## Anchor Church
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 December 2024
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
## **ANCHOR CHURCH**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE
c/o The C of E Birmingham 1 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2BJ
GOVERNING DOCUMENT CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER
CIO Association dated 20th August 2019
1186793
TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE CHARITY
Chris Mitton Joshua Barber Lucy Jennings (appointed April 2024) Helena Kittle (resigned April 2024) Joel Lines Patrick Masih (resigned September 2024) Callum Nicholson (appointed April 2024) Miriam Sadler Jonathan Taylor (appointed April 2024)
BANKERS
Co-operative Bank
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
## **INDEX**
Page 1 Legal and Administrative Details Pages 2-6 Trustees' Report Page 7 Independent Examiner's Report Page 8 Receipts and Payments Account Page 9 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 10-11 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
## **ANCHOR CHURCH**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **Objects of the charity**
The charity, which is a church, is governed by a constitution and is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation. The charity's principal object, as set out in its governing document, is to advance the Christian faith.
## **Pastor's Welcome**
This may be our final Anchor Church annual report, with the partnership with the wonderful community of St Mary and St Ambrose now established, and us already in motion with our new identity as Rea Church.
However, with Anchor still a registered charity, we have constitutional requirements to still report! And thus we’re taking this as a chance to look back with gratitude on what has been, as we establish ourselves for the adventure ahead.
A point of particular reflection for me has been of God’s timing. Many of us, in many ways influenced by the pandemic, found ourselves in a number of years of being slowed down, of withdrawal, and of all of our energy feeling consumed with just the basic essentials of life. I believe God has been working His purposes out in us through all this — drawing us to deeper trust and purifying our hunger. In these past months, I’ve seen vision burning again, gifts opening up into fresh seasons, as we begin to find our place within a fresh move of God in our nation.
There is much to come, and much to be thankful for. As we look back with gratitude on our years as Anchor — in the Jewellery Quarter, in Edgbaston, in Warley, in Newtown, and in Selly Park — we celebrate the maturing and simplifying that God has given us, into this new season. For those who simply, daily, persistently, come to Him, our Lord and Messiah and Saviour and friend, will find that the living waters of the Spirit of God Himself, will certainly flow.
## **Review of the charity's main activities and achievements**
To further the above objects and vision, the charity's main activities and achievements were as follows:
## _Asylum seekers' football_
We continued a weekly football outreach this year in order to connect with young asylum seekers in the city. This ministry is borne out of a recognition of the difficult mental and emotional conditions these young men are currently facing. The ministry provided a space for exercise, socialising and gaining confidence in speaking English. At the moment, we have paused the ministry, as we reassess our team, leaders, the vision of incoming staff, and local connections.
Page 2
Blueprint
This time last year we began dreaming up a vision of having our own youth ministry at church,. a lot of our
kids had become young people, and they were ready to have their own space and start their own growth
journey together. We had a vision for'Blueprint Youth,, where young people are empowered to become
the people that God has created them to be and to be co-crealors with God of the world He intended.
Over the summer we attended Wildfires and the young people were inspired by a vision of what God is
able lo do in our schools and friendshipsl In September we launched Friday night youth.. each week our
young people come for a mixture of silly fun, worship, discussions and teaching. We've covered topics
around God's character, unity and identity, worship, and prayer. We've had a range of fun socials where
our youth have been able to bring friends, such as Taskmaster activities, a Christmas Cinema, fort
building and games nights. We've also been able to go along to Riverside church for a Youth Together
event, and have another coming up later this Spring, which is a great opportunity to build community
across different church youth groups. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to grow this
ministry lo strengthen the faith of the young people in the congregation, and to reach out to local young
people in the Balsall Heath area.
Companions
Every aspect of church lrfe should be a healing environment. However sometimes there are specific
needs among us that need some extra support, prayer, and friendship. This year, the Companions team
has continued, linking individuals with a specific supporbng individual, for listening and prayer.
Devotional
January 2024 saw the launch of our email daily devotional- Further Up & Further In- taking us
through the New Testament in the year. In December, Chris published this resource on Amazon as a
devotional book. We've been so blessed by wonderful stories of impact as people have journeyed deeper
into the story of God
Hardship Fund
The hardship fund continued to support those in our own community who hit seasons of particular
financial struggle. We offer small grants lo assist in unusual moments of financial challenge. If this is
something that you, or anyone in our church family that you know, would benefit from, do get in touch.
His.'Story
In November-December, Chris was invited to teach the His.'Story course at St Marks Academy in
Coventry. The course is now available as a free digital resource online, complete with a workbook that is
available (free} as a pdf, or printed on Amazon
Marriage
We have continued lo run marriage prep this year, linking engaged couples with married 'support
couples, to walk through the HTB pre-marriage course.
Mission Connect
Our commitment lo giving remains core to our DNA. In 2024 funds tolalling £6950 were distributed to
individuals and projects at home and overseas. £3000 was awarded lo missionaries within the
congregation and the balance shared between 4 projects including one in India to support children in
education. The giving fund is derived from the gifts and offerings generously provided by you, the church.
On behalf of the Mission Connect Team and the recipients of the grant we offer a wholehearted thank
you for your faithfulness and SUPFX)rt.
Page 3
## _Over 60s_
With the merging of our communities, we’re able to expand ministry, including more specific pastoral investment into particular areas. In the coming year, we will be developing pastoral connection, support, social activities, and increasing our pastoral care for the bereaved.
## _PAGA_
This year Paga has partnered with the worship team to facilitate monthly evenings of prayer and worship, allowing more space for encounters with God and to hear prophetic songs rise up within our community. We’ve seen God speak over the city with a call to church unity and how we grow as a community to go deeper in prayer. We moved Paga into St Mary & St Ambrose in the Spring, and so the very first opportunities we had to gather together with the community at SSMA was in worship and prayer.
## _Prayer ministry_
In Sunday prayer ministry, we long to seek more of God's presence encountering God's people. Lately, we've seen more people coming forward for prayer and encountering Jesus in gentle yet powerful ways. It's been great to hear how God is moving and speaking through these times of prayer.
## _Prayer Room_
We have now established our prayer room in our church building, as a space for intercession, worship, and listening to the lead of God for our community and city. We were blessed to welcome some team from 24-7 Peru as we begin to establish the prayer room as core to our community.
## _Relay_
We've had a wonderful year within Relay! We've planted seeds, got super messy making truffles, toasted marshmallows over a fire, taken mini-golf and rock climbing trips, and had an absurdly silly water fight - all while learning about different people in the bible, and exploring how what they did can impact the way we act, think, and journey with God today. Since October we've begun to get settled into our new space, welcomed new families, and enjoyed intergenerational services with the wider congregation. The team of volunteers continues to be amazingly creative, endlessly fun, and wonderfully prayerful, and we're looking forward to what the next year holds.
## _Social media_
We’ve continued to use Facebook and Instagram to connect our community to the information and teaching/themes going on within Anchor. Our social media is a window into the life of our church both for people within the community and those interested in coming along/finding out more.
## _Students_
As 2024 began, our students journeyed through the 24-7 Prayer course, and a series of Bible studies on the book of Acts led by one of the students and facilitated by various members of the community. With a lot of our students graduating in the summer, and our move to a new location, we’re excited to look forward to how our student ministry re-establishes under our mature students and incoming Student Pastor.
## _Table_
We continued to run multiple tables across the city (including the Jewellery Quarter, Bearwood, Halesowen, Lickey&Waseley, Mums&Toddlers, and Bournville), as spaces of community and mission. 2025 sees the re-launch of a fresh movement of table, now moving on an annual rhythm of discipleship, mission, and building connection.
Page 4
## _Teaching_
Teaching on Sundays, and through the podcast, continues to be an important part of our ministry. Through 2024, we ran multiple teaching series, with a focus on Getting Ready and then beginning our new season together in the Jesus Does series. We continue to gather our teaching team for training in communication, mutual feedback, and encouragement.
## _Wildfires_
A number of us joined Blueprint in attending the Wildfires festival in the summer. It was an inspiring and deepening time, hearing from leaders and missionaries and joining in the prayer and hunger for the next move of God.
## _Worship_
Worship continues to be such a key part of the life of our community, with so many of you carrying incredible gifting and skills as worship leaders and musicians. We’ve looked to grow in our freedom to break from the programme, when we’ve sensed the Spirit leading us in different directions, being ready to break from our programme when we feel led to do so by His presence among us.
## **What next?**
In 2025, we will begin a major renovation project in the church building, and increase our staffing team with five new roles (Worship Pastor, Kids&Families Pastor, Youth Pastor, Student Pastor, and Digital Pastor). Both the development of the building and increase of our team for this next season will significantly expand our mission and potential to bring God’s life into Balsall Heath and beyond.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
## **Financial review**
During the year income increased by £14,024, to £73,287, and expenditure increased by £15,874, to £71,446. As a result the cash held by the charity increased by £1,840, to £80,787, of which £80,523 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose.
## **Reserves policy**
The trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £12,650 (which equates to about 6 months of necessary operating costs and payroll) so that the charity could continue to operate should income and / or expenditure vary adversely. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £80,523 and the charity is holding excess funds for the purpose of a future move to our own building.
## **Governance**
Responsibility for setting policy and for making operating decisions rest with the trustees who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the charity. New trustees are recruited and appointed by the existing trustees.
Page 5
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
## **Approval**
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
## Chris Mitton
____________________________ Chris Mitton (Sep 16, 2025 11:24:01 GMT+1) Chris Mitton
Date: Sep 16, 2025
Page 6
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF**
## **ANCHOR CHURCH**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Anchor Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 on pages 8 to 11 following.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## Sarah Crispin
Sarah Crispin (Sep 22, 2025 17:28:23 GMT+1)
Sarah Crispin ACA
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Sep 22, 2025
Page 7
## **ANCHOR CHURCH**
## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|Notes
**_Income receipts_**
Donations
Gift aid receipts
Income from events
**_Total receipts_**
**_Payments_**
2
3
**_Total payments_**
Transfers between funds
5
**Net movement in funds**
Cash funds as at last year end
**Cash funds at this year end**
A
Net
of
receipts
/
(payments)
before
transfers
Grants
paid
in
relation
to
charitable
activities undertaken by others
Payments
in
relation
to
charitable
activities undertaken directly||General
Designated
Funds
Funds
£
£
63,741
-
9,405
-
122
-
73,268
-
64,874
-
6,400
-
71,274
-
1,994
-
-
-
1,994
-
78,529
-
80,523
-
Unrestricted Funds|Restricted
Funds
£
-
19
-
19
173
-
173
(154)
-
(154)
418
264|Total
2024
£
63,741
9,424
122
73,287
65,046
6,400
71,446
1,840
-
1,840
78,947
80,787|Total
2023
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||General
Funds
£
63,741
9,405
122
73,268
64,874
6,400
71,274
1,994
-
1,994
78,529
80,523
||||
||||||49,622
7,383
2,258|
||||||59,262|
||||||44,387
11,185|
||||||55,572|
||||||3,690
-|
||||||3,690
75,256|
||||||78,947
|
The notes on pages 10-11 form part of these accounts.
Page 8
## **ANCHOR CHURCH**
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES**
## **AS AT THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**A**
**Cash funds**
Cash at bank with immediate access
Prepaid cards
**B**
**Other monetary assets**
Gift aid due to charity
**C**
**Liabilities**
**Falling due within one year:**
Agreed charitable giving
HMRC liability
Fee for Independent Examination
**D**
**Assets retained for charity's own use**
Contents and equipment|General
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
79,684
-
839
-
**80,523**
**-**
2,149
-
**2,149**
**-**
540
-
1,126
-
1,098
-
**2,764**
**-**
Unrestricted Funds|Restricted
funds
£
264
-
**264**
**-**
-
-
-
**-**
Fund to
which asset
belongs
General|Total
2024
£
79,948
839
**80,787**
2,149
**2,149**
540
1,126
1,098
**2,764**
Value
2024
£
10,000
**10,000**|Total
2023
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||78,014
933|
|||||**78,947**|
|||||320|
|||||**320**|
|||||-
332
1,056|
|||||**1,388**|
|||||Value
2023
£|
|||||3,000|
|||||**3,000**|
The trustees are unable to reliably estimate current values of contents and equipment, therefore the value given is the insured value.
## **E Guarantees and secured debts**
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
> by Chris Mitton date Sep 16, 2025 _____________________________ Chris Mitton (Sep 16, 2025 11:24:01 GMT+1) Chris Mitton _________________
The notes on pages 10-11 form part of these accounts.
Page 9
## **ANCHOR CHURCH**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **1 Accounting policies**
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
|General
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
**2**
**Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly**
Employment costs
Note 4
22,361
-
Ministry expenses
5,984
-
Equipment
5,435
-
Events and outreach
13,407
-
Rent
4,695
-
Insurance
761
-
Governance
1,056
-
Common fund
5,000
-
Administration and support
4,439
-
Return of unused grant
-
-
Building maintenance
1,736
-
64,874
-
**3**
**Grants and gifts paid to others**
Organisations:
Hope Health Action
-
-
Birch Network
-
-
Slavlands Christian Fellowship
400
-
Embrace
900
-
UOBCU
500
-
Individuals
4,600
-
6,400
-
Unrestricted Funds|Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
173
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
173
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|Total
2024
£
22,361
5,984
5,435
13,580
4,695
761
1,056
5,000
4,439
-
1,736
65,046
-
-
400
900
500
4,600
6,400|Total
2023
£|
|---|---|---|---|
||||21,938
3,879
1,226
5,456
5,408
662
1,020
600
2,200
2,000
-|
||||44,387|
||||1,000
3,000
2,000
5,185|
||||11,185|
## **4 Transactions with related parties**
Helena Kittle, a trustee, received grants totalling £500 [2023: £980], for ministry support. This trustee was not part of the decision-making for these grants, which are permitted by the charity's governing document. Helena Kittle resigned as trustee in April 2024.
Page 10
## **ANCHOR CHURCH**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**5**
**Movement of funds**
General funds
Restricted funds
Church has left the building [CLB]
His Story
Total funds|Opening
balance
£
78,529
78,529
214
203
418
78,947|Receipts
£
73,268
73,268
19
-
19
73,287|Payments
£
(71,274)
(71,274)
-
(173)
(173)
(71,446)|Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-|Closing
balance
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||80,523|
||||||80,523|
||||||233
31|
||||||264|
|||||||
||||||80,787|
The 'Church Has left the Building' (CLB) fund looks different each year but has involved outreach with local charities, rough sleepers, and refugees.
His Story relates to a course being developed and taught.
Page 11