SUNDON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH
Reaching up lo GOD | Reaching out to the Community | Reaching in to Each Other
SLIDOI PARK &4PTIST CHURCH
ANNUAL CHURCH REPORT 2024
Psalm 143.10 'Teach me to do your will. for you are my GOD. May your
gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footir)g'.
We believe our continued mission from GOE) calls us to love, worship and sepie
Him as beacons of light, hope and healing, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
as we love and serve one another. and our community, ministering to local
needs. We continue to befriend others, share Jesus and make disciples.
Our vision continues to be that of a Church gathered in unity. fellowshipping
and fulfilling Christ's purpose in making disciples and building restorative
relationships,. inspired by the Holy Spirit, growing in wisdom, revelation and
understanding, and transforming the community for Christ. We seek to reach
up to GOD, reach out to the community and reach into each other.
SUN DON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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THE PAST YEAR
FUTURE
phesians 5.1-2 Therefore be imitators of GOD, as beloved children, and walk
in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and
sacrifice to GOD.
As we ended Year 2024, we were grateful for GOD'S providence and
sustenance which had seen us through. In 2024, our theme for the year was
'CHRISTLIKENESS'. Our prayer was that as the Body of Christ at Sundon Park
Baptist Church, our lives may be a fragrant offering to GOD and to the
community we love and serve. We continued to fellowship with one another
and grow together in love.
The Church continued to conduct worship services that are open to all. The
church services were held onsite and via Zoom for those who were unable to
attend in person. The Church continued to see new people regularly attending
services.
The Church building continued being used for worship services, the onsite
nursery and the Newns Building continued being available throughout the
week for use by the Church, local community groups including hiring from
people in the community.
The Church continued to meet together for Prayer Days throughout the year
to seek GOD for wisdom with regards meeting the needs of the Communify
and managing the church premises.
The Church joyfully welcomed families into membership and conducted
blessings for newly born babies.
BEACON GROUPS
Three Beacon Groups continued to meet throughout the yearwith the purpose
of praying together and sharing the Word of GOD through Bible Study. The
groups continued to build deeper relationships, support one another spiritually
and practically. The groups continued to reach out to others in the Church and
Community through service or evangelism.
SUNDON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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2024 EVENTS
At the beginning of the year 2024, the Church continued to host a range of
community events such as the Community Trust. Keep Fit. Omnibus Society,
Slimming World and Singing Café. Crafts & Coffee continued to a provide a
safe space of welcome for people to meet, share hobbies. build relationships
and reduce isolation.
The Church continued to host events for the local community to engage with
and enjoy, these included an Annual BBQ, Christmas flower arrar)ging,
celebrating Mothering Sunday, Father's Day, Harvest Celebrations and Easter.
Our Harvest Celebration were focussed on collecting donations to help
support local Community organisation including Azalea Luton, Luton Food
Bank and Breakfast Battery Boxes. Items donated included toiletries, long-life
food items and fresh fruit and dairy products. The Community was welcomed
to special Christmas Celebrations which included Carols, By Candlelight and
a Christmas Meal with oll the trimmings for those who are orn their own during
the festive season. We delivered Christmas cards to the whole estate inviting
people to our Christmas service5.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In February we were delighted to welcome Christ Curtis, from Youthscape
sharing with us from the Word of GOD and the amazing work and impact of
Youthscape irn Luton and much wider reach. We held A History of Surndon Park
Event in March 2024 and had a local respected historian sharing with the
Community how Sundon Park started and developed over the years.
The Church offered its facilities to the Citizens Advice Lutor) Team to meet with
people in the local community who were not always able to travel to the main
town when they needed advice.
The Church continued to participate in ecumenical events which included
Pentecost Praise and Churches Together Luton. In October we participated in
Indian Cooking Classes at Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton which was another
opportur)ity to come together as a Community to learn new skills, build
friendships and enjoy fantastic food. We held a Cultural Sunday to celebrate
the beauty and diversity of the different natior)s represented in the Church and
the Community of Luton.
SUNDON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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LEADERS OF GOD
We continued to have more children attending our Sunday school provision
with the children enjoying giving feedback from the time together. We
celebrated a successful Leaders of GOD year filled with joy, learning, and
spiritual growth. It's been a blessing to watch our children grow in wisdom and
in their love for the Lord. Through Bible lessons, prayer, and fellowship, they
have deepened their understanding of GOD'S Word and His presence in their
lives. We thank our dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and most of all,
GOD, for a wonderful year of planting seeds of faith that will continue to grow
SPBC YOUTH CLUB
The growng and thriving SPBC Youth Club enjoyed activities which included
learning to ploy the piano, activities in the Community, a Pizza & Conversation
Gathering. Our dedicated Youth Leaders had regular outreaches to students
at a local school to help build a rapport with young people and signpost them
to local activities and support. We thank GOD for a vibrant and impactful year
in SPBC Youth Club. It's been a joy to see our young people grow in their faith,
deepen their understanding of GOD'S Word, and build meaningful friendships.
Through engaging discussior)s, fun activities, worship, and seNice, they've
taken steps toward becoming strong, Christ-centred leaders. We're grateful for
the commitment of our leaders. the enthusiasm of our youth. and GOD'S
faithful guidance throughout the year.
MEDIA AND TECH
Our Media Team which comprises of youth was instrumental in creative
outreach banrners, contir)ued social media presence, media p05t5. sermon
recording and other youth initiatives.
WARM HUBS-WELCOME SPACES
With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and in work poverty impacting the most
vulnerable communities including the cost of warming up homes, the Church
in partnership with Luton Council continued with the Warm Hub. The warm hub
continued to be available to people experiencing financial challenge5, sociol
isolation and other concerns. The safe warm space was made avoilable for
people to access support, build good friendships and enjoy light refreshments.
The warm hub space will continue as the needs are evident in the community
and nationally.
SUNDON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT
CHANGES IN 2024
A Refurbishment Working Party continued to explore building development
pathway to address an aging building in much need to repair and
refurbishment due to concrete rot, roof replacement/repair and heating
concerns.
BREAKFAST BATTERY BOXES
The Breakfast Battery Boxes which began in December 2020 as a joint
community initiative continued in 2024, helping to alleviate holiday hunger in
Luton North for individuals and families experiencing in-work poverty and
struggling with cost of living, including people experiencing in-work poverty.
Over 250 boxes were distributed to families and individuals in 2024.
FINAL REMARKS
As we reflect on 2024. we are filled with gratitude for GOD'S faithfulness, the
dedicatior) of our Trustees, Members and Volunteers, and the continued unity
of our church family. Through every ministry, event, and challenge, GOD has
been at work-shaping lives, deepening faith, and calling us forward. We give
thanks for all He has done and look ahead with hopeful expectation, trusting
that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. May we
continue to walk in love, serve with joy, and shine His light in our community
and beyond. Sundon Park Baptist Church will continue to be a people who
reach up to GOD, reach out to the Community and reach in to each other.
SUNDON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Pagc 5
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued)**
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Receipts and Payments Analysis Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total
Notes Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023
GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
Receipts
Voluntary Giving
Weekly Offerings 44,836 44,836 47,101
Donations and other voluntary income 0 0 0
Gift Day 0 0 0 0
Income tax recovered on gifts 0 0 2,378
Raised for other causes 1,129 1,129 573
Receipts from Church & Community Events 0 0 0
Generated funds
Investment receipts/bank interest 463 463 597
Other Receipts 417 417 1,414
Total Receipts 45,716 0 1,129 46,845 52,063
Payments
Charitable Activities
Public Worship 250 250 250
Cost of Pastorate 30,955 30,955 31,913
Upkeep of Manse
Maintenance 85 85 150
Council Tax 1,650 1,650 1,572
Buildings Insurance 411 411 403
Pastoral Care 0 0 0
Church & Community Events 387 387 1,012
Upkeep of Church premises
Utilities 3,130 3,130 2,103
Maintenance & cleaning 2,274 2,274 2,421
Insurance 1,625 1,625 1,577
Youth & Children's Work 60 60 606
Conferences & Training 458 458 438
Cost of generating funds 0 0 0
Administration
Telephone 0 0 0
Stationery 100 100 389
Licences & Subscriptions 396 396 607
Website 313 313 253
Other Payments 1,884 1,884 16,080
Grants to Other Causes 4,948 0 4,948 6,100
Total Payments 43,977 4,948 0 48,925 65,874
Net Receipts/(Payments) 1,740 (4,948) 1,129 (2,080) (13,811)
Transfers between Funds 0 0 0 0 0
Cash funds brought forward at 31 December 2023 43,033 0 0 43,033 56,844
Cash funds carried forward at 31 December 2024/2023 44,773 (4,948) 1,129 40,954 43,033
THE BEACON PROJECT RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
Receipts
Grants & Donations Received 53,029 0 0 53,029 75,327
Payments 50,650 0 0 50,650 74,002
Net Receipts/(Payments) 2,379 0 0 2,379 1,325
Transfers between Funds 0 0 0 0
Cash funds brought forward at 31 December 2023 16,241 0 0 16,241 14,916
Cash funds carried forward at 31 December 2024/2023 18,620 0 0 18,620 16,241
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**SUNDON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH (Registered Charity No. 1144181) REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
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I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 4.
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 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act)) and that an
independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts (under section 43(a) of the Act);
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis Of Independent Examiner's Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Direction given by the Charity Commissioners.
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 the trustees concerning any such matters.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and
consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
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:
(a) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act; and
(b) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting
requirements of the 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.
Signature Date 26/05/2025
Mark Mayungu
92 Bluebell Close
Beds
MK45 1NR
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