 |
|
Finance
The Committee is responsible for the general financial oversight of funds administered for the benefit of the United Reformed Church under the overall authority of the General Assembly, for ensuring that proper procedures are in place for the maintenance of accounting records, the safe custody of assets and the preparation of financial statements, for giving financial advice to other councils of the church as appropriate, and for taking such decisions with regard to the finances of the Church as are necessary within the policies set by General Assembly.
Committee Members
Convener: Mr Graham Stacy (Hon. Treasurer) Secretary: Mr Clem Frank (Financial Secretary) Mr Alan Duncan, Mr Bill Grieve, Mrs Edwina Rockey, Miss Catriona Waterson, Revd Richard Wiggins, Dr Brian Woodhall (Convener, United Reformed Church Trust), Mr Tegid Peregrine, (Church Buildings Secretary)
1 1998 Accounts
The 1998 accounts are set out in Appendix 2 and include a report from the Finance Committee commenting on the result for the year and the financial position as at 31st December 1998.
2 The giving of the members of the Church to central funds.
The operation of the Plan for Partnership in Ministerial Remuneration, which, it is believed, is one of the success stories of the URC, and the operation of the central office could not happen if each Church Treasurer did not make very great efforts to ensure that the money required for this part of the work is in the local bank account on 20th of each month, for collection by direct debit. That this system runs very smoothly is evidence of much hard and devoted work, and in thanking the Church for the response to the appeal for Ministry and Mission, which once again has been met with a 100% result, the committee would also wish to acknowledge that largely unthanked group, the treasurers, in local churches, and also at district and synod level.
3 The millennium and electronic equipment
The potential problems which may arise on 1st January 2000 continue to be the subject of much press and other comment.
Most of the computer equipment and programmes used in the Church Offices have been acquired since the millennium problem has been recognised. Tests are being carried out in the finance office to confirm that there will be no problems at the turn of the year.
4 Church Buildings Fund
This fund continues to be used mainly for the provision of housing for centrally appointed ministers, and for the provision of building loans of up to £75,000, being up to 50% of the cost of major works in local churches or the provision of new manse accommodation. The emphasis on obtaining proper professional advice continues, and approval has been given for a number of feasibility study grants and professional fees loans. The demand for disabled facilities grants continues, and up to the end of February 1999, 96 applications have been approved, and 56 paid at a cost of some £240,000.
The Committee was also able to give a grant of £100,000 towards the cost of the new church at Manselton in the Synod of Wales, and proposals for other grants are being considered. Guidelines on the conditions for assistance may be obtained from the Finance Office.
Resolution 50 Accounts
Assembly adopts the accounts for the year ended 31st December 1998.
Resolution 51 Ministry and Mission Fund
Assembly gratefully acknowledges the giving of the churches in 1998 to the Ministry & Mission Fund.
|