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2025-09-30-accounts

Life Church

Trustee’s Annual Report, and Unaudited Financial Statements

For the financial period ending 30[th] September 2025

Scottish Registered Charity SC010956

Peter Hall Finance & Accounting Solutions Certified Public Accountant UK 10227712A

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Life Church

CONTENTS

Trustees Report 3-7
Independent Examiner’s report 8
Statement of Financial Performance 9-10
Balance Sheet 11
Notes 12-17
Detailed SOFA 18-19

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Life Church

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the Financial Year Ending 30[th] September 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30[th] September 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Reference and administrative information

Charity Trustee: Chris Greenhalgh Ruth Greenhalgh Phil Arbon. Simon Winterborn Ursula O’Donnell (Appointed 1/10/2024) Registered Charity Name: Life Church Registered Charity Number: SC010956 Constitutional Form: Unincorporated Association Principal Address: 6-8 High Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA1 2YA Bankers: Bank of Scotland, Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Erskine PA8 7AA, and CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ Independent Examiner: Peter Hall Finance & Accounting Solutions of Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire FK13 6DR

Structure, Governance and Management

Affiliations and connections: Life Church is part of the Assemblies of God in Great Britain, and is also a member of Churches Together Renfrewshire, the local expression of the “Evangelical Alliance”. https://www.churchestogetherrenfrewshire.org

Governing document: The Charity is controlled by its Governing Document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The trust was set up by the Rev. John Fletcher and was incorporated as a Scottish Registered Charity on the 11[th] March 1988. The trust is administered in accordance with the trust deed. On the 13[th] May 2010, the trust received permission from the “Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator” (OSCR) to change its name to “Life Church”, and to update its trust deed in line with the model “Assemblies of God” deed currently recommended. This change was ratified at the Annual General Meeting on 27[th] October 2010.

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Recruitment and appointment of new trustees: Appointment and removal of trustees is carried out in accordance with the decisions of the Assembly Council of “Life Church”. The Assembly Council comprises of the leaders of the Assembly whose names are recorded in the Assembly Records. Trustees must first be members of the Assembly to be eligible for appointment as trustees. Trustees are appointed by the Assembly Council in accordance with the governing document.

Induction and training of new trustees: Induction and training of new trustees is carried out by existing trustees as necessary to enable new trustees to effectively perform their duties.

Organisational structure: The main office bearers of the charity are the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer who are members of the Assembly Council. The Senior Pastor is usually the Chairman and is responsible for ensuring that the daily activities of the charity are in accordance with the charity objectives, with salaried staff and unpaid volunteers reporting to him.

Risk Management: The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. It is considered by the Trustees that there is no foreseeable risk where “Life Church” is exposed. The trustees have reviewed the principal risks facing the charity and have established systems and procedures to mitigate those risks. The key risks relate to financial sustainability, property development, health and safety and safeguarding.

Objectives and activities

As set out in the constitution;

The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the statement of faith of the Assemblies of God, as approved by the General Council of the Assemblies of God. This is carried out in various parts of the United Kingdom and internationally, as deemed appropriate by the Assembly Council.

The relief of sickness and financial hardship, along with the promotion and preservation of good health. This is achieved through the provision of funds, goods, or services, including counselling and support, in regions as determined by the Assembly Council. Additionally, the advancement of education is supported in similar ways and regions as considered appropriate.

The pursuit of other charitable purposes that further the attainment of the above objectives or any of them.

During the year, the Charity carried out the following significant activities in pursuit of its objectives:

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These activities align with the Charity’s commitment to advancing the Christian faith, supporting those in need, and fostering a sense of community within the local area and beyond.

Volunteers: Many of the charity’s activities are carried out by unpaid volunteers. The Trustees would like to thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the life of the charity. The Trustees acknowledge that service to the public benefit would not be possible without these volunteers.

Achievements and performance

Fundraising activities: The charity engages in fundraising for specific charitable projects as they arise. In October 2025, the charity was awarded £100,000 from Renfrewshire Council’s Sustainable Communities Fund to support roof repairs at “The Lighthouse” building.

Internal and external facilities: There are no other internal or external factors affecting the performance of the charity.

Financial Review

General review:

Total incoming resources for the year amounted to £132,503 (2024: £141,827). The principal source of income continued to be voluntary donations and offerings from members of the congregation, together with Gift Aid recovered from HMRC. Smaller amounts of income were also received from room hire and bank interest.

Total expenditure for the year amounted to £143,167 (2024: £163,315). Expenditure relates primarily to the ongoing ministry and operational costs of the church, including staffing costs, mission support, building running costs and loan interest associated with the church premises.

As a result, the charity recorded a net deficit for the year of £13,899 (2024: deficit £21,488). The trustees recognise that expenditure exceeded income during the year and continue to monitor costs carefully while seeking to maintain the church’s ministry and outreach activities.

At the balance sheet date the charity held total funds of £277,931 (2024: £287,248). These comprise unrestricted funds of £253,273, which are available for the general purposes of the charity, and restricted funds of £24,658, which are held for specific purposes including the development and improvement of the church premises.

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The charity continues to carry a long-term loan associated with the purchase of the church building, and interest payments on this loan represent a significant element of annual expenditure. The trustees remain committed to managing this liability prudently while continuing the development and use of the church property for ministry and community purposes.

Cash balances at the year end remained adequate to support the ongoing activities of the charity and to meet its financial commitments.

The Trustees are satisfied that the Church remains in a sound financial position. The continued support from the congregation and careful management of resources will enable the Church to fulfil its charitable purposes in the coming year.

The financial effect of significant events: None

Investment policy & objectives set: Objectives for the next financial year are to continue to grow the charity by continuing to engage with volunteers, the community by community events and maintenance of the charity’s assets. Also to relocate all operations to the new venue. The charity invests funds that are excess of short term operational requirements in order to obtain a satisfactory and safe return.

Charities Policy on Reserves: The unrestricted funds represent income earned but not yet utilised in supporting charitable activities. At the 30[th] September 2024, the charity held £154,623 in cash which includes cash proceeds of the building previous owned by the charity. However, the Reserves policy of the charity is that that cash reserves to be held that would cover the value of three months’ worth of running expenses of the charity. The reserves policy is reviewed by the Trustees on a regular basis throughout the year.

Restricted funds: Restricted funds normally relate to short term projects where income is restricted, received and expended within the financial year. Most restricted funds are allocated for building renovations.

Funds in deficit: The long term loan was to partly finance the purchase of the new building at 6-8 High Street, Paisley. The balance of the loan at the end of the financial year after repayments and interest charged was £223,718

Principle Funding sources: The principle funding source of income is from the offerings of the members of “Life Church”.

Going Concern: The trustees have reviewed the charity’s financial position and are satisfied that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Statement of disclosure of the Independent Examination: In so far as the Trustees are aware at the time of approving our Trustee’s annual report, there is no relevant information, being information needed by the Independent Examiner in connection with preparing their report, of which the Independent Examiner is unaware.

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Future Plans

The charity plans to continue to develop its activities in accordance with its objectives.

The Church is planning to renovate the new building at 6-8 High Street, Paisley in stages; the first stage being refurbishing the ground floor as a place of worship. In the interim, the church is currently renting another premises in Paisley. Despite the change of premises, the Church continues to function with its significant activities.

Factors likely to affect financial performance or position going forward: The most significant factors will be the cost of renovations. Currently, the church is awaiting significant funding approvals to enable the commencement of major renovation works on the Lighthouse property. In the interim, there is a plan to make the ground floor useable as a place of worship.

The Trustees believe that this report is a fair, balanced and an understandable review of the charity’s structure, legal purposes, objectives and activities, financial performance & financial position.

Approved by order of the board of trustees, and signed on its behalf by:

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Independent Examiner’s Report For the Financial Period ended on 30[th] September 2025

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30[th] September 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 19.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Auditors

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (a) to (c) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of audit opinion

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations

Have not been met, or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 2/4/2026

Peter Hall FCPA MCSI Fellow Certified Public Accountant UK 10227712A Peter Hall Finance & Accounting Solutions

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Life Church

Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 30[th] September 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Notes
funds funds funds period
2025 total
funds
2024
£ £ £ £
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntary income 105,140
18,825		 123,965 134,666 2
Activities for generating funds 3
Investment income 4,633 4,633 2,717 4
Other incoming resources 3,905 3,905 4,443
Total incoming resources 113,678 18,825 132,503 141,826
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable activities
Building running costs 2,470 2,470 1,650
Catering department 645 645 121
Depreciation 1,078
Interest paid 20,748 20,748 21,091
Local events & outreach 3,831 3,831 5,114
Loss on sale of assets 3,234 3,234
Ministry costs 6,140 45,162 51,302 73,455
Office costs 21,192 21,192 14,548
Overseas mission support 13,230 13,230 9,465
Pensions 1,532 1,532 2,118
Preaching Costs 200 200
Rent 6,955 6,955 6,533
Social Security 190 190 174
Sundries 213 213 85
Training 526 526 675
Wages 1,322 1,322 1,171
Governance costs 3,532 3,532 4,297 5
Other resources expended 15,270 15,270 21,671
______ _____ _____ _____
Total resources expended 101,240 45,162 146,402 163,316
______ _____ _____ _____
NET INCOMING RESOURCES
BEFORE TRANSFERS 12,438 (26,337) (13,899) (21,490)

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These notes form part of the financial statements

Gross transfers between funds
New incoming/(outgoing) resources
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds bought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
 -
_
12,438
236,251
____
248,689
=====
 -
__
(26,337)
50,997
____
24,661
=====		 __
(13,899)
287,248
____
273,350
=====		 12
__
(21,490)
308,737
____
287,248
=====

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

All incoming resources and resources expended arise from continuing activities

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Life Church

BALANCE SHEET AT 30[th] September 2025

BALANCE SHEET
AT 30th September 2025
2025 2024
£ £
NON CURRENT ASSETS
Tangible assets 285,000 288,237 8
Goodwill on Building 57,376 59,981
______ ______
342,376 348,218
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 25,640 10,695 9
Cash 132,652 154,623
______ ______
158,292 165,318
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year (3,600) (765) 10
__ __
NET CURRENT ASSETS 154,692 164,553
_ _
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 497,068 512,771
__ __
Amounts falling due after one year
 (223,718) (225,523)
NET ASSETS 273,350 287,248
===== =====
FUNDS
Unrestricted 248,689 236,251 12
Restricted 24,661 50,997
TOTAL FUNDS 273,350 287,248
These notes form part of the financial statements

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 27/3/2026 And were signed on its behalf by;

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Life Church

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30[th] SEPTEMBER 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the Year.

Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, the charities and Trustee investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by charities.

Financial reporting standard number 1

Exemption has been taken from preparing a cash flow statement on the grounds that the charity qualifies as a small charity.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included under Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount quantified with reasonable accuracy. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income.

Voluntary income is received by way of donations and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.

Investment income is included when receivable.

Resources expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs directly incurred by the charity in delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional in statutory requirements of the charity.

Other resources expended comprise support costs for central functions that you might be allocated directly to the individual charitable activities.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Fixtures & fittings: 25%

Tenant’s improvements: Straight line over 7 years

Fixtures and fittings are capitalised at cost subject to a £500 de minimus.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30[th] SEPTEMBER 2025

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes, within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other time and benefits

The charity operates the defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the Charity’s pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

2. VOLUNTARY INCOME

Voluntary income mainly comprises income received by the Assembly from weekly offerings

Income for restricted funds generally arises through donations being received for specific projects.

Offerings
Grants
Tax recovered on Gift Aid		 Unrestricted
Restricted 2025
2024
£
£
£
£
84,243
18,825 103,068
115,340
20,897
20,897
19,326
105,140
18,825 123,965
134,666

3. ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS

£ £
Letting income 2,640 -
4. INVESTMENT INCOME
£ £
Deposit account interest 1,993 2,717

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5. FINANCE & GOVERNANCE COSTS

5. FINANCE & GOVERNANCE COSTS
Accountancy
Amortisation of Goodwill
Interest paid
Leadership Team
Legal		 2025
2024
£
£
924
924
2,608
2,608
20,748
21,091
-
765
24,280
25,388

Scrutiny costs payable to the independent Examiner on 30th September 2025 amounted to £500 (£500 in 2024).

6. TRUSTEE'S REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

The following trustees received a salary from the charity:

6. TRUSTEE'S REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
The following trustees received a salary from the charity:
2025 2024
£ £
Pastors/Trustees 15,270 21,671
The following trustees benefited from pension costs paid by the charity:
Pastors/Trustees 1,532 2,188

Trustee expenses

During the year ended 30th September 2025, total amount trustees were re-imbursed for travel expenses and business calls was £285.30. (nil in 2023)

7. STAFF COSTS

7. STAFF COSTS
Wages & Salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Charitable activities		 2025
2024
£
£
16,602
22,842
190
174
1,532
2,188
18,324
25,204

2025
2024
2
2

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No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30[th] SEPTEMBER 2025

8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 October 2024
Additions (new building)
Less: Assets disposed in the year
At 30 September 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2024
Fixtures & Fittings
Charge for the year
Less: disposed in the year
At 30 September 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2025
At 30 September 2023
9. DEBTORS
Gift Aid
Accrued QS fees
Payroll balance
Street Connect Rent
10. CREDITORS
Other creditors		 Fixtures and fittings
£
290,750
5,750
__
285,000
2,513
2,513
____
-
285,000
=====
288,237
=====
2025
2024
8,887
10,695
15,859
183
720
25,640
-
£
£
3,600
765

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30[th] SEPTEMBER 2025

11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities		 2025
2024
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
Total
funds
£
£
306,726
35,650
342,376
348,218
169,283
(10,992)
158,291
165,320
(3,600)
(3,600)
(765)
(223,718)
(223,718) (225,523)
248,689
24,661
273,350
287,248

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Building fund
Buy-a-pane
Restricted Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1/10/24
Net
movement
in funds
Transfers
between
funds
Gains
Losses
At
1/10/25
£
£
£
£
236,253
15,674
(3,234)
248,693
44,612
(26,401)
18,211
6,234
6,234
149
64
213
50,995
(26,337)
24,658
287,248
(10,663)
-
273,350

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30[th] SEPTEMBER 2025

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows;

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Building Fund
Restricted Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Movement
in funds
£
£
£
112,174
(96,500)
15,674
18,761
(45,162)
(26,401)
1,569
(1,505)
64
20,330
(46,667)
(26,337)
132,504
(143,167)
(10,663)

Restricted funds

Restricted funds are funds designated for specific purposes as follows;

The Building fund relates to funds for the capital purchase of a building.

13. PENSION COMMITMENTS

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the "Statement of Financial Activities" in the period to which they Relate. At 30th September 2025, there was nil owed to the pension scheme. (2025 Nil).

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DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30[th] SEPTEMBER 2025

INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary Income
General Offerings
Donations
Gift Aid
Activities for generating funds
Letting income
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Other incoming resources
Sundry receipts
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable activities
Building running costs
Catering department
Depreciation
Local events & outreach
Ministry costs
Office costs
Overseas mission support
Pensions
Preachers
Rent
Social security
Sundries
Training
Wages		 2025
2024
£
£
43,435
62,222
59,633
53,118
20,897
19,326
123,965
134,666
2,640
1,993
2,717
3,905
4,443
132,503
141,826
2,470
1,650
645
121
1,078
3,831
5,114
51,302
73,455
21,192
14,548
13,230
9,465
1,532
2,118
200
6,955
6,533
190
174
213
85
526
675
1,332
1,171
103,618
116,257

This page does not form part of the statutory accounts financial statements

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Governance costs
Accountancy
Amortisation of Goodwill
Leadership Team
Finance Costs
Interest paid
Other resources expended
Trustee's salaries
Loss on sale of Asset
Total resources expended
Net Income		 924
924
2,608
2,608
765
3,532
4,297
20,748
21,091
15,270
21,671
3,234
18,504
21,671
146,402
163,316
(13,899)
(21,490)

This page does not form part of the statutory accounts financial statements

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