The Potters House
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 December 2025
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
THE POTTER'S HOUSE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE 9 Clerkland Road, Stewarton, KA3 5ES GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution dated 24 February 2019 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER SC033482 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Mr Gary Breaks MANAGING THE CHARITY Mr Anthony Allan (resigned 30 April 2025) Mr Joe Adams Janet Houstoun (appointed 1 May 2025) Fraser McDougall (appointed 1 May 2025) BANKERS Bank of Scotland INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal and Administrative Details Pages 2-6 Trustees' Report Page 7 Independent Examiner's Report Page 8 Receipts and Payments Account Page 9 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 10-11 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
THE POTTER’S HOUSE
Scottish Charity Number SC 033482
In Association with the Scottish Regional Council of Assemblies of God in Great Britain and Ireland
Registered Office Address: 9 Clerkland Road, Stewarton, Ayrshire, KA3 5ES, Scotland Telephone: 01560 428162 Email: potterschurchmail@gmail.com
Annual Report for the year ending 31 December 2025
To be presented by Gary Breaks (Chairman) at the Annual General Meeting.
The Potter’s House is an unincorporated association, constituted on 23[rd] January 2003. The Church is administered in accordance with the Church’s governing constitution. The management of the Assembly is vested in the Assembly Council consisting of the Minister (Chairman), Treasurer and other elected leaders. The Assembly Council oversees and manages all the formal processes of the Church. Authority to lead departments is delegated to other leaders within the Assembly. The annual report of the activities of the Potter’s House during its tax year is given at its Annual General Meeting in January or as soon as possible thereafter.
Recruitment and Appointment of Assembly Council Members
The Assembly Council meets at least four times each year. The following members served in the Assembly Council for the year:
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Gary Breaks (Chairman) 1 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025
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Anthony Allan (Treasurer) 1 Jan 2025 – 30 April 2025
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Joe Adams (Member) 1 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025
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Janet Houstoun (Treasurer) 1 May 2025 – 31 Dec 2025
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Fraser McDougall (Member) 1 May 2025 – 31 Dec 2025
Should a vacancy exist on the Assembly Council, the Assembly Council will recruit a new member to fill the vacancy. In addition to our Assembly Council members, we have the AOG denomination that we are part of who we can consult whenever we need additional help. In 2025 we divided our Assembly Council into two groups – A Financial Team and a Senior Leadership Team. Janet, Gary and Joe serve on the Finance Team and Gary, Joe and Fraser serve on the SLT team together with their wives.
Objectives
The objectives of the Church as outlined in its constitution are:
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To advance the Christian Faith in such parts of the United Kingdom, or the world as the Assembly Council may, from time to time think fit.
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To relieve sickness and financial hardship, and to promote and preserve good health through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world, as the Assembly Council, from time to time thinks fit, and to advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time, thinks fit.
In practical terms, this means Potter’s House is committed to the spiritual, mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing of everyone – both members of the church and also members of the public. Through our work, we endeavor to help people experience personal transformation so that they can better carry their responsibilities in their homes and in society.
Page 2
Summary of Achievements in 2025
FORWARD BY GARY BREAKS – PASTOR/CHAIRMAN
In this report, we want to not only give a record of our financial stewardship but report on our activities in the year. 2025 was a very challenging year for us as a church. Sadly, we lost a number of members who moved on to other churches. But, despite that, the ongoing dedication, generosity and sacrifices of our trustees, volunteers, and congregation still shone brightly through the year and we have a lot to be grateful for. Thank you to everyone for your acts of support, sacrifice, love and care for one another that made up much for the year’s journey. In this report, I will outline some of our activities in the year.
ASSEMBLY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS
Our thanks to Anthony Allan for his excellent service as Treasurer. Anthony stepped down in April and Janet volunteered to take on the role of Treasurer. In addition, Fraser and Joe also agreed to stand as Elders in the Church for which we are very grateful. Joe currently serves as
EXTERNAL ADVISORS
During the year Michael Rollo, Jim smith and Iain Duthie, members of the AOG Scotland Senior Leadership Team gave of their time to support the church through counsel and advice. Michael Rollo has been an advisor to Gary for many years. We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to them for their help.
TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
The Potter’s House as a registered Charity has to comply with Charity regulations. The Trustees have to look after the charity’s assets and responsible for making sure that the charity fulfils its charitable purposes which are set out in the Constitution. To do that, they have to do what is best for the charity and its beneficiaries. Trustees have to ensure that the charity's assets are used to advance its charitable purposes and when making plans, the charity trustees must make sure that any decisions or actions fit with the purposes and powers set out in the Constitution. As charity trustees, we all have to work together to make sure the charity is run properly, responsibly and lawfully. Our Trustees have to know what assets the charity has and understand any restrictions on how money can be spent. They must also ensure that clear financial records are kept and that the charity has enough money to pay staff and other costs. Trustees also have to make sure that any staff are treated properly and fairly. At the end of every financial year, our Trustees, we have to prepare financial statements for the year and a report on its activities during the year. These financial accounts then have to be independently examined and a copy sent along with the annual return, to the Scottish Charity Regulator.
SAFEGUARDING
Our thanks go to our Safeguarding team for their work in 2025. The purpose of the Safeguarding Advisory Group is to provide support and advice on general matters concerning the church’s duties to protect children and protected adults and to undertake appropriate follow-up to any incidents of concern. The group meets twice a year and aims to update the church Safeguarding Policy on any new legislation from Disclosure Scotland and Volunteer Scotland. The 6 volunteers who staff these two departments all have professional experience working with children and vulnerable adults. Thank you to our volunteers for their service in this area during 2025.
BAPTISMS
We had 11 people baptized this year which was a highlight of the year.
SUNDAY SERVICES
We had some disruption to our Sunday services this year and had to move out of the Area Centre for a few months. Thankfully, we were able to return, and we are thankful for the service given to us by the staff of the Centre. Our Sunday services are staffed by an incredible team of volunteers who serve across 11 different teams, all for the purpose of enabling people to meet for mutual encouragement and support. We are very grateful to all our volunteers in these teams for their devotion. The service they provide is outstanding and we simply could not function without them.
Page 3
CRECHE REPORT
Crèche numbers vary each week, with around four children aged 2–4 on average. Each session includes free play, a Bible story, and a simple craft or activity. We rotate toys, books, ride-ons, playdoh, and craft supplies each week to keep things fun. A big thank you to everyone who helps make crèche a happy and safe place every week.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH REPORT
Children’s Church continues to be a positive and encouraging space for our young people, with around 10 children regularly attending, spanning the general age range of 5–9 years. This group brings a variety of personalities, learning styles, and developmental needs, and we seek to support these through structured teaching, creativity, and strong relational connection. Each session begins with a time of sharing news and prayer, giving the children an opportunity to talk about their week, support one another, and bring their joys and concerns before God. This time has become an important foundation for the group, helping to foster a sense of belonging and care. We are encouraged to see the children developing strong relationships with one another, growing in friendship, confidence, and mutual encouragement. We continue to use The Biggest Story Curriculum, working through Scripture chronologically. Over the past period, the children have explored: The Pentateuch, learning about God’s creation, covenant, and law. The Historical Books, seeing God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s story. We are now studying the Prophets, introducing themes of repentance, hope, and God’s promises. To support different learning styles and maintain engagement, we incorporate Christian music and age-appropriate Christian podcasts and audio resources alongside teaching and discussion. Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where children grow not only in biblical understanding but also in faith, relationships, and confidence within the church family. We are thankful for their enthusiasm and for the support of parents and the wider church community.
MID-WEEK ADULT GROUPS
We had 4 mid-week groups running through the year, which meet to foster supportive relationships and spiritual growth:
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A Tuesday morning group with around with over 20 in attendance. Habakkuk and Philippians were studied during the year with some very positive feedback. Thanks to Brian and Annie for leading the group for most of the year.
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A Young Adults group meeting weekly in the evening led by Mark and Jonathan. On average, 8 come to the study. At the moment, one-off studies from Cru bible studies are being used, which work better during this time as there are less people and less preparation required. Those that come are enjoying it, and are finding it helpful for life. The format of the group is worship, study, then prayer time at the end. During the year we studies 2 books one on God and one on relationships and in the summer we did some one-off studies.
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A Thursday Connect Group meeting in the evening every two weeks. There are 9 members but about 4 or 5 meet regularly and others attend when work permits. Our first study of 1&2 Peter and Jude was excellent. We were reminded that we are separate from the world, chosen by the sanctifying work of the Spirit and called to be different. November saw us begin a study in Acts. There are 24 studies so it might take us a while!
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A Monday evening group for new Christians with around 6 in attendance. The group studied Grow Book 1 and Grow book 2 which provide foundations for a sound faith.
Thank you to everyone who attends these groups and to those who host and lead them.
COMMUNITY LARDER
Our Community Larder opened 5 years ago in February 2021 as part of the church outreach to the community to help people who were struggling with the cost of living. The Community Larder was initially set up to help people on low incomes or recovering from crisis by offering dignity and choice of food at a greatly reduce cost and a small yearly membership fee. The larder is now not only a place to access food but a place where people can meet, chat and make new friends. Over the last year we have celebrated, Easter, Mothers and Father’s Day, Peoples birthdays, Christmas afternoon tea with gifts for the children. We have 196 members. Each week we average 40 families who use the larder on a regular basis. The Larder is open every Saturday from 10 – 12noon and staffed by volunteer members of the church.
Page 4
CHRISTMAS FOOD HAMPERS
This year, as a church, we had the privilege of providing 41 gifts to families within our local area. We received a lot of requests from our 2 primary schools this year (24 in total). The head teachers voiced their thanks to all involved in providing the gifts and were very appreciative of the support from the church. We received names from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) clients and also people who use the weekly larder in Stewarton. This year, people from our church provided the £30 Aldi gift voucher and a selection box for each child/teenager, and for the families with no children, a £30 Aldi gift voucher and a wrapped box of chocolates so each family had a gift to unwrap from us at Christmas. A Christmas card and an invite to our Christmas services were also included alongside each gift. We changed from a gift bag of food to a voucher this year as we thought it would give more choice and dignity to those receiving the gifts. We heard back from folks delivering the gifts that the families expressed their thanks for the extra support offered at this busy and expensive time of year. We are very thankful for the amazing generosity and effort from all the church members, whether it was providing the gifts, helping wrap them and also for those who helped deliver the gifts to the families. In conclusion, everyone plays a part and as a team, we are thankful to show God’s love and care for families in our local area again this year.
HANOVER PROJECT
Hanover Re-cycle Project is a small- table bric-a-brac project which raises funds for Larder. To date we have raised £7,866 and looking forward to £8,000 soon. The project is always happy to receive small items for recycle. Thank you to Janie for this remarkable service. In addition, Janie also oversaw delivery of a Christmas gift to all the Hanover residents. These were gratefully received with several residents expressing their thanks.
CAP DEBT CENTRE
This year we continued our partnership with the CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Ayrshire Debt Centre. The Debt Centre offers free, professional debt counselling to any member of the public struggling with debt and they stand with them until they are debt free. This is an incredible service, and we are honoured to be involved. Not only do we support the Centre financially, but we also provided Christmas food hampers to clients in our local area.
CAP MONEY COACHING
Elaine Adams is now serving as the CAP Money Coaching Coordinator for the local CAP Debt Centre. This role provides an opportunity to support individuals and families in developing practical financial skills, promoting good stewardship, and offering hope through both practical and relational engagement within the community. As part of this wider work, she delivered assemblies to P1–3 and P4–7 pupils at the local primary school in Stewarton, focusing on themes of gratitude and contentment. These sessions explored positive attitudes towards money and possessions, encouraging children to reflect on thankfulness, wise choices, and valuing what they have. In addition, Elaine delivered longer, more detailed inputs with the P7 classes, allowing for deeper discussion around financial awareness and preparation for the transition to secondary school. We intend for this partnership with the school to continue and hope to deliver these sessions on an annual basis going forward. Elaine also had the opportunity to deliver inputs to a group at East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action (EACHA), contributing to their ongoing work.
TEARFUND QUIZ
Tearfund is a UK-based Christian relief and development agency charity with over 50 years of experience in international development. It is dedicated to eradicating poverty by working directly, alongside local partners and churches, in underserved communities in more than 50 countries. Each year Tearfund run a quiz to raise funds. On the 15th November 2025, in a joint venture with The Community Larder and the Church, a quiz afternoon was held. The quiz was free, but people gave an amazing £305 in donations to support the work of Tearfund. The feedback from the people who attended was very positive. They enjoyed meeting new people and taking part in the quiz.
SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES
During 2025 Gary continued his involvement in the two local primary schools and was a regular visitor to the school assemblies where he spoke to the children about faith values for living life well.
Page 5
FINANCES
2025 remained a positive year for the Church, financially, thanks to the generosity of our members. A surplus similar to the previous year remained in our main operating account and healthy financial balances were recorded across all of our departments leaving them all in a stable financial position. Our thanks go to our Finance team of Anthony, Joe and Janet for their oversight and wise counsel through the year. Our finance team meet at least 4 times a year to review Church finances. In addition, we have regular communication as a team whenever financial considerations crop up and decisions need to be made. Thank you too, to Janice, for her day-to-day work with counting the collections for the church and the Larder and for banking. The church’s finances across all its operations are managed with diligence and integrity by our finance team and we are very grateful to them.
During the year income decreased by £5,436 to £115,192 and expenditure increased by £6,633 to £107,967. As a result, the cash held by the charity increased by £7,225 to £158,132 of which £55,650 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose.
RESERVES POLICY
The trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £20,000 (which equates to about 3 months of unrestricted expenditure) so that the charity could continue to operate should income and/or expenditure vary adversely. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £55,650 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.
SIGNED Gar Gary Breaks y Breaks (Mar 27, 2026 09:51:20 GMT) DATE Mar 27, 2026 Gary Breaks - CHAIRMAN
Page 6
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
THE POTTER'S HOUSE
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Potter's House ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2025 on pages 8 to 11 following.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
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 (as amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) 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 independent examiner’s statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. 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 view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
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1 - which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
have not been met, or
2 - to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Crispin ACA
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date:
Page 7
THE POTTER'S HOUSE
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Notes Income receipts Donations Gift aid receipts Grants Income from charitable activities Bank interest Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Grants and donations |
General Designated Funds Funds £ £ 66,820 - 14,945 - - - - - 1,197 82,962 - 84,042 - - - 84,042 - 1,080 - - - 1,080 - 56,729 - 55,650 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ 5,990 432 9,325 12,666 3,816 32,230 19,946 3,980 23,926 8,304 - 8,304 94,177 102,482 |
Total 2025 £ 72,810 15,377 9,325 12,666 5,013 115,192 103,987 3,980 107,967 7,224 - 7,224 150,907 158,132 |
Total 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Funds £ 66,820 14,945 - - 1,197 82,962 84,042 - 84,042 1,080 - 1,080 56,729 55,650 |
|||||
| 91,563 12,433 3,500 12,707 425 |
|||||
| 120,628 | |||||
| 98,349 2,985 |
|||||
| 101,334 | |||||
| - | 19,293 - |
||||
| - | 19,293 131,613 |
||||
| 150,907 |
The notes on pages 10-11 form part of these accounts.
Page 8
THE POTTER'S HOUSE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity Other debtors C Liabilities Falling due within one year: HMRC Pensions Fee for Independent Examination Accrued expenses Total D Assets retained for charity's own use Music and PA equipment |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 55,650 - 55,650 - 12,095 - - - 12,095 - - 1,080 - 1,380 - - - 2,460 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 102,482 102,482 88 - 88 - - - - Fund to which asset belongs |
Total 2025 £ 158,132 158,132 12,183 - 12,183 - 1,080 1,380 - 2,460 Value 2025 £ 1,656 1,656 |
Total 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150,907 | ||||
| 150,907 |
||||
| 14,880 - |
||||
| 14,880 | ||||
| 630 1,004 1,075 1,070 |
||||
| 3,779 |
||||
| Value 2024 £ |
||||
| 3,334 | ||||
| 3,334 |
These are being valued at original cost less a reduction for impairment of value due to use (depreciation).
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
by Gary Breaks (Mar 27, 2026 09:51:20 GMT) Gary Breaks date Mar 27, 2026 _____ _____
Gary Breaks
Page 9
THE POTTER'S HOUSE
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Salaries and pensions Youth and children's work Equipment Office and administration Catering Facilities Hire Fees Insurance & Licenses Community Larder expenses Guest speakers Other costs 3 Grants and donations paid to others Organisations: CAP - Debt Counselling Charity Individuals: Legal fees, hardship grants, food hampers |
Unrestrict | Designated funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ed Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - 150 - - - - - - 19,796 - - 19,946 1,200 2,780 3,980 |
Total 2025 £ 58,245 476 1,126 6,934 1,304 8,872 3,016 1,098 19,796 1,316 1,804 103,987 1,200 2,780 3,980 |
Total 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 58,245 326 1,126 6,934 1,304 8,872 3,016 1,098 - 1,316 1,804 84,042 - - - |
||||||
| 49,556 940 5,067 7,443 1,763 9,098 2,910 749 18,566 375 1,882 |
||||||
| 98,349 | ||||||
| 1,200 1,785 |
||||||
| 2,985 |
4 Transactions with related parties
Gary Breaks and Hazel Breaks served as church leaders and were paid £39,118 (2024: £32,160) and £14,918 (2024: £14,184) respectively for serving in that capacity, not for serving as trustees. In addition £1,016 (2024: £1,016) was paid for pension contributions. These payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
Page 10
THE POTTER'S HOUSE
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 5 Movement of funds General funds Restricted funds Fund 1 - Youth Camp Fund 2 - Community Larder Fund 3 - Building Fund Fund 4 - Youth Mission Fund Fund 5 - CAP Debt Counselling Fund 6 - Compassion Fund Fund 7 - Hampers Fund Fund 8 - Building Fund Total funds |
Opening balance £ 56,730 56,730 7,678 16,660 48,887 150 5,015 4,717 - 11,070 94,177 150,907 |
Receipts £ 82,962 82,962 343 26,236 3,584 - 190 1,877 - - 32,230 115,192 |
Payments £ (84,042) (84,042) - (19,796) - (150) (1,200) (2,780) - - (23,926) (107,967) |
Transfers £ - - - - - - - - - - |
Closing balance £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55,650 | |||||
| 55,650 | |||||
| 8,021 23,100 52,471 - 4,005 3,815 - 11,070 |
|||||
| 102,482 | |||||
| 158,132 |
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