. There were 16 formal registrants with training fee receipts, and approximately 70 people attended the open weekend sessions. In January 2024, the church facilitated participation in the Winter Video Training with 15 registrants.
Thetford Joint Youth & Family Camp (2–4 June 2023): A major highlight of the year was the youth and family camp hosted at Thorpe Woodlands. This joint event was a beautiful coordination of families from multiple localities. The camp saw a total of 117 participants, including 107 overnight stays (comprising 48 young people and 16 children) and 8 day visitors. Attendees enjoyed outdoor pursuits such as 'Go Ape' climbing, canoeing, ultimate frisbee team games.. Young people and families stayed in the centre, in pods and in tents. The spiritual lessons focused on ' The Exercise, Filling, and Overflowing of the Spirit'.
Campus Outreach: In September 2023, the church held a Bible table outreach near the University of East Anglia (UEA) gates, distributing 79 free Bibles to students. Throughout the academic year, weekly student welcome meals and Bible studies were hosted in open homes and at the hall, regularly serving up to 30 students and providing shepherding.
Spiritual Growth: We rejoiced in the spiritual growth and commitment within the church, celebrating the baptisms of four new believers during this reporting period.
Body Blending: The church hosted multiple regional blending meetings in Norwich (May, September, October, and March). A special blending visit in September featured an overflowing attendance of over 80 saints. Additionally, in January 2024, a group of 12 visitors from Central London (including 1 family with 2 children, 1 couple, 4 single brothers, and 2 single sisters, representing 5 young people and 3 adults) visited Norwich for a weekend of blending. They were provided overnight hospitality by local families, enjoyed a historical church history tour of the city, and participated in a combined student dinner with 25 people present.
Stewardship of Facilities: To support hospitality, visitor housing, and campus meetings, a comprehensive refurbishment of the flat above the meeting hall was undertaken. Works completed in August 2023 included the installation of a new kitchen, bathroom, and combi-boiler. Upgrades to the meeting hall included an internet line extension, the purchase of 60 upholstered chairs (procured and delivered for £640 total), and 3 outdoor garden benches (£300 total). Several rooms were also converted into comfortable bed-sitting rooms for visitors.
Charity Registration No. 1183551
Page 4
THE CHURCH IN NORWICH
TRUSTEES' REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Overview: The trust relies mainly on voluntary donations from individuals and regular flat rental income for its operations. Total receipts for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 were £46,704, and total outgoings were £55,982. This represents a net cash outflow of £9,278 for the year.
Debt Reduction & Repayments: The church continued to prioritize debt management, paying £27,000 in loan repayments toward the principal of its meeting hall purchase loan during the year. The outstanding loan balance as of 31 March 2024 stood at £193,470.
Exclusion of Internal Bridge Movements: A total of £15,195 in temporary internal bridge loan movements was handled through the charity accounts during February 2024 to facilitate a debt repayment. These transactions represent net-zero internal adjustments and have been excluded from the receipts and outgoings sub-totals to prevent artificial grossing-up, ensuring a true and fair representation of external charitable turnover.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain free cash reserves at a level which equates to 10% of the estimated annual expenditure. This provides sufficient funds to cover management, administrative support, and response to any emergency property maintenance needs that may arise from time to time. Free cash reserves were maintained at this target throughout the year.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, and to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Declaration & Sign-off
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above.
_____ ____ _____ Mr Robert Anthony Finch Mr Christopher Paul Hill Mr Young Chul Kim Trustee Trustee Trustee
Date: ______
Charity Registration No. 1183551
Page 5
THE CHURCH IN NORWICH
TRUSTEES' REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024
SECTION A: RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
CC16a Receipts and Payments Accounts for the period 01 April 2023 to 31 March 2024
| Receipt/Payment Categories | Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | |||
| Voluntary Receipts (Note 3) | 14,822 | - | 14,822 |
| Flat Rental Income | 12,000 | - | 12,000 |
| Donation Passthrough | - | 16,571 | 16,571 |
| Training Fees | - | 3,311 | 3,311 |
| A1 Sub-total (Receipts) | 26,822 | 19,882 | 46,704 |
| Payments | |||
| Meeting Hall Loan Repayments | 27,000 | - | 27,000 |
| Church Running Expenses (Note 4) | 7,902 | - | 7,902 |
| Building/Flat Maintenance | 2,960 | - | 2,960 |
| Mission Support | 3,508 | - | 3,508 |
| Other Operational Costs | 280 | - | 280 |
| Donation Passthrough Distributions | - | 10,541 | 10,541 |
| Training Fee Payouts | - | 3,311 | 3,311 |
| Individual Grant | - | 480 | 480 |
| A3 Sub-total (Payments) | 41,650 | 14,332 | 55,982 |
| Reconciliation of Cash Funds | Total (£) | ||
| Net of receipts/(payments) | (9,278.00) | ||
| Cash funds last year end (Calculated) | 23,913.78 | ||
| Cash funds this year end | 14,635.78 |
Charity Registration No. 1183551
Page 6
THE CHURCH IN NORWICH
TRUSTEES' REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024
SECTION B: STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
B1 Cash Funds
| Asset Description | Unrestricted Funds (£) |
Restricted Funds (£) |
Total (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lloyds Bank Account | 4,878.65 | 5,550.00 | 10,428.65 |
| Barclays Bank Account | 4,207.13 | 0.00 | 4,207.13 |
| Total Cash Funds | 9,085.78 | 5,550.00 | 14,635.78 |
B4 Assets Retained for Charity's Own Use
| Description | Fund to which asset belongs |
Valuation Basis | Cost/Value (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting Hall | Unrestricted | Cost | 434,030 |
| Projector | Unrestricted | Cost | 604 |
| TV Equipment | Unrestricted | Cost | 514 |
| Picnic tables x 3 | Unrestricted | Cost | 600 |
B5 Liabilities
| Description | Fund to which liability relates |
Type | Amount due (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting hall loan | Unrestricted | Long-term | 193,470 |
Notes to the Accounts
Note 1. Accounting Policies: These accounts have been prepared on a 'Receipts and Payments' basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and applicable Charity Commission guidance (Form CC16a). This basis records cash income and expenditure as it is received or paid through the charity's bank accounts.
Note 2. Exclusion of Internal Bridge Loans: A total of £15,195 in temporary internal bridge loan movements was handled through the charity accounts during February 2024 to facilitate a debt repayment. These transactions represent net-zero internal adjustments and have been excluded from the receipts and outgoings sub-totals to prevent artificial grossing-up, ensuring a true and fair representation of external charitable turnover.
Note 3. Voluntary Receipts & Gift Aid: Voluntary receipts include a £500 Gift Aid repayment received in June 2023. This section also reflects localized and international support, including mission-related collections for youth camps and North American student work.
Note 4. Gift in Kind (Vodafone Services): Voluntary receipts include a 'Gift in Kind' valued at £480 representing telecommunications services provided by Vodafone. Although these accounts are on a cash basis, this has been included as a 'deemed' cash receipt and a corresponding 'deemed' payment within Church Running Expenses to properly reflect the value of the resources consumed by the charity.
Charity Registration No. 1183551
Page 7