Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
**Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees’ Report and Accounts 1[st] October 2020 to 30[th] September 2021**
Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## Our Vision: ‘To be a Christ centred people demonstrating the love of God in the community’
## _Table of Contents_
|_Table of Contents_||
|---|---|
|Trustees’ Report for the Year 1stOctober 2020 to 30thSeptember 2021|3|
|Reference and Administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers|3|
|Charity Status|3|
|Managing Trustees|3|
|Principal Advisers|3|
|Structure, Governance and Management|3|
|Governing Document|3|
|Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees|3|
|Induction and Training of Trustees|3|
|Organisational Structure|3|
|Baptist Union of Great Britain and South West Baptist Association|4|
|Relationships between the Charity and Related Parties|4|
|Risk Management|4|
|Objectives and Activities|4|
|Objects of the Charity|4|
|Charity’s Aims|4|
|Declaration of Principal|5|
|Charity’s Main Objectives for the Year|5|
|Charity’s Vision and Values|6|
|Mission Statements|6|
|Achievements and Performance
|7|
|Pastor’s Annual Report
|7|
|Administration Annual Report
|8|
|Servanthood Annual Report
|9|
|Youth and Children’s Worker Annual Report|9|
|Family Support Worker Annual Report|10|
|Growth Groups Annual Report|11|
|Safeguarding and Pastoral Care Annual Report|11|
|Health and Safety Annual Report|12|
|Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club Chaplaincy Annual Report|12|
|Hospitality Annual Report
|12|
|Worship Annual Report
|13|
|Communication Annual Report|14|
|Building Development Annual Report|14|
|Property Annual Report
|14|
|Stewardship - Treasurer’s Annual Report|15|
|Trustees Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements|16|
|Signature and Declaration
|17|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|18|
|Financial Accounts for Period 1stOctober 2020 to 30thSeptember 2021|19|
|Appendix 1 - Definition of Restricted and Designated Funds
|22|
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## **Annual Report for the Year to 30[th] September 2021**
The Trustees are pleased to present their report for the year 1[st] October 2020 to 30[th] September 2021. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
## **Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers:**
## _**Charity Status**_
Brixington Community Church (Baptist) is a registered charity under the Charities Act 2011, Registered Charity Number 1139968.
## _**Managing Trustees**_
The church is administered by the Managing Trustees of the Charity comprising: -
Minister and Chair of Trustees Reverend S Atkinson
Administrator Miss P Hill Treasurer Mr G Hughes Elders Reverend R Elston Trustees/Deacons Mrs E Banfield Mrs M Carvalho Mr T Chadwick (Until Nov 20) Mrs J Clark Miss A Galashan Mrs C Littlejohn (from May 21)
## _**Principal Advisers**_
Bankers CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ. Independent Examiner Bush & Co Chartered Accountants, 2 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter, EX1 1QT.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
## _**Governing Document**_
The church’s governing document is a declaration of model trust dated 17[th] June 1974 which sets out the objects of the charity. The current land site has been occupied since 1972 when the first building was erected.
## _**Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees**_
The Administrator, Treasurer, Elders and Charity Trustees (Deacons) are the Managing Trustees of the charity and are chosen from among existing church members who show the reality of their faith by the consistency of their Christian character and by their loyalty to the cause of Christ. Annual elections are held at the church Annual General Meeting by ballot. Nominees must secure a vote of at least 60% of those present and eligible to vote.
## _**Induction and Training of Trustees**_
New Trustees appointed during the reporting period, receive one-to-one briefings with the Chair of Trustees on operational policy, the Charity Trust deed and Constitution. They are also briefed on the responsibilities of a Trustee based on the Charity Commission guidance booklet CC3 - ‘The Essential Trustee’ and in line with our Induction Policy.
## _**Organisational Structure**_
The church is governed and regulated by its own members where all aspects of the work of the church are subject to the approval of the church meeting which is normally held bi-monthly. The Minister of the church is a paid
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
managing Trustee and with the Administrator, Treasurer, Elders and Charity Trustees (Deacons) gives leadership to the church. The Administrator, Treasurer, Elders and Deacons assist the Minister in his role and are also responsible for preparing the business for the church meetings.
## _**The Baptist Union of Great Britain and the South West Baptist Association**_
The church is part of the wider Baptist family and is therefore a member church of the South West Baptist Association (SWBA) and of the national body, The Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB). Both organisations are registered charities. The church pays an annual subscription to BUGB based upon its membership numbers and donates to the BUGB (Home Mission Fund) for the Baptist Family in the UK.
## _**Relationships between the Charity and Related Parties**_
_Christians Together in Exmouth (CTE)_ - the church is an active member of the ecumenical partnership of churches in the Exmouth area.
The church also supports _Initiative in Christian Education (ICE)_ and _Open Door Exmouth_ . These connected organisations of the church exist as part of the work and mission of the church which are open to the community.
The church also allocates some of the Minister’s time to fulfil the role of _Chaplain to Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club_ .
_Exmouth Foodbank_ - the church contributes regularly to the foodbank (formerly known as Exmouth Community Larder) and several church members are involved in this project.
_Evangelical Alliance_ - The church is a member of The Evangelical Alliance which is an umbrella grouping for Evangelical Christians in the UK. Formed in 1846, the Alliance aims to bring Christians together and help them listen to, and be heard by, the government, media and society.
## _**Risk Management**_
The Trustees examine on a rolling basis all major strategic business and operational risks that the charity faces. Controls and action plans are developed to address any additional risks that are identified during this process.
A robust Risk Assessment has been undertaken in the light of COVID-19, to identify and implement the risks that the church faces during the Coronavirus emergency. The church is now considered as a COVID safe environment.
## **Objectives and Activities**
## _**Objects of the Charity**_
The Charity is established for the purposes of advancement of religion through the spiritual work of the church. These purposes include the provision and upkeep of the place of worship, carrying out religious services, the payment, housing and pensioning of a Minister of Religion and other persons employed for the purposes of a place of worship.
## _**Charity’s Aims**_
Under the Baptist Union Declaration of Principle (See page 5), Brixington Community Church seeks to be an active Christian community/fellowship bringing Christian witness and care to the area known as Brixington within the town of Exmouth. The church also acknowledges its Christian responsibilities beyond the local community and seeks to engage in both national and international situations.
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## **Charity’s Main Objectives for the Year**
The church continues to offer public worship on Sunday mornings and a selection of Mid-week Services have continued. During the start of the pandemic the church had been holding its Sunday morning Services online via Facebook and YouTube but has, from July 2021, been able to welcome people back into the church, which has been a great blessing to those who have not been able to view the online services.
Conversations continued with those who are interested in discussing their faith and the possibility of baptism and church Membership.
The church continues to be involved in Mission activities locally, nationally and internationally.
1. _Locally_ – Exmouth Food Bank, Initiative in Christian Education (ICE), the Open Door project, Seniors’ lunches, Coffee mornings, Messy Church, Brixington Family Support, Parent Pop In, Exeter Chiefs, Street Pastors plus other outreach events.
2. _Nationally_ - As part of Home Mission within the Baptist Union and Christians Against Poverty
3. _Internationally_ - Supports two individuals on short to medium term overseas mission as well as supporting the Baptist Missionary Society.
The church continues to develop and grow through Fellowship, Worship, Discipleship, Servanthood and Evangelism.
The church premises are situated in an ideal location within Brixington which makes the premises attractive for a wide range of community groups, organisations and other charities. Where possible and appropriate, the church aims to recognise the needs of the community and organise activities and support groups to meet these needs.
Work has continued throughout the year on the plans to develop the church buildings into a hub serving the growing needs of both church and community. This year £28,614 has been raised towards this goal.
At the end of another year in the life of Brixington Community Church, we give thanks and praise God for all that has been accomplished, and for the fellowship we have shared as we continue our journey together.
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## **The Charity’s Vision and Values**
## _**Vision**_
The Charity’s vision is ‘To be a Christ centred people demonstrating the love of God in the community’.
## _**Values**_
_Fellowship:_
We believe we are called by God to be part of His family (the body of Christ) in Exmouth expressing our faith through love for others.
_(John 13:35, Romans 12:10 & Hebrews 10:25)_
## _Worship:_
We seek to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, thus surrendering (offering) our lives as an act of worship.
_(Psalm 95:6-7 & Romans 12:1)_
_Discipleship:_
We seek to make disciples of all ages, encouraging people to grow and mature in faith by the study and application of the living Word of God through the power and the joy of prayer, which is at the heart of all we do and by the equipping (empowering) of the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us. _(Acts 2:42, Hebrews 5:13-14 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17)_
## _Servanthood:_
We believe that each person has been given gifts and talents to use to fulfil the plans and purposes of God in this and future generations by being fruitful and serving others.
_(John 13:14-15, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 2:10 & 1 Peter 4:10)_
## _Mission/Outreach:_
We aim to actively seek the lost and be a door of hope in the community by demonstrating and declaring the good news of Jesus Christ because we are convinced that He is able to save all who believe in Him. _(Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 19:10 & Acts 20:24)_
## **Mission Statements**
## _**Fellowship**_
_Church Family:_ We aim to encourage all people to live Christ centred lives. To:
- ➢ Value people of all ages and abilities.
- ➢ Encourage all members of the church family to have a role to play in the life of the church.
- ➢ Evaluate and empower people to use their skills.
- ➢ Offer support and training.
- ➢ Provide opportunities to know each other better by meeting together socially.
_Youth and Children’s Work_ _**:**_ Young people are important to the life of the church. We aim to:
- ➢ Recognise that they are individuals, having different backgrounds and different needs.
- ➢ Provide teaching and a variety of activities to serve the needs of all young people.
## _**Worship:**_
_Services:_ Worship is important to the life of the church and includes the study and application of the Word of God. We aim to:
- ➢ Develop services under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- ➢ Offer different styles of services to reflect the diversity of our community.
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
_Prayer:_ Prayer is important in everything we do. Therefore, we seek to:
- ➢ Promote the importance of prayer and provide the environment, support and resources for participation.
## _**Discipleship:**_
_Church growth:_ We believe that God desires this church to grow numerically and spiritually. We:
- ➢ Encourage personal spiritual growth at every stage of the Christian journey.
- ➢ Train, equip and release disciples.
_Growth Groups:_ Growth Groups are necessary for the spiritual growth of the church. We seek to:
- ➢ Encourage all members to become part of a Growth Group.
- ➢ Provide pastoral care within each Growth Group.
## _**Servanthood:**_
_Serving the community:_ Our aim is to demonstrate the love of God in the community by:
- ➢ Developing Brixington Community Church to be the hub of the community.
- ➢ Providing a place of sanctuary and support for the community.
- ➢ Facilitating a range of activities to support the needs of the community.
- ➢ Encouraging individuals to serve in the community.
_Buildings:_ Our aim is for the building to be an asset valued by both church and community by:
- ➢ Developing an attractive building to cater for a wide range of activities and to accommodate growth.
_Mission/Outreach:_ We believe everyone has a role to play in mission and outreach. Therefore we:
- ➢ Encourage people to make the most of mission opportunities in the community, and in their daily lives.
- ➢ Support those who are called to undertake local, national or international mission.
- ➢ Provide training opportunities.
- ➢ Provide opportunities to share relevant testimonies to encourage others.
## **Achievements and Performance**
## _**Pastor's Annual Report**_
Over the past year we have been operating under some form of COVID restrictions, this has been challenging on many fronts. The Trustees have spent time exploring how we might reopen the church as the lockdown restrictions were slowly lifted whilst complying with government guidance.
At first, we were able to open up in a limited way by inviting those who did not have internet access back into the building on a Sunday morning to watch the pre-recorded service. As restrictions were eased, we were then able to increase the number of people who could gather and we eventually made the switch back to live services on 25[th] July 2021.
The number of people who were accessing our online service was over a 1000 a week and it was clear that we needed to continue to live stream our Sunday services. To help improve the quality of our online presence we invested in purchasing new equipment. We have been delighted to hear the stories of people who have been watching us online and are now attending in person. The challenge for us going forward will be how do we engage in a meaningful way with our online community.
This has been quite a journey for us as a church as we have grappled with new technology. Bradley has played a key role which has enabled us to improve the quality of our live stream services.
We have not been able to run our usual programmes during the COVID restrictions and this has given the space to think about how we might do things differently. It has enabled us to rebalance the week rather than loading things on to one or two days.
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
At Christmas we were able to enlist a number of local choirs who helped us with our pre-recorded Christmas online Carol Service, and this proved very popular. We have also run an Alpha course online as we were not able to meet in person and this was very successful.
Our work with local families in need continues and builds upon the success of the previous years led by Kay. We have continued to deliver food weekly since the beginning of the pandemic and plan to continue to do this while the need exists. We have again received various grants that have helped us in this area of ministry. I want to thank the team who help regularly with our food deliveries, it really is a great practical way of demonstrating the love of God in the community.
Our school’s work has continued, and Bradley and I have been able to conduct assemblies via zoom and these have been well received. Bradley has also successfully managed to run a monthly Messy Church via zoom and this has helped us stay in contact with several families.
My thanks to our Elders and Deacons who have continued to meet monthly via zoom and especially to Tricia for her manning of the office during this period. Also, we have continued with our weekly prayer meeting which has been co-ordinated by Glenis. There have been some Growth Groups that have managed to continue to meet via zoom and as we came out of lockdown, we were able to launch several new groups.
Since the major restrictions of COVID have been removed, we have slowly restarted the church outreach events such as our coffee morning which has now moved to a Wednesday, Messy Church meeting in person, Growth Groups and Parent Pop-In.
Reverend Simon Atkinson Pastor
## _**Administration Annual Report**_
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” to quote the opening line from ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ by Dickens. This phrase seems to sum up the past year. In some ways we have had a bad year with pretty much everything put on hold again due to the pandemic. On the other hand, it has been a very good year with the church family looking out for each other on a grand scale. The kindness shown by some to their fellow man has been glorious to see and in doing so they have been treading the path forged by Jesus in showing the love of God in their actions.
The shortened format for the Sunday Services is well received by the 50 to 60 people who physically come to church on Sundays and the online viewing numbers are steady at around 1000. My thanks go to Bradley Goodwin who has really become a ‘whiz’ with all the ‘techy stuff’ that he has had to learn. He has coped admirably with all the vagaries of Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Zoom to name just a few!
The church is still complying with the Government guidelines regarding Covid-19 and people are still being encouraged to wear a face covering when walking round the building. Hand sanitising stations are placed at every door for people to use.
I can report that the church membership holds steady at 91 with one or two people exploring becoming a member. We have said goodbye to Janet Condliffe; John Vince; Elaine Crawford and Ray and Irene Massey this year. We miss them and remember them all with affection.
The Elders and Trustees have continued to meet each month to carry out the church business and put in place all the necessary procedures. A new ‘Complaints Policy and Procedure’ together with an amended COVID-19 Risk assessment have been written this year.
I would like to record my thanks to Eileen Banfield and Alwyn Galashan who are stepping down from their Trustee Roles this year. I have really appreciated all their help and wisdom during their tenures.
During the year our Office Assistant, Julia Dale, was furloughed because of the lockdown, returning to office duties in May this year.
I would like to thank you for all your support of the church over this last year – ‘well done’ folks.
Tricia Hill Administrator
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## _**Servanthood Annual Report**_
The pandemic continues to influence the work of the church and we are having to continually adjust the way in which we operate both with our local community and in the wider world.
For the second year running Brix Fayre did not take place and this was sadly missed by some members of the community. However, instead of the Fayre the team managed to run a stall at Bicton Gardens on two occasions and using the church gazebo resulted in many contacts and useful conversations with public.
_Home Mission:_ We continue to support Home Mission financially. Home Mission is all about helping Baptist churches and individuals to reach their mission potential and bring the love of God to their communities. It is the Baptist family purse, and each year thew Baptist Union has an appeal to raise money for Home Mission.
_Baptist Missionary Society (BMS):_ We continue to support the work of the BMS which gives such valuable aid to struggling churches across the world. Recently our Missionaries have been involved with the aid and distribution of vaccines and food in those countries who do not have the necessary infrastructure to provide for themselves.
Our community food programme continues to be a vital part of the church’s outreach and this has become a mammoth task for what is proving to be a dwindling workforce.
We continue to receive food from Tesco as well as the Coop and the distribution of food parcels to local families has become somewhat burdensome because of the loss of personnel. We continue to pray to the Lord of the Harvest to bring forth more workers.
Sue Elston
Person Responsible
## _**Youth and Children’s Worker Annual Report**_
I have now completed a full year as the Youth and Children’s Worker here at Brixington Community church which I have found both exciting and a challenge.
_Messy Church:_ We have continued with our online Messy Church on the first Saturday of the month. In so doing, we saw our average numbers grow from 11 children up to 15 children, with a higher end of 22 children. Whilst at Easter
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Messy church online
**----- End of picture text -----**
and Christmas higher numbers attended with 28 and 32 children taking part in the video calls. Some of the parents donated sums of money towards the cost of putting on these events, which enabled extra craft supplies such as coloured paper, lolly sticks, goggle eyes etc to help make more packs to be purchased. On the 03[rd] July we had our last online Messy Church, and to finish off the academic year we put on a Fancydress Messy Church with all the helpers and children dressing up over zoom. On the 11[th] September we were
able to welcome some children and their parents/guardians back into the church to restart an ‘in person’ Messy Church. At this session there were 17 Children plus their parents/guardians plus the volunteers who help at these functions. Thank you to all those wonderful people who do come and support, because without you – there would be no Messy Church!
First messy church back in the church
_‘Shine’ Children’s club:_ We were unable to put on the Shine Children’s Club
this year due to Covid 19 restrictions and as a church we did not feel that it would be safe to do so. For the first time in over a year, on the 18[th ] of September, we opened the doors again. Since then, we have put on the club each week.
_Schools work:_ We have continued to have an input at two of the local schools in the Brixington area (Bassetts Farm Primary and Brixington Primary Academy). This has been achieved in several ways. One of the ways was to continue
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
to pre-record a school assembly and then, using the ‘Movavi’ editing software, edit video clips recorded in the church with an action worship song and bible story video. Once the school assembly had been edited this was then up-loaded to You-tube. Then the link for the video was sent to the schools who could then access the assembly. By doing the school assembly this way, it meant we could reach a larger number of students as the whole school could view the assembly each week. Since the children have been back at school (September 2021) we have been about to try a different a hybrid school assembly which meant we had a year group from the school in the school hall to watch the assembly and then the rest of the school would join in the assembly via a Zoom link. Simon and I found that, with the equipment school had available, we were very limited in what we could accomplish. However, the church has since upgraded the church’s sound and vision desk with newly purchased “tech” equipment, so we are now able to livestream school assemblies from the church via a zoom link. With Bassetts Farm Primary School we were able to have the year 3 classes up to the church over two days for a talk to help the children in their studies. This is a great opportunity to share the Good News of the love of God to the young people in the schools.
Bradley Goodwin Youth and Children’s Leader
## _**Family Support Worker Annual Report**_
Another year of disruption and furlough it has been a challenging year. I am sure we are all more resilient and adapting well.
The Thursday food bag deliveries have continued throughout the year and since October 2020 to end of September
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Preparing the Food Deliveries
**----- End of picture text -----**
2021 we have made 1,405 deliveries. The Lord has been blessing, through us this year, five thousand individuals with food bags to feed over 5,066 People. Christmas 2020 the team were able to deliver and bless many with fresh foods on Christmas Eve and from a Council grant we gave meat or Tesco vouchers to each family. This fantastic team are Jan, Janet and Bill, June, Jayney and myself along with Sue and Stuart who have joined the team recently. We deliver about 30 bags every week.
Thank you for all have given money or food for
extras for these food bag deliveries. The fresh foods mainly come from Fairshare, using leftover supermarket food. Simon our Pastor collects the donations every Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Plus, sometimes on a Saturday night and Sunday morning.
'Parent Pop In' restarted on Thursday 20th May 2021 from 1pm to 3.15pm. Taking place in the Sanctuary to give more space and better social distance for the many new families coming into our Church. With Covid restrictions and wearing masks our group had to be pre booked to attend to start with.
The first session showed the desperate need for a family group. 31 people came. During only 13 sessions, we've had over 267 visitors. Babies from just 3 weeks old through to Grandparents with Great Grandchildren. At 'Parent Pop In' we have been honoured to have been told parent's life stories. They have
Parent Pop In
disclosed their troubled lives and have felt the love of Jesus in return.
One lady came to the group with her young baby. She soon relaxed enough to chat to us and unburdened her pain that a few months ago her husband went to work and never came home. He had died from an aneurysm. Their first
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
baby was only 4 weeks old. We shared her pain. She has come again and I was able to give some bereavement course details from Care for the family. We hope to see and support her regularly at Parent Pop In.
We have provided a safe friendly environment to help parents and their children to socialise again. Issues of loneliness, financial hardship, heartache and major health are among the issues the team have heard and been a listening ear. This fantastic team that I head are Debbie, Bradley, Ammie, Maria, Simon, Michelle, Donna.
'Parent Pop In' is a cafe with play activities for children. A social space to relax and unwind.
Floating Family Support has continued in the Pandemic this year with zoom, teams, video and telephone calls, as well as visits when allowed again in their homes. Finances have been top of the agenda for learning a new life skill. I have run courses and presented four "Why budget" course certificates during one month. With this extra support, many families have needed us to offload too and problem solve together. It is an important starting point to build up self esteem and a positive family life style.
The Family Barbecue on 21 August was a great success with so many of the families we support coming along. With these new families, we have families joining in our other Church activities including Coffee and Cake, watching online services, Growth group, plus Messy Church online and in person. With new groups starting up the Church is reaching out even more in the community and able to offer something special, the love of Jesus.
Kay Atkinson Family Support Worker
## _**Growth Groups Annual Report**_
Growth Groups are an important part of the life of the church where we encourage discipleship and a place where we grow in fellowship with others.
Since COVID a small number of groups have continued to meet virtually over zoom. This has proved helpful to those in the fellowship who were able to be a part of these groups. Following the lifting of COVID restrictions we have been able to start meeting in person and we have taken the opportunity to launch a number of new groups. I would like to thank our Growth Group leaders for all the work they invest in preparing, leading and caring for their groups each week.
Reverend Simon Atkinson Trustee responsible
## **Safeguarding and Pastoral Care Annual Report**
_Safeguarding:_ Brixington Community Church (BCC) aims to provide a safe and creative place for children, young people and adults in a vulnerable situation to be valued and nurtured.
The church has a robust safeguarding policy structure in place and a reporting procedure for issues of concern. Our policy demonstrates that every member of the fellowship has a part to play in creating and valuing a safe community. Within the policy there are also guidelines for 'best practice' for all who work alongside the vulnerable, along with an efficient and prompt system to respond to any safeguarding issues surrounding children, young people or adults in a vulnerable situation.
The policy statement is read out annually to the fellowship at the AGM, who are reminded of our collective responsibility for the well-being of all and the reporting procedure in the event of any concern.
Our safeguarding team of Lead Trustee, Safeguarding Administrator, Youth Worker and Family Support Worker meet every 6-8 weeks with an agenda of overview and support. Our relationship with the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service workers (CCPAS) and the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub team (MASH), ensures that the Lead Trustee can process any urgent reported concerns within 24 hours to the appropriate authorities or support services.
All who work alongside the vulnerable groups are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked and have received 'Safe to Grow' and 'Safe to Belong' training. In addition, our existing policy for 'Working Alone' is also implemented into our working practice. A risk assessment is prepared and carried out before any activities, both on and off-site, can take place. These risk assessments also include activities such as senior lunches, youth work and family visitor home visits.
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
The Lead Trustee reports to the church Trustees at their monthly meetings.
_Pastoral Care:_ The primary purpose of Pastoral Care at BCC is to care, support and nurture people so that the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is a resource for every situation.
Although the primary responsibility for Pastoral Care lies with the Pastor, he is assisted by the Elders and Trustees. They review the pastoral needs of the congregation at their regular meetings.
Pastoral Care is also exercised through the prayerful and practical support through smaller Growth Groups. The telephone Prayer Chain, which exists for members of the fellowship facing immediate crises, ensures a prompt prayer support when needed.
The church office and growth group leaders have remained a point of contact for anyone experiencing difficulties with shopping, medication collections, hospital appointments, or needing a re-assuring chat or visit during these difficult times, whilst exercising all the required pandemic precautions during this year.
It has been heartening to see how caring and supportive all fellowship members have been for one another during this year.
## Jill Clark
Trustee Responsible
## **Health and Safety Annual Report**
There is a Health and Safety policy in place which the church follows.
The Health and Safety Policy has been reviewed and updated where necessary this year.
The building continues to be monitored for any defects, and if any are found they are dealt with as a matter of urgency in the most appropriate way.
The Emergency Fire Exit signs were checked after lockdown and four were found to be defective. These have all been replaced. These are all checked once a month and recorded in the Fire Safety Log Book.
Stuart Sutton has undergone the required training to become a ‘competent person’ to undertake PAT Testing. He now works alongside Eric Archer testing all the church electrical equipment. This is no small job and I record my thanks to both for undertaking this vital task.
Tricia Hill
Trustee Responsible
## _**Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club Chaplaincy Annual Report**_
This is my eleventh season as Chaplain to Exeter Chiefs, however due to COVID-19 I have been unable to carry out my usual visits during the last twelve months which has been frustrating whilst at the same time understandable. Instead, I have been able to offer telephone support as and when required.
I have maintained regular contact with the Team Manager, and I am hoping that normal service will be able to restart week commencing 11[th] October; this means that it will have been 19 months since I have visited the club in person. I understand from the club that they value the chaplaincy ministry and are grateful for the time that is invested.
I would like to thank John Bussell for his support in this important ministry as we seek to serve the club through chaplaincy.
Reverend Simon Atkinson Chaplain to Exeter Chiefs
## _**Hospitality Annual Report**_
We have now been able to resume almost all activities except coffee and chat after the Sunday morning services due to the pandemic.
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
_Coffee Mornings:_ Our Coffee Mornings continue to be popular, though we would love to see more church members supporting this important ministry. We have had an average of 26 people attend each week. There is a Team of 12 volunteers and we are presently praying for 4 more volunteers to join the team.
_Seniors’ Lunches:_ Senior Lunches are unfortunately still on hold due to the Covid-19 concerns.
_Parent Pop in:_ This event is proving to be more and more popular with children and adults too.
_Messy Church:_ This has been a regular online event since the March 2020 Lockdown. It sees an average of 20+ children and accompanying adults enjoying lots of crafts and creative play. It is an event very much enjoyed by all who attend and by the volunteers too!
The first one to take place, actually ‘in person’ at church, was held in September and this was very successful and very much enjoyed by all who participated, creating a very happy and joyful atmosphere. The work Bradley is doing, together with all the volunteers, is very much appreciated.
A sincere thank you to our Pastor Rev’d Simon Atkinson, Mrs. Kay Atkinson (Family Support Worker), Mr Bradley Goodwin (Youth Worker), Miss Tricia Hill (Administrator), the Trustees, and all the volunteers who always work tirelessly and selflessly before, during and after these events to provide such a high standard.
May the Lord bless you all abundantly!
Maria Carvalho Trustee Responsible
## _**Worship Annual Report**_
The prayer life and worship life of the church has changed once again as we have begun to cautiously re-open the church buildings from lockdown.
At the beginning of this process, we reminded ourselves that things would probably never be quite the same in the light of the ongoing pandemic, and that we would have to become more creative in the way that we shared the gospel and interacted with the world. This is perhaps not such a bad thing, but it is understandable that some folk who "wanted to get back to how things used to be" would find the process of change a little uncomfortable.
Our increased use of online technology has led to a much broader and worldwide ministry, as well as giving people nearer to home a taste of what Brixington Community Church is all about. We are delighted that some new people have come along to our morning services in the church, having tried us out online first.
We have also revamped the prayer chain ministry using WhatsApp which has eliminated the "Chinese whispers" element of prayer chains as well as making the administration of the ministry easier and more efficient.
We continue to use the 'l sing' worship application and have expanded the repertoire of songs from time to time.
During lockdown and now with the easing of some restrictions, the Elders have continued to meet for prayer and to discuss whatever changes the government has announced. We are monitoring the use of covid precautions and continue to encourage the use of masks and sanitiser when people are entering or moving around within our buildings.
We have introduced a monthly evening worship service which is designed to be freer and less structured than our morning worship. These services will not be broadcast online and will therefore allow for more congregational participation. We await to see what God will do with these services and how they develop.
In the light of all of this, as Elders we continue to wait upon God for our future development and direction. Our call is still to share the gospel and to reach out to our neighbours in whatever way is possible and to that end we will continue to pray for the wisdom that only God can give.
Reverend Rod Elston
Trustee Responsible
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## _**Communication Annual Report**_
I joined the Diaconate at the AGM in May 2021 (which had to be postponed because of lockdown) and took on responsibility for Communications. I would like to thank Eileen Banfield for her invaluable support as she ‘walked me’ through the role. Since then, the church’s website has been reviewed and updated. All the printed notices in and around the church have also been reviewed to ensure that these are up-to-date and relevant.
This year the Sound and Vision Desk has been upgraded with new equipment, which includes a new laptop, a video camera, video switcher, stage lighting, and replacing the old projector screens with two 82” TV Monitors. These improvements have enabled us to improve the quality of our on-line presence during the live streaming of our Sunday Morning Services. The purchase of this equipment was helped by several generous donations, for which we give thanks.
We continue to use Facebook and YouTube as a means of communicating with the local community about our events and services. Our online services have been reaching over 1000 people weekly which is excellent. As a result of our online presence, several people have started attending Sunday Services in person.
Christine Littlejohn
Trustee Responsible
## _**Building Development Annual Report**_
Over the past two years Geraint and I have looked at over 100 organisations as potential grant funders, 70 for BDF and 30 for Family Support, and this resulted in nearly 50 applications forwarded to a range of funders.
The onset of the pandemic meant that most funders have received twice their normal number of applications and have therefore prioritised groups and charities who work with the frontline of Covid support, mental health and those affected by the pandemic. This has meant that, sadly we have not been successful in securing grant application funding for the Building Project. The one grant of £25k which we conditionally received has also been withdrawn because of the slow progress towards the physical building work. Larger funders also took the view that - while they were interested in the project - we should come back when we have raised 50-70% of the funding!
More successful was the securing of local council funding for Covid and Family-related support, which has been especially helpful and has also supported the food distribution from the church. We continue to keep an eye on local funding opportunities.
A total of £28,614 has been raised from members' giving and donations, from small-scale fundraising during the year, and a generous legacy of £6k from the estate of Dennis Keay, who was one of our regulars at Coffee Morning and Seniors’ Lunch, which was much appreciated. All this activity has contributed to a total BDF balance of £346,094 including gift aid and which includes £50k of designated funds.
Many thanks to all of you who have continued to fundraise towards the new build or who have contributed in any way.
Eileen Banfield Trustee responsible
## _**Property Annual Report**_
I am pleased to report that the Church building is in a reasonable state of repair. Priority has been given to those areas where there have been potential health and safety issues. If any have been noted, they have been rectified as soon as possible.
Below is a summary of the main repairs that have been undertaken this year:
- ➢ Four Security Cameras have been fitted to the external areas of the church
- ➢ Four new heaters have been installed to replace the unserviceable ones
- ➢ The roadside Notice Boards have been refurbished
- ➢ The Ladies toilets have been repainted
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
- ➢ The wall in the car park has been painted
- ➢ A drainage channel has been dug and piping laid to help with rain run off by the new Fire Escape doors to the Sanctuary
- ➢ All window and door frames have been resealed ready for the winter
- ➢ Parking Bollards have been fitted near the front door to ensure vital emergency ingress and safeguard the pedestrian access.
My thanks go to Bill and Janet Carver who have given the Sound Desk a much needed face lift. Thanks also to Chris Wright who earlier this year fitted Parking Bollards by the front door.
## Tricia Hill
Trustee Responsible
## _**Stewardship - Treasurer’s Annual Report**_
As part of the Church’s vision and values, the role of the Stewardship team is to provide good stewardship of the church’s financial resources by:
- ➢ ensuring the church’s Trustees are accountable to the church members, and meet the legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, HMRC and the Baptist Pension Scheme
- ➢ ensuring sustainable budget planning for the church by monitoring and advising on expenditure, and maximising income including Gift Aid
- ➢ enabling and supporting teams and individuals in their ministries by managing church funds to provide "tools for the job"
- ➢ promoting generous giving as people feel led, as a reflection of their Christian life
- ➢ supporting the progress of the Building and Development project (BDF)
Each year at the AGM the Treasurer presents a draft budget on behalf of the Trustees for the new church financial year. Once approved by members, this is then monitored monthly throughout the year and circulated to the Trustees with an analysis by the Treasurer of income and expenditure issues, projections and trends.
The Trustees are again especially thankful for the consistently generous giving by members during this continuing Covid year of 2020/21, which has again seen timely provision by God for the church's ministries within the fellowship and to the wider local community, especially families and young people.
_**Income** :_ Sources of income included regular giving, donations, legacies, Gift Aid, property letting, premises hire, and council locality grants and other small grants funding. In a difficult year, church members continued to give generously, and it was especially encouraging that the overall income target of £119,000 was met and in fact exceeded.
The year target of £69,000 for weekly offerings was exceeded by £1330, with these gifts providing over 53% of total income (excluding BDF the Building and Development Fund). Income was maximised by Gift Aid refunds from HMRC of £13,219 to the general fund (10% of total income), and £4042 to BDF. The church's development of its online ministries including Sunday Services and Messy Church benefitted immensely from £13,164 in legacy-related income, and £9,160 from locality grants and donations for Covid/Food Distribution support was not only welcome but essential.
Alongside its regular Coffee mornings and Seniors’ Lunch activities for local people and church members, as a Community Church Brixington also hires its premises to link with local community groups, hosting activities including craft sessions, a dance group and Slimming World, as well as being a regular polling station. The closure of church buildings under Covid restrictions for over half of the church's financial year reduced income which normally contributes to meeting annual running costs for utilities, cleaning, maintenance etc to £5102, but this was offset by other incoming revenue. Together these regular sources contribute to over 15% of the church’s income.
The Building and Development Fund (BDF), set up to support the proposed new Community Hub and church centre build costing over £3m is a major and ambitious commitment for the church. A total of £28,614 has been raised from members' giving and donations, from small-scale fundraising during the year, and a generous legacy of £6k. These
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
have contributed to a total BDF balance of £346,094 including gift aid and which also includes £50k of designated funds.
Savings investments - primarily BDF funds - brought a welcome return of £3,732 in interest from a mix of one-year and two-year bonds, but in the new uncertain economic climate with historically low interest rates this is not likely to be repeated.
_**Expenditure** :_ The expenditure budget represents the various areas of ministry and church activity covering Fellowship (Community, Children and Families outreach), Worship, Discipleship (including training and development of staff and volunteers) and the committed/ fixed costs under Ministry support (i.e. staffing, payroll and pensions), Administration, Finance and Property-related.
The overall expenditure budget of £119,000 came in at a manageable total of £115,273 with some property improvements made including work undertaken on installing new/replacement heaters, along with decorating in the hall and toilets and necessary building maintenance. Staffing- related expenditure comprised over 51% of total spend.
The Servanthood umbrella includes the church’s corporate giving to the work of other Christian organisations both locally and nationally including Open Door/ICE, Baptist Missionary Society (BMS), Home Mission Fund (HMF) and Christians Against Poverty (CAP). This year's total of £12,025 to these and other causes including members working in Romania and Africa equated to 10% of total income. Open Door works locally with families and socially isolated people, particularly men, with homeless people, and in providing additional support and safe haven activities for students at the second largest Community College in the UK.
_Financial Review of Accounts:_ The church showed a total surplus of cash in the year of £43,834 (2020: £33,528) but this also included legacies. Restricted funds total £302,189 (2020: £269,564) which are held for specific purposes for community mission, youth work, Building Development Fund (BDF), legacies, and grants for the relief of COVID. The Designated funds total £53,796 (2020: £56,728) which have been designated for youth work and the BDF. This leaves cash held in unrestricted funds of £75,140 (2020: £60,999) _but note £52,000 of this amount are unrestricted reserves stipulated as below._
_Reserves Policy:_ As part of the assessment of financial risks under the church's Finance Policy, the Trustees have stipulated that unrestricted reserves of £52,000 are maintained (subject to annual review) as part of the church's general funds. This is made up of £25,000 to ensure salaries and related costs can be met in the event of extenuating or extraordinary circumstances e.g. impending church closure, staff reductions, and £27,000 to cover regular operating costs for a 3-month period if the church cannot maintain an adequate level of net income for any unforeseen reason.
My thanks as always to Katie Hughes and Judith Watson for their highly-valued support and continuing commitment every week all year long toward ensuring that stewardship of the church’s finances does what it should. Most of all, a big Thank You to all members and friends as you have felt led to celebrate God's generosity by being generous yourselves.
Geraint Hughes Treasurer
## _**Trustees Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements**_
The law applicable to Charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the Charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- ➢ select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
- ➢ make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
- ➢ state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements
- ➢ prepare the financial statements on a regular basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
_**Signature and Declaration**_
I declare in my capacity as Chair of Charity Trustees that:
- ➢ The Trustees have approved the report above and
- ➢ Have authorised me to sign the report on their behalf
Signed:
Reverend Simon Atkinson Pastor
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRIXINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH (BAPTIST)**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 30 September 2021.
## **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(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 the seeking of explanations from you as 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:
1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.
have not been met; or
2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Matthew Melksham FCCA Bush & Co Limited 2 Barnfield Crescent Exeter EX1 1QT
Date: 24 March 2022
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## _**Financial Accounts for Period 1st October 2020 to 30th September 2021**_
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## _**Financial Accounts for Period 1st October 2020 to 30th September 2021 - continued**_
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## _**Financial Accounts for Period 1st October 2020 to 30th September 2021 - continued**_
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Brixington Community Church (Baptist) Trustees Report 1[st] October 2020 – 30[th] September 2021
## _**Appendix 1**_
## _**Definition of Restricted and Designated Funds**_
## **Restricted funds**
These are funds that can only be used for particular, restricted, purposes within the Church’s objectives and ministries.
## **Designated funds**
These are funds designated by the Trustees for specified purposes or projects.
## **Building Development Fund**
These funds are for the preparation and eventual building of a new Brixington Church and Community Hub.
## **Outreach and Community Mission Funds**
Money donated for the sole purpose of mission and community outreach projects in Exmouth and specifically in the Brixington Community.
## **Youth and Children’s Funds**
This is where grant monies, donations and subscriptions from weekly activities are placed to purchase items and equipment to support the young people’s work and related activities.
## **Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) and Home Mission Funds (HMF)**
Monies are held in these funds pending donations to the BMS and HMF solely for their respective use.
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