Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st] April 2021 To 31[st] March 2022
Charity name: Bethel Christian Fellowship
Charity registration number: 1054348
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The objects of the church (“the objects”) are for the benefit of the public; a) To advance the Christian Faith in accordance with the statement in such ways and in such parts of the UK or the World as the Church Council may from time to time think fit. b). To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the UK or the World as the Church Council may from time to time see fit. c) To advance Education in such ways and in such parts of the UK or the World as the Church Council may from time to time think fit. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Bethel Christian Fellowship is committed to enabling as many members of the local community as possible to come and worship together. The Fellowship runs a main worship meeting every Sunday morning at Wood End Farm. Where possible provisions are made for the separate teaching of children during the Sunday morning services. The Well is open Wednesday to Saturday. It’s a small coffee shop in the town centre, which provides a focus for social interaction with the local community. The Well provides a hub and centre for providing advice and help, andformal counselling sessions are available from the premises on one evening per week. |
| The Fellowship has a programme in place that provides for mid-week and weekend activities. The programme normally includes a week long summer camp in Norfolk. The Fellowship runs a mid-week Mums and Tots group which provides support and help and provides parenting courses for new Mums. The Fellowship carries out a range of general pastoral support activities including visiting the elderly housebound members of the Fellowship, caring for vulnerable adults and providing non-financial help and support to homeless and hungry people in the locality. The Fellowship supports the Food Bank in Witham. The Fellowship continues to contribute to various Community events run by the Witham Town Council. The activities of the Fellowship are led by two part-time employees but are mainly carried out by volunteers. For example, the Mums and Tots group, the Well coffee shop and community centre and the pastoral work carried out in the Community. |
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| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit. This guidance will be considered by the Church Council, as they make decisions to guide future activities of the Fellowship. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | The charity does not make grants or give loans to individuals. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | The Fellowship gives approximately 10% of its annual income in grants to selected missionary endeavours, both domestically and in other countries, which meet the objects of the charity. In particular the Fellowship supports the work of Christian Youth Outreach locally, an organisation which provides Christian education and support to schools in Witham. |
| Para 1.38 | The activities of the Fellowship are led by two part-time employees but are mainly carried out by volunteers. For example, the |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Mums and Tots group, the Well coffee shop and community centre and the pastoral work carried out in the community. |
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|---|---|---|
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The Fellowship held its main weekly meeting at Wood End Farm in Witham on Sunday mornings throughout the year. The numbers attending can range between 60 and 74 adults, with additional children and regular visitors. The age range is very wide, from pensioners in their 80s to teenagers and young families with children. When possible the Sunday programme included provision for separate classes of primary and secondary-age children and young people. The Fellowship works to a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy to ensure practices of working with children meet the standards of thirty-one:eight. The Bethel Hall in Church Street was used four days a week for a pre-school operation. Additional activities have returned to the hall which is now used most days of the week. The general pastoral work of the Fellowship continued strongly, with many home visits to the elderly and unwell taking place. Support was offered in various ways to local needy and homeless individuals. |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | BCF’s financial position has continued to strengthen. The financial year saw a net inflow of £15,270. The net inflow mainly reflects the lower costs being incurred since the church changed its primary venue for its main Sunday meeting. BCF’s main source of income remains the offerings and gifts provided by its fellowship. Due to the size of the fellowship |
|---|---|---|
| there is no single material donor that the charity is exposed to. |
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| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Any surplus funds owned by BCF will be invested in order to attract interest and provide best value to the charity. Funds will be spread in different investments to reduce the risks of an investment failure. A minimum reserve will be maintained to cover three months of normal operational costs of the charity. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | As at March 31st2022 BCF’s reserves amounted to £53,313. This includes funds held in multiple current accounts, savings accounts, and petty cash. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | With a strong, liquid reserve in place, and a valuable asset in the form of the church building and the surrounding land, the Treasurer confirms that BCF is able to meet its current and longer term obligations as they fall due and that there are no plans to close the charity or significantly curtail its operations |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Trust Deed: Bethel Christian Fellowship is affiliated to Assemblies of God UK and adopts a model trust deed approved by the national organisation. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Unincorporated - Model Constitution with Trust Deed |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed by the Church Council. This report covers April 2021 – March 2022. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Bethel Christian Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1054348 |
| Charity’s principal address | The Well Church Office And Coffee Shop 1 Penhaligon Court Guithavon St Witham CM8 1BQ |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Taylor | Chair | |||
| Christopher Cottrell | Treasurer | |||
| David Brett | ||||
| Andrew Brett | ||||
| David Cameron | ||||
| Dann Smith | ||||
| Miriam Goodall | ||||
| Gary Fisher |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| David Brett | ||
| David Cameron | ||
| Andy Brett | ||
| Chris Cottrell |
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| **adviser ** |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Slgned on behalf of the charlty's trustoes Slgnaturn(s) Full name(s) Chris T8ylor Chris Cottrell Posltlon (eg Secrntary. Chalr, etc) Treasurer Chair Dats 31" January 2023
BETHEL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP STATUS OF FUNDS
For the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022
| Unrestricted General The Well Unrestricted Restricted Little Friends Football Fund New Day Specific Giving CAP Mini Bus Total Restricted Designated TOTAL FUNDS |
Opening 37,154.12 (1,723.33) 35,430.79 231.33 (12.84) 2,283.43 - 20.00 89.46 2,611.38 - 38,042.17 |
Income 77,917.79 13,852.99 91,770.78 599.97 2,315.05 1,370.00 2,696.06 360.00 245.00 7,586.08 - 99,356.86 |
Expense 51,673.95 23,634.85 75,308.80 318.79 2,297.45 345.00 2,669.86 540.00 2,606.45 8,777.55 - 84,086.35 |
Transfer Closing (10,335.00) 53,062.96 7,200.00 (4,305.19) (3,135.00) 48,757.77 - 512.51 - 4.76 - 3,308.43 700.00 726.20 160.00 - 2,275.00 3.01 3,135.00 4,554.91 - - - 53,312.68 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BETHEL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022
| Income Tithes & Offerings Shop Sales (The Well) Hall Hire New Day Camp Gift Aid Tax Credits CAP Interest Little Friends of Bethel Mini Bus Football Team Miscellaneous Total Income Expenditure A.O.G Funds Accommodation Admin AV Technical Building Upkeep inc cleaning CAP Child Protection Children's Work Cleaning Community Conferences Domestic Missions Elders Discretionary Payments Evangelism Events Football Expense Recognition Hospitality Insurance Literature Little Friends of Bethel Major Items Mini Bus Miscellaneous New Day Camp Costs Overseas Missions Photocopying Publicity Restricted Fund Items Salaries (incl. NI & Income tax) Telephones Training Courses Travel Utilities Visiting Ministers Well Running Costs Well Salary Well Sales Costs Total Expenditure Net Income / Expenses Transfers between funds Cash Funds Last Year End Cash Funds This Year End |
Unrestricted Funds £ 58,988.04 13,852.99 11,950.00 - 6,947.47 - 12.25 - - - 20.03 91,770.78 976.00 6,500.00 2,529.62 448.93 496.66 - 341.40 1,069.84 95.02 - - 1,350.00 271.05 346.56 - - 549.13 1,256.93 217.62 - 810.39 - 60.09 - 3,000.00 - 202.70 - 29,037.75 513.74 30.00 - 1,570.52 - 15,267.71 - 8,367.14 75,308.80 16,461.98 (3,135.00) 35,430.79 48,757.77 |
Restricted Funds £ 2,696.06 - - 1,370.00 - 360.00 - 599.97 245.00 2,315.05 - 7,586.08 - - - - - 540.00 - - - - - - - - 2,297.45 - - - - 318.79 - 2,606.45 - 345.00 - - - 2,669.86 - - - - - - - - - 8,777.55 (1,191.47) 3,135.00 2,611.38 4,554.91 |
Designated Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total Funds £ 61,684.10 13,852.99 11,950.00 1,370.00 6,947.47 360.00 12.25 599.97 245.00 2,315.05 20.03 99,356.86 976.00 6,500.00 2,529.62 448.93 496.66 540.00 341.40 1,069.84 95.02 - - 1,350.00 271.05 346.56 2,297.45 - 549.13 1,256.93 217.62 318.79 810.39 2,606.45 60.09 345.00 3,000.00 - 202.70 2,669.86 29,037.75 513.74 30.00 - 1,570.52 - 15,267.71 - 8,367.14 84,086.35 15,270.51 - 38,042.17 53,312.68 |
Prior Year Funds £ 47,436.32 74.55 9,085.00 2,409.00 - 480.00 42.37 - - 255.23 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59,782.47 976.00 1,700.00 1,069.46 278.71 471.58 720.00 145.80 301.54 37.75 - - 1,350.00 76.85 213.35 214.75 - 36.99 1,195.72 183.33 - - 1,195.03 - 460.00 2,950.00 325.64 - - 27,198.22 521.58 450.00 - 1,486.09 - 11,528.72 - - |
|||||
| 55,087.11 | |||||
| 4,695.36 | |||||
| - 33,346.81 |
|||||
| 38,042.17 |
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Bethel Christian Fellowship On accounts for the year 31 March 2022 Charity no 1054348 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 and 2 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2022.
Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Name: Simone Hilliard FCCA Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):
Date: 30 January 2023
Oct 2018
1
IER
17 Totham Hill Green Great Totham Address: Maldon CM9 8DX
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of None. any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
Oct 2018
2
IER
IER Oct 2018