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2022-12-31-accounts

Trustees Annual Report 2022

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977 Unit 24, Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Watchfield. SN6 8TZ 01793 783123 www.afcu.org.uk

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3: 14 – 21.

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Introduction

We are pleased to present the Armed Forces’ Christian Union (AFCU) annual report for the year ending 31st December 2022. The AFCU is a registered charity (CIO) dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of the Armed Forces serving personnel, MOD Civil Servants, veterans, and their families.

This year saw the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, and this brought considerable extra pressure on the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom. As a nation, the effects of Covid were evident not only through the illness, but with a hesitancy to join activities outside the home. However, a long hot summer helped with moving past the pandemic.

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

As an organisation that has supported members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (AF) for many decades, we were deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen and remain extremely grateful for her strong faith and Christian influence. We now look forward to praying for His Majesty King Charles III and continuing to support his Armed Forces in the coming years.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Objectives and Activities

During 2022 the AFCU continued to provide: prayer support, Bible teaching, discipleship, and a range of activities to support the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the members. The AFCU also provided one-on-one pastoral support to service members and their families, as well as organising retreats and other events to encourage spiritual growth and fellowship.

We have seen a steady increase in membership to almost 1000 serving members, and 2000 nonserving and veteran members.

Each of our ministries is led by a steering group; nine in total. Each steering group comprises volunteers from the membership, a Director and a Trustee. Their reports are below.

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Under 35s Steering Group

Aim: to disciple young men and women in the Armed Forces community in their Christian faith.

This steering group fosters a sense of belonging and fellowship for our young serving members, MOD civil servants or contractors and their spouses. During 2022, a number of events and activities took place, either directly organised by the U35s or where they participated. Between four and twelve met for an hour on the first Monday of every month to pray together and encourage one another. Members of the U35s SG take it in turns to lead these evening prayer meetings.

A fun weekend of Adventurous Training took place at St George’s House, a Christian Conference Centre near Barnstaple. Twenty-four folk gathered to enjoy climbing, sea-based activities, Martin and Lee’s cooking and time in fellowship together.

Chaffey and Wg Cdr David Richardson present on the topic. A great discussion followed afterwards. We all benefited from hearing the difference between emotional and spiritual resilience and how we could share our faith in the military.

The AFCU runs an activity week for military teenagers during August, and a number of leaders for this camp come from the U35 members. They participated in giving memorable talks, leading sports activities and in being group leaders. It is a time of building faith, both for the campers and the leaders.

At the end of August, ten U35 members spent the weekend together looking at a short book written by Paul; in fellowship; eating amazing food and studying the Bible.

In July, an online seminar was organised on the topic of Spiritual Resilience. We were privileged to have the Ven Jonathan

Highlights:

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Men's Steering Group

Aim: to disciple men in the Armed Forces community (serving, MOD Civil Servants, contractors and their spouses) in their Christian faith.

Highlights:

Men’s Bible teaching weekend at the Armed Forces’ Chaplaincy Centre (AFCC) – February 2022 The Gathering – June 2022

At the end of June, 35 AFCU men met in ‘a field near Swindon’ for CVM’s annual event ‘The Gathering 2022’ (TG22). The usual lineup of green Army tents distinguished the military from the many other men. Since it was Armed Forces’ Day, they were invited up onto the stage, in uniform, as much to demonstrate that is it possible to be Christian and in the military as to honour those serving in the Military. Martin and Rhett catered for all with the BBQ, and it was encouraging to see so many men worshipping together. On the Sunday morning, the men met in groups of 3-4 and prayed for one another. This event remains the Main Effort for the men’s ministry.

The regular February Men’s Weekend was held at Beckett House, the AFCC in Shrivenham. The topic for this weekend was ‘An ever-present help’ based on Psalm 46. Maj Gen (Retd) Roddy Porter spoke of God’s hand being over him during his military career and he also set a challenge based on the actions of Caleb in Numbers 24, to be ‘men of a different spirit to the current culture’. Josh Marlow led the worship and connecting with each other was a key component for this weekend and the 36 attending. Sadly, 7 pulled out at the last minute mainly due to Covid or deployment issues.

“I thank God for these brothers, who enable me to be the man of God that I am; far from perfect, as I’m sure my wife would tell you, but a work in progress with my eyes fixed on Jesus!”

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Flourish Steering Group

Aim: to disciple women in the Armed Forces community (serving, MOD Civil Servants, those married to serving spouses and contractors) in their Christian faith; identifying and encouraging those with leadership skills.

“For me, the most important bits have actually been the physical get-togethers. I have experiences at these events that I don’t have anywhere else. I advance years spiritually in days and I consolidate friendships in hours that I’ve had digitally for months. I think the best is obtained by physical connection, backed up by digital. It’s a big ask these days but, at least for me, remains the highlight and priority of my engagement with Twenty4 / AFCU.”

Due to the ongoing challenges of Covid, Flourish held a ‘Little Ships’ event in May. These were smaller gatherings in eleven locations, which included three international locations (Alnwick, Catterick, Chippenham, Cyprus, Didcot, Gibraltar, Leuchars, Shrivenham, Waddington, Warminster, SHAPE (Belgium)). We were delighted that in total over 90 women attended; they looked at ‘who we are in God’s sight’ based on Psalm 139. It was well received as a way of easing back into meeting in person, and Sian Campbell-Colquhoun led brilliantly from Gibraltar over the internet!

Highlights:

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The Twenty4 annual gathering – Women of Light - was held at a small retreat centre in Yorkshire and was attended by 17 members of the group. This was a profound weekend of prayer, teaching, deep conversations, and testimony. The women who attended spoke about being inspired and encouraged about all that God was doing, and all that He would do. At the end of the weekend the vision for something new was shared, a leadership programme for men and women that will replace Twenty4, meaning that this would be the last Twenty4 cohort.

The Women of Light weekend was a fitting finale for the programme which has lasted for 16 years attended by nearly 200 women. There was much rejoicing about what God would do next amongst the tears of sadness that this particular leadership programme would come to an end.

In September, Flourish held a weekend at Shrivenham, titled ‘Equipped to Serve – a life well lived.’ The nation had been hugely saddened with the news of Her Majesty the Queen’s death a few days earlier. As a result, the programme of the weekend was altered, in light of this proximity, and attendees took courage from her example of a life of servanthood to the nation. After not being able to meet fully in a physical space for a while due to Covid, this was a much-appreciated weekend of gathering, fellowship and connection.

Additionally, there are a number of ongoing women’s Bible studies held on Zoom, led by those involved in the Women’s ministry at different times of the week, including one supporting those posted internationally.

From a mentor, “The highlight for me is journeying with a mentee as they navigate life but growing in their awareness of their leadership skills and spiritual gifts. Seeing them grow and become more confident as they step out more for God. I find that as I pray and prepare for times with my mentee, questions I may be wanting to ask them also prompt me to reflect how it impacts my life too. Sometimes you don't realise how far you have grown or changed until you stop and look back on where you have come from!”

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Prayer Steering Group

Aim: to foster the desire to pray and be prayed for across the Union and to arrange mechanisms by which these can be met.

Throughout the year, in over 70 locations, monthly prayer groups/individuals gathered and prayed for the serving links. We currently have 279 serving links who are prayed for by 78 different Prayer Support Teams (PSTs). We know that this part of our ministry is hugely important and appreciated and we have seen many answers to prayer.

In April, Juliette (our Prayer Ministry Coordinator) organised a day long Prayer Retreat at Harnhill; 40 people came for the day. This was a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, personal reflection and retreat. It was a chance to bring together many of our PST leaders and offer them support, encouragement, and spiritual reflection. A new PST was created as a result of this day. Juliette also ran a couple of online PST gatherings during the year. These were

well attended and offered an opportunity for envisioning and ironing out communication issues between PSTs and their serving links.

During May, we joined in with the International Thy Kingdom Come prayer initiative in support of the Defence Christian Network (DCN). Also in May, Liesel, the Prayer Director, visited Poland with one of our partner charities, Flame International, to pray with refugees from Ukraine. This was a successful trip dealing with the sensitive topic of wartime trauma.

“It made me feel calm, peaceful and privileged to be part of such a lovely group of people.”

“Such a delight to fellowship with other PSTs.”

“Time out for reflection and listening to God.”

Highlights:

Prayer Retreat at Harnhill – April 2022

Thy Kingdom Come – May 2022 Linking Serving members and their families for specific confidential prayer cover

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

One refugee from Odessa spoke about how the teaching on forgiveness had particularly impacted him saying, “When the war broke out everyone is saying, “I will never forgive [Russia] for causing such pain, fear and separation of family. When my friend, the one I played with in childhood died as soldier, I feel the same. I think I will never forgive. But I do not realise that this is like a wound in me. Today I heard the teaching about forgiveness, and I knew that I must forgive. Now I feel that although my wound is still there, like a small scar, if I had not forgiven today, it would have spread like infection until it consumed all of me.”

Throughout the year, the Lunchtime Prayer Group has met on Zoom on Mondays to Fridays. This group started during Covid and continues to pray over the work of the Union. The Staff team join in every Monday. The Office team also

continues to meet for daily morning prayer, using the regularly updated prayer diaries, and prays for the sick, the deployed, our padres and spouses, the AFCU prayer diary and the Confidential Intercessory Prayers (CIP). These prayer diaries are sent out to over 70 trusted confidential intercessors within the membership too.

In the autumn, we produced a Remembrance Sunday service booklet for churches to use. This is of especial benefit to civilian clergy who often approach AFCU for support in leading Remembrance Services. It is available in digital format as well as a printed booklet and contains links to video clips, a full order of service plan, prayers, and wording for the Act of Remembrance. We were delighted to receive positive feedback.

“Thank you very much indeed for the Remembrance booklet. It is really excellent. We have passed it onto our associate vicar and also to the person doing the prayers at the actual service. They will both find it very helpful.”

“Many thanks indeed for the booklet, which is a really valuable resource. I will make extensive use of it next month – and in years to come!”

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Families Steering Group

Aim: to pray for and plan the AFCU Families Ministry, and to coordinate, oversee and develop activities to encourage, equip and reach out to serving members and their families in the Armed Forces.

Highlights:

Adam and Ruth Pyrke, with Robin and Sophie Hawkins, ran a training weekend for the Summer Camp leaders in April. This was an opportunity to invest in the young leaders, a number of whom are serving personnel, to build them up in their faith and leadership skills.

In July, 30 military children based in Gibraltar, were led by Adam and Ruth for a week of fun activities with a Christian message. This is conveyed through a programme called ‘Go Fish.’ This was initiated and supported by AFCU members posted there. Following this very successful week, there has been a continuation of this connection with a monthly ‘Go Fish’ family time.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

More than sixty members met up and camped at the annual New Wine (NW) Conference called ‘United’ in the East of England Show Ground, Peterborough, for a week of worship and teaching. Those who brought children were well catered for, and they built friendships that carry on into Summer Camp. We camped as a village and hosted a picnic one lunchtime to gather with those who are attending NW but camping with their churches. Our large white marquee is an excellent space for spending time in fellowship in the evening, after the final meeting, as well as throughout the day.

Summer Camp is the highlight of many an AFCU teenager's year: an action-packed week of fun, encouragement, Bible teaching, and the opportunity to make new and lasting friendships. Some come to deepen their faith, others come to find it. This year we had 45 campers and 28 leaders.

"As an Armed Forces child, it was really useful to have the same group of friends that I could come back to every year. Now I can see it in the kids that I lead, they might move around, have different schools, but every year they get to come back to camp and see their friends again. It’s really great!" Ex Camper/ Leader RAF

"It’s so good to have been accepted into the AFCU family and just to give the Armed Forces children something that is constant and something that doesn’t have to change every few years, and that is Jesus." Leader

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Community for Post-Traumatic Growth

Aim: to pray for and plan the ‘work’ of the CPTG to AFCU members with military trauma including and not restricted to those with combat trauma, moral injury and PTSD.

The Community Post-Traumatic Growth met for three days (20-22 Feb 22) in Derby for prayer, discernment, and strategic thinking. This was a helpful foundational meeting and a strategy for the ministry was agreed. Further development on this ministry will be reported on next year.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

International Steering Group

Aim: to coordinate the international activities of AFCU members and the wider international military community within the UK.

As events unfolded in advance of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022, Military Ministries International (MMI) set up an initiative to pray each day at 1700 hrs. Many of our members joined in with this daily event that ran through to Dec 22 and beyond.

“This is a very timely and useful reminder of how we might channel and focus our prayers in these difficult days.”

In October, the Adria International took place. Along with an Army Padre, who used his annual retreat budget to attend, Rebecca Benfield, the Operations Director, joined a gathering of representatives from Croatia, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, UK and Bulgaria. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen ties between organisations and to encourage each other. A connection was made with a young Logistics Captain and this led to an invite for our U35s to join the Romanian Ski Party in early 2023.

A few of our members attended the European Military Christian Meeting, run by MMI in the Czech Republic which took place in May. Many other national Military Christian Fellowships were also present, and it was an opportunity to encourage each other, pray for the nations and deepen connections.

Another facet of the ISG is to pray for those of our members who have left the Armed Forces and become missionaries around the World. Their prayer needs are also added to the monthly Prayer Diary.

“I so appreciate the AFCU’s prayerful and practical backing of my mission service. Indeed, I can attribute much of my spiritual maturity that led me here to the teaching, mentoring and encouragement I have received through the ladies’ ministry over the years. AFCU has been such a blessing and a lifeline – and I know I’m not alone in feeling that!”

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Finance Steering Group

Aim: to foster the desire to pray and be prayed for across the Union and to arrange mechanisms by which these can be met.

The FSG met twice in 2022 and reviewed the quarterly accounts, reviewed and agreed staff pay, reviewed the budgets for 2023, noting that there is a current projected deficit due to the end of a substantial set of legacies (all legacies are released into the accounts over a 4 year period), and discussed the possibility of approaching grant making bodies.

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

Veterans In Custody (VICs) Ministry

Aim: to foster the desire to pray and be prayed for across the Union and to arrange mechanisms by which these can be met.

This discreet ministry has been managed by Lt Col (Retd) Val Hall. There are a considerable number of veterans in UK prisons, and a small portion of these profess a Christian faith and have contacted the AFCU. Encouraging them in their faith, letters are written at Christmas, Easter, for birthdays as well as in response to personal letters. Small gifts, normally a book, are sent and are much appreciated. Val Hall and Rhett Parkinson spoke at HMP The Verne in August to about 20 prisoners; other similar visits have taken place around the country. It’s also very encouraging to know that many of our VICs also pray for the AFCU.

"I want to thank you immensely for visiting me today. You cannot comprehend the joy you brought with you. I am short of words to express my gratitude. All I can say is that you are a blessing in my life of which I am extremely grateful.

Your generosity both spiritually and morally is a recipe to prolong the life of a desperate individual like me. You are inspirational children of God."

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Membership Support

More demands on the Forces, particularly due to the conflict in Ukraine, have resulted in more pressure on Forces families and a steady stream of pastoral needs. Many of the AFCU staff have been engaged in supporting individuals, couples and families throughout the year. Often, as one major issue or drama is resolved or diminishes, another seems to arise. The most serious ones are raised with the Directors, especially the Prayer Director. She has therefore completed a Spiritual Director’s Course with Sarum College and commenced a Spiritual Supervisor’s Course with Spurgeon College. The latter will be completed in 2023 and both will directly benefit the wider AFCU.

In March, over 90 members attended the Officers’ Weekend which was held at Denham Grove Hotel. The topic was ‘Steadfast and Sure – Part 2’, a series of five talks given by Rev Rupert Shelley. Brig Ian Dobbie also secured the exceptional Prof John Lennox, a scientist theologian to speak to us. It was a privilege to hear him, as it was too to listen to Brig Ian’s talk on the life and works of William Tyndale.

2022 was the year of the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. We were honoured to be able to host (with the DCN) two lunchtime talks, given at great personal cost by two of our members. Lt Col (Retd) Chris Keeble’s humble recounting of his submission to God at Goose Green and the miraculous consequences, and Cdre (Retd) Adrian Nance shared his experiences following the bombing of HMS Sheffield, and how his faith guided him.

In Oct, two of the Directors - Liesel and Rhett Parkinson - visited AFCU members in Cyprus. One of the highlights was the opportunity to spend time in deep conversation individually with the seven padres who were based there. These meetings provided a useful window into the very real issues and challenges military padres experience, particularly during postings abroad, and help AFCU understand how we can provide better support to them in the form of one-to-one visits, resources, and prayer support.

“It’s wonderful to get together with other forces Christians and their families centred around Bible teaching.”

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Two Saturday events, named Catalyst, took place in the Autumn in two separate locations: Watchfield with over 40, and Lincoln with over 35 attendees. They followed the same programme, with four excellent pre-recorded short talks, each followed by discussions in small groups. The children had a great deal of fun in their groups, and everyone who came was encouraged to enter the ‘cake competition.’ There are some very talented people around!

Over 100 testimonies have been collected of answered prayer and shared with the team who are setting up the “Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer”. God has done so much for so many over the years.

“Thank you so much for arranging such an inspiring and encouraging day at Catalyst, Lincoln. The day was so timely and encouraging with a lovely mix of worship, teaching and sharing together and as I shared with Liesel, I felt so at home which is such a blessing in a very transient lifestyle.”

“Thank you for all your work in coordinating this and for the blessing of great company and lovely food.”

“It was a great way to connect with others and I am very grateful for the kids’ activities and workers:)”

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Communications

Each Friday we send out an emailed newsletter containing an article and an advert for an AFCU event. We find these are well received and have a steady opening rate of around 33% (c. 690 openers). For some members, we send out a printed version every two months.

We make good use of a closed Facebook group, and at the end of the year, started an Instagram account. With a widely ranging membership, with different communication needs, we review our statistics and effectiveness regularly.

Throughout the year, we responded to requests for interviews with various Christian media channels, especially around the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At the end of 2022, the final edition of Contact was published digitally. Covid bought many changes to the way in which this long-standing publication was able to be left out in AF messes or military doctor’s and dentist’s waiting rooms. Additionally with the renewed focus on the Christian serving personnel, the Trustees felt it was time to retire this publication. We are extremely grateful to Rachel and Simon Farmer, who between them have edited and produced this excellent AFCU magazine for over 20 years.

It will be replaced with a new magazine, Ignite, with the aim of resourcing the serving Christian service man or woman with challenging articles with the intention of taking their faith deeper.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Partnerships with other organisations

The Defence Christian Network, which comes under the MOD Faith and Belief Networks, was initiated by one our members and is supported by all Military Christian Fellowships. Lt Col Simon Maggs works tirelessly to make the DCN a ‘visible, quad-service Christian community, growing together in faith and providing a positive Christian presence in the MOD.’ We meet regularly with the DCN leadership ensuring they have the support they need.

By far the most significant event, which we worked in partnership with the DCN to organise, was the Service of Prayer which over 200 people attended. Held in the Defence Academy, this year it was led by the RAF, and included most memorably a gospel choir.

In the lead up to the service, the BBC Songs of Praise team interviewed a few of our members, to talk about their faith as members of the Services, and they also recorded the Service of Prayer on the day. This was then broadcast as the Remembrance Sunday Songs of Praise, with a viewing of 1.32m.

We also had one kind member who did 19 live interviews for local BBC radio stations on Remembrance Sunday morning for broadcast between 0600 and 0900 hrs.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Financial review

The AFCU is funded by the generous donations of the membership, which also includes legacies. Grants are sought in support of aspects of our work. We are particularly grateful to the Cornelius Trust for their financial contribution towards the activities for the benefit of members of the Armed Forces, enabling us to keep costs down for attendees.

The AFCU's financial performance remained consistent during the reporting period. Income for the year was £274,509 which was in line with expectations. Expenditure for the year was £288,676, with the majority of the expenses related to staffing costs (65%), event expenses (20%), and administrative costs (15%). This has required us to use of some of our reserves. The reserves policy states that if the reserves available are less than the 6- month figure then the Finance Steering

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

Group and the Board of Trustees are to be alerted so that remedial action may be taken. This was not necessary with the total assets being in excess of this figure. However, it will be closely monitored over the coming year with the cost-of-living crisis, and the potential drop in giving that this may bring.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

What's coming up in 2023

The Board of Trustees strategy weekend in December 2022 reviewed the number of ongoing activities, as reported here. The outcome of the discussion was that a greater emphasis and focus would be given to serving military men and women, MOD contractors and all their families ie the Beneficiaries. The Directors have been asked to review all activities during 2023 and to lay down those which don’t answer to this tighter focus.

In light of the experience gained through running the Twenty4 women’s programme for the last 14 years and the success that has been achieved, the executive can see immense value in transferring this across to the other elements of the AFCU. This will be done by initiating a mentoring and training programme to develop Christian leadership in the military, called Issachar.

It has been identified through discussions and surveys that while many military

personnel have been taught a rational, objective approach to leadership many struggle to translate those skills into their Christian life. Many of the skills are transferrable but the fundamental principles underpinning Christian leadership are not necessarily the same because God does not follow human rules. In order for the AFCU to grow spiritually, we need to train and mentor leaders who can develop Christian groups in their local area.

The executive is not large enough to be everywhere and we need our members to take up the mantle of leadership. The focus of the Issachar programme will be on those areas that have been identified as the key elements needed to successfully lead others: elements such as being able to discern God’s will and having the confidence to step forward in faith.

The Issachar programme will teach those attending how they can understand God’s will better and through mentoring and encouragement give the members sufficient confidence to establish, lead and inspire their groups. The Issachar programme will offer them not only the training to develop their skills but through

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

mentoring and the mutual support of each other as a cohort, the strength to drive on and overcome difficult times. It is anticipated that their 18 months together will provide the essential group cohesion and momentum to enable them to lead other Christians in their community.

Twenty4 mentor comment:

“I think the opportunity to be mentored is a wonderful gift for anyone on the Christian journey and it is a learning and growing experience as a mentor and as a mentee”

In early May, a group of AFCU members will be visiting Israel for our second Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the last one being in 2017. In addition to visiting the main pilgrimage site in the land, the trip will also visit significant sites from the British Mandate era to better understand the British military heritage in the land and learn from this. It will also visit a modern (1973) battlefield. Finally, the aim is to meet local people and hear their stories so that prayer for this place may be better informed in the future.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Conclusion

We would like to express our appreciation to the staff, volunteers, and donors who have supported the AFCU during the reporting period. We are proud of the progress we have made in advancing our mission of providing pastoral and spiritual support to the Armed Forces community. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing to serve the needs of this community in the coming year.

Confirmation statement

I confirm, as Chair of Trustees, that we have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit “Charities and Public Benefit”.

Signed:

Date: 26/06/2023

Sqn Ldr Jonathan Palmer Chair of Trustees Armed Forces’ Christian Union

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees on the unaudited accounts of the Armed Forces. Christian Union I report on the accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities. the Balan￿ Sheet and related notes set out on pages I to 7. Respective responsibilities ol trustees and reporting accoun The charitvs trustees are responsible for the prepJration of the accounts. The charit￿5 trustees consider that an avdlt 15 not required this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: al Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, bl Follow the procedures laid down in the general Direction$ given by the Charity Commlsslon (under sertion 1451Sllbl of the Charlties Act), and cl To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basss ol Independent Examlnerfs staiement My examSnation was carried out In accordance with the General 01￿ctiOnS given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination inclu¢Jes a review of the accountin8 records kept by the charity and a Comparison of the accounts presented wlth those records. It also Includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures In the accounts, and seekSn8 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 Conseouently no opinion is Biven as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report 15 limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examlnerfs slatement In connection wlth my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which 8lves me ¢ause to believe that, in any material respeci: al The accounting records were not kept in accordance wth section 130 of the Charities Act- or bl The accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or cl The accounts did not comply wlth the applicable ￿quireMentS concernin8 the form and Content of accounts Set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 21))8 other than any requirement that the accounts give a'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I 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 reoched. Cd W A Tresise ACA, Tre515e & Company Chartered Accountsnt. ICAEW 28, Evesham Walk, Sandhursi Berkshire. GU47 OYU Date.. 1110412023

ARMED FORCES. CHRISTIAN UNION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2022 Unrestricted Deslgnated Restrlrted Funds Funds Funds Total (General Fund) (Special Project Fund) Full year 2022 Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Other trading activities Income from investments Income from Charltable Activltles: Holidays and activities 41a} 190,679 41bl 293 4{c) 7,221 2,441 25,042 218,162 293 7,221 4{dl 36,795 36,795 Total Income 234,989 2,441 25,042 262,472 Expenditure on raising funds Expenditure on Charitable Artivitles: Holidays and activities Member mailing and visits 51a) 454 454 S{bl 119,988 5{c) 168,235 119,988 181,470 13,235 Total Expendlture 288,676 13.235 301,911 Net Income/{expenditurel before transfer of funds {53.687) 2,441 11.807 139,439} Transfers between Funds 39.520 121,398} {18.1231 Balances b/f l January 2022 163.415 32.019 23.775 219.210 Balances c/f 31 December 2022 149.248 13,063 17,459 179,770

ARMED FORCES, CHRISTIAN UNION BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 Decernber 2022 Unrestrlcted Funds Restrfrted Funds Total 2022 Total 2021 Note Flxed A55ets Tangible Fixed Assets 3,477 3,477 3,477 3,477 502 502 Current Assets Short term deposits + Investments Debtors Cash at bank& in hand 157.591 20,822 7,343 185.756 17,459 175,051 20,822 7,343 203,215 180,000 18,252 36, 189 234,441 io 17,459 Llabllltles li 126.9221 126,9221 115,7341 Net Current A55ets 158.834 17,459 176,293 218,707 Net A55ets 162 311 179 770 219 210 Funds General Fund Deslgnated Funds Restricted Funds Missionary Fund International Fund Speciflc Gifts Fund 12 149,248 13,063 163,415 32,019 793 1,738 16,667 22,037 179 770 219 210 Chairman of Trustees 1110412023 Date Signed:

NOTESTO THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES I kcountingPoli¢ie5 re thefin?￿l￿l 5taternent5 The3ccounts Ifinanual statements) hève been kvepared underthe historKal costcon¥￿￿?ThWthth 1temsre￿nlSed at cost ortransactSonvalue unkss Othèr￿%￿%tated in thè rèlEvant nO¢e151 tothese¥(twnts. Thefinathyal ststements prep￿ in•¢¢ord•n¢ewith the t)arits¢sg)RP FRS 102 nd rhe CharitiesAct 2011. Thecharity 15 a publK benefit enttty as defined by FRS IOZ. Thefinancial statements hive bEen prewredcffja I￿5150nd thetrwtee5areoltheownion that there ￿ no rnJterial uncertaintie5 abDUt thechartty's abllltyto cont1nueass￿￿. Generally incomeis recoY￿sed0nlTh￿c￿￿ b￿5. HoYrfer, leyues we rec(w￿1n the SOFAon rtt￿pl, creditedtoihespeaal Projectfund IDesl8nated Fundl, then relèased ¢Y￿r4￿ar$. All incomtb recty4niStd in ihestatthwntof FIna￿￿1 ktIV￿¢s¢￿K¢ [he¢h￿fyhIs enthlementtothe fund5. it 15 probable rhatthe incomEwiII be re(ei¥ed andtheafflount can be mEa5ured reliawy. Expendlture15 4<COUnted loronan accruth bay5and ha5 beeThcL455O￿ Underhe￿inVIh•I aweeate all usst relJiediothece80ry. Wherec05ts cannot tse dlrectlyattrlbuted to partkular head1￿5 thty ha¥e beenalkxated toacth•tsona ba%ScOn￿5tent with the use olre50urces. ExpeTrdltUfe on Charitable arthvllles Ihdudes bothdlrect empehditutefottath (ateeoryolartmty aswdl •S¥PKWx¢wnm￿I olsupport costs •nd8overnart¢e Governancecosts conslst ol all lrfal and othu costs cOnn•£tedtothed￿rty 1rssraknrtorylobwnan￿ oblwt1r￿s, and S￿lUdes the annual audll l¢ ané thttosis asso¢iatedwith Trvsites. meetsws. Goveinancecost5and support C05ts rdaiiw wthiriuble hw4ebeenlppNt￿on •timebu15 os 50.. 50 (H&kh￿%￿t1¥It￿s.' Members) Ind￿d￿ Sn SUPPOrt￿$￿￿r•1h• I￿1￿￿nI SI￿r￿S.. 0oer•¢ions•hd C￿￿￿￿￿￿41￿)￿s0￿ett FlTran¢lalCoordlnatry C¢mnwhiu1th5Cowdlh•t AdmlnCow¢inai Half c05t5 of PrwftrCoordin•thr Flxed a5setsws￿￿i £750or purtha5e we Cl￿￿155¢￿. Oewecthf5onon aw515d￿rI¢dIs redudng￿IIrKe. Oepreclatlon Oh ¢Dmpuiers •Dd other t•uipmEnt is¢h•ryd¢yrf 3 wrs¢b•5tr•i¢ht line ￿y$.. 5wr5 lor l¥fv. Ity4ti k•stihiltems. lil Eur Unrestricted In¥ery leBacies 120.471 122,312 61.5fy) 31.829 2.411 I￿161 87,010 57.929 19,( 19.104 183,141 21.4 1.711 .1 2.441 1.441 19).679 Ibl Othertradinguctiwtie5 BDok5 Souvenir5et 293 253 Icl Inconyefrom investments Bank Interest 7,221 7.221 5,302 198,193 2N41 225,676 188,696 Idl Incom ActiwtiÈS 3Q795 17,680 17,680 36.795 Total Income Z6U7Z ZO5376

fullyear 9 mDnth5 of 2021 4 Expendlture enditure on raisi Books Sou¥enir5 et£. fuThJs 454 454 2.447 enditure on CharltableActiv￿e Ibl Holidtsys& Actiwfies Holiday5 & Activitiè5£¢)sts Support and 805ma￿t costs150%1 56.384 63,603 119,98B 23.435 40,940 64,375 63.603 119.988 Itl Membermtiiling ¢Ynd visits 88,302 5.495 88,302 5.495 63.258 6.515 Literature & Printin8 Adverti%n8 Ministry Memorial- Mlss Symonds Motorand Travel Motor Depreti¥tKsn Postage Support for AMCF Vice Presldefits Support for MMI & Flaff L3die5 Secretary salary Other Support •nd costs150%1 1.035 1,035 816 2.497 33 32 2.869 32 2,7CbJ 13,347 40,940 134.551 9.835 9,835 63,603 181,470 63.f43 l68.235 13,235 Totsl E¥pendltur• 288.676 13235 1.911 201.373 Lknr¢#rlrt•d D¢sn•t•d A¢5trkt• Funds Funds Special ProJfy¢t Tvt•l Fur Gentral ull Yeaf 9 monrhs of 2021 Nole 12 5 Supportind Stpporttosts Support Staff Sal•rit5 Insurance Rent, cleanln& heal ond1I8ht RÈpair5 and renewals Office Equipment Oepreciation Stotionery ond phG¥ Tralnlng Sundry expen5esl bank char8•S .YJS 3.c￿l 10.017 15.136 578 1.258 2,934 1.223 125.222 1.995 3,￿1 io,oiy 1S,la6 578 1,258 2,934 1,223 125,22Z 58,(K17 1,853 6.938 8.757 1,074 1,524 741 79.293 GovernorKeoAthe chority.. Audit & leial fees 1.985 1.985 2.588 Ttstl 127.X+7 127.207 81.880 6 Staft Costs Full Year 9months ol Stoff cost5 include.. Wa8es and Salaries Social Security C05ts Penslons Training sraN expenses 162,589 5.421 11.288 2.934 7.965 I￿.196 111,465 1,943 7A57 1,524 3.347 126.136 These orerepre5enredby.' Dlrect Charitable Wa8es Stspport Staff Wages Other expenses 88.302 90.995 10.898 IY).196 63.258 58m7 4.871 IZ6.136 Average nuM￿r employed No member of staff was paid more than £60.C(Q. induding benefits. duringthe L8siyear. None of the Trustees has reteNed any rernunÈration.

Notes to l￿fina￿l￿1 statements. cOntirn￿d 7 Statement of Flnamal Ati¥ltiesComp•wtsoh'. YvdrErthd31 Detmber2021.9PAonts fromwl 2021 rneral Speoal Total I￿Orr￿and e￿Wme￿I$fvorn: Donaliun5 and Lega¢ie5 Other tradinÉ attivities Income from investments 142.110 253 19.104 21.928 183,141 253 5.302 Holiday5 and activbties 17,680 17.680 Total Income 165.345 19.104 11.918 I￿.)70 Expendlture.. eThditureon r BooksTapes & Vldeos 2.447 2.447 endllureon Charitable klv HolidoN5 & ActNlties Holidays & krwiries costs Support and go¥ernance ¢0sts15C&I 23.435 40,940 61.375 23.435 64.375 memb¢rn￿ll1nl0nd¥1Slts 63,258 6.515 63.258 6.515 Llterature & PrlntSn Advertlsing Ministry Memorial- Mlsssymothds Motor and fra¥el Motor Depr￿latIOn Postaie Support forAMCF Vlce Presldents Support lor MMI & Flame Ladie5 Se¢r¢try Other Support and 8o¥ernance costs 816 816 2,497 33 2.497 33 2.7L)) 13,Y7 13.347 118.$04 16,017 134,551 Totsl Exp•ndlt¥r• 5.326 16.047 101.373 Netlthtomellexpendlturtl belore transler olf¥nds Transfer bet%Yeen fund5 Balance5 brought lo￿8rd 119.981 31,521 151.875 19.104 122,6391 35.555 5.881 18.882 26,776 214,2C6 lnt•s tvvltd forw*rd 163,41S 3UJ19 219.2LO FIKed Amets OthEr E•U1prr￿t Total VehK Gross Vol At I january 2022 Additions 104 502 3,585 3.585 AE 31 December 2022 104 3.983 4J)87 Depretiatlon At I january 2022 Chargeforyear 32 578 610 At 31 December 2022 32 S78 610 Net 8oDk Volue At 31 December Z022 At 31 December 2021 3.477 502 104 398

Notes to thellnanclal statemehts-eontknued 9 Shortterm Depos￿5 and Iiwestments 2021 CAF Gold Account iOM51 10.(61 Lcon Inve5tmentS Green Pasture5- k ¥*¥r loans 165,ClXI 175.051 180,(K 10 Oebtors Z022 20Zi Income Tax recoverable Other debtors and prepa￿ expenses 7,64S 13.177 20.822 12,505 5.747 18.252 11 Llabllltles- Amountslalllrydu• ￿th1th 2021 Due io Inland Re¥enue- PAYEINIC Other credltors and accftsed charges 4,163 22,759 26.922 2,351 13,383 15,734 Notes to th•fin•nd•l 5t4tsrn•nts.<ontknu•d 12 Mo¥•m•nt In fvnds B•1 BIF from prede¢ew hKome Eynd Tr•nsl¢ O•1 CIF Unrestrltted Fth General Fund Des18nated Fund 163.415 32,019 195.435 134.989 1288.6761 2.441 237,430 39,520 121,3981 18,123 149.248 13,063 162.311 1288.6761 ftestvlrted FurK15 MIS￿OnIry Internatlon•l Speclfl¢ G1ft5 Abljey Wood Cornelius DCN Fornily Ministry lodie5 Ministry Mert s Mirristry Mi55 Symonds Ancienr Moriners lex Ncry Russio Ftsndlex NCF} Spe¢lflc G1ft5 TOTALS Restrlrted F￿￿1 Totsls 11.9291 12,1841 793 967 1,217 1.510 12.840 471 11,6201 (851 112.8409 f4711 11.9 fl.5WI 11,154 995 725 1281 2,597 2.955 551 174 4.531 1597 2.272 22.037 23.775 f5.LXQI 14,6321 19.1221 113.2351 23.lYJI 2S,042 119.3401 118.1231 16.667 17,459 Total Funds 219.210 262A72 130L9111 179.770 The Desi8nated Fund (otherwise called the Special Project Fundl was set-up to even out lew income over 4 years. The Mis&onary Fund receives donations to provide personal gifts for Members and Associates on the MissH)nary Prayer Llst. The International Fund re£ei¥es donations to support the work of other rnilitary fellowships o¥erse35. Speofic Gifts are monies 8Nen for speofic projects. often short iemi le4. 8rants from the Comelius Twst, or for Easter campsl. An annual 8rantfrom Comelius Icn is creditsd to a restriued fund. Granis to $￿fiC e¥ents are shown as transfers from this fund.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Governance of the AFCU

Structure, governance, and management

The Armed Forces’ Christian Union is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), having previously been a charity of the same name. It has a Foundation Constitution with two principal objects:

Governance

The AFCU is governed by a Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly to provide oversight and strategic direction. During the reporting period, the Board continued to review and update the charity's policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice. Virtual meetings were held in February, May and September, and the Board gathered for a weekend of strategic thinking in early December.

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Trustee recruitment

As a member organisation, we recruit our Trustees from within the membership. Volunteers are sought or individuals are recommended to the Board. Each applicant is asked to provide details of their faith journey and experience of the AFCU, along with a CV and two personal references to the Trustees. They are given the latest Trustees Annual Report, the AFCU constitution and the Charity Commission ‘Role of Trustee’ and Code of Conduct to ensure the role is fully understood. Following a successful Trustees’ review of the application, the prospective Trustee is invited to attend the next Board meeting to enable both the applicant and the Trustees to be sure of their suitability to the post. The existing Trustees then confirm their decision to the Chair of Trustees within 7 days of the meeting, with the new Trustee being formally confirmed in role at the subsequent Board of Trustees meeting. Trustees serve for a term of three years.

Trustees

During reporting period and on date of report

Sqn Ldr Jonathan Palmer RAF - Chair of Trustees (from Jan 22)

Rev Jon Backhouse RN

Rev Andrew Thompson Army Lt Col Simon Harris Army

Flt Lt Sian White RAF Maj Bob Sheldon Army Retd Wg Cdr Colin Weaver RAF Retd Marina Colville Civilian – from Sept 2022 Major Barnaby Smith Army – May 2022 stood down due to work commitments. LH Cammy Lamb RN – September 2022 stood down due to a lengthy deployment.

Presidential Bench

In addition to the Board of Trustees, the AFCU Presidential Bench provides advice and guidance to the Trustees. The Presidential Bench can give particular insight at a strategic level. President: Dr Kevin Shaw

Vice President: Brig Pete Rowell Vice President: Cdr Dickie Barton until Sept 2022

Vice President: Cdr Dan Peskett from Sept 2022

Vice President: Rev (Gp Capt) Geoff Withers, retired Dec 2022

Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977

AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Management

Accountant

The AFCU’s Office is in Watchfield, Oxfordshire close to the Defence Academy of the UK. The staff consists of three Directors (Membership, Operations and Communications, and Prayer) who are responsible for the staff team and the dayto-day management of the CIO. They report directly to the Board of Trustees.

The Chair, Deputy Chair and Treasurer meet monthly with the Directors, with a quarterly focus on safeguarding, governance, and risk management.

Tresise & Company, Brockhurst, 28 Evesham Walk, Sandhurst. GU47 0YU.

Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977

Unit 24, Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Watchfield. SN6 8TZ

01793 783123 www.afcu.org.uk