Circuit Accruals Accounts 2023-2024 THE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2024 Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Registered Charity - Registration number 1134231 Bristol District No I Clrcuit No 007123 Ministers Rev Shirlyn Toppin Rev Clive Deverell Rev Sarah Simpson -Rev Josesili Ribeiro Circuit Stgwards Ms Jenny Corkett Mrs. Shelia Knowlès Mr. Peter McAuley Clrcult Flnanc8 Offlcer Mrs Margaret Flood Upper Thames Methodist Cirtuit TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2024 Intfoduction Welcome to the Upper Thames Methodist Circuit'5 Annual Report for the year ending 31st AuRust 2024. Aims and organisation The Upper Thames Circuit works to support its lotal churches in developing the vision which God has given for ministry & discipleship and mission & outreach which is.. 'To grow in the love of God. to preach the gospel of Christ. and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to reach out to others. The Circuit has a willin8ne5S to lace challenge and change. whilst retaining our even8elical identity, firmly standing on a Bible base. A new initiative in 2016 supports our churches working in conjuncrion with the Joint Public Issues team to pursue an agenda concerned with social justice and change. Review of the year This has been the third year for our Superintendent Minister, Rev Shirlyn Toppin. The Circuit continues to lotsk for ways to structure itself more effectively and to practically and financially support social justice and inclusivitv. There has been the Circuit AdministratorlFinance Otticer in post from the beginning of September 2023. We have also appointed Ipaidl a Safeguarding Officer as from 1st January 2024. Rev Dr joseph Ribeiro joined the Circuit I September 2023 Property eypenditure tor both Manses has continued throughout the year due to the need update and refurbish the SuperinteTrdant's manse and to brine the newly purchased manse in HighwoTth up to standard. Income Trends Circuit income 15 primarily drawn from the annual assessments paid by the circuit churches. The rental income relates to the rerital of one manse. Expenditure Trends 44% of expenditure is the Circuit contribution to the Oi5trict and Connexion (including a levy on the sale of property). of which a significant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church. Fund Balances As at 31 August 2024, total reserve5 arnounted to £586,896. All knnds held were unre5tiicted. As at 31 August 2024 the net current assets ol the Circuit were £586,896. Prior year accounts included 2 properties Imansesl. These are owned by the MMT and therefore these have now been removed frorn the accounts. Upper Thames Methodlst Clrcult Trustee'5 Annual Report on Flnance and Governance Basis of preparation and legal framework The Charity's annual report and account5 tor the year ended 31 August 2023 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charitie5'. Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 IFRS 1021. Full Name of Charity." Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number.. 1134231 Date of registratitsn.. 9th February 2010 Main comrnunicètion address.. Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Church, Rope Yard, Roval Wootton Bassett. Swindon. SN4 78S The members of the Upper Tharne5 Metttodi5t Circuit Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit officè holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches. Full membership is shown as Appendix A to this report. Clrcult Ministers and officer5 Active Circuit Ministers Rev Shirlyn Toppin Isuperintendentl Rev Clive Deverell Rev Sarah Simp50n Rev Dr Joseph Ribeiro Circuit Lay Employees Circuit Stewards M5 lenny Corkett Mr. Peter McAuley Mrs. Shelia Knowles GDPR Mrs. lane Phoenix-stone Circuit ProDertv Secretary Mr Robin Phoenix-stone Circuit Administrator Circuit Finance Officer Mrs Margaret Flood Mrs Margaret Flood Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Aims and organls3tion Charity objective 15 to act as a resource provider within an area Surrounding Swindon known as the Upper Thames Methodist Circuit which is part of the Methodist Church of Great 8rltain. The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of.. al The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church,. bl Any charitable purpose for the time being of any ConnÈxionèl, District. Circuit. local or other organisation of The Methodist Church.. cl Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church., dl Any purpose for the time being of any charity belng a charity subsldiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church The organi5ation and resovrcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non member5 alike. The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. Taking reli8lOUs assemblies in local 5chool5. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services. Provision of chaolaincv services to the local universitv and other institutions. Public Benefit We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Structure. Governance and Management The governing document lor the circuit 15 the Deed of Union119321 and Methodist Church Act 119761 Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference ICPDI. Oa¥ to day management of the circuit 15 undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting. the Circuit Finance ènd Property Committee and the Circuit Policy Trusteè Training A range ol guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to 5UPPOrt the effective running of the circuit, Specifically the leaflet'The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church. is given to all new Circult meeting members as induction to their role as trustees. Related Partles The Circuit 19 part of the 8ristol District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches and organisations are linked to the circuit.. Braydon Methodist Church Highworth Methodist Church Purton Methodist Church Shrivenham and Longcot Methodist Church Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Church Cricklade United Chureh West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partrnership Upper Thame5 Methodist Circuit Rlsk Management The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Finance and Property Committee with professional advice taken a5 required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded. Intome and Expenditure is being monitored in total ènd is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part ol the risk managernent process to avoid unforeseen ca115 Qn reserves. Safeguardlng Every person has u vulue and dignity which comes directlyfrom the creation of mole undfemale in God 5 own imoge Jnd likeness. Christi(7ns see this potentiol osfulfilled by God's re