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2024-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1187784

Merland Rise Church

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Merland Rise Church

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7 to 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 to 22
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 23 to 24

Merland Rise Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

The Trustees present their annual report with the financial statements of the Church for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the Church comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Church's governing document and the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) ("SORP (FRS 102)"), FRS 102 and the Charities Act 2011.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The principal purposes of Merland Rise Church are the advancement of the Christian faith and the provision of service and support to all sections of the community, including people of other faiths and none, with a particular focus on the socially and economically disadvantaged living within the Preston and Tadworth area and the surrounding neighbourhood. The Church also carries out such other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world that, in the opinion of the members of the Church in General Meeting and the Trustees, shall further the work of the Church and serve disadvantaged people groups.

Significant activities

In fulfilling its purposes, the Church will engage in a range of activities either independently or in collaboration with other Churches, public and third sector and voluntary organisations which share the social justice priorities, and with whom it can work in partnership to improve the life chances and opportunities of those it seeks to serve.

The Church's activities include, but are not restricted to:

Public benefit

In planning the activities of the Church, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

Page 1

Merland Rise Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

During the year the Church has continued to serve its’ members and the local community. The Church offers weekly Sunday morning and Sunday evening services together with multiple prayer meetings/bible study and home group meetings.

The Church also offers pastoral care to its’ members and supports the local community in various community activities such as running a food bank.

Fundraising activities

The Church does not engage in public fund raising activities.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The financial position of the Church is set out in the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet and the related notes and have been prepared in accordance with statutory requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and SORP (FRS 102).

Principal funding sources

The principal funding sources of the Church are the voluntary donations and giving by members of the Church's congregation together with allied income tax rebates under the gift aid scheme.

Investment policy and objectives

Any money not required for day to day use is placed on deposit with the Church's bankers, CAF Bank Limited. At the balance sheet date, the Church part-owned one freehold residential property which is used to provide accommodation to the Pastor.

Reserves policy

The Church has a General Reserve Fund of £15,000 that represents approximately 10% of the Church's annual revenue expenditure including legal commitments under contracts of employment to cover unforeseen increases and decreases in revenue and expenditure. The Church also has a General Repairs and Maintenance Fund to cover major uninsured repairs and maintenance expenditure on the Church premises and equipment. At the end of the financial year the Church's reserves met these targets.

Going concern

The financial statements are drawn up on the going concern basis, which assumes Merland Rise Church will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Trustees consider the current and forecast cash resources to be sufficient to cover the working capital requirements of the Church for at least 12 months.

Page 2

Merland Rise Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Church members approved and adopted a Constitution at a Special Church Members Meeting held on the 15th December 2019.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The running of the Church is under the control of an "Eldership" comprising the Senior Pastor and Elders. The Pastor was appointed by the Church at a Special Meeting and is employed under a contract of service, effective 1[st] September 2017. The other Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Constitution and they meet regularly, administering the Church by majority decision.

Organisational structure

The Church appoints a Pastor and other paid staff as circumstances require. The Pastor and Elders lead the Church in terms of both spiritual matters and governance of the Church. The day to day co-ordination of the Church's programme and various practical matters are then managed by the Leadership Team, members of which are similarly elected by the members of the Church at a Church Meeting. In addition to this management structure the Church employs a part-time Administrator, Cleaner and Caretaker Hosts.

Governance code

The trustees are aware of the Charity Governance Code and are considering how the relevant matters can be applied to and implemented by the Church.

Wider network

The Church is a member organisation of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) and FIEC Ltd, charity number 251395.

Risk management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Church is exposed and ensure that appropriate controls are in place to mitigate or eliminate those risks.

The Trustees regularly review the major risks to which the Church is exposed and have established systems and procedures to mitigate those risks, particularly in such areas as financial management, child and vulnerable adult protection.

Page 3

Merland Rlse Church Report of the Trustee5 forthe year ended 31 December 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity numbèr 1187784 Prlnc5pal address Merland Rise Tadworth Surrey KT20 5JQ Trustees P Oliver Elder Rev R Powell Pastor and Elder D Thomas Elder S Paine Elder K Lane Elder Independent Examiner Leanne Humphreys FCCA Shaw Gibbs Limited 19 Cedar Road Sutton SM25DA Solicitors Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP 134 Edtnund Street Birmingham B3 2ES Bankers CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME19 41Q CAF Bank Limited is a subsidiary of the Charities Aid Foundation ICAFI FUNDS HELD AS CUSTODIAN FOR OTHERS There were no funds held as a custodian for any other charities. Approved orde fth ard of tr es on 4 February 2026 and siÈned on its behalf bv.. P Ollver- Tr ee Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Merland Rise Church

I report to the Church trustees on my examination of the accounts of Merland Rise Church (CIO), charity number 1187784, for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 22.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The Church’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

The Church’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Act and that independent examination is needed.

Basis of Independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Church 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 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 material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Church as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

LHumphreys

Leanne Humphreys FCCA Shaw Gibbs Limited 19 Cedar Road Sutton SM2 5DA

Date: 4 February 2026

Page 5

Merland Rise Church

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
Use of halls 3
Investment income
4
Other income
5
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
6
Staff costs and related expenditure
Housing expenses
Church expenses
Printing, publicity and outreach
Departments
Donations and giving
Administration and other expenses
Total
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers between funds
17
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds

£
180,493
14,926
1,905
6,307
203,631
103,839
2,369
45,921
-
8,078
26,152
18,915
205,274
(1,643)
-
(1,643)
294,414
292,771
Restricted
funds
£
18,674
-
-
500
19,174
-
-
-
-
-
19,372
41,164
60,536
(41,362)
-
(41,362)
1,758,640
1,717,278		 Year ended
31/12/24
Total
funds
£
199,167
14,496
1,905
6,807
222,805
103,839
2,369
45,921
-
8,078
45,524
60,079
265,810
(43,005)
-
(43,005)
2,053,054
2,010,049		 Year ended
31/12/23
Total
funds
£
194,917
14,600
1,511
9,177
220,205
100,700
1,373
42,921
1,398
8,376
48,874
56,303
260,015
(39,810)
-
(39,810)
2,092,864
2,053,054

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

Merland Rise Church

Balance Sheet 31 December 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
11
Investment
12
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
13
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
14
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one year
15
NET ASSETS		 Unrestricted
funds

£
422,826
100
422,926
49,667
52,327
101,994
(32,149)
69,845
492,771
(200,000)
292,771		 Restricted
funds
£
1,689,534
-
1,689,534
-
27,744
27,744
-
27,744
1,717,278
-
1,717,278		 Year ended
31/12/24
Total
funds
£
2,112,360
100
2,112,460
49,667
80,071
129,738
(32,149)
97,589
2,210,049
(200,000)
2,010,049		 Year ended
31/12/23
Total
funds
£
2,156,123
100
2,156,223
34,999
85,880
120,879
(24,048)
96,831
2,253,054
(200,000)
2,053,054

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued...

Page 7

Merland Rise Church Balance Sheet- continued 31 December 2024 Notes FUNDS Unrestricted funds.. General fund Manse fund General Reserve Fund General Repairs and Maintenance Fund 17 22,211 220,934 15,000 34.626 38,710 220.934 15.000 19,770 17 17 17 292.771 294A14 Rèstricted funds.. Building Fund Emergency Fund Men's Ministry Fund Women's Ministry Fund Youth Ministry Fund Other fund 17 17 17 17 17 17 1,689,538 S,221 6,153 4,862 4.198 7,306 1,730.702 7,502 7,761 5,476 2.974 4.225 1,717.278 1,758,640 TOTAL FUNDS 2,010,049 2,053,054 The financial 5taternent5 were approved by the Board of Trustees and aLfthorised for issue on 4 February 2026 and were si d on it5 behalf bv.. P Oliv Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 8

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Merland Rise Church

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the Church, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value.

The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Trustees can be held responsible in law. They do not include the financial statements of the church groups that owe affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Going concern

The financial statements are drawn up on the going concern basis, which assumes Merland Rise Church (CIO) will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Trustees consider the current and forecast cash resources to be sufficient to cover the working capital requirements of the Church for at least 12 months.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The Church has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the Church has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Church to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

Cost are allocated to the principal activities of the Church on the following basis:

continued...

Page 9

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold Church premises - 2% on cost Freehold Residential property (Manse) - nil Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost and 20% on cost

The Church has in place an accounting policy of carrying out regular maintenance and repairs on its freehold residential property (the cost of which are charged in full to the SOFA). No depreciation arises in the year on the freehold residential property used as tied accommodation as in the opinion of the trustees the residual value of the property is not materially less than its carrying amount in the financial statements. An impairment review of such fixed assets in accordance with FRS 102 section 27 is carried out as at the end of each financial period.

Taxation

The Church is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

All the Church’s expenditure is shown inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Church. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Endowment funds are resources received by the Church that represent capital and the trustees are required by charity law to retain and use the endowment for the Church's purposes.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The Church operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the Church's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Investments

Investments are categorised as current assets where the intention is to realise the investment without reinvestment of the sale proceeds. All other investments are classified as fixed assets. All investment assets are stated in the balance sheet at fair value and both realised and unrealised gains or losses are recognised in the statement of financial activities. The fair value of listed investments is taken at the market price of the asset as at the year end date.

continued...

Page 10

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Financial instruments

Apart from certain investments, the Church only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

Currency

The Church's functional and presentational currency is pounds Sterling (GBP).

Preparation of consolidated financial statements

The financial statements contain information about the Church as an individual entity and do not contain consolidated financial information as the parent of a group. The Church is exempt under the Charities Act 2011 from the requirement to prepare consolidated financial statements.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Freewill offerings
Donations
Gift aid
Commission receivable		 Unrestricted
funds
£
142,774
6,963
30,756
-
180,493		 Restricted
funds
£
-
16,948
1,726
-
18,674		 Year ended
31/12/24
Total
funds
£
142,774
23,911
32,482
-
199,167

The prior year total is allocated between fund categories as follows:

Freewill offerings
Donations
Gift aid
Commission receivable		 Unrestricted
funds
£
135,729
8,464
28,179
43
172,415		 Restricted
funds
£
-
21,880
622
-
22,502		 Year ended
31/12/23
Total
funds
£
135,729
30,344
28,801
43
194,917

continued...

Page 11

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Year ended
31/12/24
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Use of halls and meeting rooms 14,926 - 14,926

The prior year total is allocated between fund categories as follows:

Year ended
31/12/23
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Use of halls and meeting rooms 14,600 - 14,600

4. INVESTMENT INCOME

Year ended
31/12/24
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Deposit account interest 1,905 - 1,905

The prior year total is allocated between fund categories as follows:

Deposit account interest Unrestricted
funds
£
1,511		 Restricted
funds
£
-		 Year ended
31/12/23
Total
funds
£
1,511

continued...

Page 12

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

5. OTHER INCOME

Other income
Government grants		 Year ended
31/12/24
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
6,307
500
6,807
- -
-
6,307
500
6,807

The prior year total is allocated between fund categories as follows:

Other income
Government grants
 Unrestricted
funds
£
5,477
3,700
9,177
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-		 Year ended
31/12/23
Total
funds
£
5,477
3,700
9,177

6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Grant funding Year ended
of activities Support costs 31/12/24
Direct Costs (see note 7) (see note 8) Totals
£ £ £ £
Staff costs and related expenditure 103,839 - - 103,839
Housing expenses 2,369 - - 2,369
Church expenses 45,921 - - 45,921
Printing, publicity and outreach - - - -
Departments 8,078 - - 8,078
Donations and giving 26,152 19,372 - 45,524
Administration and other expenses 15,640 41,164 3,275 60,079
201,999 60,536 3,275 265,810

continued...

Page 13

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS (continued)

The prior year total is allocated between fund categories as follows:

Direct Costs Grant funding
of activities
(see note 7)		 Grant funding
of activities
(see note 7)		 Support costs
(see note 8)		 Year ended
31/12/23
Totals
Staff costs and related expenditure 100,770 - - 100,770
Housing expenses 1,373 - - 1,373
Church expenses 42,921 - - 42,921
Printing, publicity and outreach 1,398 - - 1,398
Departments 8,376 - - 8,376
Donations and giving 23,491 25,383 - 48,874
Administration and other expenses 30,599 23,491 2,213 56,303
208,928 48,874 2,213 260,015

7. GRANTS PAYABLE

Evangelical Alliance
FIEC
Tithes
Energy Grant
Other charitable giving		 Unrestricted
funds
£
120
3,544
22,388
100
-
26,152
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
19,372
19,372		 Year ended
31/12/24
Total
funds
£
120
3,544
22,388
100
19,372
45,524

The prior year total is allocated between fund categories as follows:

Evangelical Alliance
FIEC
Tithes
Energy Grant
Other charitable giving		 Unrestricted
funds
£
250
3,596
17,177
2,469
-
23,491
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
25,383
25,383		 Year ended
31/12/23
Total
funds
£
250
3,596
17,177
2,469
25,383
48,874

continued...

Page 14

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

8. SUPPORT COSTS

Governance costs
Year ended
 Year ended
31/12/24 31/12/23
£ £
Independent Examiner's fees 600 600
Legal and professional fees 2,675 1,613

3,275 2,213

9. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Year ended
 Year ended
31/12/24 31/12/23
£ £
Trustees' salaries 50,767 47,798
Trustees' social security 2,354 2,043
Trustees' pension contributions to money purchase schemes 2,531 2,388
55,652 52,229
Trustees' expenses
Year ended Year ended
31/12/24 31/12/23
£ £
Trustees' expenses - 361

In the current period the trustees' expenses totalled £- (2023 - £361). The expenses related to the Pastor's expenses in connection with their duties.

continued...

Page 15

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

10. STAFF COSTS

Year ended Year ended
31/12/24
to 31/12/23
£ £
Wages and salaries 45,720 46,987
Social security costs - -
Other pension costs 1,796 1,555
47,516 48,542
The average monthly number of employees during the period was as follows:
Year ended Period 1/4/23
31/12/24
to 31/12/23
Pastoral 1 1
Administration and support 6 6
7 7
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2024
Charge for period
At 31 December 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 Freehold Fixtures and
properties
fittings
£
£
2,479,122
54,142
-
-
2,479,122
54,142
327,486
49,655
41,164
2,599
368,649
52,254
2,110472
1,888
2,151,636
4,487		 Totals
£
2,533,264
-
2,533,264
377,141
43,763
420,903
2,112,360
2,156,123

continued...

Page 16

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued

The freehold properties comprises the Church's premises and a freehold residential property. The Church's premises are stated at its capitalised value of £2,058,187 relating to the new building. The residential property comprises a freehold property which is used as tied accommodation by the Pastor which is stated at cost of £420,934 at the beginning of the period.

12. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENT

FIXED ASSET INVESTMENT
Shares in group
undertakings
£
COST
At 1 January 2024 100
At 31 December 2024 100
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2024 100
At 31 December 2023 100

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

The Church holds 100% of the issued share capital of Merland Rise Church Trading Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.

13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Year ended Year ended
31/12/24 31/12/23
£ £
Other debtors 295 1,817
Amount due to subsidiary undertaking 9,758 11,966
Tax recoverable 32,482 14,870
Prepayments and accrued income 7,132 6,346
49,667 34,999

continued...

Page 17

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Year ended Year ended
31/12/24 31/12/23
£ £
Trade creditors 1,643 6,113
Social security and other taxes 2,041 1,288
Other creditors 25,428 9,482
Accrued expenses and deferred income 3,037 7,164
32,149 24,048
15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
Year ended Year ended
31/12/24 31/12/23
£ £
Other loans (see note 16) 200,000 200,000

16. LOANS

An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
Amounts falling due in more than one year:
Repayable otherwise than by instalments:
Unsecured loans
See further details in note 18.		 200,000 200,000

continued...

Page 18

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Manse fund
General Reserve Fund
General Repairs and Maintenance Fund
Restricted funds
Building Fund
Emergency Fund
Men's Ministry Fund
Women's Ministry Fund
Youth Ministry Fund
Other Fund (destined giving)
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above a
Unrestricted funds
General fund
General Repairs and Maintenance Fund
Restricted funds
Building Fund
Emergency Fund
Men's Ministry Fund
Women’s Ministry Fund
Youth Ministry Fund
Other Charitable Giving Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1/1/24
£
38,710
220,934
15,000
19,770
294,414
1,730,702
7,502
7,761
5,476
2,974
4,224
1,758,639
2,053,054
re as follows:		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(1,499)
-
-
(144)
(1,643)
(41,164)
(2,281)
(1,609)
(614)
1,224
3,082
(41,362)
(43,005)
Incoming
resources
£
203,631

203,631
-
500
745
2,923
1,538
13,469
19,175
222,806		 Transfers
between
funds
£
(15,000)
-
-
15,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Resources
expended
£
(205,130)
(144)
(205,274)
(41,164)
(2,781)
(2,354)
(3,537)
(313)
(10,387)
(60,536)
(265,810)		 At
31/12/24
£
22,211
220,934
15,000
34,626
292,771
1,730,702
5,221
6,152
4,862
4,198
7,306
1,717,278
2,010,049
Movement
in funds
£
(1,499)
(144)
(1,643)
(41,164)
(2,281)
(1,609)
(614)
1,225
3,082
(41,361)
(43,004)



continued...

Page 19

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Manse fund
General Reserve Fund
General Repairs and Maintenance Fund
Restricted funds
Building Fund
Emergency Fund
Men's Ministry Fund
Women's Ministry Fund
Youth Ministry Fund
Other Fund (destined giving)
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1/1/23
£
21,117
220,934
15,000
33,128
290,179
1,771,865
9,101
6,840
6,232
2,213
6,434
1,802,685
2,092,864		 Net
movement
in funds
£
17,593
-
-
(13,358)
4,235
(41,164)
(1,599)
921
(755)
761
(2,209)
(44,045)
(39,810)		 Transfers
between
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 At
31/12/23
£
38,710
220,934
15,000
19,770
294,414
1,730,702
7,502
7,761
5,476
2,974
4,224
1,758,640
2,053,054

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:


Unrestricted funds
General fund
General Repairs and Maintenance Fund
Restricted funds
Building Fund
Emergency Fund
Men's Ministry Fund
Women’s Ministry Fund
Youth Ministry Fund
Other Charitable Giving Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming

resources
£
197,703
197,703
-
-
2,350
1,295
1,431
17,426
22,502
220,205		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(180,110)
17,593
(13,358)
(13,358)
(193,468)
4,235
(41,164)
(41,164)
(1,599)
(1,599)
(1,429)
(921)
(2,050)
(755)
(670)
761
(19,635)
(2,209)
(66,547)
(44,045)
(260,015)
(39,810)

continued...

Page 20

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Details of the remuneration and expenses paid to trustees is shown within the Notes to the accounts.

The total amount of donations without conditions received by the Church from the trustees during the period was £24,061 (period to 31.12.2023 - £15,107).

At 31 December 2024, the Church owed trustees £200,000 (31.12.2023 - £200,000). This loan is unsecured, interest free and repayable after more than one year.

Apart from the above, there were no related party transactions between the trustees and the Church.

Merland Rise Church Trading Limited

Merland Rise Church Trading Limited (MRCTL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merland Rise Church (CIO). Any profits made by the company will be donated to the Church under gift aid. No charitable donations were made to the Church during the current period nor prior year. At the year end, the Church was owed £9,758 (31.12.2023 - £11,966) by that company.

19. PENSION SCHEME

The Church operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the Church to the scheme and amounted to £5,330 (31.12.2023 - £3,943).

Contributions totalling £nil (31.12.2023 - £nil) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

20. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

The Church is controlled by the trustees under the general guidance of the Church Meeting in accordance with the Church's constitution.

21. UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED FUNDS

The nature and purpose of the Church's unrestricted designated funds are as follows:

Manse

This fund comprises the interest in freehold Manse owned by the Church. The Church sold its Manse and purchased another Manse in 2017 and granted the Pastor an option to purchase a part interest in this Manse. This option was exercised in January 2019.

General Reserve Fund

This fund has been established to allow the Church to cover unforeseen and unbudgeted increases and decreases in revenue and expenditure.

General Repairs and Maintenance Fund

This fund has been established to cover major uninsured repairs and maintenance costs of the new Church building.

continued...

Page 21

Merland Rise Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

22. RESTRICTED FUNDS

The nature and purpose of the Church's restricted funds are as follows:

Building Fund

This fund comprises the Church's premises whose redevelopment was completed in 2017.

Emergency Fund

This fund is available to the Pastor to use on a discretionary basis for particular needs and situations he identifies among the Church fellowship and the local community.

Other Charitable Giving Fund

This fund receives offerings from members of the Church which are for specified third party charities.

Men’s, Women’s and Youth’s Ministry Fund

This relates to donations received from members to support the activities carried out by the respective ministries.

continued...

Page 22

Merland Rise Church

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Year ended Year ended
31/12/24 31/12/23
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Freewill offerings 142,774 135,729
Donations 23,911 30,344
Legacies - -
Gift aid 32,482 28,801
Commission receivable - 43
199,167 194,917
Investment income
Deposit account interest 1,905 1,511
Charitable activities
Use of meeting rooms 14,926 14,600
Other income
Other income 6,807 9,177
Total incoming resources 222,805 220,205
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Trustees' salaries 50,767 47,798
Trustees' social security 2,354 2,043
Trustees' pension contributions 2,531 2,388
Trustees' expenses - 361
Wages 45,720 46,987
Social security - -
Pensions 1,796 1,555
Other operating leases - -
Rent and rates 360 28
Insurance 8,107 6,726
Light and heat 14,754 10,636
Telephone 944 994
Postage 7 24
Sundries 3,283 1,429
Carried forward 130,623 120,969

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 23

Merland Rise Church

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Year ended Year ended
31/12/24 31/12/23
£ £
Charitable activities
Brought forward 130,623 120,969
Training 3,660 1,964
Repairs and maintenance 5,386 12,183
Cleaning and gardening 7,726 7,567
Licences 1,316 1,348
Office supplies 856 1,494
Photocopying 592 595
Other staff costs 667 944
Speaker and signer fees 360 150
Bank charges 1,217 862
Candles & decorations 284 105
Church Service 2,890 1,095
Church expenses 5,319
Computer software 2,650 2,559
Website 6,114 -
Youth/children ministry expenses 8,902 7,633
Other expenses
Freehold property 41,164 41,164
Fixtures and fittings 2,599 2,977
Donations & Giving 45,524 48,874
Trustees Discretionary Fund - -
262,534 257,802
Support costs
Governance costs
Independent Examiner's fees 600 600
Legal and professional fees 2,676 1,613
3,276 2,213
Total resources expended 265,810 260,015
Net expenditure (43,005) (39,810)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 24