# **Taunton Baptist Church** # **2023 Annual Report & Accounts** ## **Regular Activities** Being a church means that meeting together with one another for worship and prayer and the study of God’s Word is important to us, as is the mandate to reach others with the good news of Jesus Christ. Pastoral care is also an important part of our life together, providing support for those facing particular challenges and difficulties. With a considerable number of elderly people in our congregation, this is an important area of work. Our Home Groups are at the core of this work and several members are involved in home and hospital visits. Involvement of children and young people is also an important part of our activities. These are aimed at introducing people to the Christian faith in the context of fun and a variety of activities. ## **External Activities** Our ministry goes beyond the church doors with members involved in: - Taunton Street Pastors which support people on the streets of Taunton at weekends through the evenings into the early morning, helping to make the town safer - The Hospital Chaplaincy - Town Centre Chaplaincy - volunteer chaplains are allocated to participating stores, offices and other places of employment and other locations such as a homeless hostel to be available to provide a listening ear or encouragement, etc, to staff and others - The Taunton Foodbank which provides emergency food for local people in crisis - Charis which provides accommodation and support to Syrian refugee families and advice to others working with refugee families - Taunton Area Debt Advice ## **Ministry** Revd Richard Matcham continued to serve as our minister through 2023. During the year, we had 5 baptisms and 2 weddings. Our new Families’ Worker, Amy F, who started in February, headed up the ministry with under 11s and their families. ## **Leadership** At our AGM in April, we held the elections for deacons. Prior to the AGM the Church Secretary and a number of deacons had resigned and others had come to the end of their term in office. At the meeting, Mike W was elected as Church Secretary and David F as a Deacon. Also, Steve R was affirmed as an Elder, Mike W and Janet G were affirmed as Elders at the June meeting. ## **Church Members’ Meetings** There were five Church Members’ Meetings in 2023: 24[th ] January, 25[th] April, 28[th] June 26[th] September, and 28[th] November with the April meeting being the AGM. At the meetings we discussed the ongoing matters relating to the life and ministry of the Church. The minutes and finance report were sent out to the members and are available to read on the members’ section of our website. ## **Church Weekend** Janet B once again organised the Church weekend away, to a new venue the Carlton Hotel in Torquay. We had over 100 people attending. Revd Jeff J was our guest speaker. ## **Film Evening** We had one film outreach event in March when we screened the film “Morningstar”, a ‘docudrama’ retelling the life and legacy of medieval philosopher John Wycliffe. ## **Stations of the Cross** On Good Friday the Sanctuary was set up with the different stations of the cross. This was a family friendly event with activities and crafts for children. ## **Discipleship Explored** Following on from the Hope Explored and Christianity Explored courses in 2022, we did the Discipleship Explored in the spring term. ## **BMS World Mission BBQ** In July we held a BMS World Mission BBQ, when our link mission workers, Peter & Louise L shared about their mission work in Bangladesh. ## **Cafe-style Service** We had four Cafe-style Services (May, August, September & November), informal services, suitable for all the family. No pressure to sing or pray, with coffee, croissant, and cake! ## **Safeguarding Report – Janet G (Designated Safeguarding Lead)** Three people have undergone Level 2 and three Level 3 safeguarding training sessions provided by SWBA (South West Baptist Association) during 2023. All those involved with children and youth, leading home groups and the Leadership Team have attended training required for their particular activity and are up to date with DBS checks. A BU video emphasising safeguarding as everybody’s business has been shared with members at a Church Members’ Meeting. Safeguarding is a regular agenda item at the Leadership Team monthly meetings and discussed at Church Members’ Meetings. TBC continues to subscribe to ThirtyOneEight, a Christian safeguarding organisation, that is available to provide advice. We are also well supported by SWBA Safeguarding Lead, Kath Needham. There have been no safeguarding incidents during 2023. My thanks to Julian M for his help with DBS checking, and to Steve P and Karen M for their vigilance. ## **General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Report – Steven R (Data** ## **Protection Officer)** One of the main purposes of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is to protect individuals' fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly their right to protection of their personal data. At TBC we therefore recognise that a person’s personal data (name, address, email address, telephone number, etc) belongs to them and we only use this privileged information with the owner’s permission. If we hold a person’s personal data on file and use it for communication and administration purposes the owner will have signed a GDPR form agreeing to this. Even then, we must always be prepared to justify the use of their information. We continue to be registered with the government’s body, the ICO (Information Commissioners Office). Our Church policy on GDPR is in date. The BU (Baptist Union) provides us with updates and recommends policy changes where necessary. There have been no reportable data breaches in the year under review. ## **Administrator’s Report – James M (Administrator)** We continue to have a good number of outside groups who hire different rooms. This included the following groups: - CareTech – Training for Adult Care - First Aid Training - Hampton Trust – Adult Education - Maths & English - The Big Noise Street Band - Release International - Somerset Christian Chinese Church - Slimming World - Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society - St John Ambulance Fellowship - St John's Chaplains Meeting - Quantock Club Coffee Morning - Taunton Guides - Youth for Christ Focus Day ## **Church Membership Statistics** |**ch Membership Statistics**|| |---|---| |Membership 31stDecember 2022:|**126**| |New members added:|+7| |Less number of deaths in 2023:|-1| |Less number of resignations:|-22| |Transfers:|0| |Membership 31stDecember 2023:|**110**| ## **Ministry Reports 2023** ## **CHILDREN AND FAMILIES’ LEADER – Amy F** ## **Year Report** I started on 6[th] February, and you may remember I came to the weekend away before I was actually in post. It is remarkable that the year has come around so quickly, and it is so good to look back and see all God has done. I do have some facts and figures for you, but obviously everything we do is not about the numbers. It is about that family who felt welcome and safe in our building. That child who got told that God loves them. Or a parent being allowed the luxury during Toddlers to go to the toilet alone! There is so much that is not quantifiable, but I will give you a little low-down on the year that is passed and what I have been up to, although a lot of this feels like a thank you speech, and you will soon see why! ## **Toddler Group** Weekly averages: Monday morning 24 children and 21 adults Monday afternoon 9 children and 8 adults Tuesday morning 27 children and 25 adults. There is a bit of cross-over with about 8 families who attend both a Monday and Tuesday morning. So, bearing that in mind we see about 50 children and 27 adults regularly. However, please do bear in mind this is not always the same families each week. In fact since September alone, we have seen 148 families (parent with child) through our doors! Some come very regularly, but others come much more sporadically and some only once or twice. Our biggest group is a Tuesday morning, and we have on occasion seen up to 45 children plus their parents in the building. We are very popular and do often see new faces. We do not really advertise but word spreads between parents about our group and a quiet week combining the groups can look like 40 children plus parents in total and a busy week we can see up to 90 children plus parents! At the end of term for Summer, we gave out over 80 books and this Christmas we had about 100 children receiving presents over the three sessions. Thank you to our very own Father Christmas – Graham. But a big thanks to all our team: Yvonne, Barbara, and Audrey who help on Monday afternoons – and a special thanks to Jan, Jane, and Clare who week in week out give their time. ## **Baby Group** Weekly averages, we see an average of 9 children each week with highs of 15 and lows of 4. At Christmas we gave 14 children under 18 months gifts. At our baby group we do often get a number of mums with their support workers attend. We have been told that they find it a safe space and they love that they do not feel judged by us and that we make them feel so welcome. Only this week I was told by a mum who is moving back home after the support she received at Orchard House of how she was really going to miss our group as we are so welcoming and kind. We also have one family who now lives in Weston Super Mare after moving back but have asked their local social worker if they can return to us regularly as they love our group so much! A big thank you to Leda who every week helps me run this group and sets out all the toys. A special mention to Karen and Lauren for the help they gave on the weeks that I was away this year. _**If anyone here would ever like to help with Baby Group on a Thursday or Toddlers by simply making a good cup of tea or talking to parents, please do talk to me. We’d always love to grow our team and even if it’s just a one-off every now and then, it would ease the pressure for when some of us are away.**_ ## **Messy Church** On average we get about 50 people through our door for a Messy Church with just over half of those being children. At our biggest, though, we have seen up to 70. We have seen about 8 families from Toddlers and Baby Group attend Messy Church. Most of these have become regulars at our Messy Church events. It is amazing that we are also able to offer food at Messy Church and does once again give us a great opportunity to talk to families and get to know them even better. I may end up sounding like a broken record, but once again this event would not happen without the Messy Church team. Now there’s a fair few of you who help with this in many different ways so to avoid missing out names, which I am terrified I would do, if you helped in any way from doing crafts with the kids to signing people in to making food or even just cutting out, you are incredible, thank you for all you pour into this ministry. Messy Church is a success because you are a part of it. ## **Easter** Last year on Good Friday we ran an activity trail through the Church. We set up stations across the church which were interactive to help children engage as well as adults with Jesus’ last day and what that meant. We had a number of people through our doors about 40 in total. A steady flow between 1pm-4pm. A number of our Church family and a few of our Messy Church families too. I am hopeful that we could again do something similar with prayer-like stations around the church with interactive elements to be able to include children and families within this. I really hope we are able to do this again this year, or something like it, and invite more families from Toddlers and Messy Church that we have come to know and gained contact with. ## **Summer Holiday Club** We ran our holiday club from 16[th] to 18[th] August 9:30am - 12:30pm, Wednesday to Friday. We welcomed 33 children from various backgrounds into our building to learn about Jesus and have fun in our church. We had roughly 20 volunteers from the Church who gave up their time over the course of those 3 days and with this in mind there is the potential that we could increase our capacity. It is worth noting that the planning of the event was considered by many to be of high quality. I created the booklets and content for each session from scratch. We had a beach theme and so this meant we focused on stories from the Bible that were focused on the beach and water. We were incredibly fortunate that Creech Baptist had a similar theme and that we were able to borrow, free of charge, a large amount of their décor and some equipment to run our club. Of course, there is also plenty to improve on and we will be learning from our 2023 holiday club to improve the next one. Once again, this event could not be run without the incredible team that got behind me and helped make this event run. From being group leaders, to puppeteers, and doing the actions to each and every song, it was our leaders that made these 3 days so special for the children that attended. ## **Christmas** Fun Day – over 100 people through our doors. A number of our Toddler and Baby group families were seen and it was a fantastic opportunity to talk with many of the families who were incredibly thankful for the event. Some said it was a bit of a lifeline during the holidays before Christmas and a great chance to get out of the house. We also had some great services where we saw a number of children and families. ## **Sunday Stars** Sunday Stars continues to go on strong. Since I started, we changed a few things just to help with the children we were getting but also trying our best to get the balance between fun and learning. After all the children learn all week, and we want them to enjoy church and for it to be a safe place they love coming to. We have recently changed the group slightly and reintroduced a parent-led creche. This is mainly because it became difficult with such a wide age group to cater for all. So, we have now made our Sunday Stars for those of primary age. This has made a difference, and it is now a lot easier to cater for those in the group. But again, although I prepare all the content in advance and lead the majority of sessions, there are a number of people whom I could not run this group without! First Lauren and Karen. These two are fantastic leaders and are always willing to step in when I am away or when we try to give me a week in the service! Thank you! We also have some other amazing helpers who are great with our kids: Liz, Anna, Leda, Lil, and our junior helpers Sophia and Joy. And thank you Carole for when you have stepped in occasionally. There have also been a few others who have given up time to step into this group on short notice, so thank you. I could not run this group without our helpers. The group can at times be challenging, but it is a joy to spend time with these children doing crafts and playing games, or making Lego, or reading books together. If anyone is interested in joining our Sunday team, I try to ensure helpers are only rotated on once a month. ## **Café Services** I took over these services with Richard after experiencing my first one in March 2023 which Lauren lead. For those that have attended these services, they can vary and at times be a little chaotic and disruptive in nature. However, they are still a great opportunity to invite those for whom “normal” church services may be a bit scary or hard to step into. We are continuing to work with these services and aim to discover what works best for these to be successful as they are of high value and a great opportunity for outreach. It should be noted that we are not saying that any of the previous services were bad in any way or not successful as we have seen a return in a number of families from Messy Church particularly for these services. We do however wish to continue to modify them so that they can be the best that we can deliver in the style that so many love. A big thank you to Jane and Julian for always providing the breakfast for this service, it definitely is one of the things that set it apart and makes it so well loved. We do not aim to do another until after Easter as we want to ensure it is crafted well and is given the attention it deserves. ## **Schools** This year I have made several visits to Blackbrook for assemblies. They particularly enjoyed when I brought in the harp to show them. Whilst doing this, I talked about gifts God gives us and how he made us all unique and the importance of diversity in his world. I also went in July to see the Year 6s for an ‘It is Your Move’ session to help with their transition to secondary school. We very generously bought them some special ‘It is Your Move’ books to help with this transition. I ensured each book had a note inside to remind them who had given them this gift. These books have lots in them that can help children talk openly about what it means to leave primary and move up to secondary school. My hope this year is to connect with more schools, although I am aware that there may be schools who already have connections with their local church and so we will need to be sensitive to this. ## **Network Meetings** I regularly attend the local Network Meeting that occurs once a month. It is a great opportunity to meet with other church leaders and ministries in the Taunton area. I also meet with two other groups of children and youth workers. One is through the South West Baptist Association, and this is often on Zoom due to it pulling in a number of churches from further afield! The other is for those in the local area and is organised by the Diocese GO Team advisers. This group has met a few times now in our youth space upstairs. Out of this group has started the Taunton Youth Gatherings. There has only been one so far, and it was held here at TBC where we saw about 25 young people from three local churches. It was a joy to see our own youth realise they knew others from their school that went to other churches and in a way gaining allies that they could have at school! The hope is for this to grow! There is a plan to put another date in the diary for this term, but we are currently working out the details. This time there will be other local small churches invited. The point of this gathering is mainly to bring the local churched young people together to socialise but also to give input and disciple them further. It is exciting to think of how this could develop and grow, with the hope of the young people maybe even leading worship or guiding the session in its entirety. ## **Connections made by the Diocese GO Team** As mentioned, I have made some great connections this year and, through the Diocese GO Team, have been invited to be involved in the Year 6 Moving Up celebrations at the Minster this coming June. They do these celebration services across the diocese for the local church schools. Last year they had two services in Taunton, and over 300 students at each. It looks to be a fantastic event and a great opportunity for us to connect with more schools in the local area. ## **Helping with Kids’ Work** Once again a huge thank you to everyone who makes our kids’ work run. I may be the only one employed but I cannot do this alone, so thank you! If anyone is ever interested in helping in any capacity, making cups of tea and talking to parents with little ones, helping on a Sunday, or doing craft with our Sunday Stars, please do come and talk to me. I would very happily invite you to a taster session for whatever you were interested in where you could determine whether you think this would be a right fit. I think sometimes the expectations of what is required can be off-putting to join the kids’ team. But please be rest assured, I am employed so carry the majority of the weight especially with preparing sessions and planning things. Often with children’s work the only qualification you really need is to love God and love children. Then if you are a fan of crafts, or playing, or just making tea and coffee that is a nice bonus! ## **YOUTH** ## **SPARKZ – Janet G** During the year between 4 and 8 young people attend the group during the morning service. We have continued to use Urban Saints’ materials and topics have been diverse such as bullying, dealing with exam stress and peer pressure, to looking at the key messages in the New Testament letters. For example, ‘Jesus is our only boat’. The sessions are interactive, and we hope to awaken an interest in finding out more about Jesus. This year 3 Sparkz attendees are attending an Alpha course at TBC. During the Church weekend away in 2023 the Sparkz group created and presented a short drama ‘Let my people go!’ They were encouraged by the response and this year independently wrote and presented another drama at the weekend away about the Good Samaritan. We plan to channel their enthusiasm into café church services during this year. A new development has been linking up with the youth and their leaders from Creech St Michael and Trull Church which was facilitated by Amy. Games, food, worship songs and a short talk contributed to a successful, lively evening with about 20 young people attending. There are plans for further joint evenings with invitations to other churches. It would not have been possible during the past year to provide Sparkz without Julian, Rachael, Kevin and Hazel. Thank you to you all, and we continue to give thanks to Jesus for his encouragement and for the young people that He brings to this group. ## **ADULTS** ## **PASTORAL CARE – Steve R** As an Elder recently given responsibility for Pastoral Care, my emphasis has been on visiting those who are unable to get to church for whatever reason, bringing them Holy Communion, fellowship and prayer and practical support. If people choose, visits will be monthly with Holy Communion. However, a more regular visit might be necessary if the need arises. Importantly, there are others who also visit and fellowship with friends and I am not seeking to interfere with these important links and arrangements. Pastoral care is, after all, a shared responsibility involving the whole church. At this early stage in the role, I am uncovering simple, practical needs. For example, the need for a printed Church Directory, a car pass, help to link someone to Zoom on Sunday mornings, and arranging delivery of the weekly bulletin. If you know of someone whom you think is missing out on pastoral care, please give me a call. There is obviously an important link between pastoral care and what appears on the Prayer Network which is led by Carole and Janet. ## **PRAYER NETWORK – Janet G & Carole W** Requests for prayer to the Prayer Network come from our fellowship for themselves, and often for other people. We only ask that the recipient of the prayer has given consent for this to be shared and that they have an association with TBC in some way. These requests are emailed to more than 80 people via 59 email addresses, so there are many people praying for any single request. This is truly remarkable and powerful. Prayers are answered, so be encouraged and bold to ask for prayer if there is a need or if you wish to give thanks to our gracious Lord. Carole and Janet are here to serve you in this ministry. Please continue to send your prayer requests via the website ‘prayer request’ or phone if you do not have email. ## **HOME GROUPS – Janet G** In the autumn, following a meeting with home group leaders there was a reorganisation of the home groups. This was as a result of some of the leaders moving away from TBC. Whilst most groups continued unchanged, some accommodated other people who either preferred face to face meeting or others who transferred from one of the non-TBC-led groups to an online group. Additionally, a new group was formed. There are now 8 home groups that meet every two weeks either at TBC, or in homes – and one group meets in a community hall. There is a group that meets on Zoom, which works best for those in this group. In total, there are 89 people attending when they are able. The groups study and pray together and share fellowship. The study materials are usually chosen by the group and have been ‘how to study the Bible’, individual books of the Bible, The Bible Society ‘Bible Course’, or other topical studies. The value of home groups cannot be overestimated, as they offer a place where people can build relationships with one another and in a safe place explore God’s Word and strengthen their relationship with Him. ## **RENDEZVOUS – Dorothy S** As of September last year, Rendezvous became ‘New Rendezvous’. Instead of meeting weekly, we now meet monthly, on the first Tuesday of each month. Six couples now lead the sessions in turn, and choose their own speakers, either from our own Fellowship, or beyond. The format has changed somewhat and at the conclusion of our sessions, we share tea together, sandwiches, savouries and cakes, etc. Our numbers have increased over the past year, and we now have 30+ most months. Grateful thanks to our leaders and speakers, and to all who contribute each month. Special thanks to Janice who organises and prepares our teas, and to Mike who mans the sound desk with whatever is required. We miss Chrissie and Gerry from our afternoons since their move to Ilminster and are grateful for all their past help with organising transport. There is now a vacancy here. A very warm welcome awaits you if you would like to join us. ## **COFFEE PLUS – Dorothy S** Coffee Plus has continued weekly, going from strength to strength. Our members are very loyal, and Friday mornings seem to be the highlight of their week. We also have friends who pop in when they can and just enjoy coffee and biscuits or cake. The ‘Plus’ part of our name includes, during the year, card making, scrap-booking, knitting, crochet, embroidery, jewellery making, and adult colouring, while some of our gentlemen play games and do puzzles, word searches, etc. Our members know that if they need to talk or need prayer, we are there for them. We give a very warm welcome to all to join us, and some practical help would be very much appreciated. ## **“GIRLS” TOGETHER – Iris P** 2023 was another good year for our “Girls” Together Group. We had a varied programme of speakers which included talks from Rachael, Ron, Phil, and Lauren which were enjoyed by all attending. One of the highlights of the year was our trip to Oakham Treasures where our menfolk and several friends joined with us. Another trip enjoyed was Indoor Bowls followed by lunch at Vivary Park. So enjoyable, we are going again in 2024. We also had a talk on the Story of Nursery Rhymes which was good fun. To end the year, we had Christmas Music & Carols with Mike which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We have a good programme for 2024. Why not join us if you can? ## **KNIT AND NATTER – Anne H & Christine N** In 2023, we found ourselves immersed in the bustling activities of our group, for which we are truly grateful to God. Welcoming new members has added a fresh dynamic to our gatherings. It's remarkable to reflect on the fact that our group has now been thriving for 11 years, steadfast in its original purpose: to exemplify God's love through friendship and to alleviate the solitude often felt over weekends. Within our circle, we freely share the highs and lows of our weeks, offering prayers to those who seek them, lending a compassionate ear, or simply indulging in lighthearted banter and shared laughter, punctuated by warm embraces for those who would like them. Guided by God, we try to foster an environment of love and support, nurturing each other as best we can. We've recently welcomed a new group member and her visiting son into our church community. It's heartening to see some of our members reconnecting with their faith, finding their way back to God after periods of distance. One of our group has even embarked on a journey of prayer, wandering through her neighbourhood during Lent. As Christine and I continue to lead this group, we humbly seek your prayers for wisdom in our words and actions. May our guidance reflect God's grace, leading all our members to a profound understanding of the vastness and depth of His love. Please join us in lifting up prayers for each woman in our group, that they may be enveloped by the boundless love of our incredible God. Thank you dear friends. ## **MEN’S GROUP – Graham W & Martin I** The Men’s Group activities have so far concentrated on meeting for games of skittles at local pubs and clubs. We have alternated between daytime and evening games, where the daytime events have included a meal after each match. We have a shared meeting for breakfast as well. A total of 36 men have taken part since starting in October 2023. At the time of writing, a trip to Haynes Motor Museum has been planned. A group of 16 will be attending, with four non-church men going. The mission of the group is to bring men to faith in Jesus Christ, by providing friendship and fellowship outside of the Church building. Our aim to invite “unchurched men” is slowly beginning to grow, with a small number joining us on a regular basis. We plan to take small steps forward, eventually with invitations to hear a time of sharing the Gospel, testimonials, and food! ## **CHURCH WEEKEND – Janet B** ## **3[rd] – 5[th] February 2023** Late afternoon on Friday 3[rd] February, just over 100 of us made the journey by car or coach to the Carlton Hotel in Torquay for our 6[th] Church weekend. After a 1[st] evening dinner, we all gathered together for a short time of worship and an introduction. Our speaker for the weekend was Jeff, Minister of West Leigh Baptist Church in Essex but originally from Canada. He came with his wife Antonia and their three children. After breakfast on Saturday morning, we met together for a morning of worship, prayer, and teaching from Jeff. The younger members also met together in a nearby room. Saturday afternoon was free for us all to spend as we please with some making good use of the hotel swimming pool. After dinner, as had become TBC tradition was our entertainment & talent evening, compered by Tony. An excellent variety of “acts” performed, ending with a musical finale of ABBA songs for everyone to join in… But that night that wasn’t quite all that happened! Malcolm & Janice had just finished their Pam Ayres poem and as the applause was finishing, Malcolm got down on bended knee and asked Janice to marry him! To say Janice was a little surprised would be an understatement! Thankfully she said yes and the rest as they say, is history! Sunday morning, we all joined together for a traditional morning service including communion. After a delicious two course lunch, we said our goodbyes and returned to our homes. TAUNTON BAPTIST CHURCH ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 IYJ DEPENDENT EXAMIliERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF TAUNTON BAPTIST CHURCH I rew)rt on the accounts of Taunton Baptist Church for the year ended 31 Ikcember 2023. which in¢orporale the Statement of Financial Activtties. The Balance Sheel and accompanying Notes to the Accounts. Respective responsibilities of trustees and e￿mIller The Charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not requirement for this year under section 144{2) of the Charities Act 201 l. The charity, trustees have requested me to undertake an independent examination and l am qualified to undertake Ilie examinalion by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. It is my responsibility to. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; to follow procedures laid down in the General Directions givei) by ihe Charity Commissioner under section 145{5Xb) of the 2011 Act. and to slate whether particular matter have come io my aileiilion. Basis of Independent examiner'9 report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner. That examination includes a review of the accounting records maii)iained by the Truslees and a comparison of the accounis wilh those records. li also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in tlie a¢¢oyiits and s¢eking ¢xplanaiions from the Trustees coi)Leri)ing such mallers. The procedures iindert8k¢n do not provide all the evidence thal would be required in an audit, and onsequenily no opinion is given as lo whether the accounls present a 'tNe and fair view, and the report is limited to thosc matters set oul in the statement below. Independent ex*miDer's statement In connection wilh my examination. no matter has come to my attention.. which gives me re8soI)able cause to b¢li¢v¢ that iii aiiy malerial respeci ihe requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of ihe 201 l Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with the &ccountin8 ￿ordS and comply with tlie requirements of ihe 201 l Act. have not been met; or (2) to which, in my opinion. altention should be drawn in order to enable a proper und¢rslandin8 of the accounts to be reached. Amherst & Shapland (Taunton Ittd Wiveliscombe) Chartered Accountants 141 Staplegrove Road T¢lephone'. 01823 326555 26" March 2024 TAUNTON BAPTIST CHURCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2023 UDrestrieted Restricted Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 2022 Note INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resourcesfrom donors 84,861 84,861 98,806 Oiher volunlary incoming resources 4,470 2,040 6,510 8,774 JncoD7efrom chaTi¢able and ancillary Irading 30.862 30,862 22,950 Incomefrom ip7veslmenls 4.505 4,505 1,995 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 124.698 2,040 126,738 132,525 RESOURCES USED Granl.s 14.075 2,040 16,115 23.840 Aclivilies relaling direcily io ihe work ofihe church 89.772 89,772 69,049 Church munagemenl and adminislralion 43,374 43,374 44,333 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 147.221 2,040 149,261 137,222 NET (OUTGOIIYG) / INCOMING RESOURCES (22,523) (22,523) (4,697) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (22.523) {22,523) (4,697) BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD 162.076 196.925 359,001 363,698 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD 139.553 196.925 336,478 359,001 Page I TAUNTON BAPTIST CHURCH BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Note FIXED ASSETS Tangiblefixed assets 211,755 212,899 InveJtmen¢s - Redwood Bank 44,903 89,084 CURRENT ASSETS Debiors 6,386 5,588 CaA.h ai bank and in hand io 85,131 59.118 91.517 64,706 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 11,697 7,688 NET CURRENT ASSETS 79.820 57,018 NET ASSETS 336,478 359,001 FUNDS Unrestricted 139,553 162,076 Restricted.. Special collections 925 925 925 925 Endowment 12 196,000 196,000 336,478 359,001 Approv¢d by th¢ Trustees and signed on their behalf by- Page 2 TAUNTON BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEME For the year ended 31 December 2023 I ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Charities Ststement of Recommended Praclice. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cosl convention except for the valuation of investment assels which are shown at market value. (A) Consecrated and ￿ner1e¢d property is excluded from the accounts. No value is placed on moveable church fumishings which are regarded as inalienable from th¢ church buildings. Improvements to ihe church buildings are written off in the year expended, Equipment is capitalised at cost. (b) Depreciation is calculated to write off assels on a straight line over 10 years from the date of purchase. {e) Incoming Resourccs: All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entiilement lo Ihe resources, it is certain ihat the resources will be received and the monctary value of incoming resources can be m¢&sured wilh sufficienl reliability. (d) Resources expended: Liabilities are recognised as resources expcndcd as soon as there is a legal or construclive obligation commilting ihe charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. (e) Funds.. Unreslricted funds represent funds of the Church that are not subjecl to any restriclions regarding their use and are available for applicalion to general purposcs. Rcstricted fund5 are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restriLtions imposed by the donor or trust deed. Details are in note I I to the accounts. 2 INCOMING RESOURCES FROM DONORS Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 2022 Offerings Tax recoverable Sundry grants and donations 64.851 14.260 5,750 64,851 14260 5,750 73,585 15,211 10,010 84.861 84,861 98,806 Page 3 TAU1￿0￿ BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINAIYCIAL STATEMENTS - continued For the year ended 31 December 2023 3 OTHER VOLUNTARY INCOMING RESOURCES Unrestricted Reslrieted Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 2022 Donations Linked groups Legaci¢s 2,040 2.040 4.470 5.736 3,038 4,470 4,470 2,040 6,510 8.774 4 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE AND ANCILLARY TRADING Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 2022 Rents 30,862 30.862 22.950 30.862 30.862 22,950 5 INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS Unrestricted Restrieled Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 2022 Interest 4,505 4,505 1,995 6 GRAhTS - CHARITABLE GIVING Unrestricted Restrieted TOTAL FUIYDS Funds Funds 2023 2022 Baptist Missionary Society Home Mission B M S Christmas Appeal B M S Birthday Scheme BMS Harvest Appeal Bmsother Other 5.490 5,490 5.490 5,490 372 840 771 207 2,945 6,252 6,660 338 1,167 372 840 771 57 150 2,945 445 8.978 14.075 2.040 16,115 23,840 Page 4 TAUNTON BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued For the year ended 31 Deeember 2023 7 ACTIVITIES DIRECTLY RELATING TO THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Unrestrieted Restrieted Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 2022 Ministry Team Church building rnaintenance Pulpit supplies Insurance Lighting and heating Rates and water Weekend Children and Youth work Training- SWYM Outreach Depreciation Linked groups 37,878 6.906 1,963 5.973 4,127 515 1.464 25,744 225 396 1,772 2,809 37.878 6,906 1.963 5.973 4,127 515 1,464 25.744 225 396 1,772 2,809 38.167 5.379 2.908 5.805 4.530 372 723 6,997 869 200 1,709 1,390 89,772 89,772 69,049 CHURCH MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Unrestrieted Restrieted Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 2022 Administrator and caretaker Stationery and office expenses Miscellaneous Other property maintenance Accountancy 29.548 4.353 3,919 5.194 360 29,548 4,353 3.919 5,194 360 28,882 4,562 2,946 7,643 300 43,374 43.374 44,333 Page 5 TAUNTON BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued For the year ended 31 December 2023 9 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 2022 Land- purch8sed Manse at valuation 4,000 196.000 4,000 196.000 4,000 196,000 200,000 200.000 200.000 Equipment and furnishin Book value at l January 2023 Addilions 12.899 628 12.899 628 10,620 3.988 14,608 ,709 12,899 13,527 1.772 11.755 13.527 1.772 11,755 Depreciation Total 11,755 200,000 211.755 212,899 Itcms of furniture and equipment held since before 1996 are not included in the above. The church buildinbys and contcnis were insured for the follomqng amounts for the year to December 2018.. Buildings Contents 5.836.457 208,445 339.122 5,782 Manse contents 10 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND 2023 2022 Lloyds CatLash Baptists Together CafGold account Linked Groups cash Baptists Together 7 day account Cash in Hand 884 96 489 11.21? 494 71.937 19 149 8,349 12,670 362 37,587 85,131 59,118 Page 6 TAUl￿oN BAIryIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued For the year ended 31 Deeember 2023 11 RESTRICTED FUNDS 2023 2022 Special Collections Fund Balance blfwd Donations Interest 925 2.040 925 5,736 2,965 2.040 6.661 5.736 Giving 925 925 12 ETr4DOWMENT FUNDS 2021 2022 Manse Valuation blfwd Revaluation in the year 196.000 196,000 196.000 196,000 The Manse buildings are treated as Endowments because although the income generated from them can be used for generdl purposes Ihe capital has to remain iniact. Page 7