LirrLEHAMPTON BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2024 The Trustees of Littlehampton Baptist Church present their Annual report and st Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 CHARITABLE OBJECTIVE The Charity (hereinafter referred to as the Church) is governed by a constitution based on the Approved Governing Document for Baptist Churches which states that the principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the Baptist denomination. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Persons are accepted into membership of the Church on profession of their faith in Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Constitution. Members, Meetings are usually held not less than four times a year. There were meetings in the Church building in January, April, July and November 2024. The meeting sets the overall Church policy and Members appoint Trustees, including the Minister, who oversee the running of all day to day Church affairs, and who also oversee the spiritual direction and help for Members and Friends. The following were Trustees from January to April 2024 when their term of office ended: Pastor Darren Lewis [Minister] Veronica White (Treasurerlchurch Secretary) Margaret Dawson (Pastoral Auxiliary) Fran Watson John Holden John Ray Elections for new Trustees took place in April 2024. The new Trustees served from May 2024. The results were as follows: Pastor Darren Lewis (Minister) Ernest Bridger (Buildings & Fabric) Monica Harris (Administration) Benjamin N Nkosso (Safeguarding Trustee & Children's Ministry) Josephine Seymour (Outreach & Hospitality, Fire Officer)
During the year, the Trustees were assisted by teams, each having a leader and separate responsibilities e.g. Worship Team, Pastoral Contact Team and Welcome Team etc. The Constitution permits decisions at Members, Meetings to be passed by appropriate majorities, but the Church seeks to work by consensus whenever possible. The Trustees regularly review the major risks facing the charity and are satisfied that there are policies in place to mitigate them appropriately. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES A variety of activities are provided both for Church Members and for the local community. A public service of worship is held each Sunday morning at 10.30am. During the service, a creche room is available for those with small children to use, and part way through the service any school-aged children and young people can engage with our Bible Discoverers and Explorers groups. Additionally, a family service is held on the last Sunday of the month. Light refreshments are served in the Church Hall after the service, which gives Members, Friends and Visitors the opportunity to keep in touch with each other. Services are Livestreamed to YouTube and are viewed by those unable to physically attend including people not directly associated with the Church. The needs of disabled people are regularly reviewed and provision for them includes a loop system in all public rooms for those who are hearing impaired, and specific toilet provision for physically disabled people. (This toilet also has changing facilities for babies. ) There is reasonable wheelchair access to all areas. Prayer meetings are held weekly on Sunday mornings prior to the service, Sunday evenings, Monday mornings, as well as a men's prayer meeting on Saturday morning. There is also a monthly prayer for healing service. Small groups are an important aspect of Church life, providing the members and friends with a safe place to develop their relationships with God and each other. These small groups meet in either homes or on church premises. In addition to this, there are several groups across the week that seek to fulfil the principal purpose of the church, andlor benefit the wider community.
Children, Youth and Families We provide (term time only) a weekly Rainbows Baby and Toddler group, and Wow Club aimed at families of primary school-aged children. (Children outside of this age group may attend with a club member). Other Activities, Events and Wider Community Engagement Coffee and Chat, a social time for anyone, is held weekly in the church lounge. The Church played an active role within the life of Littlehampton Churches Together, most notably through the Good Friday Walk of Witness at which Pastor Darren preached. The Church has actively sought to play a part in the wider life of the community through participating in the Pancake Olympics hosted by Littlehampton Town Council and by supporting other organisations within the community such as: The Bonfire society, by making the premises available to use on bonfire night. The RNLI, by providing the premises free of charge for their annual Carol Concert. Littlehampton Foodbank through support, donations and use of the premises. Premises The premises are also utilised by local groups and organisations such as the Child Contact Centre and the Littlehampton Players Operatic Society. In addition, the hall, lounge and kitchen have, on occasions, been used for children's parties following, for example, birthdays. During the summer holidays the church premises are hired by youth I children's groups, for Summer Camps. To facilitate most of what has been mentioned, an important and substantial amount of work is put into the running and maintenance of the church premises and manse. The church has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and is satisfied that the activities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the public.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE As noted above, the Church has sought to fulfil its purpose and reach out to the local community with both spiritual and practical advice and help. The Church recognises the success of its activities and engagements is not simply found in numbers and acknowledges the great value in less tangible aspects such as depth of fellowship and the effectiveness of support and encouragement to members and the community. Introduction - Pastor Darren Lewis Our motto text for 2024 was 1 Corinthians 16.13-14 - "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith. be courageous" be strong. Do everything in love., Our devotion at last year's AGM built on this by focusing on Nehemiah chapter 4 where God's people rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with one hand whilst holding their weapon in the other the challenge was to keep fixed on God and what he has called us to do and keep a caring eye out for one another. 2024 lived up to the challenge of Nehemiah 4 of being a year of building for God. It was an incredibly busy year serving our Lord, and my heart is full when I reflect on what God has done in us and through us- we have so much to be thankful forl l am so incredibly thankful to you all, for your obedient, loving service you too did for Him at LBC. As I reflect on last year and all that happened (as you will see in the rest of the report), and ponder our motto text, l am so thankful for this too. It was a constant and important reminder of the posture that was needed as we journeyed through the year. I look forward to seeing all that God does in 2025 as we continue to build for him. Worship- Pastor Darren Lewis It has been incredibly encouraging to see all that God has done through our times of worship across the year, maintaining its place at the heart of Littlehampton Baptist Church. This has primarily taken place in our Sunday gatherings. During our Sunday morning services, we have explored the 'Fruitfulness on the Frontline, series, thinking about how we can further engage those around us with our Christian faith, as well as delving deeper into Paul's letter to the Philippian church before embarking on ourjourney through the Gospel of Luke. These themes have often been reflected on further at our evening gathering, whether that be in Bible study, a time of prayer or sharing Communion. A highlight of the year has been seeing the wide range of members of the congregation participating in various aspects of worship, and we thank God for this. We also would like to express our
thanks to the various guest speakers who have joined us, as well as the worship band that has been so faithful in serving us, and we have been blessed by the new songs that have been introduced. We have also been encouraged by the range of services that have taken place across the Christian Calendar. A Maundy Thursday Supper and Communion Service provided a much appreciated time of reflection and fellowship to the celebration that was had on Easter Sunday, whilst the Christingle service and Carol service once again provided an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christmas in the build up to our Christmas Day All Age Celebration. Harvest was also a time of celebration and prayer as we lifted up the work of one of the mission partners in Bangladesh. Finally, we are really pleased to say that we have been able to provide acts of worship during key life events. We have celebrated new life as we Dedicated children from the church family to the Lord, whilst providing the opportunity to pray a blessing for children within our community. It was also wonderful to have the opportunity, and often rare occasion, of a wedding taking place in the church. Additionally, several funerals have taken place within the church, and it has been a privilege to walk alongside and serve others during these difficult times. Prayer- Pastor Darren Lewis As was noted in the 2023 report, prayer is a high priority for the church and that continued to be the case in 2024. We are thankful for the existing prayer gatherings, whether they be weekly or monthly, who meet to play their vital roles in the prayer life of the church, as we seek to honour God in all that we do and lift to Him the needs of each other, our community and the wider world. These groups are Prayer and Share, Men's Prayer Group, Sunday early morning and evening gatherings and Prayer for Israel. One development which came in 2024 was the beginning of a Prayer Meeting on Monday mornings. The aim of this group was to pray particularly for the needs of the church, its activities, as well as the needs of the community in which we serve. This simple and powerful time was much appreciated by those who attended, and prayer was gratefully received by those we prayed for. We were encouraged across the year with news of answered pray. It should be noted; the original plan was this group would be a development to the existing prayer and share meeting that also takes place on a Monday morning; however, this was not possible. A great development to be celebrated is the participation in a new gathering that has been established to bring Christians together from the various churches to pray for our town. These have been wonderful times and something we look forward to being a part of in the future.
Coffee and Chat- J.S. Coffee and Chat follows on immediately from our Monday 9am Share and Prayer time- (Mondays 10.30am to noon - held in the lounge) This last year our numbers have grown. We now regularly have up to 18, mainly members and friends of LBC. but we also regularly have visitors call in - sometimes as a one off, but also more regularly and some come each week. The poster on the street outside the car park has led to a good number dropping in this year. We thank God that this weekly get together has proved to be a great opportunity to catch up and share something of our lives and testimonies together; and to welcome new friends whom we are able to offer support to and tell of our love of the Lord Jesus. We are grateful to C.R. and others who faithfully seNe us with tea and coffee and biscuits each week, while the rest of us chat! Oakland Grange- J.S. LBC has been visiting Oakland Grange and holding an informal 'service', for some years now, our relationship with the Care Home was established when J.H. went into the home for respite following an operation. It has been further strengthened since J. moved in last year. Once a month, on a Thursday, we have an informal 50 minute meeting, in the main lounge, which is usually attended by up to 20 residents and a couple of staff, plus a team of about six of us who attend on that day. We sing mostly favourite well-loved hymns which the residents often choose. L.K., J.G. and M.D. play piano or guitar for us. We break bread, sometimes one of us shares a testimony, one of J.H.'s poems are often read, and a short talk is always given, referencing a reading and the hymns. Afteards, most of us stay on for a while and chat with the residents. We have got to know quite a few of them and provide a listening ear and sometimes have been able to offer prayer and may also visit them at other times. J.H reports that the residents who attend are very appreciative of the visits and look foDNard to the next one; the more so as some of them miss being able to attend their own church service. Sadly, often those we have got to know pass away. We have been able to remember them during our Thursday meeting and thank God for their lives and refer to the gracious comfort of the Holy Spirit. We thank God for this open door opportunity and for K., the senior manager, and K., the CEO of the two Oakland homes, who are very supportive of our visits.
Schools Ministry- P.D.L. A highlight of the year was organising the local primary schools to come for free to the church so see the Rhyming Bible performed by The Saltmine Theatre Company. This was a huge success with hundreds of pupils from eitherlboth Year 5 and 6 along with the necessary adults, coming from each school, as well as there being an evening performance for anyone to attend. All those who came experienced a performance where the story of the Bible was dramatised in an amazing and memorable way. Every child who attended with a school group also had the opportunity to enter a competition where they had to write a letter explaining what they enjoyed, with a first prize and several runner-up prizes. We are thankful for the donation that made this possible and the various people who helped, welcomed and hosted the performers and the attendees. We also engaged with our local secondary school The Littlehampton Academy. This was done through supporting their chaplain, P.S. OBE and inviting him to preach at LBC. On top of this, P. D. had the privilege of welcoming P. S. and a large group from the school who were learning about the various church denominations and buildings. Whilst here, D. answered several questions about the church, shared about Baptist beliefs and his Christian faith. As a church we were also delighted that some of the members were able to support P. as he ran the annual prayer week at the Littlehampton Academy for pupils to attend. Children's Ministry Bible Discoverers- B.N.N. Bible Discoverers started in September of 2024. It was agreed among the children's team that it was necessary to start a new Sunday School group for our younger children, due to the numbers and age range of the children in the Church. We currently opperate with one main leader, H.L. or B.N.N, and we are supported by the parents of the children in our group. Although we had intended the group to be for our children from Reception up, our toddlers have joined us every week and they are a valued part of our group. We are really pleased with how Bible Discoverers is developing. We have around 8- 11 children most weeks, who all really enjoy their story time, craft and chance to play. Across the Autumn, we learnt about God's amazing creation, the story of Isaac and the Christmas Story. More recently we have spent time learning about the Easter Story, and the Good News of Jesus, resurrection. The children listen and engage well and some of them are even starting to pray at the end of our sessions.
We have had a few Church Members come forward with an interest in supporting Bible Discoverers in the future. It remains our aim that following Safer Recruitment, we will be able to offer the option for parents to leave their children with us so that they can return to the service. We will however ask parents of children under 4 years old to remain with their children. Prayer points- for seeds of faith to be planted and God to move in the hearts of our Discoverers for wisdom for the leaders and parents to guide the children in their faith journeys for God to call further equipped team members to volunteer with us Bible Explorers- D.B. The three leaders have enjoyed another year of teaching a group of 6-14 year olds using the Scripture Union curriculum. The age range is wide but as the group is small in numbers this has worked well, and the older children help the younger ones especially in finding Bible passages. The group has been learning about stories from the Old and New testaments with the help of videos, craft activities, games, drama, and memory verses. The session normally begins with a time of sharing and prayer and the children are encouraged to pray themselves, which most are happy to do. Some of them joined the LBC team for the Littlehampton Pancake Olympics and won some medals! The children are increasing their knowledge of the Bible and seeing its relevance to their own lives as well as learning about the love, faithfulness and power of our heavenly father and his son Jesus our saviour, and we pray that all the children will develop their own personal relationship with him. Rainbows- D.B. Rainbows meets on a Tuesday in the church Hall and is led by Auntie Di with the support of a great team who help in the hall and kitchen. Our numbers in 2024 have varied from 5-21 children but however few meet we know the group is much appreciated. We provide a place where Mums and other carers of young children can come and relax and chat over a cuppa, whilst their children play and learn to share etc. This year we have introduced (following requests from parents) a table with puzzles which the children enjoy. We usually finish with a mixture of songs which include some from church. A Prayer Box is available on the reception table along with helpful booklets and information. Three new babies received a beautiful blanket, thanks to a member of the church and a card signed by all.
At Easter every family received an Easter Story Book, and an invitation to our Easter Seniice. Then, in Decernber we enjoyed our usual Christmas Party with songs; the Christmas Story, with Auntie Di's puppets; Father Christmas with gifts of the Christmas Story books and food; we always give invitations to our Christmas events e.g. Christingle which proved very popular. We have a few church families who come, some parents attend other churches, but most have no church connections Our Pastor, D. comes whenever he can to chat and get to know everyone and they him and the group really appreciates him coming. The team always comes together in prayer before the start of the morning meetings, and we value your prayers for God's blessing on our ministry. WOW Club - Pastor D.L. and H.L. It is wonderful to report that we were able to build on the success of 2023 in 2024. As with groups like this, numbers fluctuated across the year, and we ended the year with similar numbers to 2023. Several questions arose across the year regarding how we run, sustain, and develop WOW Club. Being a Bible themed craft-based group meant that finding appropriate stories and themes with enough crafts (that had not been done before) was increasingly challenging. There was also a lot of reflection on how we can keep those who come engaged throughout the session and meeting the needs of those who did come whilst making the most of the opportunity to share our Christian faith. Therefore, the following developments were made.. Although arts and crafts were a dominant feature ofthe sessions we added a greater emphasis to other aspects, meaning it is now not simply an arts and crafts club. For example, we had at least two other non-craft-based activities, such as Duplo or Bowling. A £350 grant was obtained from Littlehampton Town Council to buy a selection of board games and gameslactivity equipment. The board games available at each session varied and these were an instant hit. So far, only some of the other equipment has been used and this has already proved to be a great improvernent to the end of the session. With approximately a third of the time left we would tidy up, show our pieces of work with an explanation of the topic and concluded with a prayer. The outcome of this meant the focus of the session or story was more grounded within the session. The session was then concluded with a physical game which everyone could play in teams or as a whole group before our final prayer of thanks.
We are incredibly thankful to the hard-working team who served faithfully across the year, and it was an answer to prayer to have more team members join as it was proving a challenge to cover the sessions. This challenge increased when one of the incredible founding leaders of the group, H.F., moved on to pastures new and we are indebted to H.L. for stepping in and leading the groups with P.D.L who began attending each of the sessions, as well as aiding the planning and preparation of the sessions. What is clear to all those involved with the group is how much the group is loved and enjoyed by the children and their parentslcarers alike. It continues to provide a safe space for fun, food and craft whilst exploring the Christian faith. Additionally, support and care are provided for individuals and family units through the relationships established by the team on behalf of the church. An outcome of this has been the attendance of some families at other church events and services as well as the joy of Blessing some of the children at special services. Looking ahead, we look foNiard to seNing God and seeing Him work in the lives of those who attend, and we can't wait to use the rest of the equipment brought with the grant from Littlehampton Town Council. However, we know more reflection and changes will need to take place to enable us to continue running this group. This is made even more so knowing that T. will also be moving on to pastures new in the first half of 2025. We want to finish this report by thanking again, both T. and H. for their hard work and infectious enthusiasm at WOW Club right from the start and we wish them all the best in their new roles. Pastoral Care- M.D. (Pastoral Auxiliary and Co-ordinator of Pastoral Care Team) The team consists of the Pastor, Co-ordinator and 2 other LBC Members, J.G. and C.R., with one other (A.S.) being co-opted onto the team in theAutumn. AIM: to keep in touch with LBC Members and Friends as much as possible to offer encouragement, support and prayer where and when needed. MODUS OPERANDI: Two of the team undertake to make fortnightly phone calls to individuals who are housebound and those in particular pastoral need. These calls are still much appreciated, and we are very grateful to J.G. and C.R. for the time they spend in this service. In addition to the phone calls, cards, and sometimes flowers, are sent in special cases. General news is shared on the LBC Fellowship app, which has 43 members, and specific requests for prayer are put on the LBC Prayer app which has 45 members. These groups play an important role in keeping people informed, supporting with prayer and developing fellowship. io
The Prayer WhatsApp group has a special function in that it offers immediate prayer support to any member facing a specific problem, and the PC Team appreciate the efforts made to achieve this so successfully. A small number of our congregation are neither online nor owning a smartphone. Every effort is made to keep them updated. The team also make home and Hospital visits where appropriate. All visits are noted on the Pastoral Care Team app for prayer support from the other Team members. Some very worthwhile visits and contacts have been made in this way. The Pastoral Care Team is grateful for the co-operation of Home Group Leaders and their care of the members of their Groups, keeping us informed of troubling situations. The team meet quarterly for discussion and prayer. Much of the work done by the Team is seen by them as part of their seNice to the Lord and His people, but the cost of flowers, cards, and postage may be claimed from LBC petty cash. The Church recognises the value of the work done by the Pastoral Care Team and continues to support it. Home Groups- F. S. Home groups continue to be important for a significant number of our membership and congregation. In the Autumn of 2024, a survey was conducted to assess the impact of home groups This consisted of a written questionnaire. 36 surveys were completed. The overall assessment of the groups was positive with some helpful suggestions for the way forward. The most important findings are that the groups have a vital role in the caring, pastoral element of church life. Nearly all the participants stated that practical care and concern for each other was good, many siting examples of this. The groups provide significant opportunities for relationships to develop and grow. Alongside the practical care was the importance of praying for each other. Within the smaller group a depth of confidentiality and confidence deepens the possibility of praying together at a level which is not possible on other occasions. Overall, the groups play a vital role in the life of the church. 11
Outreach Events and Community Support- J. S. 2024 was a busy year with 5 funerals, 2 dedications, a Harrfest Lunch, 2 church picnics, a film show and a Church workday. An Alpha course was well attended, and we pray this year will be as busy, if not busier! The weather was good to us at the Town Show, and we moved into Christmas with the RNLI Carol Service and Christingle. The responsibilities for Hospitality and Outreach and as Fire safety Officer overlap considerably and the safety of our children, young people and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance if they are to benefit from the work that we do here at LBC and amongst the community. The focus is very much being on identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls to prevent accidents and illness. The wider our Hospitality and Outreach programme, the greater need for Health and Safety awareness whether it be, Fire Safety, Food hygiene or General Health and Safety Issues. For many of us there are some aspects of these areas that are new to us. However, keeping up to date with New Guidelines and the various training and courses that are available to us is necessary for everybody's safety. The need for more help in these areas is always required especially in the health and safety area. As we continue to make our building safer and thus available to outside groups and organisations e.g. The Bonfire Society, Contact Centre and Foodbank we are more able to fulfil our individual and corporate Christian ministries as outlined in Matthew 28.19-20. Buildings and Premises- E.B. At the close of 2023 we became aware of the very busy year ahead, briefly I have recorded what has been achieved: Church Car Park and pathways- Complete rebuild and then tarmacked to a high safety standard. The Church Manse: _ an ongoing programme of work including a new lounge window, new UPVC fascias and gutters on the whole building, internal making good, and repairs to central heating, bathroom and kitchen which will continue in 2025. A survey on the overall condition of the roof of the house is a priority for 2025. Maintenance of the church building is always on-going, Heating, Kitchen problems completed. Outside, we now have a gardening team of Church Members who maintain a high standard of appearance including flower beds, control of hedges etc Spring Day: _ The cleaning of all parts of the Church building was undertaken with a day when Church Members cleaned every part of the building both inside and out, plus, an enormous amount of clutter cleared from every area of the building. We have a work programme in place for 2025 which includes the baptistry and at the 12
Manse a new garden wall and replacement of the flat roof on the extension, garage door replacement etc. Governance: Membership: At the end of 2024, there were 69 Members in Fellowship at LBC (8 are new members). During 2024 there were 4 deaths, 5 dedications, 3 blessings and O resignations. 2024 proved to be a very challenging year both financially and practically. In April 2024, except for Pastor Darren Lewis, all (four) members of the Diaconate were new. Three out of the four had no previous experience of working as deacons. This is not an ideal situation and steps are being taken, within the limitations of the present Constitution, to see that this situation does not arise again in the foreseeable future. Many hours have been spent assessing, updating and where deemed necessary, rewriting the church's policies. There is a clear understanding that there is further work to be undertaken in this area. In 2024 JS was appointed as Fire Officer. She is to be congratulated on the many improvements that she has researched and then installed in the building. The necessary signage, regular alarm checks, fire drills and general paperwork are in place. In 2025 the Church needs to appoint and equip a Health and Safety Officer. In 2024 those attending the Sunday service were shown Stage 1 Safeguarding Film. Stages 2&3 are required for Trustees. Training for basic Health and Safety where applicable e.g. Food hygiene will need to be undertaken in 2025. Safeguarding - B. N. We are pleased to inform the members that the safeguarding policy of Littlehampton Baptist Church (LBC) was updated and accepted by the members and is now operational. As part of its practices, we have commenced the initial phase of the safer recruitment process, during which the applications were sent out to individuals who are directly and indirectly involved with children and young people within LBC. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have completed and returned their applications, and we remind those who are still working on them to submit them at their earliest convenience. We are currently preparing to move to the second phase of this process, which will entail conducting an informal interview (conversation) with the applicants to ensure that we have all their necessary information safely stored in a file. This process includes carrying out measures to guarantee that staff and volunteers are fit to work with vulnerable people, such as background checks, referencing, and ongoing training 13
when feasible, all while complying with SEBA recommendations and LBC safeguarding principles. It is essential to communicate to the members that one of the aims of the safer recruitment initiative is to establish a team of staff and volunteers who are prepared to assist in a variety of activities for young people and children within LBC, particularly considering the increasing number of children that we have observed in the recent period. We would like parents to feel at ease when leaving their children with the Sunday school leaders while they participate in the church service and receive God's blessings through the sermon. The safeguarding team would like to remind LBC members that should you have concerns regarding the wellbeing of a child, vulnerable adults, or LBC members in general, you are required to report it immediately to our Designated Safeguarding Person, Carol Taylor, who will take the necessary actions to address the matter or will seek advice from appropriate agencies on how to manage the issue. Below is the safeguarding email: safe uardin littleham tonba tistchurch.com FINANCIAL REVIEW V. W. The church raises the funds for the General account needed to carry on its activities from within its own membership and congregation, by means of regular offerings at services and regular giving via the banking system. In accordance with church policy, no wider public appeal was made for funds during the year. The most significant regular expenses are the salaries paid to the Minister, the cleaners, and children's workers. A grant of £350 was received from the local Council to buy equipment for the WOW Club (a children's after school club) During this year, the Church again relied on its members and friends serving in voluntary capacities in all its activities, thus making little impact on Church expenditure. Our income for 2024 was lower than that of 2023 and our expenditure for the year exceeded our income, mainly due to the substantial cost of resurfacing the church car park early 2024 and the increased cost of utilities. During the year we switched to British Gas for our utilities and anticipate a substantial saving as a result. Again, no progress was made regarding the exploration to redevelop the Church premises, this is due to the NHS Commissioning Group making no headway with their plans for the regeneration of the Hospital site next door. The premises were made available to local groups and organisations such as the Child Contact Centre, the Littlehampton and District Foodbank, the Littlehampton Players Operatic Society, and the Littlehampton Bonfire Society. During the summer holidays the church premises were hired by Belfairs Methodist Boys Brigade. 14
The Church designated 10 % of its General Fund income to the support of missionaries serving overseas, and charities in the UK. These were: Judy Cook at Hope Home in Thailand through BMS Turning Tides, Operation Romania Trust, Compassion, through whom we support 2 children, Creative Heart The Church also made other donations to the following local and national charities: BMS World Mission Spurgeon's Children's Homes The Littlehampton Foodbank The Church also gives 5 % of its General Fund to the Baptist Home Mission Fund, funding Baptist work and witness in the UK. The Trustees are aware that at some stage in the future, significant sums will need to be spent on the roofs of the Church buildings, and informal estimates suggest that the cost could exceed £100,000. This future expenditure is behind the reserves policy which suggests that £25,000 is needed for maintaining cash flow as well as the £100,000 potential repairs. The current reserves held of £47576 are therefore insufficient in the opinion of the Trustees. The Financial Reports for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted are set out in the accompanying financial statements. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION The correspondence address is: Littlehampton Baptist Church, Fitzalan Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5NY. office@littlehamptonbaptistchurch.org Registration number: 1134865 Independent Examiner: Mrs. Carol Boreham Bankers: Santander Bank and Baptists Together This report was approved by the Trustees on And signed on their behalf by DX/oS /2025 15
CHARITY COMM15510N FOR ENGLAND AND WALES LirrLEHAMPTON BAPTIST CHURCH Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period from To 0110112024 3111212024 Section A Receipts and payments Unrgstricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Lasty•ar to thè n8arest to the n8arest£ to th¢ near05t£ to the noar88t£ 10 tho n¢ar05t£ A1 Receipts Donations and Grants Projects and Events Olherincome Note 1 Noie 2 Note 3 79,417 908 13.615 655 80.073 908 13.515 86.422 823 13,038 Sub total(Gross income for AR) 93.840 655 94A96 100.283 A2 Asset and investment sales. {see table). Sub total 93,840 655 94,496 100.283 A3Pa ments Ministry C051s Project Costs Grfts Premises Costs Othersupport Costs Not8 4 Nole 5 Note 6 Note 7 Nola 8 34.304 4.002 12.5S4 51,415 10.226 34,304 4.002 13,287 61.330 10.226 15.425 648 15.702 45.500 9.101 734 9,915 Sub totsl 112,501 10.649 12J,149 90,375 A4 Assgt and investment urchase$, (sge table) Sub total 112.501 10,649 123,149 90.376 Net of receiptsi(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 18.660 1.218 67,454 47,576 9,993 1,218 13.531 4.756 28,654 9.907 80,985 52.331 9,907 CCXX R1 accounts ISSI 0710512025
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowmenl tunds to noar¢stE Categories Details to nearest£ to Th8arest£ B1 Cash funds Deptisit 39,$53 Current 8,020 4,766 Ca$h Total cash funds 47.576 4,756 (agree balanc0s1h retp1S paymBnts aG2OLMII511 Unrestricted funds Restrictèd funds to nearest£ Endowment funds Details to nearost£ to noarest£ B2 Other monetary assets Fund to whlch a55et belort Currentvalut tlonal Details C08t loptsonal Fund towhl¢h assot belon General Cost lopttonall Curr8nt value onal 2.832,60 Details Church Prernises Insurancè Valu6 B4 Assets retained for the charity's own use Manse premise$ In$urant* Vdue Gener 465N34 Fund to whl¢h relate$ Amounlduo onal Iljhen due onal Details B5 Liabilities SSgned by one or tsvo trustee5 on behalf ol all the truslees Signature Print Name Date of roval CCXX R2 accounts ISSI 0710512025
NOTES TO LIThLEHAMPTON BAPTIST CHURCH ACCOUNTS FOR 2024 page 1 of 3 General Fund Mission Other funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Note 1 Donations and Grants Church Offerings Gift Aid Grants Gifts I legacies Specified Gifts 56,058 11,408 350 11,602 56,058 11.408 350 11.602 655 £80,073 59.594 13,915 250 12,663 £86.422 655 £655 £79.417 £0 Nots 2 Projects and Events Events receipts Other income 908 908 823 £908 £908 £823 Note 3 Other Income Use of premises Miscellaneous Bank Interest 10.763 1.156 1,596 £13.515 10,763 1,156 1,569 £13.515 10,570 1,675 594 £13.039 Total receipts £93,840 £0 £655 £94,496 £100,284 Note 4 Ministry Costs Salaries and NIC Sundry expences Pension contributions Visiting speakers Home Groups 28,601 1.732 3.631 340 28,601 1.732 3,631 340 8,833 3.508 1,133 1.900 50 £15.425 £34.304 £0 £34.304 Note S Project Costs Salaries and NIC Childrens Clubs General PTojecl costs Youth projects Evangelism and Publicity 3,131 170 262 350 89 £4.002 3,131 170 262 350 89 £4,002 2,970 242 1,299 136 £4,648 Page 1
NOTES TO LIThLEHAMPTON BAPTIST CHURCH ACCOUNTS FOR 2024 page 2 of 3 General Fund Mission Olhei funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Note 6 Gifts Home Mission Fellowship Fund Specified Gifts ORT Sponsorship World Mission 4,544 300 4,321 300 434 90 7.920 £13,287 11,211 90 7920 £7.920 170 £15,702 £5.367 Nots 7 Premises Costs Church Utilities Church Insurance Cleaning salaries Cleaning and refuse Church Maintenance Live streaming equipment Manse Insurance Manse repairs Manse ulililies I telephone 13,419 3,081 3,971 2,582 28,538 13,419 3,081 3,971 2.582 28.538 11,990 2,999 4,807 2,295 18.910 602 5.404 3.734 £61,330 602 5.404 3,734 £61,330 456 2,357 1.685 £45,500 £0 £0 Note 8 Other support costs Catering Training Adminislralors salary Photocopier and stslionery Telephone l internet Office equipment and maintenance Licen$ and sub5CTlPtion$ Accountancy fees General expenses 805 60 805 60 524 20 3,263 2.036 3.263 2.036 2,963 1,202 13 3.766 3.510 3,510 551 £10.226 551 £10,226 612 £9,101 £0 £0 Page 2
NOTES TO LIThLEHAMPTON BAPTIST CHURCH ACCOUNTS FOR 2024 page 3 of 3 Note 9 Cash Funds Reip1S Payments Net Receiptsl Balance payments 31.12.23 Balance 31.12.24 Mission Account Fellowship Fund Building Fund 9,139 25 197 9.361 7,920 300 9,915 18.135 1.219 1275} {9.7181 -£8,775 2.789 826 9.915 £13.531 4,008 551 4,559 £4.756 Note 10 Specified Gifts Payments World Mlsslon account Judy Cook IBMS) Operation Romania Trust IORT) Ciealive Heart Turning Tides Compassion 2.000 2,080 1.600 1,600 640 7,920 Miscellaneous accounts Spurgeons Childcare BMS World Mission Foodbank Creative Heart 275 49 25 434 Note 11 Assets The Church is the benificial owner Isubjecl to Televanl trusts) of the following assets. the legal tittle of which is held by the Chuich's Custodian Trustee, the Baptist Union C0er9t10n Limited The church premises at Fttzalan Road Littlehamplon The Church manse at 34 St Flora's Road Littlehamplon £2,832.608 £465.434 All additions to the Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment are charged through the year Page 3
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Independent Examiner's Report ,:".. . Report to the trusteesl members of LJ TTLF HQmPTO.NJ qQtfi 13 1 LfrILJ.Qc On accounts for the year ended kn902 Charity no (if any) 1131p86r Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('the Trust") for the year ended 1112 J ?L•? Ik Responsibilities and As the charty trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention ( ) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's ststsment I have no COnrnS and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Ii1312025 Signed: Date: Name: flQoL Q0QFI Relevant professional qualification{s) or body (if any): Address: JTiTriGfo.pJ Afy)16 9aC IER October 2018