Wycliffe Church Wycliffe Independent Church A Charitsble Incorporated Organisation {ClO) Trustees, Annual Report & Accounts For the year ending 31 December 2024 Registered nUMr 1201250 WIC Trustees, Annual Report 2024 Page 1 of 14
Wycliffe Church Wycliffe Independent Church (CIO) Trustees, Annual Report for the year ending 31 December 2024 Charity Reference and Administration Registered Number: 1201250 Registered: 06 December 2022 Church Location and Contact Address: Wycliffe Independent Church, Hickmott Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S11 8QF Managing Trustees: The Trustees of the church are the persons appointed as the church's Pastors and Elders. Those in office throughout the year 2024 and to the date of compiling this report are.. Name Appointed Position Edward Collier 08 June 2022 CPaStOr (Chair of trustees to July 2023) Ben Udejiofo 08 June 2022 Elder James Leverton 08 June 2022 Co-Pastor Stefan Cantore 08 June 2022 Elder (Chair of trustees from July 2023) Dave Nash 08 June 2022 Elder Andrew Thomson 07 February 2024 Elder Bankers: Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA Advisors: The Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches (EFCC), PO Box 34, Beverley, East Yorkshire HU17 OYY Public Benefit Declaration: In compiling this report and in exercising their powers and duties, the Trustees have had due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Commission, and in particular the guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Supplementsry Note Pertaining to This Year's Annual Report and Associated Accounts: The new CIO was incorporated in December 2022. However, the funds only transferred from the predecessor organisation at the end of April 2023. Consequently, the comparative figures in the accounts only include reIpts and payments for 8 months of the year. WIC Trustees. Annual Report 2024 Page 2 of 14
Wycliffe Church structure, Governance and Management Governing Document The Constitution was adopted by the members of Wcliffe Independent Church at a meeting held on 18 May 2022, and was approved by the Charity Commission on 6 December 2022. Wycliffe Independent Church is committed to the historic Christian faith revealed in Holy Scripture and expressed in the Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order as applied by the Church, which is summarised in the EFCC Basis of Faith. The Constitution and associated handbook contain a set of church rules including details concerning meetings, membership and the appointment of church officers. The church's Trustees {Pastors and Eldefs) are elected by the church by secret ballot at a church meeting, if at least 600/0 Vote in favour. Governance and Management The Pastors and Elders (Trustees> hold formal business meetings monthly, and also meet periodically for business meetings jointly with the Deacons and staff, to oversee and take decisions on the governing of the church. In addition, they meet informally, and monthly for prayer and to discuss urgent pastoral matters. Major church decisions are subject to approval at a church members, meeting. At the end of December 2024 there were 99 full (voting) church members. Our membership is committed, with many serving in various different capacities, enabling a whole range of church activities to take pla. The TrUStS are helped in practical matters by Deacons who are similarly appointed by the Church members. There are currently nine Deacons. As well as working together as a team, each Deacon may have a specific area of responsibility, for example finance, building maintenance., they also work together to take general responsibility for other practical matters. Deacons generally meet together monthly. As an independent church, governed on congregational principles, the church is entirely self- governing, under God's rule. However. we are glad to be associated formally with other churches through membership of the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches (EFCC). This not only provides Christian fellowship, but also practical guidance, help, support and legal advi when needed. Management Activity in 2024 to Preserve the Trust's Function Safeguarding: One of the Deacons acts as Safeguarding Lead and another a Deputy. They maintain oversight of our practices with children and vulnerable adults. One of the Trustees holds the role of Safeguarding Trustee. Health and Safety, Fire and other emergencies: Annual servicing of the gas boiler alongside regular testing and servicing of the fire alarm system and the emergency lighting systems was carried out. In September 2024 we hired an external organisation to carry out a fire risk assessment and help us implement and maintain a fire management plan. Food Safety: Food hygiene training andlor allergy awareness courses have been undertaken by many group leaders or helpers where food is offered on the premises. WIC Tru5tees' Annual Report 2024 Page 3 of 14
Wycliffe Church First Aid: Certified first aid training was previously provided for 9 people in addition to a number of others who hold certification through their work. We aim to run first aid training every 1.5 years Sin the qualification lasts for three years. General Data Protection Regulation IGDPR): A full review of all existing data policies was undertaken in May 2023. Greater detail and clarification were included in the privacy statement and related policies and all contacts were required to renew their ongoing consent for the church administrators to process their data. Work was done in 2024 ensuring information we hold in the Children's section of our church management Soare complied with GDPR. Hickmott Road Premises The premises was transferred to WyclrfFe Independent Church in March 2024 and came under the ownership of the CIO - see the notes to the accounts. Objectives, Activities and Achievements to the Public Benefit Charitable Objectives The charitable objectives of the church, set out in its constitution, are-. The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the basis of faith primarily but not exclusively within Sheffield and the surrounding neighbourhood; Such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the charity trustees, put into practice the Christian faith in accordance with the basis of faith, including but not limited to the prevention and relief of need, hardship and sickness., The advanrnent of education,. and the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life., provided that the advancement of such purposes must be undertaken in a manner that is consistent with the doctrinal distinctives and ethical statements as may be adopted and amended by the church from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the church handbook. Wycliffe Independent Church encourages ordinary people to live out their faith in families, workplaces and the general community. We believe that the message of Jesus Christ is the best news in the world and is for all people of all ages. WIC Trustee5' Annual Report 2024 Page 4 of 14
Wycliffe Church Church Activities Pastoral Care and Support "First line" pastoral care is given by the Elders, who are responsible for a specific group of members and regular worshippers. The Pastors direct overall pastoral care and deal with the more demanding and difficult issues that occur from time to time. Home Group leaders and members generally are also encouraged to give spiritual and practical support and care for each other. Spiritual help and guidance may be given by the Pastors and Elders by personal visits or by telephone. Examples of practical support and care include hospital and sick visiting, helping with transport for elderly and frail people, providing meals for those needing help because of illness, childbirth etc, supporting families with young children, and helping those in life-changing situations such as getting married, bereavement or moving house. A Diaconal Fund is also administered by the Deacons to help with financial needs in exceptional cases. The chLirch invited Christian Safeguarding Services (CSS) to conduct an independent review of pastoral provision within the church. The church received their report in April 2023. Considering how to respond to the recommendations was the focus of an Elders, away day and various other meetings. Arrangements for Sunday Seryices From January 2018 until September 2024 the church held its Sunday morning services in the main school hall at King Edward Vll School (KES), about one mile from the current church building. However, since September 2024, all church activities, inGluding our two Sunday services, are based at the Hickmott Road building. sin restarting meetings after Covid lockdown, Sunday services and Wednesday evening meetings are mainly acSsible online via Zoom for those unable to join us in person. Regular Church Lifa Our usual pattern is to meet twi each Sunday for public worship (preaching, Bible reading, prayer and singing) and on Wednesdays for Bible study and prayer. We provide activities for a wide range of groups of people including-. children and young people, women, men, carers and toddlers, students, people with psychological struggles, and senior citizens. Our Pastors are always willing to offer support and pastoral care to those who request or need it. The church website htt s..1. cliffechurch.or -uk1 has details of activities and recordings of Sunday sermons are made available online for those who cannot attend in person. Public Worship Usual attendan for Sunday services has been from 140 to 200 (mornings) and 70-100 (evenings). Ages range from young babies to those over ninety years old. During the Sunday morning service, we provided creche for young children each week, held Sunday school for primary age children during temi-time, and held a Bible Study group for young people in school years Y7 to Y9 periodically. People from other countries and ethnic groups worship together, with the meetings open to all who wish to come. WIC Trustees, Annual Report 2024 Page 5 of 14
Wycliffe Church Sunday meetings have remained accessible online for those unable (usually for health reasons) to join us in person. Wednesday evening meetings are held at Hickmott Road fortnightly (and are usually also accessible online) and are mainly attended by members and those who attend regularly on Sundays, though anyone is free to join us. Twice monthly Wednesday meetings are held in smaller groups in homes around Sheffield, for Bible study and prayer. Each group has a small team of leaders, which includes the Elders and Pastors. Activities for Parents, Carers, Toddlers and Young People Noah's Ark group meets each Wednesday morning during term-time at Hickmott Road (free of charge) for pre-school children and their carers. At Noah's Ark the children enjoy playing, craft activities, singing and a short Bible talk. In December, our annual Family Carol Service was held for Noah's Ark and Sunday School families. On Fridays Explorers (primary school age) and YAWN (Youth At Wcliffe Nightl) for those secondary school age, both meet and cater for children from church families. their friends, and others who have been contacted through local outreach work. Explorers has included games, crafts, singing and quizzes as well as Bible based teaching. YAWN has a Bible based talk followed by activities. On Tuesday evenings (during term-time), 0 to three times a month, a bible study and social gathering is held at a member's home for young people in school years 10-13. Activities for Senior Citizens An afternoon meeting (Tuesday Club) is held monthly for Senior Citizens and their friends. Some of those attending are from the church, but others come by personal invitation and word of mouth locally. and via contacts made with local residential homes and flats for elderly people-, help is provided with transport for those unable to come unaided. Around fifteen to entY people, plus helpers, usually attend each month and enjoy an activity (usually a quiz), sometimes themed according to time of year or events such as the Jubilee., a light tea is provided free of charge by the church, and a Bible-based talk. Activities for Students Sheffield has two large universities. The church is located close to university-provided accommodation and many of the houses in the area surrounding the church are let to students. Throughout the year all students attending the church are offered spiritual and practical support, including on a practical level, an invitation to have Sunday lunch with families from the church. A great deal of informal support is given to these young people, some of whom are away from home for the first time. Local Support and Outreach Activities At Christmas a small group of people from the church sang carols in the locality, and we also gave out invitations to Christmas services. A literature table outside the church and tract distribution have taken place at times and especially when there is a local market event. In partnership with other local churches, we run a 'Soup Kitchen, for homeless people. This involves a team of five or six preparing soup and hot drinks, collecting food donated by a Sheffield pasty company, and taking this to a city centre site. After the Soup Kitchen, any unused food is taken to the Salvation Army hostel, so any waste is minimal. Wycliffe members usually provide this service fortnightly. WIC Trustees, Annual Report 2024 Page 6 of 14
Wycliffe Church Wider Support and Overseas Missionary Outreach Wycliffe Church remains committed to financial support of the church plant to Crystal Peaks Church until it becomes financially self-sufficient. Financial support will taper off, but it will ontinue to help with preaching and teaching resources as requested. Financial support for a member who is now a pastor in a church in Taiwan continues, but will also taper off over the next few years. Financial and other support was also given to other Christian charities in 2024, most of whom have links wrth Wycliffe Church members. These include: TASTE - providing sustainable water technology in Nigeria Caring for Life - sharing the love of Jesus with homeless and vulnerable people by providing accommodation, ongoing support, love and friendship in Leeds Morning Star Children's Centres - in Welkom and surrounding centres in South Africa caring for parents and children who are affected by HIVIAIDS Equipping Pastors Woddwide (EPW). This mission focusses on providing materials and training for under-res0urd pastors primarily in Africa and Asia. There have been historic links with activity in Uganda, but this has expanded in the last couple of years given the recent role one of the Wycliffe trustees {Stefan Cantore) who is supporting the development and implementation of mission strategy. He is on the Board of EPW as a trustee. A former Associate Pastor of Wycliffe, with whom we maintain close links, continues visiting Uganda each year to deliver pastor training COnferenS. He is also involved in the leadership of EPW. A couple working with The Oakes residential centre in Sheffield where young people, either as individuals, or as school or church groups, can enjoy activity holidays and hear the Christian message. A couple with their children who worked until 2024 in a Christian hospital in Peru. European Mission Fellowship (EMF) - establishing biblical Christianity throughout Europe through evangelism, church-planting, supporting gospel churches. and training of UK and indigenous pastors and evangelists. The Christian Institute in UK- existing for the furtheran and promotion of the Christian religion in the United Kingdom and the advanment of education Open Hands - offering housing and support to destitute asylum seekers in Sheffield who have lost all other support. Albanian Evangelical Mission - seeking to support churches further the Gospel in the country. An annual donation is also made to the EFCC to help fund their work supporting and advising congregational churches. We gave a number of one-off donations during 2024,. towards the costs of a members going on short-temi (less than 3 weeks) visits to support relief work in other countries. Other Activities The church also holds a monthly meeting (In Mind), supporting those (mainly people who attend the church) with psychological struggles. At Christmas there is a craft evening where the congregation invite friends who are not Christians to enjoy various craft activities and hear a short gospel message. In the Easter holidays the church runs a holiday club over four consecutive mornings. Children attend to play games, do crafts and other activities, and listen to Bible based talks. WIC Trustees. Annual Report 2024 Page 7 of 14
Wycliffe Church Additional Achievements and Outlook In January 2016 the Crystal Peaks Church (CPC) became a self-governing independent church having started as a church plant from Wycliffe Church. We continue to have very close links with them. In 2022 the Iwo churches agreed to appoint an Assistant Pastor to work beeen both churches, as a training post. The Assistant Pastor took up this post in September 2023 and supported the pastoral work and teaching in both churches. The Crowded House Church is about 500m from our Hickmott Road building. Pastors from both Churches have met for mutual encouragement and each have preached, as a guest, to the other congregation. Closer linking with our near neighbours remains a goal in helping to advance the Gospel work and message. Preaching the word of God as revealed in the Bible remains at the heart of our care for the community. Our two Pastors work as Co-Pastors. We believe this provides a reflection of the joint responsibility to support both preaching and furtherance of our overarching themes of Saved, Strengthened and Serving the community as we praise God. Based around the same overarching themes. Deacons and Elders have identified strands of oversight to support the volunteer leaders of the various ministries and activities mentioned above. As this proedS, we anticipate developing a robust support framework for the many volunteers who give their time and energy to fulfilment of the church's objectives. Financial Review Unrestricted Funds On 30 April 2023 the funds from the predecessor charty were transferred to the new CIO. The unrestricted funds transferred amounted to £148,228. The church's principal income comes from gifts from members and those attending the church. Leaving aside special gifts, grants and legacies, these gifts accounted for around 70 % of income during 2024. Gift-Aid tax refunds accounted for around 12 % of income in 2024 and reflect sustained regular and one-off giving. During the year there were a number of one-off donations. The church's unrestricted cash funds closed 2024 at £136.338. Major spending areas in the year were employees and visiting speakers <660} and providing support to various Christian organisations (120/0). Restricted Funds There was little activity within the restricted funds during the 12 months under review. There was income of £6,449 and expenditure of £6,469 and the restricted funds closed at £nil at the end of 2024. Reserves The Trust&s consider regularly the church's policy on reserves. They Consider that a balance of unrestricted funds equivalent to around three months, regular spending remains appropriate, and for 2025 this would equate to around £45,000. In fact the current planned budget for 2025 shows a WIC TrLkStees' Aniiual Report 2024 Page 8 of 14
Wycliffe Church predicted year-end reserve balance of just over £120,000 of which over £78,000 had been designated for various purposes. Declaration The Trustees of Wycliffe Independent Church declare that they have approved the above Trustees, Annual Report, and the following have signed on behalf of all the trustees.. Signatures Full Names Stefan Paul Cantore Benjamin Chinedu Udejiofo Position Chairman Trustee Date |3J-4wz{ Wl¢ Trustees, Annual Report 2024 Page 9 of 14
Independent Examiner's Report Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Wycliffe Indcpendent Church I report to the trustees on my examii)ation of the accounts of Wycliffe Independent Church (WIC) for the year ended 31. De¢ember 2024, which are s¢t out on pagTCS I I to 14. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity tn]stees of WIC you ar¢ resy>nsibl¢ for the preparation of th¢ accounts in a¢¢ordance witli the requirements of the Chariiies Act 2011 (the Act). The cliarity s trustees consider that an audit is Iiot required for this year under seelion 144(2) of the Act and that an independent examination is needed. I report in respect of my exdinination of WIC'S accounts carricd out under section 145 of the 201 l Act and in carrying out Iny examination I have followed all rh¢ applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145{51{bl of the Act. An examiiiation includes a review of the accounting records kept by ihe charity and a comparison of the a¢counts presented wilh those records. It also includ¢s considcration of any unusual iiems or disclosu5 in the accoiinis and *eking explanaiions Irom you trustees concerning any such matlcrs. The procedures underlakeii do not provide all the evidence tl)at would be required in an audii and consequcntly no opinion is giveii as to wheiher the accounts present a'true and fair, view and the report is limited io those matters set out iii the statement below. ldependent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matiers have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any maierial respect.. accountiiig records were not kept in rc)pect of WIC required by section 130 of the Act. or 2. tl)e accounts do not accord with those reeords I have no coi)cerns and have come acTOSS no other matters in connection witli the examination to whieh atiention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reach¢d. Ms A Jefferies FCA Hawson Jeffcri¢s LiTnir¢d Siiite 4 164-170 Qucens Road Sherrield S2 4DH Dale.. 2810812025 WIC Trusttts, Annual Report 2024 Poge 10 of 14
Receipts and Payments For the period ended 31st December 2024 Wycliffe Church Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total funds 2024 Total funds 2023. Rgceipts Gifts and donations Special gifts Legacies and one-off donations (with gift aid) Grants reiVed Income tax reclaimed Sale of equipment Bank interest received 144,683 144,683 4,649 35.000 1,800 24,219 89,493 4.649 35.000 1,800 1,200 11,226 3,883 1.987 107,789 24,219 2,863 206.765 2,863 213.214 6,449 Payments Stipends, salaries and employers. NIC Contribution to assistsnt pastor costs Employee costs PachIng and volunteers. expenses Training Rent 119,715 17,047 3.046 940 2,449 4,070 6.810 5.837 5,295 1,800 121,515 17,047 3,046 940 2,449 4,070 6,810 5,837 5,295 69,323 5,874 1,202 1,910 1,663 4,242 2,677 3,665 1,472 13141 2.891 Maintenance and cleaning Equipment Minibus Buildings and other insurance Building project costs Printing and website Literature Youth and children's work Christian camps bursaries Other activities including catering Home and overseas mission support Church planting lincluding Crystsl Peak5 Church) Mercy ministries Other support and donations Governance Licences Miscellaneous Total payments 2,778 6,376 916 1,798 1.826 1.350 1,251 8,620 4,000 4,175 8,875 1,320 1,996 785 211,275 2,778 6,376 916 1,798 1,826 1.350 1,251 8,620 4,000 8.844 8,875 1,320 1,996 785 412 717 1.346 1,014 987 4,420 4,669 5,140 1,080 3,497 508 1.433 115.159 6,469 217,744 Net receiptayMentS {4,5101 1201 {4,5301 17.3701 Funds transferred from predecessorchanty 148.238 Cash funds18sI yearend Cash funds this year end 140 848 136.338 20 140,868 136,338 140,868 The Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the Notes on the following three pages form part of these accounts. . The comparative figures are for an 8-ftnIh period as the activity of the existing charity was transferred lo the CIO with effect from 1 May 2023 VVIC Trustecs Aiinual Report 2024 Page11 of 14
Wycliffe Church Statement of Assets and Liabilities At 31st December 2024 Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Total funds funds funds 3111212024 3111212024 3111212024 Total funds 3111212023 Cash funds Current account Deposit account Total cash funds 6,338 130,000 136,338 6,338 130,000 136,338 5,868 135,000 140.868 Other monetary asset8 Grants ce1vable Gift aid not claimed Total othermonetary assets 7,326 7,326 7,326 7,326 5,707 5,707 The Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches I'EFCC'I makes regular donations to the Charity lo enhance pension provision for pastors. These are added lo the Charity's employer pension contributions for its pastors. For 2024 the amount received was £180012023 - £12001. Al the year end the Charity had outstanding claims for gift aid relating to the period 1 Odober to 31 December 2024. Assets retained for the church's own use Land and buildings occupied by the church lat valuation). See note 4. 700,000 700 000 700,000 700 000 Signed by the following trustees on behalf of all the Iruslees of Wcliffe Independent Church.. Signatures Full Names Position Stefan Paul Canlore Chairman Benjami Trustee Chinedu Udejiofo Dale Notes to the accounts For the period ended 31st December 2024 Note 1 Basis of preparation These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, section 133 on the Receipts and Payments basis. Therefore, income is acco¢Jnted for when it 1$ received and expenditure accounted for as (t is paid. The Receipts and Payments basis may be used because the church's gross incorne did not exceed £250,000 during the year. This basis was approved by a decision at the 27 May 2010 Church Meeting. Notg 2 Staff costs and trusteos. expensos WIC Trustees. Annual Report 2024 Page 12 of 14
Wycliffe Church 3111212024 3111212023 Stipends Salaries Employers, National Insurance contributions Employment allowance Employers, pension eontribulions 89,791 20,108 54,661 10.335 10,354 15,0001 6,262 121 515 5,870 15,3551 3,812 69,323 During the period the Church had {2023- 0) full time office holders, being the Pastor with an Associate Pastor who became Co-Paslors during 2023. Ouring the period there were also part-lime employees. The Church has an auto enrolment compliant pension scheme and during the period contributions were made on beha of four individuals. None of the Elders (who are the trustees) are paid for their 5eNices,' however, the Co-Pastors who are both Tnjstees rece1ved stipends as paid office holders. This is permitted by Clause 6.5 of the constitution of the CIO. The stipends received during the year were as follows". Co-Paslor Co-Pastor £46,525 £43,266 One12023- Nil) Elders {trusteel received £94512023- £nill for non-truslee services provided during the year. The church incurred governance costs in relation to the independent examination of the accounts which amounted to £51612023 £nill. WIC Trustees, Annual Report 2024 Page 13 of14
Wycliffe Church Notes to the accounts For the period ended 31st December 2024 Not8 3 Funds Most of the Church's funds are unreslricled. However, the Church does receive gifts for specific individual and organisalions that the Church regularly supports. These are distributed to the relevant individuals and organisalions on regular basis. The diaconal fund was set up to assist with practical care for church members. All funds were transferred to the CIO from the old charity with effect trom 30th April 2023. Balance Receipts Transfer Payments Balance at1Jan at31De 2024 2024 Restrlcted funds Missionary fund Morning Star Diaconal fvnd Pension support from EFCC 10 10 4.649 14,6591 1101 1,800 11,8001 20 6.449 16,4691 Unrestrlcted funds Christian camps bursary - Doug Higgins fund Premises fund Briminglon fund Legacies and one-off donations General fund Total fund$ 2,989 50,000 26,618 11,3501 {6,3761 117,0471 1,639 43,624 9,571 35,000 46.504 136,338 35,000 171,765 213,214 61,241 140,868 186,502 217,744 The designated unrestrided funds are funds that the church has set aside for particular purposes. The Brimington funds were received from a closure of a church in Briminglon and were used to fund an Assistant Pastor. Doug Higgins left a legacy to the church which has been set aside lo fund bursaries to send children lo Christian camps. Noto 4 Land and bulldings The church spent approximately £300,000 rebuilding and fitting-out the church premises in HkmOtt Roa(J, Sheffield, which were opened in 1994. The original cost of the land is not known, but is not considered lo be material. The view of the Charity Commission, received in January 2010, was thal.the charity consisting of the propety is completely distinct from the charity Consisting of the working funds of the church which uses the property. Neither body has any right to intervene in the affairs of the other." On the basis of that opinion the church premises have been excluded from the Statement of As5els and Liabilities in the church accounts for 2009 10 2023. On 6 January 2024. the propety was valued al £700,000 by an independent valuer and in March 2024 il was transferred to the CIO. Therefore the propety has been induded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities in these accounts. WIC Trustees. Annual Report 2024 Page 14 of 14