Trustees’ Annual Report 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021
Charity Number: 1133718
Trustees
| Trustee Name | Office | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Appointed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacant | Minister | Church Meeting | |
| Geoff Day | Safeguarding Trustee | Church Meeting | |
| Robin Scoulding | Secretary | Church Meeting | |
| Liz Cowburn | Church Meeting | ||
| Jenny Evans | Treasurer | Church Meeting | |
| Tim Curtis | Church Meeting | ||
| Jude James | Church Meeting |
Name and addresses of advisers
| Bankers | Barclays Bank | Barclays, Leicester, LE87 2BB |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitors | Anthony Collins | 143 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2ES |
| Accountants & Auditors |
DRE & Co | 6 Claremont Buildings, Claremont Bank, Shrewsbury, SY1 1RJ |
| Architects | Howl Associates | 10 Park Plaza, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, SY1 1RJ |
Description of the charity’s trusts
Trust constitution is based upon the Baptist Union Corporation Constitution for Baptist Churches. The Constitution was adopted on 12 November 2009.
Charity Trustees are elected at a Church Meeting from among the membership of the Church.
Governance
Direction and leadership of the church is provided by a Leadership Team comprising the Senior Minister, the Associate Minister (if any) and the other Trustees.
The Charity Trustees are accountable to the Church Meeting which comprises all members of the church. Church meetings are held four times each year.
1
The number of Charity Trustees is determined by the Church Meeting which, on 12 November 2009, decided that there should be no fewer than two Trustees and, on 6 November 2011, decided that there should be no more than seven Trustees (in addition to the Ministers).
The staff of the Church includes the Senior Minister and other paid staff including managers for the Central and Crowmoor buildings and a cleaner.
The Church is a member of the Baptist Union and the Heart of England Baptist Association.
Objectives and activities
The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
The Trustees have read and are mindful of the Charity Commission’s guidance on the public benefit including the specific guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit.
In order to achieve our principal objects, we provide a range of activities for our local community and our members. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in word and deed, and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as their living Lord.
Our activities providing a public benefit specifically include:
-
Family-friendly church services, to which all are welcome, with a children’s programme and crèche.
-
Toddlers’ groups, both at the church premises and in the town centre
-
Small groups for the growth of faith and discipleship.
-
A wide range of regular activities and special events for young people, adults, families and older people including holiday clubs, community meals and social events.
-
Working with local schools, colleges and other voluntary groups.
-
Supporting, and making our buildings available for use by community groups including a weekly job club and Dementia Café.
-
Wednesday night community meal which seeks to bless some vulnerable folk and rough sleepers
Grant Making
The church provides financial support to a number of national and international organisations and activities with aims and objectives compatible with its own charitable purpose including, but not limited to, the Baptist Union Home Mission Fund. The church supports members working in needy communities in the UK and overseas.
Volunteers
All members of the church are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the life of the church and the furtherance of its charitable objects. Many of our activities are delivered by volunteers, including the leadership of the various ministries and helping with practical tasks. It is by working together that we can grow as a community, and engage with the needs of our wider community. Volunteer leaders are accountable to the Trustees and to the Church Meeting.
2
Achievements and performance
We believe God has called us to be ONE church with TWO buildings, both primarily for the benefit of the two different communities with whom we are privileged to work. Throughout the year 202021 we have sought to bring Jesus into the heart of the community, both in the town centre and in the Monkmoor area.
Engaging with the community
Our mission is to re-engage with the community. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of our regular activities were put on hold or adapted for online delivery.
We have continued to develop excellent relationships with organisations working in both areas, including the local Council, schools and community groups. Examples include:
-
We continue to liaise with and assist the community-focused coffee shop, “Palmers” in our town centre building.
-
Monkmoor Friends – community liaison group.
-
Music Therapy – support for children and adults with special needs - at Crowmoor
-
Activities linked to Shrewsbury Food Hub
-
Links with Shrewsbury Street Pastors
-
Links with Shrewsbury Youth for Christ
-
A team: “Open the Book” provides support for R.E. lessons and assemblies.
-
INFG group for men
Discipleship and prayer
Our current activities include:
-
Regular church services
-
Regular Home Groups in various locations
-
• Various prayer groups.
Governance and Finance
A detailed budget was agreed by church members in January 2020.
Policies
All of the Church policies are subject to regular review by the Trustees.
External mission
-
Matthew & Esther Howes continues as supported church missionaries. He is living and working in a Muslim community in the West Midlands under the auspices of WEC.
-
Jon and Elise Fletcher continue as supported church missionaries. They and their family have been in Thailand since September 2014 living and working in a slum district of Bangkok under the auspices of Urban Neighbours of Hope.
-
Judy Cook continues as a supported missionary in her work at Hope Home, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
-
We have continued to support the Baptist Missionary Society and other missionary organisations
3
Conclusion
The year 2020-2021 has seen the Church navigate through a difficult year. The pandemic brought several challenges with a number of activities, at the church and within the local communities, put on hold or moved to an online provision. We still operate on the basis that we are One church with Two buildings, primarily for the benefit of the two different communities we serve.
In the year ahead we will continue to explore new ways of bringing Jesus into the heart of the community, both at Central and Crowmoor. The challenges are enormous – the opportunities equally so.
Financial Review
The Trustees are satisfied that they have sufficient reserves at the Balance Sheet date, together with ongoing income anticipated, to enable the church to function effectively in the coming year. They are committed to achieving a reserves policy which complies with Charity Commission guidelines.
The church’s principal source of funding is the regular, personal giving of its members.
The church also receives income from hiring out the Crowmoor and Central buildings for use by community groups not otherwise connected with the church.
The trustees also utilised the government’s furlough scheme during this financial year.
The financial results for 2020-2021, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted, are set out in the financial statements.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position |
J Evans | R Scoulding |
|---|---|---|
| Jenny Evans | Rob Scoulding | |
| Treasurer | Secretary |
Date
20 December 2021
4
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 113J7A8 14 JAN 101.1 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 FOR SHREWSBURY BAVTIST CHURCH D.R.E. & Co. Chartered Accountants 6 Claremont Buildings Claremont Bank Shrewsbury Shropshire SYI IRJ
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Page Referenee 2nd Administrative Det#ib Independent Exarniner'5 Report Statement of Financial Activities Balanee Sheet Notes to the Financi41 Statements 5 to 12 Detailed Statement of Finanoial Actiyitles 13 ¢0 14
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR EINDEID 31 MARCH 2021 TRUSTEES GDay R Scoulding Mrs D E Cowbum Mrs J James T Curtis Mrs J Evans PRINCIPAL ADDRESS Crowmere Road Shrewsbury Shropshire SY2 5JJ REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1133718 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER D.ILE. & Co. Chartered Accountants 6 Claremont Buildings Claremont B8nk Shrewsbury Shropshire SYI IRJ Page I
INDEPEI NDENT KXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH Independent exarniner's report to the trustees of Shr¢wsbury Bapt15t Church I r¢port to the charity trustees on my exarnination of the account5 of Shrewsbury Baptist Church {Ihe TTUSt} for the year end¢d 31 March 2021. Responsibillties and b95is of report As the charity trustees of the TTUSI you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordanc¢ with the requirements of the CharEtie5 Act 2011 Cthe Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Trnst's accounts Caled out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commis5itsn under section 145(51{b) of the Act. IThdependent examiner'5 statement I have completed my exatnination. I confmn that no rnaterial matters haye come to my attention in connection with the examination giying me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting Tecords were not kept in respect of th¢ Trust as required by section 130 of the Act. or the accounts do not accord with those records. or the account5 do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fom and content of accounts s¢t out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair vi¢w which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no cotLcerns and have come atr055 no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in thi5 report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Fra cis Nock D.R.E. & Co. Chartered Accountants 6 Claremont Buildings Claremont Bank Shrewsbury Shropshire SYI IRJ Date: I l January 2022 Page 2
SHREWSBURY BAvfisT CHURCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 31.3.21 Total funds 31.3.20 Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted nds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and lega¢ie5 93,724 93.724 81.846 Other trading activities Investment income 2J65 2J65 47,555 32 Total 96,095 96,096 129,433 EXPENDITURE ON Charit#ble attivities Ministry Mission Establishrnent 42,682 13,738 31,903 42,682 13,738 31.903 70,977 13.682 48,462 314 314 426 Total 88,637 88,637 133,547 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 7,458 7,459 (4,114) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 9,510 13,441 22,951 27,065 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 16,968 13,442 30,410 22,951 The notes fomi part of these f]nancial statements Page 3
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2021 31.3al Total nd5 31.3.20 Total fijnds Unr¢5tri¢ied ds Restricted funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible asset5 2,029 2,029 2,343 CURRENT ASSETS Debtor5 Cash at bank and in hand loo 15,935 loo 29 16,035 13,442 29,477 22,797 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year io (1,008) (1,008) (1,093) NET CuRREr ASSETS 28,469 21,704 TOTAL ASSETS LE&8 CURRENT LIABILITIES 17,056 13,442 30,498 24,047 CREDITORS Amount5 falling du¢ after more than one year (88) (88) {1.096) NET ASSETS 22,951 FUNDS Unrestricted ndS liestricted funds 13 16,968 9,510 13,441 TOTAL FUPIDS 30,410 22,951 I i The financial st&tements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on I l January 2022 and were signed on its behalf by.. J Evans - TnEStce The notes form part of these firwicial statements Page 4
SHREWSBURY BAvfisT CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 ACCOUNTING POLJCIES Basis of preparlng the fittaDcial $t4tement$ Th¢ accounts are prepared on a receipts and payment5 basis. Donations Donations are accounted for when received. Tax refunds Gift aid r¢funds are included when received. Legacies Legacies are CoUnted for when their receipt is certain and can be properly quantified. Investment Income tnvesttnent income is includ¢d in the accounts in the year in which it is receivable. raising and publieity costs The church does not make formal appeals for funds, and expenditure on these items is therefore not material. Grants payable The church makes grants to other organisatiotjs whose charitable objects compliments its work. They are accounted for in the year in which ihey are paid. GoverDaMce costs This represents direct expenditure on thegovernance of the church. Most of the tnanagement is ca7¢d out without Gharge by volunteers. This intangible cost is not included in the Statement of Financial Activities since their is no measurable cost to the volunteers for their service. Fixed assets The church premises are included in the notes to the accounts at insurance value because reliable cost inforn]ation is not available, and valuation would incur significant costs which would be onerous compared with the additlgnal benefit gained by the user of the accounts. Furniture and equipment in the church premises is included at cost or net reaIisable value. Depreciation Depreciation has not been charged on the ChUh or manse premises, because in the opinion of the Trustees, the residual value of the ass¢t is not less than the original cost price. DepTeciation on other fixed assets is ¢al¢ulated to write off the cost on a strdight line basis over their expected use1 life, at the following Tates.. Fumiture and fittings Computers and equiptnent 33(/+y Or such rates &$ the church decide$ Pen51011 C05t5 and other post-retirement benefits The church is an employerparticipating in a pension schetne known as the Baptist Pension Scheme ("the scheme"). The scheme is a separate entity which is administerEd by the Pension Trll5tee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited). The Minister and some members of the church staff are eligible to joill the Scheme, whi¢h is not contracted out of the Stat¢ Second Pension. Page 5 continued...
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 DONATIOPIS AND LEGACILS 31.3.21 31.3.20 Donations Offerings Tax refunds Grants. CJRS 10,447 43.599 11.785 27,893 15,822 52,338 13,686 93,724 81,846 OTHER TRADING ACTtVITIKS 31.3.21 31.3.20 Other trading ineorne 2.365 47,555 INVESTMENT INCOME 31.3.21 31.3.20 Jnterest receivable- trading 32 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS The following trustees were paid remuneration for providing 5erYices to the charity llnder employment contracts.. Mrs J Evans.. £15,555 (2020: £11,336} Mrs J James.. £18,938 (2020.. £18,929) No trustees were remunerated for perforniing their duties as 2 tru$te¢ for the year ended 31 March 2021 nor for the year ended 31 March 2020. Trusttts, expeM5es During the year, the following general expenses were reimbursed to trustees- Mr5 D E Cowburn.. £191 (2020.. £116), Mrs J Jam¢5'. £326 (2020: £774), Mrs J Evans.. £530 (2020.. £3,488) and Mr R Scoulding £47 {2020- £106). STAFF COSTS The average monthly number of employees during the year wa5 as follows.. 31.3.21 31.3.20 Employees No employees received emoluments in ¢xc¢s5 of £60,000. Page 6 continued...
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CItURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- eontinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEME24T OF FINANCIAL ACTtVITIES Unre5tri¢ted fiinds Restricted nds Total funds INCOME AND KNDOWMENTS VROM Donations and legacies 75,181 6.665 81,846 Other trading activities Investment income 47,555 32 47,555 32 Total 122,768 6.665 129,433 EXPELYDITURE ON Charitable activities Ministy Mtssion Estsblishment 63,532 13,682 45.710 7.445 70.977 13,682 48.462 2,752 Other 426 426 Total 123,350 10.197 133.547 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURK) (582) (3,532) {4,114} Tran5fer5 between funds 1,193} 1,193 Nel movement in funds {1,775) (2,339) (4,114) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 11,284 15,781 27,065 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 9,509 13,442 22,951 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSKTS Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment Totals COST At l April 2020 and 31 March 2021 360 DEPRECIATION At l April 2020 Charge for year 800 314 360 1,160 314 At 31 March 2021 1,114 360 1,474 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2021 2,029 2,029 At 31 March 2020 2,343 2,343 Page 7 continued...
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- eontinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED31 MARCH 2021 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31,3.21 31.3.20 (hher debtors loo io. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.21 31.3.20 Bank loans alld overdrafts (see not¢ 12) Taxation and social security 1,008 1,008 85 1,008 1.093 ii. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 31.321 31.3.20 Bank loans (see note 12) 88 1,096 12. LOANS An allalysis of the maturity of is given below.. 31.3.21 31.3.20 Amounts falling due within one year on detnand.. Bank loans 1,008 1,008 Amounts fallsng between one and two years.. Bank Ioan5- 1-2 years 88 1,096 13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net moY¢ment in funds At 31.321 At 1.4.20 Unrestricted funds General fund 9,510 7,458 16,968 Restricted ndS Mission Giving Romaian Orphange Senior moments event First Tuesday 218 24 915 218 24 915 91 2,322 6,100 3.771 91 2,322 6,100 3,772 Gift Day Mike Breeze Legacy Dementia Cafe TOTAL FUNDS Page 8 continued...
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Net movement in funds, included ill the above are as follows: tn¢oming resources Resources expended Movement in ndS Unrestricted funds General fund 96,095 (88,637) 7,458 Restrieted funds Dementia Cafe TOTAL FUNDS 88,637) Comparatives for movernent ITh funds Net movement in ftsnds Transfers between funds At 31.3.20 At 1.4.19 Unrestricted fllDds General fund Designated 11.282 (582) {1,190) 9.510 11,284 (581) (1,193) 9,510 Restricted funds Home rnission 142 52 25 716 76 (52) 218 Flower Fund Romaian 0hange Senior moments event First Tu¢5day 24 915 199 50 2,162 6,834 41 160 {734) 91 2,322 6,100 Gift Day Mike Breeze L¢gacy Workman Visa Account 1,427 1,373 3,000 (2,620) (1,373) 771 1.193 Central Manager Fund Dementia Cafe 15,781 3,533 1.193 13,441 TOTAL FUNDS 27,065 4,114) 22,951 Page 9 continued...
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH NOTEI S TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 13. MOVEMEIYT JN FUIYDS- continued Comparative net movement in fill)ds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resoue5 expended Movement in fi]nds Unrestricted funds General fund Desiated 122,767 {123,349) (582) 122,768 (123,349) (581) Restricted funds Home mission 76 76 (52) (i) 199 Flower Fund Rom2ian Orphange Senior moments event First Tuesday {52) (2) (899) 1,098 634 160 (593) 41 160 (734) Gift Day Mike Breeze Legacy Workman Visa A¢oount (734) 461 (3,081) (1,373) 3,464) {2,620) (1,373) 771 Central Manager Fund Dementia Cafe 6,665 10.198 TOTAL FUNDS 129,433 133,547) 4.114) Page lo continued...
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CEtURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 13. MOVEMENT IN FUIYJ)S- coThtinued A current year 12 [lnthS and prior ye8r 12 months ¢otnbined position is as follows.. N¢t Transfers between funds movement in funds At 31.3.21 At 1.4.19 Unrestricted funds General fund Designated 11,282 6,876 (1,190) 16,968 11284 6,877 (1,193) 16,968 Restrieted funds Home missioTI 142 52 25 716 76 (52) 218 Flower Fund Romaian Orphange Senior molnents event First Tuesday 24 915 199 50 2,162 6,834 41 160 {734) 91 2,322 6,100 Gift Day Mike Breeze Legacy Workman Visa A¢¢ount 1,427 1,373 3,000 (2.620) (1,373) 772 1,193 Central Manager Fund Delnentia Cafe 3,772 15,781 13.442 TOTAL FUNDS 3,345 30,410 Page 11 continued...
SHREWSBURY BApfisT CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 13. MOVEMENT tN FUNDS- eontlnued A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net 0vement in fijnds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Designated 218,862 (211,986) 6,876 218,863 (211,986} 6,877 Reslrict¢d fullds Home mission 76 76 (52) Flower Fund Romaian Orphange Senior moments even¢ First Tuesday (52) (2) (899) 1,098 199 634 160 {593) 41 160 (734) Gift Day Mike Br¢¢ze Legacy Workman Visa Account (734) 461 (3,081) (1,373) (2,620) (1,373) 772 Central Manager Fulld Dementia Cafe 4,236 6,666 3,532 TOTAL FUNDS 225,529 {222,184) 3,345 14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES The custodian Trustee of the church 15 the Baptist Union Corporation Limited which is charity number 249635, and which is controlled by the BaptlSt Union Council. The church is a150 8 member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and the Heart of England Baptist Association. See note 5 for details of trustees expens¢s paid for the year ended 31 Mawh 2021. Page 12
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH DETAILED STATEMENT or FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 31.3.21 31.3.20 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legaeies Donation5 Offerings Tax refunds Grants- CJRS 10,447 43,599 11.785 27,893 15,822 52,338 13,686 93,724 81,846 Other tr#diNg a¢vItIeS Other trading income 2,365 47,555 Investment IncoEne Interest receivabl¢- trading 32 Total incoming resourees 96,096 129,433 EXPENDITURE Charitable aetivities Wages Social security Pensions Rates and water Insurance Light and heat Repairs & mainte]ICe Sundries 36,469 52,665 1,546 6,986 1,610 5,023 15,132 9,899 5291 754 5288 14,093 882 21,152 83,929 127,432 Other Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment J14 304 122 314 426 SllPPOrt costs Finanee Bank charges 291 452 Other Telephone Postage and stationery 1,409 295 1,460 98 1,704 1,558 Thi5 page does not fomi part of the statutory fmancial statemejjts Page 13
SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH DET AILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCU 2021 31.3.21 31.3.20 Other Governanee costs Legal fres Ac¢ouDtan¢y 1,500 2.179 2,399 2J99 3,679 Total resources expended 133.547 Net incomel(expenditure) 4,114} This page does not forn) part of the statutory fmancial statements Page 14
Trustees’ Annual Report 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021
Charity Number: 1133718
Trustees
| Trustee Name | Office | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Appointed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacant | Minister | Church Meeting | |
| Geoff Day | Safeguarding Trustee | Church Meeting | |
| Robin Scoulding | Secretary | Church Meeting | |
| Liz Cowburn | Church Meeting | ||
| Jenny Evans | Treasurer | Church Meeting | |
| Tim Curtis | Church Meeting | ||
| Jude James | Church Meeting |
Name and addresses of advisers
| Bankers | Barclays Bank | Barclays, Leicester, LE87 2BB |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitors | Anthony Collins | 143 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2ES |
| Accountants & Auditors |
DRE & Co | 6 Claremont Buildings, Claremont Bank, Shrewsbury, SY1 1RJ |
| Architects | Howl Associates | 10 Park Plaza, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, SY1 1RJ |
Description of the charity’s trusts
Trust constitution is based upon the Baptist Union Corporation Constitution for Baptist Churches. The Constitution was adopted on 12 November 2009.
Charity Trustees are elected at a Church Meeting from among the membership of the Church.
Governance
Direction and leadership of the church is provided by a Leadership Team comprising the Senior Minister, the Associate Minister (if any) and the other Trustees.
The Charity Trustees are accountable to the Church Meeting which comprises all members of the church. Church meetings are held four times each year.
1
The number of Charity Trustees is determined by the Church Meeting which, on 12 November 2009, decided that there should be no fewer than two Trustees and, on 6 November 2011, decided that there should be no more than seven Trustees (in addition to the Ministers).
The staff of the Church includes the Senior Minister and other paid staff including managers for the Central and Crowmoor buildings and a cleaner.
The Church is a member of the Baptist Union and the Heart of England Baptist Association.
Objectives and activities
The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
The Trustees have read and are mindful of the Charity Commission’s guidance on the public benefit including the specific guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit.
In order to achieve our principal objects, we provide a range of activities for our local community and our members. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in word and deed, and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as their living Lord.
Our activities providing a public benefit specifically include:
-
Family-friendly church services, to which all are welcome, with a children’s programme and crèche.
-
Toddlers’ groups, both at the church premises and in the town centre
-
Small groups for the growth of faith and discipleship.
-
A wide range of regular activities and special events for young people, adults, families and older people including holiday clubs, community meals and social events.
-
Working with local schools, colleges and other voluntary groups.
-
Supporting, and making our buildings available for use by community groups including a weekly job club and Dementia Café.
-
Wednesday night community meal which seeks to bless some vulnerable folk and rough sleepers
Grant Making
The church provides financial support to a number of national and international organisations and activities with aims and objectives compatible with its own charitable purpose including, but not limited to, the Baptist Union Home Mission Fund. The church supports members working in needy communities in the UK and overseas.
Volunteers
All members of the church are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the life of the church and the furtherance of its charitable objects. Many of our activities are delivered by volunteers, including the leadership of the various ministries and helping with practical tasks. It is by working together that we can grow as a community, and engage with the needs of our wider community. Volunteer leaders are accountable to the Trustees and to the Church Meeting.
2
Achievements and performance
We believe God has called us to be ONE church with TWO buildings, both primarily for the benefit of the two different communities with whom we are privileged to work. Throughout the year 202021 we have sought to bring Jesus into the heart of the community, both in the town centre and in the Monkmoor area.
Engaging with the community
Our mission is to re-engage with the community. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of our regular activities were put on hold or adapted for online delivery.
We have continued to develop excellent relationships with organisations working in both areas, including the local Council, schools and community groups. Examples include:
-
We continue to liaise with and assist the community-focused coffee shop, “Palmers” in our town centre building.
-
Monkmoor Friends – community liaison group.
-
Music Therapy – support for children and adults with special needs - at Crowmoor
-
Activities linked to Shrewsbury Food Hub
-
Links with Shrewsbury Street Pastors
-
Links with Shrewsbury Youth for Christ
-
A team: “Open the Book” provides support for R.E. lessons and assemblies.
-
INFG group for men
Discipleship and prayer
Our current activities include:
-
Regular church services
-
Regular Home Groups in various locations
-
• Various prayer groups.
Governance and Finance
A detailed budget was agreed by church members in January 2020.
Policies
All of the Church policies are subject to regular review by the Trustees.
External mission
-
Matthew & Esther Howes continues as supported church missionaries. He is living and working in a Muslim community in the West Midlands under the auspices of WEC.
-
Jon and Elise Fletcher continue as supported church missionaries. They and their family have been in Thailand since September 2014 living and working in a slum district of Bangkok under the auspices of Urban Neighbours of Hope.
-
Judy Cook continues as a supported missionary in her work at Hope Home, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
-
We have continued to support the Baptist Missionary Society and other missionary organisations
3
Conclusion
The year 2020-2021 has seen the Church navigate through a difficult year. The pandemic brought several challenges with a number of activities, at the church and within the local communities, put on hold or moved to an online provision. We still operate on the basis that we are One church with Two buildings, primarily for the benefit of the two different communities we serve.
In the year ahead we will continue to explore new ways of bringing Jesus into the heart of the community, both at Central and Crowmoor. The challenges are enormous – the opportunities equally so.
Financial Review
The Trustees are satisfied that they have sufficient reserves at the Balance Sheet date, together with ongoing income anticipated, to enable the church to function effectively in the coming year. They are committed to achieving a reserves policy which complies with Charity Commission guidelines.
The church’s principal source of funding is the regular, personal giving of its members.
The church also receives income from hiring out the Crowmoor and Central buildings for use by community groups not otherwise connected with the church.
The trustees also utilised the government’s furlough scheme during this financial year.
The financial results for 2020-2021, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted, are set out in the financial statements.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position |
J Evans | R Scoulding |
|---|---|---|
| Jenny Evans | Rob Scoulding | |
| Treasurer | Secretary |
Date
20 December 2021
4