Trustees Annual Report
Report for period 1[st] June 2023 – 31[st] March 2024
New Life Community Church Milnrow is a UK-registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity Number:1198289) located at 3 Edmund Street, Milnrow, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL16 4HR.
Governance is through a Board of Trustees which have met 9 times in this reporting period. Daniel Vivash and David Cooper were voted in as Elders and were added as Trustees on 13[th] August 2023.
The Charity Objectives : New Life Community Church Milnrow aims to
Enthrone the Lord – New Life are a people that live a life of worship. Equip the Saints – we are a Bible believing and teaching church. We want to invest ‘Gods best’ in people so they have the opportunity to grow in faith and purpose.
Enlarge the Kingdom – we constantly look for opportunities to influence people for Christ and demonstrate the power of the gospel.
New Life Community Church Milnrow is a non-denominational church with a mission to demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church has an active community focussed timetable of activities to give each person who comes the opportunity to grow in faith and purpose.
The Trustees are satisfied that these objectives are consistent with the charity Commission’s general guidance on Public Benefit. The following summary of the main activities undertaken by the charity in 2023/24 demonstrates our commitment to this:
New Life Community Church Milnrow registered as Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England & Wales. Principal Office: 3 Edmund Street Milnrow OL16 4HR. Registered Charity No: 1198289
Charitable Incorporated Organisation The most significant development during the year was the establishment of the new CIO, formally set up on 1st June 2023. All Trustees governing on the old charity moved over to the CIO. The change brought a new bank account with Virgin Money, having closed the previous Co-op account.
The newly appointed elders are settling into leadership roles within the church and continue to be a blessing to the existing elders and trustees in taking up those roles and spreading the workload. Ian Lowe is the church’s Pastoral Lead, with an unpaid Community Worker, a paid sessional worker, administrator and bookkeeper all on part time hours. We are blessed with a large, willing volunteer base of people with a range of skills and talents.
The community activities continue to grow in numbers and strength with local community stakeholders aware of our offerings and choosing to direct people in need towards us. Our busy weekday timetable offers group activities, counselling and therapies aimed at reducing effects and root causes of poverty, social isolation, loneliness, illness, unemployment, bereavement and negative life experiences. We are a registered Warm Space and provide an ever-popular weekly drop in Coffee Lounge.
Elders Report
2023 / 2024 brought us challenges and changes, but the church is well placed to fulfil the vision God has given us of both spiritual and practical growth and involvement in the local community.
The new eldership continues to function very well and the installation of the new Senior Leadership team is working very well, causing excitement for the future of the church.
The church continues to be fully engaged with the town wide churches, notably the gathering of Churches Together in October. The Church Leaders meet every Thursday morning for prayer. Speakers from these churches come and preach at New Life.
New Life are pleased to continue to be involved with the Ground Level network, and we hosted a Leaders Lunch in November which was attended by over 40 church leaders. Two of our members - Dan and Wayne have completed the Leadership training, with Ground Level Leadership Engine. We have a strong attendance at the Awaken event in August, and some good links are developing there, with admin and
New Life Community Church Milnrow registered as Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England & Wales. Principal Office: 3 Edmund Street Milnrow OL16 4HR. Registered Charity No: 1198289
worship in particular engaging with some of the Ground Level resources now available.
The standard of preaching we receive at New Life is very encouraging, and the Blacksmiths Forge has been significant to equip the Saints to live out this Christian life in difficult and challenging times.
The Christmas Carol Service around the Village Christmas Tree was a huge success. Over 80 people attended on the evening – half from the church and half for the local community. It was agreed to make this an annual event. The congregation and community enjoyed a day at Milnrow Carnival 2023 dressed as bees. Fun in the Park was a great day and the torrential rain parted for the time of the event. Many families now make regular contact through various activities from this event. Messy Church continues to be very well attended by a range of families – some of which we met in the park. This is becoming a regular outreach opportunity as families always go home having learnt a bible story and finished with singing the blessing together. The church had another successful year at Bassenfell weekend away with over 70 people taking part.
5 new members have joined the church bringing membership to 64. 15 children regularly attend Junior Church. Groups with engaging activities are set around their age and ability.
A pastoral team is being established in response to a need for pastoral care at home or in hospital. The voluntary service of the whole church continues to be a strength.
Finances
The finance report for 2023/24 is unusual in that it is for a 10 month period instead of the usual full tax year. This is because the CIO was established in June 2023 and the reporting period is from that date up to the end of the tax year 31[st] March 2024. Income to this date was £94,547, compared to £83,519 in the 14 month period previously.
Having paid the mortgage off in the previous financial year, that significant outgoing has reduced to zero. There was £22,956 income from a 22 month gift aid claim. Grant funding brought £20,050 of which £13,600 was towards fixing the leak in the roof and £4250 was added to the building work fund for the downstairs renovation. The remained funded running costs of warm space and weekday community activities.
The congregation continue to support with such generosity, both in weekly offertory and the annual Heart for the House renovation collection which
New Life Community Church Milnrow registered as Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England & Wales. Principal Office: 3 Edmund Street Milnrow OL16 4HR. Registered Charity No: 1198289
raised £12,000. The work of the church continues to grow as we demonstrate God’s love to each other and our community.
Main areas of service
Prayer – The church prayer meeting meets weekly and is supported by an Intercession WhatsApp facility. New Life hosts the monthly townwide prayer gathering and has been represented at other strategic prayer networks across the town over the year including that leading to Pentecost. Our prayers have been led by the Blacksmith’s Forge Teaching that the whole church has received.
Worship - There is an expanding team with a diverse group of skilled musicians. The team are fulfilling the vision to amalgamate their Godgiven musical talents and their spiritual gifts to serve, not only the New Life family, but the wider church particularly in Rochdale. The monthly worship nights at New Life are becoming more popular. There are more opportunities to worship with other churches in the town.
Sound and Lighting - There has been investment into technology over the last year, putting in place platforms that will both streamline and equip multiple teams now and for the future. A number of tools are used now which have improved communication, rotas and CCLI while ‘Worship Church’ is equipping people in technical skills and musicianship.
Life Groups – these small groups make a significant support network towards one another allowing recognition of spiritual, physical and emotional needs. Each group provides teaching and discussions. The children continue to meet for Kids Lounge a range of fun activities and bible study once a month on a Saturday morning.
Housekeeping – 7 ladies continue to meet weekly on a Tuesday morning to clean and help maintain the building.
Hospitality – Housekeeping plus a wider team organise catered events throughout the year including Christmas Lunch, Long Lunch with church leaders, and many more special occasions, also drinks after each service and providing communion.
Building and facilities - Various re-decorations have been done during the year including the re-painting of the stairwell. There have been updates and replacements to the fire alarm and the burglar alarm. The annual fire risk assessment was completed in July 2023 and a number of minor issues were resolved.
New Life Community Church Milnrow registered as Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England & Wales. Principal Office: 3 Edmund Street Milnrow OL16 4HR. Registered Charity No: 1198289
An additional volunteer member was added to the building maintenance team and several maintenance jobs have already been completed.
The major issue this year has been leaks from the north east side of the roof over the mezzanine (raised area). Quotations have been sought and grant funding applications submitted so that we now have funding available to re-roof that part of the building. Funding from the RMBC Pennine township fund was sought and our bid was successful. Internal water damage will be rectified once the re-roofing is completed.
The problem of access at the front of the building has been investigated but so far no solutions have been found that are viable, given the physical constraints of the narrow footway and the height of the step up into the building.
Administration and Communications - The team has expanded to encompass a wider range of gifts and talents, giving opportunity for a wider reach in community networking and funding which we know is part of our Christian witness. This broader team has allowed for smoother office operations and more consistency in office presence. A team of 5 volunteers manage the website, social media and internal communications of the church.
Family Central – weekday community outreach
Mini Marvels – currently serving 31 children along with parents and grandparents, a fun, vibrant, safe place to play and share life experience. Parents are often signposted to other services.
Coffee Lounge – well established with over 35 visitors each week, offers a warm space and is a lifeline for our lonely elderly visitors. It is a place where special occasion are celebrated, friendships are strengthened, relationships are built, community and practical help, such as making appointments, is offered.
Beneficial connections have been made with the community through regular visits from local police officers and the healthy living initiatives provided by the council. A group of ladies are now trained to carry out regular B.P. monitoring for visitors at Coffee Lounge supporting improving community health.
Ladies Lounge - Wednesday afternoon group of 15 ladies which offers a very wide range of activities using creative skills and high quality
New Life Community Church Milnrow registered as Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England & Wales. Principal Office: 3 Edmund Street Milnrow OL16 4HR. Registered Charity No: 1198289
materials and resources. The artistic creations are often displayed in the room to reflect the life and talents in the community.
The ladies group often meet with the Men’s Hub for games afternoons or to listen to visiting speakers such as Citizen’s Advice.
The depth of relationships being developed is appreciated by all the members. Here are some of their comments when asked about their thoughts about the group:
“it’s a place to share” “it’s a reason to get up” “builds confidence” “learning new skills” “a sense of belonging” “supporting church activities”
On reflection there is a strength in how community work and the life of the church intertwines and works alongside each other. Children and parents from Mini Marvels come to Messy Church, ladies from the midweek groups helping prepare crafts with our sessional worker. Families from Messy Church came to the Mexican Fundraising event.
From washing up to running the sound and visuals, there is somewhere to include everyone who wants to be involved and to encourage their journey of belonging and purpose.
Men’s Hub – A befriending group where men are regularly referred through the GP. There is support with dementia sufferers and this allows respite for spouses. There are 8 – 10 men with complex needs meeting each week for a breakfast butty and a chat.
Discovery Group - A mixed group that have explored faith further – including watching The Chosen together and following the Alpha course.
Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy forms part of our annual report for the financial year 2023 / 24 and complies with the Charity Commission SORP. Our mission and fellowship initiatives consider future costs and as such we recognise the need to hold reserves which help meet our ongoing needs. We recognise that as charitable Trustees, we are accountable for the prudent use of resources and details of surplus funds held in reserves are as follows:
Our general reserves are held in an account and in petty cash up to the value of £43,994. This is set aside to meet the day to day needs of the
New Life Community Church Milnrow registered as Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England & Wales. Principal Office: 3 Edmund Street Milnrow OL16 4HR. Registered Charity No: 1198289
fellowship. The remaining £13,600 in this current account is specific reserve in grant funding for the roof work required.
Our specific reserves for Family Central are held in a current account to the value of £10,802. This money is set aside for the work of the Family Central Initiative.
Our specific reserves for the Building Fund are held in a current account to the value of £20,478 and are specifically for covering the costs of further building renovations and materials on the downstairs part of the building.
This policy was approved by Trustees at a meeting held on 15[th] October 2024.
Summary
2023 was a year of positive change for the CIO. The board are satisfied that the charity continues to meet its charitable objectives and has maintained financial integrity. We thank the Lord and give Him all the glory for all who have come to salvation and that lives have been changed as we do the work God has planned for us.
Declaration
Signed on behalf of the New Life Community Church CIO Trustees
(Derek Hargreaves, Chair of the Trust)
Date: 11[th] December 2024
New Life Community Church Milnrow registered as Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England & Wales. Principal Office: 3 Edmund Street Milnrow OL16 4HR. Registered Charity No: 1198289
NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH MILNROW Registered Charity Number : 1198289 (previously 104 Accounts for 10 Months Ending 31st March 2024
Income & Expenditure
| Income & Expenditure Note Income Oferings 1 Gift Aid 2 Building 3 Family Cen 4 Other 5 Bank Interest |
2024(10 months) |
|---|---|
| £ £ £ 39,277.09 - 13,600.00 20,083.21 - 2,872.50 - 7,128.40 - 5,821.12 2,008.86 - 3,472.00 283.57 - - Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricte d Funds |
|
| Total Income 61,652.73 - 32,894.02 Expenditure Wages & NI 16,660.00 - - Travel Expenses - - - Depreciatio 6 9,982.00 - - Rent - - - Utilities 8,950.60 - - Mortgage Interest Insurance 2,100.71 - - Repairs & Maintenanc 1,945.00 - Sound, Vision & Media 72.96 - - Telephone & IT 487.80 - - Administration 843.58 - - Subscriptions & Licen 1,298.74 - - Ministry, M 7 3,653.34 - - Events 1,764.04 - - Family Central - 15,079.84 Youth & Childrens Wo 510.75 - - Training & Conference 1,575.00 - - Legal & Professional F 1,373.48 - - General Premises Exp 2,832.98 - - Catering 548.53 - - Literature - - - |
|
| Total Expenses 54,599.51 - 15,079.84 |
|
| Suplus/(Defcit) In Year 7,053.22 - 17,814.18 |
Assets & Liabilities
Fixed Assets
Tangible A
6
Current Assets/Liabilities
Current Account - Virgin Current Account - Co-op Building Fund Account - Virgin Building Fund Account - Co-op Family Central Account - Virgin Family Central Account - Co-op Petty Cash Sundry Debtors Sundry Creditors Total Net Current Assets / (Liabilities)
Total Net Assets
Represented by:-
Opening Reserves Surplus / (Deficit) In Year
Closing Reserves
New Life Community Church Milnrow Notes to the Accounts for 10 Months Ending 31st March 2024
| Gift Aided | Non |
Transfer | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gift Aided | |||||
| 1. Oferings | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | - General Ofertory | 32,952.02 | 6,325.07 | ||
| Restricted Funds | - Pennines Township Capital Fund | 9,600.00 | |||
| Restricted Funds | - Milnrow & Newhey Ward Fund | 4,000.00 | |||
| 32,952.02 | 19,925.07 | - |
** £600 was transferred to the Kidz Klub & EPIC account in the year and was redefined as restricted funds. S
2. Gift Aid
Income tax recovered via the Gift Aid Scheme is recorded in the accounts when received from HMRC.
| Gift Aided | Non |
Transfer | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gift Aided | |||||
| 3. Building Fund | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Restricted Funds | - General Income | 1,512.00 | 1,366.40 | ||
| Restricted Funds | - Benefact Trust Ltd | 3,250.00 | |||
| Restricted Funds | - Groundlevel Grant | CommunityHub | 1,000.00 | ||
| 1,512.00 | 5,616.40 | - |
- Grants are only included in the accounts when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
| 4. Family Central Restricted Funds - General Income Restricted Funds - Action Together Grant Restricted Funds - The ASDA Foundation |
3,600.00 21.12 1,000.00 1,200.00 3,600.00 2,221.12 - Gift Aided £ Non Gift Aided £ Transfer £ |
|---|---|
- Grants are only included in the accounts when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
| Gift Aided | Non |
Transfer | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gift Aided | |||||
| 5. Other Income | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | - Solar Panel Income | 2,003.67 | |||
| Unrestricted Funds | - Virgin Money Cashback on spending | 5.19 | |||
| Restricted Funds | - ALDI Festive Food Grant Vouchers | 420.00 | |||
| Restricted Funds | - Church Weekend Deposits | 3,052.00 | |||
| - | 5,480.86 | - |
6. Fixed Assets: tangible assets
Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £500. They are valued at reasonable value on receipt. Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The property is at historic cost and is not depreciated as it is considered to have a useful life of greater than 50 years. Prope valuations will be carried out periodically to ensure the market value of the property does not fall below the Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis at the following rates:
Freehold Property 2%, Additions & Improvements to Freehold Property 5%, Fixtures & Fittings 25%.
New Life Community Church Milnrow Notes to the Accounts for 10 Months Ending 31st March 2024
Fixtures &
6. Fixed Assets: tangible assets
Freehold Building Fittings Property Improvements £ £ £
Cost
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| As at 1 June 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2024 Depreciation As at 1 June 2023 Charge for the year Disposals At 31 March 2024 Net Book Value At 31 March 2024 At 1 June 2023 |
159,117.05 182,433.81 17,225.94 |
| 159,117.05 182,433.81 17,225.94 |
|
| 29,876.67 47,742.56 16,875.36 2,254.90 7,601.90 125.20 |
|
| 32,131.57 55,344.46 17,000.56 |
|
| 126,985.48 127,089.35 225.38 |
|
| 129,240.38 134,691.25 350.58 |
7. Ministry, Missions & Gifts
UK - NLCCM Gifts - Bridges - Go & Tell Ministries - Groundlevel Network - Kidz Klub - EPIC - Missionary Ventures GB - General Overseas - Release International Visiting Ministries / Preachers
42192) 4
| £ ### ### 7,128.40 5,821.12 5,480.86 283.57 Total Funds |
2023(14 months) £ 57,427.58 - 10,985.00 12,997.96 2,108.66 - 83,519.20 19,036.00 - 14,149.95 - 21,483.80 784.77 2,007.44 4,494.00 697.56 1,040.76 1,406.11 2,212.87 4,834.59 2,639.58 15,564.00 331.75 1,827.99 5,017.43 2,729.11 875.21 19.98 101152.9 -17633.7 Total Funds |
|---|---|
| ### ### - 9,982.00 - 8,950.60 2,100.71 1,945.00 72.96 487.80 843.58 1,298.74 3,653.34 1,764.04 ### 510.75 1,575.00 1,373.48 2,832.98 548.53 - |
|
| 69679.4 | |
| 24867.4 |
254300
264282.2
| 56596.3 | 0 |
|---|---|
| 966 | 23392 |
| 20277.7 | 0 |
| 200 | 12874.34 |
| 10802.1 | 0 |
| 0 | 17663.28 |
| 30.4 | 93.47 |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 88872.5 | 54023.09 |
| 343173 | 318305.3 |
| 318305 | 335939 |
| 24867.4 | -17633.7 |
| 343173 | 318305.3 |
Total
£ 39,277.09 9,600.00 4,000.00 52,877.09
See note 5.
Total £ 2,878.40 3,250.00 1,000.00 7,128.40
Total £ 3,621.12 1,000.00 1,200.00 5,821.12
Total £ 2,003.67 5.19 420.00 3,052.00 5,480.86
cost or valued erty NBV.
Total
£
358,776.80
-
358,776.80
94,494.59 9,982.00 -
104,476.59
254,300.21
264,282.21
~~Total~~ £
422.79 450.00 800.00 450.00
500.00 70.55 250.00 710.00 3,653.34
CLare Smith ACCOUNTANCY LTD Dear Trustsos. Independent examinefs report to tho trustees of New Llfe Community Church Milnrow 1198289 I repon on ihe a(xourrts of Ihe CIO for the year eThj1 31 Match 2024. Responsibillties and basis of report The charity's trustees are restx)nsible for the preparation of the COUnts. The charity's trustees considef thal an audil is not requifed foi this year under ¢oetion 144(21 of tho ChantaB Act 2011 (Xha Act,) gnd th2t an independent examination is rteeded. It is my reSponb]I to". examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act: IlOW the prOaUreS laid down In itte General Direclion5 given by the Chartty Commission under section 145{51{bl of the Act: and stale whether particular matters have c4)me to my attention. Basis of Independent examinef s statement y examination was carried out in accordance WTth the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination indudes a review of the aCUnting re)rdS kept by the chanty and a companson of the accounts presented with those records. M also indudes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the CoUnt$. and see.ng explanations from you as tmstees ¢on¢eming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provicje all the evidence that would be required In an audrt and nsequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limrted to those matters set out in the 3tatement below. Independent examinerfs statsment In connedion with my examination, no matter has me to my attention: 1. which gives me reasonaNe cause to believe that. In any matenal respect. the requirements.. to keep accounting records in aoran wrth seth.on 130 ofthe 2011 Ad. arNJ to repare accounts th awrd with the accounting records W I T H I N BO DY M A T T&ng knthèfyknthèld %&4thhnty'rétyrf&l+ths oflhe 2011 BAMFnRf) RnAF) HlÈtVJiiri fi L i r) ->ra.. m..,th rcount2nt AAT Licensed Accountant TELEPHONE. 01706 621 351 MOBILE 07773 696 745 EMAIL,. claro'aclaremilhOccoUntnt- eo.ul< Cl?rt, qniilli 1% If tsnsed ano'.ryiilalerJ by SORT CODE 09-01-29 ACCOUNT NO 09831371 c.C)MpAl RFfi Nn fi7A I?2A VAT QFf, Nn QA117n] Ao nioFCTno fljro <milh FMAllT T under Iico)Ge numw rJJ17
CLare Smitth ACCOUNTANCY LTD ha¥E not teen met: or 2. to which. in my onion. attention should te drawn in or(kr to enable a protEr understanding of the )unt5 to te aChed. Signed.. Clare Smit On behalf of Clare Smith AUnnCY Ltd 18° April 2024 WITHIN BODY MATTERS GYM HOOLEY BRIDGE MILL. LIAMPURO ROAD. HEYWOOD OLIU 4AG www Lldiebiiiilli.4ccount8nE TELEPHONE 01706 621 351 MOBILE 07773 696 745 MAIL Clare(ClaresrTll1lIdLCVUilt[7Lb.Lu.uK AAT Liccnr4ed Accountant ijri. bi')Iil, ¥ i.'ensed and '...7[e¢, by AAT UlKkn IILtVlL¥ IiuilIL SORT CODE 09-01-29 ACCOUNT NO 09831371 COMPANY RCC No 674 VAT RIC No 1703 49 DIQECTofi C12rè £rnith FMAAT