Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From April 2024 To March 2025
Charity name: EBENEZER CHURCH, TALBOT GREEN
Charity registration number: 1188571
Ebenezer Church, Talbot Green Annual Charity Report.
The following report details how the church charity was a benefit to people in the community. It is a summary of the activities that took place and the results that gave evidence to show how the community was helped. The charity is funded by church members donations.
Objectives.
The purposes of the Church are set out in its governing document which include:
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The advancement of the Christian faith within Talbot Green, Pontyclun and the surrounding neighbourhood.
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Charitable purposes that in the opinion of the charity trustees put into practice the Christian faith. Examples would include but not be limited to, relief from hardship, assistance to those who are ill, advancement of education, provision of facilities for social welfare and recreation.
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Assistance and support given to missionaries that have a direct connection with the church.
Summary of activities.
During this period where people are experiencing hardship from a ‘cost of living Crisis’ the church held some activities specifically aiming to give relief to residents.
The church building and members have been involved in running Foodbank on Mondays.
Every Sunday a sermon was preached at the church and over the internet by the Pastor or lay-preachers. Before the sermon the church elders or their delegates would give a news update of village and church life and announce birthdays of people who were present at the church service. The sermons were sensitive, encouraging and uplifting giving hope through the difficult circumstances of the ‘cost of living crisis’. The sermon would be followed by a few songs of worship that were led by the worship leader or his delegates. Church members and many people from the community
either attended the church or logged on to listen to the services and often emailed encouraging messages.
The church activities have been well supported. Church members have attended the church in good numbers, children, youth and adult community activities continued. Fifty to sixty children/young people have regularly attended the mid-week youth activities. One of the youth groups was so well attended that it was split into two groups.
On Wednesdays a Bible talk/discussion was delivered to two groups, either at the church or at a church member’s home. All were encouraged to participate in the discussion.
During the summer holidays for one week ‘Holiday Bible Club’ took place for children of primary school age. Craft for the children was purchased and prepared. The children listened to Biblical stories with ethical teaching, completed craft, played games, joined in with the songs that were sung with actions. It was a privilege to see children with happy smiling faces obviously having lots of fun, with grateful parents or guardians looking on. Holiday bible club was well received by the community. Two new leaders helped in the running of the holiday club telling the bible stories and leading the songs.
Later during the year, a church member joined us as a trustee. He has been very helpful to the charity.
In January 2025 the church appointed a new Pastor. He and his wife have been a great encouragement to the church. The Pastor regularly preached on Sundays and visited people in the local community. He has also visited church members who were unwell in hospital. Church members have commented how much they enjoy his visits and preaching. His wife is excellent at playing the piano and very good at chatting and supporting the people who attended the church. Since his arrival attendances at all services has increased significantly.
Two of the local primary schools sent their children to the church to attend events run by a local church worker. One of the primary schools sent all their children to the church to attend an assembly run by church members at the request of the school. This occurred during the autumn and spring terms, once per term. The school have asked if the children can attend next year because the children and teachers thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The youth leaders regularly supported teenagers by running the youth group. The young people enjoyed their participation in games, bible-based talks, and outside activities. The youngsters were taken to Quasar and the
cinema. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Friendships within the group were made.
The children of the community benefited from the teaching that they received from Sunday School and attending their social group during the week. Leaders worked to produce a programme of fun activities, craft, games, and teaching that the children liked.
The community has been helped by the coffee morning and lady’s bible study groups. Lonely people have enjoyed the social inter action, both groups were a good place to make new friends and chat.
The church has given assistance to missionaries connected to the church with regular updates of their needs and news to church members.
Many acts of kindness have been completed by church members to people within the community. Errands completed; shopping done are two examples.
Details of how the church charity money was used, and current reserves are given in the financial report. We are thankful for the hard work of the Pastor, his wife and many church members. All diligently worked behind the scenes to enable the services and many acts of kindness to have a positive impact within the church neighbourhood. We are grateful too for industry of the charity treasurer.
Communication.
The church charity used different types of communication to ensure that the charity members were informed of what was happening in the church. Letters and emails were written. Social media was used. Telephone calls were made. Feedback from church members meeting was received.
Conclusion.
The trustees believe that as far as practically possible the church has met its objectives as set out in its governing document and church handbook. Often imaginative ways were used to overcome many challenges. New skills and knowledge have been gained throughout the year as some church members have taken on new roles and responsibilities. We look forward to church charity life during the next year.
The trustees were encouraged by the support and hard work of many of the church members. The trustees consider that they have complied with the Charity Commissions public benefit guidance.
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Andrew Clive Hallett |
Graham Peter Rowe |
Christopher Jenkins |
John Madge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary | Treasurer | Pastor | Trustee |
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