Charity Number: 514361 GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH Contents Page Trustees Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 10-15
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 al and administrative inforn]ation Principal Address: Great Eccleston Free Methodist Church Hall Lane Great Eccleston Preston PR3 OXN Governing Document: Trust Deed sealed on 21 April 1983 as amended by scheme dated 9 March 2000, this makes all members of the Official Board (now known as the Church Leadership Team) of Great Eccleston Free Methodist Church Trustees. Objects of the Charity: The furtherance of the religious and other charitable work of the Free Methodist Church of North America (United Kingdom District). The Church has a single. General Fund. deposit account with Virgin Money. Specific Investment Powers: During the year 2023 two bank accounts were held by the Church: Generalfvnd currenl account- Santander UK plc. Generalfvnd depost£ account- Virgin Money Bankers: Santander UK plc Customer Service Centre Bootle L30 4GB Virgin Money Savings Operations Jubilee House Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4PL Independent Examiner: CWR Chartered Accountsnts, 20 Mannin Way Lancaster Business Park Caton Road Lancaster LAI 3SW
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Trustees and Governance The trustees legally responsible for the control and management of the charity during 2023 were as follows: (All trustees acted for the whole of 2023). Rev. Stephen Dunn Miss Alison Groves Mrs Colleen Halsall Mrs Christine E Kelsall Mr. Christopher Matthews Mr. Robert Tomkins (Chainnan) (Secretary) (Treasurer) (Church Delegate and Vice Chaim]an) Trustee selection method: Trustees are nominated by Members of the Society of the Great Eccleston Free Methodist Church. Those nominated are then confimied or selected by secret ballot of Society Members at an Annual Society Meeting (ASM). Charity's Custodian Trustees: Assets are held by the Trustees of the Church (the Trustees listed above.) Activities and Achievements The Great Eccleston Free Methodist Church is part of a worldwide network of "Free Methodist" churches and one of a number of Free Methodist Churches in the United Kingdom Conference. Each Church is an individual charity with its own Charity Document while the Spiritual ethos is laid down in the Free Methodist Book of Discipline. The vision statement of Great Eccleston Free Methodist Church is 'To be a vibrant. multi-generational, Spirt- filled community of faith. centered on Jesus and sharing Him with others well.. Our purpose statement 'To Love God and Love People,. We seek to live out our vision with an aim to achieve the following: Points of connection with every age group of society (John 4 v I to 30) Every member of the church able to attend a connect group and prayer meeting (John 15 and Hebrew IOv24) Building Community, with village life being central (Matthew 28 v 19 and 20) Sharing hospitality and welcome with generosity (Mark 12 v 31) Every member of the church using their God given gifts in service within the church (I Corinthians 12 v 12-31) A new worship centr¢ (Isaiah 54 v 2) Throughout the year we held the following regular events in addition to Sunday morning worship and Young Church (previously called Sunday School): Tiddlers (parent and toddlers group) Ktdz Club (school years I to 4) Kidz Club Plus (school years 5 and above) Connect Groups (for friendship, discussion, and encouragement as we connect togeth¢r)
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Free weekly Community Coffee Morning The Orchards Church Community Garden Project meeting twice a week (a place for people to grow both physically and spiritually) Netball Team (part of Wednesday evening SportsReach league) Prayer and Praise twice a month on Sunday evenings. We have held several regular events across the community for the general public benefit: As part of the annual Great Eccleston Agricultural Show in July this year we hosted a tent providing a rest stop, children's craft activities, balloon art creations and displays of church activities. Messy Church craft-based events for young families celebrated Easter. the King's Coronation, Harvest and Christmas. Over the Autumn an Alpha Course was held. We have also sought to care for the local bereaved. sick and those going through difficult times by our flow¢r. and visitation ministries. At Christmastime, each home within the local community received a Christmas invitation to welcome them to join us for our Christsnas events. Throughout 2023 Steve Dunn has continued to serve as full time lead pastor. We are thankful to God for His continued provision of gifts, tithes and offerings for the work at Great Eccleston. the support of ministries and charities in the United Kingdom and across th¢ world. The Church benefits from many voluntary hours and unclaimed out of pocket expenses contributed by a significant number of people. Et would be impossible to place a value on these gifts in kind for which the Trustees are extremely grateful.
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 The attached Financial Statements show the Church's financial position at the end of 2023 which the Trustees consider to be sound. Policies Reserve Poli¢y: That the balance of the Church's General fund is to be maintained so as sufficient to provide cover for 3 months typical expenditure- with this in mind the minimum reserve is currently set at £20,000. Investments Selection Policy: A range of Buildilig Society and Bank accounts available to charities. and therefore, tax free for t exempt charities, were considered by the Official Board of the Church. Those chosen were those giving the highest rate of interest. nature and Declaration Declaration: I declare. in my capacity of charity trustee. that: the trustees have approved the report above. and have authorised me to sign it on their behalf. Signature: Full Name: Position: Date: Rev Stephen Dunn Pastor ndc air of the Church Leadership Team . 2024
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH INDEPENDENT EXAMtNERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GREAT ECCLESTON FREE li METHODIST c[[RcH Year ended 31st December 2023 I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the Great Eccleston Free Melhodist Church ('the charity,) for the year ended 3 1st December 2023. Responsibilities and basis of report A5 the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charitie5 Act 2011 ('the ACV). I report in respect of my examination of the charity's fmancial statements Caled out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in canying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in oonnection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by Section 130 of the Act; or the finaT]cial statements do not accord with those records. or the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the forni and content of account5 set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independenl examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drdwn in this report in order to enable a proper understaT]ding of the accounts to be reached. Phillip Dennison ACA FCCA Independent Examiner CWR Chartered Accountants 20 Mannin Way Lancaster Business Park Caton Road Lancaster LAI 3SW
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR END 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Totil Funds Total Funds Funds Futtds For the Yegr For the YeAr Ended 31 Ended 31 December December 2023 2022 General Designated Note Incomillg Resources Generated Funds Voluntary Income: Tithes & OITerings (including Gift Aid) Inme Re¢ov¢rable (Gift Aid) Donations Legacie5 Gifts for Specific Purposes Gain on disposal of Furniture Inves(meni Incom¢: Bank Interest Grazing R¢nl- Lodge Famj Rent- Rehoboth Rent- Great Eccleston Lodge 34,290 4,286 520 34,290 4,286 520 28,092 3,512 2,240 1,045 1,045 991 70 354 354 7,561 11,400 14,400 442 7,489 7,800 12,412 7561 11.400 14,400 Ch2ritxble Activities Football TeaTn Income Total Incoming Resources 39,450 34.406 73,856 63,048 Resources Expended Charitable Expenditure Charitable Activities Governance Costs O(her 81,914 1,890 578 82,492 1,890 5,438 66,851 1,926 20,830 12 5.438 Total Resource5 Expended 83,804 6,016 89,820 89,607 TrAnsfer Between Funds 15 7aOI (7,301) Net Movements in Funds (37,053) 21,089 (15,964) (26,559} Reconciliation of Funds Balances Brought ForwArd 1st January 2023 950.207 7JOI 957,508 984.067 BalHnces Carrled Forward 31st December 2023 913,154 28,390 941,544 957,508
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH BALANCE SHEET YEAR END 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Note 2023 2022 Fixed Assets Land and Buildings Fixlures, Fittings & Equipment Motor Vehicles 870,880 3,852 1,615 876,347 890,880 5.136 2,153 898,169 Current Assets Debtors and Prepayments Cash at Bank Cash in Hand 11,003 56,814 7,914 53,956 67,817 61,870 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (2,620) 12,531) Net CurrentA5sets 65,197 59,339 Net Assets 941,544 957,508 Funds Unrestricted Funds.. General Fund Fixed Asset Fund D¢5ignated Fund 36,807 876,347 28,390 52,038 898,169 7,301 15 Restricted Funds Total Funds 941,544 957,508 These accounts ivere approved by the trustee5 on the ...... . and signed on their behalf by: Rev S Dunn The noies on pages 10 to 15 fom) part of these account5
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR END 31ST DECEMBER 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES -4ceounting ba51$ The financial statements have been prepared in accordance ivith the Statement of Recommended Prdclice: Accounting 8nd Reporting by Charities preparing their accounis in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reponing Stsndard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies frorn l January 2015. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The significanl accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.. Going Concern The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material un¢ertainties related to evenis or conditions ihac may casi significant doubt on ihe ability of the charity lo continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in Tespect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial slaiements. Fund5 The accounis include all transactions. assets and liabilities for which the Trustees & Church Leadership Team are responsible in Unrestricted fund5 are those availabl¢ lo th¢ Trustees Jnd Church Leadership Team for general use ivithout restriction. in funherance of the charity's objectives. Designated Funds (unreslricted) are Ihose. where donors have expressed a preference, without imposing a trust, or urwestricted funds set aside at the discretion of the trustees for Specific Purposes. deiails of which are given in note 15. Restricted Funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund. Restricted funds are detailed in noie 8. No accounts of infornial EaiheriT)gs of ¢hurGh members are included. as these are not under the direct control of the Church Leadership Team. Ineomlrtg Resources Tithes and Offerings are recognised ivhen received by or on behalf of the Church. Income under gift aid is recognised only ivhen received. and income t&x recoverdble is c&lculated on income actually re¢eiv¢d. Gifts in Kind The church benefits frorn many voluntary hours and unclaimed out of pocket expenses contributed by a large number of people. It would be imp055ible lo place a value on these gifts in kind for which we are extremely grateful. 10
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEprrs YEAR END 31sr DECEMBER 2023 Accouf4TING POLICIES {CONTINUED) Freehold Land and Buildings The church buildings have been included at their insurance valuation at 111197. Land and buildings at Lodge F8rn1. Hall Lane, Grtrdt Eccleston. hav¢ been included ai probate valuatiort at 15 September 2005. Renovations and alterations lo Lodge Farni are included at cost. Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment Assets were valued by the Trustees al 111197. Later additions ar¢ at Cost, with items under £500 being written off in year of purchase. Depreciation Depreciation is calculated so to write off the cost of an asset. less its residual va]ue, over the usefijl economic life of the asset as folloivs.. Land and Buildings Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment Motor Vehicles 250h Reducing Balance 25Yo Reducing Balance Governance Costs Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts. Pension5 The charity opcrates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the stalemcnt of financial activities as they become payable in accordance iviih the rules of the scheme. Funds accounting Funds held by the charity are., Unrestricted general funds- these are funds ivhich can be used in accordance with the charitsble objects at the discretion of the irusl¢es. Restricted funds - these are funds ivhich can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of th¢ charit) Restrictions apply when specified by the donor or when fvnds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further details of the purpose of each fund are included in the note to the financial slatemenls.
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR END 31ST DECEMBER 2023 l. Income Tax Recoverable lrtcome T&x recoverabl¢ includes a debtor of £7.032 in respect ofi8x to be claimed on gift aid for the 2022 to 2023 financial year 2. Charitable Activities Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds For the year For the year ended 31 ended 31 December December 2023 2022 General Designated Pastor Stipend Church Worker Manse running costs Church running costs Minibus expenses Visiting preachers expenses Outreach and Evangelism Giving and donations Childrens and youth work Depreciation of fixed assets Conference levy Printing and stationery Legal fees Travel expenses and accomodalion 37,077 37,077 35,860 22 62] 10,201 2578 515 2,352 5.982 1.798 2,429 2,679 769 677 27,425 1,845 760 1,938 4,232 1,882 1,822 2.296 205 677 27,425 1,845 760 1,938 4,810 1,883 1,822 2,296 205 578 1,755 81,914 J,755 82,492 1,045 66,851 578 3. Other Charitable Expenditure Unrestricted Restricted Total TotAI funds funds For the yefir For the year ended 31 ended 31 December December 2023 2022 General Designated Lodge Farn) Expenses Rehoboth Expenses 1,528 3.910 1528 3,910 5,438 5,438 20.830 4. Freehold LAnd #nd Buildings 2023 2022 hurch Buildin Hall Lane, Great Ecclesion (At Insurance Cover Valuation 0110111997) 206,QOO 206,000 Land and Buildin Lodge Farni, Hall Lane. Great E¢¢le5ton (Ai Probate Value 1510912005) Alterdtions at Cost Disposal of Garage Disposal of Parc¢1 of Land soo,000 201,880 (17,000> (20,000) 870,880 500.000 201.880 {17.000) 890,880 12
GREA T ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR END 31ST DECEMBER 2023 5. Other Tangible Assets Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment Motor Vehicles TotAI Cost At Isl January 2023 Additions At 315t December 2023 20,416 7,594 28,010 20,416 7,594 28,010 Depreciation At 1st January 2023 Charge in period At 31 st December 2023 15,280 1,284 16,564 5,441 538 5,979 20,721 1.822 22,543 Net Book Vnlues At 1st January 2023 At 3 5 sl December 2023 S,136 3,852 2,153 1,615 7,289 5,467 Church fixiures, fittings and equipment were valued by the Board and Trustees 8115t January 1997. Later additions are included at cost. 6. Debtors and PrepAyments 2023 2022 Refvnd on Gill Aid Prepayments Other Debtors 7,032 3,907 64 5,869 1,981 64 11,003 7.914 7. Creditors: Amounts fAlling due within one ye8r 2023 2022 A¢¢ruals Other Creditors 2.620 2.531 2,620 2,531 8. Restricted Fund5 Movements l January 2023 31 December 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers Football Teatn Gift for Service Recording Ministry Gift for Specific Purposes Th¢ balances at 1st January 2023 and 31 December 2023 are held in the Church bank accounts. &$ described in the Balance Sheet. 13
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FtNANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR END 31ST DECEMBER 2023 9. Stsff Emolumemts Church Worker Total 2023 Pastor Cleaners Gross Salary Employerfs National Insurance Pension Contributions Life Insurance 35.404 1.248 36.652 875 798 875 798 37,077 1,248 38,325 Total remuneration for the year amounted to £38,325 (2022: £36.937) This ivas payable lo the pasior and cleaner& thi5 in¢lud¢s pension Contribution4 Permanent Health Insurance and Sabbatical costs. The averdge number of paid staff for ihe year ivas 2 (2022.. 3) No employe¢s earned over £60.000 in the year 10. Trustees Remunergtion and Expense5 The trustees of the Church include the Pastor under the terms of the Trust Scheme sealed on 21 April 1983 as amended by the scheme date 9 March 2000. The aggregate remun¢ralion paid by the Church totalled £37.077. made up of Siipend. national in5urdnce and pension contributions. In addi(iOll> payments totalling £1,598 were mad¢ lo the Pastor for the reimburs¢ment of Iravelling expens¢s. Authorily for these payment5 is included in the Trust Dced. No other remuneration or benefits ivere paid during the year. 11. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds Tangible Net Current Fixed Assets Assets Tot81 2023 Unrestricled Funds R¢slrici¢d Funds 876,347 65,197 941,544 876J47 65,197 941.544 12. Independent ExATnlners' Fee Amount payable for Ihe year was £1.890 including VAT. 13. Control The charity is controlled by the Board of Trustees (Currently knoivn &$ the Church Lead¢Tship Team) 14
GREAT ECCLESTON FREE f+lETHODTST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR EIND 31ST DECEMBER 2023 14. Taxation Great Eccleston Free M¢thodist Church is a registered charity ttumber 514361. All the ¢harity's income is applied to its charitable objcc¢ives th¢ charity is, therefore, exempt under current legislation from tnosi forn)s of taxation. IS. Designated Funds During 2006 the Church received a legacy from the lat¢ Mr5 M Porter consisting of the farm land and buildings known as Lodge Farm. Hall Lane, Great Eccleslon. The legacy has been included in the aceounts at Probat¢ value. In accordance iviih the donor's ivishes, the Trusiees have decided that income from Lodge Farn) ivill b¢ set aside to rneet ¢xpen5es f Lhat property in the firsi instanee. The expenses for 2022 include electricity and council Éax costs for Reheboth. Any SUTpIus will be available for the general purposes of the Church. At a CLT me¢ting held in December 2012 it was agreed that any surplus from the balan¢¢ of the Lodge Farni d¢sign8ted fijnd at thc previous year end should b¢ trwjsfeCd into the gencrdl fund during the next financial year. The SUTpIu5 for 2022 {£7,3011 has been transferred in thi5 accountin8 year. 15