2023-03-31-annual-report

Emmanuel

TRUSTEES REPORT – FINANCIAL YEAR April 2022 / March 2023

Set out below is the annual report from the Trustees of Emmanuel Trust. A standing item of business at meetings of the Trustees is review of the objects of the trust and how the charity is addressing these. In preparing this report we can confirm therefore that the trustees have had regard to the Commission’s Public benefit requirements statutory guidance. This report comprises essentially a summary from the minutes, of matters discussed at the end of year Trustees meeting, held 26 May 2023.

Financial Matters

A detailed statement of accounts has been prepared and submitted separately as part of the reporting procedure.

In consideration of year-end accounts it is noted that:

• Overall income less than the previous year by a significant amount. Underlying regular giving has continued to decline (most members are retired). Income next year will therefore most likely be less.

• In consequence expenditure was less than previous year.

• However we have again maintained very low overheads and expenses, so that the vast proportion of expenditure was for giving, outreach and support and training.

Overall the draft accounts were accepted without modification and it was agreed to carry forward the accumulated balance. In line with our policy of openness and transparency, the draft final accounts were formatted and circulated to members for information and comment on 19 May 2023. Informal discussion with church members suggests general satisfaction with our management of the funds.

Objects of the Trust

Following review, the Trustees consider that the objects of the trust are still appropriate although capacity to fulfill them is presently impacted by our small size and our age profile (which is mostly retired people). The objects are set out below along with example(s) of how these have been addressed in the past financial year.

To promote and advance the Christian religion in the country of Ireland area and elsewhere, and to this end, to use all such opportunities as are consistent with the Statement of Faith including, inter-alia:-

1. Conducting meetings, seminars, concerts, holiday camps, conferences and meetings with other formats as may seem appropriate to the trustees.

Examples in past year include our regular public Sunday meetings as well as weekly prayer meetings for needs of those in the church and also other matters which come to our attention. Prayer meetings have been via video conferencing, and we meet physically in homes on Sundays. During the year we have also supported initiatives and events run by other church groups.

Registered Northern Ireland Charity NIC102885. Inland Revenue reference XR7 1422

2. Supporting development of leaders for the propagation of the Christian religion. Examples in past year include provision of study materials for members as well as encouragement to participate in conference/training events. Members in the past year have participated in various apologetics programmes.

3. Supporting and serving youth groups, prayer groups and other interested groupings for the purpose of encouraging faith and Christian maturity as well as being actively involved in various interconfessional initiatives.

Activities specifically directed at youth have been very limited this past year. Our support of a missionary couple however addresses youth insofar as this is the primary area of their ministry. We been supporting overseas outreaches to young people through, for example, Crown Jesus Ministries, Noor Ministries, and youth camps in the south of Spain. We have also continued to encourage cross community and cross denominational activities including, for example Transformations Ireland prayer and teaching gatherings.

4. Promoting interest in Ireland in Christian missionary work whether said missionary work is in Ireland or elsewhere.

Examples cited in object #2 and #3 above all relate to training of leaders with a view to their engaging directly with mission activity. As well as a number of smaller projects, this past year saw 1 young married couple receiving ongoing significant support for overseas missionary work in Canada. In addition, our support for Solas Trust, Master Key Movement, Lighthouse and Boring Wells helps with missionary work in Ireland.

5. Interpreting the Christian faith into practical everyday experience.

Arises from teaching and sharing given each Sunday along with mutual support and encouragement gained at meetings and on a one-to-one pastoral basis.

6. Giving to the poor or those in need and/or supporting charities whose aims are the relief of the poor and needy.

A substantial proportion of income is given to help those in need or to charities supporting them. Examples helped this year include Solas Trust, Samaritans Purse, Noor Ministries, MasterKey Movement, and so on. We have also given alms to various individuals, both in Northern Ireland, and also to help ministry abroad (Ghana, Canada) etc.

Benefits from (1) are the spiritual, social, emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of the general public who participate. This benefit will be evidenced through feedback, continued participation, and observation.

Benefits from (2) are encouraging and resourcing the development of leaders for the propagation of the Christian religion. This will be evidenced through people undergoing missions training both at home and abroad.

Benefits from (3) are seen in development of positive lifestyles in young people, in enhanced understanding across denominational boundaries, and in general community reconciliation. Evidence in testimony and in observation.

Benefits from (4) and (5) flow from the provision of a forum where the Christian faith can be more fully understood in a practical way that allows participants to serve in the local community. The evidence will be increased interest in and personal participation in charitable and relief work. Further evidence will be seen in moral improvement, enhanced citizenship and more stable family, home and marriage relationships.

Benefits from (6) are direct benefits to those in receipt of help and relief. Evidence from testimony and from the charity accounts.

We are not aware of any harm arising from our activities.

Registered Northern Ireland Charity NIC102885. Inland Revenue reference XR7 1422

Reflections, and Future Activity

We recognise that we are in times of substantial change, both ourselves and society as a whole. For the foreseeable future we shall continue to meet in members’ homes although we wish to remain flexible and open to whatever opportunities present. We have fewer young people seeking support for training and development. Nonetheless, we do have one young couple who have chosen mission work as a lifestyle and we are committed to ongoing regular (monthly) support of them.

Our membership has shrunk a little (most of our outreach activity is done with other groups and in support of their projects), and a number of faithful core members are contending with various ongoing health issues.

• In the incoming year we therefore anticipate continuing a number of activities including:

• Remaining flexible and adaptable where forms of regular meeting are concerned, recognising the desirability of seeking to attract new members and participants.

• Continuing challenging and encouraging development of members to equip them for leadership and for mentoring new people coming into the church.

• Continuing support of individuals (one young couple in particular) engaged in mission work and training abroad.

• Continuing to give alms for relief of poverty etc.

Professor R B Clarke – Chairman of Trustees 30 May 2023

Governance notes:

Type of governing document: Trust Deed, adopted 26 August 2003

Trustees serving April 2022 – March 2023:

Prof Robin Clarke (chair) Mrs Valerie Chisholm Miss Gloria Patton Mrs Morag Thompson Mr Adam Porteous

Registered Northern Ireland Charity NIC102885. Inland Revenue reference XR7 1422