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Prayer Centre Wales
2020 Update on Structure, Vision & Business Plan
(Trustees Annual Report)
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Contents
1. Introduction
-
Review - Year Ending 5[th] April 2020
-
Lockdown – March 2020 onwards
-
Organizational Development
-
Safeguarding
-
Standard Operating Procedures
-
Financial Review
-
2020-21 Planned Activities
-
2020-21 Budget
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2021-25 Budget
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1. Introduction
Two documents entitled ‘Background, Structure & Vision’ and ‘Business Plan’ were produced in 2019 as part of the original documentation issued to the Charity Commission in order to meet registration criteria. Prayer Centre Wales was subsequently issued a registration document on the 22[nd] November 2019 and as much of those documents record historic details, rather than update and up-issue them, a new document ‘XXXX Update on Structure, Vision & Business Plan’ will be issued annually to record changes and updates. ‘XXXX’ being the year of issue.
2. Review - Year Ending 5[th] April 2020
In the period between Registration and 5[th] April 2020 progress was made in a number of key areas. PCW committed to benefiting the people of Wales in a number of ways; how this has progressed is shown below –
The bringing together of churches and Christian organizations – this has been achieved already in that in the first live Prayer Gathering there were a number of different Christian churches represented as varied as non-denominational, Pentecostal and Catholic. The weekly ‘Day of Prayer, Fasting and Action’ and the ‘Live Online Prayer Gatherings’ that have taken place during Lockdown have seen people join in from most if not all of the mainline denominations.
Raising awareness of prayer – this has been done through social media, such as Facebook and website. These methods have been used to post instructional blogs and videos. Also, the opportunity for people to send in prayer requests and for people to share in praying for those requests continues to raise awareness of prayer. This has also made prayer more accessible to people of all backgrounds, and especially for those geographically isolated.
Development of spirituality – all of the PCW activities encourage the worship of God and a personal (spiritual) relationship with God. Joining with others to pray is an important means of developing a person’s spiritual life. Teaching material released through videos and blogs have made teaching material freely available to anyone who wishes to use the resources to develop their spiritual life and walk with God.
Helping those who are isolated by circumstances - the Prayer Wall has meant that people with few contacts have been able to share their needs, as has the prayer requests shared through Facebook live during the ‘live streamed’ prayer gatherings.
Provision of facilities – PCW is currently still looking for suitable premises to rent or purchase. In the mean-time facilities are being arranged on a ‘one off’ basis for specific events. PCW are also creating space by the use of Zoom and Facebook Live.
The identification of the social and economic needs of the nation – are being represented on the website as prayer requests. They are also demonstrated in a practical way through our days of Prayer, Fasting & Action. We are asking people to meet needs in a practical way as well as praying for those needs. This encourages people to be the answer as well as recognize the need.
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Moral & ethical frameworks – PCW continues to stress through its teaching material and instruction based on the Bible, the importance of a moral and ethical framework to live by.
The documents that were originally provided to the Charity Commission to aid registration highlighted a 4-point plan –
The first of the four-point plan was to set up a website. This has been set up and is functioning. As highlighted previously, it has teaching on prayer, advertises forthcoming events, highlights national issues and challenges, has a ‘Prayer Wall’ where the requests for prayer sent in by people can be displayed and a page dedicated to thanksgiving for answers to prayer. In addition to the website, there is a Facebook page which works alongside the website and is also used to relay live prayer events.
The 24 hour a day, 7 day a week prayer chain is still a work in progress. The number of people required to maintain this is higher than is currently available to support it. While this is still an important target it may not happen this year.
The third activity highlighted was the organization of prayer events. The first event took place 29[th] February at Rogerstone, Newport. The original plan to stage 4 prayer days each year, one in each region of Wales, South-East, South-West, Mid & North, is under review with a probability that the growth into those regions may be more organic and take longer than originally planned. Further events are planned, one being cancelled due to the ‘Lockdown’. Weekly live streamed prayer events have been taking place during the Lockdown.
The fourth step was to establish a prayer retreat. This is still planned and may be possible for this year; enquiries have been made with a number of Christian organizations re the availability of redundant buildings.
3. Lockdown – March 2020 Onwards
The intervention of the government in declaring a Lockdown has had an impact on planned activities. One event scheduled for May 10[th] in Merthyr has been cancelled. However, during this period weekly Days of Prayer, Fasting and Action and live streamed prayer events have been taking place. Use of the website Prayer Wall and Facebook videos have been used to engage with people and their requests.
4. Organizational Development
There has been no substantial change to the way PCW has been structured. The Trustees and SLT are unchanged and PCW is yet to further develop Operational & Event teams. These are high priorities for 2020-21.
5. Safeguarding
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Based upon the original planned activities it was unlikely that there would be much direct involvement with children or vulnerable adults. This is likely to change, not least because of an online presence, and so a safeguarding policy is being developed. This will form a separate document.
In addition to the greater probability of encountering children and vulnerable adults we need to recognize the risks associated with renting buildings for activities and the implications of safeguarding for on line-events.
6. Standard Operating Procedures
Now that PCW is at the stage of developing more activities and are ready to introduce more people into active roles within the charity/ministry it is necessary to develop Standard Operating Procedures. These will be based upon the core values that were highlighted in the original document. These are currently in the process of being produced.
7. Financial Review
As was originally stated PCW runs on donations and where possible grants. There has been no charge for anything we have run or provided. It is still the intention of PCW to only purchase what can be purchased with funds available at the time. No grants or loans have been made or received.
The budget for the period ending 05/04/20 was £750 of which £250 related to deposits for building rental for events in this calendar year. Of the remaining £500, costs were lower and met by private donations. These payments were made direct to the companies involved and not made through PCW as it predated the PCW bank account. These related to the costs associated with setting up the charity and website etc.
PCW bank account received its first credit on the 23[rd] July 2019 and at 5[th] April 2020 had £540.01 in the bank account with creditors and accruals of around £154.
The accounts for 2019-20 are available upon request
8. 2020-21 Planned Activities
The 2020-21 period will see PCW move on from the foundation already being laid. There are a number of activities that will be prioritized during this period that will further facilitate future growth -
Operational teams – We will be looking to establish operational teams that will be able to develop the day to day functions and operations of the ministry. This will involve the handing of responsibility to key individuals. These will include functions such as – maintaining the website & social media, financial control, event management, admin, producing newsletters, writing blogs.
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Events teams – Currently live prayer events would take place based upon the involvement of all the SLT. Stuart & Clare Bell head up the actual event itself along with Clyde Thomas providing ministry. Currently the staging etc of the event is organized by Alan and Paula Jefferies. We will be looking to set up regional teams that organize the events with the SLT providing the leadership of the ministry. However, during this next period we will be looking to diversify prayer ministry. This will result in the need to appoint people to run children’s prayer ministry, youth prayer ministry, overseas mission prayer events etc.
Building(s) – PCW will be looking at the purchase / loan / rental of building(s) during this period. In order to introduce more events, we will look to establish a base to operate in and out of. A thorough investigation into what delivers the best value for those engaging with us and the best value for the ministry will be made. Over a period of time it is envisaged that the ministry will establish ‘bases’ throughout Wales and within the reach of much if not all of the country. This next time period will see this process begin.
Prayer Activities – as mentioned above this will diversify into specific prayer events as well as more general live prayer events. During Lockdown it is likely we will continue with an online presence through the website, Zoom and Facebook.
The 24/7 prayer chain is still a priority but may be difficult to achieve this year, but the option of joining with other prayer ministries to develop one may be an option that we explore.
Lockdown – it is important to recognize the length of the Lockdown period will influence the way activities unfold in this next period.
9. 2020-21 Budget
The budget for this next period will be largely dependent on decisions made regarding buildings. It is not the policy of PCW to collect money without a purpose to use it. At the start of the period there is sufficient money available to progress the targeted activities but insufficient to meet all of the activities we would like to do in 2020-2021. These are shown below and again, the period that Lockdown remains in place will greatly affect these numbers.
| Expenditure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Previous F/cast £ | Current F/cast £ | |
| Costs of maintaining the Ministry1 | 2,000 | 200 |
| Costs of maintaining the website | 100 | 100 |
| Costs of advertising and publicity | 500 | 200 |
| Costs of holding Prayer days (Building & Eqt rental)2 | 2,000 | 2000 |
| Part-time Employment for 1person (plus expenses)3 | 10,000 | 0 |
| Grand Total4 |
14600 | 2500 |
1 Professional, website costs & office costs – will now be met by volunteer services including year end accounts
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2 It is hoped to minimize the costs even further by utilizing the equipment already at venues and not having to purchase or rent ourselves. Also, it is less likely that we will rent public buildings and utilize church owned buildings.
3 It is unlikely that we will employ a part time person within this year.
4 This does not take into account the purchase or rental of a building. If that were to happen this year then a new budget incorporating those costs would need to be prepared
Income
Current F/cast £
Donations from individuals and Christian organizations 1200 Applications to public and private bodies for funding[5] 0 Grand Total 1200
Grand Total
- 5 This is shown to highlight a possible source of income should a building be rented or purchased 6 This does not reflect the £386 already available leaving the balance to meet the above £814
Please note - the source of income will still be through donations and grant applications.
10. 2021-25 Budget
While it is not possible to give an accurate forecast at this time, it is possible to highlight that costs would be expected to be at least equal to if not greater that the current year. It is also likely at some stage to increase due to –
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Increased number of live prayer events and venue costs. These costs can vary greatly due to the size and location of venues
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Employment of at least one part time / full time person These costs would be based upon a cost of £22,500 pa pro rata
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The purchase /rent of a building. These costs again would vary greatly based upon the facility, size and location.
It is extremely difficult to predict accurately what these costs would total due to the variables that have been highlighted. Also with regard to building(s) the costs for rent / purchasing / maintenance etc would be dependent on as yet unknown factors.
It is also the case that expenditure will be largely driven by income.
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Revision
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Revision Comments Date
0 Review July 2020 13/07/20
1 Adopted 21/07/20 21/07/20
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Prayer Centre Wales
2021 Update on Structure, Vision & Business Plan
(Trustees Annual Report)
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Contents
-
Introduction
-
Review - Year Ending 5[th] April 2021
-
Organizational Development
-
Safeguarding
-
Standard Operating Procedures
-
Financial Review
-
2021-22 Planned Activities
-
2021-22 Budget
-
2022-26 Budget
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11.Introduction
The purpose of this document is to report on progress and activity since the last report and covers the period 6[th] April 2020 to 5[th] April 2021 and will form the Trustees Annual Report to the charity Commission.
12.Review - Year Ending 5[th] April 2021
Before we can review the actions of Prayer Centre Wales (PCW) against our intended aims we must comment on the unusual circumstances that we, like everyone else within similar areas of operation have encountered. The effect of the Lockdowns that have been both imposed and recommended by Government has affected the nature of the progress we have made and at the same time offered us opportunities that may not otherwise have existed. PCW has sought to recognize these opportunities and have sought to progress these while acknowledging that other stated aims have been unavoidably slower to materialize. Hence while we have had only one ‘in-person’ meeting during this period we have held 39 online prayer gatherings and 17 prayer days which have been supported by information designed to enlighten and encourage on our website and information including videos on our Facebook page.
We have seen an increased response to requests for prayer on the Prayer Wall on the webpage and have had over 570 different visitors to the website in the last year, while in terms of Facebook the number of followers now exceeds 800 and many of the posts now have views in the hundreds and some in the thousands.
During this last year PCW, even with the challenges of the pandemic has realized its aims of benefitting the people of Wales in the following ways –
The bringing together of churches and Christian organizations – While in one sense this has been hampered by the effects of the pandemic, the circumstances it created has helped in other ways. The lack of ‘in-person’ and on-line services that many churches have experienced has led to the opportunity for their members and usual attendees to engage with PCW and for PCW to seek to fill that gap, especially during the first lockdown period. This is evidenced by the number of people who engaged with the online gatherings, prayer days and social media posts as shown above. However, there is evidence that the growth in the numbers that are engaging with us over social media, as well as connecting with us through the PCW website come from a wide range of social and denominational backgrounds. Throughout the first of the Lockdowns the weekly ‘Day of Prayer, Fasting and Action’ and the ‘Live Online Prayer Gatherings’ that took place saw people join in from most if not all of the mainline denominations and many non-denominational Christian groups.
Raising awareness of prayer – Once again due to circumstances this has been done through social media, such as Facebook and website. These methods have been used to post instructional blogs and videos. This has been developed throughout the year to include daily prayer requests and Bible verses. Also, the opportunity for people to send in prayer requests and for people to share in praying for those requests continues to raise awareness of prayer. This has also made prayer more accessible to people of all backgrounds, and especially for those isolated through geography and/or illness. Though the purpose of PCW is
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fundamentally to raise awareness within Wales, its effect is also global with followers and participants in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and mainland and eastern Europe. This has led to an additional page on the Prayer Wall on the website for requests for or from outside the UK.
Development of spirituality – As previously reported, all of the PCW activities encourage the worship of God and a personal (spiritual) relationship with God. Joining with others to pray is an important means of developing a person’s spiritual life. Teaching material as outlined above is a key resource to develop a person’s spiritual life and walk with God. The monthly newsletter/update is emailed out to all who have made a ‘connection’ with us through our webpage, and is a tool that is designed to encourage, enlighten and equip those who receive it. During the past year we were donated 100 UK Prayer Maps which we offered free including package and postage to all who requested one. This too was designed to develop the prayer life of those receiving them.
Helping those who are isolated by circumstances - the Prayer Wall has meant that people with few contacts have been able to share their needs, as has the prayer requests shared through Facebook live during the ‘live streamed’ prayer gatherings. During 2020 we started a monthly prayer gathering on-line specifically for those who are house-bound or have limited access outside their homes. This group meets monthly and though small does have people regularly attend with access limiting disabilities. One such person recently requested further groups be set up and described the meeting as the highlight of his month.
Provision of facilities – while PCW is currently still looking for suitable premises to rent or purchase the circumstances of the last year has meant this has not been a priority. In the mean-time facilities are available to us that can be arranged on a ‘one off’ basis for specific events. PCW will also continue to create space by the use of Zoom and Facebook Live.
The identification of the social and economic needs of the nation – While these are being represented on both the Facebook and the website as prayer requests and through the monthly newsletter/update, people are encouraged to seek solutions to the needs of our nation as well as pray. We teach that prayer is not a passive activity and that those who pray for social change and improvement must seek how they can contribute to that change personally. This encourages people to be the answer as well as recognize the need. This was one of the keys to the prayer days where people were given actions to accompany prayer requests.
Moral & ethical frameworks – PCW continues to stress through its teaching material and instruction based on the Bible, the importance of a moral and ethical framework to live by. PCW also contacted politicians to represent the biblical standpoint on abortion and will continue to raise awareness of what are biblically based unfair and unjust situations arising within our communities and nation.
The documents that were originally provided to the Charity Commission to aid registration highlighted a 4-point plan –
The first of the four-point plan was to set up a website. This has been set up and is functioning. As highlighted previously, it has teaching on prayer, advertises forthcoming events, highlights national issues and challenges, has a ‘Prayer Wall’ where the requests for
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prayer sent in are displayed, and a page dedicated to thanksgiving for answers to prayer. In addition to the website, there is a Facebook page which also is used to relay live prayer events. The website continues to be an important source of information to, from and through PCW.
The 24 hour a day, 7 day a week prayer chain is still a work in progress. The number of people required to maintain this is higher than is currently available to support it. While this is still an important target it may not happen in this coming year.
The third activity highlighted was the organization of prayer events. The first event took place 29[th] February at Rogerstone, Newport, days prior to the period we are reviewing. Circumstances since then have made meeting together in person difficult and at times illegal. A further event that was planned for May 2020 was cancelled but we did stage one communal outdoor event in August at Keeper’s Pond Blaenavon. A further planned event in the Autumn was cancelled as the pandemic had worsened and local lockdowns were being introduced.
The fourth step was to establish a property that could be used as a place of teaching, prayer and as a retreat. This is still planned and may be possible for this year; enquiries have been made with a number of Christian organizations re the availability of redundant buildings but little has materialized as they are awaiting total removal of restrictions prior to meeting to make decisions.
13.Organizational Development
There has been no substantial change to the way PCW has been structured. The Trustees and SLT are unchanged but we now have identified a small number of people who meet to pray bi-monthly that we see as key to leading Operational & Event teams. There is a high priority to see this group develop during the coming year.
14.Safeguarding
Last year we reported that though based upon the original planned activities it was unlikely that there would be much direct involvement with children or vulnerable adults, this looked likely to change; this is due to in no small part to a greater online presence, and so a safeguarding policy is being developed. This will form a separate document and is still ongoing but a safeguarding officer has been appointed.
In addition to the greater probability of encountering children and vulnerable adults we need to recognize the risks associated with renting buildings for activities and the implications of safeguarding for on line-events.
15.Standard Operating Procedures
During the past year we have developed a SOP that is now in place and has been adopted as PCW policy by the Trustees and SLT. This document is based on and consistent with our core values.
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16.Financial Review
As was originally stated PCW runs on donations and where possible grants. There has been no charge for anything we have run or provided. It is still the intention of PCW to only purchase what can be purchased with funds available at the time. No grants or loans have been made or received.
The budget for the period ending 05/04/21 was £2500 of which £2000 related to costs associated with holding ‘in person’ prayer events. As these were impacted by the pandemic the actual spend was considerably less. Total income for the period was <£100 and total expenditure <£300. The balance of cash available at the end of the period was £299 with outstanding debts/accruals amounting <£10.
The accounts for 2020-21 are available upon request.
17.2021-22 Planned Activities
The 2021-22 period is an exciting one as we expect to see restrictions lifted within the nation that will allow PCW to function in a way that current and previous restrictions did not allow. The key areas of activity are highlighted below –
Re-introduction of ‘in-person’ meetings - The gradual removal of restrictions in Wales gives us encouragement as we look to reintroduce physical gatherings. We are looking to introduce localized gatherings to pray together for the following issues – Wales, Israel, Global Missions, Leaders, People Trafficking & Exploitation, Addiction and groups to pray in the Welsh language. PCW anticipates being in a position to further these groups throughout Wales during the coming year. More importantly it will see the release of people to establish and run prayer groups throughout Wales. It is hoped to establish these in every unitary authority but initially we will look to do this within each post code area i.e., CF, LD, LL, NP, SA, SY
Operational teams – We will be looking to establish operational teams that will be able to develop the day-to-day functions and operations of the ministry. This will involve the handing of responsibility to key individuals. These will include functions such as – maintaining the website & social media, financial control, event management, admin, producing newsletters, writing blogs.
Events teams – Currently live prayer events would take place based upon the involvement of all the SLT. Stuart & Clare Bell head up the actual event itself along with Clyde Thomas providing ministry. Currently the staging etc of the event is organized by Alan and Paula Jefferies. We will be looking to engage with key personnel that allows this to happen throughout Wales without direct SLT involvement.
Building(s) – PCW will be looking at the purchase / loan / rental of building(s) during this period. In order to introduce more events, we will look to establish a base to operate in and out of. A thorough investigation into what delivers the best value for those engaging with us and the best value for the ministry will be made. Over a period of time, it is envisaged that the ministry will establish ‘bases’ throughout Wales and within the reach of much if not all of the country. This next time period will see this process begin.
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24/7 Prayer Chain – This is still a priority but may be difficult to achieve this year, but the option of joining with other prayer ministries to develop one may be an option that we explore.
Joining with other prayer ministries – This again is something that PCW is looking into and will seek to develop, based on common goals, shared values and available resource.
18.2021-22 Budget
Last year’s update was unable to give a detailed forecast for this period due to the uncertainty over the effects of the pandemic and other unknown factors such as purchase/rental of buildings. The latter factor is still applicable and makes an accurate prediction difficult.
| Expenditure | |
|---|---|
| Current F/cast £ | |
| Costs of maintaining the Ministry1 | 300 |
| Costs of maintaining the website | 100 |
| Costs of advertising and publicity | 250 |
| Costs of holding Prayer days (Building & Eqt rental)2 | 1,000 |
| Part-time Employment for 1person (plus expenses)3 | 0 |
| Tithing of expected income | 183 |
| Grand Total4 |
1833 |
1 Professional, website costs & office costs – will now largely be met by volunteer services including year-end accounts.
2 It is hoped to minimize the costs even further by utilizing the equipment already at venues and not having to purchase or rent ourselves. Also, it is less likely that we will rent public buildings and utilize church owned buildings.
3 It is unlikely that we will employ a part time person within this year.
~~4 T~~ his does not take into account the purchase or long-term rental of a building. If that were to happen this year then a new budget incorporating those costs would need to be prepared
| Income | |
|---|---|
| Current F/cast £ | |
| Donations from individuals and Christian organizations | 1833 |
| Applications to public and private bodies for funding5 | 0 |
| Grand Total | 18336 |
5 This is shown to highlight a possible source of income should a building be rented or purchased
6 This does not reflect the £299 already available leaving the balance to meet the above £1351
Please note - the source of income will still be through donations and grant applications.
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19. 2022-26 Budget
While, as was the case last year, it is not possible to give an accurate forecast at this time, it is possible to highlight that costs would be expected to be at least equal to if not greater that the current year. It is also likely at some stage to increase due to –
-
Increased number of live prayer events and venue costs. These costs can vary greatly due to the size and location of venues
-
Employment of at least one part time / full time person These costs would be based upon a cost of £25,000 pa pro rata
-
The purchase /rent of a building. These costs again would vary greatly based upon the facility, size and location.
-
The holding of a nationally advertised event at a venue holding >750 people.
-
These costs again would vary greatly based upon the facility, size, date and location.
It is extremely difficult to predict accurately what these costs would total due to the variables that have been highlighted. Also, with regard to building(s) the costs for rent / purchasing / maintenance etc would be dependent on as yet unknown factors.
It is also the case that expenditure will be largely driven by income. If any of the above are chosen to pursue, a detailed plan will be raised to show the extent of the costs and how they will be met.
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Revision
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Revision Comments Date
0 Review Document April 2021 03/04/21
1 Adopted by Trustees/SLT as Trustees Annual Report 07/04/21
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Accounts 2019-2020
| Income | £540.01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Description | Amount |
| 001 | Private Donations | £540.01 |
| Expenditure | £0.00 | |
| Code | Description | Amount |
| Cash at start of period | £0.00 | |
| Bal of Income / Ependiture 2019-20 | £540.01 | |
| Cash at end of period | £540.01 | |
| Prepayments | £0.00 | |
| Code | Description | Amount |
| Creditors | £54.00 | |
| Code | Description | Amount |
| 101 | Tithes unpaid | £54.00 |
| Accruals | £100.00 | |
| Code | Description | Amount |
| 102 | Newport City Council | £100.00 |
| Bal after Prepayments / Creditors / Accruals | £386.01 |
Accounts 2020-21
| Income | £65.00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Description | Amount |
| 001 | Private Donations | £65.00 |
| Expenditure | £299.40 | |
| Code | Description | Amount |
| 101 | Donation to Noddfa Abersychan | £54.00 |
| 103 | Zoom Subscription | £115.10 |
| 104 | Postage | £15.20 |
| 103 | Go Daddy Subscription | £115.10 |
| 103 | ||
| Cash at start of period | £540.01 | |
| Bal of Income / Expenditure 2020-21 | -£234.40 | |
| Cash at end of period | £305.61 | |
| Prepayments | £0.00 | |
| Code | Description | Amount |
| Creditors | £6.50 | |
| Code | Description | Amount |
| 101 | Tithes | £6.50 |
| Accruals | £0.00 | |
| Code | Description | Amount |
| Bal after Prepayments / Creditors / Accruals | £299.11 | |
| Notes: |
Last years accounts showed an accrual of £100 for hire of a Newport City Council Premises. This has been waved and not charged.