OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator. This document is also available as Markdown.

← Garland Street Baptist Church

2024-03-31-accounts

Garland Street Baptist Church

Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024

1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk

GARLAND STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE Garland Street Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, IP33 1EZ GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution adopted 3 September 2009 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1131966 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Revd Gavin Walter – Minister (from September 2021) MANAGING THE CHARITY Ms Claire McMillan (resigned May 2024) Mr Adrian Mundell – Secretary (from March 2019) Mr Thomas Mundell (from March 2019) Dr Adrian Terry - Treasurer (from March 2021) Mrs Helene Terry (from March 2013) Mrs Joan Warnett (from May 2022) CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES The Baptist Union Corporation Limited Baptist House 129 Broadway, Didcot Oxfordshire, OX11 8RT BANKERS National Westminster Bank Plc 7 Cornhill Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, IP33 1BQ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Lisa Darby FCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB

INDEX Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2-5 Trustees' Report Page 6 Independent Examiner's Report Page 7 Receipts and Payments Account Page 8 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 9-10 Notes to the Accounts

Page 1

GARLAND STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024.

It has been another busy year and one in which we have taken the decision to sell the Elven Centre (details below). The redevelopment has been on the church agenda for over 20 years; and in many ways we acknowledge that moving forward without the Elven Centre brought a sense of bereavement.

We have been blessed by new people becoming part of the church fellowship. This has clearly energised our gathered worship and enriched the life of the church.

The prayerful discernment with regards the church vision for 2025-28 has already started, and with the church growing we will need to listen to the new voices amongst us to help shape the vision. And also, be honest with each other in realising that more volunteers will need to come forward to enable us to fulfil that vision.

Leadership

On the 21st March 2024 church meeting, deacon elections were held; Adrian Mundell, Thomas Mundell, Adrian Terry, and Helene Terry were re-elected for another three-year term. Joan Warnett continues her role as a deacon and is in the middle of her three-year term. Claire McMillan will be stepping down as a Deacon in May 2024 and we give thanks for her service and hard work.

Membership

During the year there was one resignation of membership, Margaret Marsh. Membership as of 31st March 2024 stood at 57.

Prayer

Helene Terry continued as the deacon overviewing prayer. The various streams to access or receive prayer remained in place, namely: The Sunday morning prayer team, prayer chain, Thursday prayer group, monthly prayer letter and prayer points from Church and Deacon meetings, River of Prayer (part of our Sunday morning service this year).

Pastoral Care

Claire McMillan continued as the deacon overviewing pastoral care and with Rosemary Clare led the team. We are grateful to all who visited, phoned, and supported people in our fellowship in many different ways. It is also good to report that the team has increased in number this year, a real answer to prayer.

Fellowship deaths in the past year were David Hughes, Jean Gillatt, Doreen Painter, Ruth Lister, David Marsh, Phil Marsh, Jean Taylor, and Ivan Abbott. We give thanks to God for the life and witness of these faithful servants.

Outreach

Our regular activities continued this year, and a monthly walking group was started in September 2023. We thank the coordinators of each group for their hard work.

Page 2

The Catering team were very busy this year as we held a number of fellowship lunches after Sunday services. In addition, the team served refreshments and cake at a number of funerals held at GSBC.

An Alpha course was run from February 2024, we thank Adrian and Helene Terry for leading this course and to the volunteers who cooked the meals each week.

Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association continued to deliver a wide-ranging programme of activities that encourage spiritual, emotional, and physical community development. The delayed Centenary Celebrations (1919-2019) took place over the weekend of 29th and 30th April 2023 with around 130 attending the Church service on the Sunday along with a parade around the local streets. It was encouraging to see and get reacquainted with so many “old boys” that had been part of our company over so many years. A number of these had also been part of the Church and other Church activities when they were younger, and it was a great opportunity for them to see how the Church had changed over the years.

World Mission

As a Baptist Church we support BMS and their work in many countries of the world. Caroline and Victor, our BMS mission partners left BMS after 20+ years at the start of April 2024; and we have started the process of finding new mission partners. Through prayer we support many mission organisations in our home groups and services. In addition, individuals from the fellowship maintain personal links with missionaries, which are then shared.

Local Church links

On Tuesday 16th January 2024 we hosted a service, as part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an annual opportunity for the Churches Together in Bury St. Edmunds to come together. On Good Friday, circa 600 people worshipped at the cathedral, with 400 then taking the Walk of Witness of which over 200 came to Garland Street to partake of a hot cross bun. It is so uplifting to witness our faith to the community as Churches Together Bury St. Edmunds.

We hosted the World Day of Prayer service on 1st March 2024, this was well attended by many local churches and seemed very relevant to world events at the moment, as the material was written by Palestinian women.

Elven Centre

On 21st September 2023 a Special Church Meeting was held, two motions were brought to the meeting:

Motion one - ‘As a church, we will cease work on the project to redevelop the Elven Centre.’ Motion two – ‘As a church, we will proceed with the sale of the Elven Centre.’

Both motions were passed, and in both cases 32 votes were in favour, 2 votes against.

Fabric

Joan Warnett continued as the deacon overviewing the day-to-day fabric upkeep of the Church and Elven Centre. We thank her and the small team who undertook several jobs. The kitchen lounge will be replaced in the coming year, with the cost being covered by a very generous donation.

Page 3

Worship

Thomas Mundell continued to lead our morning worship and David Honeyball the evening. Other musicians have also led worship and the singing group has grown in the year. The audio and visual equipment has enhanced our worship through clarity of sound and the ability to widen our resources. There is a settled audio and visual team, which we pray will grow in the coming year.

We are grateful to everyone involved in leading our worship, from the front or the back of the church. Thank you for your gifts and commitment of time to ensure we continue to praise God in an authentic and connected way. God’s word remains central to all our services, and we pray that the Holy Spirit continues to shape our approach to how we worship.

We have seen an average of 68 people regularly attending the morning service and 25 people at our evening service over the past three months. As a Church we have seen a growth in numbers attending since our last Vision document was written at the end of 2019 when we had an average of around 50 in the mornings and mid-teens in the evening.

Safeguarding and DBS

The Church operates policies and systems to ensure that all people working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are appropriately equipped with regards to Safeguarding and checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service. (DBS).

The EBA Level 1 training (video) was shown as part of our morning and evening worship services on 24th September 2023. The Safeguarding team reviewed our Safeguarding policy and made the necessary changes, the 21st of September 2023 church meeting adopted the revised policy.

GDPR

Adrian Terry continued as the deacon overviewing our GDPR policies and procedures. Appropriate permission continues to be in place and are reviewed regularly. A new church directory was published in March 2024.

Financial review

The Church continues to raise the funds that it needs to carry on its activities from within its own membership and congregation. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year.

The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted, are set out in the accompanying financial statements.

Reserves policy

The Trustees have established a Reserves Policy (equivalent to 6 months direct running costs), and are satisfied that they have sufficient reserves at the Balance Sheet date, together with on-going income anticipated, to enable the church to function effectively in the coming year.

The church has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and is satisfied that the activities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the public.

Thank You

The minister and deacons wish to thank everyone who has served Garland Street Baptist Church through their gifts, time, and volunteering in the past year. God has continued to bless us as we tried to faithfully follow him in all that we have done in His name and for His glory.

In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

Page 4

Approval

This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Adrian Terry

Adrian Terry (Jan 23, 2025 20:38 GMT) _________ Dr A S Terry

Jan 23, 2025 Date:_____

Page 5

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF

GARLAND STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Garland Street Baptist Church (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024 on pages 7 to 10 following.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 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 2011 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

  1. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Lisa Darby

Lisa Darby (Jan 29, 2025 11:12 GMT)

Lisa Darby FCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB

Date: Jan 29, 2025

Page 6

GARLAND STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Income receipts
Voluntary income
2
Income from charitable activities
Investment income
Rental income
Uniformed organisations
DCMS VAT Refund
Fund raising for building
Other
Capital and similar receipts
Total receipts
Payments
3
4
Total payments
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Cash funds as at last year end
Cash funds at this year end
A
Sale of fixed assets
Net of receipts / (payments) before
Grants
paid
in
relation
to
charitable
activities undertaken by others
Payments
in
relation
to
charitable
activities undertaken directly		 General
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
71,228
40,443
1,500
-
5,722
5,121
-
-
-
2,979
-
5,886
-
-
1,246
-
79,695
54,429
-
-
-
-
79,695
54,429
76,709
8,412
7,472
712
84,181
9,123
(4,486)
45,306
-
-
(4,486)
45,306
179,237
251,657
174,751
296,963
Unrestricted Funds		 2024
£
111,671
1,500
10,843
-
2,979
5,886
-
1,246
134,124
-
-
134,124
85,120
8,184
93,304
40,820
-
40,820
430,894
471,714		 2023
£
General
Funds
£
71,228
1,500
5,722
-
-
-
-
1,246
79,695
-
-
79,695
76,709
7,472
84,181
(4,486)
-
(4,486)
179,237
174,751
82,220
700
4,658
3,000
2,222
6,626
20,000
25
119,451
182,644
182,644
302,095
130,986
10,019
141,005
161,090
-
161,090
269,804
430,894

The notes on pages 9-10 form part of these accounts.

Page 7

GARLAND STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
Notes
£
£
£
A
Cash funds
Cash at bank with immediate access
77,087
17,763
94,849
Notice deposits
97,664
279,070
376,734
Petty cash
-
131
131
174,751
296,963
471,714
B
Other monetary assets
Gift aid due to charity
19,267
-
19,267
Prepayments
4,502
-
4,502
23,769
-
23,769
C
Liabilities
Falling due within one year
Fee for Independent Examination
1,560
-
1,560
Balance due on new PA System
-
-
-
Agency funds (see below)
-
493
493
Accrued expenses
5,361
-
5,361
6,921
493
7,414
Opening balance
Additional amounts received
Amounts paid over
Closing balance
Agency funds relating to 'Who Cares' and the Farmers' Club (not included in cash balances)		 2023
£
64,152
366,577
165
430,894
12,682
4,039
16,721
1,500
11,906
388
-
13,794
388
1,373
(1,268)
493

D Assets retained for charity's own use

ets retained for charity's own use
Church Building
Hall Building
Church & Hall Contents
Manse
Manse Contents		 Current
value
£
3,839,596
1,126,645
396,469
218,136
5,000
5,585,846

The trustees have used re-instatement insurance values as an approximation for current values.

The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Adrian Terry Adrian Terry (Jan 23, 2025 20:38 GMT)

_____ Dr A S Terry

Jan 23, 2025 Date:_____

The notes on pages 9 - 10 form part of these accounts.

Page 8

GARLAND STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.

2 Voluntary income
General donations
Tax recoverable
3
Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly
a
Direct Charitable Costs
Visiting speakers
Youth work including Youth & Family Worker salary
Uniformed organisations
Gas, electricity and water
Repairs & renewals
Cleaning
Subscriptions, fees and donations
Publicity and outreach
Other church costs
Discipleship and training
Manse - other costs
Stipend
Pension scheme
Building works
Support & Administration (see note 3(b))
Media Equipment
b
Support & Administration
Administration
Insurance
Accounts and examination
4
Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others
Grants for:
Home and Overseas Mission
The grants to institutions amounting to more than £1,000 in the year
BUGB Home Mission
BMS
BCY - Bury St Edmunds and District Christian Youth		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
58,545
12,682
71,228
£
681
595
-
12,835
1,175
1,161
1,773
1,330
275
70
3,479
27,206
2,706
-
7,628
15,795
76,709
2,029
4,099
1,500
7,628
7,472
were:
2,520
3,000
1,000		 Restricted
Funds
£
40,443
-
40,443
£
-
-
1,452
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,960
-
-
8,412
-
-
-
-
712		 Total
2024
£
98,989
12,682
111,671
£
681
595
1,452
12,835
1,175
1,161
1,773
1,330
275
70
3,479
27,206
2,706
6,960
7,628
15,795
85,120
2,029
4,099
1,500
7,628
8,184		 Total
2023
£
68,949
13,271
82,220
£
965
20,208
2,128
5,016
1,727
821
2,222
1,604
729
898
5,466
25,187
4,015
38,639
8,681
12,679
130,986
1,916
5,385
1,380
8,681
10,019

Page 9

GARLAND STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5 Staff & Trustees

The charity had one full time equivalent employed staff; a Minister for the whole year. In 2023 there was also a Youth & Family Worker for 9 months. Its activities are generally carried out by volunteers.

No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.

Rev'd Gavin Walter was paid a stipend of £27,118 (2023: £25,187) and a pension contribution of £1,724 (2023: £2,483) in his capacity of Minister, not as a Trustee, as permitted by the governing document. The related pension costs that were paid are detailed in note 3a.

In addition the charity provided accommodation (which is customary for ministers) to Gavin Walter, trustee, so that he could better perform his duties.

No other remuneration was paid to any trustee during the year nor to any person connected to them and no trustee received any expenses other than reimbursements of expenditure incurred on behalf of the church.

6 Movement of funds

Restricted Income Funds
Building Fund - for repairs and renovations
Vision 2024
Fellowship Fund - assistance for those in need
Mission Appeals
Uniformed Organisations
Ministry & Training - new Youth & Family Worker
Toddler Group
Wellbeing Group
Youth Group
Lunch Club Donations
Building Sale Fund
General Funds
Designated Building Fund
Total Funds		 Balance
at 01.04.23
£
16,156
26,401
326
10
17,248
7,562
589
1,188
42
440
181,694
251,657
172,237
7,000
430,894		 Receipts
£
41,547
8,330
-
272
2,979
1,301
-
-
-
-
-
54,429
79,695
134,124		 Payments
£
(6,960)
-
-
(272)
(1,452)
-
(440)
-
-
-
-
(9,123)
(84,181)
-
(93,304)		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance
at 31.03.24
£
50,743
34,731
326
10
18,775
8,864
149
1,188
42
440
181,694
296,963
167,751
7,000
471,714

The Mission Appeals Fund is in support of the Baptist Missionary Society and other missionary organisations.

The Building Sale Fund is the capital from the sale proceeds of Fornham Chapel and is restricted to be used for building works unless another use is approved by the Baptist Union.

The Vision 2024 Fund is to support the costs of additional staff planned for the future.

Other Funds purposes are as described in their fund names.

Page 10