The Church of Scotland. Strachur and Strathlachlan Parish Church

Transcription

1 The Church of Scotland Strachur and Strathlachlan Parish Church RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2015 Congregation No: Charity No: SC

2 Reference and Administrative Information Charity Name: Strachur & Strathlachlan Parish Church (Church of Scotland) Charity Registration Number: SC Congregation Reference No: Contact Address: Tigh na Criche Strachur Argyll PA27 8BY Trustees: Kirk Session: Congregational Board: members of the Kirk Session. and all Principal Office-bearers: Minister: Session Clerk Clerk to the Board: Church Treasurer: Independent Examiner: Bankers: Co-operative Bank, P.O. Box 250, Delf House, Southway, Skelmersdale WN8 6WT Page 2

3 Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31 st December 2015 Structure, Governance and Management Governing Document The Church is administered in accordance with the terms of the Deed of Constitution (or Deed of Constitution (Unitary Form)). Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees Members of the Kirk Session and the Congregational Board are the charity trustees. The Kirk Session members are the elders of the church and are chosen from those members of the church who are considered to have the appropriate gifts and skills. The minister, who is a member of the Kirk Session, is elected by the congregation and inducted by Presbytery. The Congregational Board is appointed from within the congregation and members of the congregation are invited to nominate individuals who are believed to have the skills and commitment to contribute to the management affairs of the Church, to become members of the Board. Board Members are then appointed at the Stated Annual Meeting and serve for a period of three years after which they must seek re-election at the next Stated Annual Meeting. Organisational Structure The Congregational Board is chaired by the minister and meets as required but in any event at least twice a year. Certain responsibilities are delegated to the Finance Committee and the Property Committee as appropriate. The Kirk Session which meets at least four times a year is responsible for spiritual affairs within the Church. Objectives and Activities The Church of Scotland is Trinitarian in doctrine, Reformed in tradition and Presbyterian in policy. It exists to glorify God and to work for the advancement of Christ s Kingdom throughout the world. As a national Church, it acknowledges a distinctive call and duty to bring the ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland through a territorial ministry. It co-operates with other Churches in various ecumenical bodies in Scotland and beyond. Public worship is routinely conducted twice per week in two seperate locations. Strachur Church building is made available to all members of the community for marriages and funerals, as is the one at Strathlachlan. The local school holds its end of term services in Strachur Church and it is also made available from time to time to outside organisations e.g. Strachur History Society. The congregation works with the young through regular month end services at Strachur Church specifically centred on that age group and in other ways. The Guild meets regularly on a monthly basis during the winter season. The parish minister is available to all members of the community whether as individuals or in groups. Page 3

4 Trustees Annual Report (cont) Year ended 31st December 2015 Achievements and Performance The Church interacts with a variety of other charities in a number of ways. Retiring collections are a regular feature, not just at times of specific life events, the proceeds of which are disbursed to deserving causes (Pg.12). We have a close association with the Raven Trust which collects items from throughout Scotland for distribution to those in need in Malawi. Premises for storage purposes are provided to the Raven Trust at no charge. The Church continues to offer pastoral care generally and the building at Strachur is open daily for prayer and general interest both to parishioners and visitors. As a linked charge with Lochgoilhead and Kilmorich Parish, costs are shared equally where appropriate e.g. community charge and Ministers expenses. Whilst the Minister remains domiciled at Strachur manse the linkage necessitates increased travel and provision of a system of pulpit supply. The cost of pulpit supply is initially borne by the appropriate parish and is then reclaimed in full through the Presbytery. Other than necessary maintenance no major work was undertaken at Strathlachlan or Strachur Church this year. Repairs were carried out to external walls and guttering. As a result of donations received from the Guild, 2 external speakers and a hand-held wireless microphone were purchased for Strachur Church. Statistics Services Conducted Congregational Roll Number on Roll at 1 st January Baptisms: 0 Removals during 2014: Weddings: 0 by Death 4 Funerals: 13 by Certificate 2 to Supplementary Roll 115 Additions by resolution Number on Roll at 31 st December Page 4

5 Financial Review The principal source of income continues to be Gift Aid donations at 15,339 ( 14,475) including tax recovered of 4,462 ( 5,080). Included in 'tax recovered' are credits from HMRC for three quarters of 2015 and a single GASDS credit for 2014/15. Weekly Freewill Offerings increased slightly to 3,392 ( 3,280) as did Open Plate donations to 3,371 ( 3,289). Wedding, Funeral and other donations amounted to 4,879 ( 4,429) including a final donation of 3,400 ( 2,700) from the White Elephant Shop and 560 from the Guild, for which we are very grateful. As a result of reimbursement of Pulpit Supply costs and the sharing of Manse Community Charge cost, overall income from ordinary activities totalled 30,166 ( 28,866) representing an increase of 4.5% (approx.) from 2014 (See Note 3), enabling 1,000 to be transferred from the General Fund to the Fabric Fund. (See Note 2) During the year no Legacy payments were received. Income of 5,222 ( 5,403) from funds held with the Church of Scotland Investors Trust was received plus Current Account interest of 10 along with 619 from Harvest Lunch and Strawberry Lunch events, giving a total of 36,217 ( 34,837). Expenditure during the year decreased by 19% to 29,517 ( 34,545) as there was no major fabric work undertaken at either church. Our Ministries & Mission contribution also decreased to 18,927 ( 20,222) and was met in full. Electricity costs continue to be monitored, resulting in the electricity suppliers to both Churches being changed as required following a review of charges. (See Note 4) The costs of pulpit supply at year end totalled 2,066 comprising 1,830 ministry cost and 236 mileage charge. The total cost was fully reimbursed by the Presbytery. Reserves Policy At year end the Church held unrestricted cash & endowment funds totalling 28,603 ( 24,516) including 25,000 ( 25,000) which continues to be held on interest bearing deposit with the Church of Scotland Investors Trust. The Church also held 17,134 ( 14,520) of liquid restricted funds which have been provided for the purposes specified in Note 2. Beyond the liquid funds held are further amounts on Capital Account with the Church of Scotland General Trustees. These are held for contingency purposes and are detailed in Appendix 1 attached to these accounts. The market value of the investments at year end was 133,400 ( 132,417). Page 5

6 Trustees Annual Report (cont) Year ended 31st December 2015 Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities The members of the Kirk Session/Congregational Board must prepare financial statements which give sufficient detail to enable an appreciation of the transactions of the Church during the financial year. The members of the Kirk Session/Congregational Board are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which, on request, must reflect the financial position of the Church at that time. This must be done to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the Regulations Anent Congregational Finance approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and must take reasonable steps for the prevention and/or detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf, Clerk to the Congregational Board... Date.... Page 6

7 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Strachur & Strathlachlan Parish Church _ SC I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2015 which are set out on pages 8 to 14. 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) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 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 An examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) 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 [other than disclosed below*] 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 2. - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Name Chartered Accountant... Address: Date... * Please delete the words in brackets if they do not apply. If the words do apply set out those matters which have come to your attention. Page 7

8 Strachur & Strathlachlan Parish Church Receipts and Payments Account Year ended 31st December 2015 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds Total Total Receipts Note Donations 3 30,166 30,166 28,866 Legacies Activities for Generating Funds Bank & Deposit interest Investment income 1,103 4,119 5,222 5,222 32,050 4,168-36,217 34,837 Grants - Augusta Lamont Bequest Total Receipts 32,050 4,168-36,217 34,837 Payments 4 Costs of generating funds Charitable activities 27,549 1,554-29,103 34,181 Other payments Total Payments 27,963 1,554-29,517 34,545 Excess of Receipts over Payments for the year before transfers 4,087 2,614-6, Transfers Excess of Receipts over Payments for the year 4,087 2,614-6, Page 8

9 Strachur & Strathlachlan Parish Church Statement of Balances At 31 st December 2015 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds Total Total Note Bank & Deposit Balances Bank & Church of Scotland Investors Trust Deposit Balances at 1st Jan ,516 14,520-39,036 38,745 Movement in year Excess of Receipts over Payments for the year including transfers Bank & Church of Scotland Investors Trust Deposit Balances at 31st Dec ,087 2,614-6, ,603 17, ,737 39,036 Investments Market Value at 31st Dec 2015 Church of Scotland Income Fund 13, ,976 14,369 Church of Scotland Growth Fund 12, , , ,048 26, , , ,417 Total Funds 55, , , ,453 Assets Gift Aid Receivable 1, ,782 2,100 Liabilities The accounts were approved by the Kirk Session and Financial Board on / /2016 For and on behalf of the Kirk Session and Financial Board Session Clerk Treasurer Page 9

10 Strachur & Strathlachlan Parish Church Statement of Balances Notes to the Accounts 1. Trustee Remuneration and Related Party Transactions During the year the Minister received reimbursement of travel, telephone and other expenses totalling Council Tax in respect of the Manse amounted to 1, (shared equally with linked parish - Lochgoilhead & Kilmorich). 2. Movements in Funds At 1 st Jan At 31 st Dec Unrestricted funds 2015 Receipts Payments Transfers 2015 Balances at Bank General Fund (2443) 30,916 27,087 (1000) 386 Reserve Fund 1,050 1, ,184 Fabric Fund , Benevolent Fund Balances At Ch. of Sc. Investors Trust Dep't Fund (484) 32,050 27, ,603 General Fund 20, ,000 Reserve Fund 5, ,000 Restricted funds Balance at Bank 24,516 32,050 27, ,603 Crawford Bequest Fund 6,520 4,168 1, ,134 Balances At Ch. of Sc. Investors Trust Dep't Fund Crawford Bequest Fund 8, ,000 14,520 4,168 1, ,134 Total funds 39,036 36,217 29, ,737 Purposes of Unrestricted Funds General Fund: Reserve Fund: Fabric Fund: Benevolent Fund: Purposes of Restricted Funds Crawford Bequest Fund: Funds set aside for general purposes. Funds set aside to be drawn down if and when required. Funds set aside for the maintenance of Church property. Funds set aside for disbursement to individuals in case of need. Established for the upkeep of fabric at Strathlachlan Church. Page 10

11 Notes to the Accounts Unrestricted Restricted Endowment (cont'd) Funds Funds Funds Total Total Analysis of Donations WFO Scheme (non Gift Aid) 3,392 3,392 3,281 Gift Aid Donations 10,877 10,877 9,394 Tax Recovered on Gift Aid Donations 4,462 4,462 5,080 Ordinary Offerings (Open Plate) 3,371 3,371 3,289 Other Offerings, Donations etc 4,879 4,879 4,429 Reimburse's - Pulpit S'ply & Cncl Tax etc. 3,186 3,186 3,393 30, ,166 28, Analysis of Payments Costs of generating funds Investment Managers fees Offering envelopes Charitable activities Ministries & Mission allocation 18,927 18,927 20,222 Presbytery dues Voluntary Additional Stipend Minister s expenses Ministerial Assistance Pulpit supply 2,067 2,067 2,623 Loan Repayments Fabric repairs & maintenance ,062 4,303 Council Tax 1,727 1,727 1,720 Heat and light ,175 Insurance 1, ,334 2,282 Other building costs Life & Work Magazine (19) (19) 68 Organ & music Printing, stationery and postage Other expenses Governance costs 27,549 1,554-29,103 34,181 Independent examiner s fees - - Other payments Purchase of assets Purchase of investments ,963 1, ,545 Page 11

12 Notes to the Accounts (cont'd) 5. Minister s Stipend All Church of Scotland congregations contribute to the National Stipend Fund which bears the costs of all ministers' stipends and employer's contributions for national insurance, pension and housing and loan fund. Ministers' stipends are paid in accordance with the national stipend scale, which is related to years of service. For the year under review the minimum stipend was 26,119 and the maximum (in the 5th and subsequent years of service) was 32, Collections for Third Parties Cancer Research Clan MacLachlan - 50 Christian Aid Crossreach Earl Haig Fund/Erskine Glasgow Lodging House Mission - 37 Scottish Bible Society Scottish Churches Housing Action Shelter (Scotland) Strachur Piping Association 245-2, In addition to the above retiring collections at church services the sum of 1, was collected during this year's Christian Aid Week in Strachur and surrounding districts. This represented 28% of the total collected in Cowal. Page 12

13 APPENDIX 1 FUNDS HELD ON BEHALF OF THE CONGREGATION BY THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GENERAL TRUSTEES AS AT 31 st DECEMBER CAPITAL ACCOUNT Cost of investments held 82,581 82,581 Market value of investements held 133, ,417 Market Value (made up of) Cost Unrestricted Funds Reserve Fund: 1,226 units, Church of Scotland Investors Trust Income Fund 2,925 units, Church of Scotland Investors Trust Growth Fund 9,909 13,976 14,369 8,900 12,695 12,548 18,809 26,671 26,917 Restricted Funds Crawford Bequest Fund: 24,592 units, Church of Scotland Investors Trust Growth Fund 63, , ,500 82, , , REVENUE ACCOUNT Unrestricted Funds Church of Scotland Investors Trust Deposit Fund: General Fund 20,000 20,000 Reserve Fund 5,000 5,000 25,000 25,000 Restricted Funds Church of Scotland Investors Trust Deposit Fund: Crawford Bequest Fund 8,000 8,000 Total value of Deposit Fund 33,000 33,000 Page 13

14 APPENDIX 2 FUNDS HELD ON BEHALF OF THE CONGREGATION by THE BANK OF SCOTLAND - DUNOON & THE CO-OPERATIVE BANK - SKELMERSDALE AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2015 REVENUE ACCOUNT Co-Operative Bank Unrestricted Funds: General Fund - Account No. ***** (2,443) Reserve Fund - Account No. *****585 2,184 1,050 Fabric Fund - Account No. ***** Benevolent Fund - Account No. ***** ,603 (484) Restricted Fund: Crawford Bequest Fund - Account No. *****585 9,134 6,520 12,737 6,036 Total value of Funds held at Bank(s) 12,737 6,036 Page 14

15 Strachur & Strathlachlan Parish Church Budget (Church of Scotland) GENERAL FUND BUDGET BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET INCOME Offerings: WFO Offerings 3,000 3,392 3,000 Gift Aid Offerings 9,200 10,877 10,000 Tax Recovered 3,800 4,462 3,900 Ordinary Offerings 3,200 3,371 3,200 Other Donations ,250 22,181 20,500 Other Ordinary General Income: Contributions from other Congregational Organisations Wedding and Funeral Donations Special Fund Raising Bank Interest (gross) White Elephant Shop Donation 0 3,400 3,400 1,470 5,550 4,870 Total Ordinary General Income 20,720 27,731 25,370 EXPENDITURE National Ministry and Mission & Wider Work: Presbytery Dues Ministries and Mission Allocation 17,695 18,927 18,927 18,445 19,675 19,377 Local Staffing Costs: Minister s Telephone and Other Expenses Pulpit Supply Building Costs: Electricity 1, ,000 Manse Council Tax 1,727 1,727 1,720 Insurance of Church and Manse (General and Rentokil) 1,600 1,537 1,600 Maintenance of Equipment Loan Repayment ,827 4,494 4,720 Local Congregational Purposes: Printing, Stationery, Photocopying, Software, etc Communion Expenses Rent of Memorial Hall Miscellaneous Expenses Total Ordinary General Expenditure 23,738 24,539 24,737 SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FOR YEAR (3018) Page 15