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2023-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Accounts 2023 For Edward Road Baptist Church

Charity Registration Number: 1140072

Treasurer – Dr. E Pennington Church Contact Number: 0121 256 2565

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0121 256 2565
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Contents

CHARITYSTATUS 3
MANAGINGTRUSTEES 3
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE ANDMANAGEMENT 3
RECRUITMENT& APPOINTMENT OFTRUSTEES 3
ORGANISATIONALSTRUCTURE 4
CHANGES IN2023 4
BAPTISTUNION OFGREATBRITAIN& HEART OFENGLANDBAPTISTASSOCIATION 4
CUSTODIANTRUSTEE 4
RELATIONSHIPSBETWEEN THECHARITIES ANDRELATEDPARTIES 4
OBJECTIVES ANDACTIVITIES 5
OBJECTS OF THECHARITY 5
STATEMENT OFFAITH 5
Vision 5
THEACTIVITIES AS SET OUT IN THE CONSTITUTION: 6
Moderator’s Report 6
FAMILIES- CHILDREN ANDOUTREACHREPORT 8
Fabric Report 9
TREASURER’SREPORT 10

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

For Edward Road Baptist Church

Charity Status

Edward Road Baptist Church was formerly an “excepted charity” under the Charities Act 1993. The Heart of England Baptist Association takes responsibility as custodian trustee for the church building. The church does not own a manse. The church was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission in its own right in January 2011, when its annual income exceeded £100 000.

Managing Trustees

The following are Managing Trustees of the Charity: Minister None (Interregnum) Secretary (Interim) Peggy Gouthwaite and Peter Jordan Treasurer Dr Eric Pennington Deacons Thelma Balfour Luke Boulton Eric Pennington Sheila Pennington Peggy Gouthwaite Peter Jordan Mike Peart (Resigned July 2023) Employed Workers:

Mariane Markwart (Children and Families worker)

Structure, Governance and Management

The Church means members of the charitable unincorporated association governed by the approved governing document of the Baptist Union of Great Britain which was adopted as its constitution on 5 October 2008.

Recruitment & Appointment of Trustees

The Church Ministers, Deacons, Secretary and Treasurer are the managing Trustees of the charity. The Ministers are trustees ex officio and the Minister is the Chair. The Deacons, Secretary and Treasurer are chosen from among existing church members.

Election is for an initial term of 3 years, which may be renewed. Elections are held at the Church Annual General Meeting by ballot. Nominees must secure a vote of at least 66% of those present and eligible to vote.

Organisational Structure

The Church is governed and regulated by its own members. All aspects of the work of the Church are subject to the approval of the Church Members’ Meeting which is normally held quarterly. The Ministers of the Church are paid Managing Trustees and with the Deacons helping to give leadership to the Church. The Deacons (including additional Ministers), Secretary and Treasurer assist the Minister in this role and together prepare the business for the Church Meeting.

Changes in 2023

Mike Peart stepped down from the deaconate.

Baptist Union of Great Britain & Heart of England Baptist Association

The Church is part of the wider Baptist family and is therefore a member church of the Heart of England Baptist Association (HEBA) and also 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 on its membership numbers and also makes donations to HEBA (Home Mission Fund) for the Baptist family in the UK (see accounts).

Custodian Trustee

The custodian trustee for the Church is the Heart of England Baptist Association (HEBA), which holds the deeds of the Church property:

Edward Road Baptist Church, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9LY

Relationships Between the Charities and Related Parties

For over 20 years the Church has maintained links with the Jericho Centre and the Jericho Foundation - two Christian charities initially established in the 1980 by the Church to offer support in Balsall Heath. The church also has a strong ongoing link with Reach Across who help us with interns who are often testing a call to work in ministry. The church hosts 2 other churches currently. We have a long standing relationship with Pastor Adedoja of CAC Bethel Apostolic Church, and we host an Evangelical Romanian Church on a Friday evening led by Pastor Viorel.

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Objectives and Activities

Objects of the Charity

The principal purpose of the Charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination.

Statement of Faith

As a Member of the Baptist Union the Church subscribes to the Union’s Declaration of Principle:

“That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and that each church has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer His laws.

That Christian baptism is the immersion in water into the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who ‘died for our sins according to the Scriptures; was buried, and rose again on the third day’.

That it is the duty of every disciple to bear personal witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to take part in the evangelisation of the world.”

As a member of the Evangelical Alliance, the church has adopted the Evangelical Alliance Basis of Faith. This can be found at http://www.eauk.org/about/basis-of-faith.cfm

Vision

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The Activities as set out in the constitution:

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Moderator’s Report

The past year at ERBC has been a year of consolidation and of moving forward to producing a Church Profile and beginning the search for a new Pastor.

It was important that the church should move along its drawing up a Church Profile and this was done by the Deacons and then the members with a Profile and an Ethos Statement being agreed by the church in September 2023.

The profile went live on the Baptist Union website in December 2023 but had received no interest by the end of January 2024

Whilst this was going on we had made an approach to Selly Park Baptist Church about a possibility of some kind of shared ministry and two meetings have taken place between the two lots of deacons. Selly Park have not as yet drawn up their profile and it is important that they do so before we progress much further.

We have also been talking with the Riverside Church who are looking for somewhere to hold a monthly gathering of their scattered congregations, these talks are ongoing.

We were sad to loose our long serving Church Secretary Mike Peart and thank him for his service to the church at ERBC

We give our thanks to Marianne for the tireless work she puts into the life of the church and we know that we would not be in the position we are without her enthusiasm and devoted work’

We press on into the next year with expectation that we make reach the end with a settled outlook for its future witness and Ministry .

Rev Kenneth Hawkings

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Families - Children and Outreach Report

It has been a challenging year in respect to children’s work, especially on Sundays. The challenge is that the attendance is unpredictable. Some Sundays during the year we have 12 children attending and others just 2. Also, the ages are between 4 years and 13 years old, the large gap in the ages also has enhanced the challenge. During most of the year we used the material of “Click” a Bible centered teaching material, and towards the end of the year used the videos “The Story Keepers”.

The midweek Parents & Toddlers group, ‘Sparklers’, started the year with a lot of new mums and kids. At the beginning of the summer, we went for a picnic day out to Martineau Gardens, most of the mums attended. It was a very joyful occasion especially for the kids. In September we had a Family Learning Workshop delivered by a member from the Community Stay and Play network. Three new volunteers also joined us making the work so much easier and enjoyable. Thank God for stirring hearts!

The weekly Bridge Kid’s Club started with good attendance but needed to be suspended for the lack of volunteers. Unfortunately, we have been unable to re-start.

At our “Light Party” this year, the hall was decorated with all kinds of lights. Children and their families went around various stalls throughout the evening including a cooking section. The result was phenomenal, with over 60 people attending the event: it was a lovely opportunity to share with the families of the community.

After lots of prayer and pondering, in September we re-launch our “Jericho Youth Club” for youth between 11-16 years old. We had an attendance of 12 young people regularly.

Our thanks go out to all the volunteers who have invested so much this year in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God for His faithfulness and for the opportunity to minister to His children and young people at Edward Road

Baptist Church.

Mariane Markwart

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Fabric Report

Edward Road Baptist Church is a grade II listed building, which provides benefits to the community both by its lovely appearance and by the many community events which are held in the building.

The yew tree was pruned. Repairs were made to guttering and roof tiles and the gutters were cleaned. Areas of interior water damage were re-plastered with lime plaster and decorated. The Youth Room was redecorated.

The annual gas inspection and service were carried out. The five year electrical inspection was done. The fire extinguishers were inspected and renewed as required. PAT testing was done.

Volunteers performed maintenance tasks including gardening, decorating and cleaning. Some individuals gave a lot of time throughout the year. I would like to thank all the volunteers.

S. Pennington

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Treasurer’s Report

The Church has two principal sources of income, namely

The Church spent more than it received in 2023 (by £1484). This deficit was funded from reserves. The Church held £135200 in its all its accounts on 31 December 2023. A total of £443 interest was earned in 2023 on the 2 savings accounts. A reconciliation adjustment was carried out for the current account in discussion with the independent scrutineer and the Church deacons increasing the end of year balance for the current account for 2023 from £14553 to £14686 so that it is in line with the bank statement for 31 December 2023 and provides a more accurate picture of the Church’s finances. The Trustees, in line with Baptist Union guidance, feel that it is prudent to keep a minimum reserve of 6 months running costs including the expectation of a full time minister (at present approximately £60000) in the savings account. The reserves currently are therefore satisfactory.

There was a decrease in receipts during 2023 compared to 2022. Expenditure in 2023 was similar to 2022.

The steps taken to reduce expenditure in 2020, 2021 ads 2022 in order to ensure the future viability of the Church were maintained in 2023 and have been successful. Giving to other mission organisations was able to be returned to 2020 levels. The aim and budget, if there were no changes for 2024, is for receipts of £53200 and payments of £48600.

Plans for Future Periods

The principal focus this year has again been on maintaining the fellowship and outreach via the ongoing services and outreach both from Church services and from from the Church website and its broadcast services along with pastoral care among the fellowship. Essential maintenance of the Grade 2 listed building will continue in 2024. There are no specific major projects planned regarding renovation of the Church building in 2024 but as in 2023 projects may be undertaken if a grant becomes available.

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Plans are being made to seek a replacement pastor. This will impact the budget as and when a suitable pastor is identified. Various options are being explored including shared working with a neighbouring Baptist church and cooperation with a local free church that does not have premises. Future employment of a pastor would be anticipated to grow and develop the Church, but would be initially funded from reserves. Without growth, we estimate that our reserves could fund a full time pastor for at least 3 years, or a half time shared pastor for up to 10 years. Due to the normal timelines for seeking a pastor, it is uncertain whether this process will be completed in 2024 or will continue further into the future.

Mariane Markwart joined the Church in September 2017 as a paid Children and Youth Team Leader. She is not a trustee of the Church.

All the trustees (with the exception of the pastor, post currently vacant) are unpaid volunteers.

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year. In doing so the trustees are required to:

i) Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

ii) Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

iii) State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

iv) Prepare the financial statements on the ongoing concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure that financial statements comply with charity law. The trustees are also responsible for safe guarding the assets of the Church and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Accounting Policies

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP).

Income from donations and other voluntary income are recognised on a received basis. The charity has not given any financial consideration for voluntary help received during the year, and is not able to quantify such assistance.

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Grants, gifts and donations were made to various organisations in the furtherance of the charity’s objectives. Monies received for specific causes are held as restricted funds pending remittance of monies to the appropriate beneficiary. The principal beneficiaries are listed in the statement off accounts.

Funds held by the charity are either Unrestricted General Funds which can be either used or designated in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees, or Restricted Funds which can only be used for their particular restricted purpose within the objectives of the charity.

Tangible Assets

The Church building is a historic Grade 2b listed building with a very long life and as such it is not practical or cost effective to place a value on the property or its land. The latest insured value is shown in the statement of accounts.

The Church does not own a manse or any other tangible assets.

Capital Expenditure Commitments

No capital expenditure, other than seeking and funding a new pastor as detailed above, is planned in 2024.

It is anticipated that necessary amounts will be spent on minor refurbishment and on routine maintenance, and that this amount will be met from the general income of the Church through the year.

Pension scheme liabilities

The Church is an employer participating in The Baptist Pension Scheme (“the BPS”). This is administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited).

From January 2012, pension provision for the Minister and a members of staff is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan within the BPS. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Legal and General Life Assurance Society Limited. In addition, the employer pays

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a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for BPS members in the event that they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva.

Benefits in respect of service prior to 1 January 2012 are provided through the Defined Benefit (DB) Plan within the BPS. The main benefits for pre 2012 service were a defined benefit pension of one eightieth of Final Minimum Pensionable Income for each year of Pensionable Service, together with additional pension in respect of premiums paid on Pensionable Income in excess of Minimum Pensionable Income.

The BPS, previously known as the Baptist Ministers’ Pension Fund, started in 1925.It was closed to future accrual of defined benefits on 31 December 2011.

The estimated employer debt as at 30 June 2022 (latest statement available) to the Baptist Pension scheme as informed to us by the BPS for Edward Road Baptist Church is as follows:

Estimated employer debt (Edward Road Baptist Church) £9600

The estimated employer debt has continued to reduce to this small amount. This is satisfactory. The Recovery Plan envisages deficiency contributions continuing until June 2026, but in August 2022 the deficiency contributions paid by Edward Road Baptist Church were reduced from £312 monthly to a nominal £1 per month and continue at this rate.

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Examiner’s Unqualified Report

Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees of Edward Road Baptist Church

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2023, below.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the charities act 2011 (the Charities act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

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 seeking 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 provide 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:

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have not been met; or

To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to

be reached.

Signed: Stephen A Howard

Date: 6 February 2024

Relevant professional qualification or body: N/A

Address: 20 Johns Grove, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 5DR

Annual Report and Accounts 2023 Receipts 2023 Edward Road Baptist Church 2022 2023 É51.047 £35354 HMRC G4ft Ail £9.420 £10,055 £127 £9n £2.853 £5yJ pattornl cl £53 8397 year totsls £63.447 £0 £8,8fy) £51.764 £20 £0 Total r•c•ipts £72,247 £51.784 £n.oo £SO,812 Page 16

Annual Report and Accounts 2023 Payments 2023 Edward Road Baptist Church £4355 £4770 OJ57 £152 U75 £L255 37 070 Column totals £54￿3 £0 £8.747 £53.249 £0 £20 YEAR TOTALS £63 630 £53 269

Annual Report and Accounts 2023 Slatemenl of Assets and ilabilities as of 31 December 2023 Cash Funds DeceM￿r 31st 2022 Detember 31st 2023 Cash funds at start of year £￿3050 £136.551 Current Actount U7PIO £533 balance at end of year £17.010 £14.686 National Savinp A¢count balance at end of year £49,427 £49￿10 Santander Savin8s Account S.fft3 Balance at end of year £70,115 £70.704 Total Cash Funds at ear end £136 $52 £135 199.92 Page 18

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Liabilities

The Church has a liability to the shortfall in the Baptist Pension defined benefit scheme quantified at 30 June 2022 (latest statement at approximately £9600 . This is being met by a monthly Deficiency Contribution and is additional to the pension contributions paid by the Church. In 2023 this had reduced to a £1 monthly.

Please see the explanatory section "Pension Scheme Liabilities" for a fuller explanation of these liabilities.

Note: The Church building is held in Trust by Heart of England Baptist Association who hold the deeds to the Church premises.