Charity registration number 1139388 (England and Wales)
Company registration number 07294101
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
J Roberts
A Clark
N Allo
M Kissell
Charity number (England and Wales)
1139388
Company number
07294101
Registered office
91 Whitelands Avenue
Chorleywood
Hertfordshire
WD3 5RQ
Independent examiner
Summers Morgan
First Floor, Sheraton House
Lower Road
Chorleywood
Hertfordshire
WD3 5LH
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 2
Independent examiner's report
3
Statement of financial activities
4
Balance sheet
5
Notes to the financial statements
6 - 12
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -

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

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are to advance the Christian faith in accordance with their statement of beliefs, to hold public services and to fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected with the charitable work of the charity.

The policies adopted in furtherance of these objectives are to:

hold weekly public services at St Clement Danes School, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire and there has been no change in these during the period.

 

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

 

The charity ran weekly public meetings for worship every Sunday morning during the period covered by this report. There was also a public service held on Christmas Day.

Achievements and performance

Church meetings were held every Sunday during this period but numbers have significantly reduced over this period. This decline in numbers has had an effect on the finances.

 

The Church employed and housed Rev Pat Nesbit in the role of Assistant Pastor from September 2023 until the end of August 2024 when the financial situation no longer allowed him to be employed. From December 2022 the Senior Pastor remained in post but elected to forego his salary in order to subsidise the post of Assistant Pastor, this has continued. Adam Clark continued as honorary Head of Finance, but also chose to forego his part time salary as Church Manager.

 

The Thursday morning prayer meeting - Powerhouse - continued as did the bi-weekly Bible study.

 

There were a number of activities run for church members and those outside the church including:

 

 

 

 

 

CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Financial review

During the year, the charity's income from all sources amounted to £60,710 of which £3,902 were for Restricted Funds. A total of £82,681 was expended during the year, of which £17,600 was from Designated Funds. A total of £7,220 was held at the end of the year as Designated Funds, to be given as grants to Local Projects, the Global Poor and the Suffering Church.

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has not been maintained throughout the period. The trustees still believe that this is a suitable reserves policy, and want to bring the reserve level back within the required range. At the accounting date free reserves were £11,157 (2023: 26,833).

Structure, governance and management

The charity was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 24th June 2010 and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. It is registered as a charity.

 

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the period were:

 

J Roberts
A Clark
N Allo
M Kissell

The Trustees met three times in the year – 25 February, 9 June and 27 October.

 

J Roberts was one of the first trustees to serve and was one of the persons named in the statement delivered pursuant to section 12(1) of the Companies Act 2006. Future trustees shall be appointed as provided in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. All trustees were issued with a copy of The Essential Trustee published by the Charities Commission. At the first meeting of the trustees the roles and responsibilities were clearly set out.

 

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £10 in the event of a winding up.

 

The Board of Trustees manages the affairs of the charity and meets three times a year. The Leadership Team undertake the day to day operation of the charity under guidance provided by the board of trustees. In addition to this the Leadership Team is responsible for the:

  1. appointment and removal of pastors and other full-time or part-time employees of the Charity appointed to exercise pastoral or other ministry responsibility within the church ;

  2. Membership of any congregation of the Charity;

  3. All questions of doctrine;

  4. All questions relating to the preaching of the gospel and;

  5. Appointment and removal of Leaders

 

The Charity looks to St Mary’s Bryanston Square, London for spiritual oversight, advice and friendship.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

 

 

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

J Roberts
Trustee
16 April 2025
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
- 3 -

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 4 to 12.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees, who are also the directors of Connect Church Chorleywood for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011, the 2011 Act, and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

(i)

examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

(ii)
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
(iii)
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(a)
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
(i)

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and

(ii)

to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;

have not been met or
(b)

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

Nicholas Corden ACA
For and on behalf of Summers Morgan
First Floor, Sheraton House
Lower Road
Chorleywood
Hertfordshire
WD3 5LH
Dated:
16 April 2025
2025-04-16
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
General
Designated
General
Designated
2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
56,006
-
3,902
59,908
63,764
-
2,838
66,602
Investments
802
-
-
802
451
-
-
451
Total income
56,808
-
3,902
60,710
64,215
-
2,838
67,053
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
2
58,627
17,600
6,454
82,681
50,371
9,300
4,050
63,721
Total expenditure
58,627
17,600
6,454
82,681
50,371
9,300
4,050
63,721
Net income/(expenditure)
(1,819)
(17,600)
(2,552)
(21,971)
13,844
(9,300)
(1,212)
3,332
Transfers between funds
(13,857)
13,857
-
-
(15,547)
15,547
-
-
Net movement in funds
(15,676)
(3,743)
(2,552)
(21,971)
(1,703)
6,247
(1,212)
3,332
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
26,840
10,963
10,327
48,130
28,543
4,716
11,539
44,798
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
11,164
7,220
7,775
26,159
26,840
10,963
10,327
48,130
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 5 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
7
7
7
Current assets
Debtors
8
13,072
13,124
Cash at bank and in hand
21,870
38,609
34,942
51,733
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
9
(8,790)
(3,610)
Net current assets
26,152
48,123
Total assets less current liabilities
26,159
48,130
Income funds
Restricted funds
11
7,775
10,327
Designated funds
12
7,220
10,963
Unrestricted funds - general
11,164
26,840
26,159
48,130

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

The director acknowledges his responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 16 April 2025
J Roberts
Trustee
Company Registration No. 07294101
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 6 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Connect Church Chorleywood is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 91 Whitelands Avenue, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, WD3 5RQ.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees' continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.

1.3
Charitable funds

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

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

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.

1.4
Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity 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 charity 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.

1.5
Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on the accruals basis. Grants and donations paid are accounted for when paid. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expended for which it was incurred.

CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 7 -
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:

Plant and machinery
3 years 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
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.

1.8
Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

1.9
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
Expenditure on charitable activities
Church Activities
Church Activities
2024
2023
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
45,524
37,783

Other costs

13,103
12,588
58,627
50,371
Grant funding of activities (see note 3)
24,054
13,350
82,681
63,721
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
58,627
50,371
Designated funds
17,600
9,300
Restricted funds
6,454
4,050
82,681
63,721

Other costs include fees in respect of the independent examination of £1,800 (2023: £1,800).

CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 8 -
3
Grants payable
Church activities
Church activities
2024
2023
£
£
Grants to institutions:
Charis Tiwala Trust
2,200
3,000
Christians Against Poverty
2,237
-
Every Life (formerly Revelation Life)
-
2,700
Harpa Del
356
-
Mountain Springs Ministries
9,500
3,000
New Hope
1,298
-
Allstars
-
600
Other
100
-
15,691
9,300
Grants to individuals
8,363
4,050
24,054
13,350
4
Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year, other than J Roberts and A Clark. J Roberts received a salary of £0 (2023: £0) for his position as senior pastor together with pension contributions of £5,159 (2023: £3,152). J Roberts was also provided with £ 4,941 for house running costs. A Clark received a salary of £0 (2023: £3,848 ) for his position as Church Manager with pension contributions of £1,034 (2023: £491).

 

In addition, within the year J Roberts and A Clarke donated £252 and £81 respectively to restricted funds.

 

CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 9 -
5
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
Total
2
2
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
20,667
14,046
Other pension costs
8,466
7,468
Accomodation benefit
16,391
16,269
45,524
37,783
6
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

7
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and machinery
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
3,639
At 31 December 2024
3,639
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
3,632
At 31 December 2024
3,632
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
7
At 31 December 2023
7
8
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Other debtors
12,210
12,300
Prepayments and accrued income
862
824
13,072
13,124
CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
9
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other taxation and social security
5
480
Other creditors
977
904
Accruals and deferred income
7,808
2,226
8,790
3,610
10
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
8,466
7,468

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

11
Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds as follows:

Movement in funds
Movement in funds
Balance at
1 January 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Balance at
1 January 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Balance at
31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Hardship
11,471
2,300
(4,050)
9,722
2,550
(4,650)
7,622
CAP/Every Life 2023
5
538
-
542
253
(790)
5
CAP/New Hope 2024
-
-
-
-
743
(595)
148
Other
63
-
-
63
356
(419)
-
11,539
2,838
(4,050)
10,327
3,902
(6,454)
7,775

The Hardship Fund represents monies collected for specific individuals facing financial hardship.

The CAP/Every Life Fund represents monies collected as gifts for two charities supported by the church members over the Christmas period.

 

CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
(Continued)
- 11 -
12
Designated funds
The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:
At 1 January 2024
At 31 December 2024
£
£
Local Projects
2,706
1,025
Global Poor
3,360
2,679
The Suffering Church
4,897
3,516
10,963
7,220
Previous year:
At 1 January 2023
At 31 December 2023
£
£
Local Projects
1,124
2,706
Global Poor
878
3,360
The Suffering Church
2,714
4,897
4,716
10,963

30% of all gifts/tithe income is allocated for giving, as follows:

 

Local Projects designated fund to gift as financial support to other charities, organisations and individuals having the same or similar objects as the Charity that operate locally to the Charity.

 

Global Projects designated fund to gift as financial support to other charities, organisations and individuals having the same or similar objects as the Charity that operate globally.

 

Suffering Church designated fund to gift as financial support to other charities, organisations and individuals having the same or similar objects as the Charity that operate in areas where the Christian Church particularly suffer oppression or persecution.

 

Each designated fund above receives 10% of every net donation received, Gift Aid is not included as part of this calculation.

CONNECT CHURCH CHORLEYWOOD
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 12 -
13
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets
7
-
-
7
Current assets/(liabilities)
11,157
7,220
7,775
26,152
11,164
7,220
7,775
26,159
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
At 31 December 2023:
Tangible assets
7
-
-
7
Current assets/(liabilities)
26,833
10,963
10,327
48,123
26,840
10,963
10,327
48,130
14
Related party transactions

Other than those disclosed in note 4, related party transactions during the year were £0 (2023: £0) .

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