## **Greater Life Church, Gilford** ## **References And Administrative Details Registered Address** 10 Scarva Rd Gilford, Co. Armagh BT63 6BG Website: glcgilford.com Tel: 07885 521914 Charity Registration Number NIC106452 ## **Trustees** Senior Pastor, Revd Joseph D. Cooney (Trustee) Revd Robert Kelley (Trustee) Revd Terry D. McFarland (Trustee) ## **Property Trustees** Same individuals as above ## **Bankers** Danske Bank ## **Independent Examiner** GMcG Chartered Accountants Century House 40 Crescent Business Park Lisburn BT28 2GN ## **Annual Trustee Report** The GLC-Gilford trustees present their annual report and financial statements for 2020-2021. This report provides a brief summary of activities undertaken together with a confirmation that the trustees have had regard to guidance on public benefit, in particular, guidance on charities for the advancement of religion when planning activities. ## **Covid** Since March 2019 until May 2021 (season of Covid) we were physically unable to meet and gather for services, meetings, fellowships etc on the church premises, in peoples homes etc. This has greatly affected our normal ministry day to day operations. As with most all of society, Covid forced major adjustments to be made in order to remain effective. In a season that has had numerous negative drawbacks, it has also created opportunities to reach individuals on a more consistent basis through technology and needs. In ministry the need to physically see and touch people is most vital and will always be the function of the church. But because of adjustments made and many things learned during this season, we are now taking a more hybrid balanced approach with ministry to remain effective. ## **Objectives and Activities** The following are details of the objectives and activities that took place during the 2020-2021 year: ## _GLC-Gilford Building Preparation_ In preparation for resuming services and to have our church building up to Covid standards of operation, we were able to have our 5 year electrical inspection completed in January 2021, along with much needed electrical work to insure safety and lighting fixtures were above standards. We had all the rugs professionally deep cleaned and did a top to bottom sanitising and cleaning of the entire church premises. We created system measures in entering/exiting the building, hanging “covid safety” signage, placing hand sanitiser, masks etc at all contact points. GLC-Gilford was able to resume gathering for services (with the required spacing and lower numbers) on Sunday, 23 May 2021. We began having ‘in person’ services once a month (last Sunday), with a plan to increase the services twice a month and finally to weekly ‘in person’ services again. ## _Ministry Services and Fellowship_ We were unable to have consistent ‘in person’ services during 2020-2021. We have continued to have ‘online’ services via Facebook to continue reaching those who are tentative of returning to in person services for health reasons, those shut in, isolated, and also to reach an unchurched audience that would be interested in Christianity and need ministered to. We provided encouragement, support, fellowship, prayer and ministry to our church members and the public with ‘no cost’ to join our church and fellowship gatherings. ## _Group & Personal Bible Studies_ Bible Studies transitioned to total online Zoom ministry during the 2020-2021 year. The time together on Zoom has been a balance of studying the Word of God, prayer, much needed fellowship, caring & sharing. During these times we worked together discussing plans and ways for each individual & family to daily operate in their home setting, work & family, mental health, daily exercise, remaining socially connected with others, keeping a right mind and attitude through what could be a secluded and isolated time. This was tremendously impactful in helping keep individuals from suffering depression and loneliness. It also provided a platform for each individual to be able to share their feelings, concerns, ideas and experiences to encourage one another. We’ve learned a lot ‘together’ about being home with family and taking advantage of this time to build stronger bonds and relationships. The Zoom calls & meetings greatly assisted in keeping the human virtual touch element, and providing a healthy positive outlook on what could otherwise have been disastrous for some. ## _Redburn Community Centre_ With Community Centre’s closed throughout N.I. for the majority of 2020-2021 and because of health concerns for our group in gathering together, our group agreed not to return to ‘in person’ gatherings at Redburn Community Centre during 2021. However, assistance has continued to be provided to members in the area, the elderly and those shut in with physical ailments, disorders and that are vulnerable, with house & yard visits in the Redburn and surrounding areas. We had Zoom (face-to-face) and regular phone calls for fellowship and interaction. This maintained and improved health and well being for each individual. ## **Organisation Support** We are a part of larger ministry bodies, being the United Pentecostal Church of Great Britain & Ireland (UPC GBI - upcgbi.org) and United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI - upci.org), and participated in ministry and support to the following areas: ## _Christmas For Christ Program_ (within the UK) This is a program within our organisation (UPC GBI) to financially support one church in the UK each year in December that lends support to its community through multiple ministry efforts. In December 2021 we assisted in financial support of one of our churches in Peterborough, England (Life Tabernacle Peterborough) which moved into a new facility and were remodeling it. This has provided their existing church members and those new to the assembly a special and safe place to meet as they regather for ‘in person’ services. They have seen new growth because of this, and have signed a 5 year lease with opportunity to purchase the building. Within our organisation throughout the UK we support the following departments: _UPC of Great Britain & Ireland_ - _England charity # 296001_ (coordination within all of the United Kingdom & Ireland) - Men: ministry focus for men - Ladies: ministry focus for women - Youth: ministry focus for youth ages 12-25 yrs old - Missions: ministry focus on reaching people groups & establishing churches - Children: ministry focus on children ages 4-12 yrs old _Northern District UPC - Scotland charity # SC043758_ (coordination within Scotland, Northern Ireland & the Republic of Ireland) - Men: ministry focus for men - Ladies: ministry focus for women - Youth: ministry focus for youth ages 12-25 years old - Missions: ministry focus on reaching people groups & establishing churches - Children: ministry focus on children ages 4-12 years old - Harvest Bible College (full & part-time) harvestbiblecollege.co.uk ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The Charity is governed by the church constitution. Individuals become members of the Church and are accepted in accordance with the Constitution which requires them to be or to have been publicly baptised on the profession of faith in the name of Jesus Christ and baptised by the Holy Spirit, with a continued demonstration of faithfulness in supporting the purpose of the church locally and internationally. The members meeting takes place once per year to disclose and discuss a yearly report and planning session for the upcoming year’s scheduled activities and events. The pastor and secretary are responsible for day-today operation of the church’s work and the financial and legal aspects of the charity. The charitable objective is continually cultivated and conveyed to all members and guests who are constantly encouraged to become an integral part in the spiritual and practical life of the organism of the charity for the furtherance of its objective. We ensure anyone working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted with regard to Access NI checks. ## **Achievements and Performance** In ministry it’s not always easy to measure the success of things, because most achievements aren’t tangible. Numbers constantly fluctuate with people and finance. Seeing growth in individuals and them making healthy life decisions that have positively affected their lives, their families and their sphere of influence in society is always rewarding. This has taken place this year with our members. Locally we’ve had approximately 20+ in regular attendance with us during the week through bible studies, home groups, services etc. We continually encourage the public and those with interest to join us while striving to make our facilities available to non-members with our meetings and events open to all. In setting our objectives and planning our activities and events, the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure the activities have helped to achieve the charity’s purpose and provide a ## **Financial Review** Greater Life Church depends and works with its membership in volunteering and serving through aspects of church life and activities. This greatly assist the church in saving finance for fellowships, services and events that take place. The financial results for the year are set out in the accompanying financial statements. This Annual Report for 2020-2021 was approved by the Greater Life Church Trustees and signed on their behalf by Senior Pastor, Revd Joseph Cooney, Chair Trustee. **Trustee** _Revd Joseph D. Cooney_ **Date** _25/02/2022_