**Charity Registration Number 1130048** ## **Rushden Mission Church** Statutory Information ## **Legal Status** Rushden Mission Church is an unincorporated association with Managing Trustees appointed by a meeting of the Members. ## **Principal Office** Rushden Mission Church 159 Wellingborough Road Rushden NN10 9TA ## **Registered Address** 1 St Peters Ave Rushden NN10 6XW ## **Charity Trustees** Mrs Linda Jane Crawley Mr David Lloyd Rooksby Mrs Gillian Lindsey Russell Mrs Thandiwe Washoma Mr David McGrath Mr Thomas Joseph Poulton Mr William John Franklin (appointed 8[th] March 2023) ## **Property Holding Trustees** Mrs Linda Jane Crawley Mr David Lloyd Rooksby Mrs Gillian Lindsey Russell Mrs Thandiwe Washoma ## **Minister of the Church** Rev David Bracken ## **Bankers** Barclays Bank PLC 9 Midsummer Place MILTON KEYNES MK9 3GB Co-operative Bank Plc P.O. Box 101 Manchester M60 4EP ## **Solicitors** Wilson Browne The Manor House Market Square Higham Ferrers NN10 8BT ## **Independent Examiner** Carl Elsby ACA Elsby & Co (Sywell) Ltd 155 Wellingborough Rd Rushden NN10 9TB ## **The Trustees Report** ## **Year ended 31st October 2023** The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st October 2023. ## **Charitable Objects** The Charity is governed by a constitution adopted 1st April 2009. The Objects of the Church are: - To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the Trustees (acting according to the will of God as discerned by the Church Members) from time to time may think fit. - To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods, or services of any kind, including through the provision of advice and support in such parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the Trustees (acting as aforesaid) from time to time may think fit. - To advance Christian education and pursue and promote general charitable purposes consistent with the Christian faith in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the Trustees (acting as aforesaid) from time to time may think fit. The Church occupies premises which are held by the above listed Property Holding Trustees and the Trust is entirely compatible with the above objects. ## **Public Benefit** The Trustees consider that the activities of the Charity are conducted for the public benefit, in particular two of the charitable purposes as set out by the Charity Commission in its general guidance on public benefit are met: - The advancement of education and - The advancement of religion An explanation of these activities is given below in the section Objectives and Activities. ## **Organisational Structure and Decision-making processes.** Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the Constitution, which requires them to make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ and to subscribe and adhere to, in belief and lifestyle, the Statement of Beliefs. The Members meeting normally takes place four times per year and has responsibility for the overall policy of the Church. In accordance with the Constitution, the Members appoint Trustees who accept responsibility for the legal aspects of the Charity. The constitution states that there should be a minimum of three Trustees but does not stipulate a maximum number. The Church Meeting also appoints up to six Church Leaders, who together with the Minister, Church Secretary and Treasurer, are responsible for the day to day running of the Church's work and witness. All members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective. In accordance with the constitution a person may serve as both a Trustee and Church Leader, or any other officer of the Church. Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church Meeting by the Trustees for guidance or may be raised by Members in Church Meeting for further consideration by the Trustees. Though the Constitution permits decisions to be made at Church Meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible. The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted regarding the Disclosure and Barring Service and Safeguarding Policies in place for both Children and Vulnerable Adults. The Church is a member of The Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches. The Church is affiliated to Rushden & Higham Council of Churches, the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs, and the East Northants Faith Group. ## **Objectives and Activities** To achieve the Principal Objective, which is set out above, the Church provides a variety of activities both to its membership and to the community. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as living Lord. Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of a regular public service of Christian worship. This service takes place in person each Sunday at 10.45 am. However, we also offer this service as a live stream through YouTube. There are also occasional services at other times which are advertised on the Church Notice Board and the website at www.rushdenmission.co.uk. A children's programme operates during the morning services. The Church seeks to be a friendly and welcoming community, and anybody is welcome to attend any of these services. The Church operates a house group each week for Bible Study, mutual support, to encourage the growth of faith and to develop discipleship. A monthly men’s group, and a monthly women’s group also meet and the aim these groups, is to give mutual support, to encourage the growth of faith and to develop discipleship. Two Prayer Meetings are held each week. We are a Church who believe in the power of prayer and the need to lift all matters before God. Further details of these meetings can be obtained at the Sunday services of worship and on the Church website. The Church also offers a lace making group and a weekly Community Café, “Faithful Blend.” All of these groups are open to the general public. The Church provides a practice venue for the Rushden Mission Brass Band. Since November 2022, the Church has provided a meeting place for the weekly meetings of Cocaine Anonymous. The Church is proud to be involved with and support these groups, with the purpose of assisting the community and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. A number of WhatsApp groups encourage connection between friends and members of the church, for prayer but also practical engagement of the various groups. ## **Achievements and Performance** The Church does not measure the success of its programmes in numbers alone, either by headcount or by financial performance, but also in less tangible areas like fellowship and encouragement. The Trustees recognise that although these are difficult to measure, 2023 was a positive year in the life of the Church, as the Church began move forward following the disruption of covid In October 2022, the Church was pleased to be able to celebrate the Induction of our new Minister, the Rev David Bracken, appointed in September 2022, with officers and friends from the Wesleyan Reform Union, our Member of Parliament, our Town Mayor and other town and district councillors. The Trustees believe that the Church will be able to continue its mission purposes in 2024 with enthusiasm. Services are held each Sunday, with an average total in person attendance of approximately forty-five adults and children. Due to the live streaming of services, we are able to connect with a larger number of people and reach those who are no longer able to attend a church service in person. A Home Group meets in member’s homes to encourage the growth of faith and discipleship. As a result of family connections, we have been able to engage Ukrainian families escaping the conflict in Ukraine, and on occasions held services in English and Ukrainian. Using our improved Audio & Visual equipment we have been able to support and encourage the wider Wesleyan Reform Union by hosting hybrid meetings, enabling people to take part in the meeting both in person and via Zoom. The Church has a committed youth team who encourage spiritual growth, support, and friendship for children of the Church and their families and seek to welcome and engage with the local community and friends through a variety of mission activities throughout the year. The team lead a Sunday morning children’s group, Sudz, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere to help the children and young people develop in their faith. The children performed at a Nativity service during the year. To give opportunity to reach out to family, friends and the local community, the Youth Team hosted an alternative to a Halloween party in a safe and secure environment, allowing us to show love and share our faith. A Children’s craft event was held at Christmas and was well attended by families from around the locality. The older youth have also been joining in with townwide youth events that the youth leaders feel encourages the young people in their own faith and allow the youth to connect with their Christian peers. During the year some of the young people began to meet to form a Young People’s Worship Group with the objective of teaching and encouraging them to play guitar, drums and to sing, this is also a great opportunity in encouraging the Young People to worship together. The young people also took part in a sponsored walk and raised £1,000 towards the cost of a town wide Christian outreach in 2024 by the group LZ7. A Movie Night took place for the Children. In April, a day of Safeguarding Training was given for those working with Young People and Vulnerable Adults. Using the Audio-Visual equipment, this was also given in hybrid form. “Curry Club,” a men’s group meet monthly to provide men with conversation, support, and food, and “Father to Father,” meets monthly to offer mutual support, encourage the growth of faith and discipleship. “Woman to Woman,” is a women’s group who meet monthly, to offer mutual support to one another, and encourage the growth of faith and discipleship, Through Pillow Talk, and our support of Rushden Mission Brass Band the church has been able to encourage the learning and development of new skills in a Christian environment. Through hosting the weekly meetings of Cocaine Anonymous we have been able to support a fellowship of men and women, who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may resolve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction. The Church reached out into the wider community by visiting homes in the locality of the Church building at Easter with an Easter Egg and an invitation to Easter events at the Church, and in a similar way at Christmas with a gift of chocolate coins and an invitation to Christmas Events. Christmas events were well attended with Carols on the Car Park, the Carol Service with the Rushden Mission Brass Band, the Children's Nativity and for the first time since Covid the Christingle Service took place in person. The Church is available to serve the community with funeral services, this year one funeral was held. These services give the Minister and other members of the Church the opportunity to comfort and support the bereaved at difficult times in their lives. We are also available for wedding services, where we are able to celebrate with the couple and their families, but no weddings have been held this year. We seek to draw close to the community in the key events and moments of their lives. Two believers’ baptisms, by total immersion, were held in September. Rushden Mission Church engages in prayerful and financial support for the work of the Luwero Community Projects in Uganda and of Flame International. The Church has financially supported the work of the local Homeless Night Shelter and by way of gifts of money and food we have supported the local Food Bank. “Faithful Blend,” our Community Café, meet each Thursday, providing an opportunity for both Church and neighbourhood to come together for company and conversation. A special morning for Macmillan Cancer Support was held and raised £200. In May about forty adults and children from the Church enjoyed a weekend of teaching, worship, time together and relaxation at Cefn Lea in mid Wales. Church Membership has remained at thirty-six. During the year one member died and one new member joined. ## **Financial Review** The Church seeks to raise most of the funds it needs to conduct its activities from within its own membership and congregation. We are gratefully in receipt of a grant of £5,000 per year, agreed for three years, from the Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches to support the Ministry of the Church, we are currently at the beginning of year two of this arrangement. The final instalment of £1,250 will be received on the 1[st of] July 2025. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year. The most significant area of expenditure relates to the employment of our Minister. The role is to lead and co-ordinate the Church's activities including the Sunday Services. He provides pastoral care for the congregation and others. He helps equip and encourage the membership in their life, Christian witness, and service. The Church expressed its part in the life of the wider church by making grants to national and international Christian organisations and societies with Christian aims and objectives compatible with the Church's own charitable purpose. The Church is heavily dependent on its membership working as volunteers in all aspects of the Church's activities. Many of the activities run with little or no impact on the Church's expenditure, but nevertheless contribute substantially to the achievement of the Church's objectives. The Trustees wish to express their thanks for all the hard work which makes this possible. The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted, are set out in the accompanying Financial Statements. The Trustees report a net cash surplus for the year of £1,465. Regular offerings increased from £28,222 per year to £31,487. Total annual income increased by £18,271 from £50,364 to £68,635. Included in this increase, was the regular grant income from Wesleyan Reform Union, but in addition there was an exceptional grant income this year of £12,420 (£10,420 from the Wesleyan Reform Union and £2,000 from the Benefact Trust) to pay for Audio Visual Equipment for the main worship area and green room. Total annual expenditure has increased by £16,692 from £50,477 to £67,169. Within this expenditure, were the total cost of the Audio-Visual equipment of £14,420, together with a further £3,763 spent on upgrading the lighting in the main worship area. The Church Building is now 123 years old and whilst generally in good order there are matters that continue to require attention. The Church is in the process of looking at a refurbishment project to improve the interior condition of the building and furnishings and exploring grant funding opportunities. The Trustees remain aware that the current level of expenditure is unsustainable beyond the medium term unless offering income can be increased. The grant from the Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches as mentioned above of £5,000 per year gives comfort on this issue. The Trustees have an established Reserves Policy of holding approximately six months of costs in hand and are satisfied that the unrestricted reserves of £82,458, including £46,924 in Bank and Debtors (including HMRC Gift Aid of £7,961), together with forecasts and projections, are adequate to enable the Church to function and meet its Charitable Objectives. The Church membership is fully aware of the situation, and the Trustees will keep the matter under constant review to prevent the Church from entering a situation where it cannot fully meet its liabilities as and when they fall due. The Trustees will make every effort to take corrective action to improve the ongoing financial situation and thus to maintain an adequately funded operation. The Trustees have assessed the major risks facing the Church and are satisfied that there are policies in place to minimise these risks. Signed by Linda Jane Crawley …………………………………………………………… 28/7/2024 Date .…………………………………………………………… Signed by David Lloyd Rooksby ……………………………………….…………………… 28/7/2024 Date .…………………………………………………………… On behalf of the Trustees of Rushden Mission Church **RUSHDEN MISSION CHURCH** **CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1130048** ## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2023** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including General Receipts and Payments Account)** |**Receipts:**
**notes**
Weekly offerings
Donations and other income
2
Income tax recovered on gifts
Share of Sale of Dickins Church
Grants
13
Bandey and Bailey Trusts
11
Church Holiday
12
_TOTAL RECEIPTS_
**Payments:**
Ministry
3
Fixed Assets
7
Upkeep of and improvements to Church & Manse
10
Administration
Donations made
4
Church Holiday
12
Sunday School & Youth Work
_TOTAL PAYMENTS_
**Cash movement for the year**
**Cash and Bank balances brought forward**
**Cash and Bank balances carried forward**
**STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT THE END OF THE PERIOD**
**notes**
**Fixed Assets:**
Church Building
7
Manse Building
7
Fixtures & Fittings
7
Total Fixed Assets
**Current Assets:**
Sundry Debtors
8
Bank & other cash balances
**Current Liabilities:**
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
9
**Total Net Assets:**
**Funds:**
Unrestricted Funds
**Total Funds:**|**2023**
31,487
7,609
7,113
0
18,670
0
3,756
68,635
25,408
5,500
19,882
6,188
5,060
4,477
654
67,170
1,465
37,498
38,963
**2023**
27,849
880
7,896
36,625
7,961
38,963
46,925
(1,091)
82,459
82,459
82,459|**2022**
28,222
11,059
7,700
0
0
2,231
1,151
50,364
21,615
5,184
10,909
6,712
5,491
200
366
50,477
(114)
37,612
37,498
**2022**
27,849
880
4,370
33,099
7,530
37,498
45,028
(1,767)
76,361
76,361
76,361| |---|---|---| These financial statements were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue Trustee ………………………………………….. Trustee ………………………………………….. Signed by David Lloyd Rooksby Signed by Linda Jane Crawley 28/7/2024 28/7/2024 Date: ………………………………………….. Date: ………………………………………….. **RUSHDEN MISSION CHURCH** **CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1130048** **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2023** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **1. Basis of accounts:** a) These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis b) There were no restricted or designated or endowment funds during the year. |**2. Donations and other income:**
**notes**
**2023**
Donations to Church
3,983
Special Donations
6
1,857
Thank Offering
1,235
Other items
534
7,609
**3. Ministry:**
**notes**
**2023**
Minister's stipend
21,397
Pension contribution
1,437
Manse Rates etc.
2,575
25,408
**4. Donations made:**
**notes**
**2023**
Donations from 10% Fund
5
3,203
Special Donations
6
1,857
Other Donations
0
5,060
**5. Donations 10% Fund :**
The Church intends that 10% of weekly offerings be donated to Good Causes.
**notes**
**2023**
Amount allocated not yet donated b / fwd
755
10% Allocation for year
3,149
Less: Donations made in year
4
(3,203)
Amount allocated not yet donated c / fwd
700
The amounts not yet donated are not designated and could be re-allocated should the
Church Meeting so elect.
**6. Special Donations Fund:**
**notes**
**2023**
Amount not yet donated b / fwd
0
Donations received in year
2
1,857
Less: Donations made in year
4
(1,857)
Amount received not yet donated c / fwd
9
0|**2022**
7,784
1,006
690
1,579
11,059
**2022**
17,797
1,401
2,417
21,615
**2022**
3,630
1,611
250
5,491
**2022**
1,562
2,822
(3,630)
755
**2022**
605
1,006
(1,611)
0| |---|---| **RUSHDEN MISSION CHURCH** **CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1130048** **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2023** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)** |**7. Fixed Assets:**
**2023**
Church Building and additions at cost brought forward
27,849
Additions during year
Church Building and additions at cost carried forward
27,849
Manse Building at cost
880
Fixtures and Fittings
Cost brought forward
27,439
Additions during year
5500
Cost carried forward
32,939
Accumulated depreciation brought forward
23,069
Depreciation for year
1974
Accumulated depreciation carried forward
25,043
Net book value carried forward
7,896
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual
value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Buildings
0% per year
Fixtures and Fittings
Range of 10% - 20% per year
**8. Sundry Debtors:**
**notes**
**2023**
Sundry Debtors
0
HMRC - Gift Aid
7,961
7,961
**9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Holiday Deposits
12
230
Other taxation and social security
442
Other creditors and accruals
420
1,091
**10. Upkeep of and improvements to Church & Manse**
General Upkeep
7,617
Repairs and Renewals
1,582
AV Installation
6,920
Lighting Upgrade
3,763
19,882
**11. L & E Bandey and Bailey Trusts**
Balance brought forward
2,231
Expenditure
-538
Balance carried forward
1,693
**12. Holiday Deposits**
Holiday fund b/f
951
Holiday funds received
3,756
Paid
(4,477)
230
**13. Grants**
Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches Ministry Grant
6,250
Wesleyan Reform Union Audio Visual Grant
10,420
Benefact Trust
2,000
18,670|**2022**
27,849
0
27,849
880
22,255
5184
27,439
21,926
1143
23,069
4,370
**2022**
417
7,113
7,530
951
192
624
1,767
6,200
4,709
10,909
2,231
0
1,151
(200)
951
0
0
0
0| |---|---| **RUSHDEN MISSION CHURCH** **CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1130048** **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2023** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT** ## **REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES/ MEMBERS OF RUSHDEN MISSION CHURCH** ## **Report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 October 2023** ## **Charity no: 1130048** ## **I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Rushden Mission Church ("the Trust") for the year ended 31 October 2023** ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner:** As the charity's trustees of the Trust, 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement:** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. > Signed by: Carl Elsby ## **Carl Elsby ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)** Elsby & Co (Sywell) Ltd Statutory Auditors 155 Wellingborough Road Rushden Northamptonshire NN10 9TB 29/07/2024 Date: …………………………………………..