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← The Brent Methodist Church

2025-08-31-accounts

– BRENT METHODIST CHURCH DARTFORD

Annual Report

And

Financial Statement

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Ministers

Reverend Alex Terrett

Bank:

Santander UK PLC Bridle Road Bootle Merseyside GIR 0AA

Independent Examiner:

Nichols & Co. Unit 7 Mulberry Place Pinnell Road Eltham SE9 6AR

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BRENT METHODIST CHURCH DARTFORD - TRUSTEES REPORT

The address of the Church is Brent Methodist Church, St Vincent’s Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1XF.

Structure, Governance and Management

Brent Methodist Church forms part of the North Kent Circuit (36/21) within the South-East District and is governed by the Constitutional Practice and Disciplines of the Methodist Church.

Extracts from the Methodist Constitutional Practice and Discipline state that the church stewards are corporately responsible with the ministers exercising pastoral responsibility in relation to the Local Church for giving leadership and help over the whole range of the church’s life and activity. Such activities are managed, agreed upon and executed by the “Managing Trustees” of the local church who are all members of the Church Council. The Church Council has authority and oversight over the whole area of the ministry of the church, including the management of its property. Aims and methods, the determination and pursuit of policy and the deployment of available resources form part of its responsibilities. In many cases it will appoint committees which will have authority, in their own areas of responsibility, to initiate action, co-ordinate the work done in the church, advise the Church Council and report to it, being subject to its authority and oversight.

The stewards are appointed and recruited during the annual general church meeting. Eligible voting members of the meeting nominate and present to the minister such names seven days before the meeting and these names are voted on during the meeting. Other members who want to serve as trustee representatives can also be nominated by a voting member to be voted on during the meeting. The other officers such as the treasurer, communion stewards, pastoral secretary, class leaders, council secretary and other officers or committees as the council requires are selected and approved by the church council members during church council meetings.

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The members of the Church Council are the Trustees of the Church. Those who served as Managing Trustees during the year from 1[st] September 2024 to 31[st] August 2025 are as follows:

Name Role Date Appointed/ (Resigned)

Alex Terrett Minister September 2022 Gillian Bratley Council Member March 2020 Edric Davies Council Member March 2011 Ivor Ford Steward June 2025 Tunde Dipita-Williams Acting Treasurer August 2023 Karen Dudley Steward (June 2025) John Wilson Council Member March 2011 Lorna Wilson Council Member May 2023 Karen Dudley Council Member June 2025 Tunde Williams Senior Steward September 2023 Susan Waterman Council Member March 2016 Dele Orekoya Pastoral Committee Sec. March 2019

Finance and Property Committee is a sub-committee of the Church Council, to which it reports.

Objectives and Activities

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Public Benefit Compliance

Looking Back

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HARVEST FESTIVAL

Our Harvest Festival took place on 13th October 2024, led by Reverend Alex Terrett. As in previous years, donations were given to the local foodbank, and the church was decorated with displays of fruit, vegetables, and flowers to celebrate God’s provision. The service followed the lectionary reading from Job 23:1-9, 16-17, reminding us of faith and perseverance. Following worship, fellowship continued over a bring-andshare lunch.

CHRISTMAS

The Christmas season was a joyful highlight once again. A Nativity formed part of the Carol Service, complete with realistic sheep noises, delighting both children and adults. The service was led by Rev. Alex Terrett, with music once again provided by the Steel Pan Drums. An earlier-than-usual Christmas Day service, also led by Rev. Alex, enabled families to celebrate together before the rest of the day’s festivities. The church was beautifully decorated, and refreshments were shared in warm fellowship after each service.

LENT

During Lent we followed the “Soul Food” study series produced by the Methodist Church, meeting weekly for five weeks. Holy Week was shared ecumenically:

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These gatherings deepened our reflection on Christ’s journey to the cross and resurrection.

Giving

We suspended the 10% giving for this financial year due to church finances being in deficit. We did set aside a sum of money that could be used should there be any special projects or local charities that made requests for support throughout the year.

We continue to use our benevolent fund to support members in times of urgent need and distress.

Members Spiritual Growth

Attendance has remained steady throughout the year. The Craft and Fellowship Group, launched in September 2024, has continued to enrich members’ spiritual and social wellbeing, providing a relaxed setting for conversation and creativity. No new discipleship groups have been introduced, but the church continues to encourage faith development through worship, fellowship, and service.

Prayer Ministry

During the year, changes in the prayer-ministry team have led to a pause in fortnightly prayer ministry after services and reduced frequency of the Prayer and Fellowship Group. Nevertheless, the Prayer Chain remains strong and active, offering immediate intercession and pastoral support when needs arise. We continue to thank those who sustain this vital ministry of prayer.

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Evangelism

Evangelism and outreach remain a key part of the Brent’s life and mission. In addition to Messy Church, Film and Fellowship, Craft and Fellowship, Prayer Fellowship, and Leisure Hour, we have hosted café-style services and breakfast before the service gatherings, welcoming both members and newcomers into relaxed fellowship. These creative formats have provided fresh opportunities for relationship-building and for gently sharing the Good News with our wider community.

Messy Church

Messy Church has continued to meet monthly with enthusiasm and faithfulness. Themes explored during the year have been: Who is God?; Elijah; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Christmas; The workers in the vineyard; Beatitudes; Soldier’s faith; Easter; Emmaus; Paul and persecution; Baptism. We always try to have a range of activities to suit the difference ages.

Attendance has been mixed this year, ranging from 3 to 28, with an average of 15 per Messy Church (children and adults). Some families have been coming to Messy Church for some years, but we have also welcomed a few new families. There are about ten regular helpers in the Messy Church team leading the activities and preparing and serving the food; everyone’s commitment and enthusiasm is greatly valued. Not everyone is able to help each month, but God ensures we always have enough help to run each Messy Church. One helper has stepped down, but we have welcomed a new helper to the team. The families always enjoy going into the church for the

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time of worship. Thanks to Rev Alex, Ian Packham and Tracey Burch for leading the worship.

The team once again ran Stay and Play sessions during the summer holidays, providing fun, creative family time and outreach to local families.

Film and Fellowship

This group continues to meet monthly, offering hospitality, light refreshments, and enjoyable film screenings that encourage community connection. Attendance typically ranges from around 8 to 15 people. Some of the films shown included War Horse, Wicked, The Greatest showman, Westside story and much more.

Dartford Foodbank

The Dartford Foodbank is now known as the Dartford Larder which opened in its new premises in June 2025. Dartford Council is funding it but our clients who now use it are asked to pay a small fee a week. Depending on their circumstances some can pay less. Our homeless clients do not pay anything. The criteria to use the Larder is our clients pay their council tax to Dartford Council. Churches are still donating plus schools at our harvest period. We also receive donations from Sainsburys every week.

The Healthy Living centre have organised cooking courses which are 6 weeks long to help and advise how to prepare meals and that seems to be a success. These courses are held within the Larder premises.

We still have volunteers but also 3 paid people (who were volunteers).

The Larder is giving our clients more choice of items and all of them like the new format. It is now open on 3 days instead of 1-all-day day.

Pathfinders

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Pathfinders continue to meet fortnightly during Sunday services, serving primary-aged children (4–11 years). Sessions remain based on Scripture Union’s X-Stream resources.

Pathfinders has 1 leader and 1 helper. We have 3 definite young people each session and at times there can be up to 6 young people when families visit.

Equipping and Training

While no new worship leaders have been commissioned this year, there has been an encouraging increase in behind-the-scenes volunteers supporting Sunday services and administration. Musicians have become more regularly involved, helping to enhance worship even without a full music team.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding continues to be a top priority. There are two safeguarding officers who lead on safeguarding matters in the church, but safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Church Council have updated volunteer roles so there is greater clarity in what the role requires and what safeguarding measures need to be in place. There are currently 24 volunteers in a variety of roles that need DBS check and / or safeguarding training; all checks and training are up to date.

The policy is reviewed annually and displayed within church premises. There have been a few safeguarding issues during this year that have been logged as appropriate and are no longer active.

Flower Ministry

We continue to decorate our church on special occasions such as Christenings, Remembrance Sunday, Easter and Christmas. In addition to the usual decorations for major festivals, the church was adorned beautifully for Harvest Festival 2024, reflecting the abundance of God’s creation. We have some indoor plants and artificial flowers for a constant display in the weeks when there are no fresh flowers. We feel it is important for nature to be present in the church to remind us of Gods creations.

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Pastoral Visitors

The pastoral-visiting scheme continues to offer valued contact and care to church members through cards, calls, and visits. There have been no new memberships, or baptisms since September 2024 to August 2025.

Unfortunately, there have been two deaths during that time period.

The pastoral visitors remain committed to offering love and support to worshippers at the Brent and are looking grow their team to increase their capacity to connect with much more people, more often.

Looking Ahead

Our vision for 2025/26 remains one of:

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BRENT METHODIST CHURCH FINANCIAL REVIEW OF YEAR ENDING 31[st] August 2025

Full details of the Church Accounts are contained at the end of this review.

The surplus overall for the year was £5,768.62 which represents a significant decrease of about -202% on last year’s deficit of -£5,658.67. The positive figure is in contrast to the approved budget which had a deficit of -£10,386.00. The reason for the positive figure is partly due to the reduction in budgeted expense by 19% and refund of the pension fund donation of £3000 + interest, given the previous year. A significant reduction in the expenses in certain giving categories contributed to the final figure.

Looking further into this year’s surplus of £5,768.62 would highlight a lot of the categories with significant changes from last year’s report which would make for better understanding of the accounts by anyone interested and which can be attributed once again to the period of changes in behavior and activities due to the current climate.

The year has seen a mixture of highs and lows in both income and expense categories. Figures from the income category show a 7% decrease in income compared to the previous year, with some of the below major changes explaining this position:

Figures from the expenses on also show a significant decrease in total resources expended by 17% from last year with some of the below major changes explaining this position:

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The financial state of the Church remains healthy with positive bank and deposit balances starting the new financial year. The operational budget for the new financial year however, shows a deficit of -£16,545.00. It is hoped that normal services will continue for most of the weeks for the foreseeable future with not too many interruptions anticipated. It is also hoped that as usual, some of the other budgeted expenses might not be utilised which would in turn have a positive impact on the deficit figure. In addition, church workers and trustees with various responsibilities are always made aware to continue in their efforts to both watch and manage expenses in order to keep these at a reasonable level.

With the anticipated effective expense management and God’s guidance and favour, it is hoped for a positive end to the financial year.

The Church has two main Trust Funds as follows:

Sale of House Trust Fund holding £23,648.62 as of 31[st] August 2025. This money has come from the sale of one of the houses left to the Church by Mrs Westcombe in the year 2002 and also proceeds from the premium received on the leasehold extension on Colney road flat. These houses were left to us for

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the ‘benefit, continuation and furtherance of Methodism in the Newtown area of Dartford.’ The funds within this account are deemed to be restricted and Church Council has agreed that this capital fund should be used for outreach projects. TMCP have confirmed this fund can also be used for Property Schemes or for the promotion of the work of God. The interest from this account is transferred to the Deposit Account.

The Hodson Trust fund (£1,200.00).

This a permanent endowment fund, whereby only the interest can be used and is credited to the Deposit account. The capital sum cannot currently be spent but with the adjustment in charity law and due to the amount of the endowment fund, future consideration of it’s liquidation will be looked into.

The Church has two other accounts (Current Account and Deposit Account). These accounts are used for the day to day running expenses of the Church, such as Circuit Assessment, salary of the cleaner, utilities etc.

Depreciation Policy

Church Council has agreed the following depreciation policies on new equipment:

Five years for electrical equipment at 20% for each year.

Ten years for furniture etc. at 10% for each year.

Property Valuations

The letting agent provides property valuations on the three houses and flat in August of each year. They are provided on the basis that the properties are being sold on the open market as unoccupied.

Reserves Policy

The Charity’s Reserves Policy deals with:

Our General Fund (Current Account and Deposit Account) Other Funds also held which are NOT covered by our reserves are:

-Sale of House (Westcombe Fund) CFB12815

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Our Reserves

Our General Fund

The trustees aim ideally to hold in reserve sufficient money in our general funds to cover six month’s budgeted expenditure i.e. £55,265.00.

The reason for this is two-fold:

Other Funds held for specific purposes:

Sale of House (Westcombe Fund) CFB12815

This fund holds the legacy from the Houses given to the Brent by Mrs Westcombe ‘for the benefit, continuation, and furtherance of Methodism in the Newtown area of Dartford’ in addition to the premium received from the leasehold extension request on the Colney Road flat. Church Council has agreed to fulfil the spirit in which the legacy was given and use this money for Outreach Projects. This is held by The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) as a restricted fund. TMCP have confirmed this fund can also be used for Property Schemes or ‘for promotion of the work of God in the relevant organisation’.

The Hodson Trust CFB17346

This is an Endowment Fund and therefore we can only use the interest which is credited to the general fund.

Risks

The risks facing the church are reviewed at each Property & Finance and Council Committee meetings and include:

Loss or Damage to Buildings : This risk is addressed through insurance cover.

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Personal Liability of Managing Trustees (i.e. members of the Church Council: This risk has been addressed through Trustee Indemnity Insurance.

Legal and Reputational Risks associated with working with children : The Methodist Church has a Connexional ‘Safeguarding Policy to which Brent Methodist Church subscribes. There is a continuous programme to ensure that up to date checks are made via the Disclosure and Barring Service on anyone in regular contact with young people through Church activities.

Health and Safety : The risk is addressed by members of the Property Committee carrying out regular health and safety checks. Additional precautions as a result of changes in Fire Regulations have been implemented.

Financial loss which is addressed through appropriate financial controls and procedures.

In summary, the trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the Charity’s exposure to major risks.

Investment Policy

A low-risk policy is maintained. The Deposit Fund administered by the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church is utilised to deposit any funds surplus to the Brent’s immediate requirements.

Statement of Trustees Responsibility

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a fair and true view, the Trustees should follow best practice and:

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. State whether applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting by Charities have been followed.

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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that activities will continue.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of Brent Methodist Church and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Standing Orders of the Methodist Church and the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for taking reasonable steps to safeguard the assets of the Church and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Signature(s)

Full name(s)

Position (e.g. Secretary, Chair, etc.)

Date

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CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS

THE METHODIST CHURCH

STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS

Brent Methodist Church - Dartford

Church

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025

Circuit
Circuit no.
Registered Charity - Charity Registration number
NORTH KENT 1130746		 1130746
36/21

If not a registered charity His Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number

(The 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 are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242)

Minister: Reverend Alex Terrett Church Stewards: Tunde Williams - Senior Church Steward Karen Dudley - Steward Ivor Ford - Steward

Treasurer: Tunde Dipita-Williams

Brent Methodist Church Church - Dartford

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

==> picture [579 x 695] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Totals this Totals last
SECTION A Funds Funds year year
£ £ £ £
a1 RECEIPTS Note
a2 Offerings and Tax recovered 21,118 21,118 31,336
Bank and CFB interest and
a3 Investment income 1,818 1,163 2,981 3,424
a4 Lettings 22,043 22,043 19,620
a5 Other receipts 49,856 49,856 48,766
a6 TOTAL RECEIPTS 94,835 1,163 95,998 (a7) 103,146
SECTION B
b1 PAYMENTS
b2 Circuit Assessment or Share 47,080 47,080 44,000
b3 Donations 3,750
b4 Repairs and Maintenance 20,674 20,674 16,403
Utilities (Insurances, water
b5 charges, heating & lighting) 8,601 8,601 20,491
b6
b7 Other payments 13,794 81 13,875 24,160
b8 TOTAL PAYMENTS 90,149 81 90,230 (b9) 108,804
SECTION C
NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS
c1 FOR THE YEAR (a6-b8) 4,686 1,082 5,768 (5,658)
Total funds brought forward from
last year
c2 61,608 24,849 86,457 (c6) 92,115
c3 Sub total (c1+c2) 66,294 25,931 92,225 86,457
c4 Transfers and adjustments 1,082 (1,082) (c7)
c5 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR (c3+c4) 67,376 24,849 92,225 (c8) 86,457 (c6)
SECTION D
FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
d (these amounts are not to be included in total receipts/payments figures above) £ £
d1 Balance brought forward from last year
d2 Offerings/Gifts - received for external organisations 337
d3 Offerings/Gifts - passed to external organisations 337
d4 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1+d2-d3)
----- End of picture text -----

Brent Methodist Church - Dartford

Church

SUMMARY OF CHURCH ACCOUNTS AND INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS REPORTING TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL

SECTION E Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Summary of the Church accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 and Internal Organisations reporting to the Church Council/Church Meeting. Note that the funds of an Internal Organisation would normally be Restricted funds unless it could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose. This section must be completed to arrive at the gross income and expenditure totals of the Church. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshold, then the Accruals method of accounting AND A DIFFERENT FORM must be used to report the accounts (see Methodist website). Please refer to the guidance notes regarding transfers between the District and connected District Organisations.

==> picture [571 x 242] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
INTERNAL Net Receipts/ Opening
ORGANISATIONS Receipts Payments Payments Adjustments balances Closing balances
e1 Ladies Leisure Hour 215 227 (12) 490 478
e2 Messy Church 153 179 (26) 43 17
e3 Keep Fit 340 340
e4
e5
e6
e7
Sub total of Internal
e8 Organisations funds 708 746 (38) 533 (e11) 495 (e12)
Church accounts (totals
brought forward from page
e9 2 - totals column) 95,998 (a7) 90,230 (b9) 5,768 (c7) 86,457 (c6) 92,225 (c8)
TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD
e10 BY CHURCH 96,706 90,976 5,730 86,990 (x) 92,720 (y)
Continue on a separate sheet TOTAL
if necessary and bring the TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
totals forward
----- End of picture text -----

SECTION F

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

f1
f2
f3
f4
f5
f6
f7
f8
f9
g1
g2
g3
g4
g5		 CHURCH - CASH FUNDS HELD at 31 August 2025
SECTION G
OTHER ASSETS and LIABILITIES
Other Assets
Central Finance Board
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
Other funds
Other Liabilities
Total funds held by Internal Organisations (the closing
balance total from above) (e12)
Investments (include Endowments)
Bank Deposit Account
Land & Buildings (see notes re Insurance value)
SUB TOTAL - Church accounts
Loan(s) - show amount outstanding at year end
TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CHURCH
Cash in hand
Bank Current Account		 OPENING
BALANCES
16
23,561
38,031
24,849
86,457
(c6)
533 (e11)
86,990
(x)
At
1 September 2024
1,192,500		 CLOSING
BALANCES
16
25,252
42,108
24,849
92,225
(c8)
495 (e12)
92,720
(y)
At
31 August 2025
1,212,500

f4 Include only Funds held at the Central Finance Board f5 Include only Funds held at Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes g1 Include any other investments (not the cash element of TMCP trusts accounts this is included in line f5

Brent Methodist Church Charity no: 1130746

Declarations and Scrutiny

I confirm that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2025 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 ……………………………………………………… Date……………………..

Name and address of treasurer ………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………. Post Code………………

Presentation to the Church trustees

I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 were/will be* presented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on ……………..

Signature of the Chair of the meeting ……………………………………………………………………

Name of the Chair of the meeting …………………………………………… Date ……………………

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

Brent Methodist Church

Charity Number 1130746

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Brent Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 2 to 3. As the Church’s trustees, 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 Church’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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.

Brent Methodist Church No 1130746

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 (other than that disclosed below*) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

I have/ ~~have not*~~ obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.

Signature of independent examiner ………………………………………………………………….

Name of independent examiner ……………………………………………………………………….

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner ………………………………………

Name of firm (where appropriate) ………………………………………………………………………

Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………….. Post Code ………………

Date …………………………………………