2023-12-31-accounts - The Bridge Church Birmingham

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THE BRIDGE CHURCH BIRMINGHAM

Registered Charity: 1186458

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT

AND

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

Luke Silver Accountancy & Taxation Services 25 Ellicombe Close Minehead Somerset TA24 6DQ

Mobile: 07710 456376

E-mail: luke-silver@puresilver.org.uk

Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts

Receipts and Payment Accounts

Report to the trustees/members of The Bridge Church Birmingham

Registered Charity Number 1186458

On the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Set out on the following pages

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity¹s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
• To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act Have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed L A Silver

Date: 23 October 2024

Luke Silver HNC Business & Finance Accountancy Practitioner

25 Ellicombe Close, Minehead, Somerset. TA24 6DQ

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees and Church Council

Introduction

Thank you for submitting the accounts for independent examination. They have been well maintained and the treasurer and others responsible are to be commended for their hard work. I will therefore keep my comments to a minimum.

Charity Law and Financial Regulations

The independent examination has been carried out in accordance with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 1995 (Statutory Instruments No 2724) and the Accounting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).

Signing of Accounts

I shall be obliged if you will please forward a copy of the signature page for my records after the accounts have been signed by a representative appointed by the Trustees and Church Council. A spare copy is enclosed.

Conclusion

There are no other matters I feel need to be brought to your attention.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for further clarification or for further assistance.

Luke Silver

Date: 23 October 2024

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BIRMINGHAM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

ACTIVITIES REVIEW

The financial results are set out in the enclosed accounts.

The object of the charitable incorporated organisation is the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the statement of faith and in such ways as the Charity Trustees may from time to time, think fit.

TRUSTEES

The trustees during the year were as follows:

Errol Lawson

Lee Button

Yvonne Brooks

Tobi Labeodan

STATEMENT

We certify that the books, vouchers and information produced to enable the independent examination of our accounts to be conducted contain a full and correct record of our financial transactions and activities to the best of our knowledge and belief.

SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES

Please print name:

Date:

The Bridge Church Birmingham Registered Charity No: 1186458

Summary Receipts and Payments For The Year Ended 31st December 2023

	2022 £	2023 £		2022 £	2023 £
Giving (see note 1) Other Income (see note 2) Investment A/C (see note 3)	47,709 41,684 0	46,281 45,112 77	Pastoral & Ministry Costs (see note 4) Church Family (see note 5) Establishment Costs (see note 6) Administration (see note 7)	5,762 15,348 48,276 12,965	7,270 16,596 48,752 7,301
	89,393	91,470		82,351	79,919

Opening Balance 01.01.23 Barclays Account 93251403 Tangible Assets Other Assets Total		Closing Balance @ 31.12.23 Benevolent Fund (Women) Building Fund Restricted 3,186 Barclays Women's Ministry 4,447 Account 93251403 31,985 Tangible Assets 1,206 Other Assets Creditors 40,824 Total			1,477 5,135 1,357 139 4,000 32,917 667 9,606
					55,298

LAS

Summary

23/10/2024

The Bridge Church Birmingham Registered Charity No: 1186458

Receipts for the year ended 31st December 2023

£ £ 2022	£ £ 2022	£ £ 2023	£ £ 2023
47,709 0	47,709 41,684 0	46,281 0	46,281 45,112 77
10,744 7,456 912 834 457 1,508 40 500 0 0 0 6,789 9,000 2,260 17 1,167		15,036 9,803 0 0 0 5,285 0 1,600 270 295 12 9,931 1,460 0 0 1,420
0		77

	89,393		91,470

LAS

23/10/2024

Inc

The Bridge Church Birmingham Registered Charity No: 1186458

Payments for the year ended 31st December 2023

£ £ 2022	£ £ 2022	£ £ 2023	£ £ 2023
868 2,200 300 1,175 1,000 0 219	5,762 15,348 48,276 12,965	2,395 1,600 0 1,032 400 1,500 343	7,270 16,596 48,752 7,301
30 150 82 4,060 191 8,927 109 0 134 1,665 0 0 0		42 550 0 4,407 197 8,952 300 0 0 950 953 45 200
246 654 0 2,382 1,877 3,687 36,000 3,430		532 3,861 3,942 797 36,000 3,620
3,868 1,153 1,380 0 0 0 251 2,710 700 1,215 924 764		63 2,270 0 1,281 136 75 187 232 425 1,199 758 675

	82,351		79,919

LAS

23/10/2024

Exps

The Bridge Church Birmingham Registered Charity No: 1186458

Statement of Assets and Liabilities As At 31st December 2023

	£
Fixed Assets Furniture & Fixtures Total Fixed Assets Loan to Individuals Current Assets Bank Balances: Benevolent Fund (Women) Building Fund Restricted Barclays Account 93251403 Women's Ministry Stock - Apostle Arome Osayi Total Current Assets Total Assets Current Liabilites Creditors Net Assets	32,917
	32,917 0 1,477 5,135 1,357 4,000 139 667
	12,775
	45,692
	(9,606)
	55,298

LAS

23/10/2024

Assets

The Bridge Church Birmingham

Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31st December 2023

Administrative Information

The Bridge Church Birmingham is located at 86 Watery Lane, Middleway, Birmingham, B9 HN. It is part of the Assemblies of God denomination and is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission (No: 1186458).

Trustees during the year 2023:

Pastor Errol Lawson

Yvonne Brooks

Tobi Labeodan

Kehinde Lawson

Michelle Lynch

Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charities Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the church.

Aim and Purposes

The Bridge Church Birmingham is dedicated to advancing the Christian faith in Birmingham and beyond. The trustees and church leadership work in harmony to promote the mission and vision of the church, with the aim of fostering spiritual growth, community outreach, and service to others.

Achievements and Performance

Worship and Prayer

In 2023, The Bridge Church continued to provide a variety of services throughout the week, offering spaces for worship, prayer, and fellowship. Our nightly prayers remain a cornerstone of spiritual life in the church, creating an intimate environment for reflection and worship. We also held baptisms and wedding blessings, and our children and young adults programmes continued to thrive.

Our weekly attendance has remained consistent, with 40 to 60 adults and children participating regularly. These numbers increase significantly during baptisms, special events, and outreach efforts.

Church Building

Several maintenance projects were undertaken in 2023. Routine maintenance was conducted on the church building, with key improvements including the development of the kitchen space and external refurbishments. The environmental health team also carried out inspections to ensure the building remains a safe environment for all activities.

Service to the Community and Pastoral Care

Pastoral care within the church is primarily delivered through our small groups, where individuals and families meet for fellowship and community support. These groups are a vital part of the church’s ministry, offering a space for personal care, discipleship, and mutual encouragement.

Mission and Outreach

Our outreach and evangelism initiatives continued to expand in 2023, with regular bi-monthly outreach events. Additionally, we have continued to support local missionary work on a monthly basis, demonstrating our commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving those in need.

Ecumenical Relationships

The Bridge Church is a member of the Assemblies of God in the UK and maintains good relationships with other churches in the local area. We collaborate with neighbouring churches on various initiatives and events.

Financial Review

For the year ended 31st December 2023, the church recorded a surplus of £7,042, reflecting an improvement compared to the previous year.

Total Income: £91,470

Total Expenditure: £79,919

A notable portion of our income came from donations, which contributed 53% of our total income. Additionally, we received £15,036 from Gift Aid and £1,460 from rental income.

Expenditure highlights include:

Pastoral and Ministry Costs: £7,270

Church Family Activities: £16,596, which includes conference expenses, worship ministry, and hospitality

Establishment Costs: £48,752, which included rent (£36,000) and maintenance

Administration Costs: £7,301

The year concluded with a total bank balance of £7,772.

Reserves Policy

We are working towards having a reserves policy that ensures we hold in reserve the equivalent of six months’ general running costs. This policy will be reviewed annually once fully established.

Structure, Governance, and Management

The Board of Trustees met regularly throughout the year, as is customary, to oversee the church’s governance and ensure the smooth running of its operations.

Responsibilities of the Trustees

The trustees are required by the Charities Act 1993 to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the church’s financial activities and position. The trustees are responsible for ensuring that accounting records are kept accurately and that the financial statements comply with applicable laws and regulations.

By order, Errol Lawson Trustee