## Appleton Independent Methodist Church
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024
**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 which have been prepared in following the recommendations in Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102 1A) (effective 2 February 2016), applicable accounting standards and the Charities Act 2011. The church was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 7[th] April 2022 and all the assets, liabilities and activities of the unincorporated charity known as Appleton Independent Methodist Church were transferred into it on 1[st] January 2023. The trustees have prepared the accounts on the receipts and payments basis.
## **Reference and Administrative Information**
## **Charity Name**
Appleton Independent Methodist Church known as AIM Church
**Charity Number** 1198556
## **Charity Trustees**
Peter Gleave Leader Anthony Scott Leader Patricia McDowell Dorothy Price Alison Noble (Appointed 24[th] October 2024)
## **Address**
C/O Mr P M Gleave 41 Weybridge Close Appleton Warrington WA4 5LZ
## **Bankers**
Lloyds Bank Horsemarket Street Warrington WA1 1TP
## **Independent Examiner**
Eric Southwick BA(Hons) FCA FCIE DChA The Bungalow Earl Street Seaham Co Durham SR7 0DH
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**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
## **Structure and Organisation**
## **Objects**
The purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith.
## **Public Benefit**
The trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit reporting in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. The remainder of this report illustrates the activities undertaken to support the public benefit requirement.
## **Organisation**
The Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which was registered with the Charity Commission on 7[th] April 2022. The assets, liabilities and operations of the unincorporated charity known as Appleton Independent Methodist Church were transferred to it on 1[st] January 2023. The Church operates according to its constitution with the trustees meeting regularly to consider the progress of the church, to consider its future direction and activities and to manage the church.
## **Organisational Structure**
The church is led by the Leadership Team, detailed above, which meets monthly to consider the work of the Church. The Leadership Team is appointed annually from amongst the members of the Church by the members of the Church at their Annual Meeting.
## **Risk Assessment**
The Leadership Team does not believe that the Church is subject to any substantial risks and has taken steps to mitigate those risks that it has identified. The Church takes very seriously its responsibilities to protect children and vulnerable adults making checks on workers and operating appropriate policies and procedures. Financial controls are operated to ensure that the assets of the Church are safeguarded.
## **Achievements and Performance**
## **Review of the Period**
As we reflect on another year of service, we are humbled by God’s goodness and provision throughout 2024. We give God all the thanks and praise for His continued guidance toward AIM Church as we have strived to proclaim the good news of the gospel in an ever-expanding mission field. The new year started and ended with new people joining us in fellowship, and we have been privileged to see them growing and integrating into Sunday Worship, Homegroups, and the Weekend Away.
Our Pastor has had an extremely busy year as we commenced a new series of ministry, "All In Mission," in the book of Acts, with 19 sessions in 2024. This has been a huge blessing but also challenging as we learned more about the early church and the mission of the first disciples. At Easter, we turned our focus to the Gospel of Mark, which was once again led by Peter and was a great blessing to the church. We looked in detail at the days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus and the impact this had on the disciples and has on us today. We also hosted an Easter Praise evening, which was very well attended and a great opportunity for local churches to join with AIM to bring our praise to God at that very special time of year.
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**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
## **Review of the Period (Continued)**
Pastoral care has also been a key part of Peter’s role. To support him properly and meet the demand for pastoral care, we created a pastoral team, bringing on board two other members to ensure the full range of needs of our fellowship is properly supported.
Another point of encouragement this year has been the growth of our leadership team with God’s calling upon James Gleave to become a leader in the church. This has brought a new dynamic to the leadership team, and the church has benefited greatly from his God-given talents and enthusiasm in his new role.
The welcoming of those called by God into membership of the church is always a great privilege, and we have been greatly encouraged that Helen MacDonald and William Noble took up membership in AIM Church in July and August 2024. We thank God for their continued service in His name.
We have continued to hold quarterly trustees' meetings to ensure the charity meets our obligations and were blessed by the appointment of an additional trustee in September 2024. The trustees have continued to support and monitor Peter Gleave’s position as Pastor/Church Planter, holding quarterly review meetings and weekly prayer meetings, which have been a great privilege to be a part of and have enabled us to share in the blessings of God’s work in AIM Church.
As a result of our financial forecasting, we were able to proactively identify a need for increased funds to support our existing work. Being prompted by the trustees we prepared a "Vision & Finances Document," which was shared with the membership and wider congregation. In response to this, we saw an increase in regular and oneoff giving, which made it possible to continue our work uninterrupted as well as continue employing our Pastor. We give thanks to God for His provision and for answered prayer in this regard.
The Bereavement Journey, a course to help those who have suffered the pain of loss and grief, commenced in April 2024. People from within and outside AIM Church enrolled after finding information about the course on the AIM Church website and the ataloss.org website. The course dealt with many issues, which were greatly appreciated by all those who attended. We were approached by Warrington BC about a potential joint project rolling out The Bereavement Journey across Warrington. Alison Noble attended a meeting, but we didn't progress it any further as the council wanted something they could run independently.
The Coffee Morning (“Coffee AIM”) has continued to be a central part of our outreach work within the community of Appleton. At times, we have been blessed with numbers returning to pre-COVID levels, and those who regularly attend are always appreciative of the love and support they receive with many commenting how it is the highlight of their week. The team of people serving has changed, but the one constant is the Lord’s blessing and provision for this work and the special times spent sharing and praying before the Coffee Morning commences each week.
Our Homegroup has been one of prayer and fellowship, with our Bible studies focusing on our planned preaching, especially the Acts series. This has provided the opportunity for more in-depth study of God’s word, as well as allowing people to ask and clarify any issues. With numbers increasing, a second Homegroup commenced
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**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
## **Review of the Period (Continued)**
in Grappenhall at James & Aimee’s home in April 2024. This currently takes place on a bi-weekly basis, and they are looking to increase this frequency in the future. As a result of the start of our second Homegroup, we have rebranded the groups, with our original Homegroup being dubbed “Homegroup Central” and the new Homegroup “Homegroup East” due to their respective geographic locations. We are truly blessed by God’s power and guiding hand in our Homegroups, and the openness to share and learn more about God’s word is wonderfully encouraging.
The Appleton Cross Church Plant Project activity has significantly increased, especially toward the end of 2024. We have attended meetings at the Parish Hall, with the new MP for South Warrington, and have been in continuous contact with various organisations via email. We have remained focused on prayer, including prayer walks in the area. An answer to prayer has been the formation of the Appleton Cross Implementation Team (ACIT) with five members who meet weekly for prayer and to focus our resources on specific areas of the project to ensure we continue to promote the planting of the church in Appleton Cross. We thank God for the skills and abilities for the huge task ahead.
We continue to promote church activities through our website and social media, including weekly recordings of ministry and advertising special events. This makes us accessible to people beyond those who already attend the church. We have expanded the church WhatsApp groups into specific areas, enabling us to communicate more efficiently, highlight prayer needs for each other and church issues, and support one another better.
Men’s and women’s social events commenced in September and have included woodturning, cookery lessons, and a visit to the theatre. These have been well attended and of great benefit.
We have also had the opportunity to give financial support to several missionaries and many other charities, including our continued support of Barnabus in Manchester.
Our church weekend away was smaller than in previous years but was extremely well-organised, facilitating a very relaxed and blessed weekend. The ministry continued in the book of Acts and was delivered by our pastor. It was incredibly encouraging to see almost all of those attending being involved in some capacity, including leading meetings, being part of the music in worship, organising the social events, and leading the morning prayers. We look forward to our next time away as a church, especially experiencing the blessings of God’s presence upon His people.
We supported two members of the church who felt called to serve the people of The Gambia with Amor Europe prayerfully, practically, and financially. They went to supply innovative water filter systems, train the recipients in their correct use, and raise awareness of hygiene and sanitation. The group felt truly blessed and humbled by the experience, and the impact on the physical and spiritual well-being of the people they reached has been immediate.
To reach out to the community in Appleton Cross, we suggested forming a Community Run Club and a Community Book Club. The Community Run Club commenced in December with a growing group meeting weekly. The fruits of this
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**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
## **Review of the Period (Continued)**
means of outreach are already being seen, with one member of Run Club beginning to attend Sunday Worship. The Community Book Club has been advertised, with a planned start in January 2025.
The year ended with the season of Advent, beginning with a church Christmas meal. We supported Appleton Parish Council with their Christmas lights switch-on, held Christmas services, Pop-up Nativities, a Christmas Party for the Coffee Morning, and contributed to the Christmas Shoebox Appeal.
In summary, we have been humbled and amazingly blessed by God! We look forward to 2025 with anticipation, trusting in His calling and provision.
## **Financial Review**
At 31[st] December 2024 the charity had funds totalling £24,095.90 (2023: £23,798.12) available for the trustees to use at their discretion having raised £64,145.28 (2023: £81,177.55), including funds from the unincorporated charity of £Nil (2023: £25,375.76) during the year and spent £63,847.50 (2023: £57,379.43).
## **Reserves Policy**
It is the policy of the Trustees to hold reserves which provide for the ongoing work of the charity whilst retaining financial stability and the potential to respond to new opportunities. At the 31 December 2024 the reserves held were £24,095.90 (2023: £23,798.12) available for the trustees to use at their discretion, the trustees consider this level to be adequate.
## **Responsibilities of the Trustees**
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period, which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its financial activities for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently:
- make judgments and estimates that are prudent and reasonable:
- state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in existence.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Peter Gleave Anthony Scott Patricia McDowell Dorothy Price Alison Noble Date: 15[th] February 2025
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**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
## **Independent examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Appleton Independent Methodist Church**
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 9.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of independent examiner’s report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Eric Southwick BA (Hons) FCA FCIE DChA Date: 15[th] February 2025
The Bungalow Earl Street Seaham Co Durham SR7 0DH
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**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
## **Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31[st] December 2024**
|||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**Receipts**
Freewill Offerings
Regular Donations and Standing Orders
Other Donations
Grants
Gift Aid Repayments
Conference
Received from unicorporated charity
**_Total Receipts_**
**Payments**
Ministry
Coffee AIM / AIM +
Conference
Church Running Costs
Pastor / Church Planter
Donations
Appleton Cross
**_Total Payments_**
**Net Receipts / (Payments)**
**Funds b/fwd 1 January**
**Funds c/fwd 31 December**|**£**
**£**
3,163.50
3,236.50
19,535.00
15,375.00
9,112.00
4,537.00
25,000.00
29,000.00
4,364.78
3,503.29
2,970.00
150.00
-
25,375.76
64,145.28
81,177.55
1,470.00
1,250.00
3,967.80
3,832.19
2,915.00
630.00
11,634.19
10,565.29
33,360.15
32,055.27
4,200.00
6,755.00
6,300.36
2,291.68
63,847.50
57,379.43
297.78
23,798.12
23,798.12
-
24,095.90
23,798.12|||
The notes on page 9 part of these financial statements.
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**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at 31[st] December 2024**
|**Monetary Assets**
Bank current account
**Current Liabilities**
Independent Examiner's fees|**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
24,095.90
23,798.12
300.00
300.00|
|---|---|
The financial statements on pages 7 to 9 were approved on 15[th] February 2025.
Anthony Scott
The notes on page 9 part of these financial statements.
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**Appleton Independent Methodist Church Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024**
## **Notes to the accounts**
## **1 Accounting policies**
- In preparing the accounts the following accounting policies have been complied with:
- a) The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the recommendations in Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102 1A) (effective 2 February 2016), applicable accounting standards and the Charities Act 2011.
- b) Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
- c) Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
- All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity receives the income.
- d) Expenditure is recognised on a payments basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
## **2 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied for charitable purposes.
## **3 Trustee and employee information**
- a) Trustee information
One trustee received remuneration of £29,956.92 (2023: £29,234.99) during the year.
- b) Employee Information
The church had one employee in the year.
|Wages and salaries
Pension costs||
|---|---|
## **4 Related Party Transactions**
There are no related party transactions, other than the one disclosed in note 3 above, which require disclosure.
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