Elders report 2022 Our motto text for the year was: _“For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)_ We reflect that amidst the massive political and economic changes in the nation, we have also seen much spiritual and ethical decline. Also, both as individuals and as a church we have seen finances being stretched. Towards the end of the year our Pastor began a series of sermons from the book of Revelation, where we are confronted with realities beyond what our usual five senses can perceive. ## **Membership and leadership** We give God thanks for the addition of a new member and for the ways that they contribute to the life of the church. However, the church effectively lost ten other members, mainly through relocation. Some of these fulfilled important roles in the life of the church and will be greatly missed. In particular the church does not currently have a musician to accompany hymn singing. The church also lost the services of its deacon for part of the year. He stepped down after many years of faithful service because he found the responsibility tiring. The church is very grateful for his past service, and equally grateful that after prayerful consideration, he was willing to take on the responsibility again some months later. The role of treasurer was taken on by another church member, under the mentorship and guidance of the former treasurer. As noted in previous years, the Trustees note that the age profile of the church’s membership continues to increase and the church needs to see conversions and additions to membership for the future. It is the conviction both of the Trustees and of church members that these needs are beyond our control, and we need to seek God to intervene for the needs to be met. However, attendance at Sunday services continues to be encouraging, and we are thankful that the Sunday evening service continues to be supported at a time when many churches find it non-viable to hold one. Attendance at prayer meetings continues to be good. The Trustees are thankful for the provision of Zoom, that makes it possible for members unable to attend Sunday services and midweek prayer meetings in person still to benefit. The Trustees and church members are grateful to God for his financial provision despite the loss of members alluded to above. A number of non-members have attended Sunday services regularly. ## **The church’s mission to the community** One of the main aims of the church is to make known to the community (both immediately surrounding the church and in the city as a whole) the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ. The Trustees and members are convinced that God alone is able to convert people to faith in his Son, Jesus Christ; however, we are equally convinced that it is our duty to proclaim to others the message of God’s love, in whatever ways and through whatever means we can. Two discussion evenings about how to achieve this were held, and a strategy decided upon. The weekly children’s club is not viable because of a shortage of helpers, but a monthly family night is being organised to take its place, open both to children and adult family members. A “Warm Hub” was set up, aiming to provide anyone in the community to come into the building on Wednesday mornings to avoid having to heat their own homes and to enjoy free refreshments and a chat. A number of people from the community attended, and church members who attended also found it helpful to get to know each other better. A Week of Evangelism was held in the autumn, assisted by a visiting church pastor. Open-air meetings were profitable, with a number of passers-by listening and being willing to engage in conversation about what was being explained. A training session about sharing our faith was also held. The church held regular open-air meetings in the city centre, again with profitable conversations being had about the message that was being declared, and with gospel tracts being distributed. The church’s website continues to be well used, and some people have begun to attend services as a result of visiting the website. In conclusion, the Trustees and members are very thankful to God for preserving the church and for providing for its needs. The spiritual nature of our aims means that we cannot achieve them by our own efforts and skill, but we continue to look to God to lead us forward. CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND W G8C knaDcas*er '.97182 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a To Section A Receipts and payments Last A1 R•c4lpls 5(794 IWJ 75 1$90 t•blo1. Sub total 1.735 fA13 14015 4705 748 S￿1 total 7&n1 n.771 A6 Cash last end 1716 CCXX R1 ISS} Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrnstrlcted R•StrI￿*d funds Endowm&nt funds to Iw*st£ B1 Cash funds Total cash funds 743n funds funds Details to ne¥eJt£ Dètails B3 InvestThnt assets Details Costlaptir•ll r. n-l Curyentvatue B4 Assets retsined for the charitys own use ￿T￿st￿l Details BS Liabililios b8haifof all ￿ trustg85 Pn"nl N*nè Date of 1410512023 Sle¥en Walker 14105r2023 CCXX R2 ISS) CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent ExaTniner s Report Report to the truste members of Q6C k4kn4 On aG¢ounts for the year ended Charity no (rf any) Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity nhe Trust.) for the year ended Responsibilitles and As the ¢haiity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in acc(Ydance with the requirements of the Charrties A 2011 (Ihe ACY). report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts Ca￿led out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have foll0v￿d the appficable Directions given by the Chartty Commission under seclion 145(5}{b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ') in Connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect. accounting records were not kept in accordance wtih section 130 of the Ad or the aca)unts do not acc(Yd with the accounting records Independent exambner's statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention shoukl be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the bracket5 rf they do not appty. Date: Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualifKationl$) or body (if any): Address: IER October 2018