Church of the Living God Trust
Trustees' Report and Unaudited Accounts
for the year Ended 31 December 2020
Church of the Living God Trust Trustees' Report
for the year ended 31 December 2020
The Trustees present their annual report together with the charity's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed, applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in March 2005.
1. Reference and administration information
The charity was established by a trust deed on 18 January 1989 and is registered with the Charities Commission (No. 803600).
The charity's Registered Office is Swallow House, 122 Fairfax Road, Teddington, Middx. TW11 9BS.
The trustees during the year were as follows: J.M. Wendon (Chairman)
K. Martin
B. Martin
A. Millett C. Ogwok
- V. Matthews
The charity's professional advisers are as follows: Accountants: HB Accountants, Amwell House, 19 Amwell Street, Hoddesdon, Herts. EN11 8TS Bankers: HSBC plc, 26-28 St. Ann's Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1AL
2. Structure, governance and management
Trustees are appointed from within the membership of the Church of the Living God by its Elders after they have examined the appointee's character and Christian walk over a period of time.
The trustees meet throughout the year to oversee and administer the running and direction of the Trust in accordance with its objects and the benefit and public requirements of the Charities Act 2011. The Trust continues to maintain a "Welcome Pack" that includes an introduction to the Trust and its governing deed, as well as a copy of the Trust Deed, a summary of its objects and key procedures; an outline of the responsibilities of all the trustees as well as those of the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary; together with a "Trust Calendar" that sets out meeting dates and regular matters to be considered. Also included in the Welcome Pack are the Charities Commission's "Hallmark of an Effective Charity at a Glance", "Being a Trustee" and "Guidance on Public Benefit" as well as a summary of the Public Benefit guidance.
All of the trustees give their time freely and none of them receive any remuneration. In the event that any decision could involve a conflict of interest, it is the policy of the Trust to require the affected trustee to withdraw from any part of such discussion.
Under the Trust Deed, the Trust has the power to make any investment which the trustees see fit.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Trust is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
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Church of the Living God Trust Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 December 2020
3. Objectives and activities
The objects of the Trust are to promote the Christian faith; to organise, sponsor and promote Christian churches in the U.K.; to relieve poverty; and to promote education in the context of the Christian faith. The trustees are satisfied that relief of poverty is within the benefit requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and that the other objects are within the public benefit requirements of the Charities Act 2011. The trustees are also satisfied that the decisions and gifts that have been made during this reporting year also meet the requirements of benefit and public benefit.
The general grant making activities of the Trust consist of giving money to causes that fall within the objects of the Trust.
4. Achievements and performance
The Trust continued to support the Church of the Living God with both its running and outreach costs.
The Trust continued to support a minister of the gospel in the U.K. who is teaching the Bible to people via the internet in different countries. This was in the form of regular monthly gifts.
The Trust continued its policy of giving 10% of its income split between various beneficiaries who fall within the Objects. This years recipients were Open Doors (OD), Living Hope Ministries (LHM), The Riverbank Trust (TRT), Kick London (KL) and the Porchester Free Church (PFC). OD is an organisation that supports persecuted Christian in different parts of the world and provides disaster relief for poor people. LHM is an evangelical outreach organisation that preaches the gospel in the UK and abroad. RTW is a ministry that works primarily in Myanmar and Kenya, both with orphans and training ministers of the gospel. TRT is a Christian charity which seeks to love, support and befriend vulnerable single mums and their families in the London Borough of Richmond. KL is a charity that engages young people in London with sports activities to help them become productive individuals as they encounter the gospel message. PFC is a church reaching the poor people of Guatemala.
Gifts were made to support a church in Sierra Leone to help with their building and to deal with the COVID issues.
Gifts were also made to evangelists; Jonathan Conrathe, Justin Slade, Mark Marx and Luke Vardy. Educational gifts were made to pay the school fees of a son of a minister in India.
The Trustees are satisfied that all of the above gifts satisfy the applicable requirements of the Charities Act 2011 regarding benefit and public benefit.
The balance of monies is being retained to fund a more permanent building for the Church of the Living God when a suitable one has been found, or if none is available, a rental property for helping those in need, ie refugees, victims of domestic violence and vulnerable adults.
5. Plans for future periods
The main objectives for the coming year are as follows:
-
. For the year 2021 the annual income is expected to be about £52,000.
-
. The administration expenses are expected to be about £11000, £8,000 of which will be legal fees for the purchase of a building.
-
. The Trust intends to continue to support Christian work at home and abroad, apart from that relating to the Church, which is expected to be about £7,000.
-
. We aim to spend another £2,000 in helping to relieve poverty.
-
. We expect to support the Church of the Living God in outreach, operational and admin costs which are expected to amount to about £30,000.
-
. Gifts to tithe recipients are expected to amount to 10% of Trust income.
-
. We expect to move forward with the purchase of a flat or similar property for helping those in need.
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Church of the Living God Trust
Trustees' Report
for the year ended 31 December 2020
6. Financial review
The trustees consider the result for the year to be good. Total income decreased from £92,969 to £64,065. In response to this decrease in income, gifts paid decreased from £89,572 to £63,995. As a result there was a deficit for the year of £2,638 (2019: Surplus £757).The finances remain strong with funds of £474,542 (2019: £477,180).
Reserves policy:
The trustees have had a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not designated, should normally be six months of the normal resources expended, currently around £50,000, and they see no reason to adjust or change this policy. At this level the trustees consider that they would be able to continue, for a period of six months, the current activities of the Trust in the event of a significant drop in income.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees
…………………………………………..
M. Wendon
Trustee
Date:
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
on the unaudited accounts of
The Church of the Living God Trust
We report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2020 which are set out on pages 5 to 9.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and that an independent examination is required.
It is our responsibility to:
-
(i) examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act;
-
(ii) to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act; and
-
(iii) to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner's report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all of the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
-
(a) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
(i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and
-
(ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records comply with the accounting requirements of the Act;
have not been met; or
- (b) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Amwell House 19 Amwell Street Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 8TS
HB Accountants Chartered Accountants
Date:
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Church of the Living God Trust Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 December 2020
| Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Gifts receivable Income tax recoverable Investment income Bank interest receivable Total incoming resources Resources expended Charitable expenditure Charitable activities: Advancement of the gospel Gifts payable (Note 3) Support costs Sundry expenses Governance costs Accountancy fees Relief of poverty Gifts payable (Note 3) Advancement of education Gifts payable (Note 3) Total resources expended Net (deficit)/surplus for the year Transfers Net movement in funds Funds brought forward Funds carried forward |
General Designated Restricted funds funds funds £ £ £ 36,229 - 14,012 8,907 - 3,131 Unrestricted funds |
General Designated Restricted funds funds funds £ £ £ 36,229 - 14,012 8,907 - 3,131 Unrestricted funds |
General Designated Restricted funds funds funds £ £ £ 36,229 - 14,012 8,907 - 3,131 Unrestricted funds |
General Designated Restricted funds funds funds £ £ £ 36,229 - 14,012 8,907 - 3,131 Unrestricted funds |
2020 Total £ 50,241 12,038 |
2019 Total £ 73,803 15,651 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45,136 1,786 |
- - |
17,143 - |
62,279 1,786 |
89,454 3,515 |
||
| 46,922 | - | 17,143 | 64,065 | 92,969 | ||
| 43,925 307 2,400 |
- - - |
16,266 - - |
60,191 307 2,400 |
83,576 600 2,040 |
||
| 46,632 2,230 700 |
- - - |
16,266 - 875 |
62,898 2,230 1,575 |
86,216 1,471 4,525 |
||
| 49,562 | - | 17,141 | 66,703 | 92,212 | ||
| (2,640) - |
- - |
2 - |
(2,638) - |
757 - |
||
| (2,640) 71,868 |
- 400,000 |
2 5,312 |
(2,638) 477,180 |
757 476,423 |
||
| 69,228 | 400,000 | 5,314 | 474,542 | 477,180 |
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Church of the Living God Trust
Statement of Financial Position
as at 31 December 2019
| Current assets Income tax debtor Short-term deposits Cash at bank Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals Net assets Represented by: Funds Unrestricted funds General fund Designated funds (note 4) Restricted funds (note 5) Approved by the Trustees on ……………………………….. |
£ £ £ £ 2,523 20,350 417,146 415,416 59,753 43,574 479,422 479,340 4,880 2,160 (4,880) (2,160) 474,542 477,180 69,228 71,868 400,000 400,000 5,314 5,312 474,542 477,180 2020 2019 |
£ £ £ £ 2,523 20,350 417,146 415,416 59,753 43,574 479,422 479,340 4,880 2,160 (4,880) (2,160) 474,542 477,180 69,228 71,868 400,000 400,000 5,314 5,312 474,542 477,180 2020 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 479,340 (2,160) |
||
| 477,180 | ||
| 71,868 400,000 5,312 |
||
| 477,180 | ||
………………………………… M. Wendon
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Church of the Living God Trust
for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the Accounts
1. Accounting policies
Charity information:
Church of the Living God Trust is a trust. The registered office is Swallow House, 122 Fairfax Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 9BS.
(a) Accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the trust deed and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions of the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The principal accounting policies are set out below.
- (b) Going concern
At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
- (c) Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable activities unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by the donors as to how they may be used.
- (d) Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash gifts are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the gift, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount.
Income tax recoverable in relation to gifts received under Gift Aid is recognised at the time of the gift. Investment income is recognised in the accounts on a receivable basis.
- (e) Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources. All expenses are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
- (f) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.
(g) Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 "Basic Financial Instruments" and Section 12 "Other Financial Instruments Issues" of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the accounts, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is no intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
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Church of the Living God Trust
for the year ended 31 December 2019
Notes to the Accounts
2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. These are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
| 3. Gifts payable Advancement of the Gospel: To Institutions Church of the Living God Open Doors Jerusalem Merit Kick London Living Hope Ministries Reaching The World Women On The Move Riverbank Trust Santosa Samsara Homes, Bangalore CAP uk Father's Nest Beyond Barriers Bible Project Ignite Ministries Porchester Free Church To Individuals Relief of Poverty: To Institutions Porchester Free Church Embracing Age CAP Ebenezer Ministries Uganda To Individuals Advancement of Education: To Institutions Kings School, Kerela To Individuals Total |
No. £ No. £ 39 31,349 48 49,225 5 2,056 4 1,889 1 1,972 1 1,736 3 1,954 3 1,865 4 2,236 3 1,322 5 2,470 3 2,204 1 625 1 500 3 1,740 1 356 - - 1 3,000 1 300 - - - - 1 625 - - 1 1,069 - - 1 625 15 1,905 - - - - 1 268 2019 2020 |
|---|---|
| 77 46,606 69 64,684 22 13,584 26 18,892 |
|
| 99 60,190 95 83,576 |
|
| 1 100 - - 1 250 - - - 2 1,471 1 500 - - |
|
| 3 850 2 1,471 3 1,380 - - |
|
| 6 2,230 2 1,471 |
|
| - 1 3,000 2 1,575 1 1,525 |
|
| 2 1,575 2 4,525 |
|
| 107 63,995 99 89,572 |
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Church of the Living God Trust
Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2019
3. Trustees
The trustees did not receive any remuneration and were not reimbursed for any personal expenses during the year.
| 4. Designated funds Building fund |
Balance brought forward £ 400,000 |
Income £ - |
Expenses £ - |
Transfers £ - |
Balance carried forward £ 400,000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The designated building fund represents funds set aside by the trustees for a future purchase of a building for the Church of the Living God.
| 5. Restricted funds Christian ministries Other Building fund |
Balance brought forward £ - - 5,312 |
Income £ 12,206 4,937 - |
Expenses £ 12,204 4,937 - |
Transfers £ - - - |
Balance carried forward £ 2 - 5,312 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,312 | 17,143 | 17,141 | - | 5,314 |
The building fund is to help finance a future purchase of a building for the Church of the Living God.
| 6. Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted general funds |
Current assets £ 74,108 |
Creditors £ (4,880) |
Net Assets £ 69,228 |
|---|---|---|---|
7. Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during both this year and last year.
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