HOLY TRINITY CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The trustees present their report and the independently examined financial statements for Holy Trinity Church Woodburn for the year ended 31 st December 2023. Financial Review The downward trend in giving from 2022 continued in 2023 with income down 3.80/0 and the budget for 2024 is working on the assumption income will be down a further 30/0. The rise in expenditure during 2023 of over 5.8 % is expected to redu slighlty in 2024 but the gap beeen income and expenditure is increasing. This gap was filled in 2023 by using our reserves. General Account There were sixty eight sets of envelopes issued during 2023, down five on the previous year. We also have seventy six people contributing by standing order, up one on the previous year. Freewill offering is down by £2,980 on last year" a decrease of 3.70h. The plate collection was £1.091 showing a significant increase from the £68 in 2022. Gift Aid We claimed Gift Aid on ninety seven eligible Freewill Offering ContributionslDonations, (up four on previous year). We received £26,215 up from £24,439 in the previous year. Of this amount £17,816 was allocated to the General Account , £5,146 to the Building Fund and £3,252 to the Number 2 Account. Building Fund There were sixty eight sets of envelopes issued during 2023 with tsventy five being used, up one on previous year. We also have foty people contributing by standing order, down one on last year. Income is down £621. a 2.1 % decrease on last year. We still owe the bank £22,811 at 31st Dember 2023. This amount will be paid off in December 2024. We have renamed this fund as Building (the Kingdom) Fund and the Vestry would ask that you continue donating as previously. Harvest Appeal Our appeal during 2023 was designated for the refurbishment of the toilets, We received a total of £3,203 and we thank those who contributed. Restrlcted Funds The slect vestry donated £10,000 towards a girls, dormitory at Aluka Secondary School in Zombo District in North East Uganda. The 2017 Church Uganda team had raised over £50,000 for their trip and £10,000 had been sitting in the church accounts ever since as it was not required during the two week trip. We continue to support fifteen children in the Abura Primary School in Uganda by paying Fields of Life to help them with their education. We donated £10,750 to various charities as outlined in the accounts. ALCONER £TEWA4T
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 (CONTINUED) So what does 2024 have in store for us? 2024 will be a difficult year and everyone needs to pray and reflect on their givings. Rising costs not only with oil and electricity but also with wages and other expenses. The budget shows a deficit of £14,000 and so we need to do things 1. Redu Expenditure. 2. Increase Giving. Finally As treasurer I would like everyone claiming membership of the Church to contribute a recorded amount, you can see the £0 donations on the income sheet, and therefore I would encourage as many as possible to donate directly into the bank by standing order. Our vision of working in the community with Store House, Baby Bank, Food Bank and around the world with Fields of Life, Crosslinks, SAMS, Samaritan's Purse and Stand by Me could not happen without your support and for that I thank you. I want to thank everyone for their donations during 2023 and remember God is at work in our Church, in our Community and around the world. Jesus is building his Church and he is calling us in Holy Trinity to participate in his work. Contingent Liability Holy Trinity is subject to lib'gation in respect of a safeguarding matter. The outcome of this litigation is uncertain at present and therefore no provision has been made in the accounts for same. Independent Examiner The independent examiner Michael Jonathan Crooks of Falconer Stewart, has indicated his willingness to continue in office and a resolution conMIng his re-appointment will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting. Financial Statements The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 16th October 2024. Mrs Marjory Edgar MSC, BSC Trustee Dated.. 12th January 2024 F4L=CNfR STEkCAR"