Annual Report and Accounts for year ending 31 December 2016
The Abbey United Reformed Church is registered charity number 1132706
The objective of the Charity is the advancement of the Christian faith for the benefit of the public in accordance with the Scheme of Union of the United Reformed Church and has regard to the Charity’s Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
The Charity provides regular public worship for all, promoting the Christian faith, teaching the faith to all ages, provides training, nurture and activities for children and young people. It serves the community, giving pastoral care and support to members and others in need, particularly those in sickness, distress or poverty. It provides premises and resources for community groups and activities.
Weekly Services of Worship normally take place on Sunday at 10.30 am and 6.30 pm. The morning service includes provision of a crèche, activities for children and a monthly discussion group for young people.
There are BALM (Bereavement support) and MOT (Moving on together) Groups, Badminton Club, Table Tennis Club, Lunch Club and was until 2015 a Choir. A monthly magazine and weekly notice sheet are published. Page 4
Activities such as social evenings, concerts, fund raising events etc. are well supported.
Abbey United Reformed Church is a joint pastorate with Braishfield United Reformed Church.
A number of weddings and funerals are held and many of the congregation are involved in support of national and international charities. The church regularly donates to various other charities.
Here is an overview.
Page 1 – Introduction
The accounts are presented in a format that follows the requirements of the accounting regulations introduced by the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (the FRSSE)(effective 1st January 2015) for Charities with an annual income of less than £250,000 and interpreted, as approved, for religious orders.
Pages 2-6 – Trustees Annual Report
These pages contain the annual report of the Trustees, which cover the following aspects: Administration, Organisation structure, Objectives, Achievements and Financial Review.
Page 7 – Balance Sheet
This page shows the Church’s assets and liabilities. The “tangible fixed assets”, comprising the church, hall, manse and caretaker’s residence, being vested in the United Reformed Church (Wessex) Trust Limited as trustee, are not capitalized into the accounts
Page 8 – Statement of Financial Activities
This statement is a receipts and payments account and combines all of the Church’s funds together. It shows separate columns for the General Funds, Designated Funds and Restricted Funds, all of which are shown in detail on the subsequent pages.
Page 9 – General Fund
The General Fund represents the funds that can be used for any purpose without restriction. 2016 income/expenditure is compared with that for the previous year.
Pages 10 & 11 – Designated Funds and Restricted Funds
The Suspense Fund is the only Designated Fund. It is the aggregate of bequests, which do not have any restrictions on their use. The Church is free to bring such resources back into the General Funds if so wished.
Restricted Funds are those that can only be used for the purpose specified at the time the funds were received. They include: the Communion Fund (set aside for the assistance of those in hardship and used at the discretion of the Minister of the Church), the TWW Fund (a bequest by a former organist of the Church for the replacement/refurbishment of the organ), the Organ Fund (also for the replacement/refurbishment of the organ) and the new Historical Research Fund
Page 12 – Notes to the Accounts
These notes provide technical information about the basis of preparation of the accounts.
Page 13 – Report by the Independent Examiner
This independent examination of the accounts is a requirement of the Charities Act 2011. Whilst less comprehensive than an audit, it is designed to be suitable for an organisation of the Church’s type and size.
To view the accounts for 2016 in full click on the link to the charity commission website. Accounts