The Methodist Church b￿trY Sèa Diver5 BUXTON METHODIST CHURCH TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS for the year ending 31st August 2024 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Name of Church: BUXTON METHODIST CHURCH Name and address for correspondence: Rev'd Andrew Parker Chapel Street BUXTON Derbyshire SK17 6HX Charity status: During 2009 Buxton Methodist Church became a registered charity. Number 1129654 MEMBERSHIP OF BU￿oN CHURCH COUNCIL 2022123: Rev Andrew Parker (Chair) Church Appointed members.. Dick Silson (Circuit Steward) John Anfield Peter Johnson (Circuit Steward) Glynis Leyland Sue Anfield Kate MacLean Wendy Jones (Church Steward) Beryl Blackwell Anna Quick lan Slubbs (Church Steward & Treasurer) Ann Bradwell Christine Hodkinson Ron Sinclair (Church Steward) Angela Crawford Isabel Sindair Pip Strachan (Church Steward) Anne-marie Bentley (Church Steward) Gwen Cokayne Bridget Ball Nick Taylor Jackie Cowlishaw Robin Evison Number of Church Members as at 318t October 2023: 95 AIMS AND ORGANISATION Buxton Methodist Church has accepted the definition of its aim and purpose given by the Methodist Church in Britain. We exist to: WORSHIP: Increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love LEARNING AND CARING: Help people to learn and grow as Christians, through mutual support and care SERVICE: Be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injusti EVANGELISM.. Make more followers of Jesus Christ The Managing Trustees of Buxton Methodist Church are the 'Church Council,, which is responsible for overseeing the life and rnission of the church in accordance with our stated aims and objectives and in accordance with the Constitutional Practices and Discipline of the Methodist Church. It consists of people elected from amongst the members of the church and those who are members by virtue of their office. Several sub-committees are appointed by the Church Council to assist it in its work and are responsible to it. The Church Leadership team and Church Stewards, elected by the church members, ensures, wtth the minister. that Church Council Policy is carried out and they have responsibility for the day-to-day life of the church. REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 11912023- 311812024 Church Mission Plan We continue to review and update our Mission Plan, keeping our focus on the vision for our church as: 'All are welcome and all are working together for God in our community, and 'our aim is to be a cohesive, caring church community. Learning, worshipping and witnessing to the love of God,. WORSHIP Worship is ￿ntral to our life. We aim to provide worship that is relevant and accessible for all and relating it within the context of the and local community. Our weekly Sunday morning services are attended by about 60 - 70 people, with ages ranging from under 5's, through teens and up to those who have attended the same church for over 70 years! We hold a monthly evening informal service - Praise@6 - which provides a time for singing, learning new songs, discussion and activities. Through the use of on-llne videos we can hear songs recently released by groups popular with those who attend. Praise@6 is particularly valued by some of our families who see this as a time of being together in church. We have continued a pattem of quarterly Taizé services. The quiet and reflective aspect to these services Is in contrast to a moming service and this is appreciated by people both from the Methodist Church and ecumenically. There continues to be an active Worship Group. This group plans our three all age services for harvest, Advenvchristmas and LenVEaster. They are also planning the quarterly Own Arrangement services which are required due to the shortage of preachers across the circuit. SERVICE Our Saturday Café continues and is busy with its regular clientele. Once a month, Transition Buxton operates a Repair Café alongside this. Fair Trade and Eco Church." We continue to promote Fairtrade and use Fairtrade products whenever possible. We have an Eco Church Bronze award and, amongst other environmental measures, we refill washing-up liquid and hand soap bottles with locally- sourced environmentally-friendly products. We had a fault on our solar photo-voltaic panels which unfortunately meant that they had to be switched off for much of the year. We hope to install batteries in 2025 to store the excess power generated. All We Can: We continue to support All We Can as a partner church and regularly hold collections and support their appeals. The Church Council makes donatlons annually amounting to 100/0 of our regular giving income. This is shared between the following: Methodist Mission in Britain Fund; Methodist Fund for World Mission; Action for Children; All We Can (Methodist Relief and Development); Methodist Fund for Church Property and JMA, and local charities chosen on an annual basis. This year it was decided that one of the charities will be decided by our youth group. Additionally we raise money for local causes and national and intemational appeals throughout the year. We participate in Christian Aid Week and support an annual local Christian Aid sponsored walk. Our Rainbows, Brownies and Guides continue to meet and maintain very good numbers. Buxton Festival Fringe: The church is well used as a venue for the Buxton Fringe and a number of concerts are held during the three week festival. The church is a major provider of high quality rooms and facilities for the local community. Following the conclusion of the 'Raise the Roof project in July 2023, there were some snagging issues which had to be resolved at the end of the 12 month defect liability period. As an aging building, there are on-going maintenance issues to be addressed. A volunteer created a comprehensive Maintenance Plan during the year to help us manage cyclical maintenance tasks. LEARNING and CARING We held a study group through Lent using material relating to politics and faith. This had various positive outcomes which were particularly pertinent with the announcement of the general election. One outcome was the offer of help to sign-up to vote, by running a walk-in session in the church, where we assisted 5 people to obtain the correct photo ID. The church also hosted a hustings for the town, organised by Transition Buxton. The 'lnbetweeners' group took part in the annual Christian Aid sponsored walk and what is becoming the traditional snowdrop walk. Funerals: The minister took a number of funerals in the name of the church and families are invited to the annual memorial service in December. Pastoral Work: The church aims to be a caring community for both its members and non- mernbers alike. The Pastoral group meets once a quarter and tries to make sure pastoral contact is maintained with those in times of need. This may be through visits, phone calls and sending cards at Christmas and Easter. Churches Together in Buxton has continued to struggle for various reasons, there are still a faithful few who occasionally meet and a handful of events are planned through the year. There is shared ecumenical ministry at the outdoor Remembrance Sunday service and Annual Wells Dressing Festival. Buxton Methodist Church will host the service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January 2025. Sunday Club: The Sunday Club provides a wonderful weekly opportunity for children to come together, learn and build friendship both with their peers and with those in the wider congregation. The number of children remains steady at about 6 - 10. The weekly Baby and Toddler Group provides a much-needed time for adults and pre- school children to meet, play and interact. Holiday Club: This year our theme of 'Deep Sea Divers, led us to think about diving deep into what it means to be followers of Jesus. During the week, 25 adults volunteered in many diffe￿nt roles from catering to tidying up and 30 children enjoyed the crafts, music, games and activities. 3Generate Group.. This group of young folk, aged eight and over, meets once a month for various activities. The highlight of the year is attending the national Methodist 3Generate weekend at the NEC. This year a group of thirteen of our 8 - 12 year olds joined over a thousand others from all over the country to explore faith in a wide variety of ways. The group did sponsored events through the year to help towards the cost of the weekend.. Safeguarding: We continue to maintain our church as a safe place to meet and review our prO￿dureS as and when necessary. The Methodist Foundation Module training is offered every 6 months and we invite those who are new to their role and those who need refresher training to attend the class on our premises. EVANGELISM We publish a quarterly magazine contsining a variety of church family updates, information from the groups and articles about different events, covering the diverse life of the church community. The weekly sheet has also become a significant publication and is very much appreciated by those who receive it in hard copy or by email. We also have an increasing presence on Facebook with regular posts and photos about events and activities. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE There has been an increasing awareness that the church cannot cary in the same way for many more years. This is because of bNo pressures (i) financial and (li) volunteer help. (i) the church is facing a decline in funds as our annual expenditure exceeds income, and if thls is not addressed the church will run OLrt of money during 2028. The number of active volunteers is reducing and there is a feeling of increasing burden on those who already give so much in time and effort. We are sure that our church is far from alone in facing these challenges, but we are determined to address them. During the year the church obtained a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an independent study on how we can arrest the decline. The remit of the Working Together study includes: (i) A review of how our staff operate and how this can be supported through better use of technology and by increased volunteer support. A review of our room hire charges, probably necessitating a significant increase so the day-to-day running costs of this community facility are covered. {iii) Exploration of ways to encourage increased congregational giving and donations. (iv) Building energy efficiency and access audits. A steering group has been formed, including two representatives of extemal organisations who use our premises, which will take these ideas fomard into the coming months. Andrew Parker Minister Annual report comments from treasurer The year ending 31 st August 2024 Our income has been just over £100.000 lower than the previous year which was due to the grants re￿iVed and the Gift Day for the 'Raise the Roof project, in that year. Expenditure was also £160,000 lower as a result of the bulk of the repairs were paid for in the previous year, Income from regular giving was slightly lower the previous year at £63,644 when excluding the special fund-raising for the roof project. Café income increased slightly and lettings showed a significant increase in income which helped to 'balance the books., Grants of £22,095 were received which related to the building, and to enable our young people to attend 3Generate.Some of these grants would be spent after the year-end so will appear to inflate our cash balances at 31 st august 2024. New energy contracts came into effect from September 2023 which have redU￿d our unit costs, but as the building is now more fully used. reflected by the increased lettings income, our overall spend is similar to the previous year. Insuran￿ cost was reduced as we were no longer needing to pay for additional cover during the renovations. lan Stubbs, Church Treasurer. CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS BUXTON METHODIST Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2024 HIGH PEAK PARTNERSHIP Circuit Circuit no. 19104 Registsred Charity - Charfty Registration number If not a registered charity HIS Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number (rhe HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities aro excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) 1129654 Mlnistor. Rev'd A Parf(er Church Stewards: Mrs A Bentley Mrs W Jones Mrs I Sinclair Mr R Sinclair Mr I Stubbs Treasurer: Mr I Stubbs Church-recelpls-and-paymen￿2O24 1of5 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 BUXTON METHODIST Church Unrestricted Restricted Totals thi5 Funds Funds Totals last SECTION A a1 RECEIPTS Note a2 Offerin and Tax recovered Bank and CFB interest and Invesknent incom8 63,644 735 64.379 112,745 a3 4,635 41,392 8.220 117,891 4,635 41.392 31,387 141,793 6,896 32,719 91.564 243,924 a4 Leth'n a5 Other receipts TOTAL RECEIPTS 23,167 23,902 a6 (a7) SECTION B b1 PAYMENTS b2 Circuit Assessment or Share S2.320 5,100 32,560 52,320 5,100 41,177 52,320 5,050 208,748 b3 Donations Re irs and Maintenance Utilities (Insurances, watÈr charges, heating & lighting) 8,617 16,985 16,985 18,576 b7 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENTS 20,850 127,815 7,071 15,688 27,921 143,503 21.003 305,697 b8 (b9) SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR a6-b8 9,924) 8,214 1.710 61,773 Total funds brought foNard from last year 122.733 14,666 108,067 c6 169.840 c3 Sub total {c1+c2 112,809 6,452) 106,357 108,067 Transfers and ad'ustments 415 41S (¢7 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR (c3+c4) 113,224 (6,452} 106.772 Ic8) 108,067 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PA&8ED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (these amounts are not to be included in total recelptslpaym•nts figures above) d1 Balance brou ht forward from last year 67 46 d2 Offerln Glfts- received for external or anisations 1,000 287 d3 OfferingslGifts - passed to external organisations 1,034 266 d4 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1 +d243) 67 2of5 church.ry¢i￿a￿dYlThc1ts-2024 BUXTON METHODIST AL OROANISATIONS REPQRTII43 TO TrIE CHLVKH COUNGIL Church SUhYURY CF CHU H Acc￿NTs AND IN SECTION E PJea5e followth* euldance NoteB tocom l•t• this Summary rfth8 Church acGountsfor th8 yearended 31 Augu* 2024 Intemal Oigantsations repoiiry bth¢ Ch￿h Counciychureh M881irvJ. Ncl• Ihe ftA an Internal ￿ganIsation Mrukl r￿rmallY be Rèstf￿ fund5 unl855 itcould ba dèty lh* Ihey could be used for any M8thrpJi8t purposg. Thls secllon mLt5t be Compl￿10 a￿1ve *tho grtsss incom• and •yp8nd*uré kntsls Of￿ c￿[Ch. Wwoss incm•xe*asthe P£¢nMls Ihr85hokl. th¢n the Mell￿)d r aceounfwig ANDA ￿FFERENT FORKI mustbg used to r•portth8 accounts (S￿ vthib). Pl￿6 wmlance regardN￿ translers bokn•n tho Distflctand oxmect&J DIStst￿gar￿Sa17onS NOtR•￿1p ORGANISATIONS Opening balq Clog1 balar CAFÉ 7.894 FLW FUND 425 417 307 315 JUPKAR YOUTH 278 ¢7 Sub total Intsm41 ni¥alionsfund5 101 1.178 ¢l¥xch •ccounts Itolal8 brought forward from p#ge 2. totals column) 141.793 Iq71 143,603 Ib91 11.7101 416 Ic71 108,067 108,T12 ¢10 BY ¢HURGH 160,S52 162,101 I,￿9) 418 109,243 108,052 Conllnuo on a 8•p•rat• sh•ot W￿￿91ry#nd bfiNJ the totsls foThvard TOTAL RECEIPTS TOTAL PAYMENTS SECTION F STA OF ASS IA8ILITIES OPEN•JO BAIANCES CLOSING CES GFKIRCH.CASH FUNDS HELD at 31 August 2024 Ca8h in hand 97 Bank Cuvrènt Aeeount 22,517 10.816 Bank 0¢ 15272 Cerrtral Financo Boar<1 Tru#tee8 for Mèthodstchuroh Pu er'funds SUB TOTAL.Clwrth accounts Total funds hekl by Irrtemal Organis8tions (the Cl￿n9 bAlarK•tot•l trom aboiMI le12) 108.067 {c61 10IT12 1,176 (011 1.280 TOTAL CASH FUMDS bELD 8Y CHURCH 109.243 108,052 SECTION G At 1 S•pknb4f 2023 OThER ASSETS And LIABILITIES 31 Auuu8t 2W24 Invastrnents OnBludoEn¢S)wmonts Land & Bulldinp l¥•• nDt•s rè In¥uraw valu¢ 781.150 L￿n sl- $howamountoulstandln •nd other L¢*114J•s f4 Indud•only F¥Jnds hdd *th• Contral FirAnc• Board t5 Include only Funds hold at Trust89s for Methodistchurch pu￿0￿8$ 91 Includo any other Inv05trn•nts (Wth* ¢ash elemontofTIKP tru¥ts acmurrts Incl￿ In Iln• 3crf5 Name of Church .. Buxton Methodlst Declarations and Scrutlny I confimi that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees. Signature of treasurer ..., Name and address of treasurer ..... Presentatlon to the Church trustees I conflmi that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 werelwlll be" presented to the meeting of Ihe Church trustees held on ... Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting A.. QAd .Date.11 Independent Examinef s Report to the Trustees of the Buxton Methodist Church Charlty Number . 1129654 Responslbllltle5 and basls of report I report lo the trustees on my 8xamination of the accounts of the ..... for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages ! to As the Church's trustees, you a responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the ￿quirementS of the Charilies Act 2011 (Ihe Act,). . Church I report in respect of my examination of the Church's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examlnation, I have followed all the applicable Directlons given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Act. ' delete or c5rcle as appropriate Churchwr•c•￿Is4￿d￿aW?l$ttItr2￿4 4of5 Name of Church .. Buxton Methodist Independent Examinerfs Statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below.) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have no concems 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. l tsa