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2025-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1190541

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FOR

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS) CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 3
Independent Examiner's Report 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Balance Sheet 6
Notes to the Financial Statements 7 to 13

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The principal purpose is to advance the Christian faith as well as to advance education and to carry out other charitable activities. The church's vision is 'to build the Kingdom and to make disciples'. Grants are made as directed by the donor or where the Trustees consider the payment would further the objectives of the church.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

The church worked hard to fully implement the vision previously adopted. The vision is 'to build the Kingdom and to make disciples', and alongside this we have a set of values which govern how we operate and help us determine our priorities and inform our decision making. The values are as follows:

We depend on God for immeasurably more Everyone has value and adds value We seek the well-being of our community We don't maintain we multiply We are joyfully all in

In the context of the objectives, the following achievements show how our vision has increasingly come to life:

Care

We continue to offer pastoral provisions on request, and we have worked hard to build strong processes to ensure that we are helping individuals and families to meet their needs; spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. The vast majority of our care and support is of individuals by volunteers.

Children & Youth

We have continued to include children and young people within the life of the church, supporting parents and families where possible, and we remain committed to providing holiday clubs and Sunday provisions for local children and young people, as well as bespoke events and activities which are tailored to the needs of the younger generations.

Discipleship

Connect Groups meet during the week at different times and locations, making it easier for people to engage on a regular basis.These groups are an important setting for personal development, as well as a space for personal care.

Our weekly gatherings also continue to be an opportunity for Christian learning, and we have also been encouraged by the teaching and support of various invited individuals and organisations, and have provided training opportunities for various leaders and volunteers from within the church.

Gatherings

The church continues to meet each Sunday, across two locations, and during these times various teams ensure that this expression of our church life is inclusive and welcoming as well as providing an environment for spiritual growth and Christian worship. We continue to meet as a wider church for corporate prayer and ministry.

Mission

Through both of our locations at Ashby Road and Crosby we have continued to serve the local community, regularly providing meals, social opportunities, befriendment and more. We have also continued to work with others in the community to seek the wellbeing and welfare of those who are most vulnerable.

Public Benefit

The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commisson's general guidance on public benefit and complied with section 17 (5) of the 2011 Charities Act when reviewing the aims and objectives prior to planning and developing activities.

Page 1

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

In accordance with the Charities Commission guidance, the Trustees meet regularly during the year to review the level of reserves and consider that at the balance sheet date there were adequate free reserves for the church's future plans of £115,026 (2024 - £124,071).

The church has a reserves policy of 3 months wages and 3 months utilities and building commitment costs, we have set this amount for the year 2024/25 as £25,000.

Budgets are prepared on an annual basis by the staff and Leadership Team and approved by the trustees and subsequently by the church meeting.

Reviews of income and expenditure are carried out quarterly by the Leadership Team and trustees prior to being presented to the church meeting.

Those responsible for procurement of goods and services are required to ensure that best value is achieved, and that preferred suppliers are reviewed on a regular basis.

This report shows a healthy level of unrestricted funds for Connect Church. However, there are already plans for significant investment in several capital projects in the financial year ahead, as well as budgeted expectations for a sizable deficit which will also have an impact on future unrestricted funds.

FUTURE PLANS

Significant plans are being developed for further Connect Church locations to be planted within North Lincolnshire, with a new strategy being adopted in 2025 and communicated to the wider church.

We are also continuing to give significant focus and energy to developing and releasing more leaders within the life of the church, giving us greater capacity and a wider skillset.

As we continue to work together with Connect Foundation, we anticipate that in the coming year we will partner with them to focus on alleviating poverty, particularly in the current challenges locally.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).

Organisational structure

Connect Church was registered as a CIO on 23 July 2020, and operates in accordance with its constitution, which was adopted on 15 January 2020. The Trustees are appointed through an open and public process by the church members' meeting to be responsible for the governance of the church. Trustees, except the Lead Pastor, are appointed for an initial three-year term and serve so long as they have the support of the church members' meeting. They have the opportunity to be nominated for re-appointment at the end of their three-year term, after which there must be a break of at least one-year before they are nominated again. The Trustees control, manage and administer the church, subject to any specific or general directions from the church members' meeting. The Lead Pastor, who is also a Trustee, takes responsibility for the implementation of direction set by the Trustees and works through the staff and Leadership Team.

Volunteers are involved in the management, administration and activities of the church, and they play a vital role in ensuring that all of our efforts are carried out to a high standard, are effective to our objectives, and are done so in line with our vision and values as a charity. The trustees would like to place on record their sincere gratitude to all our volunteers.

The trustees during the period were those listed below.

Page 2

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1190541

Principal address Ashby Road Scunthorpe DN16 1NR

Trustees

Rev T W Macdonald P Clark (resigned 2.7.24) A Sturman M Hockey (resigned 8.7.25) J Sadler (resigned 8.7.25) M Karaffa A Robinson

Independent Examiner

Helen Spauls FCA Smethurst & Co 12 Abbey Road GRIMSBY DN32 0HL

EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR

Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).

Under charity law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and The Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:

............................................................................ A Robinson - Trustee

Page 3

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Connect Church (North Lincs)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Connect Church (North Lincs) (the CIO) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the CIO's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the 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 respect of the CIO as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. 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.

Helen Spauls FCA

Smethurst & Co 12 Abbey Road GRIMSBY DN32 0HL

Date: .............................................

Page 4

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
137,082
Charitable activities
Core
30,772
Investment income
2
13,469
Total
181,323
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Core
198,864
Net gains/(losses) on investments
(35,000)
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(52,541)
Transfers between funds
11
(1,914)
Net movement in funds
(54,455)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
706,662
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
652,207
Restricted
fund
£
24,114
-
-
24,114
21,090
-
3,024
1,914
4,938
10,214
15,152
31.3.25
Total
funds
£
161,196
30,772
13,469
205,437
219,954
(35,000)
(49,517)
-
(49,517)
716,876
667,359
31.3.24
Total
funds
£
145,131
22,528
13,003
180,662
187,689
-
(7,027)
-
(7,027)
723,903
716,876

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 5

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

BALANCE SHEET

31 MARCH 2025

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
Investment property
8
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
10
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Unrestricted
fund
£
287,181
250,000
537,181
17,618
111,128
128,746
(13,720)
115,026
652,207
652,207
Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
15,152
15,152
-
15,152
15,152
15,152
31.3.25
Total
funds
£
287,181
250,000
537,181
17,618
126,280
143,898
(13,720)
130,178
667,359
667,359
652,207
15,152
667,359
31.3.24
Total
funds
£
297,591
285,000
582,591
20,607
128,226
148,833
(14,548)
134,285
716,876
716,876
706,662
10,214
716,876

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. A Robinson - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, 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, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Donations

Donations are accounted for gross when received.

Income

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

Investment Income

Investment income is accounted for in the year in which it is received.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity 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.

Tangible fixed assets

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

Freehold property - 5% Straight Line and 2% Straight Line

Fixtures and fittings - 25% Straight Line, 20% Straight Line and 10% Straight Line

Depreciation on fixed assets costing over £250 is calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over their expected useful lives.

The church premises owned prior to 2002 are considered to be inalienable and historic fixed assets. They are excluded from the balance sheet because reliable cost information is not available and valuation would incur significant costs, which would be onerous compared to the additional benefit gained by the user of the accounts. Expenditure since 2002 on premises is included in the balance sheet at cost.

The building extension in 2002 is included in fixed assets at a cost of £485,200 and depreciated at 2% straight line. The Trustees consider that none of its separate components has a significantly different useful economic life that collectively would materially affect the carrying value in the accounts.

Furniture and equipment acquired since 2002 for the church premises is included at cost where the expected useful life exceeds 5 years. Fixed assets are reviewed annually for impairment where a market value can be reasonably assessed.

Investment property

Investment property is measured at cost and subsequently at fair value at each reporting date. No depreciation is provided on investment property.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

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 charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Page 7

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

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

Pension costs

Employer's contributions to the defined contribution pension schemes of eligible employees are included in the Statement of financial activity in the year in which they become payable. Obligations under a defined benefit multi-employer plan are recognised as though they were a defined contribution plan. From August 2022 it was agreed that £1 per month would be contributed towards the pension scheme deficit therefore no liability is recognised.

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

2. INVESTMENT INCOME
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Rents received 9,600 9,525
Bank interest 3,869 3,478
13,469 13,003
3. GRANTS PAYABLE
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Core 17,816 11,240
The total grants paid to institutions during the year was as follows:
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
BMS World Mission 4,320 4,320
Home Misson 4,320 4,320
Lives - 100
Weave Foundation 3,700 -
Other institutions 1,125 -
13,465 8,740
The total grants paid to individuals during the year was as follows:
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Other individuals 4,351 2,500
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Trustees' salaries 35,400 32,880
Trustees' pensions paid 4,102 3,627
39,502 36,507

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The above Trustees remuneration relates to pastor, Rev T W MacDonald in respect of his services as Lead Pastor.

In addition to the above T W Macdonald, lived rent-free in housing owned or leased by the chuch, as is customary for clergy. For pension purposes this benefit has been valued at £7,600 (2024 - £7,600).

Page 8

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Church

31.3.25 31.3.24
5 5

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

Total paid to key management during the period inclusive of national insurance and pension contributions was £39,503 (2024 -£36,507).

6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Core
Investment income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Core
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
7.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
Charge for year
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Unrestricted
fund
£
130,647
22,528
13,003
166,178
175,025
(8,847)
715,509
706,662
Freehold
property
£
512,539
-
512,539
224,742
10,516
235,258
277,281
287,797
Restricted
fund
£
14,484
-
-
14,484
12,664
1,820
8,394
10,214
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
87,779
2,394
90,173
77,985
2,288
80,273
9,900
9,794
Total
funds
£
145,131
22,528
13,003
180,662
187,689
(7,027)
723,903
716,876
Totals
£
600,318
2,394
602,712
302,727
12,804
315,531
287,181
297,591

Page 9

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8. INVESTMENT PROPERTY

FAIR VALUE
At 1 April 2024
Revaluation
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
£
285,000
(35,000)
250,000
250,000
285,000

Investment property was initially purchased for £155,000 in 2003.

The investment property was valued by RICS registered valuers in August 2025 at £250,000. This is considered to be an indicator of impairment at March 2025 and therefore the fair value has been revised to £250,000 in the year ended 31st March 2025.

9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Gift aid debtor 5,496 6,128
Other debtors 12,122 14,479
17,618 20,607
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Other creditors 13,720 14,548

10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.4.24
£
706,662
10,214
716,876
Net
movement
in funds
£
(52,541)
3,024
(49,517)
Transfers
between
funds
£
(1,914)
1,914
-
At
31.3.25
£
652,207
15,152
667,359

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

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
181,323
24,114
205,437
Resources
expended
£
(198,864)
(21,090)
(219,954)
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
(35,000)
(52,541)
-
3,024
(35,000)
(49,517)
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
(35,000)
(52,541)
-
3,024
(35,000)
(49,517)
(49,517)

Page 11

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

At 1.4.23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
715,509
Restricted funds
Restricted
8,394
TOTAL FUNDS
723,903
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
166,178
Restricted funds
Restricted
14,484
TOTAL FUNDS
180,662
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.24
£
£
(8,847)
706,662
1,820
10,214
(7,027)
716,876
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(175,025)
(8,847)
(12,664)
1,820
(187,689)
(7,027)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.4.23
£
715,509
8,394
723,903
Net
movement
in funds
£
(61,388)
4,844
(56,544)
Transfers
between
funds
£
(1,914)
1,914
-
At
31.3.25
£
652,207
15,152
667,359

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
347,501
38,598
386,099
Resources
expended
£
(373,889)
(33,754)
(407,643)
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
(35,000)
(61,388)
-
4,844
(35,000)
(56,544)

Page 11

CONNECT CHURCH (NORTH LINCS)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Included within restricted funds in the current and comparative periods are as follows:

Next Generation

This is a one-off legacy donation that was given with the express purpose of being used to develop future leaders for service within the charity.

Christmas Hampers

Donations were made to sponsor a Christmas hamper. The Christmas hampers were then prepared and delivered in partnership with local children's services, ensuring that the most vulnerable and needy families, received a full Christmas dinner and gifts for children.

Fuelled Fund

The delivery of holiday clubs in Crosby as part of the local authority campaign to support those who receive school meals.

Trauma Training

Providing training to those from within local education settings to ensure that children and young adults are being cared for in a way that is appropriate for their needs.

University Fees

Raising funds toward university fees.

Transfers

Transfers are amounts transferred from unrestricted funds for overspends on the Next Generation and Christmas Hampers funds.

12. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Contracted but not provided for in the financial statements 17,294 -

The above is in relation to sanctuary chairs delivered after the year end.

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year elected Trustees donated £14,710 (2024 - £17,180) to the church.

During the year management fees of £22,500 (2024 - £15,000) were received from Connect Foundation (North Lincs).

Amounts outstanding at the 31st March 2025 from Connect Foundation (North Lincs) were £2,887 (at 31 March 2024 £13,330).

14. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

The decision to sell the investment property in Dartmouth Road was made at the church meeting on 12 June 2025. The intention was to sell immediately but it has now been agreed that it will be part exchanged for the purchase of the new Crosby location premises.Funding for this is in negotiation but the intention is for this to happen as soon as possible.

15. RELATED CHARITIES

The custodian trustee of the church is the Baptist Union Corporation Limited (Charity no. 249635) which is controlled by the Baptist Union Council. The church is also a member of the Baptist Union Great Britain and the East Midlands Baptist Association.

The church has made donations to the Bapist Union Home Mission Scheme and BMS World Mission as set out in note 3.

Page 12