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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number NIC 109568

Company registration number NI681803 (Northern Ireland)

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

CONTENTS

Page
Charity reference and administrative details 1
Directors report 2 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 14

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Directors Darren Jennings Suzanne Jennings Maurice Reid Charity secretary Suzanne Jennings Charity number NIC 109568 Company number NI681803 Principal address The Courtyard Theatre Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre 585 Doagh Road Newtownabbey BT36 5RZ Registered office 17 Lynda Meadows Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT37 0AT Accountants Johnston Kennedy DFK 10 Pilots View Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE Bankers The Co-Operative Bank Plc PO Box 250 Delf House Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6GF

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

DIRECTORS REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Objectives and activities

The company was incorporated on 23 August 2021. The company is registered with Charities Commission of Northern Ireland with the charity number 109568.

The company's objects are clearly defined and focused on promoting and advancing the Christian faith, advancing education, and providing relief to those in need. Specifically, the company aims to alleviate poverty, sickness, hardship, and distress, while also promoting the well-being of inhabitants in Northern Ireland and other parts of the world as directed by its directors. The activities are to be conducted without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, ability/disability, race, ethnic origin, political views, religious beliefs, or other opinions. The overall objective is to improve the conditions of life for those who live in the designated area of benefit, with a particular emphasis on achieving this goal in a way that benefits all inhabitants equally.

The key objectives are:

a) to advance the Christian faith and promote Christianity in various ways and areas as deemed appropriate by the Directors. The objective encompasses several activities, including the provision of preaching, the distribution of Christian literature, and the education of people through evangelism, discipleship training, meetings, bible studies, and social activities;

b) to train leaders, pastors, and volunteers to work on projects promoted by the Church in the area of benefit;

c) to train Christians to plant churches, encourage new partnerships, and strengthen existing partnerships with churches and evangelical groups in the area of benefit;

d) the provision of assistance to those in need, such as the relief of sickness and financial hardship, and the promotion and preservation of good health through the provision of funds, goods, or services, including counselling and support in the area of benefit.

Achievements and performance

In March 2024, Abbey Life Church celebrated its first anniversary of weekly Sunday services within the community. Throughout the year, we introduced small groups aimed at building relationships, fostering deeper connections, and nurturing faith among members. Our regular weekly programmes continued, alongside special “Party Sundays,” providing consistent opportunities for engagement, discipleship, and spiritual growth. Christian literature, Bibles, and vision booklets were distributed weekly, supporting our mission and outreach efforts.

A 21-day prayer and fasting initiative was launched during the year, encouraging focused spiritual growth, unity, and

deeper engagement across the church community.

A number of successful community events were delivered during the year, including the Easter Eggstravaganza, Summer Funky Fun Fair, Community BBQs, golf events, Light Party, Christmas Craft event, and our annual Carol Service. These outreach activities strengthened community ties, offered support, and contributed to church growth through increased visibility and participation. A significant milestone was reached in June 2024 with our first baptism service, where eight members of the congregation were baptised.

Our team of dedicated volunteers participated in several training sessions led by guest coaches, gaining valuable insights into church planting and volunteer development. Additionally, our volunteers supported the ARC Ireland Conference in Dublin by serving in hospitality and stewarding roles.

The leadership team provided ongoing pastoral care and support, helping individuals through personal challenges while equipping them with skills to contribute effectively to church projects and teams. Emphasis was placed on ensuring volunteers were mentally supported and appropriately placed in roles that align with their strengths, enabling the continuation of weekly public services.

From a financial perspective, the charity recorded a loss for the year and continues to operate using funds raised during the church launch phase. A key objective for the coming year is to increase regular giving from the congregation and to pursue further fundraising efforts and partnerships with supporting churches.

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

DIRECTORS REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial review

Abbey Life Church Ltd generated a net deficit of £20,465 (2023: £2,846 deficit) during the year, all of which is attributable to unrestricted reserves.

The company's reserve policy is to accumulate sufficient reserves to fund salary and running costs for six months in order to sustain the operation of the Church and to provide for future capital expenditure.

Plans for future periods

Looking ahead, Abbey Life Church is committed to strengthening team development and deepening discipleship across all areas of church life. We plan to introduce a structured Growth Track programme to help individuals discover their purpose, develop leadership skills, and become more actively involved in serving. Continued investment in volunteer training and leadership development will ensure our teams are equipped and supported as the church grows.

Financial sustainability remains a key focus, with efforts to increase regular giving and explore additional fundraising opportunities and partnerships with supporting churches. We will continue our weekly Sunday services and small groups, providing consistent opportunities for worship, teaching, and community connection.

In 2025, we aim to host a special Good Friday and Easter Sunday service, celebrating the heart of our Christian faith. We also plan to establish a Worship Hub to further develop and resource our worship team, as well as offer wider worship gatherings for the local community.

Structure, governance and management

The company is limited by guarantee without share capital and is governed in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The directors who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: The directors who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Darren Jennings
Suzanne Jennings
Maurice Reid
Andrew Gamble (Resigned 15 August 2025)

None of the directors has any beneficial interest in the assets of the company. All of the directors are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The directors oversee the day to day operations of the company and the board meets formally on a quarterly basis to review operations and develop the strategic direction of the company.

Two of the directors received remuneration in relation to their executive role with the charity, details of which are set out in note 6 to the accounts. No other directors received remuneration during the year.

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

DIRECTORS REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Statement of directors responsibilities

The directors, who also act as trustees for the charitable activities of Abbey Life Church Ltd, are responsible for preparing the Directors Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these accounts, the directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Political and charitable donations

During the year the company did not make any political or charitable donations.

Special provisions relating to small companies

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The directors report was approved by the Board of Directors.

Darren Jennings

.............................. Darren Jennings Director

Date: 25 September 2025

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE DIRECTORS OF ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

In accordance with the engagement letter dated 11 May 2023 and in order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have compiled the financial statements of Abbey Life Church Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2024, set out on pages 6 to 14 from the accounting records and information and explanations you have given to us.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the directors of the company you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied us that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, it is our responsibility to:

Basis of Independent examiner's statement

We have examined your company accounts as required under Section 65 of the Charities Act and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the company and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation from you as company trustees concerning any such matter.

Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving us cause to believe

Independent examiner's statement

We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.

James Gage

................................... James Gage FCA For and on behalf of Johnston Kennedy DFK Chartered Accountants 10 Pilots View Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE

Date: 25 September 2025

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 2 33,453 68,359
Charitable activities 3 1,164 2,663
Total income 34,617 71,022
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 55,082 73,868
Net outgoing resources (20,465) (2,846)
Fund balances at 1 January 2024 35,128 37,974
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 14,663 35,128

Incoming resources and resources expended

All incoming resources and resources expended disclosed as unrestricted have not been designated for any specific purpose.

Continuing operations

The statement of financial activities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

Total comprehensive income

There is no other comprehensive income to report in addition to the net income for the financial period.

Historical cost

The results as disclosed in the statement of financial activities and the retained funds for the year have been presented on an historical cost basis.

Companies Act 2006

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.

Compiled without audit or independent verification - refer to independent examiners' report

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
7
Tangible assets
8
Current assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
10
Net current (liabilities)/assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after
more than one year
11
Net assets
Income funds
Unrestricted funds		 2024
2023
£
£
£
7,225
26,268
33,493
-
5,205
4,965
13,754
4,965
18,959
(5,219)
(17,395)
(254)
33,239
(18,576)
14,663
14,663
14,663		 £
8,125
34,483
42,608
1,564
44,172
(9,044)
35,128
35,128
35,128

Directors' statement in respect of the financial statements

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and the Financial Reporting Standard 102 Section 1A - Small Entities.

The financial statements were approved by the Directors on 25 September 2025

Darren Jennings Suzanne Jennings
.............................. ..............................
Darren Jennings Suzanne Jennings
Director Director

Company registration number NI681803

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements. Compiled without audit or independent verification - refer to independent examiners' report

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

General information and basis of preparation

Abbey Life Church Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 17 Lynda Meadows, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 0AT.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the the Companies Act 2006 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)” (second edition - October 2019), the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. The company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The company has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 (Second Edition) not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.1 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.2 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the directors in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the company.

1.3 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the company is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the company has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.4 Resources expended

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered, and has been classified under headings that aggregate all the costs relating to the category.

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Development costs 10% straight line

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Equipment 20% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Taxation

The company is a charity and is not liable to tax on surpluses generated or investment income derived from activities within the scope of the charitable objectives.

2 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Donations and gifts 33,453 63,354
Gift aid - 5,005
33,453 68,359

3 Charitable activities

Charitable
Charitable
Income Income
2024 2023
£ £
Presentation fees 1,164 2,663

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4 Charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Activity costs
50,931
Support costs
2,778
Governance costs
1,373
55,082		 Total
2023
£
69,535
3,138
1,195
73,868

5 Directors

Two of the directors received a remuneration for their services totalling £14,417 during the year.

6 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
2 2
Employment costs 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 14,417 23,008

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7 Intangible fixed assets
Development costs
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 9,000
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2024 875
Amortisation charged for the year 900
At 31 December 2024 1,775
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024 7,225
At 31 December 2023 8,125
8 Tangible fixed assets
Equipment
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024 41,793
Additions 119
At 31 December 2024 41,912
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024 7,310
Depreciation charged in the year 8,334
At 31 December 2024 15,644
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024 26,268
At 31 December 2023 34,483
9 Debtors
2024 2023
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Prepayments and accrued income - 5,205

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Loans from related parties
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Loans from related parties		 2024
£
3,334
268
1,617
5,219
2024
£
18,576		 2023
£
16,200
-
1,195
17,395
2023
£
9,044

11 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

12 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January Incoming Resources At 31
2024 resources expended December
2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 35,128 34,617 (55,082) 14,663
35,128 34,617 (55,082) 14,663
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources At 31
2023 resources expended December
2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 37,974 71,022 (73,868) 35,128

13 Related party transactions

The company received advanced funding to support the church plant from a related party. The total amount owed at the year end was £21,910 and is included within creditors due within one year and after one year. No interest is payable on this advanced funding.

14 Financial commitments

The company had no financial commitments at 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2023.

15 Capital commitments

The company had no capital commitments at 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2023.

ABBEY LIFE CHURCH LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16 Control

The directors control the company.