CHARMINSTER CHAPEL (BOURNEMOUTH)
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER1146133
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 01/04/2025 TO 31/03/ 2026
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the charity known as Charminster Chapel (Bournemouth) are to advance the Christian faith in accordance with our Statement of Faith and to fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable and connected with the charitable work of the Church.
We do not think of the Church as a building, but as a gathering of ordinary people of all ages and different backgrounds, whose lives have been changed by trusting in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. By loving and serving Jesus Christ we are also committed to loving and caring for each other and to bringing a blessing locally and further afield.
ACTIVITIES
We hold Sunday Services, Bible studies, Prayer meetings, Sunday School classes, Communion Services and related gatherings. These are designed to provide Christian worship, teaching and discipleship to those who have discovered the excitement of knowing Jesus Christ and to introduce the Christian life and community to those who do not have this faith. We welcome to our meetings people of all nationalities, ethnicities and those with or without a faith.
SUNDAY AND MIDWEEK SERVICES
We hold midweek prayer meetings and bible studies in addition to our Sunday Service.
During the year our Pastor conducted a series during our Sunday Service going through our Statement of Faith which guides our teaching and informs visitors and the community about our doctrines and beliefs.
The congregation also benefitted from a series of sermons through the book of Acts, learning from the Early Church.
Our Easter Sunday Communion service was full to the point of having to get out extra chairs and provide additional bread and wine.
OUTREACH
During the year, our Pastor conducted a “Together” marriage course where couples were invited to look at God’s plan for marriage and to address issues such as improving communication, resolving conflict and expressing love.
We also held two Christianity Explored courses during the year which enabled people to explore the meaning of life and the core beliefs of Christianity.
In December we partnered with 14 other local Churches in sharing the Christmas message in the birth of Jesus Christ at the nearby Castlepoint shopping centre.
There is a Parent/Carer and Toddler group known as Acorns for preschool children which people from the neighbourhood find beneficial and acts as a bridge between the Chapel and the community with some of those attending Acorns coming to our Sunday service, particularly when it is Messy Church or Café Church.
Likewise, our fortnightly Tuesday coffee mornings form a link between the Chapel and the local community.
Our Sunday School is an important part of the work of the Chapel and is expanding. The aim is to bring the love of God to children and an awareness of the value of others in our communities.
We hold men’s breakfasts and ladies’ brunches to connect with the community.
Our Pastor spent ten days in Myanmar with the pastors of two other churches preaching and teaching.
VOLUNTEERS
In addition to our Pastor and Elders there are many volunteers involved in the work of the Chapel whose support is greatly appreciated. This ranges from people on the tea and coffee rota, flower rota and Sunday school and creche rotas to helpers at Acorns, musicians for the songs, volunteers to attend to maintenance and repair of the Chapel, catering and other functions. Volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults are DBS checked in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy which during the year was reviewed and updated.
GIVING TO OTHERS
Charminster Chapel recognises the value of work done by others and supports Christian work throughout the world in prayer and by giving finance to those undertaking Christian mission or in social action. During the year, we have given money to Dorset Counties Evangelism, Alpha India Foundation in relation to a children’s home in India, the work of PACE Trust in local schools (Programme for Applied Christian Education), missionaries in France working with Operation Mobilisation and the Leprosy Mission. Representatives from those organisations have visited the Chapel to report on the work of the respective organisations.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties.