Charity registration number: 1128388 

## Mint Methodist Church 

known as 

The Mint 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 

for the Year Ended 31 August 2021 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Contents** 

|Reference and Administrative Details|1 to 2|
|---|---|
|Trustees' Report|3 to 27|
|Independent Examiner's Report|28|
|Statement of Financial Activities|29 to 30|
|Balance Sheet|31|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|32 to 50|





## **Mint Methodist Church known as The Mint** 

## **Reference and Administrative Details** 

## **Mint Church Council Members 2020-21** 

|Superintendent Minister:|Rev Steve Santry||
|---|---|---|
|Korean Pastor:|Rev Sungil Han||
|Church Steward|Nick Ware|(2018)|
|Church Steward|John Draisey|(2018)|
|Church Steward|Paul Grimes|(2019)|
|Church Treasurer|Peter Cordery|(2019)|
|Church Council Sec|Liz Gayton|(2018)|
|Pastoral Committee Sec|Amanda Hough|(2018)|
||Liz Sails|(2018)|
||Alison Thompson|(2018)|
|Circuit Steward|Sue Jones|(2020)|
|Elected rep 1|Jean Usher|(2017, 2020)|
|Elected rep 2|Bud Wendover|(2020)|
|Elected rep 3|Stephen Lawson|(2021)|
|Elected rep 4|Roger Day|(2021)|
|_Church Council appointed:_|||
|Social & Fundraising|Maureen Coleman (Chair)|(2010)|
|Mission and Outreach|Sue Cordery (Chair)|(2019)|
|Communion Stewards|Angela White|(2017)|
|Worship Consultation|Stephen Lea (Chair)|(2018)|
|Safeguarding|Katherine Kirkman (Chair)|(2021)|
|Mini Mints|Bronwen Lea|(2018)|
|Finance|Steve Santry (Chair)||
|Property|Ian Black (Chair)|(2004)|
||Mike Pillidge (Sec)|(2007)|
|_Other:_|||
|Immediate past Senior Steward|Stephen Haddad|(2021)|
|Immediate past Circuit Steward|Barbara Pillidge|(2020)|
|Immediate past Church Treasurer|Martin Myhill|(2019)|
|Student Rep (observer)|[vacant]||



Page 1 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Reference and Administrative Details** 

**Principal Office** Mint Methodist Church Fore Street Exeter Devon EX4 3AT **Charity Registration Number** 1128388 **Bankers** HSBC 250 High Street Exeter Devon EX4 3PZ Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church 9 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4PE **Independent Examiner** Wortham Jaques Limited Chartered Accountants and Charity Advisers 130a High Street Crediton Devon EX17 3LQ 

Page 2 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as The Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st August 2021. 

## **Trustee’s Annual Report on Finance and Governance** 

## **Basis of preparation and legal framework** 

The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2021 have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019 - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. 

Full Name of Charity / Church: Mint Methodist Church 

Registration Charity Number (if a Registered Charity): 1128388 

Date of registration (if registered as a Charity) : N/A 

Main communication address: Mint Methodist Church, Fore St, Exeter EX4 3AT 

The members of the Mint Methodist Church Council are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of church office holders, Minister and representatives appointed by the church at the Annual general Meeting. 

Full list of Church Council members and key lay employees are shown on page 1 of this report. 

Treasurer: Mr Peter Cordery 

Name of treasurer acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the church during the year. 

Independent examiner: Charlotte Gibbs 

Investment Bankers: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church 

Trustees for Methodist Church purposes 

## **Mission Statement** 

The Charity objectives are contained within the Mission Statement: 

_Methodists believe that our church was raised up by God to spread Scriptural Holiness throughout the world. Accordingly, the Mint Methodist Church is committed to serving Christ, spreading the Gospel, and living out Kingdom values, in the centre of Exeter, throughout the Exeter, Coast and Country Methodist Circuit, and in the world at large._ 

## **Aims and organisation** 

The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of: 

a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church; 

b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church; 

c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church; 

d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church 

Page 3 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as The Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

The Mint Methodist church is committed to serving Christ, spreading the Gospel and living out Kingdom values in the centre of Exeter, throughout the Exeter, Coast and Country Methodist Circuit and in the world at large. It strives to be a place of welcome and discipleship for all and to be Alive with Christ in the Community 

The main aims and objectives of the church are: 

## • **Worship** 

Worshiping God throughout the week through acts of worship and prayer which are open to members and no members alike. 

## • **Learning and caring** 

The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. 

Provision of pastoral work through building up relationships, visiting and supporting     those who are sick or bereaved 

## • **Service** 

Hosting and supporting local and international charities in the promotion of wellbeing for all 

## • **Evangelism** 

Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services and coming alongside people. 

## **Public Benefit** 

We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. 

## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

The governing document for the church is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976) 

Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD). 

Day to day management of the church is undertaken by the Church Council and the Minister. The Church Council are the Charity Trustees and its membership comprises church office holders, the Minister and representatives appointed by the church at the Annual General Meeting. 

## **Trustee Training** 

A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the church and the role of Trustees is given to the Church Trustees at various meetings and / or training sessions. 

## Related Parties 

The Church is part of the Exeter Coast and Country Circuit which is part of the Plymouth and Exeter 

District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. 

The internal organisations linked to this church are MiniMints, Flower Fund, Tuesday Fellowship and Interfaith Group. 

## **Risk Management** 

The Mint is generally risk averse. The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Trustees with professional advice taken as required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded.  In addition, a risk assessment is carried out for any new ventures. 

Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the anticipated annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves. 

## **Safeguarding** 

Page 4 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as The Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. 

Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles: 

• the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults 

• the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable 

• the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse. 

• We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes. 

• We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. 

• We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care. 

• We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust. 

• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult. 

• In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice 

The Mint Methodist Church commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy; government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches. 

The Mint Methodist Church commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The Reserves Policy for the Church is to aim to hold a minimum sum equivalent to six months’ average expenditure. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on the church building and / or to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full expenses including the assessment payable to the Circuit. 

## **Review of the year** 

The Annual Report presented to the Annual Church Meeting (November 2021) is appended. 

## **Income trends** 

Church income is primarily drawn from the Sunday collections, Gift aid tax credit, lettings income paid by external users of the building and donations made to the Church during the year and on the Annual Gift Day. 

The rental income relates to the hire of the church rooms to various groups in the community. 

Page 5 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as The Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Expenditure trends** 

The major cost is in relation to the assessment share offer paid to the Exeter Coast and Country Circuit. This amounts to 35 % of our total cost. The agreed contribution to the Circuit assessment for 2020-21 was £66,000. 

A significant amount of the Circuit assessment is used to pay the District Assessment, stipends and related costs to Ministers. 

The other significant expenditure includes salaries for reception staff and related costs of opening, property maintenance, utility charges etc. 

## **Fund balances** 

As at 31 August 2021 the net current assets of the Church were £77,855 giving approximately six months' cover for unrestricted expenditure. 

## **Plans for 2021-22** 

Church financial plans for the coming year had been prepared on the basis that the Mint would produce a modest operating surplus thereby contributing to the much-needed build-up of reserves.  However, the covid pandemic has limited this but we are managing to maintain funds. 

This will be complemented by a targeted Gift Day to increase Church Funds.  The Mint will seek to continue giving to external causes over the next few years, reflected both in fundraising and through free or subsidised lettings. 

Page 6 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Mint Methodist Church, Exeter Annual Report November 2021** 

## **SECTION 1: Management Reports** 

## **Minister’s Report:** 

For much of this year our centre staff have been furloughed and the building has been in hibernation mode. Therefore the consequences of the pandemic have extended longer than we had initially anticipated, and will last a little further yet. Whilst we have now returned to in church worship and are able to sing, albeit behind our masks, our online services have continued. They have morphed from prerecorded services to live streaming events allowing people who still have to shield, are housebound or unable to attend in person for other reasons to partake in worship. We are indebted to the dedicated team that make this happen, and whilst I wish to pass my thanks on to them all. It has been a steep learning curve for the technical team but also for those that lead the services. There is still work to be done in order for those partaking of worship at home to feel integrated into the congregation, especially if we had no relationship with them prior to lockdown. 

Our worship then has been a constant throughout these strange times. What has also been a constant is the generosity of peoples giving. Our income from room lettings has obviously taken a knock over the last year, but personal giving has remained strong which has provided a buffer for the work of the church to continue. This period of relative hibernation has afforded us the time to reflect and consider our future plans. Therefore I am grateful for the work of the Five Years Forward group who have guided the church in a refocus on its priorities. Their final report will be submitted to the general church meeting. If accepted by the church then this will shape the next five years, and a leadership team has been commissioned with the task of helping the church implement the priorities of the report. 

Our building was discussed as part of the future planning, as it is both a great asset and a tremendous burden. We are indebted to the dedicated team who look after this facility on our behalf, for the endless odd jobs and paperwork that needs to be carried out. Just think of all the work that is needed on your home and then multiply it by at least 20 coupled with a heavy footfall going through it and you might start to get close to the work needed. Our quinquennial inspection has just been carried out, and whilst the detail needs to be worked through, the initial reading of the report is good, and is testimony to good oversight. 

We are a congregation that gathers from a wide geographical area but we are bedded at the heart of a city centre community. As we continue to consider the consequences of the pandemic we will need to continue to ponder how a gathered church connects with the diversity of the city centre. 

## _Rev Stephen Santry_ 

## **Korean Ministry:** 

Like all Mint services, those for our Korean community were held online from March in 2020 until June in 2021. When we began meeting for our first service in person at church on 4[th ] July, we decided to stop the online service at the same time. The decision was made with the intention to give a better church to our future generations. (We just upload sermons and activities to the Korean website) 

During 2019-20 we met 3 new families, but this year we are still waiting for new families. 

We have been running Bible study meetings at every Wednesday. We also did a 12 weeks- discipleship course in which many of us experienced spiritual growth. 

In addition to our ‘Daily Bible reading’ using our Korean chatting app, we started ‘Daily 5 minutes prayer’. 

## _Sungil Han_ 

Page 7 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Stewards’ Report:** 

The stewards continue with their Sunday duties morning and evening as evening communion services have restarted in the main church building. We have a good team with four stewards and additional support stewards who help out once or twice a quarter. We are always looking for more stewards and support stewards to help with the services. 

The stewards have helped to keep the church Covid safe during the last year and continue to be vigilant in this area in support of the congregation as we return to normal activities. The stewards remain a key point of contact for anyone in the church who wishes to bring an issue to the attention of someone but don’t know who to talk to. 

Stephen Haddad has been a fantastic Senior Steward and I take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work. The stewards and Stephen in particular helped form the proposal for the leadership team which will be taking on some of the responsibilities that were previously handled by stewards. 

## _Paul Grimes_ 

## **Church Secretary:** 

In the year since the last Annual Report, Church Council has met on six scheduled occasions with an additional meeting held in February which focussed on arrangements for reopening the Mint after Lockdown 2. Meetings were held on Zoom until that of 22nd July 2021 which was held in the church building with appropriate Covid precautions in place. There is no doubt that whilst Zoom meetings have been excellent, and may indeed have some advantages, nothing beats face to face meeting and discussion. One change to our procedures this year is that each meeting is recorded in formal minutes, as usual, as well as in a brief summary document which is circulated widely. Formal minutes are available to any Mint member on request. 

Church Council members have taken their responsibilities very seriously and have given careful consideration to advisory groups throughout the church in making any decisions. There is concern that the numbers of Church Council members are diminishing and that the age profile is limited. As a Council we are working to consider ways in which these issues can be addressed. 

## _Elizabeth Gayton_ 

## **Property Committee:** 

The past year has been one of ‘feeling our way’ forward as lockdowns relaxed and we became used to the concept of ‘gathering’ once more. In-church worship resumed in April (but we are streaming services online to cater for folk who need - or prefer - to stay away); from July user groups have started to make a cautious return; some new ventures are starting. And, of course, Exeter Food Bank continues to reach out from our premises. 

Once again we have had to be cautious on the property front. Apart from new equipment to support the streaming of services most property expenditure during the year (about £26,000) has been on essential reactive repairs, and of course the usual recurring routine maintenance. We also brought forward a major inspection of electrical installations to take place while the place was relatively empty. 

Our strategy for future management of the buildings identified the need for some part-time paid assistance to support the efforts of our property volunteers, and an appointment is anticipated to cover the 2022 calendar year. Meanwhile a ‘fiveyear forward’ plan for the Mint is under discussion, and the outcome of this study - together with the report of the Quinquennial Inspector due to be received in autumn 2021 – will inform our direction of travel and the prioritisation of resources over the coming months and years. 

Page 8 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

As we move forward in mission the only certainty is the need for change. Our premises bear witness to changes made by many generations of our predecessors in response to that same certainty, and stewardship of them presents us with real challenges. As ever, we travel in faith, once again noting our thanks to those who, by offering their free time and talents, ensure that we can offer a safe, warm welcome to worshippers and to the wider community. 

## _Mike Pillidge_ 

## **Worship Consultation:** 

The Connexional Year 2020-21 began with Sunday morning English-language worship taking a hybrid pattern, with some people present in the Mint building and others joining services remotely. This was interrupted in November 2020 when we again went into full lockdown, and services with people present at the Mint did not resume until Easter 2021. Since then, the story has been one of gradual return to normality, but with some Covid precautions (enhanced social distancing, mask- wearing while moving around) still in place, and some positive developments that had been stimulated by the lockdown continuing. Over the year, the proportion of the congregation physically present has increased gradually, but a significant number continue to join us virtually, either at the time of the service or later in the week. In September 2020, remote participation still meant receiving a pre-recorded service, and we had to revert to that pattern when we were closed during the lockdowns; but we had already begun the process of changing to live-streaming of services from the Mint, with the service also being available for later viewing. The Church Council authorised the emergency purchase of new cameras and a faster computer to make this possible, and it became the standard approach from mid-April. We anticipate that streaming will continue even when the pandemic is officially over, as it enables us to share our worship with people who, for several quite different reasons, cannot be present with us in the building. Following the decision of Conference in July 2021, at Communion services we now invite those joining remotely to participate with us. We have continued with the arrangement of having two people responsible for each service, the planned preacher and a co-ordinator from the Mint congregation, who need not be a minister or local preacher; we are grateful to members who have come forward to join the co- ordinator rota. 

In addition to the Sunday morning English-language services, other forms of worship have gradually been restored or introduced. Occasional online-only Sunday evening services are held, sometimes with a virtual discussion session afterwards. Young Church, who had been producing weekly recorded video sessions throughout the lockdowns, resumed meeting in person from mid- April, though the production of videos continued until Korean-language worship resumed in July 2021. Monthly evening communion services resumed at the beginning of the 2021-22 Connexional year. The Worship Consultation group is now actively considering what additional forms of worship can be offered to our membership, our local community, and the online community we have gathered around the Mint during the pandemic period. 

As covid restrictions have gradually been lifted, we have felt able to start inviting visiting preachers again. Rev Michaela Youngson, a former President of the Conference, preached on 2[nd ] May 2021, though because of covid travel restrictions, she had to do so virtually; Rev Kevin Hooke preached at our Church Anniversary on 13[th ] June, and he was able to be physically present. More visitors are planned for the 2021-22 Connexional year. Musical contributions to worship were limited during the year, but are resuming for 2021-22, and we are very grateful to our organists and several groups of singers who made many recordings that enriched our worship during the periods when we could not meet physically. 

The Worship Consultation Group exists to advise the Ministers and the Church Council on all matters relating to worship. It meets four times a year and includes members representing the different ways in which Mint members contribute to our worship. It consists of the Ministers, a Steward, Local Preachers, a Communion Steward, the Mint’s Circuit Steward, the Director of Music, the Orchestra leader, a Young Church representative, the AV co-ordinator and our streaming advisor, the Notices and magazine editor, and a Mission and Outreach member. Several others receive the minutes but do not usually send a representative to the meetings. Others may be invited to attend for particular meetings or items of business. The group is currently chaired by Stephen Lea, with Bronwen Lea serving as secretary. At the end of Connexional Year 2020/21, two longstanding members of the group stood down, our Steward representative and our Senior Communion Steward, and we express particular thanks to both of them for their many contributions to the group and to worship at the Mint. 

Page 9 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

The group aims to consider general and strategic matters relating to the worship of God at the Mint as its first substantive item of business. For much of the past Connexional Year, these discussions focused around arrangements for online worship and the resumption of physical worship, though we did also have to consider arrangements for Steve Santry’s sabbatical in March to May 2021. As regular business, the group also takes responsibility for advising the Superintendent and Circuit Administrator on the next quarter’s Circuit Preaching Plan, in so far as it affects the Mint. This has to be done well in advance of the circuit’s planning process, so we are typically considering services that will take place three to five months after our meeting. It involves suggesting some of our preachers, making arrangements for Themed Preaching, agreeing the dates for Communion services and other services at which the English- and Korean-speaking congregations combine, and preparing for special Sundays. Some special services need to be planned further in advance, most obviously the Church Anniversary. 

The group also reviews how things have gone in the immediately past quarter, and how they are going in the current quarter. Other regular items for discussion include the layout of the worship area, the performance of the audio-visual systems, and any other practical matters relating to worship.   Before the lockdown, detailed work on improving the layout of the front of the church was being undertaken by a dedicated working party: this was paused during the lockdown, but will now return to priority consideration, along with ongoing difficulties with the sound system in the church. 

After every meeting, the group sends a report to the next appropriate meeting of the Church Council, and a less formal report is included in the next issue of “Forward”. Full minutes of the Group’s meeting are filed in the Church Council minute book for archival purposes.   All members of the congregation are welcome, indeed encouraged, to send comments and suggestions back to the group via its Chair. 

## _Stephen Lea_ 

## **Audio-Visual Team:** 

Since last year’s report the Mint has introduced the live streaming of Sunday services. This has led to a number of changes not only in the way services are prepared but also, especially, in the technology needed for streaming and the operation of that technology. The AV team has assumed the responsibility for streaming each service, in addition to providing the usual audio-visual support (slides on the screens, microphones, etc.). Jon Cordery set up and tested the technology needed and has continued to play a pivotal role in the preparation and delivery of regular streaming, assisted by Stephen Haddad and Stephen Lea. Other members of the AV team are in the process of receiving training. 

For those watching and sharing in streamed services at home the quality of both images and sound is normally high. Within the Mint, however, that is not invariably the case, as many will be all too aware. In order to improve the clarity of images, which can be adversely affected on a bright day, the Mint has purchased extra blinds. These have been installed on the long left-hand windows in the worship area. We have been pleased to note some improvements, although we recognise that the sanctuary can sometimes seem dark at the front when the blinds are fully closed. We would welcome feedback on this. Meanwhile, achieving a regular standard of clarity through the church’s loudspeakers continues to pose a challenge. The AV team is fully aware of the difficulties members of the congregation can experience and we continue to give thought to how things might be improved. We also continue to gather information and always welcome any input from members, for example by way of differences they may have noted between seats. 

## _David Horn_ 

Page 10 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Church Centre Facilitator and Church Bookings:** 

It has been another strange and difficult year for everyone with the lockdowns impacting all aspects of our daily lives. As a result of continuing lockdowns, the groups and individuals who used the building fluctuated as restrictions eased then tightened. Throughout the whole time we have worked to facilitate the requirements of our hirers, working a combination of flexible hours around booked sessions to maximise the benefit of furlough payments. 

By the beginning of September 2020 the Church buildings were ready to re-open and we were taking bookings. Most of the groups with an older demographic decided not to return to their activity groups but we did have some of our regular hirers back, mainly exercise groups, particularly in the evenings, an educational evening class and a support group. In addition, we also had a new fitness group, a community support group and an orchestra making regular bookings. Throughout the following lockdowns we continued to work to facilitate having bookings of support/ community groups plus the start up of the Exeter FoodCycle at The Mint. As restrictions eased, we have seen the return of Brownies and several regular yoga/fitness groups restarting. In addition, we have also had one-off bookings for the Polling Station, training days and an arts project during the Summer. 

From September 2021 we have had further regular hirers returning, including Magic Carpet, Linking Voices, Forum and U3A groups. Alongside these, Church led groups such as Tuesday Fellowship, Wednesday coffee morning and Mini Mints have also resumed successfully. A new activity, Family Café with Church Mice, has started recently and further church led morning activities are being planned. 

We are receiving a range of enquiries and taking future bookings, with each month getting increasingly busy. We continue to receive positive feedback from our users and are looking forward to continuing to build the bookings back up. 

_Chris Ware and Lesley Mehigan_ 

## **Data Protection:** 

In January 2018 Church Council decided to set up a Data Protection Working Party, to examine the implications for the Mint of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), now incorporated into UK law as the Data Protection Act 2018. Their immediate brief was to advise the church council, and officers and members of the church, on any changes to our policies and procedures that were needed to ensure that we complied with the Act, which came into force in May 2018. 

The Working Party does not hold formal meetings, operating entirely by email. It has continued to keep the implications of the Data Protection Act for the church under review, and to monitor guidance issued by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP). It has also acted as an informal advisory and discussion forum for all matters to do with Information Technology in the Mint. Key examples in the Connexional Year 2020-21 were the purchase of new equipment to facilitate live-streaming of our services, and the revision of the church’s Data and IT policy, which was adopted by Church Council in September 2021. An ongoing piece of work is the gradual transfer of files relating to church activities (which are the property of TMCP) from individual members’ computers to cloud storage owned and controlled by the Mint. In September 2021, the Church Council decided to formalise this wider role for the group, and re-designate it as the church’s Data and IT Advisory Group, with unchanged membership. 

The group currently consists of three members of Church Council, John Draisey, Trevor Jones, Stephen Lea, and Martin Myhill, together with Trevor Jones, who has been appointed by Church Council as Data Steward, to have particular responsibility for the membership database. Martin Myhill has been appointed to be the second holder of passwords to Mint accounts. Stephen Lea convenes the group. 

_Stephen Lea_ 

Page 11 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Mint Employment:** 

Although it has been a relatively quiet year in the Mint Church Centre, it has been a busy year for the Employment group. The Mint Church employees include a Bookings Secretary, a Mint Church Facilitator, an Evening facilitator a Cleaner and a Saturday Receptionist. This report covers the period when the Church, because of the restrictions imposed through Covid, was unable to be open for bookings and so our staff were unable to work their regular hours.   Through the generosity of the Mint congregation and with the use of the government furlough scheme we have been able to retain our current staff throughout this period.   They have continued to work flexible furlough hours, gradually taking on more hours as room bookings have increased. We are very grateful to them for their willingness to continue working in this way throughout this year and know how difficult it has sometimes been for them when planning ahead has proved difficult. Their commitment and flexibility has been much appreciated, making the Employment group’s work easier. 

In addition to the management of our employees, we have responsibility for overseeing several service contracts. One such contract which has been significant for the Mint has been the Streaming and AV service contract. Through the use of our streamed services we have been able to reliably maintain our church community connections between those able to meet in person and those still unable to do so, having a significant impact on our church’s future. 

During this period, we have introduced regular informal staff lunches to which a few members in the church who hold key positions have been invited.   Our hope is to provide an opportunity for paid staff and volunteers to get to know one another and better understand how our different roles can complement each other. One way of supporting the work of our employees is through our reception volunteers. As the present organiser of the volunteer rota I would like to thank those who continue to see this as an important part of our church life and volunteer regularly, ensuring staff can take holiday, covering those periods when paid staff are not working and being the welcoming face of the Mint to our hirers. If there is anyone who feels that becoming a Reception Volunteer is something they might be able to do, please do come and talk to me. 

## _Bronwen Lea_ 

## **Mission & Outreach:** 

As usual we have supported a large range of charities and appeals and we have given people the opportunity to make donations online as well (either direct to the charity or via the Mint). We are sorry to have said goodbye to our new Christian Aid representative Elysia who has moved away from Exeter. Our Charity of the Year has been ShelterBox and so far we have raised £3,200. Next January we will launch our new Charity of the year- Westbank. 

Our links with the Fore Street Flea markets have now become stronger and we are pleased to have Angela Martin liaising with the Mint congregation, Mint Centre users and traders. We now have four lovely planters which are housed in the outdoor space between reception and the Wesley area and these are used on the street when the markets occur. 

Our Church Centre work continues to develop after the lockdowns, as more groups are returning. Shortly we will be giving out Christmas Cards to those who use our premises and if you are able to help with this please see Sue. We will also be supporting the work of Action for Children through Carol Singing and the Christmas Day Collection. 

Two groups that link with our committee have been 5 years forward and Eco church which have been working very hard. Thank you to everyone for your generosity in time and money. 

_Sue Cordery and Jane Skinner_ 

Page 12 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Pastoral Report:** 

Since our last report in November 2020, 11 members have died and 5 non members/closely connected members within our church have also died. 

Three people have transferred their membership from other Methodist churches. One member and one past member both reached their 100[th ] birthdays. 

The membership number currently stands at 164.   Three new people have introduced themselves and join us regularly via our Online Services/Coffee.  Thanks were given to 3 members who are no longer feeling able to continue as Pastoral Visitors and sadly 1 Pastoral Visitor has died. 3 members have joined the Pastoral Team to become Pastoral Visitors and 2 of our Members have resumed their Pastoral Visitor roles since the start of Covid. 

We also very much appreciated those who continue in many roles such a sending cards, Christmas presents and flowers. 

There has been online training for Pastoral Visitors and 3 people have taken part with this. 

It has been a challenging year for our Minister and Pastoral Team due to the effects of the Covid Pandemic and the inability to meet/visit people, so sincere thanks go to all those who have contributed towards our caring role within the church, including those who are not part of our Pastoral Team which has been particularly appreciated during this difficult year. 

## _Amanda Hough_ 

Page 13 



**Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

**Trustees’ Report** 

## **SECTION 2: Finance** 

## **Treasurer’s Annual Report:** 

## **(PLEASE NOTE THIS REPORT IS BASED ON PRE-AUDITED ACCOUNTS)** 

Mint cash balances at 31 August 2021 are £77855.63 compared with £72144.26 at 31 August 2020. This encouraging amount is greatly welcomed at this time. 

This last year has continued to be a period of uncertainty. Despite this our finances are fairly buoyant through the generosity of our regular givers, some substantial donations and another good Gift Day total and also the support of the government though the furlough scheme. We have kept a tight rein on expenditure and have had somewhat reduced utility bills. 

However, the next twelve months could be more demanding on finances as we hope to return to full operation as a Church Centre. 

The balance sheet below includes both the previous financial year and 2018-2019 which was the last pre-covid year for comparison 

## **2020-21 Balances:** 

||**2020-21**|**2019-20**|**2018-19**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**General Fund Income**|170,183.10|183,765.49|190,848.74|
|||||
|**CFB Fund end balance**|3,280.72|16,953.44|11396.50|
|**Collections**|76,984.64|78121.16|79425.34|
|||||
|**Donations**|13,624.67|8072.33|7466.49|
|**GiftAid**|26,567.57|27741.09|25199.28|
|||||
|**Gift Day excluding Gift**<br>**Aid**|21,635.00|24,825.00|21,600.00|
|**Room Lettings**|17,979.40|37431.13|51134.33|
|||||
|**General Fund**<br>**Expenditure**|151,122.87|167,971.62|193343.48|
|**Circuit Share**|65,000.00|49,500.00*|75,000.00|
|||||
|**Salaries (incl. NI & pen)**|25051.87**|28284.85**|39928.97|
|**Korean Pastorate**|14,757.46|14631.54|14236.87|
|||||
|**Property items**|21,876.47|17835.00|14665.64|
|**Utilities**|6907.64|9845.18|11156.72|
|||||



*May Circuit Share in 2020 (£16500) waived due to coronavirus lockdown 

** Reduced by Furlough payments (see below) 

Page 14 



**Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

The year-end cash balance is £74,588.46 in the HSBC general account and £3,267.17 in the CFB account. Some extra detail:- 

## **INCOME** 

## **• Income from collections and donations** 

Our income from collections has largely been maintained. Most of the offertory is now through on- line payments and only about £1000 in the last year has come through the envelope system. Over 

£4000 has been received through the post by cheques. There have been a number of generous donations, including a bequest from the late Lyndsay Hirst, boosting our income significantly. 

## **• Gift Day** 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Gift Day total which matched the 2019 figure (last year’s was greater but a particular response to the lockdown situation). This excellent total does not include gift aid which will boost the final figure by around £5000. 

## **• Room lettings income** 

Lettings income over the last year is about 35% of the pre-pandemic level, initially largely made up of Foodbank and Inclusive Exeter but now including some of the smaller group lettings. During the last three months income has risen to nearer 40% as a result. This is an indication that lettings are starting to return and, with some of the bigger groups hoping to come back in the autumn, this steady progress should continue. 

## **EXPENDITURE** 

During the pandemic, repairs and maintenance were kept to a minimum but these necessary tasks are now needing to take place. The cost of insurance and the utilities have obviously still occurred during the pandemic period though with somewhat reduced utility usage amounts. 

## **• Salaries** 

Through the furlough scheme we have been able to maintain our staff levels. The scheme has paid 80% of salaries until the end of June. This then reduced to 70% for July and 60% for August and September before the scheme ends, but we have been required to pay all tax and national insurance as normal. In addition 

Church Council agreed that we would top up income to full pay. The government support has approached £25,000 in the last year. As staff have been needed more with increased bookings, the amount of furlough claimed has reduced. We will have to pay full salaries from October which hopefully will start to balance with revenue from increased bookings. 

## **• Agreed payments 2019-20** 

Church Council has agreed the following payments: 

- Exeter City Centre Chaplaincy £500 (last year’s donation was returned as ECCC could not operate) 

- St Petrock’s £500 

Shelterbox continues as the Mint’s adopted charity to the end of 2021. 

Page 15 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **• External fundraising** 

The Mint congregation has continued its pattern of incredibly generous giving to external causes. The table below shows the amount given through our accounts but since lockdown some support has been online, direct to charities. The figures below include gift aid claimed in April (so more gift aid to come in the October claim). 

|**Cause**|**Amount**|**Notes**|
|---|---|---|
|Action For Children|1409.50|Not including boxes|
||||
|All We Can|25.00||
|Christian Aid Week|154.00||
||||
|Easter Ofering (World Mission)|525.00||
|MHA|170.00||
||||
|ShelterBox|3349.50|Charity of the Year (includes 2<br>direct dona0ons)|
|St Petrocks|500.00||
||||
|World Mission|500.00|January collec0on|



## **‘TRADING’** 

## **• Traidcraft** 

Traidcraft has operated by on-line sales only during the pandemic. Income totalled £888.42 in 2020-21. Expenditure was £777.76. The current value of stock is £217.22 of which £29.85 is beyond its ‘best before’ date. There was £201.62 worth of Church tea and coffee supplies in the cupboard on 1st September 2020. Currently there is £151.38 worth of those supplies remaining. Of which £112.88 worth are now past their 'best before date'. Due to Covid restrictions, very little has been used over the past 12 months (£50.24 only) 

## **• Bookstall** 

The Bookstall has been dormant throughout the pandemic so there are no sales to report. Current paid-for stock value is at £203.38. 

Continued thanks to those members for managing these important provisions. 

## **ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS** 

A very big thank you to our retiring gift aid secretary who finished this year having ably served in this role for the last ten years. A new secretary has now been appointed. 

I am extremely grateful to the support of my two colleagues who make up the treasurer team dealing with the day-to-day finance work and all the employment matters. These roles have been particularly taxing this year with the ever-changing practices during the covid pandemic. 

_Peter Cordery_ 

Page 16 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Gift Aid:** 

Thanks to the wonderful continued giving of our congregation, our collections, and hence our Gift Aid claims, have not just held up but increased in the last two years. All this is despite the pandemic and enforced lack of regular services for long periods of time. 

Our Treasurer has confirmed The Mint’s net Gift Aid receipts as being: 

- 2019-20   £24,881.09 

- 2020-21   £26,567.57 

Thank you to all who have given, and who have helped me to reclaim Gift Aid for the church in such large sums for the past six years. I was delighted when Martin Easton agreed to take on this task. Relatively new to The Mint, but not at all to Methodism, he is a “proper” accountant, so we all can be sure that he will do a very thorough job. 

## _Andrew Green_ 

## **Bookstall:** 

The year from 1[st ] September 2020 to 31[st ] August 2021 was an abnormal one in many ways. With the Mint buildings closed for the lockdown for much of the time, and a need to discourage people from lingering after services and other meetings, the bookstall did not operate at all. The Buckfast Abbey Bookshop, from which we obtain our books on Sale or Return, was in any case closed for most of the time.   We were holding some Sale or Return books that we had not been able to return to Buckfast, and these were advertised in the regular Mint mailings, but no sales resulted. 

The normal Sale or Return arrangement with Abbey bookshop has proved convenient and successful in the past, and arrangements are now in hand to resume it, we hope in early November 2021. In addition, we occasionally have books donated, or books that are requested in connection with a sermon series or a meeting can be obtained other booksellers or directly from publishers. All money received for books goes through the church accounts, and in consequence we carry out an annual stocktaking, at the end of August each year; this helps us especially in keeping track of donated and other “legacy” books, which are not tracked through the Abbey bookshop account. Despite the lack of most activity on the bookstall, the annual stocktaking was carried out as usual. 

As well as being offered for sale, the stock we put on the bookstall is a statement of who we are, as a church. Many of the books are sold to users of the church building, and visitors, rather than members of the congregation. We aim to select mostly books relevant to the life of the church, with a few of local or more general interest, but please let me know if there are types of books, or particular books, you would like to see on the bookstall. We look forward to restarting bookstall operations as soon as possible. 

## _Stephen Lea_ 

Page 17 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Traidcraft:** 

We have been unable to have a Sunday morning stall after the service for the whole of this year because of Covid precautions. A small amount of stock has now gone beyond its 'best before date'. However, we have been able to continue to support Traidcraft, as regular supporters have sent orders to me and goods have been delivered to home addresses to the value of £888.42. 

We continue to order Church tea and coffee supplies through Traidcraft although this has amounted to very little this year. Unfortunately, some of the remaining stock has gone beyond its 'best before date'. However, we have now started to place orders for new stock for the coming months. We are hoping to recommence the monthly Sunday morning stalls on October 24th, November14th and December12th with the aim of reviewing progress in January. We are also working towards some kind of availability during the week in the Reception area. Christmas catalogues are now available. 

As far as I understand, Traidcraft as an organisation is doing reasonably well, with a new business model. To some extent, they benefited from the pandemic situation as the demand for on-line sales increased. Thank you to everyone for their continued support. 

## _Janice Heath_ 

Page 18 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **SECTION 3: Church Groups** 

## **Young Church:** 

It has been a strange year, with young church sessions being online only throughout the winter and much of the spring, online and in person for a couple of months, and just in person during late summer/autumn! The online sessions are now finished, and the rest of this report refers to in person sessions only. 

We have merged Primary and Juniors into a single group, meeting in the school room. This is in part due to the number of leaders we currently have, but also because we only have two primary aged children at present. Average numbers during young church sessions were 8 during July- August, increasing to around 12 throughout the Autumn.   The majority of our young people are from the Korean congregation. We continue to use the “Roots” study notes as the basis of our sessions, meaning that the content follows the lectionary. Sessions consist of discussing the bible passages, games, and crafts. 

We are in the process of getting the young people more involved in the Sunday service. Several have volunteered to read bible passages, or the call to worship, before we leave for our own sessions. This is in addition to the existing All Age Worship services run twice a year by the young church. 

Alongside this important work, of helping the children to feel more integrated with the main church service, we are also trying to allow them more time to socialise as a group of young people, by increasing the number of activities we do outside church (though these are not quite back to pre- COVID frequency). For example, several of the young people helped run games/activities outside the Mint as part of the flea market on 10[th ] October. We will also attend a beach clean in Dawlish in early November, since the young people are particularly passionate about eco-church activities, the environment and climate change. 

Finally, in addition to young church (ages 3+), there are a range of new toys in the reception area for parents to use with their babies/toddlers during the service. The service is streamed to the reception area, so parents can still participate in the worship. 

## _Steven Hardiman_ 

## **Mini Mints:** 

Because of the restrictions of the Covid pandemic, our baby and toddler group had not been able to meet since March 2020. Many of those involved with the group felt that it was important for us to look at safe ways of restarting the group. After a meeting in June we held two sessions in July. These sessions confirmed the continuing need for the group and helped us plan for a return to regular term time meetings from September. We are very pleased that our Church facilitator has joined our team with a weekly commitment to working with Mini Mints enabling her to make regular connexions with families coming into our building. I would like to thank the Reception volunteers who have made an on-going commitment to volunteer on Friday mornings, so our Facilitator is able to do this work. I would also like to thank those who had been involved with Mini Mints over the previous year, helped to create a very successful activity for the Mint, but now find themselves no longer able to be part of our team of volunteers. 

## _Bronwen Lea_ 

Page 19 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **House Groups:** 

## **• Countess Wear House Group:** 

This group no longer meets formally. We continue to value the friendship and support we receive from each other and hold an informal zoom meeting once a month. 

We thank Janet Robb for hosting the group over many years. 

## _Margaret Bullock_ 

## **• FISH House Group:** 

FISH has continued over the past year to meet online most Wednesdays, with a mix of social catchups and bible study sessions. Over the past year we have covered material such as the series put together by the EcoChurch group on Christianity and the Environment, a series called “The Wellbeing Journey” and a bible study on Revelation. We have also engaged in some weekend activities like walks with accompanying pub lunches so members’ children can also join in too. Unfortunately, in the past 2 months, along with the Mint as a whole, FISH has lost three valuable members in Bec, Danielle and Kirsten who will be greatly missed, but we wish them well as they start new chapters elsewhere in the country. With the easing of restrictions and a lot of other activities resuming with the start of the school year, we have returned to our fortnightly meeting cadence and started doing hybrid meetings so that we can accommodate members who weren’t able to easily join us online. We look forward to being able to meet more in person, while still retaining the flexibility of hybrid meetings, and welcome anyone who’d like to join our group. 

## _Stephen Haddad_ 

## **• Oriole House Group:** 

Despite the lockdowns, the group continued to meet monthly, throughout the Connexional Year 2020-21. Meetings are normally held in the evening of the second Friday of the month. Since the beginning of lockdown we have been meeting via Zoom, although we are now experimenting with different forms of hybrid meeting.   These are likely to continue for the foreseeable future since some of our members are highly vulnerable. By one means and another, we have been able to maintain an almost unbroken fellowship, and meetings have been well attended, with typically twelve or more people present. Whatever their format, all our meetings are open: Visitors and new members are always welcome. Our commonest practice is for a member to introduce discussion on some issue that has been concerning them recently, and for the group to seek to find the Christian perspective on it. We do also address issues that the church as a whole has been asked to consider: for example this year we have started on discussing the EcoChurch initiative, and we will be continuing to look at that in the coming year. 

## _Stephen Lea_ 

## **• Ubi House Group:** 

The Ubi house group meets once a fortnight often on a Wednesday evening (on zoom at present). During lockdown we met weekly on zoom with a quiz every other week. We take it in turns to lead the group and choose topics which concern us and how our faith relates to these issues. We have recently followed the Eco church house group sessions. 

We also enjoy going away as a group once a year. Last year this had to be postponed but we have a weekend booked in November when our numbers will be reduced to keep us as safe as we can, but 12 of us will still be able to go away. Our theme is – Learning how to see and we will be exploring how bias affects our perception of ideas and events. If you would like to know more about our house group please talk to Sue or Peter Cordery. 

## _Sue and Peter Cordery_ 

Page 20 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Prayer:** 

We meet for prayer each Wednesday at 10am in The Rowe Hall. We begin with remembering those who have requested prayer and then we follow a short liturgy with a different passage of scripture each week. We then pray for issues around the world, in the UK, in Exeter and we pray for the Church throughout the world. Prayers are said aloud or in silence. It is a special time and everyone is welcome to join us. 

## _Maureen Stoolman_ 

## **Intercessions:** 

For some years we have had a team of people willing to lead the intercessions. I used to prepare of rota of people prepared to lead the intercessions on a particular Sunday. If the preacher wanted to use someone within the service, they would then liaise with them re the theme. I am stepping down from that role now, but we still need people to volunteer. During the period when we could not meet at church in person, the Mint began to adopt a scheme whereby worship co-ordinators would work with the preacher and involve members of the congregation within the service. If you have led intercessions in a church previously or would like to think about volunteering to join a list of volunteers who might be approached to be involved in a service in this way, please let Stephen Lea or Paul Grimes know. They will then be able to add your name to that list. Some years back, Rev. Norman Wallwork led training on leading intercessions, and we still have copies of that training if anyone would find it useful. Also, the Methodist Worship Book includes many examples of possible prayers/guidelines to use. Please consider if you might be able to respond to this; we would love to have more volunteers. 

## _Sue Cordery_ 

## **Communion Stewards:** 

The distribution of the Sacraments re-started on Sunday 2[nd ] May, with the congregation being served in their seats, using the pre-packed elements. There was considerable discussion about using these little packs, but at the time it seemed a good idea as at least everyone had both elements and not just the bread. 

Once the stock of pre-packed elements ran out we resumed semi-normal service; the congregation helped themselves to the proffered pieces of bread and glasses of wine and this has been a great success. It should be noted that the bread should NOT be given to each person, they should help themselves to avoid excess contamination. 

During the summer I ‘resigned’ from my post as Senior Communion Steward after nine years, and have happily passed the baton on to Alison Franklin. The Team continue to carry out their duties in the usual meaningful way, which is very much appreciated. 

## _Angela White_ 

## **Choir:** 

Choral activities have been severely curtailed during the past church year, and the only function of the choir (or part of it, as allowed by Government guidelines) has been to support congregational singing, or to sing hymns in place of the congregation during the period when communal singing was prohibited. As ever, our heartfelt thanks go to our Director of Music for preserving the musical element of worship throughout the year, adapting to changing circumstances, and maintaining the usual high standards. 

## _John Draisey_ 

Page 21 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Local Preachers:** 

Most of our Sunday services at the Mint are led by local preachers and ministers who worship here, but in addition to some specially invited guest preachers there were half a dozen occasions in the 2020-2021 year when God’s Word was brought by local preachers from around the circuit. 

Stephen Lea and I continue to tutor those training as preachers or worship leaders in the circuit, and both of us also have tutorial groups that we work online with whose members are spread around the District or wider region. The experience of using Zoom for all kinds of purposes during the lockdowns enabled us to discover that there are benefits as well as drawbacks to working that way, and the process is much helped by all the course material and learning resources being provided on a web-based platform. 

The Mint has continued with the practice instituted last year of pairing each Sunday’s preacher with another preacher or worship leader who is based at the Mint and who acts as a co-ordinator for the service, liaising with the preacher and drawing upon other members of the congregation and their talents to make the whole experience as rich and varied as possible. Three new co-ordinators (Sue Cordery, Nancy Day and Colin Lambert) have joined that team in the last few months and I had a series of online sessions with them, and a fourth Mint member who has since moved away, working through the Methodist Church’s basic level worship leader training to supplement their varied existing experience, and it has been great to welcome them to the Mint’s growing team of those who enable worship. 

The circuit continues to depend heavily on the Mint for the leading of worship elsewhere, and with several long-serving preachers around the circuit having elected to retire from regular service we would want to continue to encourage anyone who thinks God might be nudging them to consider a calling in the leading of worship or preaching to talk to any of us who are preachers or worship leaders. 

## _Stephen Mosedale_ 

## **Forward Magazine, Service Sheets, Mint Mailing:** 

Soon after the publication of the last report a second lockdown meant that the church was closed but Forward Magazine continued to be produced with a PDF full colour version sent to 276 people with a further 25 paper copies delivered to members without internet connection. The magazine has continued to include a variety of articles including news of the church family. 

When Sunday Services at the Mint resumed in April 2021 a single page Service Sheet showing the order of service on one side and the prayer list on the reverse was produced. 

At the beginning of September the familiar four page Service Sheet was reinstated which included relevant notices. Additional help regarding typing of the Service Sheet would be very welcome. 

The weekly Friday ‘Mint Mailing’ which is currently emailed to 183 members, has also continued throughout the lockdown and the reopening of the Mint and has included information about the weekly Sunday service at the Mint, how to access the Streamed and You Tube service and Sunday morning virtual coffee, as well as any notices and a ‘prayer for the week’. Attachments to the email include the Prayer List; the ‘Vine at Home Service’ in both PDF and DOCX formats; and Exeter Coast and Country Circuit Weekly Worship Resources. 

Both Forward Magazine and the Mint Mailing have been appreciated as important ways of maintaining contact with the Mint family over these challenging times. 

## _Maureen Coleman_ 

Page 22 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Inter-Church Relations:** 

The dialogue between the churches in the City of Exeter has substantially increased during the year.  There are two organisations working in the area, Christians Together Across Exeter (CTAX) and a recently formed organisation “One for Exeter”. “ One for Exeter” is set up to be a vehicle through which local authorities e.g. Exeter City Council, Police and most recently compilers of the Exeter Central Plan can dialogue with the Christian churches in the city. 

I receive a regular news up date from this source. Topics recently include 

- A request from NCH/Devon County Council to participate in a survey into childcare facilities operated by Churches and faith communities. 

- A Proposal to develop a support network for teachers who are members of churches in the City. 

- A request from the Council for the help of faith communities in filling the large gap in the provision of social care in the City 

I endeavour to circulate these requests to members who may be interested/involved with these topics. 

## _Bud Wendover_ 

## **Wednesday Bible Study:** 

The small Wednesday bible study group has not been able to meet during the COVID lockdowns. As most of the members don’t have online access we were not able to revert to zoom meetings as some groups have done. We kept in contact with each other and had 3 sets of ‘study by post’ sessions where for a few weeks at a time we would share a study subject with some reflective notes. Since late august we have been back meeting at The Mint, although not all are able to be there. We studied the eco- church material on the environment and are are currently journeying through the book of Acts. 

## _Brenda Mosedale_ 

## **Eco Church:** 

In January, the Mint Eco Church Team was formed as a response to the importance our Young Church felt about Climate Change, and also to formalise and extend discussions about recycling and other issues that the Mission and Outreach Group had been having. The Mint group have been very busy and continue to have lots of ideas that we’d like to achieve. We are now part of a national movement of about 3.500 churches. Eco Church (An A Rocha UK project) encourages its member churches constantly to improve their green credentials and is supported by the Methodist Church. Currently we are working towards our bronze award – we are therefore carrying out audits which challenge us to look at our actions within four particular areas. (Worship and Teaching, Buildings, Community and Global engagement and Lifestyle.) We are producing a set of display boards so that people can see what we are all doing and over time we hope these will be updated with new aims and achievements. We have held a number of special services dedicated to thinking about our world and changes we might consider. We hope you have noticed that in Forward, we have articles each month where we talk about different issues, share experiences, publicise events and bring you up to date with what we as a church group have been busy with.  Our house groups have been taking part in eco awareness discussions and are contributing various ideas which we are exploring further. On the notices, we now have a prayer point topic each week for the planet. We are planning to start hosting meetings in the Spring on environmental and sustainability issues to which the wider public and church members will be welcome. 

The Mint Eco church team meet on zoom every couple of months but actively pursue lots of ideas and suggestions between meetings. If you are interested in knowing more about our team or have ideas to suggest please contact Sue Cordery or Stephen Mosedale. 

## _Sue Cordery_ 

Page 23 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **SECTION 4: Activities** 

## **Tuesday Fellowship:** 

Tuesday Fellowship is a group of ladies and gentlemen who meet on Tuesday afternoons at the Mint at 2.30p.m and end the afternoon with a cup of tea and chat. During lockdown last autumn, we began to send out a newsletter with contributions from different members to keep one another in touch, which was greatly appreciated. We began to meet in person again at the end of July and continued throughout August. We started our Autumn session in mid September. We have power point presentations of holidays, hobbies and topics of interest. The Tuesday Fellowship group from Sidwell Street have also now joined us which is excellent. A few of our members still cannot attend due to shielding but we remember them regularly. We are meeting in the church to give more space and air circulation. Anyone is welcome to attend any Tuesday. 

## _Sue Cordery_ 

## **Musical Sandwich:** 

This series of informal half-hour lunchtime recitals on the first Thursday of each month came to an abrupt halt with the imposition of the first lockdown in March 2020. Following the temporary lifting of restrictions in the autumn, one recital took place on 1 October, in which Richard Taverner and John Draisey played duets for piano and organ by Handel, Widor, and Karg-Elert, partly based on the theme of water. The series has not since resumed. 

## _John Draisey_ 

## **Walking Group:** 

This group has begun to meet again after the lockdown and we have had two very successful walks. The first round Ide and the second round Bradninch. Both had beautiful views of the Devon countryside. 

We welcome anyone who would like to join us. The walks are usually three to four miles long and you need to have good waterproof footwear and coats! It's a good way of getting to know people. Lifts can be arranged. Details are printed in the weekly notices. 

## _Rosemary Allen_ 

## **Wednesday Morning Coffee:** 

Coffee is now served in the reception area at various times during the week. This is co-ordinated by the reception staff. My personal thanks to all those who have supported and helped me over the years on a Wednesday morning. 

## _Margaret Bullock_ 

## **Pantomime 2021:** 

Covid 19 sadly prevented the extravaganza, ‘Alice in Zoomland’, from taking place on Friday and Saturday 12[th ] and 13[th ] February 2021 , but a Zoom Pantomime evening enabled the cast to get a taste of the script and enjoy meeting up again, albeit remotely. Plans are now in place to hold the pantomime on Friday and Saturday the 18[th ] and 19[th ] of February 2022. We are very grateful that the willing group of ‘thespians’ have indicated that they eager to take to the stage again, Covid willing. 

## _Maureen Coleman & Gill Horn_ 

Page 24 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Orchestra:** 

The Mint Orchestra has survived this last year amazingly well and during this period we managed to produce two recordings in conjunction with members of the Taizé Group for use in services – one of “Joy to the World” which featured in the Christmas Day 2020 service and a performance of “Thine be the Glory” to the well-known tune “Maccabeus” for Easter Sunday 2021. As with our previous recording of “Blaenwern”, members of the Orchestra and the Taizé Group each provided recordings of their individual parts, which were sent to my son Alastair in the Netherlands, who put them together to produce the complete recordings. 

Sadly, in the Spring we lost our lead violinist Tony Davis, after a period of illness. He had been a stalwart member of the Mint Orchestra for a number of years, providing help to younger members and encouragement to our Conductor. He is greatly missed. 

The Mint Orchestra met for the first time for over eighteen months, in person, socially distanced and wearing masks, on Saturday 2[nd ] October 2021. We decided to restrict our initial efforts to playing for the hymns in the service the following day and this was well received by the congregation. We were delighted to welcome two new members – a violinist who was able to take over the leadership of the orchestra, and a young cellist. It was very pleasing to see how well our young members had progressed since the Orchestra had last met. They must have used their time well during the lockdown! 

Our future plans include meeting to rehearse on two Saturday mornings in November to prepare music for future services. We are also planning to return to our tradition of playing for Carols on the Forecourt of the Mint on Saturday 4[th ] December from 13.30 to 15.30, when we will be raising funds for Action for Children. Members of the Mint are invited to join in singing, along with our Wind players and keyboard player. 

I think I can say that we are all very pleased to be able to play together again. 

## _Jean Usher_ 

## **Flower Ministry:** 

After a very difficult year as regards worship at the Mint, we are now almost back to normal with regards the Flower Pedestals. In June four of the arrangers agreed we would start doing pedestals again and then in September almost all arrangers now feel they are able to do the pedestals. We all agree that having the white curtain as a backdrop enhances the arrangements. However, we are short on arrangers and if there is anyone in the church community who feels they could do a pedestal occasionally please let me know. 

## _Margaret Farrow_ 

## **Taizé Music Group:** 

The Taizé group have not physically taken part in services since the start of lockdown but have recorded a number of pieces for use in worship both at the Mint and in the wider Circuit. 

## _Trevor Jones_ 

## **Mint Knitters:** 

The knitting group stopped meeting in March of 2020 and has not yet resumed activity. Although plans for the future have not yet been finalised it is likely that when this group resumes it will take the form of a Thursday morning craft group. 

## _Debbie Judd_ 

Page 25 



## **Mint Methodist Church known as the Mint** 

## **Trustees’ Report** 

## **Brownies:** 

The Brownies at The Mint like many other groups have had a rather disrupted year due to Covid. Having not been able to meet from March 2020 through to the end of September 2020 we were very pleased to be able to meet all through October 2020 before lockdown forced us to not meet again until a couple of weeks ahead of Christmas 2020. In the meetings we did have at the end of 2020 we covered a range of activities, from craft (hamma beads, sock puppets) games, learning about nature, learning the difference between something you need vs something you want and activities related to Christmas. 

Lockdowns then stopped us meeting again until April 2021 - but since then we have managed to meet every week, hopefully that will continue 

The activities we have done since April have included, more games, more nature activities including making houses for hedgehogs, survival skills, how different codes work. learning about the planets, wellbeing activities, a pop up card for Father's Day, activities related to exploring the world, e.g. map reading, journey planning, detecting a fictional crime of a stolen chocolate bar, acting, problem solving, finding out about different learning styles to name a few of the activities - we really have been trying to make up for lost time! 

As leaders we have had to complete additional risk assessments, learn to adapt all of our activities to be done with social distancing, but the Brownies have been very good about the extra hand cleaning, not sharing equipment etc and whilst it's not "normal" Brownies we have done our best to make it feel relatively normal - hopefully at some point in the future we will be able to relax further some of these additional requirements (there has been a partial relaxation of some of the rules since September) 

Brownie numbers are still very low - we gained some new Brownies this September, but sadly a couple of our older girls are likely to be leaving us at Christmas to go to Guides (which is good for them), but doesn't help us grow our numbers further (and we also had some girls go to Guides in the summer, and a couple dropped out completely over the lockdown period). So if there are any girls aged 7 or 8 ideally (or just turned 9 - so they would at least get a year at Brownies) that anyone knows of, we would love you to encourage them to come to our Brownie Unit, so that we can grow our numbers and not be constantly trying to recruit just to keep the Unit open. The Brownies themselves are advertising our Unit in their schools, and we are holding a Bring a Friend evening later in the term that we hope might generate at least 1 or 2 new girls wanting to join us. 

_Katherine (Brown Owl)_ 

Page 26 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Trustees' Report** 

## **Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities** 

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. 

The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on .................... and signed on its behalf by: 

......................................... Peter Cordery Trustee 

Page 27 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Mint Methodist Church** 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Mint Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2021. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity trustees of Mint Methodist Church you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). 

I report in respect of my examination of the Mint Methodist Church'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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Mint Methodist Church as required by section 130 of the Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting 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. 

...................................... Charlotte Gibbs BFP ACA Wortham Jaques Limited Chartered Accountants and Charity Advisers 

130a High Street Crediton Devon EX17 3LQ 

Date:............................. 

Page 28 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

|**Note**<br>**Income and Endowments from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>Other trading activities<br>Investment income<br>4<br>Total income<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds<br>Charitable activities<br>Total expenditure<br>Gains/losses on investment<br>assets<br>Net income/(expenditure)<br>Gross transfers between funds<br>Net movement in funds<br>**Reconciliation of funds**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Total funds carried forward<br>19|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>165,500<br>23,415<br>87<br>189,002<br>(870)<br>(177,446)<br>(178,316)<br>-<br>10,686<br>(9,140)<br>1,546<br>1,540,775<br>1,542,321|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>11,461<br>-<br>-<br>11,461<br>-<br>(20,526)<br>(20,526)<br>-<br>(9,065)<br>9,140<br>75<br>6,398<br>6,473|**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(5)<br>-<br>(5)<br>663<br>658<br>-<br>658<br>2,459<br>3,117|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>176,961<br>23,415<br>87|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||200,463|
|||||(875)<br>(197,972)|
|||||(198,847)<br>663|
|||||2,279<br>-|
|||||2,279<br>1,549,632|
|||||1,551,911|



The notes on pages 32 to 50 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 29 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

|**Note**<br>**Income and Endowments from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>Other trading activities<br>Investment income<br>4<br>Total income<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds<br>Charitable activities<br>Total expenditure<br>Gains/losses on investment<br>assets<br>Net income/(expenditure)<br>Gross transfers between funds<br>Net movement in funds<br>**Reconciliation of funds**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Total funds carried forward<br>19|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>150,911<br>43,384<br>181<br>194,476<br>(2,919)<br>(143,310)<br>(146,229)<br>-<br>48,247<br>(14,246)<br>34,001<br>1,506,774<br>1,540,775|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>14,018<br>-<br>-<br>14,018<br>-<br>(46,204)<br>(46,204)<br>-<br>(32,186)<br>14,246<br>(17,940)<br>24,338<br>6,398|**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(5)<br>-<br>(5)<br>(265)<br>(270)<br>-<br>(270)<br>2,729<br>2,459|**Total**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>164,929<br>43,384<br>181|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||208,494|
|||||(2,924)<br>(189,514)|
|||||(192,438)<br>(265)|
|||||15,791<br>-|
|||||15,791<br>1,533,841|
|||||1,549,632|



All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2021 and 2020 is shown in note 19. 

The notes on pages 32 to 50 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 30 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **(Registration number: 1128388) Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2021** 

|**Note**<br>**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible assets<br>14<br>Investments<br>15<br>**Current assets**<br>Stocks<br>16<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>17<br>**Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**<br>18<br>**Net current assets**<br>**Net assets**<br>**Funds of the charity:**<br>**Endowment funds**<br>**Restricted income funds**<br>Restricted funds<br>**Unrestricted income funds**<br>Unrestricted funds<br>Revaluation reserve<br>Total unrestricted funds<br>**Total funds**<br>19|**2021**<br>**£**<br>1,472,641<br>3,130<br>1,475,771<br>429<br>77,737<br>78,166<br>(2,026)<br>76,140<br>1,551,911<br>3,117<br>6,473<br>1,540,467<br>1,854<br>1,542,321<br>1,551,911|**2020**<br>**£**<br>1,476,754<br>2,467|
|---|---|---|
|||1,479,221|
|||412<br>72,024|
|||72,436<br>(2,025)|
|||70,411|
|||1,549,632|
|||2,459|
|||6,398<br>1,432,283<br>108,492|
|||1,540,775|
|||1,549,632|



The financial statements on pages 29 to 50 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on .................... and signed on their behalf by: 

......................................... Peter Cordery Trustee 

The notes on pages 32 to 50 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 31 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **1 Accounting policies** 

## **Statement of compliance** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. 

## **Basis of preparation** 

Mint Methodist Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. 

## **Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement** 

The charity opted to early adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements. 

## **Going concern** 

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. 

## **Income and endowments** 

Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. 

## _**Donations and legacies**_ 

Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured. 

## _**Grants receivable**_ 

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released. 

## _**Investment income**_ 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due. 

Page 32 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **Expenditure** 

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. 

## _**Raising funds**_ 

These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. 

## _**Charitable activities**_ 

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. 

## _**Grant provisions**_ 

Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable. 

## **Governance costs** 

These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees’s meetings and reimbursed expenses. 

## **Government grants** 

Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Individual fixed assets costing £250.00 or more are initially recorded at cost. 

## **Depreciation and amortisation** 

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows: 

Page 33 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **Fixed asset investments** 

Fixed asset investments, other than programme related investments, are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their market value at the start of the year, or their subsequent cost, and are charged or credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period of disposal. 

Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activities based on the market value at the year end. 

## **Stock** 

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO). 

## **Cash and cash equivalents** 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. 

## **Borrowings** 

Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the relevant borrowing. 

Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges. 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the charity has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date. 

## **Fund structure** 

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees's discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. 

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees. 

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. 

## **Financial instruments** 

## _**Classification**_ 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities. 

Page 34 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## _**Recognition and measurement**_ 

All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. 

Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party. 

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. 

Page 35 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## _**Debt instruments**_ 

Debt instruments which meet the following conditions are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method: 

(a) The contractual return to the holder is (i) a fixed amount; (ii) a positive fixed rate or a positive variable rate; or (iii) a combination of a positive or a negative fixed rate and a positive variable rate. 

(b) The contract may provide for repayments of the principal or the return to the holder (but not both) to be linked to a single relevant observable index of general price inflation of the currency in which the debt instrument is denominated, provided such links are not leveraged. 

(c) The contract may provide for a determinable variation of the return to the holder during the life of the instrument, provided that (i) the new rate satisfies condition (a) and the variation is not contingent on future events other than (1) a change of a contractual variable rate; (2) to protect the holder against credit deterioration of the issuer; (3) changes in levies applied by a central bank or arising from changes in relevant taxation or law; or (ii) the new rate is a market rate of interest and satisfies condition (a). 

(d) There is no contractual provision that could, by its terms, result in the holder losing the principal amount or any interest attributable to the current period or prior periods. 

(e) Contractual provisions that permit the issuer to prepay a debt instrument or permit the holder to put it back to the issuer before maturity are not contingent on future events, other than to protect the holder against the credit deterioration of the issuer or a change in control of the issuer, or to protect the holder or issuer against changes in levies applied by a central bank or arising from changes in relevant taxation or law. 

(f) Contractual provisions may permit the extension of the term of the debt instrument, provided that the return to the holder and any other contractual provisions applicable during the extended term satisfy the conditions of paragraphs (a) to (c). 

Debt instruments that are classified as payable or receivable within one year on initial recognition and which meet the above conditions are measured at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received, net of impairment. 

With the exception of some hedging instruments, other debt instruments not meeting these conditions are measured at fair value through profit or loss. 

Commitments to make and receive loans which meet the conditions mentioned above are measured at cost (which may be nil) less impairment. 

## _**Investments**_ 

Investments in non-convertible preference shares and non-puttable ordinary or preference shares (where shares are publicly traded or their fair value is reliably measurable) are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Where fair value cannot be measured reliably, investments are measured at cost less impairment. 

Investments in subsidiaries and associates are measured at cost less impairment. For investments in subsidiaries acquired for consideration including the issue of shares qualifying for merger relief, cost is measured by reference to the nominal value of the shares issued plus fair value of other consideration. Any premium is ignored. 

Page 36 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## _**Derivative financial instruments**_ 

The charity uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risk and interest rate movements. The charity does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. 

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in statement of financial activities immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in statement of financial activities depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. 

## _**Fair value measurement**_ 

The best evidence of fair value is a quoted price for an identical asset in an active market. When quoted prices are unavailable, the price of a recent transaction for an identical asset provides evidence of fair value as long as there has not been a significant change in economic circumstances or a significant lapse of time since the transaction took place. If the market is not active and recent transactions of an identical asset on their own are not a good estimate of fair value, the fair value is estimated by using a valuation technique. 

## **2 Income from donations and legacies** 

|Donations and legacies;<br>Donations from individuals<br>Gift aid reclaimed<br>Grants, including capital grants;<br>Government grants<br>Grants from other charities<br>**Total for 2021**<br>**Total for 2020**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>113,152<br>26,568<br>23,780<br>2,000<br>165,500<br>150,911|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>11,461<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>11,461<br>14,018|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>124,613<br>26,568<br>23,780<br>2,000|
|---|---|---|---|
||||176,961|
||||164,929|



## **3 Income from other trading activities** 

|Trading income;<br>Sales of goods and services<br>Property rental income<br>**Total for 2021**<br>**Total for 2020**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>751<br>22,664<br>23,415<br>43,384|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>751<br>22,664|
|---|---|---|
|||23,415|
|||43,384|



Page 37 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **4 Investment income** 

|Income from dividends;<br>Dividends receivable from other listed investments<br>Interest receivable and similar income;<br>Interest receivable on bank deposits<br>**Total for 2021**<br>**Total for 2020**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>66<br>21<br>87<br>181|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>66<br>21|
|---|---|---|
|||87|
|||181|



## **5 Expenditure on raising funds** 

## **a) Costs of trading activities** 

|**Note**<br>Fundraising trading costs;<br>Fundraising<br>**Total for 2021**<br>**Total for 2020**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>870<br>870<br>2,919|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>870|
|---|---|---|
|||870|
|||2,919|



Page 38 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **b) Investment management costs** 

|Other investment management costs;<br>Amounts payable to investment managers<br>**Total for 2021**<br>**Total for 2020**<br>Costs of trading activities<br>Investment management costs<br>**6**<br>**Expenditure on charitable activities**<br>**Note**<br>Ministry<br>Grant funding of activities<br>Governance costs<br>**Total for 2021**<br>**Total for 2020**|**Note**<br>**Direct costs**<br>**£**<br>887<br>5<br>892<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>174,924<br>500<br>2,022<br>177,446<br>143,310|**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**Permanent**<br>**£**<br>5<br>5<br>5<br>**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>887<br>5<br>892<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>20,526<br>-<br>-<br>20,526<br>46,204|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>5|
|---|---|---|---|
||||5|
||||5|
||||**Total**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>2,919<br>5|
||||2,924|
||||**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>195,450<br>500<br>2,022|
||||197,972|
||||189,514|



Page 39 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

|Ministry<br>Grant funding of activities<br>**Total for 2021**<br>**Total for 2020**|**Activity**<br>**undertaken**<br>**directly**<br>**£**<br>197,472<br>-<br>197,472<br>188,514|**Grant funding**<br>**of activity**<br>**£**<br>-<br>500<br>500<br>1,000|**Total**<br>**expenditure**<br>**£**<br>197,472<br>500|
|---|---|---|---|
||||197,972|
||||189,514|



## **7 Analysis of governance and support costs** 

## **Governance costs** 

|Independent examiner fees<br>Examination of the financial statements<br>**Total for 2021**<br>**Total for 2020**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>2,022<br>2,022<br>2,022|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>2,022|
|---|---|---|
|||2,022|
|||2,022|



Page 40 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **8 Government grants** 

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 

The amount of grants recognised in the financial statements was £23,780 (2020 - £12,783). 

## **9 Grant-making** 

## **Analysis of grants** 

The support costs associated with grant-making are £Nil (31 August 2020 - £Nil). 

Below are details of material grants made to institutions. 

|Below are details of material grants made to institutions.|||
|---|---|---|
|**Name of institution**<br>**Activity**<br>Exeter Community Initiatives<br>Ministry<br>St Petrock's (Exeter)<br>Ministry<br>Exeter City Chaplains<br>Ministry<br>Collections paid over<br>Ministry|**2021**<br>**£**<br>-<br>500<br>-<br>5,843<br>6,343|**2020**<br>**£**<br>500<br>500<br>-<br>3,133|
|||4,133|



## **10 Net incoming/outgoing resources** 

Net incoming resources for the year include: 

|Other non-audit services<br>Depreciation of fixed assets|**2021**<br>**£**<br>2,022<br>4,113|**2020**<br>**£**<br>2,022<br>4,133|
|---|---|---|



## **11 Trustees remuneration and expenses** 

No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year. 

No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses from the charity during the year. 

Page 41 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **12 Independent examiner's remuneration** 

Examination of the financial statements 

|**2021**|**2020**|
|---|---|
|**£**|**£**|
|2,022|2,022|



Page 42 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **13 Taxation** 

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation. 

## **14 Tangible fixed assets** 

|**Cost**<br>At 1 September 2020<br>At 31 August 2021<br>**Depreciation**<br>At 1 September 2020<br>Charge for the year<br>At 31 August 2021<br>**Net book value**<br>At 31 August 2021<br>At 31 August 2020<br>**15 Fixed asset investments**<br>Other investments|**Land and**<br>**buildings**<br>**£**<br>1,500,000||**Furniture and**<br>**equipment**<br>**£**<br>4,500<br>4,500<br>3,746<br>113<br>3,859<br>641<br>754<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>3,130|**Total**<br>**£**<br>1,504,500<br>1,504,500<br>27,746<br>4,113<br>31,859<br>1,472,641<br>1,476,754<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>2,467|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||1,500,000||4,500||
||24,000<br>4,000||3,746<br>113||
||28,000||3,859||
||1,472,000||641||
||1,476,000||754||
||||**2021**<br>**£**<br>3,130||



Page 43 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **Other investments** 

|**Cost or Valuation**<br>At 1 September 2020<br>Revaluation<br>At 31 August 2021<br>**Net book value**<br>At 31 August 2021<br>At 31 August 2020<br>**16 Stock**<br>Stocks<br>**17 Cash and cash equivalents**<br>Cash on hand<br>Cash at bank<br>**18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**<br>Accruals||**Listed**<br>**investments**<br>**£**<br>2,467<br>663||**Total**<br>**£**<br>2,467<br>663<br>3,130<br>3,130<br>2,467<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>412|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||3,130|||
|||3,130|||
|||2,467|||
|||**2021**<br>**£**<br>429<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>16<br>77,721<br>77,737<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>2,026|||
|||||**2020**<br>**£**<br>15<br>72,009|
|||||72,024|
|||||**2020**<br>**£**<br>2,025|



Page 44 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **19 Funds** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>**_General_**<br>General Funds<br>**_Designated_**<br>Fixed asset reserve<br>**Total unrestricted funds**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Belevolence Fund<br>Exeter Interfaith Group<br>Midnight Mint<br>Internal Organisations<br>External Organisations<br>Korean Minstry<br>Small grants under £5,000<br>**Endowment funds**|**Balance at 1**<br>**September**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>1,064,021<br>476,754<br>1,540,775<br>1,702<br>84<br>66<br>485<br>44<br>-<br>4,017<br>6,398|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>**£**<br>187,002<br>-<br>187,002<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>5,843<br>5,618<br>-<br>11,461|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>**£**<br>(178,316)<br>-<br>(178,316)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(5,768)<br>(14,758)<br>-<br>(20,526)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>(5,026)<br>(4,114)<br>(9,140)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>9,140<br>-<br>9,140|**Other**<br>**recognised**<br>**gains/(losses)**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Balance at 31**<br>**August 2021**<br>**£**<br>1,067,681<br>472,640|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||1,540,321|
|||||||1,702<br>84<br>66<br>485<br>119<br>-<br>4,017|
|||||||6,473|



Page 45 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

|**_Permanent_**<br>Permanent endowment<br>**Total funds**|**Balance at 1**<br>**September**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>2,459<br>1,549,632|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>**£**<br>-<br>198,463|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>**£**<br>(5)<br>(198,847)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-|**Other**<br>**recognised**<br>**gains/(losses)**<br>**£**<br>663<br>663|**Balance at 31**<br>**August 2021**<br>**£**<br>3,117|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||1,549,911|



Page 46 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>**_General_**<br>General Funds<br>**_Designated_**<br>Fixed asset reserve<br>**Total unrestricted funds**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Belevolence Fund<br>Property Development Fund<br>Exeter Interfaith Group<br>Midnight Mint<br>Internal Organisations<br>External Organisations<br>Korean Minstry<br>Small grants under £5,000<br>Facilitator<br>**Endowment funds**|**Balance at 1**<br>**September**<br>**2019**<br>**£**<br>1,025,887<br>480,887<br>1,506,774<br>1,702<br>18,337<br>84<br>66<br>485<br>44<br>1<br>3,619<br>-<br>24,338|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>**£**<br>194,476<br>-<br>194,476<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,134<br>2,440<br>444<br>8,000<br>14,018|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>**£**<br>(146,229)<br>-<br>(146,229)<br>-<br>(20,392)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(3,134)<br>(14,632)<br>(46)<br>(8,000)<br>(46,204)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>(10,113)<br>(4,133)<br>(14,246)<br>-<br>2,055<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>12,191<br>-<br>-<br>14,246|**Other**<br>**recognised**<br>**gains/(losses)**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Balance at 31**<br>**August 2020**<br>**£**<br>1,064,021<br>476,754|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||1,540,775|
|||||||1,702<br>-<br>84<br>66<br>485<br>44<br>-<br>4,017<br>-|
|||||||6,398|



Page 47 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

|**_Permanent_**<br>Permanent endowment<br>**Total funds**|**Balance at 1**<br>**September**<br>**2019**<br>**£**<br>2,729<br>1,533,841|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>**£**<br>-<br>208,494|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>**£**<br>(5)<br>(192,438)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-|**Other**<br>**recognised**<br>**gains/(losses)**<br>**£**<br>(265)<br>(265)|**Balance at 31**<br>**August 2020**<br>**£**<br>2,459|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||1,549,632|



Page 48 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows: 

Designated funds 

The fixed asset fund is not part of the charity's free reserves and was set up to absorb future depreciation on freehold property and other assets. 

Restricted funds 

Property development fund: Funds raised to help cover the costs of continuing maintenance and development of the church property. 

Benevolence fund: To help alleviate hardship in the community and congregation. This fund is spent at the discretion of the Minister. 

Exeter Interfaith Group: Funds reaised to help meet the costs associated with meetings of this group. 

Midnight Mint: Funds raised to help meet the costs of opening the Church as a safe place for young people out in Exeter late on Friday nights. 

Internal organisations: Funds raised by various groups within the church for specific purposes incuding the provision of flowers, the Women's Fellowship, World Mission, the Young Church, the Lunch Club and so on. 

Homeless fund: Funds raised to help the homeless. These funds are usually passed to St Petrock's, a local charity for the homeless. 

External organisations: the balance on this fund represents amounts collected for other organisations but not remitted to those organisations by the end of the year. 

Korean ministry: this was a grant received to help pay for a Korean pastor to work with local Korean worshippers. 

Facilitator: External grants received to support the role of the Facilitator in furtherance of the Mint's aim to be a church seven pays per week. 

Page 49 



## **Mint Methodist Church** 

## **known as The Mint** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2021** 

## **20 Analysis of net assets between funds** 

|Tangible fixed assets<br>Fixed asset investments<br>Current assets<br>Current liabilities<br>Total net assets<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>Fixed asset investments<br>Current assets<br>Current liabilities<br>Total net assets|**Unrestricted funds**<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>**Designated**<br>**£**<br>1,000,001<br>472,640<br>-<br>-<br>71,693<br>-<br>(2,026)<br>-<br>1,069,668<br>472,640<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>**General**<br>**£**<br>**Designated**<br>**£**<br>1,000,000<br>476,754<br>-<br>-<br>66,038<br>-<br>(2,025)<br>-<br>1,064,013<br>476,754|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>6,473<br>-<br>6,473<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>6,398<br>-<br>6,398|**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**Permanent**<br>**£**<br>-<br>3,130<br>-<br>-<br>3,130<br>**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**Permanent**<br>**£**<br>-<br>2,467<br>-<br>-<br>2,467|**Total funds**<br>**at 31**<br>**August**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>1,472,641<br>3,130<br>78,166<br>(2,026)|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||1,551,911|
|||||**Total funds**<br>**at 31**<br>**August**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>1,476,754<br>2,467<br>72,436<br>(2,025)|
|||||1,549,632|



Page 50