Scottish Charity No.SC046532 Covenant Church, Newmilns Free Church of Scotland Trustees, Report and Financial Statements Foi the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Contents of the Trustees, Report and Financial Ststements lyear-end 3111212024) Page Church Information Report of the Trustees Report of the Independent Examiner Receipts and Payments Account Statement of Balances Notes to the Accounts Notes to the financial statements 10 Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Church Infomiation A list of active Trustees dunng 2024 is provKled in the Trustees, Report on Page 3. Website: ovenantchurch.scot Bankers Royal Bank of Scotland 96 John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock K41 1NY Sollcitors Balfour & Manson (Solicitors to the Free Church of Scolland) 54-68 Frederick St Edinburgh EH21LS min Pasell Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Report of the Trustees The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024. Statu5 of Charlty and Governlng Document Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) is established by constitution. It is a registered Scotlish Charity (No. SC046532). Aims and Affiliation Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) is a congregation of the Free Church of Scotland working towards the common aims set out below. It is Presbyteri8n church adhering in its worship and doctrine to the posilion of the Church of Scotland at the Reformation. The Free Church of Scotland has an explanatory document which explains the origins of the Church and which gives the historical background to the Church comin9 into being in 1843 and lists documents in which is embodied the constitution of the Church. The document is available on request from the Free Church of Scotland, 15 North Bank St.. The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS. The Free Church of Scotland currently has over 100 congregations in Srxltland, as well as one in London and four in North America. and sister Churches founded by mission work in India, Peru and South AfricA. The Church also has 8 seminary in Edinburgh for the training of ministers and other Christon workers and sustains an extensive missionary programme relative to the size of the church. The principal activity of the Church is the conduct of public worship and assoaated matters in the coniert of I￿81 congregations. Dating from 1843 but with its roots in the Reformation, the Free Church of Scotland owes its distinctive title lo ils historical struggle to remain 'free' from state interference in its internal affairs. 11 has close and active relations with many other Reformed churches of Jesus Christ throughout the world and slands firmly in the tradition which a￿pt$ the Bible in ils entirely as the Word of God and, therefore, derives its fomis of teaching, worship, ministry and government from it The main emphasis of our worship is the preaching of the gospel - Ihe goocl news of a free and sovereign satvation through Jesus Christ alone. The congregats'on of Covenant Church (also known as Covenant Church, Newmilns) aims to maintain the public worship of God and to foster Christian fellowship,. to evangelise the local area by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, to exercise pastoral care and practical compassion for those in need: to uphold and further the interèsts of the Free Church of Scotland, and to participate in the worldwide promotion of Chnslian fellowship and the advancement of the Chnstian faith. All the business and proceedings of the Congregation shall be conducted in accordance wth the constitution of the Free Church of Scotland, under the supervision of the Presbytery of the tK)unds. and in terms Page12 Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Report of the Trustees of the Acts, deliverances or directws of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland. The congregation Is authonsed by the Church to have a minister paia from central funds of the Church. The minister's manse Is the property of the congregatson and Is held under the Church's model trust deed Tnjstees and Office Bearers The congregation is governed and administered by elected Offi￿ bearers {aS1 volunteers) and its minister. The Kirk Session, being the minister and elected elders, has responsibility for spiritual oversight. while the Deacons, Court. composed of Kirk Session members plus elected deacons, oversees financjal and property matters. Under Charily Law. the Deacons, Court are deemed to be the trustees of the congregation as those with responsibility for day-tctrday management and control. This is distinct from the role of property (congregational) trustees who are responsible only for holding property in trust. The members of the Deacons. Court (the Trustees) served during the year were as follows.. ns, Cou The Congregational Trustees who served during the year were as follows: Con ational Tnratees For holding Property All members of the Deacons. Court {a$ listed above). Trgasuror erved as TreasU￿r from 18 August 2020 untsl 07 May 2024 as appoinled Treasurer on 07 May 2024. The Treasurer is not a Trustee. Appointment of Charity Trustees The Kirk Session exercises its discretion in detennining the most appropriate method of electing new Trustees (Elders and Deacons). Any election Pr￿esS must involve the cornmunicant membership of the congregalion. There is no fixed term for Trusteeship. Prior to their 8pp)intment, new Trustees would have served the Church for some time in vanous roles and would be familiar with the Church's values. its aims and objectives as well as its day-to-day operations. As pan of their induction programme, new Trustees are required to understand their statutory fesF()nsibilities as well as the responsibilities of their office wthin the congregation as elder or deacon. PAsye I Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Report of the Trustees Activities and Achievements During the year, the congregation met regularly for public worship and carried OLrt vanous activities in Dursuit of the above stated 2ims The congr@g2tion normally maotg in the Morton Hall, Nevrnilns- renting use of the Morton Halls from East Ayrshire Leisure- for Public Worship on the Lord's Day. During periods when the Morton Hall is temporarily not available. e g , refurbishment or dOSu￿ for repairs, the congregation meet in Darvel Town Hall (another property of East Ayrshire Leisure) in the neighbouring village. The congregation continu8S to support the provision of one of the Sunday aftemoon services each month in two local care homes. The congregalion conlinued to meet on Sunday for Public Worship, almost aKv8yS having both a morning and an evening service. We continued to utilise Facebook live broadcasts of moming and evening worship for those who. for various reasons. were unable to attend in-person and to reach out to those who may not, at least initially, want to join a church service in-person. The church prayer meeting continued fortnightly in general and weekly during the surnmer holiday penod. We nonnally m&t in the Newmilns CHaT Hub and use the Zoom platforrn to enable participation In the devotions and prayer time by those unable to 8ttend in-person. The congregation has three Connect Groups groups meet in-person wth a third group continuing to use Zoom technology to function as an on-line Connect group. The purpose of the Connect groups are to connect with one another in fellowship around the word of God as part of connecting with God and growing our ￿lationShipS with God and with one anolher. The connections between the local community and the church congregation continue to develop and strengthen. The congregation actively supports the provision of a 'warm w8lcom8' community hub. cooking classes, and local foodbanks. This has involved people from the congregalion volunleenng in various ways andlor the provision of financial assistance to support these activities which are supporting people in our communities One of the elders from the C(￿gregat￿n Is actively involved with the local Darvel Football Club as their chaplain. In August 2024, prior lo the start of the new school year, the congregation delivered a holiday club for primary school age children. The holiday club was called 'Deep Sea Divers, linking wth the theme of exploring the depths of faith in an age-appropnate way. The bible teaching was drawn from the four Gospels focusing on Jesus. October 2024 saw the COng￿atIOn host a live theatrical perf0rrnan￿ of 'Eric Liddell.. The Chanot of Fire" (by the Searchlight Theatre Company) to engage with the communily and share the story of Eric Liddell and his faith in Jesus as part of community outreach. It was encouraging to see about 120 people trom across the local community enjoying the performance and slaying for infomial chat over tea. coffee and cakes. Page14 Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Report of th• Trustees The carol service was held in the Morton Hall on 08 December. MO￿ than 180 people attended. It was encouraging to welcome people from across the community, some of whom have no regular connections with any church. we were also pleased to welcome people from other churches in our communities too. The seprfice included traditional and modern caro15, sollgs from Hope Cholr. aGtlon song froffl chlldren's Ghurch. blble readings and messages from God's word to encourage and challenge everyone to worship Christ the Son of God who 6 Imrnanuèl. The majority Of ttM)Sè aitending stsyed after the service for a time of infomial fellowship with minco pies and other favourites on offer. Throughout the year the congregation continued its (xmnmitrnent to support the National Frèe Church of Scotl8nd both spiritually end financially. In addition to the support of th8 Nalional Fre8 Church of Scotland the congregation has continued to supwrt the folk)wing agr88d missK>n partners- providing regular prayer and, ble, financial supwL in Spain and hom6 assignmenustudy (UFM) Children for Christ Romania) os, Nigeria (SIM) lasgow (Asian Outreach) SU Scotland A rshire and Gowanbank rance {WEC) Sheknnah Evangelical Church and Bhaktapur Theological Seminary, Nepal A summary of &gnfficant highlights, events and developments of note in the year include the following: In relation to ry>ngregatlonal acllvttlas: The provision of public worship services induding the p￿achIng of God's word. The continuation of broadcasting worship services on Facebook to facilitate th8 continuation of public worship, preaching of the word, prayer and fellowship to support the engagement of those unable to attend publiG vnrship in-person arKI reach others not yet attending in-person. The Connect Groups meeting, in-person and on-line. to study God's word and grow in our ￿lationshipS with God and with on8 anoth8r. The provision of Children's Church as part of moming worship seNices. The delivery of a holiday dl￿ for primary school aged Ch￿dren in August as part of community outreach and activity. The hosting of a live theatrical perfonnance of The Chariot of Fir8" (by the Searchli ht Theatr& Company) to engage wilh the wmmunily and share the story of and his fatth in Jesus as part of community outreach. The holding of a Carol Ser¥ice to Worship G(¥J and share with the. community the Gospel message of Good News at Christmas. The commencement of a Minister in Training wilhln the congregation. The joining into membership of the congregation by three people during the year. induding on8 by profession of faith. Pa8e15 Covenant Church. Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Report of the Trustees In relation to cangrngatlonal fundlng: The Trustees record their grateful thanks to Go(J for His gracious provision. Despite continued cost of living presSu￿S on the people of the corore9ation and wider society, it has been a privilege to see the provision of God for His people through: A steady provision of donations from church members via weekly offerings and Gift Aid donations. Sustained participation by church members in the Gift Abd scheme. Sustained usage of giving by stsrKling order. Donations and other income received increased fr(xn £79,714.53 (2023) to £85,424.27 {2024), having previously decreased from £86,618.80 (2022). Payments for the year were £89,612.33. increased from £79.098.55 in 2023 and £80,198.87 in 2022. These payments include the contribution to Free Church of Scotland Central Funds of £44.904.00; increased from £41.300.00 in 2023 and from £40.000.01 (2022). From the Free Church of Scotland Central Funds. the cost of the minsters stipend and pension are met as well as other activity of th8 Free Church of Scotland. Financial support given to our rni&s1￿ partners and other Gauses was £4.174.70', d8crassed from £7,403.79 (2023) and £7.807.50 (2022). Reserves Rgsufts for the y￿r As a result of a deficit for the year of £4,188.06 (following a small surplus of £615.98 in 2023 and a surplus of £6,419.93 in 2022) the church held funds amounting to £24,562.57 at 31 December 2024, of which £23,964.10 were unrestricted funds. This represents a decrease of funds held from £28,750.63 at 31 December 2023 (of which £28,182,16 were unrestricted funds). The trustees are satisfied with the l•v81 of reserves retained by the charity. On behalf of the Trustees: Pa8e16 Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Report of the Independent Examiner to the Trustees for the year ended 37 Decemb8r2024 I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on page 8, along wth the notes on pages 9 and 10. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's twstees are responsible for Ihe preparation of the accounts in accordance with the tefms of the Charities and Truslee Investment (Scotlandl Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The tharity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations d￿$ not apply. It is my respJnsibility to examine the accounts a5 required und8r section 44(1) (c) of th8 Act and to stsle whether p8rticular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs statement My examinalion is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2006. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the chanty and a comparison of the accounts presented wth those records It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees conceming 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. Inde￿ndent Examln•rs' Statement In the course of my examination, no rnatter has C￿me to my atlention 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any matarial respe￿ 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 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. attenlion should te drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Name.. Date.. Address.. Page 7 Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 37 December 2024 (ndvAVrt Tcoi Tirt*201) 19,511 16 9111oiwthe*ry& Oiber 6￿￿￿T￿A￿*VDd lrt•r¢sf 15SM&20 rs%TrBC¢I f3560L Ell 822é4 £45519 £1.246* £J.Jyi 4W.65 £11.499 29 EI5J89 El,24698 f3371n ÉiAQ5 ES0.CQ T<*$ Cenir•. Iyf4S I41￿.( tLVIY I: YJ ti.(th is KJgbiS io.(o 04Tr•Arn pvb1￿¥ LO ÈSH 74 1914 71 ¥l.?81 th) (i rf¢f•) E4.JiXts) ÉJ,09Y79 alv￿Ql￿ETs ClIlOpen& W¢uth E4)205 £J.W65 11.774 70 £199 (hildTen& Youlh Irrn r4¢7901 r4.*$4t V•rt ￿￿￿11*r Lf £W.025 1&410.71 È9,•77 )B (*lJa17 144G41 rx, 0.15 •yp¢th•r•n¢N S Trw Ipiw J¥A4&5 to A7 4.110 71 ol￿rI 1476JJJ VnVipw%Php& 5riFll ti.iWJYJ tI.JBS95 *'.9L39 C47.•3 É19622 Jl £￿.0915$ .14 (1￿47 £2&no6J £n.i)4.65 &Js ¥8 59V41 114.$61 57 V4.W 57 E24562 57 24.75D.6J Pa¥tytnlsOtt63544 31￿ lQll i%i81,51J ?& Appif￿fd Page 8 Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) N<>t•s to th• Accounts for the year end8d 31 December 2024 I Prfrthi MaDJtCowK,. Ta 4.31396 0IIOVPD24 rJerVT41fiurtd £1J.w Jo Ildmft J17-.4 Fwnd t2.111. rAn2idonai￿ EO 12Dfj) Izo Liai.&s tj.sy •) (15yID t).ts1 7S £:fA 4YC cP4iaMhlth•Chn￿rt•￿ID LX> ri L(15( Éi.Iw 10 ÉLR26S E¥>tX* L)ty) FlbThc J.w LW E¥X) Éi¥J)ts) *r4b f*51 *4T:h.pr loo￿n￿l0t4 frL to Ft) ii(u(u VK6P fiJ4. El 131 FS E332) ¢7•JJ (JJ £TJ )• FI￿￿5 Tthal Éiw Jg t￿54 Pagf g Covenant Church, Newmilns (Free Church of Scotland) Notes to the Financial Ststements forthe year ended 31 De￿rnber 2024 1. Accounting Pollcies AGGountlng Convention The financi81 ststements have ￿en prepared under the historical ¢0* o)nvents'on, and in accordanc£ wrth trle Chantses Attounts (Scotland) Regulatsons 2006. Basls of financlal statem The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. Inveslments As the accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis the investments are indud&J at cost. Markel Value ol the investments is disdosed within the noles to the accounts. Flxed Assets A $18tement of the assets held is shown in the noles to the accounts. No depretiats'on has been applied as depreaation Is a non