Balham Baptlst Church REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1131915 Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for Ihe Year Ended 31 December 2024 for Balham Baptist Church
Balham Baptist Church CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Page Report of the Trustees Independent Examineffs Report ststement of Flnancial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financlal Statements 10 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 13
Balham Baptist Church TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounling and Reporting by Charilies, issued in March 2005. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DEfAILS Charity name Balham Baptist Church Reglstered Charlty number 1131915 Prlnclpal address 21 Ramsden Road Balham London SW12 8QX Trustees Rev Peter James (Pete Herbert-James) - Minister, Fellowship Leader Rev Steve Rouse, Chair- Minister Ms Maria Brown - Light Team member Mrs Christine Julian-Huxley- Safeguarding Independent Examlner Jackie Wellington 13 Lancing Road Orpington Kent BR6 OQS STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its goveming document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charily. Trustees are elected from membership. Rlsk management The truslees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assuranc8 against fraud and error.
Balham Baptist Church OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Balham Baptist Church's core values: we are Led by God and seek to point others towards him", we Invest in one another; we are a diverse Family; we Equip each other for our frontlines. Maln activitles and achievements Maln actlvities and achievements 2024 marked a special year in the life of Balham Baptist church as we lebrated our 150 anniversary. As part of recognising this significant moment in our life as a church we adopted the phrase 'Blessed to be a Blessing, as one to guide us Ihrough the year. We believe this phrase not only encapsulates the overarching story of the Bible - beginning with God's call to Abraham in Gonesis 12 and finding fulfilment in Jesus, commissioning to his disciples but we recognise it as a consistent thread in the life and story of Balham Baptist Church since our birth in 1874. We are a people who have been blessed by God, in the person of Jesus, In order that we might be a blessing lo the world around us, with this good news. One way in which we sought to explore and embed this theme in the life of the church throughout 2024 was through our different Sunday teaching serles. After beginning the year with our annual LIFE series and Covenant Sunday, through the Spring we journeyed through Jesus, teaching in the Beatltudes, The Good Life, reflecting on how Jesus used this biblically rich term of blessed. We then explored how Jesus, teaching on this 'good life, was revealed through his own life with our series Encounters with Jesus that took us through the summer before our Autumn teaching series Living in Gods Storyencouraged us to consider God's mission, revealed through the Bible story, and consider our own place as part of this today. , 8ffLEBRATINa Alongside Ihese different teaching series, we also marked our th 150 year In a variety of other ways throughout 2024, beginning with a trip to the Big Church Festival in May, followed by our Baby Boomer Reunion in Augusl and culminating with our 150 th Anniversary Sunday Celebration in November. This special Anniversary Sunday Celebration brought together both present and past members of Balham Baptist Church, along with members and leaders from other local churches, Bonneville Baptist Church and Bedford Hill Baptist Church. in a wonderful time of celebration, food, fun and fellowship. We also sought to practically model our phrase for 2024 through such practices as our £1.50 for 150 initiative which raised money each month for a wide range of different individuals and projects both across the UK and globally.
Balham Baptist Church In addition to these events and initiatives specifically related to our th 150 year, we also marked other significant moments in our church calendar through the year, including our Easter weekend activities (with an ecumenical witness in central Balham), our Church Family Summer Picnic, Schoolbag Sunday and Harvest celebrations, and our Advent and Christmas activities. July also saw approximately twenty-five BBC leaders and volunteers complete the BUGB Level 2 Safeguarding Training. Whilst 2024 was a year to remember God's faithfulness throughout the previous 150 years, it was also an opportunity to continue praying and exploring where God is leading us as a church in the years to come. 2024 marked a year of change as we welcomed Pete Herbert-James to serve as a minister with the church, alongside Steve Rouse. Pete, along with his wife Jo, joined the church family early in Spring, with his ordination and induction sendice tsking place in April. It was an afternoon of celebralion, fellowship and fun with members of Balham Baptist being joined by our wider church family from across London and beyond, representing areas in which both Pete and Jo have both lived and served in different ministries. As with previous years, throughout 2024, our building continued to be the source of much life as we hosted and partnered with a large number of external groups and organisations, as well as those ministries and activities that form part of the worship and ministry of the church community itself. As wlth previous years we continued to work hard to blend boundaries between these different aspects of Balham Baptist Church life, build relationships between the different parts of our community, and create space for those who use our building from Monday-saturday to connect with those who primarily gather on a Sunday morning. With the joys and celebration of these differenl activities, 2024 was also a year in which number of loved members of our Balham Baptist family went to be with the Lord. Each of these lives passed offered an opportunity for us to give thanks to God for those who mean so much to our church family, to be reminded of the legacy that they leave us, and to be inspired in what it means to faithfully follow Jesus. We contlnue to remember their families and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. In addltlon to existing church minislries and initiatives in November we were also excited to officially launch as a Beacon Church, in partnership with Restored. As a Restored Beacon Church we have become part of network of churches that is committed to highlighting the prevalence and reality of domestic abuse and violence in society, as well as seeking to provide a safe space for survivors to access practical and emotional support, via signposting, to assist in their recovery. We celebrated the launch of this new initiative with a special service in late November. IIt'5tVlL) HIACON HURCII Alongside this as a church we continued to support a variety of other causes, projects and organisations through the year as part of our wider vision and purpose. As in previous years the charity Ella's continued to serve as a key partner, and focus of our support, wilh our a proportion of our coffee hub income, once again raising a significant amount during the year, along with the opportunity to raise awareness and further 5UPPOrt through our Christmas Campaign. We also continued to provide financial support to other partners including, BMS World Mission, Baptist Union Home Mission and Street Pastors. As 2024 drew to a close we were able to gather together at the end of the year as part of our annual Watchnight Gathering to give thanks for God's faithfulness through the year, and pray together at the outset of a new year, expectant for all that lies ahead as we look to where God will lead us next as part of His story of restoration and renewal in His world.
Balham Baptist Church DECLARATION The trust8es declare that Ihey have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charily's trustees Pete Herbert- Minister June 2025 me
Balham Baptist Church INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BALHAM BAPTIST CHURCH I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages 8 to 14. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent examinerfs Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charty Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustee8 conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examinerf8 Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Jackie Wellington Chartered Accountant 13 Lancing Road Orpington Kent BR6 OQS June 2025
Balham 8aptlst Church STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023 funds fund Total funds Total funds Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Investment income 298,379 2,652 298,379 293,007 2,652 1,879 301,031 301,031 294,886 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charltable actlvltles Resources Expended on Charitable Activities 205,646 Support costs 136,945 Governance costs 5,976 205,646 199,205 136,945 111,435 5,976 7,592 348,567 348,567 318,232 NET INCOMINGI{OUTGOING> RESOURCES(47,536) (47,536) (23,346) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought foDNard 1,866,087 73,023 1,939,110 1,962,456 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,818,551 73,023 1,891,574 1,939,110
Balham Baptist Church BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023 funds fund Totsl funds Total funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 1,561,752 73,023 1,634,775 1,656,790 1,561,752 73,023 1,634,775 1,656,790 CURRENT ASSETS Cash in hand 257,549 257,549 283,070 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 6 {750) (750) (750) NET CURRENT ASSETS 256,799 256,799 282,320 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,818,551 73,023 1,891,574 1,939,110 NET ASSETS 1,818,551 73,023 1,891,574 1,939,110 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted fund 1,818,551 1,866,087 73,023 73,023 TOTAL FUNDS 1,891,574 1,939,110 The financial statements are approved by the Board of Trustees and are signed on its behalf by: Pete Hert)ert-Ja Minister June 2025
Balham Baptlst Church NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 BASIS OF PREPARATION The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, wilh the exception of investments which are included at market value, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Ststement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities. 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Incomlng resources All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Resources expended Expenditure Is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Tanglble flxed assets Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Freehold property - 20/0 on cost Taxation The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activilies. Fund accountlng Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 3. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for Ihe year ended 31 December 2023. Trustees. expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023. 10 I Page
Balham Baptist Church 4. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Employer's National Insurance costs Employer's contribution to pension schemes 142,811 2,961 7,843 153,615 139.437 2,439 7,642 149,518 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 2024 2023 No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold property Cost At 1 January 2024 At 31 December 2024 2,142,408 2,163,666 Depreclatlon At 1 January 2013 At 1 January 2014 At 1 January 2015 At 1 January 2016 At 1 January 2017 At 1 January 2018 At 1 January 2019 At 1 January 2020 At 1 January 2021 At 1 January 2022 At January 2023 At January 2024 Charge for year 33,500 39,747 39,747 40,013 40,013 40,934 41,170 41,395 41,940 41,940 42,371 42,848 43,273 At 31 December 2024 528,891 Net book value At 31 December 2024 1,634,775 At 31 December 2023 1,656,790
Balham Baptlst Church 6. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 The Turtle Twsv The John Bradford Trust 750 750 750 750 7. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 111124 At 31112124 Unrestrlcted funds General fund 1,866,087 (47,536) 1,818,551 1,889,433 1,818,551 Restrlcted funds Restricted 73,023 73,023 TOTAL FUNDS 1,939,110 (47,536) 1,891,574 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming Resources resources expended Movement in funds Unrestrlcled funds General fund 301,031 348,567 (47,536) TOTAL FUNDS 301,031 348,567 (47,536) 8. 150 YEARS CELEBRATION To celebrate the Church Anniversary of 150 years. a special offering was sel up for people to give £1.50 and this was sent off to various people and charities. Income raised £1,320 Donations made to Pastor Andreas Samaritans Hurricane Beryl Appeal Wycliffe Little Village Wimbledon Dons Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees BMS £250 £150 £150 £150 £150 £150 £150 £170
Balham Baptist Church DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES Income Weekly Offerings Gift aid Lettings Income LegacieslGifts Donations to Church Activities 59,420 1,630 223,547 1,000 12,782 298,379 62,853 418 213,089 5,000 11,647 293,007 Investment Income Interest on savings 2,652 2,652 1,879 1,879 Total Incomlng resources 301,031 294,886 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charltable actlvltles Ministers, Stipends (incl Housing allowance) Other Staff Salaries Employerfs Nl and Pensions (incl Deficit contribution) Ministers, expenses Manse running cost Purpose Areas Youth work Seniors work Big Church Day Out Equipment Purchases BMS World Mission Home Mission Slreet Pastors Ella's Home Ella's Home - Coffee Hub and other donations Way4ward Restored Beacon Other Donations Fees, Subscriptions & Licences 76,467 66,345 10,804 1,268 5,237 6,438 749 596 3,440 1,139 7,500 7,500 2,500 4,000 5,075 74,976 64,461 10,081 2,512 4,292 6,295 943 174 10,613 7,000 7,000 2,100 3,500 2,250 2,500 250 2,758 199,205 4,088 205,646 131 Page
Balham Baptist Church 2024 2023 Governance Accountancy fee Other professional fees 250 5,726 5,976 250 7,342 7,592 Support costs - Management Rates and water Insurance Light and heat Telephone & Broadband Office and General Expenses Refuse colleclion Repairs, maintenance, cleaning Manse repairs and maintenance Depreciation - Freehold property 2,350 8,386 22,034 1,963 8.606 3,049 46,684 600 43,273 1,208 7,986 15,815 924 8,279 2,618 26,595 5,162 42,848 136,945 111,435 Total resource8 expendod 348,567 318,232 Net (8xpendlture)Ilncome (47,536) (23,346) 141 Page