2022-12-31-accounts

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FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

Report for 2022 ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Full Name, Address and Introduction of the Church .............................................................................. 3 Objects ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Aims ........................................................................................................................................................ 3 Public benefit .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Leadership .............................................................................................................................................. 4 Independent Examiner and Bankers ...................................................................................................... 4 Main Focus of Activities ......................................................................................................................... 5 Fellowship............................................................................................................................................... 6 Custodian Trustee .................................................................................................................................. 6 Concluding Remarks .............................................................................................................................. 6

Leadership Team 2022 .............................................................................................................................. 7

Income ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Gift Aid .................................................................................................................................................... 8 Regular Giving ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Investment Income ................................................................................................................................. 8 Other Income .......................................................................................................................................... 8 Expenditure ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 Grant Making Policy ............................................................................................................................... 8 Accounts Overview ................................................................................................................................. 8 Reserves ................................................................................................................................................ 8 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities ................................................................................................. 9 Report of Independent Examiner .................................................................................................... …….10 Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) ............................................................................................... 11 Balance Sheet ........................................................................................................................................... 12 Notes to the Financial Statements Note 1 - Basis of Accounts and Accounting Policies .................................................................. 13-14 Note 2 - Offerings ............................................................................................................................. 15 Note 3 – Gift Aid .............................................................................................................................. 15 Note 4 – Ministry ............................................................................................................................... 16 Note 5 – Governance Costs ............................................................................................................ 17 Note 6 – Trustees Remuneration and Expenses ............................................................................ 17 Note 7 – Mission/Good Causes ........................................................................................................ 17 Note 8 – Buildings, Maintenance and Equipment ............................................................................ 18 Note 9 – Wages and Salaries ...................................................................................................... 18-19 Note 10 - Fund Comparatives for the SoFA...................................................................................... 20 Note 11 – Fixed Assets....................................................................................................................... 21 Note 12 – Current Assets ................................................................................................................... 21 Note 13 – Amounts Falling Due Within One Year .............................................................................. 21 Note 14 – Amounts Falling Due After One Year ................................................................................ 21 Note 15 – Reconciliation of Movements in Funds ....................................................................... 22 - 24 Note 16 – Pension Scheme Liabilities ........................................................................................ 25 - 26

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT FOR 2022

Full Name, Address and Introduction of the Church

Fishponds Baptist Church, Downend Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 5AS, is incorporated under a Charitable Deed of Trust. The Church is a registered charity (1131411) and is registered in England and Wales.

The Church Office Telephone Number is 0117 965 3421.

The Church, which is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland and the West of England Baptist Association, aims to uphold the Declaration of Principle of the aforesaid Baptist Union, which is:

That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and that each Church has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer His Laws.
That Christian Baptism is the immersion in water in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who “died for our sins according to the Scriptures; was buried, and rose again on the third day.”
That it is the duty of every disciple to bear personal witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to take part in the evangelisation of the world.

Objects

The Charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document which states that the principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination including the advancement of education, community service and other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Church shall determine.

Aims

The main aim and objective of Fishponds Baptist Church (FBC) is Spiritual Evangelism. At the heart of the Church is its ministry to the membership, congregation, and the wider community at large in order that the messages contained in Scripture are shared and celebrated and the understanding and acceptance that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Saviour grows.

FBC is gifted in practical terms as the church has a range of resources and facilities that enable fellowship to be enjoyed, not just on Sunday but also on a continuous basis. The church is also organised into smaller networks for fellowship through fortnightly house group meetings and care/well-being through a care group structure which encourages a sense of personal belonging within what is quite a large congregation.

In order to maintain and develop its ministry, premises and facilities, FBC collects donations, predominantly from the congregation. These donations also provide the opportunity to contribute financially to a wide range of Faith based organisations both within the UK and overseas providing a variety of outreach and ministry programmes or practical projects.

Public Benefit

We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.

FBC is committed to being a place of worship of God for the people who live in Fishponds and neighbouring communities. All are warmly welcomed when they enter the church and the services are different (morning - more traditional; evening - more open and less structured) so that all should be able to worship God in a way that they are comfortable with.

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

In addition, FBC is committed to serving the community in many ways, for example, the premises and facilities are used constantly by a wide variety of groups who hold regular meetings. These groups include fellowship groups (house groups, luncheon club, mums and toddler groups), the uniformed groups (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides), as well as other gatherings enabling the Good News about Jesus to be shared more widely (Holiday Bible Club, Alpha courses, Baptismal Classes to name a few).

On Sunday mornings, FBC runs an event called "Kidz Alive", for children from the local community as well as those associated with the church. As well as hearing stories from the Bible, the children play games, and do craft activities.

Leadership

The Deacons, who are the Managing Trustees of the charity, administer the Church. Charity Law requires trustees to prepare annual accounts which consist of a Balance Sheet and Statement of Financial Activities, together with accompanying notes, and which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year and of its income and expenditure, in line with FRS102 SoRP.

Members are voted onto the Diaconate by the membership at the Church’s Annual General Meeting and generally serve for three years. Deacons fulfil their role voluntarily and are assisted by many other volunteers helping within all areas of the Church. The Pastor (Minister) who is the “Holder of Office” and is a paid employee of the church, also sits on the Diaconate. The present Deacons are listed in full on page 7.

Independent Examiner and Bankers

The appointed Independent Examiner of the Church is Joshua Kingston BSc ACA, Burton Sweet Limited, The Clock Tower, 5 Farleigh Court, Old Weston Road, Flax Bourton, Bristol BS48 1UR

The Church’s bankers are CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling and NatWest Bank Plc, 778 Fishponds Rd, Fishponds, Bristol.

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

Main Focus of Activities

2022 has been a year of change for the church. At the beginning of the year, the church was in an interregnum and the leadership team focused on enabling the work of the church to continue, particularly in maintaining the spiritual and pastoral elements, and the search for a new minister, with a dedicated team known as the New Minister Search Team leading this. During this time, the leadership was supported by our local Baptist Association, WebNet, and in particular by Rev. Gary Woodhall who provided guidance and support including attending the Deacons’ and New Minister Search Team meetings and chairing the church meetings.

During the interregnum, many of the church members and regular attendees took part in a 100-day Bible reading challenge. Also, the fellowship was blessed by the local ministers who preached on Sunday mornings and many social events were held including hosting an art exhibition that the local community was invited to attend.

The search for a new minister culminated in July when a special church meeting was held that almost unanimously voted for the call of Rev. Mark Madavan as our new minister and for Mark’s wife, Cathy to be part of the leadership team. The fellowship was delighted when Mark and Cathy accepted the call. They started their ministry in October and a wonderful induction service for them was held in November. The fellowship has already been blessed with Mark and Cathy’s sermons and the changes that they have already implemented.

The relaxing and eventual removal of the Covid-19 pandemic regulations over 2022 has meant that all the areas of the church’s ministries have been restarted, including the Luncheon Club where senior citizens in the local area who are living alone can come for an excellent meal and enjoy fellowship with each other. In addition, a Ukrainian Welcome hub has been started in conjunction with Bristol City Council where Ukrainian refugees can meet and enjoy the hospitality of the church.

During 2022 there has been a gradual increase in the number of people attending the morning services, which are still being broadcast online for those who aren’t confident to attend in person. We are encouraged by many new people attending the morning services including a contingent from Hong Kong. The church is blessed by the diversity of people who are part of our church family.

As always, we are very appreciative of the efforts of the ministry team with their work with families, youth, our Hope into Action tenants and those in need of pastoral care across the church. Particular acknowledgment needs to be made to our fantastic Foodbank team who under the wise and energetic leadership of Ruth Stephens has been busier than could ever have been imagined.

We are also hugely grateful to everyone - both volunteers and paid staff for their unstinting involvement which enables the work of FBC to be carried out in such a committed, positive and effective manner.

We thank God for how He has blessed the church during 2022 and we look forward to all that He will do in 2023 at Fishponds Baptist Church with Mark leading the church. The fellowship is open and committed to change as we seek to serve Him and the local community effectively over the year.

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

Fellowship

3 people attested to their faith by going through the waters of baptism in obedience to scripture.

Our Fellowship now has a membership of 151. The changes to our membership were as follows:

New Members - 3

Transfer In - 0

Transfer Out to Another Church – 2

Resignations – 6

Removed due to loss of contact - 6

Deceased – 3 were called to be with the Lord

Custodian Trustee

The Custodian Trustee for the Church is Webnet (formally known as the West of England Baptist Association (Incorporated)). Webnet holds in trust the title deeds of the Church properties.

Concluding Remarks

We are grateful to all those who have contributed to the work at FBC throughout this past year. A church is dependent on the commitment of its membership and here at Fishponds we have many who work tirelessly and without recognition. To these, we give our heartfelt thanks and pray that God will bless them in the days that lie ahead. Finally, we record on behalf of the fellowship our gratitude to the diaconate for their work in leading and guiding us under God’s headship.

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

LEADERSHIP TEAM 2022

Senior Minister:

Reverend Mark Madavan (appointed as a trustee 10[th] October 2022)

Church Treasurer:

Mr Peter Keenan

Deaconate:

Note: For this report, deacons are also trustees except for Mr Gareth Jones.

Senior Minister, and Treasurer, plus

Deacons: Miss Emma Gundy Mr Gareth Jones Mrs Catherine Madavan (appointed as a trustee on 24[th] November 2022) Mr John Ray Mr Vasil Vasilev

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

INCOME

GIFT AID

The amount shown in the accounts for gift aid reclaimed in 2022 is £33,094 (2021 - £25,729).

By the end of the year, 49 active supporters had signed Gift Aid Declarations and had given during 2022.

REGULAR GIVING

Loose cash and cheques received every week decreased by 57% compared with the previous year. There was an increase in Bank transfers of 24% year on year and an increase in weekly envelopes of 1%.

In all, the total cash donated by members and worshippers, excluding members' gifts and sundry income, amounted to an average of £2,968 per week, a 21% increase on the previous year.

INVESTMENT INCOME

The church follows a ‘low risk’ policy when investing its surplus cash which is normally placed on deposit (short notice or instant access) with the Bank. Whilst the interest yield is not substantial, the deacons consider that the overriding requirement is to protect the sum invested.

OTHER INCOME

During the year we benefited from gifts and donations from Church organisations for use of premises and general support.

EXPENDITURE

Giving to good causes and mission, including direct giving, increased to £26,326 (2021 - £25,936).

GRANT MAKING POLICY

The amount of support given to missionaries is voted on by the Church Members at the Annual General Meeting.

ACCOUNTS OVERVIEW

The Balance Sheet of the Church shows that Total Assets (which excludes any value for Land and Buildings relating to the Church premises) have increased by £100,134 in the last year. This is due to the overall net surplus on the general fund of £69,844 and £13,408 deficit on restricted funds including a pension scheme gain in the period of £43,698.

RESERVES

As a result of careful planning and expense management, the Church generally operates a “balanced budget”. The holding, maintaining, and building up of reserves (in the General Unrestricted Fund) is only considered useful in terms of providing flexibility for budgeting for major items of expenditure (for instance building repairs) and acting as a buffer at times of unexpected expenditure. The Church has a formal policy for the level at which it maintains its reserves, which is for the General Unrestricted Fund to be not less than £15,000 to cater for unforeseen events, such as the repair of damage to the church buildings. At the year-end, the free reserves are £232,352, being general unrestricted funds of £238,400 less £6,048 represented by fixed assets, as funds held as fixed assets are not readily available.

The church’s reserves are currently significantly higher above our upper limit of £50,000 for the following reasons:

The church planning a major building development project, starting in 2023 and some of the funds in our General Funds will be transferred to our Building Development Fund which will fund this work. In 2022, the church received some significant legacies and some large donations which were unexpected. In 2022, the expenditure was significantly less than what was budgeted. This was primarily due to the resignation of one of the staff who was not replaced and our new minister starting 3 months later than was predicted in the budget.

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales 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 income and expenditure 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 judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
State whether applicable UK 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 charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient 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 Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/constitution. They 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.

Signed by order of the Trustees

Reverend Mark Madavan Peter Keenan - Treasurer

Approved by the Trustees …………………………..………………….....2023.

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Fishponds Baptist Church (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of the report

As the charity trustees of the Charity, 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 Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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 in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Dated:

Joshua Kingston BSc ACA Burton Sweet Limited, Chartered Accountants, The Clock Tower, Farleigh Court, Flax Bourton, Bristol. BS48 1UR

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 2022	31ST
INCOME FROM Notes Donations and Legacies Freewill Offerings 2 Members' Gifts - legacy Gift Aid claimed 3 Income from Charitable Activities Other Trading Activities Rents and contributions to use of premises Income from Investments TOTAL INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS EXPENDITURE Charitable Activities: Ministry 4, 6 Gifts to Good Causes / Mission 7 Buildings Maintenance and Equipment 8 Hope 43 and Building Fund TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES NET INCOME / (EXPENDITURE) ACTUARIAL GAINS/(LOSES) ON DEFINED 15 BENEFIT PENSION SCHEME NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY 15 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER 15	TOTAL FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted Endowm't 2022 2021 Fund (£) Fund (£) Fund (£) (£) (£) 154,033 6,229 - 160,262 137,383 31,976 - - 31,976 24,150 31,828 1,266 - 33,094 25,729
	217,837 7,495 - 225,332 187,262 2,780 39,142 - 41,922 36,818 40,751 - - 40,751 33,880 811 - - 811 14
	262,179 46,637 - 308,816 257,974
	92,229 - - 92,229 103,827 26,326 - - 26,326 25,936 73,780 - - 73,780 63,439 - 60,045 - 60,045 40,002
	192,335 60,045 - 252,380 233,204
	69,844 (13,408) - 56,436 24,770 43,698 - - 43,698 10,022
	113,542 (13,408) - 100,134 34,792 124,858 178,632 268,950 572,440 537,648
	238,400 165,224 268,950 672,574 572,440

See note 10 for fund-accounting comparative figures.

The Charity has no recognised gains and losses than the results for the period as set out above. All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.

The accounts and notes on pages 13 to 23 form the whole of the financial statements for the Year 2022.

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2022

Notes 2022 2021 (£) (£)

FIXED ASSETS

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

Tangible fixed assets 11 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 12 Cash at Bank and in hand 12 CREDITORS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 13 NET CURRENT ASSETS CREDITORS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 14 TOTAL NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) FUNDS Unrestricted Funds General Funds 15 Pension Reserve Fund 15 Total Unrestricted Funds 15 Endowment Fund 15 Restricted Funds 15 TOTAL FUNDS	274,998 6,557 394,627 401,184 (3,608) 397,576 - 672,574 238,400 - 238,400 268,950 165,224 672,574	279,687 6,507 333,102
		339,609 (12,399)
		327,210 (34,457)
		572,440
		168,556 (43,698)
		124,858 268,950 178,632
		572,440

The accounts and notes on pages 13 to 23 form the whole of the financial statements for the Year 2022.

Approved by the Church meeting on…..................................., and signed on its behalf on by

Peter Keenan

Church Treasurer

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

NOTE 2 - OFFERINGS Weekly Envelopes Loose Cash and Cheques Grants Donations Bank Transfers TOTAL PRIOR YEAR Weekly Envelopes Loose Cash and Cheques Grants Donations Bank Transfers TOTAL NOTE 3 – GIFT AID Gift Aid Tax claimed in the year Tax claimed and due at 31 December 2022 TOTAL PRIOR YEAR Gift Aid Tax claimed in the year Tax claimed and due at 31 December 2021 TOTAL	Unrestricted Restricted Endowm't TOTAL Fund (£) Funds (£) Fund (£) 2022 (£) 3,530 - - 3,530 2,887 - - 2,887 - 1,200 - 1,200 - 5,029 - 5,029 147,616 - - 147,616
	154,033 6,229 - 160,262
	Unrestricted Restricted Endowm't TOTAL Fund (£) Funds (£) Fund (£) 2021 (£) 3,495 - - 3,495 6,757 - - 6,757 - 1,160 - 1,160 7,078 7,078 118,893 - - 118,893
	129,145 8,238 - 137,383
	Unrestricted Restricted Endowm't TOTAL Fund (£) Funds (£) Fund (£) 2022 (£) 30,038 1,217 - 31,255 1,790 49 - 1,839
	31,828 1,266 - 33,094
	Unrestricted Restricted Endowm't TOTAL Fund (£) Funds (£) Fund (£) 2021 (£) 22,755 942 - 23,697 1,958 74 - 2,032
	24,713 1,016 - 25,729

FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

NOTE 4 - MINISTRY Youth Pastors’ Stipends and Children's Workers Employers’ National Insurance Personal Expenses - Other Staff Church Rates Pulpit Supply Young Peoples Work Outreach Equipment Training Sundry Expenditure Depreciation Administration - Salaries (inc pension contribution) Office Expenses and Consumables Professional Fees Bank Charges TOTAL	Unrestricted Restricted Endowm't TOTAL TOTAL Fund (£) Funds (£) Fund (£) 2022 (£) 2021 (£) 21,740 - - 21,740 25,965 - - - - 953 - - - - 5,450 736 - - 736 1,091 4,052 - - 4,052 1,095 3,025 - - 3,025 3,146 6,980 - - 6,980 3,845 9,627 - - 9,627 1,262 1,162 - - 1,162 1,259 2,557 - - 2,557 1,828 3,322 - - 3,322 4,534 12,589 - - 12,589 11,353 4,069 - - 4,069 3,542 2,160 - - 2,160 2,160 - - - - 99
	72,019 - - 72,019 67,582

NOTE 4 - MINISTRY
Youth Pastors’ Stipends and Children's Workers
Employers’ National Insurance
Personal Expenses - Other Staff
Church Rates
Pulpit Supply
Young Peoples Work
Outreach
Equipment
Training
Sundry Expenditure
Depreciation
Administration - Salaries (inc pension contribution)
Office Expenses and Consumables
Professional Fees
Bank Charges
TOTAL

Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowm't
TOTAL
TOTAL
Fund (£)
Funds (£)
Fund (£)
2022 (£)
2021 (£)
21,740
-
-
21,740
25,965
-
-
-
-
953
-
-
-
-
5,450
736
-
-
736
1,091
4,052
-
-
4,052
1,095
3,025
-
-
3,025
3,146
6,980
-
-
6,980
3,845
9,627
-
-
9,627
1,262
1,162
-
-
1,162
1,259
2,557
-
-
2,557
1,828
3,322
-
-
3,322
4,534
12,589
-
-
12,589
11,353
4,069
-
-
4,069
3,542
2,160
-
-
2,160
2,160
-
-
-
-
99

72,019
-
-
72,019
**67,582 **