CHRISTCHURCH THREE MILLS
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31[st] DEC 2023
(Repor;ng Period 24[th] October 2022 – 31[st] December 2023)
Trustees Annual Report 2023
Charitable Incorporated Organisa>on Informa>on
S"pendiary Leadership
Rev Dan Sco+
Trustees during the repor"ng period
Iwebunor Anyia (Founding Trustee and Chair, resigned 30[th] April 2023) Maxine Kusiima (Founding Trustee, re-elected and appointed Chair 30[th] April 2023) Dami Babarinsa (Founding Trustee, resigned 30[th] April 2023)
Elena Sco+ (Founding Trustee, re-elected 30[th] April 2023) Alison Kenku (Founding Trustee, re-elected 30[th] April 2023) Patricia Larocque (Founding Trustee, re-elected 30[th] April 2023) Rev Dan Sco+ (Founding and ex-officio Trustee) Ewangelin Durai (elected 30[th] April 2023) Doyin Doherty-Moses (elected 30[th] April 2023)
Rebecca Taylor (elected 30[th] April 2023, resigned 30[th] September 2023) Rev Young Lee (Appointed by the Bishop of Chelmsford 30[th] April 2023)
3 Riverside Road London E15 2RG
Charity Number
1200794
Bankers
CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ
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The trustees of Christchurch Three Mills present their annual report together with their accounts which have been independently examined.
The reports and accounts have been completed on a receipts and payments basis and comply with the CIO Cons^tu^on and the accoun^ng policies set out in Note 1 of the accounts
The report and accounts cover the period from the registra^on of the CIO with the Chari^es Commission; 24[th] Oct 2022 un^l the end of the first repor^ng period specified by the Chari^es Commission; 31[st] December 2023. Moving forward, repor^ng periods will align with calendar years.
Registra"on and Bishop’s Mission Order
Christchurch Three Mills was formed as a Charitable Incorporated Organisa^on (CIO) and registered with the Chari^es Commission on 24[th] October 2022 with charity number 1200794
Christchurch Three Mills operates within the Diocese of Chelmsford as part of the Church of England under a Bishop’s Mission Order (BMO) signed into effect by the Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis Dehqani, on 24[th] October 2021. The BMO has no specified end date.
The Objec^ves of the BMO are as follows
To establish a new, or a network of new worshipping community(ies), at the west end of the parish of Stra<ord St. John w. Christ Church, with a view to planAng similar communiAes beyond this area, in order to see the colours of heaven in every corner of our community. The mission of these worshipping communiAes will be to: Love Widely – reaching out with the generous love of God to every person who lives, works or studies in, or passes through the community
Live Deeply – living rooted, incarnaAonal lives for the good and thriving of the whole community
Gather Community – bringing people together around the hope of the resurrecAon, gathering at our tables and the Lord’s table to grow as disciples of Jesus on mission.
Objec"ves of the CIO
In order to meet the objec^ves of the BMO, Christchurch was established as a CIO as detailed above, with the following objec^ves within our cons^tu^on
(a).to advance the Christian faith for the public benefit in accordance with the doctrines, policies, practices and patterns of worship of the Church of England by furthering its pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical activities within (but not exclusively) the area of benefit.
(b) the prevention or relief of poverty in (but not exclusively) the area of benefit by providing items and services to individuals in need and /or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty
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(c) within (but not exclusively) the area of benefit, to advance in life, relieve the needs of and help young people through:
i. the provision of recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve their conditions of life;
ii. providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
for the purposes of this clause 3, "area of benefit" means the ecclesiastical parish of Stratford St John with Christchurch situated within the diocese of Chelmsford and the London borough of Newham.”
Pre-Registration Activities and External Funding
Before both the BMO and CIO were implemented, Christchurch Three Mills was running under the guidance and authority of the PCC of St Johns Straiord, through funding from the Church of England Strategic Development Fund (SDF). This Funding ran from September 2019, and finishes on 31[st] December 2025. As part of this funding, there has been money for a S^pendiary Leader (Rev Dan Sco+) from 1[st] January 2023 un^l 31[st] December 2025). This funding is paid through the Diocese of Chelmsford and does not appear in our accounts. Beyond that, funding of £272,200 has been made available for the church to spend under specific headings during the funding period. By the end of 2023, we have spent £112,376 of this budget, and are predicted to underspend the budget by about £23,000 by the end of 2025. The trustees are in discussion about realloca^on of these funds, as according to funding guidelines they cannot be spent beyond the end of 2025.
The trustees are also in discussion about steps to take to move towards increased fundraising, changes to structures and financial sustainability beyond the end of our funding period.
Mee"ng of the Trustees within the repor"ng period
The trustees met on the following dates, agendas and minutes were recorded and retained for each mee^ng. All mee^ngs were at 3 Riverside Road and/or on zoom (complying with requirements for virtual/hybrid mee^ngs as specified in the CIO cons^tu^on):
November 7[th] 2022 January 23[rd] 2023 March 15[th] 2023 May 22[nd] 2023 June 5[th] 2023 July 3[rd] 2023 (Extra-ordinary mee^ng) September 13[th] 2023 November 22[nd] 2023
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The trustees also met for a Leadership Development and Vision Day at All Hallows Bow on Saturday November 4[th ] 2023
An Annual Mee^ng was held on 30[th] April 2023, at the House Mill following our worship service. All members of the charity were invited to this mee^ng, where, as specified in our cons^tu^on, all founding trustees (with the excep^on of Rev Dan Sco+ – ex officio) resigned. All who were willing to be were re-elected, along with 3 new trustees from the church membership. One of these new trustees resigned in September, ci^ng a conflict of interest, but stayed a part of the wider church and leadership. A further trustee, the vicar of St Johns Straiord, was appointed by the Bishop of Chelmsford in accordance with the cons^tu^on.
Ac#vity of the Charity within the repor#ng period
The following outlines some of the key ac^vi^es we have undertaken and key ways we have worked in line with, and towards mee^ng, our objec^ves. They are wri+en and contributed to by various members of our trustee and leadership team.
Vicar’s report
What a phenomenal year, and what a report to show just a little of what has been done through the past 15 months. We have more than ever had incredible opportunities to see the colours of heaven bursting out of every corner of our neighbourhood, boldly living out and sharing our faith with and for all in the community, but especially the young and those facing material or other forms of poverty. I’m remembering some of the incredible events we ran on the Green; Pancake day, Easter Egg Hunt, All Hallows Eve, Light up the Green. Meeting 100-150 members of the community at most of them, but also involving up to 20 of us from church rolling up our sleeves, getting involved and making a difference. These great events have also enabled us to live out our faith in and for the community – Prayer tent days on Ash Wednesday and All Saints, outdoor services at Christmas, and the amazing response to our interactive stations of the cross in Holy Week.
The church is now known and loved in the neighbourhood – not just for putting on good services, but for growing a sense of connectedness and friendliness across our area. A growing partnership with School 360 has not only enabled us to run our community café and food share but has sparked opportunities for neighbourhood building and joining with others who seek to make this place better. This partnership, and conversations out of the Growing Good course last Lent have led to us becoming a member organisation of Newham Citizens, part of TELCO and Citizens UK, and beginning a Learning Community with the Centre for Theology and Community (CTC) to grow our church through community organising. Early days
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but it has been exciting to see the potential here as relationships for change grow within and beyond the church.
We have baptised 2 people this last year, admitted several young people to Holy Communion and welcomed a number of new people and families into the church community, most of whom were not going to church before that. Every Sunday it has been special to gather, but some of our services, such as Epiphany and the chalking of the doors, Mothering Sunday, Easter Sunday, The Blessing of the Backpacks and the Feast of Christ the King. What makes these special is not just the added numbers, but the way we think carefully about giving people tools and items to help them live out their faith in and with the wider community and not just on a Sunday. And from a church with 20-30 people in attendance on a Sunday, we have had at least 10 different people preaching, and a further 5 or so leading meetings, including young people. Our simple sign up board as well means the expectation and outcome is that everyone takes part in making Sundays happen, whether reading or praying or welcoming or working with the children. We are building a community that spans difference and where everyone has a seat at the table.
To all who have given their time, their prayers, their money, their presence, we are thankful, in fact we are blown away by what can happen when the Spirit of God inspires a small community of people to live out their faith in and with the place where they live. Read on to find out more.
Annual Report on Safeguarding
Being the first (PSO) Parish Safeguarding Officer for Christchurch Three Mills, my role is for everyone to know the importance of safeguarding at all levels. To raise awareness of safeguarding in church and showing our community that safeguarding is biblical, vitally important, and a way to show the love of God in action.
As a church, we are reflecting on the past, thinking where we may have got it wrong, and supporting those who may have been hurt or harmed.
We are now trying to do things right to support those who are vulnerable in our community. Safeguarding is now a familiar word to most people who volunteer in the Christian ministry. It is now a chance for us to highlight the good work that is being done behind the scenes, to show Christchurch Three Mills and the community that we are committed to create a safer environment and culture for all, both now and in the future, as we encounter a wide diversity of people with cultures and traditions in our community.
On the 16th of October, I participated in the service of Thanksgiving with prayer and a recommitment to our pledge, for all involved in the work of safeguarding across the Diocese of Chelmsford. It was led by the Bishop of Colchester, The Rt Rev. Roger Morris, with an inspiration talk on Micah 6: 1-8. An encouragement on what the Lord requires of us – To do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with God, and through his guidance to pursue our pledge as a community, Together in Faith, Together in Trust, and Together as a Church.
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On the 12th of November, we celebrated our first Safeguarding Sunday, to raise awareness while serving, encouraging, teaching, and leading as we get involved in using our gifts to make church a safer place for all, and to remember that safeguarding is for everyone.
Patricia Larocque
Church Safeguarding Officer.
Worship Gatherings
As a church, we gather every Sunday morning, at 11am. During the service we worship together, listen to a talk, share communion, and enjoy the opportunity to spend time together as a community. Attendance on a Sunday morning has been increasing over the last year, and it has been great to see new families and members of the community attending regularly. We have continued to offer zoom access to our service – this is particularly helpful for any members of our community who are not able to join in person.
There are many opportunities for church members to become involved in the service, including leading worship, prayers and reading. Children and young people are a vital part of our Sunday services and stay in for the duration of the service. Our children and young people have been incredibly creative this year – making some wonderful crafts as they learn about Jesus. Children and young people are also encouraged to contribute to all aspects of our Sunday gathering. It has been a particular joy to see some of our young people lead services regularly, and to see that several children and young people are now signed up to take part in the worship team.
Average Sunday Attendance seems to have steadily grown through the reporting period, approaching 25-30 on most Sundays towards the end of the year, including around 30% under 16. On Easter Day and at our Carol Service, attendance was 50-60, and other special services have seen attendances around 40.
It has been a privilege to hold baptism and communion classes for members of the church this year. Baptism, dedication, and first communion services have been an incredible opportunity to draw together as a community and to uphold members of our community in prayer as they take an important step in their faith journey.
We also hold worship gatherings outside of a Sunday. Every Wednesday a prayer meeting takes place right in the centre of the estate, on Leggatt Road Green. It is open to anyone to come and sit and join in with the prayer service – it is also available live on Facebook. A wonderful time to be present, and to encounter members of our local community. This year we have also held a prayer day for Ash Wednesday and All Saints Day, Christmas carols and a Christmas day outdoor service on the green. We also held our Big Weekend – a church weekend away without going way – in July in the house and garden of 3 Riverside Road. This was a series of worship and teaching events, along with social activities which at least 50 people from the church engaged in, including some new members of our community.
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Our worship gatherings always aim to seek and learn more about God, join us together as family, and to look outwards to see how we can bless our community with the love of Jesus. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for this next year.
Community Groups, Discipleship and Pastoral Care
Being now a registered pioneering church, and working in partnership with our new Incumbent, we have supported his vison in extending church fellowship at his home in the community to fulfil God’s calling and mission for Christchurch Three Mills.
We have 2 key groups that have met through the year. The first meets weekly on Tuesdays, at 1 pm to make friends and build friendships over lunch, while getting to know each other better and growing spiritually, as we draw closer to God. The second meets on Thursday at 8pm, with dinner, on a roughly fortnightly basis. We have engaged in bible studies, courses such as the Church Urban Fund Growing Good course, and a theology and leadership course that we are creating as we go
Each group has a normal attendance of 6-10 people, both those who regularly attend Sunday worship, and those for whom these groups are their main encounter with church.
An additional group, for families, met up until Summer 2023 on a monthly basis. We had games and crafts, food and a bible story. Due to limited capacity of people to run this, we had to stop it from September 2023, but would love to start it again.
Beyond these physical gatherings of groups, we have a system of delivery of home activity packs, about 6 times through the year. We meet after church to pack these and deliver them to local families, who can engage in the craft activities inside, which are all linked to bible passages and lessons for life.
We also have an active whatsapp group, where people share prayer requests and support one another through life and faith. Over the summer, we set up a separate group for those interested in reading the gospel of Mark together and sharing thoughts and reflections along the way.
This connectedness helps us as a core pastoral team serve and reach out to those who are struggling, visiting them for prayer and practical support, and trying to connect them with others in the church. We have served at least 4-5 people facing major crises in the last year through this, as well as many others who need some help. This has also included accompanying or visiting people in hospital.
Two noteworthy individuals emerged through our discipleship this year; Patricia Larocque began studying with the Caleb Stream at St Mellitus college, successfully completing Stage 1 of her discernment process and now facing Stage 2 in her journey towards ordination. If successful, she will be a non-stipendiary ordained minister at Christchurch, adding to the capacity of the team.
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Sian was appointed as young leader early in 2023, and sits in Leadership and trustee meetings as a non-voting member. She then became our first ever intern in August 2023, working for the church in youth and community work and accessing Apprenticeship training through our partnership with the Centre for Theology and Community.
Community Outreach Report
In the last year, Christchurch Three Mills has carried out several large events in the community, as well as regular ongoing activities that seek to positively impact the lives of people living in the local area. The highlights have been some of the events that we have run on Leggatt Road Green to mark significant times in the year. Our annual Light up the Gree n event at the start of the Christmas period in particular has been described by many in the community as something that they really look forward to, with the Christmas lights bringing joy and light in the darkness of winter. It has also been great to see more people from the community be involved in running these events, for example The Big Egg Hunt on Easter Saturday had a large number of volunteers, particularly young people involved in running sporting and craft activities, face painting and handing out food and drinks.
Throughout the year there have also been our regular community outreach activities which have enabled us to establish great relationships with families and individuals in the community. These have included our regular community cart giving out hot chocolates, sporting activities in the local parks, and a community celebration that we have ran with the House Mill for the King’s coronation. Many of our church activities have also sought to reach out to advance the Christian faith for the public benefit, for example our morning prayer gatherings on the green, our prayer vigils at various times in the church calendar, our community stations of the cross walk at Easter and our regular distribution of activity packs for families in the community.
Community Organising & Partnerships Report
Three Mills is a lively and diverse community situated in East London that has undergone significant transformation in recent years. This transformation has been driven by the establishment of new businesses, construction of new housing, and an influx of people from various cultures.
Christchurch Three Mills has been working hard to ensure that the community remains cohesive and inclusive. It has achieved this by engaging with various community organisations and establishing partnerships that promote social cohesion and community development.
Christchurch Three Mills has a great presence and set of relationships in the local neighbourhood, through our weekly community food café/warm space held in School 360, and hot drinks and activity held in the local park, as well as community events that are held throughout the year. Out of partnership with the school and other conversations, we have
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started working with TELCO, the local branch of Citizens UK to develop community organising to bring together local people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to work towards a common goal. This has led to the start of a year-long programme with the Centre for Theology and Community (CTC) around congregational development. This programme began in November 2023
Christchurch Three Mills has established partnerships with various organisations in East London to promote community development, social cohesion and training. The council and Citizens UK have been a crucial partner in promoting community development in Christchurch Three Mills. Local businesses have also played a significant role in promoting community development in Three Mills. Faith-based organisations, such as St Johns Church Stratford and All Hallows Bow, CTC have provided spiritual guidance, training, and supported community development projects.
Youth Work Report
posi^ve transforma^on under the leadership of dedicated individuals. It all began with the arrival of a new youth leader named Andrew, who brought fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the church. Andrew's ini^a^ve was to establish a youth group specifically tailored for the older kids in the church community. This decision led to the regular gatherings, mee^ngs, and ou^ngs, providing a plaiorm for older youths to connect, learn, and grow together in their faith.
The church con^nued its commitment to engaging with younger children through virtual plaiorms. Even as the older youth group flourished, Zoom mee^ngs for the younger kids started to get more children joining and having meaningful conversa^ons and interac^ons among the children.
As the youth group progressed, a new addi^on, Sian, joined as a youth leader intern, eager to learn and contribute to the ministry. Under Andrew's mentorship, Sian quickly became involved in various aspects of youth leadership, including taking over Zoom lessons and assis^ng with outreach efforts such as distribu^ng hot chocolates and visi^ng schools to connect with the youth there.
However, circumstances changed - Andrew eventually departed from his role; it was sad to see him go as he had made a huge impact on the youth in church. Sian then transi^oned into a more prominent leadership posi^on, taking charge of Zoom sessions and con^nuing community engagement efforts alongside another dedicated member, Dan.
Throughout the year, the youth group held events, catering to both church members and the wider community. From Santa's Gro+o during Christmas to distribu^ng Lent packs and par^cipa^ng in community events like "Light on the Green," the youth group ac^vely contributed to the church's mission of spreading joy and goodwill.
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Even as challenges arose and circumstances evolved, the spirit of unity and service remained strong within the youth group. Although face-to-face mee^ngs with older kids were temporarily paused, the younger Zoom group con^nued to thrive under Sian's guidance.
Looking ahead, the youth group is poised for further growth and impact with the appointment of a new youth leader, Tosin, who brings fresh perspec^ves and energy to the team. With a founda^on built on mentorship and community engagement, the church's youth group con^nues to bring posi^vity and inspira^on to the church.
Community Café and Food share report
As a result of a community survey in mid 2022, we launched a community café and food share in December 2022. This has been held every Thursday of term^me in the Community Room at School 360. The primary aims were as follows;
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Grow community and rela^onships between parents at the school, other community residents and members of the church
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Provide a simply sharing of donated food to aid those facing any kind of temporary or ongoing material poverty, on a no-referral, no ques^ons asked basis
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To con^nue to build rela^onships with the school.
oven get between 10 and 15 visitors each week, including children to our toddler sov play corner, parents from the school, other people who work in the school and members of the wider community. A number of good rela^onships have been built, including a few people who have started a+ending the church as a result.
Similarly, the food share gives a bag of shopping to 5-10 households each week, for a £1 dona^on. Whilst the café is funded through our SDF grant, the food share is funded solely by donated money and food from our church membership and the wide community.
Towards the end of 2023, the school received funding from Tesco grants to run a cookery club, and asked us to take a lead on that. We ran 4 sessions of cooking as part of the café, wth par^cipants making a dish and having a recipe pack to take and use at home. This has offered healthy, simple recipes to 8-12 people each week, and has con^nued into 2024.
Financial Report
To be read alongside the Accounts, shown on pages 18-26 of this report.
Special thanks are due to our Treasurer, Ewangelin for all her work setting us up with accounting and financial procedures and processes this year, and Jenna, our Adninistrator who has mastered our accounting software, payroll and more.
SDF Funding and St Johns Support
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The church was established as a church plant from St Johns in the period 2019-2022, and is currently funded by money from the Church of England Strategic Development Fund (SDF) un^l the end of 2025. Money can be claimed back through the diocese once spent, against specific spending criteria. Expenses incurred are matched to the SDF budget and submi+ed for reimbursement on a regular basis. The Project Board at the Diocese requires any amount over £500 to be approved by the Programme Manager and anything over £2k by themselves prior to expenditure. In addi^on if Christchurch Three Mills wishes to reallocate funds from the overall budget these changes need approval by the Project Board of the Church Commissioners.
spending, giving and reimbursement went through the Account of St Johns church in Straiord (registered charity number 1132176), under the oversight of their Parochial Church Council (PCC). All money was kept as a restricted Fund within the overall St Johns Account and appears on their registered and submi+ed accounts. These show up on our accounts as a restricted fund un^l they are transferred into our General or Neighbourhood Fund.
Financial Review for the repor"ng period
The overall income, including giving through the St Johns account, totalled £52,401.32 and expenditure on charitable and support ac^vi^es totalled £47,173 resul^ng in a surplus of £5227.71. This did not take into account the outstanding claim of £6416.26 which was received in January 2024, and a further grant of around £1000 which was owed in light of work done with School 360. The main source of income is the non-recurring grant of SDF monies totalling £33,421.03. Voluntary income and the related tax recoveries (including those coming through the St Johns account totalled £18,578 (2022 £17,352).
to £19,398.65. During the year under review all staff worked on a part ^me basis. Our Youth Pastor worked for about 6 months from his appointment in February 2023. His replacement was appointed by the end of 2023, awai^ng pre-employment checks (She started in February 2024). An agreed budget change with the Project Board enabled us to employ an intern for 16 hours a week from August 2023, she will be employed un^l July. Our Administrator works 15 hours a week and was in post since her start date in January 2023, her employment con^nues into 2024. The Trustees con^nue to review the salaries paid on an annual basis and ensure that all staff earn at least the London Living Wage as a minimum. Christchurch Three Mills offers a contributory workplace pension scheme for all eligible members of staff.
During the year Christchurch Three Mills paid a contribu^on of £6,000 to the Chelmsford Diocese in lieu of a Parish Share contribu^on. This was not a requirement as S^pendiary costs are covered by the SDF funding, but the trustees agreed in November 2022 to pay this as a sign of our generosity to and partnership with the Deanery and Diocese, and also as prepara^on for a need to grow this contribu^on beyond the end of 2025. The Trustees agreed in November 2023 to aim to increase the amount paid to £9,000 in 2024, with a review to take place half-way through the year based on financial outcomes
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A summary of the main expenses can be found on the third page of the Accounts.
Funds
The unrestricted funds, in the General Fund, stand at £19,537.01 as at 31[st] December 2023. With the transfer of the remaining balance from the St Johns fund (which stands at £3,365.68 at year end), and payment of outstanding grants, this will increase somewhat (these were received in January 2024). The Trustees are able to use the funds in the General fund for the general charitable ac^vi^es of the CIO.
The Restricted Fund for the Neighbourhood Fund has a balance of £807.82 at the year end. During the year this fund grew through dona^ons, in par^cular a dona^on of £800 from a sponsored event a member of the congrega^on had undertaken, and also some income, such as the selling of Christmas cards. Funds were spent on resourcing our Food Share, and providing Christmas Hampers to those in need. Moving forward, the Trustees agree that as far as possible this fund should stay self-sustaining – money spent on Food share and responding to Neighbours needs should be generated from dona^ons or income.
Reserves and Financial Outlook
As noted above, unrestricted reserves currently stand at around £22k-23k. In light of the end of external funding approaching, it is important that these funds are retained and grown over the coming two years. They currently represent about 15-18 months of very essential funding, excluding salaries and stipendiary payments. As salaries are covered by SDF funding, and it is not envisaged contracts will be extended unless extra funding is found, it is not necessary to cover potential salary payments. However, the reserves do cover several months of all salaries currently committed to, should any funding arrangement with the diocese fall through.
The trustees also consider that should sufficient reserves be generated, some may be able to be used in the first few years after the end of SDF funding to enable a transition period, if income is still being raised in this time but is not yet sufficient to cover all necessary expenditure.
The trustees aim to raise reserves to a level of approximately £33k by the end of 2024, and around £40k by the end of 2025.
The other key element of long term viability and sustainability of the church is around stipendiary ministry costs, which are covered until the end of 2025 by SDF funding. Beyond this there is no guarantee of a stipend or housing for the Lead Minister, indeed it seems unlikely the diocese will be willing to fund this without a significantly larger financial commitment from the CIO than currently seems realistic. A key discussion around the future of the church must be around the place of stipendiary ministry, possible forms of funding this, any alternatives, and the relationship of the church to the wider Deanery and Diocese.
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Chair’s report
This year has been amazing and I thank God for His provision: in giving us a place to share His love in the Three Mills community. We have had a few challenges from bereavements and providing intense pastoral support, to needing a new Youth leader, but God has proved to be faithful. We thank God for everyone involved in Christchurch Three Mills: from active members, to those who attend services/events, to Beverley and the volunteers who run the House Mill (where we worship). You all are indeed part of the church and seeing strong connections form has been a source of immense joy. The most exciting development has been seeing individuals grow in their confidence and discipleship, as this has allowed for Christchurch Three Mills to continue to be effective in meeting the needs of the community.
So let us keep praying and showing up as God permits, as we want to be here for many decades to come with a legacy of being a successful church led by the Holy Spirit; which can only be achieved by always relying on the strength provided by God.
As always, if you have any questions or ideas, please contact someone from the leadership team as we would love to hear from you!
Maxine Kusiima, Chair of Trustees
Acceptance of this report
A draft version of this report was accepted by Trustees at their meeting on 13[th] March 2024, signed on their behalf by
Maxine Kusiima (Chair of Trustees) Jenna Anderson (Secretary to the trustees)
Following the report of our independent examiner, the full report was presented to the membership of the CIO at their annual meeting on 21[st] April 2024. It was accepted at that meeting by a vote, and signed on their behalf by
Rev Dan Scott (Lead Minister, chair of meeting) Jenna Anderson (Meeting Secretary)
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 14 of 26
RCH THREE HILLS ELOVQIIG- LivIMa- BEL•MaiMa Independent Examiner's Report CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ELAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to th• trust••$ Christ Churd) Thrèe Mills On account8 for th• y•ar •nd•d 31" December 2023 Charbty no Ilf •nyl 1200794 S•t out on page6 I report to the trustoas on my 8xaminatK*n of the accounts of the al>v• charityllhe Twst'l lor the year ended 31112 12023. R•spon•lbl1iti and $ls of r•port As the chari3 trustees. you ar8 respsible for the preparation of the a¢¢wnls in a¢¢or(Jan¢e the requirsmenls of the Ch8rilios A¢t 2011 Ilhe Act.). I r8POrt in rèsp8Ct of my 8xaminaiion of th8 Charitablè Incorporat8d Organtsation's ICIOI accounts carrd out under section 145 01 the 2011 Act and in carylng out my èx8mination. I havè fiAIow8d 811 the applie2ble Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515}Ibl of the IER O¢t 2018 Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 15 of 26 THREE MILLS
RCH THREE HILLS ELOVQIIG- LivIMa- BEL•MaiMa Independent I have Compted my examinabon. I confim that no material mallers have axamlnerfs $L•MOnt come to my attention in eonnection with the axaminalion giv69 m6 cause to believe that in. any material respect.. the accounting records werè not kept in accordancè with section 130 of the Charities Act,. or tho accounts did not accord with the accounting records In carying out my examination. l observed incon8i8tencies in how often the bank reconciliations were carried out by the charrty throughout the year. Whik8 the primary r8conciliati¢)n occurred during the yearvend process, r8gular monthly reconciliations were lacking. The charity attributed this to the arnIng curve associated wilh the new accounting software. AdditKJnally. the Treasurer. oventhdmed by thèir respon5ibiliti8s, has stepped down, prompting the search for 8 new Treasurer. I noticed that the cuent account closing balance is shown as £20,344.83 on the trial balance instead of £20,498.62 as per the CAF bank statement. This is a sm811 drfferenco of £153.79. This has bo updated in the final accounts. Going forward, we recommend implem8ntirrfJ monthty recOnl9cnS to maintain financial accuracy. Furthermore, l addressed the dccumentalion of the charills pc4icies. Specifically, pOIleS related lo Internal Financial Controls, ExFenses, and Cash Handling which were later prepared upon my request. Athcmjgh discussDns wthin trustee meetings had taken place, these policies were rK>I yet formalized in writing. l emphasized the importance of well-defined pJlic*s to ensure transparency. consistency, and adh8rence to processes. The charty has now docum8nl6d these poliaes. and tho trustees will review them regularfy. Additionally, work 18 underway to coMpte the fundraising pdicy. I confirm that there are no olher matters lo which your attention should be dra to enable a undarslanding of tha aCLounts io b8 rèached. Slgned: W.Lagrue Oale: 5th April 2024 Name: Womba Lagrue FCCA Bsc R•l•vant prof•sslonal quallflcatlonls) or body Ilf any}: Association of Chartèred Certified Accounlants AddrnvJ: Alia Future Business Centre lQ"ng s Hedges Road, CambrKlge C84 2HY Sortlon 8 Dlxlosure Only complete if the examiner needs lo highlight material matters of concem (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. dirtttions and guidance for examiners). IER Oct 2018 THREE MILLS VI LV
RCH THREE HILLS ELOVQIIG- LivIMa- BEL•MaiMa Gl¥• h•r• brf•f d•tall• of any Iterns that tho •xamln•r wl8h•s to di8cIo8•. IER Ocl 2018 Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 17 of 26 THREE MILLS
Christchurch Three Mills Receipts and Payments Account For the period from 24 October 2022 to 31 December 2023
| Unrestricted funds |
Designated funds |
Restricted funds |
Total fund | Prior year total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | |||||
| Dona&ons and | |||||
| legacies | 9,698.59 | - | 8,364.24 | 18,062.83 | - |
| Income from | |||||
| charitable | |||||
| ac&vi&es | 217 | - | 112.59 | 329.59 | - |
| Other income | 34,008.92 | - | - | 34,008.92 | - |
| Total Receipts | 43,924.51 | - | 8,476.83 | 52,401.34 | - |
| Payments | |||||
| Expenditure on charitable ac&vi&es | 35,331.81 | - | 3,156.70 | 38,488.51 | - |
| Other expenditure | 8,531.33 | - | - | 8,531.33 | - |
| Total Payments | 43,863.14 | - | 3,156.70 | 47,019.84 | - |
| Excess of receipts over payments before | |||||
| transfer | 61.37 | - | 5,320.13 | 5,381.50 | - |
| Transfers: | |||||
| Gross transfers between funds - in | 19,535.66 | - | 300 | 19,835.66 | - |
| Gross transfers between funds - out | - | - | -19,835.66 | -19,835.66 | - |
| Excess of receipts over payments before other | |||||
| gains | 19,597.03 | - | -14,215.53 | 5,381.50 | - |
| Net movement in funds | 19,597.03 | - | -14,215.53 | 5,381.50 | - |
| Reconcilia&on of funds | |||||
| Excess of receipts over payments at beginning | |||||
| of the year | - | - | - | - | - |
| Excess of receipts over payments for the year | 19,597.03 | - | -14,215.53 | 5,381.50 | - |
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 18 of 26
Christchurch Three Mills
Analysis of Receipts and Payments
Selected period: 24 October 2022 to 31 December 2023
| General | Designat ed |
Restricte d |
Total | Last year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | |||||
| DonaLons and legacies | |||||
| 521100 - GiO Aid Planned Giving | 7,207.00 | - | - | 7,207.00 | - |
| 521200 - Non GiO Aid Planned Giving | 290 | - | - | 290 | - |
| 522100 - Sunday Collec&ons | 1,507.59 | - | - | 1,507.59 | - |
| 522200 - Community Dona&ons | - | - | - | - | - |
| 525100 - Other Dona&ons (General) | 694 | - | - | 694 | - |
| 525110 - Dona&ons (Neighbourhood | |||||
| fund) | - | - | 1,469.34 | 1,469.34 | - |
| 526110 - Grants (neighbourhood fund) | - | - | - | - | - |
| 551100 - Dona&ons to St Johns for | |||||
| CC3M | - | - | 4,862.40 | 4,862.40 | - |
| 551300 - GiO Aid collected by St John | |||||
| on behalf of CC3M | - | - | 2,032.50 | 2,032.50 | - |
| DonaLons and legacies Totals | 9,698.59 | - | 8,364.24 | 18,062.83 | - |
| Income from charitable acLviLes | |||||
| 523100 - Income (neighbourhood | |||||
| fund) | - | - | 112.59 | 112.59 | - |
| 527100 - Assign from Gen Fund | |||||
| (neighbourhood fund) | - | - | - | - | - |
| 541100 - Fees for Funerals | 217 | - | - | 217 | - |
| Income from charitable acLviLes Totals | 217 | - | 112.59 | 329.59 | - |
| Other income | |||||
| 521300 - GiO Aid claimed | - | - | - | - | - |
| 521400 - Bank Interest | 17.92 | - | - | 17.92 | - |
| 524100 - Tickets/Dona&ons for events | 560 | - | - | 560 | - |
| 526100 - Grants | - | - | - | - | - |
| 526200 - Funding from Diocese | 33,421.05 | - | - | 33,421.05 | - |
| 530100 - Refund | - | - | - | - | - |
| 531100 - Refunds from purchases | 9.95 | - | - | 9.95 | - |
| Other income Totals | 34,008.92 | - | - | 34,008.92 | - |
| Receipts Grand Totals | 43,924.51 | - | 8,476.83 | 52,401.34 | - |
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 19 of 26
Payments
Expenditure on charitable acLviLes
| 601100 - Upkeep of Services | 1,130.94 | - | - | 1,130.94 | - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 601200 - Community Groups | 282.76 | - | - | 282.76 | - |
| 601300 - Church Events | 815.95 | - | - | 815.95 | - |
| 602100 - Community Outreach | 1,617.50 | - | - | 1,617.50 | - |
| 602200 - Mission Events | 1,288.34 | - | - | 1,288.34 | - |
| 602300 - Cooking Club | 847.16 | - | - | 847.16 | - |
| 603100 - Children and Youth | 1,243.75 | - | - | 1,243.75 | - |
| 604100 - Prin&ng and Publicity | 877.43 | - | - | 877.43 | - |
| 605100 - Ofce Supplies | 851.46 | - | - | 851.46 | - |
| 605200 - Mission Supplies | 1,291.54 | - | - | 1,291.54 | - |
| 605300 - Equipment | 632.53 | - | - | 632.53 | - |
| 605400 - Books | 161.11 | - | - | 161.11 | - |
| 612100 - Media and Comms | 457.54 | - | - | 457.54 | - |
| 621100 - Salary - Youth Pastor | 9,726.19 | - | - | 9,726.19 | - |
| 622100 - Salary - Administrator | 6,400.00 | - | - | 6,400.00 | - |
| 622200 - Salary Expenses - | |||||
| Administrator | - | - | - | - | - |
| 623100 - Salary - Intern | 2,723.63 | - | - | 2,723.63 | - |
| 623200 - Salary Expenses - Intern | - | - | - | - | - |
| 631100 - Vicar Expenses | 144.18 | - | - | 144.18 | - |
| 651100 - Premise Hire | 4,839.80 | - | - | 4,839.80 | - |
| 661100 - Neighbourhood Fund - food | |||||
| share | - | - | 786.68 | 786.68 | - |
| 661200 - Neighbourhood Fund - crisis | |||||
| spending | - | - | - | - | - |
| 661300 - Christmas Hampers | - | - | 193.66 | 193.66 | - |
| 671100 - Expenses from St. Johns on | |||||
| behalf of CC3M | - | - | 2,176.36 | 2,176.36 | - |
| Expenditure on charitable acLviLes Totals | 35,331.81 | - | 3,156.70 | 38,488.51 | - |
| Other expenditure | |||||
| 611100 - Finance and Banking | 172.65 | - | - | 172.65 | - |
| 611200 - Online Data Services | 81 | - | - | 81 | - |
| 612200 - Copyright | 167 | - | - | 167 | - |
| 612300 - Insurance | 205.44 | - | - | 205.44 | - |
| 621200 - Salary Expenses - Youth | |||||
| Pastor | 548.83 | - | - | 548.83 | - |
| 631200 - Staf/Team Development | 1,356.41 | - | - | 1,356.41 | - |
| 641100 - Parish Share | 6,000.00 | - | - | 6,000.00 | - |
| Other expenditure Totals | 8,531.33 | - | - | 8,531.33 | - |
| Payments Grand Totals | 43,863.14 | - | 3,156.70 | 47,019.84 | - |
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 20 of 26
Christchurch Three Mills Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code) As at: 31 December 2023
| Class and nominal code | General (Unrestricted) |
General (Unrestricted) |
Designated | Restricted | Total | Last year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Asset - Cash At Bank And In Hand | ||||||
| 100: Bank Current | ||||||
| Account | 19,597.03 | - | 901.59 | 20,498.62 | - | |
| 400: St Johns Bank | ||||||
| Account, CC3M fund | - | - | 3,365.68 | 3,365.68 | 18,482.80 | |
| Total | 19,597.03 | - | 4,267.27 | 23,864.30 | 18,482.80 | |
| Net total assets | 19,597.03 | - | 4,267.27 | 23,864.30 | 18,482.80 | |
| Represented by | ||||||
| General (Unrestricted) | 19,597.03 | - | - | 19,597.03 | - | |
| Restricted - Neighbours | - | - | 901.59 | 901.59 | - | |
| Restricted - StJ | - | - | 3,365.68 | 3,365.68 | 18,482.80 | |
| Total |
19,597.03 | - | 4,267.27 | 23,864.30 | 18,482.80 |
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 21 of 26
Christchurch Three Mills Fund movement summary Selected period: 24 October 2022 to 31 December 2023
| Fund | Fund | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | balances brought |
Incoming Resources |
Outgoing Resources |
Transfers | Gains and Losses |
Journal Entries |
balances carried |
|
| forward | forward | |||||||
| General | ||||||||
| Unrestricted | - | 43,924.51 | 43,863.14 | 19,535.66 | - | - | 19,597.03 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 43,924.51 | 43,863.14 | 19,535.66 | - | - | 19,597.03 | |
| Neighbours | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 1,581.93 | 980.34 | 300 | - | - | 901.59 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 1,581.93 | 980.34 | 300 | - | - | 901.59 | |
| StJ | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 6,894.90 | 2,176.36 | -19,835.66 | - | - | 3,365.68 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 6,894.90 | 2,176.36 | -19,835.66 | - | - | 3,365.68 | |
| Totals | - | 52,401.34 | 47,019.84 | - | - | - | 23,864.30 |
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 22 of 26
Christchurch Three Mills Notes to the Accounts Selected period: 24 October 2022 to 31 December 2023
These notes form an integral part of the accounts
Accounting Policies and basis of preparations
-
a) The financial statement of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Constitution approved by the Charity Commission on 24[th] October 2022 using the Receipts and Payments basis
-
b) The CIO operates under a Bishops Missions Order (BMO) dated 24[th] October 2021 and is able to receive a non-recurring grant from a Special Development Fund operated by the Church Commissioners
-
c) These accounts represent the first reporting period since approval by the Charity Commission
-
d) The charity does not use the services of a Professional fundraiser
-
e) All the expenditure is allocated to the work and charitable activity of the CIO outlined in the BMO and more fully described in the Constitution
-
f) There are no fixed assets as the CIO operates on a Receipts and Payments basis and all equipment is expenses as the item purchased
Funds held by St Johns Church
Before our registration with the charities commission, our finances were held as a restricted fund within the bank account of St Johns church Stratford (charity number 1132176), and under the authority of the PCC of St Johns church. This continued to some extent at the start of the reporting period as it took some time to establish our own bank account and financial operations, and ensure all donations were redirected to our bank account. The process of transferring these funds has gone on through the year, with some remaining for next year. This money is shown in our accounts as the restricted fund ‘StJ’ within 400: St Johns Bank Account.
All these funds are accounted for in the reporting and accounts of St Johns church for the years 2022 and 2023.
We envisage a further transfer at the start of 2024 and a smaller transfer related to a gift aid claim later in the year. After that all monies will be held within our funds and bank account.
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 23 of 26
Donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 521100 - Gift Aid Planned Giving | 7,207.00 | - | - | 7,207.00 | - |
| 521200 - Non Gift Aid Planned Giving | 290 | - | - | 290 | - |
| 522100 - Sunday Collections | 1,507.59 | - | - | 1,507.59 | - |
| 522200 - Community Donations | - | - | - | - | - |
| 525100 - Other Donations (General) | 694 | - | - | 694 | - |
| 525110 - Donations (Neighbourhood | |||||
| fund) | - | - | 1,469.34 | 1,469.34 | - |
| 526110 - Grants (neighbourhood | |||||
| fund) | - | - | - | - | - |
| 551100 - Donations to St Johns for | |||||
| CC3M | - | - | 4,862.40 | 4,862.40 | - |
| 551300 - Gift Aid collected by St John | |||||
| on behalf of CC3M | - | - | 2,032.50 | 2,032.50 | - |
| Donations and legacies Totals | 9,698.59 | - | 8,364.24 | 18,062.83 | - |
No legacies were received in the reporting period
At the year end Gift Aid recoverable amounted to £2,345.99
Gift Aid recoverable will also be obtained from St Johns on eligible donations made through the St Johns account. These will be transferred to the Christchurch Three Mills account some time in 2024.
Grant Funding
Other income
| Other income | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 521300 - GiO Aid claimed | - | - | - | - | - |
| 521400 - Bank Interest | 17.92 | - | - | 17.92 | - |
| 524100 - Tickets/Dona&ons for events | 560 | - | - | 560 | - |
| 526100 - Grants | - | - | - | - | - |
| 526200 - Funding from Diocese | 33,421.05 | - | - | 33,421.05 | - |
| 530100 - Refund | - | - | - | - | - |
| 531100 - Refunds from purchases | 9.95 | - | - | 9.95 | - |
| Other income Totals | 34,008.92 | - | - | 34,008.92 | - |
| Receipts Grand Totals | 43,924.51 | - | 8,476.83 | 52,401.34 | - |
The main income of the church is ‘funding from Diocese,’ which are funds that come through the diocese from SDF funding which the church is eligible for until the end of 2025. The money received is for allowable expenditure incurred.
At 31 December 2023 there was an outstanding claim of £6416.26 which was received in January 2024.
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 24 of 26
Trustee remuneration and benefits
The trustees have not received any remuneration or other benefits from the CIO since its formation.
Rev Dan Scott as Lead Minister, who is an ex officio trustee of the CIO, receives a full stipend from the central funds of the Church of England
Funds
| Funds | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Fund | |||||||
| Fund | balances brought |
Incoming Resources |
Outgoing Resources |
Transfers | Gains and Losses |
Journal Entries |
balances carried |
|
| forward | forward | |||||||
| General | ||||||||
| Unrestricted | - | 43,924.51 | 43,863.14 | 19,535.66 | - | - | 19,597.03 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 43,924.51 | 43,863.14 | 19,535.66 | - | - | 19,597.03 | |
| Neighbours | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 1,581.93 | 980.34 | 300 | - | - | 901.59 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 1,581.93 | 980.34 | 300 | - | - | 901.59 | |
| StJ | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 6,894.90 | 2,176.36 | -19,835.66 | - | - | 3,365.68 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 6,894.90 | 2,176.36 | -19,835.66 | - | - | 3,365.68 | |
| Totals | - | 52,401.34 | 47,019.84 | - | - | - | 23,864.30 |
The General Fund represents the unrestricted monies that the Trustees can spend on the CIO’s aims and objectives as set out in the Constitution.
The Neighbours fund (restricted) represents the fund set up by the Trustees to help alleviate poverty in the neighbourhood. This received monetary donations, in particular one large donation from a sponsored event, last year, and these funds must be spent to these aims. The fund is only supported currently through donations, and the one transfer into the fund represented money that had been donated to the St Johns account for this express purpose. Money has mostly been spent from this fund on supplies for our Food Share, and Christmas Hampers for those in need. It can also be spent helping neighbours in a crisis, for example one off topping up of electric or gas cards. The CIO has a policy that no money is handed directly out to people
As previously mentioned, the StJ fund is held by a separated charity; St Johns Church Stratford, on our behalf. All transactions through that account have now ceased, and other than a small amount of gift aid to be claimed back, the final transfer of funds took place in January 2024.
Trustees Annual Report 2023
Page 25 of 26
Parish (SDF) Share
Other expenditure
641100 - Parish Share 6,000.00 - - 6,000.00
Most church of England Parish churches are expected to pay Parish Share, a contribution to the overall costs of the Diocese, including the supply of stipendiary ministers
As Rev Dan Scott’s stipend is funded by the SDF, there is no obligation at present for us to pay Parish Share, or the equivalent for our status as a BMO. However, the trustees took the decision in November 2022 to begin contributing in this way, to show our support and generosity towards the wider Deanery and Diocese, and to try to build towards a more sustainable financial approach beyond the end of our funding. We paid our proposed share of £6,000 in full.
In November 2023, the trustees took the decision to carry this on, and attempt to pay £9,000 in 2024. This will be reviewed half way through the year based on our financial situation.
Future Uncertainty
With SDF/diocesan funding due to expire on 31[st] December 2025, and little guarantee that the Diocese will support the church beyond then, there remains much uncertainty over the future viability of the organisation. All staff are on fixed term contracts which expire before the end of 2025, as all their salaries are paid by this SDF funding.
The trustees are exploring a number of ways this coming year to work towards financial viability:
-
Increase fundraising locally, including by members of the church and those we serve in the community at events and so on
-
Investigation of grant or other funding from people, churches and bodies not local to the area
-
Continue to build reserves where possible in the two years that we are still funded for
-
More strict financial budgeting as preparation for when all expenses cannot be subsequently claimed back
-
Discussions with the Deanery and Diocese around possible forms of support or church that could emerge or work on a more long term basis in the future.
Trustees Annual Report 2023 Page 26 of 26