Croxley Green Baptist Church
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 December 2025
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
CROXLEY GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE 225 Baldwins Lane, Coxley Green Rickmansworth GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution dated 1 August 2008 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1126351 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE CHARITY David Hofer (appointed 1 Jan 2025) Graham Hilsden (appointed 1 Jan 2025) Rev Stephen Elmes Rachel Mead Paul Sutton Joanna Baldwin Christine Fowler ( resigned 31 Dec 2025) Steven Gilbert Sara O'Shea Elizabeth Pedrick (resigned 31 Dec 2025) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Nick Spear ACCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB INDEX Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2- Trustees' Report Page Independent Examiner's Report Page Receipts and Payments Account Page Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages - Notes to the Accounts
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CROXLEY GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Purpose of the charity
The charity, which is a church, is governed by a constitution and is constituted as a trust. The charity's principal purpose, as set out in its governing document is:
The advancement of the Christian Faith, according to the principles of the Baptist denomination This includes the advancement of education, community service and such other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Church shall determine.
Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements
To further the above purpose and vision, the charity's main activities and achievements were as follows:
Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship. Stephen Elmes continues to be our lead minister and Rachel Mead, having finished her course for Regional Local Ministry works part time.
Services continued to be streamed at 10:30 and were accessible to those who are church members and others.
Christmas services were very well attended this year, including our Carol Service, Blue Christmas and Christingle Service. The Christingle Service attracted a wide range of people of all ages.
News sheets continue to be emailed to members and friends but made available at the church for those who cannot access them this way.
Roots and Rhythms, a mid-week opportunity to meet at the church, break into small groups and reflect on spiritual practices has been well led and well attended.
Discussions regarded same sex attraction were held respectfully, despite different opinions with a view to developing a position with which we hope most church members would agree.
Discipleship groups continued to meet during the year. The increased impetus in working alongside the local churches in Churches Together during the latter part of 2024 resulted in ecumenical groups during Lent.
The Church actively supports the Baptist Union Home Mission Fund, BMS World Mission, and Christian Aid along with other relief agencies and missions both locally, nationally, and internationally. There has been a greater emphasis on these as partnerships this year. One of our deacons, Sara O’Shea, also serves as a trustee for the Central Baptist Association.
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation formed to further the work of the Churches Together in Croxley Green continued to employ two Parish Nurses throughout the year who worked in conjunction with Renew Wellbeing (see below).
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The Food Bank is held on a Monday afternoon, which is managed via the Rickmansworth Foodbank and the Trussell Trust and has seen increased need in the community.
We continue to run our weekly Renew Wellbeing drop-in space for those who struggle with their mental health and loneliness. This has about 15-20 regular attendees . We ran another Kinsugi Hope course this year.
Due to lower number of volunteers we have offered a simpler lunch service to approximately 40 people following Renew Wellbeing every other week, since September 2025.
Renew Mini Sparklers, our toddler group, continues to run each Tuesday morning during term time and is greatly valued by those who attend. Its aim is to support parents as they negotiate the challenges of parenthood. Many of those who attend really benefit from the quiet support it provides for parents, while toddlers can play.
Much of what we do to support children, young people and families is relational and we get alongside and support them. Girls’ Brigade, Explorers, Anchor Boys, and Boys’ Brigade have continued to run, although dwindling numbers in Anchor Boys has meant that this has taken place at the same time as Boys’ Brigade from September 2025
Attendance of our church youth group called Edge on Sunday evenings has reduced during the year. However, a new group for those in their early 20s, began.
JAM and TNT (Sunday school groups) run each week during term times.
All activities and events are published on the Church website or weekly notice sheet and are open to all whether members or not.
Systems are in place to ensure that all those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults at risk have appropriate DBS clearance. We have internal systems in place to safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults at risk and those working with them. We have approximately 60 volunteers, of which approximately two thirds have attended Safeguarding Training. More training is planned in 2026 and those without training will be encouraged to attend. We also provide small booklets to support volunteers with this aspect of their service.
The trustees have read the Charity Commission guidance on “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit”. They are satisfied that the activities of the Church are for the public benefit.
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Achievements and Performance
The Church does not measure the success of its programs only in numbers, including financial numbers, but also in the less tangible areas such as fellowship and encouragement.
The trustees recognise that these are difficult to measure, but believe that despite the difficulties, 2025 was a very positive year in the life of the Church in terms of both spiritual growth and practical service; in encouraging and helping members and non-members across the age spectrum through teaching and trying to model positive lifestyles; and in service to the community in in practical ways.
Membership decreased to 97 in December 2025. Most of this was due to people moving to Associate Membership and through death of elderly members.
The reputation of the church in the community continues to be good. Many people view the church as theirs even if they do attend regularly.
Financial review
During the year income decreased by £38,738, to £173,329, and expenditure increased by £26,113, to £235,476. As a result the cash held by the charity decreased by £62,147, to £325,902, of which £287,257 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose.
Reserves policy
The trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £60,000 (which equates to about 5 months' of unrestricted expenditure) so that the charity could continue to operate should income and / or expenditure vary adversely. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £287,257 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.
The Trustees recognise that this is above the desirable level of reserves set out in the policy.
The Church had been between ministers so it has had the opportunity to build its reserves which will serve the church in the future.
Governance
Responsibility for setting policy and for making operating decisions rest with the trustees who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the charity. Trustees serve for a term of three years and may be reelected. All trustees are church members and are nominated by other members. Voting takes place at the Church Meeting.
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Responsibilities of trustees
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
………………………………………………………..
Paul Sutton
Date:_____
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
CROXLEY GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Croxley Green Baptist Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2025 on pages to following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’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 2011 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Nick Spear ACCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date:
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CROXLEY GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Notes Income receipts Donations Gift aid receipts Legacies Income from courses and events Income from letting of facilities Bank interest Grant Other Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds 5 Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Write off of petty cash differences |
General Designated Funds Funds £ £ 116,101 - 22,899 - - - 721 - 19,487 - 6,777 - 1,200 - 55 - 167,240 - 132,149 63,475 24,603 - 156,752 63,475 - - - - 156,752 63,475 10,487 (63,475) (42,941) 42,941 (32,453) (20,534) 239,602 100,643 207,149 80,109 Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ 3,190 11 - 2,657 - 231 - - 6,090 15,249 - 15,249 - - 15,249 (9,159) - (9,159) 47,804 38,645 |
2025 £ 119,291 22,911 - 3,378 19,487 7,008 1,200 55 173,329 210,873 24,603 235,476 - - 235,476 (62,147) - (62,147) 388,049 325,902 |
2024 £ 126,099 29,280 9,896 10,012 24,928 11,853 - - 212,067 183,481 23,903 207,384 1,979 1,979 209,364 2,704 - 2,704 385,345 388,049 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes on pages - form part of these accounts.
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CROXLEY GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Notes A Cash funds Cash at bank Petty cash B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity Other debtors C Liabilities Falling due within one year Trade creditors Pension creditor Fee for Independent Examination |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 207,149 80,109 - - 207,149 80,109 4,293 - - 4,293 - - - 250 - 1,590 - 1,840 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 38,645 38,645 - - - - - - - |
2025 £ 325,902 - 325,902 4,293 - 4,293 - 250 1,590 1,840 |
2024 £ 387,921 128 388,049 2,416 105 2,521 314 - 1,500 1,814 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
D[Assets retained for charity's own use]
| Land and buildings Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment |
Fund to which asset belongs Unrestricted Unrestricted |
Current value £ 1,800,000 5,000 1,805,000 |
|---|---|---|
Current values have been estimated by the trustees.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
-------------------------------------------PAUL SUTTON Date: ____
The notes on pages - form part of these accounts.
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CROXLEY GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Books and conferences Events Church premises Employment costs (see note 4) Management and administration Ministry Travel and other costs Telephone Manse expenditure Repairs and maintenance Independent examination |
Unrestricted F General funds £ 366 - 25,823 78,667 3,995 6,941 239 1,441 13,177 - 1,500 132,149 |
unds Designated funds £ 80 - - - - 4,157 - - - 59,238 - 63,475 |
Restricted Funds £ 2,222 - - - 13,027 - - - - - 15,249 - |
Total 2025 £ 446 2,222 25,823 78,667 3,995 24,126 239 1,441 13,177 59,238 1,500 210,873 |
Total 2024 £ 588 5,835 22,803 56,490 3,695 65,287 2,949 1,514 12,549 10,371 1,401 183,481 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by oth Grants for: BMS World Mission International mission CBA Home Mission UK mission BU Spurgeon College Student Appeal Watford Schools Trust Education Ivy Street Family Centre Family care European Christian Mission Other small grants to organisations |
ers 3,942 8,014 2,000 6,183 2,000 1,858 606 24,603 |
- - - - - - - - |
- - - - - - - - |
3,942 8,014 2,000 6,183 2,000 606 24,603 1,858 |
4,256 5,706 10,000 1,305 2,196 440 23,903 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Transactions with related parties
Reverend Stephen Elmes served as church leader and was paid £35,563 (2024: £25,239) while Rachel Mead served as minister in training and was paid £25,587 (2024: £14,021). They were remunerated for serving in those specific roles, not for serving as a trustees; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document. In addition, the church leader is provided with accommodation (which is customary for ministers), so that he can better perform his duties.
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CROXLEY GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
5 Movement of funds
| General funds Designated funds Ministry training and development Fund Property repairs Fund Bible Fund ICT Fund Restricted funds Boys Brigade Fund Girls Brigade Fund Renew Group Fund Renew Sparklers Fund Holiday at Home Fund SOLO's Fund Legacy Food Fund Endowment Fund Total funds |
Opening balance £ 239,602 5,364 90,194 1,000 4,086 100,643 3,712 1,281 1,536 1,569 2,316 195 27,300 9,894 47,804 388,049 |
Receipts £ 167,240 - - - - - 1,410 344 3,641 464 - - 169 62 6,090 173,329 |
Payments £ (156,752) (1,175) (59,238) (80) (2,982) (63,475) (1,271) (950) (2,280) (256) - (63) (10,427) - (15,249) (235,476) |
Transfers £ (42,941) - 39,044 - 3,896 42,941 - - - - - - - - - - |
Closing balance £ 207,149 4,189 70,000 920 5,000 80,109 3,851 675 2,896 1,776 2,316 132 17,042 9,956 38,645 325,902 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The transfers into designated funds were made by the trustees in anticipation of future expenditure.
Designated funds
The Ministry training and development Fund exists so Church Members can use this fund for training and development in line with the churches values and mission.
The Property repairs Fund is for repairs to the churches properties including the church building and three manses. The Bible Fund is to purchase bibles and associated literature. The ICT Fund is to upgrade, repair or replace ICT equipment.
Restricted funds
The Boys Brigade fund accounts for the Boys Brigade finances, anchor boys, junior section and senior section. The Girls Brigade fund accounts for the activities of the Girls Brigade
The Renew Group fund is the money from Renew Lunch (vulnerable adults group) and associated gifts. The Renew Sparklers Fund is the money from Renew Sparklers (Toddler Group) and associated gifts. The Holiday at Home Fund accounts for the activitiesfor the elderly who find going on holiday difficult. The SOLO's Fund is money for activities and expenditure to support adults who find themselves on their own. The Legacy Food Fund can be spent on any ‘food’ activities which happen in the church.
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