Charity Number: 1188131 Company Number CE020823
Gower New Life Church CIO
Charity number: 1188131 Company Number: CE020823
Trustee Report and Financial Statements for the period 25[th] May 2023 to 24[th] May 2024
Gower New Life Church
Charity Number: 1188131 Company Number CE020823
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Legal and administrative information | 2 |
| Trustees report | 3 - 5 |
| Receipts and Payments Account | 6 - 9 |
| Notes to Receipts and Payments Account | 9 |
Page 1
Gower New Life Church
Charity Number: 1188131 Company Number CE020823
Legal and administrative information
Company Name: Gower New Life Church CIO
Charity Registration Number: 1188131 Company Number: CE020823
Address: Barham Centre Mount Pisgah Parkmill, Gower Swansea SA3 2EQ Trustees: Fleman Patrice Aka Linda Anne Knox John Kenneth Tancock Bankers: HSBC UK Bank PLC 4A Vaughan Street Llanelli SA15 3TY
Page 2
Gower New Life Church
Charity Number: 1188131 Company Number CE020823
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 24 May 2024
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 24 May 2024. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 2. The organisation received charitable status approval as a CIO on 24[th ] February 2020.
Structure, governance and management
The Charity is managed by trustees who are appointed and in line with the charity’s governing document.
Governing Document
The charity is governed by its Constitution.
Objectives and activities
The main purpose and objects of the charity are set out in the governing document as follows:
-
The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrine set out in the underwritten Fourth Schedule and the worship of God in the county of Swansea and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the World and elsewhere by any means whatsoever including (but not by way of limitation) the preaching and proclamation of the Christian gospel, the teaching of the Christian Doctrine and principles, the pastoral care of Christian people and the printing and distribution of the Bible and Christian literature including video, and audio recordings and by any other media which is, or may become, available;
-
The relief of persons who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress or who are aged or sick and the promotion and preservation of good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind including through the provision of training, counselling and support in the county of Swansea and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the World and elsewhere as the trustees may from time to time think fit;
Achievements and performance
The Way of Love and The Way of the Spirit
As we saw last time, as we were preparing to implement the Bank 2 – Prayer evangelism, we faced unexpected challenges that needed to be addressed. So we continued focusing on strengthening the foundations of the church by going back to teaching the basics of the Christian life.
We were reminded by the Lord that instead of rushing into ministry, it was important to pause, check, and strengthen our foundations. One of the practical applications was the way of love.
We learned from Paul’s teachings to the church in Corinth. Even though they had all the gifts of the Spirit, Paul showed them that the best way of being effective was to adopt the most excellent way, which was the way of love.
As a way, we tried to live it out beyond Sunday meetings by putting a greater emphasis on fellowship among believers while refocusing our minds on outreach.
We became aware that we could not see the kingdom of God on earth without a complete reliance on the Holy Spirit. This shifted our focus to the need to develop a close relationship and intimacy with the Holy Spirit, who is the only person to bring conviction of sin and transform lives. This led to a new series on the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God.
Sunday Services
Page 3
Charity Number: 1188131 Company Number CE020823
Gower New Life Church
Our Sunday services help us to fulfill our vision of “Following Jesus and Growing Together…”
Our core activities consist of providing a contemporary worship experience, relevant Bible teachings, and fellowship. One of the most common pieces of feedback we get from our Sunday service visitors is that “it feels like family.” This is a real encouragement as being a church family where all generations can be family and feel at home is one of our core values.
As previously mentioned, our Sunday messages focus more on the more excellent way, the Holy Spirit, and the Kingdom.
We also put a greater emphasis on fellowshipping and spending more time together after the service to encourage each other and strengthen our faith in God and our relationship with one another.
Gower New Life Groups
Our midweek life group meetings are vital parts of church expression with the focus on bible study and fellowship. Our life group expressions of church are as important as our Sunday meetings. They offer the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, grow in faith, hope, love and get connected into the life o f the church and community.
Bless Mumbles
Before COVID, we felt the Lord highlighting Mumbles to us as part of Gower and that it should not be ignored. We had further confirmation when the Lord opened the door to us at Tabernacle Chapel. As a result, Bless Mumbles was born – a time for worship, prayer, and healing.
Unfortunately, our first meeting coincided with COVID-19, and Bless Mumbles was put on hold.
In September 2022, we relaunched Bless Mumbles in the form of worship, vision, and prayer meetings. Bless Mumbles was well attended by some churches in Mumbles as well as outside Mumbles. It was a safe space where we worshipped, prayed for Mumbles, and also prayed for those who needed healing.
Bless Mumbles continued until September 2023. We felt the need to stop and look to the Lord for the next step.
Encounter
Encounter is a Gower-wide evening prayer and worship meeting we started before the COVID pandemic at Oxwich Community Hall. We stopped it when we felt the call to start Bless Mumbles. When it ended, we were able to relaunch Encounter. The focus of this meeting was an evening with like-minded people who had a desire to see God move across Gower to worship and have an encounter with God and pray for the whole Gower community.
Other Activities
Youth Ministry
As a family church, investing in youth is very important to us. Unfortunately, due to lack of youth leaders, haven’t been about to run the activities of previous years. However, we have tried to include them in our Sunday services at the beginning of the Sunday service, we integrate the youth by sharing Bible stories via videos, followed by an action song and dance, engaging the whole congregation. We like to call it our “workout” at the beginning of the service!
They also helped with the children’s church as volunteers.
Where possible we tried to organize some occasional outings to have some fun activities with the young people of their own age group.
Children Ministry
As a family church, investing in children is very important to us. Our children ministry is called Ignite and is aimed at those between the ages of 5 and 11. We are committed to teaching God’s word to all ages, giving children a firm foundation in scripture. Through instructional Bible study, crafts, fun games, and memory verses, we seek to convey God’s truth in a lively, interactive, and understandable way. Ignite meets on a Sunday morning during the normal meeting time. .
Page 4
Charity Number: 1188131 Company Number CE020823
Gower New Life Church
In May 2021, when we moved the Parish Hall, we transitioned seamlessly, integrating the “Creative Corner” within the main meetings. This area encouraged mainly children, but also youth and adults, to get creative and learn through arts and crafts, within the main meeting hall, during the Sunday service.
At the beginning of the Sunday service, we integrate the children by sharing Bible stories via videos, followed by an action song and dance, engaging the whole congregation. We like to call it our “workout” at the beginning of the service!
At the end of the service, the creative corner was invited to share their amazing arts and crafts with the congregation. It is always encouraging to see our children grow in their faith, their love for Jesus and blossom.
Prayer Ministry
The prayer team meet weekly, bringing church and community needs, issues and requests to God in prayer. As a church we believe that everything we do needs to be underpinned by prayer. During our prayer meeting, we focus on:
-
Committing concerns and requests to God, asking that He would intervene and act to bring about His plans and purposes in situations.
-
Listening for His leading and directions so we can act in His power to fulfil His will and not be doing things aimlessly and ineffectively.
-
Thanking God for answered prayers, His revelation and direction and acknowledging His power and sovereignty and requesting these be manifest in us as a church and over all that we are and do.
In the future, we plan to make prayer more accessible to our community so they can also experience the power of prayer in their own lives and draw them closer to the love of God. We believe that God cares for every member of our community and wants to meet them at their points of need.
Outreach at the Beaufort Arms
The Outreach at the Beaufort consists of groups led by members of our church. These include Men’s Afternoons, Knit and Natter, and daily prayer meetings at the pub. These existing groups continue to grow, and we can clearly see the hand of our Lord in all of them. Unfortunately, they ceased in early spring 2024 when the leader moved to another church.
Kittle Carols
It has become a tradition that Kittle Carols happen on the second Sunday in December, and this year we gathered in the late afternoon of December 10th, 2023. Unlike previous years, this service was held indoors. This event was organized by Kittle Events and was the second year that GNLC has been involved, and we would like to say a big thank you to the church for its contribution, which included the purchase of mulled wine and/or hot chocolate for all 50 adult carollers, which was very much appreciated by everyone. As usual, the Kittle shopkeepers generously donated all our mince pies. A big thank you to everyone who took part and enabled it to happen.
All this outreach has been possible because Jesus has enabled it. Our Beaufort outreach leader feels well supported by GNLC and knows that if she steps out in faith, Jesus does the rest. Thank you, Jesus, thank you GNLC, and thank you to The Beaufort for hosting us because without the generous provision of a free venue, free teas, and free coffees, these groups would struggle.
Care Home Carols
What a blessing it was this year to take church to 2 care homes on Gower: Willow Court in Murton and Heatherslade in Southgate. The carols were beautifully organized by gifted church members. There was real engagement from both staff and residents alike. It was so successful that we were asked to come again. You can’t get a better compliment than that.
Pennard Carnival
We were involved in the Pennard Carnival before the Covid. So it was great to be called back again this year to be involved in this event. It was a great way to be involved with our community and be a blessing. This year was no different. It is a privilege to be trusted with manning the gates and selling tickets. Additionally, as a church, we bought a bright yellow gazebo which we are about to use for Arts and Crafts to make a difference in the lives of visiting families and the little ones.
Page 5
Gower New Llfe Churth Chgrity Number.. 1188131 Company mber CE020823 Gowgr Blk• Rlde ke wth th¢ C8mival. rt Wd5 gr to be ced again to serve 1C¢)s of bike ridets. As a churoh, we arned a water stats"tsn, seNiNJ bikè rid8rs water and supplements to keep them going. tt is always a bonu8 to have gr88t convw5ath)r6 pp1• prn$s thelr gra11tle lor 8 simple acl of seNice. . Dr0 2024. continu9 10 focus on low kèy prh)rilies: The Way of Love theway of Spirit. Sund8y Church axpwsSs Im8ity in pernon as yestctI)nS Onl1 kn rwss88ry1 Gower Life Groups Bless Gov+V Iniliative, thch is eSS&)tlty miss•)ns commurmty tn$ mirstry. W• TrMII continu• to support our commLM)Ity vla a rJe ol rev tiVItIeS. Pollcy on v•wv•• Th8 ros•N•s policy Is lo kggp a rnirim in geMal fwwjs to covw 3 monih's opèratiNJ ¢o$ts. ststymoni truts•i' r••ponslbllltl• The Iruslees are responsib[¢ for prepariThJ Ihe nUal report the Ilnanclal staiwmonts In ac¢ord8nce %%lth •ppIic8ble18W Unrted KirrtJdom Gen81ty Accept AccotIng Practice. Law applic)le to chwties in EngkwN1 arKI W81•s wuir•g thte88 to pTrpare fi¢181 statements lor gach flnanclal y•r 1¢h glve a true and Iwr vl8w of charity's flnanclal &fjvltl•s (ln9 the year and ol it5 finartial poSitn at the of yew. kn prepThj linwKial 8tatemenl8 givirYJ a trug 8TrJ f•'r vi, th Iruslag9 are Tequired to.. - sdect slable accowrtiTrJ policies ¥ply them ColS18Y. . make IjgeMerrts ar#J estlmat•s that arml prudenl.. and . preparn the Statarnts on tho goirg CoreM bas18 unlo881118 Inappropdato to pr88umo Ihal the chwty continue in opwatl)n. trust•es arn rnspOr1b1ts1Orke?P11¥j prDperxcowrtlrwJ r018 Ithch disclose vllh rea6onabl• acc4Jr at aty tim¢ th¥ financial posilbnof tChlty 8ThJ 8nabl• Ih8m 10 ensur• thai linanci81 $t8tements ¢ompty 4th thè Charltles Ac12011. T199$ arg also re5por6lblelor5afeguardirpJ Iho assetsol the charfty and ho8 for tokin9 re&8on8ble steps lor pm•ntlon aTrJ d8teLtion ol aTrJ other irwulari1S Tha trtsstÈés d•elor¢ thot tlw have pved the tnMte89' WJOrt sove. behall of Iho bowd Si9nad.. ..TnJstee Print Name... ...(.I- lAj PA.!.12.IC o Page 6
Gower New Life Church
Charity Number: 1188131 Company Number CE020823
Receipts and Payments Account for Gower New Life Church for the year ending May 2024
Receipts
| Current Year (May | Previous Year (May | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | 2023 - May 2024) | 2022 - May 2023) |
| Opening Balance: | ||
| ‣Bank Currrent Account | £9,440.04 | |
| ‣Savings Account | £5,045.36 | |
| Donations and Offerings (1) | ||
| ‣Direct Debit (DD) Offerings | £7,890.41 | |
| ‣Cash Offerings | £1,108.50 | |
| ‣Other Donations (one-offs) | £1,250.00 | |
| ‣Other Income | £110.00 | |
| ‣Refunds | £122.21 | |
| ‣Bank Interest | £37.05 | |
| Total Receipts (2) | £10,518.17 | £10,122.00 |
| Total Receipts | £19,958.21 | |
| Payments | ||
| Current Year (May | Previous Year (May | |
| Category | 2023 - May 2024) | 2022 - May 2023) |
| Venue Hire: | ||
| ‣Pennard Parish Hall | £1,607.50 | |
| ‣Tabernacle | £150.00 | |
| ‣Oxwich Hall | £165.80 | |
| Total Venue Hire Expenditure | £1,923.30 | |
| Administration and Governance: | ||
| ‣Bank Charges | £73.24 | |
| ‣Accounting Fee (EasyBooks) | £756.00 | |
| ‣Zoom Membership | £140.31 | |
| ‣Licences and Insurance | £870.12 | |
| ‣Printing | £233.75 | |
| ‣DBS Checks | £6.00 | |
| ‣Software | £85.41 | |
| Total Administration and Governance | ||
| Expenditure: | £2,164.83 | |
| Equipment (4): |
Page 7
Charity Number: 1188131 Company Number CE020823
Gower New Life Church
| ‣Gazebo | £1,014.96 | |
|---|---|---|
| ‣Power Supply | £899.00 | |
| ‣Other Equipment | £192.90 | |
| Total Equipment Expenditure: | £2,106.86 | |
| Community Activities: | ||
| ‣Community Meals/Beaufort Outreach | £338.99 | |
| ‣Leaders Retreat Day (Meal) | £159.75 | |
| ‣Gower Show/Pennard | ||
| Carnival/Outreach | £618.30 | |
| ‣Sundries | £315.31 | |
| ‣Youth Sundries | £32.24 | |
| ‣Music Concert (American Family Band) | £243.36 |
|
| Total Community Activities | ||
| Expenditure: | £1,707.95 | |
| Gifts (3): | ||
| ‣Gift for church member in need (car) | £2,000.00 | |
| ‣Gift for church audio visual and tech | ||
| support lead (computer) | £1,448.88 | |
| ‣Other Gifts | £255.03 | |
| Total Gifts Expenditure: | £3,703.91 | |
| Total Payments | £11,606.85 | £10,693.00 |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
| Current Year (May | Previous Year (May | |
| Assets: | 2023 - May 2024) | 2022 - May 2023) |
| Cash Funds: | ||
| ‣Bank Current Account | £8,314.81 | £9,440.04 |
| ‣Bank Interest | 37.05 | |
| Total Cash Funds Value: | £8,351.86 | £9,440.04 |
| Other Assets (Church Equipment): | ||
| ‣Gazebo | £1,014.96 | |
| ‣Power Supply | £899.00 | |
| ‣Other Equipment | £192.90 | |
| Total Assets (Church Equipment) Value: | £2,106.86 |
£4,518.00 |
| Grand Total Assets Value | £10,458.72 | £13,958.04 |
Page 8
Gower New Life Church Charity 1mber. 1188131 Company Number CE020823 Previous Year (May 2022 - May 2023) Current Year (May 2023 - May 2024) Liabilitie5: LlabUIIi•&' . rOrt Totsl Llabilitios Vlu•: £0.00 Total Incomg £10.122 Totsl Exp•ndlturn SurplusllLhfi¢ltl $71 Previo Ye £10,&J3 £11..8$ Cwrent Yeaf120241 £10,518.17 41.088.68 for th• y•w •Ied 24 May X)24 1. Tho Recwpts PaY1$A¢fAxInt 8bove hès twn cc¥nrxbd strictly 8 cash bads, reffedwg 8CtU81 Incoming and outgL¥NJ mothe8 tI¥Dh bk cash If8nsacliorffj durirwJ the flnatKial yoar 8113 M8y 2024. 2. This ye8f ¥ told rwAiptg IE10,518.171 illustrate approximal8 irKfPaS• of £3.17 from t pfèvious ys irOrn•(£1o.l22l. total payments lrtreased by wutwj £875. rising from £10,693 to £11.368.38. 3. The 9r98ri2at)n IrTed $p8c¥ic ma18¥pe1rv on gtts dLytI$tfv'S year É3.703.91 k prfmarily a rn88nirKJlul contributlon lomtyrds 8 cw gift lor 8 ¢h family In dillicully and cornpul8r grftfcrf lo ¢hurth's authOviw lethni1 $ukp)rt le&J lo sw)port thern In thelr iversily St1•$. 4. Equipmenl purchases also sign¢lant £2.106.86), IncludirrfJ the proeurernent of outdoor gazebo, piwr SUFWy altoutsh 85#115 io swrt iha churchb (xrtTBach acbvilies, , hKlthJlrvJ p8rtkty)atknn In Gow SPKJW. The flrtanclal sthlerDen approv1 by lh• Board arxl w• 8jn on ils bèh by.. Slgned by........-....... Pfint N8rn8........ On b•half of th• board of Tru•toe• Date...... Page 9