2024-08-31-accounts - Garden City Vineyard, Milton Keynes

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GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE 12 MONTH PERIOD ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

TRUSTEES REPORT

THE TRUSTEES PRESENT THEIR ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees: Paul Veal (Chair) Stephen Gee Paul Lowe Flavia Langford (appointed 22.05.2024) Charles Bygrave (appointed 22.05.2024) Registered Charity Number: 1194753 Working Names: Garden City Vineyard, CV Family Registered Office: Garden City Vineyard, Milton Keynes 30 Ultra Avenue Bletchley Milton Keynes MK3 6GY Bankers: Barclays Bank 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP Independent Examiner: Trackrecords Management Services Limited Unit 7 Cochran Close, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK8 0AJ Key Management: Stephen & Tammy Gee (Licensed Pastors) Website: www.gardencity.mk

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

GOVERNING DOCUMENT

Garden City Vineyard, Milton Keynes is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Charity Registration No. 1194753.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

The day-to-day management of the church and activities are delegated to our Lead Pastors, Steve & Tammy Gee. Steve Gee is also a trustee.

APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

A new trustee may be appointed by a resolution of the Trustees passed at a meeting of Trustees at which there is a majority of the Trustees present and such resolution shall be recorded in the minutes and signed by the new Trustee and by the chairman of the meeting and such records shall be conclusive evidence of his / her appointment.

RELATIONSHIP WITH VINEYARD CHURCHES UK & IRELAND

Garden City Vineyard is a member of Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland, (Charity No. 1099748) which functions as a resource for similar churches. In particular, they provide significant resources, training and pastoral oversight. Membership also allows Steve & Tammy Gee to be a licensed accredited pastors who has a right to use the trademarked “Vineyard” name.

The association provides pastoral care for the Lead Pastors and family, and an external reference concerning church affairs and doctrine. Steve & Tammy Gee also have some translocal leadership and serve Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland as Regional Leaders for the Midlands and East of England helping to oversee 26 other Vineyard churches. Garden City Vineyard, Milton Keynes grants 5% of its annual unrestricted income to Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland each year.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

Garden City Vineyard was officially commissioned and planted out of the Central VIneyard (the church Steve & Tammy founded in 2006) on 3rd July 2022.

In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

OUR VISION

Our Vision can be summed up in three ways:

“Practicing the way of Jesus, together, for the renewal of the city”

1. PRACTICING THE WAY OF JESUS

Our goal is to be apprentices of Jesus where we are ordering our lives around three goals, to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus and to do what Jesus did. As we live this way we believe our lives, our communities and our city will be transformed.

2. TOGETHER

We want to look beyond Sunday gatherings, and look towards building a community where we intentionally connect people and families and businesses and institutions to the life changing presence of God. Where together we can encounter Jesus and the life He has to offer.

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

3. FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE CITY

We’re not just called to build a great church, we are called to play our part in building a great city that we believe can shape and affect a whole region. A city where everyone is playing their part in extending God’s Kingdom, everywhere and in every way.

OUR VALUES

1. PRESENCE

We want to be a people who live in the reality of God’s presence, becoming like Jesus. Seeing His Kingdom come in and through our lives becomes possible as we learn to live in His presence, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The way of presence leads us away from striving to abiding. When we abide in Christ our lives bear much fruit showing ourselves to be His apprentices.

2. FORMATION

We want to cultivate interior lives that engage in habits and practices that sustain and support the kind of radical life Jesus invites us into. Our apprenticeship to Jesus is about learning to take intentional steps to follow Him and live lives that are being transformed as we practise His way in the context of community.

3. FAMILY

We want to develop lives of selfless love where we make room for one another - regardless of race, religion, education or socio-economic background. We want to create a culture that is characterised by welcome, warmth and hospitality, where church isn’t seen as a place we go to, but as a family to which we belong.

4. GENEROSITY

We live in a culture where spirituality cannot be separated from generosity. The teachings of Jesus implore us to give to those in need, committing ourselves to an ethic of generosity. The scriptures say that God loves a cheerful giver, not because the church’s needs are met, but because God's heart is made glad when we depend on Him to provide all that we need.

5. RENEWAL

We have a conviction that God is at work to heal and remake the whole earth. Our own lives are a part of that renewal project and God invites us to join with Him in the ongoing work of making all things new. To follow Jesus and join Him in His mission is to become agents of renewal in our neighbourhoods, industries and our city as a whole.

6. MULTIPLICATION

We are not called to focus our energy and resources on our church alone, instead we want to see all that can be achieved in one person or one place multiplied, ultimately through the planting of new churches. We are convinced church planting is the most effective way to reach new people and it's our desire to plant churches across our region and beyond.

OUR LAUNCH PLAN

We are intentionally starting Garden City Vineyard from the ground up with a three phased plan.

PHASE 1: START-UP
Our start-up phase began in the summer of 2021 when we first announced our plans to plant the Garden City Vineyard. After countless coffees, sharing our story with anyone who would listen, we started to gather those who were interested in being part of the team that will help us get this church started.
PHASE 2: PRE-LAUNCH In this next phase we are continuing to gather and add people to the team, whilst beginning to host monthly, moving to twice monthly services in 2023. These services will give us a public front door and

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

help us to express something of what Garden City Vineyard will look like as we gather to worship together.

PHASE 3: LAUNCH
Our Launch Sunday will mark the starting line of our regular Sunday services and the birthday of the church. At this point the full expression of who we are as a church will be happening every week. This will include worship, teaching, kids ministry, communion, multiple city groups, and other ongoing ministries and activities.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Having spent the previous year gathering our launch team and a critical mass of people, we prepared for our official launch on Sunday 21st January 2024. From here we transitioned to meeting every Sunday at the Kents Hill Park School, and also moved our Table Sunday, where we gather and share food together instead of our usual Sunday gathering, to the school as well.

In February we launched 5 new city groups, with 3 groups in Milton Keynes, 1 group in Northampton and 1 group in Bedfordshire. We also established some other community spaces, in the form of our Women's Flourish Gatherings and Men’s Breakfasts.

Easter Sunday was a highlight for us and one of the largest Sunday Gatherings to date, with a number of newcomers and first time guests. By April we launched our sixth City Group in Milton Keynes, this group was established in order to cater for the growing number of Filipinos now attending the church. Also in April we hosted a World Vision Chosen event, where members of the church could be photographed and chosen by a child to be their sponsor, over 15 household in the church responded, meaning on average just over £50,000 will be generated in the next 10 years to support some of the World’s neediest children (and their families) in Uganda.

As we entered the Summer months City Group took a break and we launched Electives. Electives form a key part of our discipleship pathway and are designed to create space where we can learn with others, be inspired and equipped to put into practice what it means to follow Jesus in our everyday lives.

For the May Electives we are continuing to focus on the theme of Formation using the materials put together by Practicing the Way. These sessions involve video based teaching, space for group discussion, and an opportunity to put into practice and outwork what you are learning, as we seek to intentionally apprentice ourselves to Jesus. We offered two options; The Practice of Sabbath and The Practice of Fasting.

We took a break from our usual Sunday gatherings over August, and spent time gathering more socially, this included a picnic in Campbell Park, a church wide BBQ, a Family Sports Day and a Summer Walk. All these events were well attended and it was a great opportunity for relationships to be formed and established, giving us a ready healthy foundation for an exciting new season ahead.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Income received by the charity for the period ending 31st August 2024 totalled £147,413 (2023: £96,302).

Expenditure for the period amounted to £121,630 (2023: £105,024), resulting in a surplus of £25,783 (2023: £8,722 overspend).

The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.

GOING CONCERN

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

FUND RAISING

Garden City Vineyard is very careful and sensitive in how we raise funds. We do not employ or work with professional fundraisers, nor do we solicit donations on the street, via phone calls or letters. We invite those who are part of our church to support the work and where a person is not able to financially support the work we respect this.

Generosity is an important part of our understanding of God’s character and his will for us is to flourish in this area. This is taught with care at various points in the year during our weekly Sunday service. It is very important to us that an individual never feels compelled to give and we are always clear that whatever they may decide to give is between them and God.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees have implemented appropriate policies to manage the internal finances of the charity. The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. They include:

a) an annual Budget considered by the Trustees;
b) regular consideration by the Trustees of financial reports;
c) delegation of authority and segregation of duties;
d) Identification and management of risks.

The trustees aim to review on a regular basis the adequacy of the system and the main risks that the Church may find arising. The trustees believe that maintaining the free reserves, combined with appropriate reviews of the controls over key financial systems, provides sufficient resources in the event of unexpected adverse conditions.

SUMMARY

The Trustees consider that they have complied with the Charities Act 2011 and that the church and its membership are meeting the charitable objectives that were determined when the church was formed. As it grows, it is expected that the church’s community will have further opportunities to increase its activity and influence.

RESERVES POLICY

The reserves policy set by the Trustees has a long term aim to carry net unrestricted income equal to a minimum of 3 months’ committed expenditure, which is equivalent to £25,000. Committed expenditure will include all contractual agreements, all salary expectations plus any direct debits, ensuring the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in Income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

At the year end, the charity held £665 in unrestricted reserves. The Trustees are aiming to comply with the policy by building this reserve over the coming years.

TRUSTEES’ APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL REPORT

The annual report was approved by the trustees on 12th June 2025.

[ As Signed ]

________ Paul Veal (Chair) Signed on behalf of the trustees board

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

Income receipts: Donations and Legacies: notes 2+3 Total Receipts: Payments on: Charitable Activities: notes 4 Total Payments: Net Receipts/(Payments) Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end	Unrestricted funds -£- Restricted funds -£- Total 2024 -£- Total 2023 -£- 105,089 42,324 147,413 96,302 105,089 42,324 147,413 96,302 Unrestricted funds -£- Restricted funds -£- Total 2024 -£- Total 2023 -£- 84,009 37,621 121,630 105,024
	84,009 37,621 121,630 105,024
	21,080 4,703 25,783 (8,722) 665 7,906 8,571 17,293
	21,745 12,609 34,354 8,571

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

Cash Funds Cash at Bank Other Monetary Assets Gift Aid due to charity Liabilities Falling due within one year Independent Examination Fee Pension PAYE & NI	Unrestricted funds -£- Restricted funds -£- Total 2024 -£- Total 2023 -£- 21,745 12,609 34,354 8,571
	21,745 12,609 34,354 8,571
	1,508 1,508 2,207
	1,508 1,508 2,207
	594 594 672 451 207 658 583 931 409 1,340 1,254
	1,976 616 2,592 2,509

Assets retained for the charity’s own use

Equipment	£975
Vehicle (purchase cost)	£3,850

The accounts were approved by the trustees on 12th June 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

[As Signed]

Paul Veal Chair of Trustee

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

1. Accounting Policies

The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.

Unrestricted Funds: These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity

Restricted funds: These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal.

2. Analysis of Income Receipts

Donations & legacies: Donations and gifts Gift Aid Grants provided by other charities Other Total Total Receipts	Unrestricted funds -£- Restricted funds -£- Total 2024 -£- Total 2023 -£- 72,974 1,879 74,853 27,620 17,725 200 17,925 4,671 12,967 40,245 53,212 57,830 1,423 1,423 6,181
	105,089 42,324 147,413 96,302

	105,089 42,324 147,413 96,302

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (CONT.)

3. Grants Received

Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland Cambridge Vineyard Central Vineyard Revelation Trust Central Vineyard(CV Family) Restore N’pton(CV Family) Nene Valley Vineyard(CV Family) Total	Unrestricted funds -£- Restricted funds -£- Total 2024 -£- Total 2023 -£- 145 10,402 10,547 22,045 - - - 600 7,722 7,722 15,830 5,100 5,100 6,630 20,921 20,921 9,801 7,100 7,100 2,925 1,822 1,822 -
	12,967 40,245 53,121 57,830

4. Analysis of Payments

Payments on charitable activities Personnel Costs:(Staf & Pastoral) Operational Costs Ministry Costs Outwards Costs Total Payments	Unrestricted funds -£- Restricted funds -£- Total 2024 -£- Total 2023 -£- 65,201 37,539 102,740 91,446 3,135 - 3,135 2,160 10,491 82 10,573 9,115 5,182 - 5,182 2,304
	84,009 37,621 121,630 105,024

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (CONT.)

5. Movement of Funds

. Movement of Funds
Restricted Funds Support Costs VCUKI Grants CV Family Church Van Unrestricted Funds Total	Opening balance 2023 -£- Receipts 2024 -£- Payments 2024 -£- Closing balance 2024 -£- - 2,079 2,079 - 5,189 10,402 7,817 7,773 2,636 29,843 27,643 4,836 82 - 82 -
	7,906 42,324 37,621 12,609
	665 105,089 84,009 21,745
	8,571 147,413 121,630 34,354

Restricted Funds and the use of these funds are as follows:

Support Cost: Funds to directly support Steve & Tammy Gee salary.

VCUKI Grants: Funds set aside for regional and area costs.

CV Family Funds to provide central services to Central Vineyard, Nene Valley Vineyard and Restore Northampton.

Church Van Funds raised to purchase a van.

6. Transactions with Trustees

None of the trustees received any fees for their services as Trustees. S Gee is a Trustee but also engaged in Ministry for the Church, for which employment costs of £35,268 (2023: £42,566) were made during the year, this includes all employer costs. Included in this amount, employer pension contributions of £986 (2023: £1,277) were made.

These payments are permitted by section 6 (2g) of the charities governing document.

Except for the reimbursement of expenses incurred when acting as agent for the charity, no expenses were paid to, or for, the trustees.

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 (CONT.)

7. Transactions with Related Parties

The following is a summary of organisations and individuals, which are related to Garden City Vineyard together with details of the transactions made with them during the year.

Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland (Charity No. 1099748) connects churches with common values and practices, providing spiritual guidance and oversight to Vineyard church leaders. We use the name Vineyard with their permission and give them 5% of our voluntary income to help support their work.

Remuneration in the year was paid to family members of the following trustees who were employed in their own right, employment costs totalling were made.

T. Gee £29,468 (2023: £27,027) E. Veal £32,340 (2023: £12,677)

There are no further related party transactions to disclose apart from these above.

GARDEN CITY VINEYARD, MILTON KEYNES

(CHARITY NUMBER: 1194753)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 August 2024.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

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

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records.

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.

Ebenezer Nelson-Addy ACCA, Director

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