Great Shelford Free Church Annual Report of the trustees for the year ended 31" March 2025 CharttyNam0.' Great Shelford Free Church IBapt18tl also known 83 GSFC Regl$trotlon Number.. 1141345 Address." Gr88tShelford Frne Church IBaptlstl Ashen Green Gfeot Shelford CB22 SEY Propgrty Tru8ts08.' The B8PtI8t Union Corporatlon Baptist House 129 Broadway Didcot Oxfordshir8 OX118RT Tru8toes'. (Leadorshlp Team) Mrs Diana Parr Mrs Liz Jenkin Mr Laurenc8 Wood Mrs lillian H8rdwick MrStuartW8tt Mr Colin Jefferson Mr Chrisiopher Smith Nr Grahgm Briscoe Mrs Flon8 Joel Pastor Elder Elder (from 28 April 20241 Secretary Church Tr898urer Deacon Deacon Deacon Deacon 8&nk•rs.' Barclays B8nk plc CAF B8nk Independent Examlner.. Mr John Stirr8t FCCA. Haidc88tle Burton (Newmarket) Limited. Chartered Certifi'ed Account8nt3 Pastorfs Letter Dear friends As we prep8re the reports for the Annual General Meeting it is a good opportunity to look back ovor all that has been happerbing in our churoh community, recognlsing where God has been at work amongst us. and where He is moving. as we consider ifthere are areas which need to be laid down and areas which need to begin or be extended. Ov8r th8 course of this18Styear. il has been encour8glngto See seveial newfolkjoin the congregation and begin to feel ai home amonggi ug, and io welcome some of these into membership has been 8 rè81 blessing. But 8S W8 thank God for this gr0￿h in numbers. we also consider ways in which we can all. as individuals and as a body of Christ, grow dèepar In our relatlonshlp wlth Him. Our verse of the yearfor 2024 encourAged us to acknowledge God Sn ev8ry part of our Ilves, allowing HIM to direct our p8th8; and a sermon series on the Holy Spirlt en8bled us to reflect on the w8ys in which He guid88. leads and gifts us to do th8 t8sks to which He h89 C811ed us. These are ati matters for which we can be thonkful. The year has b8en a busy one. wlth much happenlng. both in the activities mentioned in the r8ports but also In other events. such os the Alive COUTSO, which we ran over five Sunday evenings immediately after E8St8r, at the very beginnlng ofthls period. It was erbcouroging to engage with those from all w81k8 of life and diff8ient stage8 of laith journey, we contirbU8 to connect wlth those who attended and pray that we will See them grow In faith and make commiiments to follow jesus. 18m aL80 thankful that we have continued to work collaboratively with other faith or8ani98tion8.' Romsay Mill, as We support the work of Cora Cotte¢ shop. providing much needed 5pa¢o for people to connect 8nd witness failh at work- 8nd our friends at St. M8ry'8 pBrish church 8s we h￿8 together orgBnlsed and delivered Open Space, Remembrance So￿lc8S, Outdoor Chrl8tma8 Carol8 and joint Prais8 and Prayer 8eNlces. Itlg 8 posltlve witness to the community that we work with other churches and faith-based charities together in this village, and 8 matter for eontinued prayer as we look for ways to develop a mole collaborative ministry going torward. Howevor. as alwey$, in Looking back and giving thank3, we also pause for a moment to look forward a8 we consldef our hop88 and dre8m8 for the future. Our verge for 2025 is from 2 Tlmothy 1..6, 'Fan into flame the gift of God that is n you through the laying on of hands, and 13 8 remindef 10 US that we must not become complacent but 8tir up and continue to recognise and grow 811 that God h8S Put into e8ch one of us to be u$od for his glory, May God continue to ble8S US a8 We Strlve to b8 HIS witn88888 In this plece. In the woy He leads us by His Splrit. Diana Parr Pastor Church Secretary's Report 18aid 18Styear th￿ it was dauniing startingwith a bt8nk plece trying to do justice to the work of the church and it is no easier this year. We have spent quite a lot of the year looklng for an A8818t8nt Minister waiting on thg Lord to provide the right person. and as I write this we are still waiting for God's perfect timlng. The church is grateful for Di8no as she hos carried the majority of the addrtional108d and for th6 band of falthful volunteers who have supported her. As we go into a new financi8ly88r, we are expectant that th8 Lord will hear our prayer. We praise God that Laurence Wood was elected to the role of Elder in April and forthe support he and Liz have provided to Di8n8. Writing this list. I'm always aware it is a dangerous activty with the re818nd present dangerthBt I forget something or somebody. Please forgN8 me rf I h8v8 inadvertently missed your eveni. It cert8inlywasn't d81iberate and hopefully across allthe reports it will have been mentioned. The one thing we can be cgrt81n of is that God mlsses nothing, even if I do. The period we are rememberlng in this report is 1"April 2024 to 31It Narch 2025. Egster happened ot the end of the 188t flnanc181 y88r and wo$ reported on in Lost yeaT'8 report. We were present at the Feast weekend Bnd ran the some event 88 last ye8r, allowing people to spin 8 wh8elto'win' 8 prize based on the miraclos of Jesus as it had proved vory popuior. This yeAr there were fewer stalls, so w8 were abl&to speakto mor8 people. Noonewent home empty h8nded: everyonetook home the 3toryofthe miracle, a little more knowledge of Jesus and a prlze. Tha auiumn proved 8 busy$o8$on. Wewelcomed new nelghbour3 a88 Ukrainian famlly,. a mum and two chlldT8n moved inio the manse. undefthe South Camb8 Homes for Ukralne scheme And received a TesurfoC8d carpark which hBg significantly tidied up the exterior of the church. We ran an HBIIow's Eve event for the village children and had some really good conversations. We Joined with St M8ry's for Rem8mbr8n¢¢ Sunday and saw an increase in the number of people attending possibly helped by the council closing the road. We were gratefulto the Plough for providingthe 818Ctricity and tables for the r8fre8hments. We have begun and continue to grow 8 deepening fellowship with the resldents 8nd staff Qt Borley Manor Care home in Ihe village joining th8m for song8 of preise 8nd se￿iCe8. As Christmas 8ppr08ched. we had a shoe box p8ckln8 day for Operation Christmas Chlld in the church and 8 ¢8ke sale to pay for postsge. Ml8sion at home 8nd abroad remalns 8n Important fo¢us forthe church. We made Christingles 08 the Christmas lights were switched on and took part In the trpvelling nativltywith St Mary,. We also held 8 time of reflection on Friday mornings during advent. Sever81 membersjoined Greot Chesterford Congregation81 Church for their carol service. We held a range of Services during Oecember prgising God for the birth of His Son, our Saviour includlng the Chiistmas Eve caiols by fairy Ilghts which w8$ W811 attended by church f8mily members and villagers, A8 the new c81end8rye8r started, we held 8 covenant sevvlce, 8 week of prayer 8nd Signed 8 new leo88 with Cara Coffee. W8 also jolned with Christians around the world ond took part in G8th8125. 8 wonderful evening of praise and worship. We continue to pr8yforfamili88 to join us. grateful that God has started to onswerthat prayer 8s we welcomed a newfamilywho have decided to worship with us reguL8rly. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us in the yoar ahead. Membershlp On 31" March 2025the church had 80 memb8rs. two ofwhom do nol currentlyworshipwith us.Weare awaiting 8 request to tr8nsfertheir membership to their new ¢hur¢h. We welcomed into membership Margaret Cleth8ro6 and Frank and Helen Dixon during thg year. We are sad to report that Margaret Smith died in February but give thBnks that she is nowwith the Lord. Leadershlp Team The leadership team and elders met monthly and used th8 meetlngs for piay8r 8nd to discuss church busln8ss. The newly resurrected monthly admin meetlng enabled the le8d8rshlp team to delegate some of the practical business to a 5ubs8t of188ders, whilst ietaining oversight of all d8clslons. Stuart W8ttwa8 re-elected Tr88surer in October 2024 and Colln Jefferson w88 re-elected 88 De8con in M8rch 2025. We aTe grateful for theirwillingness to stand and allthe work they do for the church fellowship and thè community. Short mlnlstry reports now follow Chlldren and Young People's work Kid5, Club and Youth Group Klds, Club and Youth Group were properly re-e8t8bli8hed in January 2024. and thi8 arrangement has continued whenever possible, despite the incr8Bsed demand on adult leaders. who must work in pairs. Children start with theirfamily in church and then leave to pursue a variety of activitle8 in the hall or youth room. Di8na Parr and Clive, the much-loved oiangut8n puppet, continue to feature in gome seNices, linking the chureh and children's programmes. Teaching maieiial 18 always based upon biblical narrative, reftectingthe church year whgn appropriate. We continue to ensure that the Cgfé Church sessions specifically includo ouryounger people and their familie$. Thls tlma w8 h8ve used the Jesu8 Storybook Blble, and most sesslon8 comprige 8 game. 8 vldeo. 8 teaching session. which includes reading the Bible Story, a response (craft I di8CU8sion I moro games) prayfjrs 8nd snacks. All th8 leB(Jers will adapt the moterial to suit the group and have shown Immense commltment in providing good 8e8slons. Youth work hos been continued with 0 8imilar programme, although much of the material needs to be wiltten e8ch week. The very gmall group 13 vibrant. enjoying a mixture of g8me8. vid805, Bible reading, di8cus8ions. prayer time and excellent snacks. Our thanks 8r8 dua to leaders who remain committed io ihese young peoplg. Crèche has h8d to be re-est8bllshed too wlth the very welcome addStSon of 8 new child. Helperg h8v8 8galn been wond&rful about stepping up- often Bt short notice. This has olso mode us 80rt out our welcome 8re8 tor children in the 58nctuary itself, which 15 the tulfilment of a commitment made at the church members. meeting in January. AU Salnts. Ev• celebi8tion took p18ce again both Snside and behind Caro coffee. Families were invltod lo sign up on the church website and th08e who came enjoyed 8 BBQ. and a wide v8ri8ty of activities. This W85 another important opportunSty to meet 8nd gerve memberg of the wider vlllage community. $ever81 of whom Simply Saw wh81 wa8 happening ond came tojoin In. Church Eco4roJact Another opportunity for OUT children &nd young people has been their helpto clear and tidylng Ihe18nd behind Cara. r8klng grass and sowing wildflower 8ee(i3. The work will contlnue to expand. 88 Chri8 Smith nd Chris Coopor lead and encourage us to reflect upon our commltment to care for God's wond&rful world. We thank God for all the opponunlties to work wlth chlldren in this area. but we would ba so grat•fulfor other¥ to Joln any ol our taams. Feedback from adults makes it clearthat theyvalue the warm welcome. th& ImmedlAt6 acceptance and consistent support. Open Spa Open Space is a relatively new venture run in collabofption with St. Marys. Church. It provides opportunltyfor familles to meet in outdoor spaces to explore faith through a variety of activities Bnd connect with one another and with God. in An informal time of worship. The sessions take place on Sunday afternoons. once per month. wh8tever the weather, alternating between the grounds of St. Mary's church and the church garden behlnd Cara CoffeB. Since we began this initiative last year. we have had familie5 from both churches and from the wider community join us forthe5e sessions, although as we enter 2025 numbers have dropped off a little, but we continue to build on relationships forged with families, 8s we explore different aspects of our faith. ttle Steps Litt18 Steps has an amazingte8m that has continued to serve the under 35 in the area. with their parents and carers. Th8 number of registered families has declined slightly, a8 new government fundingfor nursery p18ces and the continuing rise in housing costs, mean that many of our TinyToes parents return to work as 500n as their baby reaches one year old, rather than coming along to Little Steps. You may have seen our new advertisements around the 1oc81ity. We have continued our outdoor trails on Gfe8t Shelford iecreation ground at least once per h81f term. It is goo(J to get outslde wilh our Small people and gNes us a great opportunity to connect with the wider community. Fioecycle has Continued, with parents bringing clothes. toys or equlpment th8t they no longer need. and giving them awaythrough Little Steps or Tiny Toes. Items can then be taken by other parents, and any leftover artr passed on to other charities- most now goingto the Wisbech Children and Families Centre. Tiny Toe5 Tiny Toes 18 a group for p8r6ntS 8nd carers wlth b8bi8S UP to one year old. It continues to b8 well attended by new mums Wlth their babies who welcome the opportunity to meet up and connect with oiher people In the Samè $itU8tlon for mutual support and encouragement. The opportunity to support and pray for and with these new mums has been 8 real blassing. We have been pleased to see g number of these Mums and babies transfer into Little Steps during the course of the y88r. Communlty Café Community Café contlnues to thrive as people meét on a Mond•y morning sitting around the tables in the sanctuary chattingto frlends. Th8 C8fé 18 really well attended. and we give thanks forthe incTea5ing attendance since January 2025. Most Mondays there is the opportunity for a conversation with Someone new. Slmilar to18St year, we h8vg been delighted to see peoplo w¢ first met at Community Café make tho transition to other church related events including joining us for worship on a Sunday morning and exploring their faith. During the morning. the thought for Ihe doy, provlded by a smo11 group of church members. 18 well received by all who attend. Overthe course of the year, we have had a couple ol opportunltle8 to 8h8f6 8 slmple meal togethèf after the Community Cofé. These event3 were enjoyed by all who 8tt8nded. As in previous years, cakes 8(e provid8d by church members and seNad by o dedicote(J band otvolunteers. We would be d81ighted It other8 would like to bake and join Ihe'cake rota.. W& would lova to see our church family, ol any age, using the café. You are most welcome just to come and joln in 8pending time chatting to other8. Thls18 8 real opportunity to 88Ne our ¢ornmunity. E¢0 church In the 2023.4 report, I wrot8 about startingto focus more on the 18nd behind C8ra coffee. Following this genesis, work mov8d up B ggar Bs we engaged a local hortlculturali8t- 8180 an employeè at Scoisd81es- to dosign a plan to make the area more nature-frlendly. This plan included 8 whole host of suitable pLBnts. segregated into those for sun and shado. Following thi8, we asked the church congregatlon to consider donating the cosi ot 8 plant tOW8rds this. The result was over £400 rai8ed. In the autumn we proceeoed lo purch888 8n(J plant a Lorge numbor of plents. wkh the enthusiastic and willing help of volunteers, accordingto the plans provided. In the hope that theso plants will survive winter. w8 look forw8rd to enjoying the fruits ot our labour as the sprin8 And summer of 2025 arrive and th8 p18nts begin to flouriyh. A big thank you to 811 who have contributed. eitherflnanc5811y or by h8rd gr8ft towBrds this, also to Chris Cooper and Chri8 P8rrfor mowingthe grass. Home Groups The church currently has 8 house gioups whlch meet weekly for Bible study and prayer. across different days ofthe week and times of the day & evening. One group came to a natural end during the yearwhile Bnother one divided into separate evening and daytime groups. It was good io welcome a number of people into groups for the first time 8nd there 8re now around 67 people who attend regularly with several othors linked and supported outside of meetings. Many of the group5 are now at Capacity SQ it is an ongoing chaUeng8to encourage newfacllitators and member movementto enable 8 newgroup. The groups have different styles, but all look to dig deeper into the theme from the Sunday sermon with the help of questions written by the preacher. Prayer is also an important element along with a strong desire to support each other. Socials add another enjoyable way of building r81ationships and these often involve food. Joint house group events wer8 well 8ttended in March and provided the opportunityto meet others. The 3 ovents had different 8mphases but included ectivities such craft, boardgames. sharing and pr8yer. Please speak to the house group coordinator, Fiona Joel. or Dian8 if you wish to find out more. Prayer Mlnlstry The prayèr ministry continues with 8 small but dedicated group meeting vio Zoom on a Sunday evening led by BIsrn8rk Donkof. Splitting into Smaller groups has allowed for meaningful sharing and reflections and discerning on prayer points. W6 have continued to hotd in-person prayer meetings in the church at 6.30pm on the days we have café church. Our pr8y6r ot Intercesslon Is18d by members of the church on the 2nd 8nd 4th week8 of the month. They leed our prayers for our Church. the wider community, our country. the world and prayer needs for people affocted by war, conflicts. natural dis8Sters and national i8$ue$ affe¢tlng our daily Ilves. On tha 1" Sunday ol the month. we have a mission focus where prayers are dedlcgted to that misslon éurlng our church service. If you would like to join the rota for our prayer of intercession. pl88se contact Bism8rk. The prayer ch8in continues to be vory actlvg, and we have boen greatly blessad by answers to our pi8yers. Th prayer chain 8hare8 both interno1 pray8r requests, from 8nd about the church family. and external prayer requests. If you would lik8 to b8 Involved in the pr8yer chaln, please Speak to Blsmark or Mari8 Begley who will share the email 8ddress and WhatsApp numbers. If you would like prayer from the prayer teom in person aft8r church or 8t othertimes. please contact Bl¥m8rk Donkor. Marl8 Begley. Anne Beiesford or Ponny Pearlwho would be delighted to pray wilh you. Mlsslon This year we added Sh8lford School as ourfifth permanent charity alongside BMS, GenR8, EBA Homo Mission and SSYI Ishelford And Stapleford Youih Initiatlvel. Four 8ddition81 charities Ili8ted below) were voted ty members having been proposed by a member with o particular heart toT that mission. Eo¢h mis3ion rop had 8 month to share thelr mlsslon partner with the church through th8 Link, the church website, a focus noticeboord in church, at least on8 Sunday morning focus slot, either vi8 video or in person Bnd the opportunity for ono official church fundraislng event a year. org8nised bythe rep in discussion with the leadership team. The missions we support. 8nd the representative8 ore Set out below: BMS Lesley Cornell Centrg of Hope Open Door8 Richard Renouf HBnds of Louiso Eveiard Mercy Concrete R059 Graham Br13coe GenR8 Penny Kite DianB Parr EBA Home Mission • SSYI Jean Chambers MBrg8ret Cletheroe Shelford School Llz Jenkln The church also continued to support Operation Christmas Child. J8ne Furlow led this work 5afeguardlng The safeguarding team has contlnu8d as last year, wlth Liz Jenkin as D8signat8d Safeguarding Lead IDSLI and Penny Kitg and Barbara Law as deputy OSL5. Our annual report to the church rnember5hip outlined tho 'tweaks' made to our policy. which had a Teview and update 18$t year, e.g. c18rifying livestreaming protocols. Allwho work with Under 18s have been given an updBted Code of Conduct. and the BU S8fei Recruitment materials were US8d when advertlslngfor our ¢urrentV8cancy. Sessions on basic gateguarding were delivered by Liz to th8 chlldren and young people, and also tothe adults at Community C8fé. There continues to be 8n overlap with p8Stor81 care. and we have worked closgly with the pastor and eidership on this. As ever, thanks to Margarot Cletheroe, our. administrator, forfacilitating iecord keeping, DBS checks etc. Ailwho W￿rkWIth under 18s and Adults at Risk are trained to Level 2. and leaders and deputy DSLS are trained to Level 3. Worship We have held two Frid8y Evening Praise session8. one to celebrate Pentecost and another at the beginning ot Advent. These have been 8 mixture of sung worship and Cfeotive prayer. e.g. fabric painting symbol8 ofthe Holy Spirit and beating'swords. into'ploughshares, to decorate our Christmas tree. We have been joined by a few oth818 from neighbouringvilL8ges 8nd 8lso visited B8rnwell church to joln In an evening otworship there. Our team has welcomed new singers. and we are giateful 89 everforthoge who 8eNe on thè tech desk. esp8cially 8S they have enabled us to access and use our library of recorded videos as n8eded. We access many of our resources through Engage Worship. the London Institute of Contemporary Chri8tianity ILICCI and suggestions from Christian Copyright Licensing Internation81 ICCLII. Th88e help us keep our worship focused upw8rds. inwards and outwards through thewhole week. The Trustees de¢lare that they have approved the Trustees. Report. Slgned on behalf of the Charltvs Trustees: Date ol.i..lo Lb Zozo ## **Financial review** ## **Financial policies** The Church has established systems and controls for receipts and expenditure, in accordance with the Constitution and Charity Law. These procedures have been approved by Trustees and Members for the protection of the Church's finances and assets and also for the protection of individual members of the Leadership Team. The guidelines and budget stipulate who has authority when purchasing goods or services and then different leaders who have authority for payments from the bank accounts. Annual budgets are prepared, discussed and approved by the Trustee leadership team before being presented, discussed and approved by Church members. The Church Treasurer who is appointed in accordance with the Church Constitution presents an income and expenditure statement with explanation of significant movement to budget for review by the leadership team at least 6 times a year and four times a year to the Church Members. This assists in forecasts and treasury management. The annual church accounts are prepared and examined by external, qualified accountants. ## **Reserves Policy** The General Fund Reserves require to be set at 50% of budgeted expenditure to give 6 months provision. We are currently above that but with an ageing congregation income is likely to reduce, also the repair, maintenance and improvement of the Church’s properties have been increasing each year £42,557 24/25, (23/24 £15,783). ## **Statement of Trustees' responsibilities** Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for the financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources of the year and the application of resources of the charity for that period. 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; • Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis. unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue on that basis. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the church and to 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 or other irregularities. ## **Risk Management** The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which GSFC faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen any risks of which at present none have been identified. No money is paid or received from abroad. ## **Pensions Policy** The Church pays pension contributions for its Minister, and staff members to the Baptist Ministers Pension Trust Limited, defined contribution scheme. This amount is included within the staff and admin expense in Note 6 to the account. ## **Principal Funding Sources** GSFC derives its funding from voluntary gifts, free-will offerings, community activities and legacies which are received from its members and others who worship at the Church. Tax refunds are also reclaimed on any offerings given under the Gift Aid scheme. As we await the recruitment of an assistant minister the manse has provided temporary rental income. The Church is heavily dependent on its membership working as volunteers in all aspects of the church’s activities, many of which run with little or no impact on the church’s expenditure, but nevertheless contribute substantially to the achievement of the church’s objectives. Expenditure is incurred to enable the church’s programme of services, fellowship, and community activities to be undertaken. As part of our outreach we target 12.5% of the General Fund’s offerings to other charitable organisations as nominated and voted on by the Church Membership. In this year we have been able to increase this charitable giving to 13.5%. The rest of the General Fund expenditure is in respect of the Minister’s stipend, salary costs of other employees, the maintenance and running costs of the Church, the Manse and general administrative requirements. ## **Unrestricted Funds** The Church has a General Fund, which is an unrestricted fund. This Fund is used to finance the regular activities of the Church, and its principal income is from the gift-aided free-will offerings given to the Church by its members and other regular worshippers who attend the services and activities. It is used to transfer to designated funds as the need arises. ## **Designated Funds (as defined by the Charities Act):-** ## **Social Action Fund** To be used for grants and loans to members and others in special financial need. ## **Building & Fabric Fund** Is used for the refurbishment/repair of Church buildings. ## **Special Projects Fund** Can only be used for any purpose approved by the Church membership. ## **Special Projects (Mission) Fund** Can only be used for any mission-associated purpose approved by the Church membership. ## **Church Tithe Fund** Is used to support the work of those involved in Christian service/aid work locally, nationally and internationally. The monies in this fund are provided for annually to be paid the following year. Allocation is agreed by the Church Meeting in the year of payment. The Church Tithe is currently set at 12.5% of ‘free will offerings’. ## **Training Fund** To be used for costs of those preparing for Christian work either in the UK or overseas. ## **Development Fund** For the potential improvement and development of the manse and other Church buildings. ## **Restricted Funds** - **‘Other’** Funds donated for a variety of ‘restricted’ purposes. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES On the Flnanclal Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Great Shelford Free Churth I re￿rt on the fmaneial statements of the Church for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the ReceiMs and Pa￿lent AccounL the balance shtti and the Nthes to the Awounts. R¢spoDsibilities basi5 of report As the Church's mistees you are resryxJsil>le for the of the accounts in *¢ordance with the r¢quirements of the Chariiieg Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in Tesped of my examination of the chariry's eaTri￿1 out under section 145 of the Aet and in carying out my examinaiion I have followed all the applicable D￿l￿n5 given by the Charity Comrni55ion under section 145(5Xb) of the ACL Indepe￿de￿I ¢x*min¢rs' ststement I have ¢ompleted my axamin￿l00. I cTh)fmi that no rnateri￿ matters have ¢ome to my attention in connertion with the examination giving me cause to believe that ID any matrrid respe¢t.' ounting records were key in r¢sF¢Ct of the charity &8 Yequir¢d by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the ¥¢ounts ¢kTr accord with those rx(Yds; (Y the accounts do nol comply with the applicable requirements ¢(MJ¢¢rning the fomi and eontent of accounts Set out in the Chariiies (Accounts and Repons} Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view. which is a maller C￿￿idered as of an indep¢nd¢nt examinaiTron. I hav¢ no Concerns and have come #er(￿ no other mallers in c￿neCtion with the examination to which attention should be itrawn in this rep￿ in order io enable a prow Uthr￿￿1ng of the accounts to be reached. John Stirrat FCCA Hardcastle Burton (Newmarket} Umlted Chartered Certified Accountants 3B Rosemary House Landwades Business Park Kennet Newmarket Suffolk CB8 7PN Date: 7 Ortober 2025 - ## **Receipts and Payment Account** ## **For the period from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025** |**Note**
**_Incoming Resources_**
Voluntary Income
2
Investment Income
3
Charitable Activities
4
Other Incoming Resources
5
**Total incoming resources**
**_Resources Expended_**
Charitable activities
6
Governance costs
7
**Total Resources Expended**
**Net Incoming (Outgoing) Resources**
**_Transfers_**
Net transfers between funds
8
**Net incoming/outgoing**
**before other gains/losses**
**Net movement in Funds**
**Totals brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total Funds**
**Total Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2024/25**
**2023/24**
106,351.43
250.00
0.00
106,601.43
104,461.80
32,076.96
0.00
0.00
32,076.96
31,630.32
2,620.02
0.00
0.00
2,620.02
2,898.98
29,855.90
62.50
0.00
29,918.40
29,389.96| |---|---| ||**170,904.31**
**312.50**
**0.00**
**171,216.81**
**168,381.06**| ||106,239.27
56,289.04
0.00
162,528.31
121,389.68
1,446.00
1,446.00
1,300.00| ||**107,685.27**
**56,289.04**
**0.00**
**163,974.31**
**122,689.68**| ||| ||**63,219.04**
**-55,976.54**
**0.00**
**7,242.50**
**45,691.38**| ||-32,100.00
32,100.00
0.00
0.00
0.00| ||**31,119.04**
**-23,876.54**
**0.00**
**7,242.50**
**45,691.38**| ||**31,119.04**
**-23,876.54**
**0.00**
**7,242.50**
**45,691.38**
62,584.52
515,721.13
303.80
578,609.45
532,918.07| ||**93,703.56**
**491,844.59**
**303.80**
**585,851.95**
**578,609.45**| Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 General Fund D•8lgnat•d ReStr1¢t￿ Total Funds Total Funds Funds Funds 2024125 2023124 Fixed Assets Intangible Assels Fw8hold Property Flxed A•s•ts 12 450,340.68 450.340.68 450,340.68 450,340.68 4SO,340.68 450.340.68 o.oo o.oo Current Assets Debtors IRecoverable Gift Aid) Cash al bank and in hand Curr•nt Assots 6.3e2.00 98,324.10 41.503,91 104.686.10 41,503.91 6.362,00 8.366.64 303.80 140,131.81 12B,264.20 303.80 146,493.81 134.630.B4 Curf•nt Ll•biliti•s Creditors.. Deferred Income Current Llabllltl 8.005.04 2.977.$0 10,982.54 8,005.04 2.977.50 10.982.54 6.182.07 180. 0.362.07 0.00 N•t curr•nt •84et• 93,703.56 41.603.91 303.00 135,511.27 128,268.77 N•1 a•••ls 9 93,703.56 491,844.59 303.80 585,851.95 578,609.45 R•pr•$enled by Unrestricted General Fund 0•81gnated Funds Designated - Soclal Acllon Designated - Training lof ministry Designated 8ullding and Fabrlc Designated - Church Tithe Designat8d - Development 93,703.58 93.703.56 0.00 3,045.13 3.332.63 1,753.80 2.000.94 458,308.22 469.710,32 19,298.53 17,298.53 9,438.91 23.378.71 62,584 52 10 3,045.13 1,753.80 458,308.22 19,298.53 9,438.91 R•stricl8d . Other Fund• of th• church 303.80 303.80 303,80 303.80 585.8S1.95 578,609.45 93,703.56 491.844.$9 Tho Tru•¢••• doclar• that they hav• approved tho Flnan¢lal Stat•m•nl• Slonod on bghall ol the CharftY• Tru•t••i 81gn?d -fH ,Li¥{ Full name Secretary IUiAfvJ Full n•m• Tr•a•ur•r ## **NOTES TO ACCOUNTS - Year ended 31[st] March 2025** ## **1. Accounting policies** ## _**a. Basis of Preparation**_ The accounts of the church, which is a public benefit entity under FRS102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charites Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 (FRS 102), Financial Reporting Standard 102 and Accounting Regulations set out under the Charities Act 2011. They are prepared in sterling (£). ## _**b. Donations**_ Donations are accounted for gross when received. ## _**c. Legacies**_ Legacies are accounted for when their receipt is certain and can be properly quantified. ## _**d. Investment Income**_ Investment Income is included in the accounts in the year in which it is receivable. ## _**e. Fund Raising and publicity costs**_ The Church does not make formal appeals for funds, therefore there is no expenditure. ## _**f. Grants Payable**_ The Church does not make grants but gifts donations to other organisations whose charitable objects complement its work. They are accounted for in the year in which they are paid. ## _**g. Payments to Trustees (Note 6)**_ Remuneration is paid to the Pastor who is also a Trustee for her role within the church. It is not the Church’s policy to disclose the amounts paid to an individual in this statement, but it is less than £60,000. Expenses of £491.62 (2024 £794.90) were reimbursed to the Trustees during the year. These all relate to costs incurred by the Trustees in the course of their duties as members of the Leadership Team and for the Church activities. ## _**h. Governance Costs**_ This represents the Independent Examiner’s fee for the year. The salary and associated costs of the Administrator is reflected in **note 6.** In general, most of the management is carried out without charge by volunteers and the Trustees of the church. This intangible cost is not included in the Statement of Financial Activities, since there is no measurable cost to these people for their service. ## _**i. Fixed Assets**_ Freehold Property is included in the balance sheet at cost. The trustees do not consider it beneficial to the users of these accounts to obtain valuation that would incur significant costs. The insurance value is reported in the note to the accounts. Items of equipment are written off when acquired. ## _**j. Depreciation**_ Depreciation has not been charged on the Church or Manse premises because, in the opinion of the Trustees, the residual value of the asset is not less than the original cost price. Any equipment or computer purchases are immediately charged in full in the year of expenditure. ## _**k. Investment Assets**_ If applicable, quoted investments would be stated at market value. ## **2 Voluntary Income** |Gift Aid Offering
Other offering
Donations
**Investment Income**
Rent
Interest
**Charitable Activities**
**Income**
Community café
Junior Church
Youth
Church Weekend
Leaders Conference
Other
**Other incoming resources**
Gift Aid recovered
Legacies
Other contributions|**2024/25**
**2023/24**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
95,259.10
250.00
95,509.10
95,768.00
8,046.99
8,046.99
7,330.64
3,045.34
3,045.34
1,363.16| |---|---| ||**106,351.43**
**250.00**
**0.00**
**106,601.43**
**104,461.80**| ||**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
28,069.56
28,069.56
28,662.00
4,007.40
4,007.40
2,968.32| ||**32,076.96**
**0.00**
**0.00**
**32,076.96**
**31,630.32**| ||**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
935.83
935.83
1,000.17
1,684.19
1,684.19
1,718.81
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
180.00| ||**2,620.02**
**0.00**
**0.00**
**2,620.02**
**2,898.98**| ||**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
23679.78
62.50
23,742.28
24,912.01
5,545.57
5,545.57
5,000.00
630.55
630.55
197.95| ||**29,855.90**
**62.50**
**0.00**
**29,918.40**
**29,389.96**| ## **3 Investment Income** ## **4 Income** **5 Other incoming resources** ## **6 Charitable Activities** |**Charitable Activities**||| |---|---|---| |**Staff and Admin**
Staff Cost
Employers costs
Pension deficit
Staff expenses
Conferences
**Ministry**
Community
Youth and Children
Prayer Ministry
Sanctuary Resources
Pulpit & moderator
expenses
Outreach
Training Resources
**Mission**
BU Home Mission
BMS World Mission
SSYI
Friends International
Shelford School Governors
Hands of Mercy
GenR8
Centre of Hope
Aquaid
Christmas Hampers
**Administration**
Utilities & Ins
Church Cleaning
Telephone/Internet
Stationery & Postage
Subscriptions & Donations
Rental Agents Fees&Ins
Repairs and Renewals
Bank Charges
Payroll, DBS , other fees
Computer Software
Equipment lease
Other
**Utilities & Ins Breakdown**
Heating/Lighting
Water Charges
Insurance
Council Tax
Total|**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
55074.27
55074.27
5,251.48
5251.48
7.00
7.00|**Total**
48,065.41
3,987.46
12.00| ||60,332.75
60332.75
23.27
105.14
128.41
1,502.40
1502.40
2,347.20
2347.20
323.59
323.59
154.25
154.25
2,006.98
2006.98
268.30
268.30
1,737.33
0.00
1737.33
430.16
142.00
572.16
4,000.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
600.00
600.00
0
12,168.01
12168.01
5,779.12
5779.12
3,890.53
3890.53
150.69
150.69
1,635.97
1635.97
3,948.00
3948.00
4,215.22
38,341.90
42557.12
211.14
211.14
3,418.35
3,418.35
0
1,330.96
1330.96
365.05
365.05|52,064.87
184.48
0.00
2,131.35
292.06
439.10
1,150.47
218.35
1,932.54
734.80
4,000.00
4,000.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
0.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
600.00
12,305.76
5,847.17
2,612.31
187.41
1,648.33
3,891.49
15,782.56
190.10
1,806.42
0.00
1,330.96
839.15| ||**106,239.27**
**56,289.04**
**0.00**
**162,528.31**|**121,389.68**| ||6,675.93
863.58
4,628.50
0.00
12,168.01|8,007.70
575.97
3,722.19
0.00| |||12,305.76| ## **7 Governance costs** Independent Examination **24/25 23/24** 1,450.00 1,300.00 ## **8 Gross transfers between funds** |General fund
Social Action
Designated Development
Building and Fabric
Church Tithe|**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
**24/25**
-32100.00
-32100.00
-15174.53
0.00
0.00
0
13000.00
13000.00
0
19100.00
19100.00
15,174.53| |---|---| ||-32100.00
32100.00
0.00
0.00
0| ## **9 Analysis of net Assets** |**Analysis of net Assets**
Restricted Funds
Designated Funds
Unrestricted Funds
**Designated Funds**
Social Action
Training for ministry
Building and Fabric
Church Tithe
Designated Development
**Designated Funds held**
**in:**
Social Action
Training for ministry
Building and Fabric
Church Tithe
Designated Development
**Restricted Funds**
Prayer Garden
Sound Desk
**Freehold Property**
Church and Hall
Manse
29 High Street
6 Grain Close
Total|(Note 11)
(Note 10)
**Opening**
**2024/25**
3,332.63
2,000.94
469,710.32
17,298.53
23,378.71|**Fixed Asset**
450,340.68|**Investment**
**Current Asset**
**Total**
303.80
303.80
41,503.91
491844.59
93,703.56
93703.56| |---|---|---|---| |||450340.68|0
135,511.27
585,851.95| |||**Incoming**
**Resources**
312.50
0
0.00
0
0|**Resources**
**Expended**
**Transfers**
**Total**
600.00
0
3,045.13
247.14
0
1753.80
24402.10
13,000.00
458308.22
17,100.00
19,100.00
19298.53
13,939.80
0.00
9,438.91| ||515721.13|312.50|56289.04
32,100.00
491844.59| ||**2024/25**
19.47
284.33|**Fixed**
**Asset**
450,340.68|**Investment**
**Current**
**Asset**
**Total**
3045.13
3045.13
1753.80
1753.80
7967.54
458308.22
19298.53
19298.53
9,438.91
9438.91| |||450340.68|0
41503.91
491844.59| |||**Incoming**
**Resources**
0|**Resources**
**Expended**
**Current Asset**
0
19.47
284.33
0.00
303.80
Insurance
Insurance
**Historic**
**cost**
**Valuation'25**
Valuation 24
267773
2701409
2635075
531866
501760
91000
239128
232163
91115
279788
264464
450341| ||303.80|0.00|| ||||| ## **10 Designated Funds** ## **11 Restricted Funds** ## **12 Freehold Property**