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← Winchmore Hill Baptist Church

2023-12-31-accounts

Winchmore Hill Bapfist Church Annual Report 2023

Winchmore Hill Baptist Church

Together in Christ for the World

Annual Report 2023

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Winchmore Hill Bapfist Church Annual Report 2023

Introduction

The Annual Report has been prepared by the Trustees to give an account of the Church’s activities during 2023 to the Membership. It also fulfils the Church’s legal requirement to submit an Annual Report to the Charity Commission. The report is divided into two parts:

Part 1 describes how the Church is organised and financed and gives details of the activities that are normally undertaken by the Church in fulfilling its charitable objective. This part is quite formal as much of the information is legally required to be included in the report.

Part 2 describes the activities and events that have taken place during 2023 and is much less formal. It aims to give a picture of the life of the Church and contributions have been included from a number of people.

Winchmore Hill Baptist Church

Compton Road, Winchmore Hill, London N21 3PA

www.winchmorehillbaptistchurch.org.uk

Registered charity number: 1134122

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Winchmore Hill Bapfist Church Annual Report 2023

Charity Trustees:

Charity Trustees:
Rev Ebenezer Boakye Minister
John Burridge Treasurer
Inez Collins Deacon (to 25thMarch)
Sonia Gumbs Deacon
Richard Greenaway Deacon (from 25thMarch)
Chris Norman Deacon (to 25thMarch)
Barbara Richardson Secretary (to 25thMarch)

Custodian Trustee:

London Baptist Property Board Ltd

No property valuation has been undertaken on either property in recent years. The values shown in the accounts are the insured values.

Bankers:

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PART 1

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is an unincorporated association governed by an Approved Governing Document (known as the “Constitution”) which was adopted on 6[th] December 2009 and amended on 25[th] March 2023. The rules for the election of Charity Trustees and appointment of Members are given in the Constitution.

The Charity Trustees (‘Trustees’) are the Minister, Secretary, Treasurer, and a number of Deacons. All of these are appointed by the Church Members’ Meeting. The Minister is a permanent employee of the Church. The remaining Trustees are elected from amongst the Membership and receive no remuneration.

The Trustees meet monthly and are responsible for the day to day running of the Church’s work and witness and the financial and legal aspects of the charity. Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church Members’ Meeting for guidance or may be raised by Members for further consideration by the Trustees.

The Church Members’ Meeting has responsibility for the overall policy of the Church. There were 6 scheduled Ordinary Church Members’ Meetings in 2023 (including the Annual Church Members Meeting often referred to as the AGM) and one Special Church Members’ Meeting, on 25[th] March, at which certain amendments to the Constitution were approved.

All Members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective. New Members are enrolled by agreement of the Church Members’ Meeting, normally after baptism by

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immersion upon personal profession of faith, though Members may be accepted based on their own public profession of faith.

The job of managing the Church’s finances is carried out by the Treasurer and assisted by the Finance Committee, whose responsibilities include paying the Church’s bills and salaries, keeping financial records, claiming Gift Aid on donations from individuals where possible and preparing the accounts. A team of cashiers counts and records the money received from weekly offerings and pays it into the bank.

Appointment of Trustees

At the Annual Church Members’ Meeting on 25[th] March 2023, Barbara Richardson stood down as Secretary and both Inez Collins and Chris Norman stood down as Deacons. Richard Greenaway was elected as Deacon for a one-year term.

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.

In fulfilling this purpose, the Church aims to engage in activities including:

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Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular services of Christian worship. These services take place each Sunday at 10.30am and occasionally at other times. All services are open to the public and the times are advertised on the Church’s notice board and on the internet. Members of the congregation are encouraged to invite their friends and relatives. Additional publicity is distributed for special services at Christmas and Easter. There is no charge to attend any worship service.

During 2023 a mid-week Prayer and Bible Study Group has continued, over zoom and a monthly in-person Prayer Meeting started.

The Church has a close relationship with the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association and provides free use of the premises for their activities as well as hosting a number of joint events.

The Minister, who is a paid employee of the Church, is responsible for leading and co-ordinating the Church’s activities

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including the Sunday services, providing pastoral care for the congregation and other people, and equipping and encouraging the membership in their life, Christian witness, and service.

All the remaining work necessary for the operation of the Church is carried out by volunteers, including organisation of and participation in activities, cleaning, preparation and maintenance of the premises, administration, pastoral visits and prayer. A list of all those who carry out this work is given in the document ‘Positions of Responsibility’. Many of those who organise activities have written their own account of them, and these have been compiled together in part 2 of this report.

The Church provides financial and prayer support to organisations working for the advancement of the Christian faith in the United Kingdom and abroad. These include Members of the Church who are working as missionaries in the Far East. The Church is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the London Baptist Association and supports other Baptist churches through contributions to the Home Mission fund. The Church also supports local education charity Pathway and is a member of Churches Together in Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, and Grange Park , through which it participates in activities with other churches in the area.

Public Benefit

The Trustees are aware of the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission, and we believe that the activities of the Church which are described above provide significant public benefit in line with that guidance. It has always been the desire of the Church to reach as many people as

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possible in our community with the Christian message and to welcome new faces into our fellowship.

Financial Review

At the time of writing the church accounts for 2023 are awaiting independent examination. This review is therefore subject to completion of that process.

Although each year brings another challenge the Lord continues to provide for the needs of His church. Despite starting 2023 with a budgeted deficit of £16,739 for the General Fund, we arrived at the end of the year £18,940 better off; with a small surplus of £2,201.

The church’s reserve policy remains as approved in 2018 and dictates we retain a minimum of six months expenditure plus a further £10,000 to allow for emergency building repairs. Based on budgeted levels of expenditure going into 2024, this equates to around £51,000.

The church has no separate reserves fund but holds surplus funds within the General Fund. At the start of 2023 the General Fund balance was £69,788 and at the end of the year this had risen to £71,989, with close to £51,000 being held on deposit with the London Baptist Property Board & earning interest.

General Fund

The £18,940 improvement on budget is the result of £13,858 more Receipts (income) – significantly £7,475 from premises hire – and £5,082 less Payments (expenditure).

All this has been achieved by the hand of the Lord, through Church Members, those in the congregation and others who have generously continued to support the church with their prayers, time and/or money.

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Although above budget, total Receipts from Members and friends of the church, including Gift Aid continues to decline, from pre-COVID levels.

However, the rate of decline has slowed and perhaps, as we begin to experience growth in the congregation and membership again, this decline may reverse.

Receipts from premises hire have grown again this year and are a significant proportion of the total, highlighting the importance upon maintaining our premises.

As noted elsewhere and quite apart from special offerings (funds) raised for other causes, the church has continued to give generously to mission work, locally (at home) and overseas, totalling £14,869 and representing 29% of the Receipts (income) from Members and friends of the church.

The percentage split of all Payments made from the General Fund is as follows: -

Ministry costs, incl. Minister’s Stipend 51%
Mission, mostly donations 21%
Premises insurance, upkeep, fuel
& cleaning 26%
Organisation 2%
100%

Buildings Fund

In addition to being a meeting place for Sunday services, prayers & bible studies our buildings provide a great base for our youth work, through the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association, as well as for external activities such as Carey Hall Preschool, Enrich Learning, Tailor Fitness and other local organisations and families. The Trustees have a duty to keep all church buildings in an appropriate state of repair and this, of

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course, includes the manse at 29 Orpington Road, which is also owned by the church and where our pastor and his family live.

There are not the individuals in the church with the same commitment, time and DIY skills that once was the case but if you are that person, please let our Building Maintenance team know! With rising costs, we are otherwise reliant on generous donations and careful spending.

We spent relatively little in 2023 but still transferred the budgeted £6,000 from the General Fund into the Buildings Fund, leaving the Buildings Fund with a balance at the end of 2023 of £3,300, which includes a generous donation of £400.

We are actively putting together a list of works required at the Manse but have a number of projects in the church too, which will all need to be funded and/or otherwise resourced before they can proceed.

Main Concerns

Our Objectives as a charity stem from a desire to devote ourselves to the Lord, and to work to fulfil the Lord’s commission in Matthew 28:19-20 to, “ go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” . Within this context, our main concerns as Trustees are: -

  1. To continue to be a church that supports world mission, in line with our World Mission Statement. We have struggled to maintain the level of giving to World Mission in recent years and would like to increase this.

  2. To nurture the growth we have begun to see in the church, to build on this and see more of the church involved in our own, local outreach.

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  1. To continue to benefit from hiring out our premises for purposes that do not compromise our objectives as God’s people.

  2. To progress addressing the immediate and future needs of the church buildings and manse.

  3. Although the financial outcome for 2023 was much better than we expected, we have budgeted again in 2024 for a large deficit. We would like to be in a more stable position financially but recognise our need to trust God more and keep our eyes on Him, which may be what we are learning as a church, through this.

Our confidence is in God’s provision through His people, to rise to these challenges and we continue to look to the Lord to inspire & guide us and provide all we need to be an effective part of His work.

John Burridge

PART 2

Minister’s Report

The purpose of this report is in twofold. First, to look back at what has taken place at WHBC in this past year. Second, to challenge us to look ahead into 2024 with prayer and expectation that God will do even greater things in our midst and give us divine victories. But before everything, I think as a church (WHBC) we have much to thank God for during the last year for His sustenance and protection over the church and members of the congregation. Reflecting on the past year, as the minister, we have continued the journey with confidence dwelling on the

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theme “Be Fruitful and Multiply” in Genesis 9:1. We have remained focused and dedicated to our spiritual and numerical growth. We constantly remind ourselves of the role we play in the Baptist Union and Body of Christ, therefore our focus remains steadfast on advancing the gospel message in our borough through evangelism, prayers, and support for the needy.

Sunday Services

There is a plan behind the preaching and teaching ministry of our Church, and I am thankful to Innocent Udokporo, John Burridge and Bennedicta Boakye for sharing in this ministry with me. Most often, our preaching is delivered as a series in response to what we sense God is saying, and although this is planned in advance, our week-to-week preparation and prayer is essential in listening to the voice of the Lord. Our preaching and teaching also reminds us that the Word of God is alive and true, that it communicates the “all things” of God, and so as we pray it stirs a longing and a love for God’s Word within all of us. The practice of believers’ baptism remains strong in our principles and declaration as Baptist Family. In 2023, we had two people baptised and made a public declaration of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We give glory to God and celebrate this new life in Christ that those individuals are enjoying.

Bible Studies

The bible tells us that the New Testament Church “ devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers .” (Acts 2:42), and “ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together ” (Heb 10:25). Emulating the early Church’s success and responding to the call of faithful disciples of Christ, we continue to run the on-line weekly bible studies, using the “MasterLife” study materials, which

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comprises four books. We are now in the fourth and final book (The Disciple’s Mission) and hope to finish it in 2024. The call to discipleship is a challenging journey, but it is worth responding. The study of “MasterLife” has introduced us to the mission of God and how we are to respond to the call. The book has been both challenging and helpful in our spiritual growth. For some of us in the group, the Bible Studies represented an opportunity to helpfully refocus their gaze on Jesus and renew their love for him. We give thanks and praise to God for His work in this way. Those who have committed to come every week would bear witness within themselves that God is gradually transforming them day by day and they are eager to share with others this transformation.

We continue to encourage others in the church family to join, and it is a joy to see one of our new members of the church joining us. We pray this will continue to motivate evangelism as we continue to study the scriptures together.

Prayer Meetings

As a Church we value prayer, therefore we started the year and ended with one week of prayer and fasting. We have continued with intercessions prayers during Sunday Church Services and our weekly on-line Prayer Meetings. In 2023, we introduced inperson monthly prayer meeting, which is up and running. We also open the church to the public every Wednesday afternoon for personal prayers and reflections and we’ve seen a few people coming in to pray. We hold 30-minute prayer sessions in the Elsie Silby Room before each Sunday service starts and pray for individuals who want to be prayed for in the “Prayer Corner” after the service. We have heard testimony upon testimony because of these prayers. We are a committed member of the Churches

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Together group, where we join the fortnightly on-line prayer meetings, covering various topics and issues.

Looking Forward

We stumbled, but we are rising again. We were bruised by COVID, and the cost-of-living crisis but we are healing. We have largely recovered and found our footing. We have dusted ourselves off, and now we face tomorrow with confidence, trusting that God will do greater things in this year. Every day we pray and trust that we will overcome any adversity and any setbacks in our church, families or community. As we look forward prayerfully in 2024 with the theme (Walking in Divine Victory, 1 John 4:4) in sight, we are aware of the oppositions, but will resist and persist. The Bible encourages us to fight a good fight and not flee. That is the spirit of the Church, that is our armour and our shield. On this note, please pray that as a church and Trustees we may have wisdom, insight, and courage.

We hope to continue our weekly activities and program to sustain all the ministries in WHBC and pray for further growth in the future. Adding to this, we hope the ministry will be strategic and thoughtful in planning so that events and programs are manageable and empowering, thereby facilitating ongoing momentum in discipleship transformation and lifelong learning of Scriptures.

I sincerely thank all those who have contributed one way or another and those who are serving faithfully in the church. I want to encourage you to remain in that commitment, for your service in the Lord shall not be in vain!

Rev Ebenezer Boakye

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Secretary’s Report

Starting 2023 with the Church Motto & Theme for the year, “ Be fruitful and multiply ” became an inspiration, as we waited expectantly on the Lord. Now, looking back, we have seen again that the Lord is faithful.

Although the numbers of Church Members has been on a slow decline, accentuated over the pandemic, we are now beginning to see an increase, not only in our congregation but also in those entering into the covenant of church membership. With a number of membership visits planned for 2024 we pray this will continue and be a sign that God is at work amongst us. We continue to pray for and encourage those we have not seen for a while to become familiar faces amongst us again.

As we begin to grow, albeit it slowly at present, we are keen to embrace and encourage all those in the congregation to take their place in the family of God, to develop their own understanding of and relationship with the Lord and know Him at work in their lives.

At a Special Church Members Meeting held immediately before the AGM in March 2023, we adopted an amended Constitution together with an Appendix. This concluded outstanding actions from before the pandemic.

At the same AGM we were sad to see a number of deacons end their terms of service and stand down, including our Secretary Barb Richardson. We welcomed Richard Greenaway but our diaconate is still only three-strong at present and we lack a Secretary. However, we look forward to seeing how the Lord will build this aspect of His church here, too and are keen to involve others in serving however they may feel able to.

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We celebrated our church anniversary with a time of informal worship & prayer on the Saturday evening and welcomed Rev. Rupert Lazar who preached at the service on Sunday morning, 14[th] May. The service was followed by a bring-and-share lunch.

We held another Open Day on 16[th] September 2023 along a similar format to that in 2022 and had similar success.

Our pastor, Ebenezer and his wife, Bennedicta, spent approximately five weeks in West Ghana, over September and October, following the death of Bennedicta’s father.

In the second half of the year, following their deaths, we joined family and friends in thanking God for and celebrating the lives of two of our long-time members, Dorothy Wisdom and Jean Blaxland.

And finally, 2023 has seen the resurrection (from before the COVID pandemic) of the church cleaning rota, which is a reminder to thank all those connected with the church who do so many things to keep things running for the benefit of us all, whether through emotional, financial, physical or spiritual support and encouragement: thank you!

The deacons.

Churches Together in Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, and Grange Park (‘CTPGWH+GP’)

The local Churches Together group in Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill and Grange Park provides opportunities for the different churches to worship, work, have fellowship and witness together.

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The year started, as usual, with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which begins with the Feast of St Peter on the 18th January and concludes on the 25th January with the Feast of St Paul. Each year churches from different countries around the world take turns to produce material around a theme relating to their situation to be used during the Week of Prayer. In 2023 the material was provided by the Churches of Minneapolis, entitled “Do good; seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17) exploring how the work of Christian unity can contribute to the promotion of racial justice across all levels of society. We were again able to meet for prayer during the week in each other’s buildings using the meditations provided.

Again, this year, the churches came together in February for our Lent meeting. This year, we looked at the Christian response to Climate Change. This proved very thought provoking as we heard what different church groups were doing to address this issue. We are very grateful to Rev Jim Gascoigne for organising this meeting and for Winchmore Hill URC for hosting us again.

The next event which provided an opportunity for the different churches to come together, to demonstrate our unity, was the Good Friday Walk of Witness. Our section of the Walk of Witness started at Winchmore Hill Green and we finished at St Monica’s Catholic Church where we joined the other section from Palmer’s Green for a short open-air service followed by refreshments, including hot cross buns.

St Monica's was able again to hold their evening of quiet reflection on the meaning of the Cross with help from the music of the St Monica’s Worship Band and readings telling the story of the events of Good Friday

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Churches Together wanted to witness to the real meaning of Christmas so last year, they placed a half page colour advertisement, in the Enfield Independent, wishing the readers a very Happy Christmas. It included a picture of the Nativity and the names of the churches in the group.

The Churches Together Prayer Meeting has continued to meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month to pray for the different churches and the needs of our area, which we do on online, via Zoom. The members, although small in number are very committed and there is real sense of fellowship and friendship.

I stepped down from the position of chairperson at Easter and I am extremely pleased to report that, in September, Rev. Jim Gascoigne volunteered to take on this responsibility. Jim set up a meeting for the clergy and church leaders of our group, for fellowship and mutual support which met once in 2023 and with the desire of meeting once a term in 2024.

Carin Blunn

10th Enfield Boys’ Brigade & Girls’ Association Company

Our Vision is that children and young people experience ‘life to the full’ through coming to know Jesus for themselves (John 10:10). All that we do as a group is focused on this, having faith in young people, providing them with opportunities to learn, grow and discover in a safe, fun and caring environment which is rooted in the Christian Faith.

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We’ve had another great year, maintaining a steady number with nearly 50 children and young people engaging in our weekly activities across all age groups.

In June at our Parade Service, we presented our Annual Awards recognising the achievements of all the children and young people from over the last 12 months. This was a great time together which saw parents and the wider church congregation able to see all that we had been up to during the session.

During the Summer months all age groups were able to get out and about and enjoy a range of offsite activities at the park, kayaking, raft building, adventure golf and a whole lot more. 10 of our Juniors joined in the Enfield Battalion Weekend Camp in July, which offered a range of activities on and offsite. Our Summer Camp took us to West Runton in Norfolk, with 8 of our boys as well as some young people from 3rd Enfield and 4th Barnet Companies for our weeklong camp. The boys enjoyed a wide range of activities on camp including surfing, go-karting, high ropes course, climbing, a visit to Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and a whole lot more. During the week our devotions focused on the Book of Matthew.

In October we held our Enrolment Service which saw over 30 children and young people in Church along with a good number of parents. The theme of the service which was led by Chris Norman was Jesus being the light of the world, and how this is good news for each one of us. It was great to see so many of our children and young people being enrolled and presented with their membership cards for the session, thank you to Richard Greenaway on behalf of the Deacons for leading this part of the service. Over that same weekend 10 Juniors took part in a Sleepover at the Church as part of BIG 140 Sleepover, joining

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around 2000 young people across the country, this was all part of The Boys’ Brigade’s 140th Birthday celebrations.

In early November a small group of our Seniors took a trip up to Alton Towers, and as well as enjoying a day in the park, the group took to the Peak District to explore Dovedale and climb Thorpe Cloud.

BB/GA members and their parents and family joined together with the Church for Remembrance Sunday Service, before joining other groups from across Enfield in the afternoon at a Civic Service at the War Memorial in Enfield Town.

In the lead up to Christmas 20+ young people from our group took part in the Parade of Light in Enfield Town. Our Christmas Trailer Collection got us out in the community in the run up to Christmas with our Company and Senior members helping to raise money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice as well as Company funds. We’re pleased to have been able to raise over £4000 this year.

Our Fundraising at this current time is focused around raising funds to pay back a loan (interest free) that enabled us to purchase our new minibus. We are grateful to all those that have made donations and participated in the various fundraising events including the Christmas Fayre, Quiz Night, Trailer Collection and more.

Recently 13 Company/Senior members joined members from across Enfield on a Weekend Away at Felden Lodge, BB Headquarters. A great weekend was had by all, with a range of activities including, swimming, high ropes, climbing, bonfire, devotions, quiz and Top Golf to mention just some of the activities.

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Our young people have also enjoyed events run by Enfield Battalion including a visit to Whipsnade Zoo, a Space Themed Afternoon, Quiz & Pizza Night and Bowling competition.

On 11th February 20+ children & young people along with a good number of parents/family members joined the wider Church for our Parade Service. The service was led by Chris Norman and was focused on Lent, providing an opportunity to consider the journey during this time, the sacrifices we make, and how we can share the love of Jesus as we head towards Easter. It was another blessed time together as a Church.

Our weekly programmes and residentials include opportunities for us to share the good news and get into the Bible, engaging with children and young people who otherwise wouldn’t come across the doorstep of the Church. We have continued to do this throughout the last 12 months, helping them to explore the Bible

and providing them with opportunities to have a personal encounter with Jesus. We have faith that through their journey with us, as leaders through the relationships we build and programme we offer that we may be able to plant a seed, which will one day bear fruit (Mark 4). We are thankful for the prayers and support from the wider Church for all that goes on week by week.

As an example of our weekly programme of activities, our Juniors have recently been exploring and learning about The 10 Commandments through a number of activities. In February, in the lead up to Shrove Tuesday all our age groups focused on the beginning of Lent, exploring the journey Jesus went on as we head towards Easter. Our Anchors have had a themed night based on The Wise and Foolish Man, exploring the parable through a range of activities including building their own Lego

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Houses and testing them out on the sand/rock. Our Company/Seniors age group has been focusing on the Parables of Jesus as part of a series for their weekly devotions.

The Anchors age group meets on a Tuesday evening and continues to run a programme including games, crafts, devotions and other interests. The Anchors age group is led by Philip Norman and Tina Stanley. There are currently 14 boys and girls in Anchors.

The remainder of the girls age groups (Juniors and Company) also meet on Tuesday evening, led by Jackie Norman and supported by Kevin Norman. There are currently 8 girls in this age group.

The boys Juniors age group meets on Thursday evening and the programme includes games, crafts, devotions and other interests. The Juniors age group is run by Chris Norman and Oliver Richardson assisted by Philip Norman, there are currently 14 boys in this age group.

There are currently 17 boys in the Company and Seniors age groups, they meet on a Thursday evening and their programme includes games, crafts, devotions and other interests. This age group is led by David Hann and Chris Norman with Andrew Blunn, Philip Norman and Oliver Richardson assisting.

We also want to say thank you to Caroline and Tim Gillard, who even though they are now some distance away continue to support our programme throughout the year.

As well as all those leaders mentioned above, we also want to say a big thank you to Robin Baker, our Treasurer who behind the scenes support us in managing our finances. We are really grateful to Robin for all his hard work and support.

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We would like to put out a special request for those that might be willing to offer some time to help with a specific activity. This could be leading a devotional time or sharing a skill or hobby with the boys/girls.

We are looking forward to next session, as we will be celebrating 100 years of BB serving the local community as part of Winchmore Hill Baptist Church. 10th Enfield Company was formed on 24th October 1924 and has since that time played a significant role in the lives of thousands of children and young people. This is a really significant milestone and we are thankful for all that has happened over the last 100 years and looking forward for all that is to come.

Finally, we would like to say a special word of thanks to all those that support the young people and leaders throughout the year. We thank you for your time, thoughts and prayer in all that we do.

Chris Norman.

You can stay up to date with all that we are doing by following us Facebook (facebook.com/10enfieldbb).

You can also visit our website at http://10enfield.boysbrigade.org.uk

Prayer Chain

Philippians 4:6 encourages us not to be anxious about anything, but to bring all our needs to God in prayer with thanksgiving. We praise and thank God for so many amazing answers to prayer during this year as we have come to the Lord in faith and trust,

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believing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine. PTL for His amazing love and faithfulness!

This year most of the prayer requests have been sent out on WhatsApp with a few by email to those who do not have that facility. Let us continue to bear one another's burdens in prayer, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Let us continually place into our Heavenly Father's loving and capable hands all our needs and those of our family and friends and especially those in our fellowship, for the Lord's abundant blessings of love, joy, peace, grace and healing in His name and for His glory. Indeed,' To God be the glory, great things He has done!' PTL! Amen and Amen!

Jenny Lane

World Mission Committee

The Committee consists of Barbara Richardson, Jenny Lane, and Keith Richardson, with the support of Pastor Ebenezer Boakye.

The Committee has not met in person since COVID but communicated principally through exchange of email and phone calls. The main role has been to inform the Church Membership and wider congregation of the news and prayer needs of our missionaries and mission partners.

Peter and Janet Dallman, working with OMF in Japan, are still based in Tokyo where they continue in ministry of Member Care, orientation of new missionaries, including pre-assignment workshops, coaching and mentoring. They continue in membership of Gyotoku Christian Church where they participate in various ministries including a Lunch Club and occasional

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preaching. WHBC continues with financial support for Peter and Janet via funding to OMF (the contribution in 2023 was £9,375.00).

Our retired missionary Betty Caplin continues to reside in the Retirement Home in Ladysmith, South Africa. She remains very contented in the Home and continues to find opportunities to share her faith with others residing at the Home.

Sandra Hlavnova, who has a calling for ministry in a Central Asian country continued throughout the year to visit churches in her home country of Slovakia. In this way she continues to seek to raise both prayer and financial support for her return to the town where she had already established good contacts on an initial short term mission trip. We recently heard from her the encouraging news that she had reached the minimum target of 90% pledged support from churches and individual supporters for annual costs of living and serving in Central Asia. She is the first overseas missionary to be sent out by her home church. During the year WHBC gave Sandra a gift of £909.61 which was half of the Thank Offering in 2023.

We as a church have continued to give general support to the work of the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS World Mission), with our regular donations during the year amounting to £1,599.96. The same amount was donated in 2023 to the Home Mission Fund.

We no longer have 'link' missionaries through the BMS following the decision of the Duprees family to set up their own work in Albania separate to the BMS programme.

Our annual Harvest Thank offering amounted to £642.00 which was divided between the work of Operation Agri (the BMS

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Agricultural Development Aid Programme) and Open Doors, the latter seeking to provide aid for Christians under persecution overseas.

We give thanks for the missionaries and mission related organisations we support and that as a Church we have sufficient funds to support them despite a reduced Membership in recent years.

Keith Richardson

Buildings Maintenance

The Maintenance Committee comprises Philip Norman & John Burridge and many others contribute to repairs and upkeep of our buildings. We have been busy over the last year.

A group of Members carried out some works at the manse, which consisted of fixing fences, unblocking gutters and other essential maintenance works. There are still items to be carried out at the manse, along with some bigger jobs which are being looked into, so we can keep the property in good condition.

We organised a workday at the church in October, where we were able to do many essentials jobs around the buildings, such as re-sealing Carey Hall floor, fixing damaged pews in the sanctuary, removing large plant growth at the sideway and front of the church as well as cleaning around the building. Thank you to everyone who spared time to come down and make this happen.

Thankyou to those who have made special donations to the Buildings Fund over the last year. As a church we have agreed to spend money on our electrical systems. We have identified

26

Winchmore Hill Bapfist Church Annual Report 2023

parts of works which need to be carried out, we also need to continue to raise funds for these works. If you can help us financially, please speak to the Treasurer and if giving a specific donation please state which project you would like to support or just state Buildings Fund and know that we are grateful for the funds that enable us to keep our buildings in good shape.

As usual, it is not possible to name everyone who has contributed to the maintenance and upkeep work – there are far too many – but, if you helped in whatever way, please know that you have our sincere thanks and, of course, the work doesn’t end!

If you are able to help in any way, whether it be decorating, DIY or cleaning, please let us know as we often have days down at the church to complete maintenance jobs and would be more than happy for any assistance you can give. Please don’t be reluctant to come forward. We have plenty of jobs that can be undertaken by individuals of all levels of skill and competence!

Thank you for your continued support & prayers.

Philip Norman

Winchmore Hill Community Care Scheme

The Winchmore Hill Community Care Scheme has been providing support and services to the surrounding areas of Winchmore Hill and adjoining areas such as Palmers Green for over forty years.

The Scheme relies on volunteers to provide assistance to the elderly, house-bound and also to befriend those who would otherwise be isolated.

27

Winchmore Hill Bapfist Church Annual Report 2023

This caring service has been a reliable source of good will to our communities by promoting mental health and wellbeing to folk living on their own. At present the Scheme supports twentytwo clients and benefits from having eight volunteers.

However, it has been facing a gradual decline in financial support. In the past it was supported by seven local churches but at present only four churches are continuing to support the Scheme and unless other financial support can be raised, it may have difficulty in functioning.

Inez Collins

Kids’ Club

Winchmore Hill Baptist Church recognises the need to provide a space for children in our community to have a relationship with God and learn about Him.

During the year, we have worked closely with Pathway who have shared their material. This helped provide structure to our Kids Club sessions and the children enjoyed learning about Jesus through bible passages, videos, songs and practical activities.

Every Friday our Pastor Ebenezer and a member of the Kids Club team supports Pathway at Highfield Primary School, one of our local primary schools, with their lunch club, where children learn about Jesus.

We continue to celebrate Christmas with Highfield’s school choir who sing at our annual Toy Service.

The school also joined us in January 2024 when we supported their learning of different Christian practices. 90 children together with their teachers visited the church to find out about

28

Winchmore Hill Bapfist Church Annual Report 2023

baptism. Pastor Ebenezer and members of our team explained the meaning of baptism and the different types. The children viewed the baptismal pool, and the full emersion was ‘performed’ to give the children a true experience of adult baptismal services.

Kids Club children who come regularly, attend with parents from our congregation. We have also had children from the preschool which takes place during the week on the church premises. Whilst we have used Pathway’s material, we also prepare things which reflect the ages of those children who attend which include their own bibles and prizes.

Sandra Burt

Worship Team (WOWH)

“ These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest .” (1 Chron. 6:31)

“David appointed some of the Levites to lead the worship of the Lord, the God of Israel, in front of the covenant box, by singing and praising Him.” (1 Cron. 16:4)

“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord who should praise the beauty of holiness as they went out before the army, and to say, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures for ever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21)

The ministry of song to which the Levites were called was a service. They were to lead the praises of God’s people. In other words, the musicians were to serve by leading, and to lead by serving.

29

Winchmore Hill Bapfist Church Annual Report 2023

We the Worshippers of Winchmore Hill are once again grateful to God Almighty for granting us the grace to see another year.

We are privileged to be called to serve in the music ministry of Winchmore Hill Baptist Church.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced as a team, and the limitations, we can say that we’ve taken advantage of the opportunities God gave us to serve in our ministry.

Music is a form of worship that allows us to express our praises, love and gratitude to God. It is used to enhance worship, encourage each other or even to soothe the mind and soul.

Worship is an essential part of the service as well as a daily lifestyle. It comes like an arrow that divides and goes pass all barriers such as denominational, cultural, age and musical preferences because the aim is to exalt the name of God.

We as a team therefore pray for God’s sufficient grace to be strong in our ministry, to grow both spiritually, skilfully, numerically, and in all areas that will glorify His name. Bennedicta Boakye

30

Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts

Report to the trustees of Winchmore Hill Baptist Church on the accounts for the period ended 31 December 2023.

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 and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 trustees concerning 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 examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Signed:

Name: Martin D C Pringle Professional qualifications: FIAB

Address: 25 Merton Road, Ilford, Greater London, IG3 8PB Date: 29[th] May 2024

2023.xlsx Accounts

FINAL 29/05/2024

0.00

0.00

Winchmore Hill Baptist Church

Accounts for the Year ended 31st December 2023

General Fund
(unrestricted)
Note
Receipts:
Loose Offering
Regular Offering
Special Donations
Trusts
Premises
Manse Rent
Thank Offering
Reclaimed Tax
Interest
3
Miscellaneous Income
Payments:
Ministry
4
Mission
5
Premises
6
Organisation
7
Miscellaneous
Fund Transfer
Buildings Fund
Capital Accounts
Denning Trust
D Wisdom Funeral
Thank Offering
Surplus (deficit) for the year
Balance brought forward
Balance carried forward		 2023
4,650.52
35,810.00
1,250.00
375.00
24,474.75
0.00
0.00
10,093.64
2,013.64
0.00
78,667.55
36,502.12
14,868.96
18,725.45
1,710.25
0.00
71,806.78
(6,000.00)
0.00
0.00
168.28
1,172.36
(4,659.36)
2,201.41
69,788.06
71,989.47		 2022
4,100.57
38,595.00
50.00
0.00
16,883.00
0.00
0.00
10,794.40
508.54
0.00
70,931.51
36,789.66
14,855.73
15,620.03
1,495.71
0.00
68,761.13
(7,686.16)
130.00
351.28
0.00
1,051.00
(6,153.88)
(3,983.50)
73,771.56
69,788.06

Page 1

2023.xlsx Accounts FINAL 29/05/2024 FINAL 29/05/2024
Thank Offering
(designated)
Note
Receipts:
Special Donations
Loose Offering
Reclaimed Tax
Payments:
Disbursement
Fund Transfer
Surplus (deficit) for the year
Balance brought forward
Balance carried forward
10		 2023
1,750.00
69.22
513.00
2,332.22
1,172.36
1,172.36
2,344.72
(12.50)
12.50
0.00		 2022
2,102.00
0.00
0.00
2,102.00
1,038.50
1,051.00
2,089.50
12.50
0.00
12.50
Youth Fund
(restricted)
Note
Receipts:
Donations
Payments:
Expense
Surplus (deficit) for the year
Balance brought forward
Balance carried forward
8		 2023
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
633.96
633.96		 2022
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
633.96
633.96

Page 2

2023.xlsx Accounts FINAL 29/05/2024 FINAL 29/05/2024
Fellowship Fund
(restricted)
Note
Receipts:
Special Donations
Trusts
Reclaimed Tax
Payments:
Expense
Fund Transfer
Denning Trust
Surplus (deficit) for the year
Balance brought forward
Balance carried forward		 2023
0.00
125.00
2.50
127.50
55.94
55.94
0.00
0.00
71.56
1,920.90
1,992.46		 2022
10.00
0.00
0.00
10.00
1,278.00
1,278.00
117.09
117.09
(1,150.91)
3,071.81
1,920.90
Denning Trust
(restricted)
[CLOSED 2022]
Buildings Fund
(designated)
Note
Receipts:
Special Donations
Fund Transfer
General Fund
Reclaimed Tax
Payments:
Church
Manse
9
Surplus (deficit) for the year
Balance brought forward
Balance carried forward		 2023
400.00
6,000.00
118.75
6,518.75
3,859.01
470.00
4,329.01
2,189.74
1,110.00
3,299.74		 2022
475.00
7,686.16
705.62
8,866.78
13,573.05
426.18
13,999.23
(5,132.45)
6,242.45
1,110.00

Page 3

2023.xlsx Accounts FINAL 29/05/2024 FINAL 29/05/2024
Operation Agri
(restricted)
Note
Receipts:
Special Donations
Reclaimed Tax
Payments:
Disbursement
Surplus (deficit) for the year
Balance brought forward
Balance carried forward		 2023
0.00
269.58
269.58
1,347.90
1,347.90
(1,078.32)
1,078.32
0.00		 2022
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,078.32
1,078.32
LBA Home Mission (restricted)
Note
Receipts:
Special Donations
Reclaimed Tax
Payments:
Disbursement
Surplus (deficit) for the year
Balance brought forward
Balance carried forward		 2023
0.00
22.50
22.50
0.00
0.00
22.50
75.00
97.50		 2022
90.00
12.50
102.50
145.00
145.00
(42.50)
117.50
75.00

Page 4

2023.xlsx Accounts

FINAL 29/05/2024

Special Collections Account (not used - all allocated to separate funds)

Legacies
(unrestricted)
Note
Receipts:
Special Donations
Payments:
Expense
Surplus (deficit) for the year
Balance brought forward
Balance carried forward
11		 2023
0.00
0.00
561.95
561.95
(561.95)
1,000.00
438.05		 2022
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
Capital Accounts
[CLOSED 2022]

Page 5

2023.xlsx Accounts

FINAL 29/05/2024

Statement of Current Assets and Liabilities at 31st December 2023

Assets:
Note
Cash at Bank
CAFBank Cash Account
CAFBank Gold account
HSBC Community Account
Investments
London Baptist Property Board Deposit Account
Sub-total
Debtors
13
Creditors
14
Non-monetary assets held for the Church's own use
15		 2023
5,192.75
19,542.25
3,018.24
50,697.94
78,451.18
14,227.00
(97.50)
92,580.68
5,151,006		 2022
8,564.33
3,722.04
29,313.27
34,019.10
75,618.74
13,807.50
(1,165.82)
88,260.42
3,828,983

Long Term Liabilities:

The previous Plan deficit in the pension scheme is now zero, although a nominal £1 per month is still charged by the pension provider.

There are no other long term liabilities.

Page 6

2023.xlsx Notes

FINAL 29/05/2024

Notes to the Accounts

1. Basis of accounts:

These accounts have been prepared on a 'receipts and payments' basis and accord with section 133 of the Charities Act 2011.

2. Previous years details:

Details for the previous year have been included for comparison and do not form part of the accounts.

7. Organisation:
Administration
Advertising & Publicity
Fellowship Activities
Software & Licences
Magazine
Telecoms		 2023
459.44
120.00
94.90
545.55
0.00
490.36
1,710.25		 2022
290.26
390.32
11.15
314.38
0.00
489.60
1,495.71
3. Interest/Investment income:
2023
Interest received:
Bank
330.84
HMRC
3.96
LBPB Deposit Account
1,678.84
2,013.64
4. Ministry:
2023
Pastor
Stipend ex General Fund Rcpts.
30,100.00
Stipend ex CPJTrust Fund Rcpts.
375.00
Employer's Pension
3,760.80
Employer's NI
0.00
Manse Fuel
664.71
Allowances
0.00
Training & Conferences
484.01
Relocation Expenses
0.00
35,384.52
Moderator
Ex Gratia Payment
0.00
Other
Pulpit Suppplies
450.60
Pension Deficiency
12.00
Kids Club
0.00
Youth
605.00
Miscellaneous
50.00
1,117.60
36,502.12
5. Mission:
2023
World Mission
BMS World Mission
1,599.96
Home Mission
1,599.96
OMF International (UK)
9,375.00
12,574.92
Pathway
£750.00
Outreach
£249.49
Donations & Subscriptions
1,294.55
14,868.96
6. Premises (Upkeep of) :
2023
Furniture & Equipment
145.00
Church Gas. Electricity & Water,
7,533.88
Church Cleaning & Refuse
2,509.13		 2022
8. Youth Fund Balance
The balance reflects the amount remaining from a grant provided
63.31
by the Jack Petchey Foundation. The grant was made as a
0.15
contribution to the Church’s youth work and its use is
445.08
restricted to the purchase of equipment or payment towards the
508.54
direct costs of the youth work.
2022
9. Buildings Fund Payments
A potential conflict of interest exists relating to payments to K & GN
28,462.56
(t/a W J Norman and Son). The trustees adopt procedures to
0.00
manage this & protect the charity.
3,494.28
0.00
Summary of Payments:
2023
2022
521.35
Maintenance works: -
9.00
Work done by K & GN
1,832.40
4,284.00
536.24
Replacement Gas Heaters
0.00
5,946.00
0.00
Other Church/Manse works
973.81
1,292.01
33,023.43
total Maintenance Works
2,806.21
11,522.01
Regular Servicing & Inspection
1,522.80
2,051.04
0.00
4,329.01
13,573.05
450.00
The Buildings Fund is a 'designated' fund. In effect, this means that
2,552.16
the church is free to re-designate amounts to the General Fund, if it
61.82
so wishes.
702.25
0.00
10. Thank Offering
3,766.23
For 2023 the Church Members decided to distribute funds raised
36,789.66
through the Thank Offering 50% to S.Hlavnova's mission work and
50% to the General Fund.
2022
Any balance showing will be disbursed accordingly, along with any
receipts from HMRC, once claimed.
1,599.96
1,599.96
11. Legacies:
9,375.00
There are no restrictions and the funds remain available for the
12,574.92
Church to use at its discretion.
£750.00
12. Not Used
£256.76
1,274.05
13. Debtors (Estimated)
2023
2022
14,855.73
Gift Aid
8,758.00
9,395.00
Gift Aid Envelopes
301.00
0.00
2022
GASDS
963.00
787.50
33.75
Premises Hire
3,980.00
3,250.00
5,937.41
Trusts (75% to General Fund)
225.00
375.00
2,079.30
14,227.00
13,807.50		 2022
8. Youth Fund Balance
The balance reflects the amount remaining from a grant provided
63.31
by the Jack Petchey Foundation. The grant was made as a
0.15
contribution to the Church’s youth work and its use is
445.08
restricted to the purchase of equipment or payment towards the
508.54
direct costs of the youth work.
2022
9. Buildings Fund Payments
A potential conflict of interest exists relating to payments to K & GN
28,462.56
(t/a W J Norman and Son). The trustees adopt procedures to
0.00
manage this & protect the charity.
3,494.28
0.00
Summary of Payments:
2023
2022
521.35
Maintenance works: -
9.00
Work done by K & GN
1,832.40
4,284.00
536.24
Replacement Gas Heaters
0.00
5,946.00
0.00
Other Church/Manse works
973.81
1,292.01
33,023.43
total Maintenance Works
2,806.21
11,522.01
Regular Servicing & Inspection
1,522.80
2,051.04
0.00
4,329.01
13,573.05
450.00
The Buildings Fund is a 'designated' fund. In effect, this means that
2,552.16
the church is free to re-designate amounts to the General Fund, if it
61.82
so wishes.
702.25
0.00
10. Thank Offering
3,766.23
For 2023 the Church Members decided to distribute funds raised
36,789.66
through the Thank Offering 50% to S.Hlavnova's mission work and
50% to the General Fund.
2022
Any balance showing will be disbursed accordingly, along with any
receipts from HMRC, once claimed.
1,599.96
1,599.96
11. Legacies:
9,375.00
There are no restrictions and the funds remain available for the
12,574.92
Church to use at its discretion.
£750.00
12. Not Used
£256.76
1,274.05
13. Debtors (Estimated)
2023
2022
14,855.73
Gift Aid
8,758.00
9,395.00
Gift Aid Envelopes
301.00
0.00
2022
GASDS
963.00
787.50
33.75
Premises Hire
3,980.00
3,250.00
5,937.41
Trusts (75% to General Fund)
225.00
375.00
2,079.30
14,227.00
13,807.50
13,807.50

Page 7

Insurance, Church & Manse
Manse Council Tax & Water
Manse Fuel (Interregnum)		 5,246.86
3,290.58
0.00
18,725.45		 2023.xlsx Notes
4,365.78
3,203.79
14. Creditors
0.00
Amounts to be disbursed
15,620.03
Others		 FINAL 29/05/2024
2023
2022
97.50
1,165.82
0.00
0.00
97.50
1,165.82		 FINAL 29/05/2024
2023
2022
97.50
1,165.82
0.00
0.00
97.50
1,165.82
1,165.82

15. Non-Monetary Assets held for the Church's own use:
15. Non-Monetary Assets held for the Church's own use:
The Church is the beneficial owner (subject to the relevant trusts) of the following assets, the
legal title to which is held by the Church's custodian trustee the London Baptist Property
Board Ltd:
Church Premises at an insured value (re-assessed in 2023) of:
Church Manse at an insured value of:
The Church also owns fixtures, furniture and equipment with an insured value of:		 2023
4,595,989
445,978
109,039
5,151,006		 2022
3,359,092
377,946
91,945
3,828,983

Note: The insured values represent estimtated re-building costs. In both cases this is likely to be less than current market values.

The accounts and statement of assets and liabilities set out on pages 1 to 4 relating to the year ending 31st December 2023 are as approved by the deacons.

Signed:

Treasurer Date: 29-May-24

Page 8