CHRIST ENCOUNTERS TABERNACLE
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011 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)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The Church remains steadfast in its objective of proclaiming the Christian faith, by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, as set out in the Word of God. The Church stands on the principal, that the Word of God is inspired, not driven by man, but by the one true and living God. The Church promotes this as the highest authority by which man should live and teaches this through its ministries.
The Church itself carries out this mission by conducting two services every Sunday morning and evening, as well as mid-week meetings for prayer and bible study along with various other meetings. The Church is broadcast live, it caters for everyone from the youth to the elderly, which are themselves a charitable benefit to the community and abroad.
The Church has grown significantly, firstly from its conception, then secondly through to the “post-Covid” era. The Church Building in Gilford was considered too small to re-open for the number of people who started to attend after their Churches closed or reduced their services in the wake of COVID. The Church congregation have faithfully given, not only of their money but also their time. The number of people who lead, support and volunteer to sustain the Church and its subsequent ministry’s is, and continues to be, incredible.
Not only is their giving, the central source of sustaining the Church and its growth, the people give of their time to look after youth activities, car parking, cleaning, playing of instruments, worship, morning crèche, sound desk, preparing for mission outreach, going door to door and witnessing the gospel.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
The Church has sustained a period of growth post COVID. The Church’s original building remains at 33 – 35 Mill Street, Gilford. During the early part of 2021 the Church relocated to 39 Hunters Hill Road, Gilford to a purpose-built Marquee to better assist with the growth in numbers as well as allowing for space to adequately comply with social distancing standards, for those who required it. The Church in Gilford had a capacity of 120, whereas the marquee allowed for 300+ worshippers to gather safely.
The Church decided to utilise the vacant building at 33 – 35 Mill Street, Gilford to open a Charity Shop. The trustees felt that there was a need in the Gilford community driven by the effects of a) post COVID and b) the cost-of-living crisis. The Charity Shop officially opened 18[th] July 2022, with early signs that the shop was very much welcomed and needed. The shop opened 5 days per week from 10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday to Saturday. This is to be reviewed every six months to determine the benefit and viability.
The Trustees have several church ministries that may need to be re-located in the coming months, which will also potentially impact the Charity Shop and the need thereof.
The Church online ministry is streamed live every Sunday, both services, on Social Media platforms as well as YouTube. The growth in numbers has also seen sustained growth, being watched from all corners of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Globally the Church reaches the USA, Canada, Australia, mainland Europe and India.
Over the financial reporting year attendances have been strong, with the Word of God preached faithfully, with many coming to a saving faith in Christ. The Church also had a Baptismal Service on Sunday 13[th] June 2022, with 19 undergoing to the ordinance of ‘believer’s baptism’ as outlined in the Scriptures. Further, due to the ongoing growth the Church publicly received 35 new members into fellowship, to add to the existing 250.
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CHRIST ENCOUNTERS TABERNACLE TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Events and church activities undertaken during the year included:_ Embrace Socials Youth, on the Last Sunday of every month after the evening church meeting. This accommodates up to 200+ young people from many denominations in the local area. not just CET Rusty Thomas visited for a Mission which slarted in eartyApril 2022, which ran for 3 nights. Women's Fellowship second Tuesday every month Men's Fellowship last Tuesday every month Little Ones Pre-school every Thursday CET Youth last Sunday in every month, with approx. 50 young people aged 11 + CET Children's Church every Sunday moming, viith approx. 45 children aged 4- 11 olden Years Senior meeting Dinner and meeting Pop up food bank in CET Charity Shop as well as Gilford Primary School Taking children's meeting in Gitford pnmary school and supplying books Flower arranging by Handfuls of PurF)ose A ministry the Church uses to reach those in need Food distribution and practical help {helping people in need )Mth fumiturel decorating) Grief share- This runs over a six-week period, when the need arises Financial review The charity's financial results are set out in detail on pages 7-11. There is an overall surplus of funds for the year of £162.138 vthich accumulate as unrestricted fvnds. Balances introduced included a bank balance amounting to £208.664 and fixed assets amounting to £143,505. Reserves Christ Encounters Tabemacle aims to retain sufficient reserves to meet its expected future expenditure requirements. as well as future capital projects. Structure, governance and management The charity was registered with the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland on 17 May 2021. The trustees who setved during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were."- Al Steele K Davidson G Mcmurray DJ Proctor Organisation The day to day running of the charity is overseen by the trustees. The trustees have the power to elect elders and positions of responsibility wEthin the Church. G Alcom holds the position of treasurer and G Mcmurray ofAssistant Pastor. Prrncipal address-. 39 Hunters Hill Road Gilford Co Armagh BT63 6AH Charity Registration No.. NIC107861 Mr Brian Steele The trustees, was approved by the Board of Trustees. Al Sleele Trustee Date..