House Church Ltd (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 May 2025
The trustees present their Trustees' Annual Report, combining the Directors’ Report and Trustees’ Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended 31 May 2025.
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
The Trustees’ Report contains the information required to be provided in the Trustees’ Annual Report under the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) guidelines. The trustees of the charity are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the charity's constitution are known as members of the board of trustees.
In this report the trustees of House Church Ltd present a summary of its purpose, governance, activities, achievements and finances for the financial year 31 May 2025. The charity is a registered charity and hence the report and results are presented in a form which complies with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, although not obliged to comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102, the organisation has implemented its recommendations where relevant in these financial statements.
Mission, Objectives and Strategy
Objectives Renamed in 2022, House Church exists to extend the Kingdom of God as we worship God, love people and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
We want to build a community where people can learn more about God in a Bible-based community and have the space to explore and understand who God is. We have Sunday services for adults, youth and kids, Youth Ministry on Friday evenings, House Tots fortnightly, Discipleship Community, Retirement Morning and our Compassion Centre which is there to support with Foodbank, Life skills and money management.
The objective of House Church are as stated in the Memorandum and Articles of Association are:
To promote the following purposes for the benefit of the public: Turn spiritually lost people into passionate committed followers of Jesus Christ and to establish a biblically functioning community that is impacting all ages and backgrounds of people in the Newtownards area and beyond.
We have partnerships with other charitable organisations that help and aid us in our objectives ass a charity e.g.: ‘Care for Family’, Abaana, Christians Against Poverty and Trussel Trust which are nation charities which aim to promote strong family life and to help those hurting because of family circumstances, bereavement, poverty and debt.
Structure, Governance and Management
Structure House Church Limited was registered as a charity with the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland on 2 June 2015 and was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland on 20 May 2008, registration number NI069291.
In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 each.
Composition of the Board and Board Appointment Process
The first trustees were appointed by the members. Additional and replacement trustees are appointed by a simple majority resolution of the board or members. A trustee must be a member of the Charity. At each AGM, all trustees who have served four consecutive years or more as a trustee shall retire from office. A trustee who retires in accordance with this Article, if willing to act, shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further term of four years. The Pastor shall not be required to retire from office until such time as he or she ceases to be a Pastor.
Organisational and Decision Making Structure
Decisions on policy and governance are made by the board of Directors, who are also the trustees of House Church, consisting of 6 members. The members meet monthly and are responsible for the policy, governance and financial management of the organisation. The Executive Pastor sits on the board as a member who reports to the Board of trustees on the operational running of the church. The day to day running of House Church is delegated to a Senior Lead Team, wider Leadership team and staff members who are accountable to both Board of Trustees and Elders.
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House Church Ltd
(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 May 2025
Review of Activities, Achievements and Performance
2024/2025 has been a deeply encouraging year for House Church. Leadership transitions are rarely simple, but the arrival of Adam and Hannah Heather in the summer of 2024 has been a blessing. The congregation has responded incredibly well, and we're seeing signs of life and renewed energy across every area of church life.
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House Church Ltd (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 May 2025
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Through our compassion ministries, we remain committed to serving those in need within
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Financial Review
The results for the financial year are set out on page 13 and additional notes are provided showing income and
expenditure in greater detail.
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House Church Ltd (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
for the financial year ended 31 May 2025
Income
Total income amounted to £741,558, which showed a decrease of £62,728. This total included Church Givings of £283,260, House Coffee Sales of £306,318, Rental Income of £53,481, Building Fund Income of £61,704 and Foodbank and Cap Income of £34,534, Restricted Income related to Foodbank and CAP activities, Compassion Centre and BFL donations.
Expenditure
Heat and light costs increased by £7,612, repairs and maintenance costs increased by £2,371, Compassion Centre costs reduced by £11,753, New Pastor expenses increased by £6,116, loan interest reduced by £7,032, depreciation reduced by £2,389. All other costs remained similar to last year. The financial statements also reflect a surplus on the sale of property of £87,263.
Financial Results
At the end of the financial year the charity has assets of £2,788,515 (2024 - £3,031,426) and liabilities of £639,574 (2024 - £926,655). The net assets of the charity have increased by £44,170.
Reserves Position and Policy
A cash reserve is held in an interest-bearing account to allow for financial reserves. The reserves policy is reviewed on an annual basis and is reflected in the note to the accounts.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The directors review the possibility of major risks on an ongoing basis. No major risks have been identified.
Trustees
The trustees who served throughout the financial year, except as noted, were as follows:
Dr Olwen Griffith Kerr Mrs Natalie Porter Mr Adam Heather (Appointed 8 October 2024) Mrs Julieann Brownlee Mr Neil Aicken (Appointed 22 May 2025) Mr Kris Simpson Mr Chris Murphy (Resigned 22 May 2025)
In accordance with the Constitution, the trustees retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.
Health and Safety
Provision of a safe environment to facilitate the health and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. All policies and procedures were reviewed and assessed with relevant training for staff and volunteers undertaken.
Compliance with Sector-Wide Legislation and Standards
The charity engages pro-actively with legislation, standards and codes which are developed for the sector. House Church Ltd subscribes to and is compliant with the following: - The Companies Act 2006 - The Charities SORP (FRS 102)
Volunteer Initiatives
We encourage and promote volunteer initiatives through our community action programmes, children's work, social action teams tackling debt and food poverty and through many other opportunities in the Church.
Fundraising
Fundraising activities are kept under review and are instigated in response to global initiatives.
Recruitment and Induction
Recruitment is undertaken on the basis of attracting suitably qualified individuals with appropriate skill sets to assist in the overall governance and values of the Church. Induction is ongoing and on a needs basis.
Grant-Making Policy
The Elders and Directors of the Company consider the payment of grants and donations on an on-going basis.
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House Church Ltd
(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital)
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
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for the financial year ended 31 May 2025
The Auditors Daly Park & Company Ltd, (Chartered Accountants), were appointed auditors by the trustees to fill the casual vacancy and they have expressed their willingness to continue in office in accordance with the provisions of Section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.
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Approved by the Board of Trustees on 23 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Kris $i on
Chairman
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