Although the CIO was registered in May 2023, at the end of December 2023 the church had not moved to CIO status, as we awaited updates to bank accounts and then our charity registration for tax purposes. However, we have uploaded the Accounts of the unincorporated church, with the Pastors’ report to the Annual Church Meeting in February 2024.
Annual Report 2023
Our toddler group has over the past 12 months, as it has always done through the years, served the very youngest in our community and those that care for them. The number we have on any Wednesday can vary significantly from a quiet week with just 10 or so people to the busiest where we can over 60 in the building. We are grateful to the efforts of the whole team who set up and clear up, welcome, provide crafts, serve refreshments and keep watch on the door each week.
Tuesday Fellowship has continued its once a month format it has used since reopening at the end of Covid with the usual mix of interesting and varied speakers. The current team will be ‘retiring’ from the roles in the summer and that means, as things stand right now, that after numerous decades Tuesday Fellowship (in it’s various forms) will be ending. We are all so very very grateful to the hard work of those who have led the group over such a significant period of time. We pray that all those seeds sown both long ago and more recently will continue to bear fruit
Our weekly prayer meetings continue to happen alternately on a Tuesday evening and Thursday morning. The variety in days and times is to enable as many people as possible to attend. If you have not been to one yet, we’d really encourage you consider coming along.
Colin kindly prepared the material and led two outstanding teaching courses this year: The Timeline of Jesus; and the Timeline Of Acts. Both courses were very well received and we all learned so much from it. Thank you Colin for the immense effort that went into preparing and delivering it.
The Monday Journeys group has continued to meet and it’s diverse members continue to discover Jesus in a range of teaching material. They have recently just started once again the course that they first ran and are named after: Journeys.
The Exchange has continued to meet most Fridays offering an opportunity for a drink, biscuit, craft, dolls house renovation, games, puzzles, crochet and most importantly providing a good way of building relationships both in the church and in the wider community. We know that it is very much appreciated by all those that come along. Over this past year we have also been joined once a month by Colchester Councils community tech team who help people with a variety of technology related questions.
Beach Club was again such an important week in the year with the opportunity to share the gospel with so many young (and older folk who accompanied them). Last year it had a science based theme. A big well done to all those who work so hard planning throughout the year and then in the actual week to enable to this to happen.
In the summer Jen was, with Kathryn’s help, once again able to support the Lion’s in their Fun Day by leading various games.
The Guides and Brownies (Monday) and Rainbows (Thursday) continue to meet in the church building. It is good to be able to support groups which provide work with young people.
We decided to end Outdoor church. Although very much valued by those that went along, there was not a consistency in those able to attend to warrant it continuing.
In November, for the third consecutive year, we worked with JK May for their ‘Light A Candle’ event which was held in the church building. In many ways this is a simple event, with the bereaved offered a cup of tea, a candle to light, and the offer of prayer. It is always a privilege to be there.
We were, for the first time since Covid, able to provide a full set of events for schools again with Easter Cracked, Christmas Unwrapped, assemblies as well as a Christingle at Langenhoe school
In December we once again held the Christmas Tree Festival. The church was packed for most of the weekend with record numbers of trees and visitors with some people yet again staying for hours to enjoy the trees, crafts, atmosphere and conversation.
In our church services this year we have covered a variety of topics which included : 1 Thessalonians, Questions (a series where the topics were set by you all), James, Fear Not and an all age service series on the Lord’s prayer. We were also grateful to be joined by Steve Tinning who spoke to us on the topic of refugees and Angela Shereni who joined us for the anniversary service. Causeway kids sessions have continued to look at different books of the Bible. We are thankful to all who help make our time on a Sunday work : those who welcome, those who clear up, those who serve tea and coffee, the music and sound team, the tech team, the readers, the pray-ers, the service leaders and speakers, the fire team, prayer team, the cleaning team, the communion set up people, the people who put together the rotas, and those who help in any other way. Every Sunday is a big team effort and only possible because of the efforts of so many.
In the background the CIO process has been continuing. We thought that this would be complete by now, however unfortunately, although very near it is not finished in time for this years ACM. Once again we are grateful to all those in the Diaconate and Eldership for all they do – much of which is never ‘obviously’ noticeable, but without whom church life would rapidly grind to halt.
Very sadly since our last report we suffered as a church family the loss of Roy Johnson, whose gift of gentleness was evident to all, and Robin Childs who served the church, particularly through music, so diligently for so long. Please continue to remember their families in your prayers.
A few weeks ago, we announced that we would be moving on in May to serve the Lord in Melbourn. We know that this will be huge wrench to leave you all and the community and will miss you all. However, we believe this is the Lord’s calling and our leaving will create an opportunity in which a new work will be possible, both in yourselves and eventually in whoever is called to serve this community in the future.
Finally, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped in the life of the church over the past year, whether it is listed here or not, whether it is obviously visible or not - we thank you all.
Rob Hughes Pastor
| West Mersea Free Church | Accounts 2023 | Accounts 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| General | Restricted |
Total |
General | Restricted |
Total |
|
| Income | ||||||
| Offerings, incl GA tax | 61,948 | 2,667 | 64,615 | 55,139 | 4,973 | 60,112 |
| Interest | 1,608 | 1,608 | 314 | 314 | ||
| Rental of Mill Road | 8,979 | 8,979 | 8,784 | 8,784 | ||
| Other | 876 | 876 | 1,082 | 1,082 | ||
| Total | 73,411 | 2,667 | 76,077 | 65,420 | 4,973 | 70,393 |
| Expenses | ||||||
| Pastors, incl NI, Tax & Pension | 44,506 | 0 | 44,506 | 38,674 | 3,160 | 41,834 |
| 4 Whittaker Way costs | 9,070 | 9,070 | 6,902 | 6,902 | ||
| Total | 53,576 | 0 | 53,576 | 45,576 | 3,160 | 48,736 |
| Ministry Expenses | ||||||
| Pastor's expenses | 1,967 | 1,967 | 1,574 | 1,574 | ||
| 2ndPastor expenses | 0 | 0 | 100 | 100 | ||
| Printing & Stationery | 729 | 729 | 868 | 868 | ||
| Youthwork Expenses | 114 | 114 | ||||
| Speakers' expenses | 209 | 209 | 235 | 235 | ||
| Subscriptions & licenses | 771 | 771 | 787 | 787 | ||
| Other expenses | 1,605 | 1,605 | 1,260 | 1,260 | ||
| Total | 5,395 | 0 | 5,395 | 4,824 | 4,824 | |
| Church Costs | ||||||
| Heating & Lighting | 1,559 | 1,559 | 1,255 | 1,255 | ||
| Insurance | 1,874 | 1,874 | 1,682 | 1,682 | ||
| Water rates | 202 | 202 | 171 | 171 | ||
| Equipment | 443 | 443 | 88 | 88 | ||
| General Maintenance | 1,421 | 1,421 | 162 | 162 | ||
| Fire protection | 619 | 619 | 508 | 508 | ||
| Total | 6,118 | 0 | 6,118 | 3,867 | 3,867 | |
| 34 Mill Road | 1,961 | 1,961 | 1,545 | 1,545 | ||
| Total | 1,961 | 0 | 1,961 | 1,545 | 1,545 | |
| Direct giving paid out | 2,637 | 2,637 | 3,029 | 3,029 | ||
| Grants & Donations – tithed | 7,174 | 7,174 | 6,560 | 6,560 | ||
| Total | 7,174 | 2,637 | 9,811 | 6,560 | 3,029 | 9,589 |
| Independent examination | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | ||
| Bank charges | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 90 | 0 | 90 | 90 | 90 | |
| Total of annual expenses | 74,315 | 2,637 | 76,951 | 62,461 | 6,189 | 68,650 |
| Pension deficit repayment | 0 | 8,100 | 8,100 | |||
| CIO solicitors fees | 2,052 | 2,052 | 1,380.00 | 1,380.00 | ||
| Chairs | 3,237 | 2,030 | 5,267 | |||
| Total of one off expenses | 5,289 | 2,030 | 7,319 | 9,480 | 9,480 | |
| Total of all expenses | 79,604 | 4,667 | 84,270 | 71,941 | 6,189 | 78,130 |
| Surplus / (Deficit) for year | -6,193 | -2,000 | -8,193 | -6,521 | -1,216 | -7,737 |
| Bank balances b/f | 69,870 | 4,383 | 74,252 | 76,391 | 5,599 | 81,990 |
| Bank balances c/f | 63,677 | 2,383 | 66,059 | 69,870 | 4,383 | 74,252 |
| Barclays current account | 354 | 11,655 | ||||
| Barclays deposit account | 13,896 | 12,298 | ||||
| BU deposits | 51,809 | 50,300 | ||||
| 66,059 | -74,252 | 74,252 | ||||
| Unrestricted | 63,677 | 69,870 | ||||
| Restricted | 2,383 | 4,383 | ||||
| 66,059 | 74,252 |
| Balances 2023 | 31/12/22 | Income | Expenses | 31/12/23 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| General Fund | 69,870 | 73,411 | 79,604 | 63,677 | |||
| Restricted Funds | |||||||
| Elders' retreat | 533 | 533 | |||||
| Site development | 1,205 | 1,205 | |||||
| Earthquake appeal | 1,143 | 1,143 | 0 | ||||
| Hands at Work | 110 | 110 | 0 | ||||
| Christmas Appeal | 1,210 | 1,210 | 0 | ||||
| Church project | 2,000 | 30 | 2,030 | 0 | |||
| Legacy | 145 | 145 | |||||
| Toddler Group money | 305 | 305 | |||||
| Air Ambulance (CTF) | 174 | 174 | 0 | ||||
| Youth Work | 195 | 195 | |||||
| Total Restricted funds | 4,383 | 2,667 | 4,667 | 2,383 | |||
| Total Funds | 74,252 | 76,077 | 84,270 | 66,059 | |||
| Tithe Account | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| CYO | 1,631 | 1,200 | |||||
| BUGB | 1,631 | 1,200 | |||||
| BMS | 1,631 | 1,200 | |||||
| Beach Club | 650 | 650 | |||||
| Hands at Work | 1,631 | 1,200 | |||||
| Womens Refuge | 370 | ||||||
| Beacon House | 370 | ||||||
| 1st Responders (Mersea) | 370 | ||||||
| Total | 7,174 | 6,560 | |||||
| Non Monetary Assets | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Church Premises | 2,045,407 | 1,826,255 | |||||
| Church Manse | 557,360 | 497,642 | |||||
| 34 Mill Road | 313,783 | 299,412 | |||||
| Fixtures, fittings & Equipment | 210,045 | 194,955 | |||||
| Total | 3,126,595 | 2,818,264 | |||||
Report of the independent examiner to the deacons and members of West Mersea Free church
In acordance with the provisions of the Charities Acts I have examined the receipts and payments accounts and statements of assets and liabilities of WMFC relating to the year ended 31st Decemeber. This examination did not extend to a comprehensive audit of such accounts or statements. I confirm the accounts and statements accord with the records and that such records satisfy the requirements of the Acts.
I am not aware of any matter to which attention needs to be drawn in order to obtain a proper understanding. of the accounts,
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| West Mersea Free Church | Accounts 2023 | Accounts 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| General | Restricted |
Total |
General | Restricted |
Total |
|
| Income | ||||||
| Offerings, incl GA tax | 61,948 | 2,667 | 64,615 | 55,139 | 4,973 | 60,112 |
| Interest | 1,608 | 1,608 | 314 | 314 | ||
| Rental of Mill Road | 8,979 | 8,979 | 8,784 | 8,784 | ||
| Other | 876 | 876 | 1,082 | 1,082 | ||
| Total | 73,411 | 2,667 | 76,077 | 65,420 | 4,973 | 70,393 |
| Expenses | ||||||
| Pastors, incl NI, Tax & Pension | 44,506 | 0 | 44,506 | 38,674 | 3,160 | 41,834 |
| 4 Whittaker Way costs | 9,070 | 9,070 | 6,902 | 6,902 | ||
| Total | 53,576 | 0 | 53,576 | 45,576 | 3,160 | 48,736 |
| Ministry Expenses | ||||||
| Pastor's expenses | 1,967 | 1,967 | 1,574 | 1,574 | ||
| 2ndPastor expenses | 0 | 0 | 100 | 100 | ||
| Printing & Stationery | 729 | 729 | 868 | 868 | ||
| Youthwork Expenses | 114 | 114 | ||||
| Speakers' expenses | 209 | 209 | 235 | 235 | ||
| Subscriptions & licenses | 771 | 771 | 787 | 787 | ||
| Other expenses | 1,605 | 1,605 | 1,260 | 1,260 | ||
| Total | 5,395 | 0 | 5,395 | 4,824 | 4,824 | |
| Church Costs | ||||||
| Heating & Lighting | 1,559 | 1,559 | 1,255 | 1,255 | ||
| Insurance | 1,874 | 1,874 | 1,682 | 1,682 | ||
| Water rates | 202 | 202 | 171 | 171 | ||
| Equipment | 443 | 443 | 88 | 88 | ||
| General Maintenance | 1,421 | 1,421 | 162 | 162 | ||
| Fire protection | 619 | 619 | 508 | 508 | ||
| Total | 6,118 | 0 | 6,118 | 3,867 | 3,867 | |
| 34 Mill Road | 1,961 | 1,961 | 1,545 | 1,545 | ||
| Total | 1,961 | 0 | 1,961 | 1,545 | 1,545 | |
| Direct giving paid out | 2,637 | 2,637 | 3,029 | 3,029 | ||
| Grants & Donations – tithed | 7,174 | 7,174 | 6,560 | 6,560 | ||
| Total | 7,174 | 2,637 | 9,811 | 6,560 | 3,029 | 9,589 |
| Independent examination | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | ||
| Bank charges | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 90 | 0 | 90 | 90 | 90 | |
| Total of annual expenses | 74,315 | 2,637 | 76,951 | 62,461 | 6,189 | 68,650 |
| Pension deficit repayment | 0 | 8,100 | 8,100 | |||
| CIO solicitors fees | 2,052 | 2,052 | 1,380.00 | 1,380.00 | ||
| Chairs | 3,237 | 2,030 | 5,267 | |||
| Total of one off expenses | 5,289 | 2,030 | 7,319 | 9,480 | 9,480 | |
| Total of all expenses | 79,604 | 4,667 | 84,270 | 71,941 | 6,189 | 78,130 |
| Surplus / (Deficit) for year | -6,193 | -2,000 | -8,193 | -6,521 | -1,216 | -7,737 |
| Bank balances b/f | 69,870 | 4,383 | 74,252 | 76,391 | 5,599 | 81,990 |
| Bank balances c/f | 63,677 | 2,383 | 66,059 | 69,870 | 4,383 | 74,252 |
| Barclays current account | 354 | 11,655 | ||||
| Barclays deposit account | 13,896 | 12,298 | ||||
| BU deposits | 51,809 | 50,300 | ||||
| 66,059 | -74,252 | 74,252 | ||||
| Unrestricted | 63,677 | 69,870 | ||||
| Restricted | 2,383 | 4,383 | ||||
| 66,059 | 74,252 |
| Balances 2023 | 31/12/22 | Income | Expenses | 31/12/23 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| General Fund | 69,870 | 73,411 | 79,604 | 63,677 | |||
| Restricted Funds | |||||||
| Elders' retreat | 533 | 533 | |||||
| Site development | 1,205 | 1,205 | |||||
| Earthquake appeal | 1,143 | 1,143 | 0 | ||||
| Hands at Work | 110 | 110 | 0 | ||||
| Christmas Appeal | 1,210 | 1,210 | 0 | ||||
| Church project | 2,000 | 30 | 2,030 | 0 | |||
| Legacy | 145 | 145 | |||||
| Toddler Group money | 305 | 305 | |||||
| Air Ambulance (CTF) | 174 | 174 | 0 | ||||
| Youth Work | 195 | 195 | |||||
| Total Restricted funds | 4,383 | 2,667 | 4,667 | 2,383 | |||
| Total Funds | 74,252 | 76,077 | 84,270 | 66,059 | |||
| Tithe Account | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| CYO | 1,631 | 1,200 | |||||
| BUGB | 1,631 | 1,200 | |||||
| BMS | 1,631 | 1,200 | |||||
| Beach Club | 650 | 650 | |||||
| Hands at Work | 1,631 | 1,200 | |||||
| Womens Refuge | 370 | ||||||
| Beacon House | 370 | ||||||
| 1st Responders (Mersea) | 370 | ||||||
| Total | 7,174 | 6,560 | |||||
| Non Monetary Assets | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Church Premises | 2,045,407 | 1,826,255 | |||||
| Church Manse | 557,360 | 497,642 | |||||
| 34 Mill Road | 313,783 | 299,412 | |||||
| Fixtures, fittings & Equipment | 210,045 | 194,955 | |||||
| Total | 3,126,595 | 2,818,264 | |||||
Report of the independent examiner to the deacons and members of West Mersea Free church
In acordance with the provisions of the Charities Acts I have examined the receipts and payments accounts and statements of assets and liabilities of WMFC relating to the year ended 31st Decemeber. This examination did not extend to a comprehensive audit of such accounts or statements. I confirm the accounts and statements accord with the records and that such records satisfy the requirements of the Acts.
I am not aware of any matter to which attention needs to be drawn in order to obtain a proper understanding. of the accounts,
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