Wem Baptist Church Accounts For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
Wem Baptist Church Trustees Annual Report 2024 The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2024 Alms and Purposes of the Charity As an independent, Bible-believing church. Wem Baptist Church's purposes are (as stated in the Church's Constitution): '(a) the advancement ot the Christian faith in accordance wth the Church's Basts of Faith, primarily, but not exclusively, in Wem and the suThounding neighbourhood; and {b} such other charttable purposes as shall, in the opinion of th8 members of the Church in general meeting, further the wotk of Ihe Church." As a church, we are committed to sprea(fing the Bible's message concerning Jesus. to develop peop18's knowledge of him, and to encourage them to worshiA trust and serve him. We seek to encourage as many as possible to follow Jesus's example of love and compassion in serving each other and the wider communty. As in 2023, financial giving remained strong and through the grac8 of God Ihe church had no difficulties in meeting regular financial commitments. Objectives and Activilles The Tnjstees have read the Charty Cornmission guidance on public benefrt and are satisfied that the aclivities described below clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the publiG. To fulfil the aims and purposes of the Church as slated above, a variety of activities ar8 provided for bolh the benefit of church members and for the benefit of members of the public. Our weekly Sunday serviGes. al 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. a central to our church life, and are open to Èhe whole communty. They are advertised in local publications, on the Church's own and other websites, on the Church's Facebook page. and outside the Ghurch building. We seek to encourage attendance by members of the wider communty by making Ihese gatherings friendly, infomial and joyful occasions. In addilion, these ServIS are'streamed" and are acGessible to au via the Internet. whilst recordings of them are available on th8 Church's
website. During most Sunday morning services "Junior Church. is run, which is open to all primary school-aged children. There is also a Bible dass for those in school years 5, 6 and 7. The Church provides a variety of midweek prayer aThJ Bible study meetings to encourage fellowship and growth in the Christian failh. both on the Chuich premises and in the homes of sorne rnembers. Once again, these meetings are open to all and are advertised on the Church's website and in the Church's weekly news sheet. One house group has used Zoom to further facilitate attendance for all. Age-appropriate midvveek clubs are also provided for children and young people from both "Church. families and from the wider community. The youth leaders held a particularly successful 'Bonfire night, on one of the member's land. Teenagers from several local evangelical churches attended this event. During terni-time, a weekly parent and toddler group is also run by the Church. This mainly serv8s farnilies from the community. Parents, grandparents and child minders v8ry much appreciate the activtties. songs and stories organised for the toddlers and the adults enjoy the refreshments and the time to talk and share. We believe it is very importanl for children to have plenty of opportunities to mix and play with others of their own age. On Wem Market Day (Thursday) the church welcomes Ihe (x)mmunity for coffee, tea and cakes. This is not a profit-making opportunity. which helps to build links wilh people who do not attend Sunday worship. It is statfed by a committed and enthusiastic group of church volunteers who are always available to provide a lislenirKJ ear to those who ar& lonety or troubled. Where possible, the Church responds to invitations from local primary and secondary schools, radio stations and other organisations to teach the message of the Bible. We have provKled speakers for'Thought for the Day, at the local secondary school, Thomas Adams, Wem and lor their lunchtime Christian Union meetiro. We ale grateful for this link with the community. From time to time, the Church offers courses to all who are interested in finding OLrt more about the Christian Faith. We also offer occasional courses in personal linance with material supplied by 'Chrislians Against Poverty., Individual pastoral and spiritual advice are offered to people living in the church's localty. We conduct marriages and funerals in accordance wilh the teaching of the Bible. We support missionary and evangelistic work in North Shropshire, nationally and internationally, this year we have supported a teacherl missionary in Kenya. For around fity years Wem Baptist church h&8 organised a Holiday Bible Club. In 2024 this consisted 4 days of activities centred on a series of Bible stories. It is held in the earfy part of August and is attended by 8(>100 local children from the cwimunity. It is greatly appreciated
by both adults and children. We have provided lunchtime food for those on free school meals and SEN children. The chiklren enjoyed Bible stories and Christian teaching at the appropriaie level. These days began with games and sports on the local recreation ground before moving to the church building. On the Friday of the weeK a parents evening with retreshments was held. It was very well attended and enjoyed by many families who do not nonnally attend service in the church buikling. The Trustees. responslbllltles The Trustees are responsible for Ihe maintenance of the church building in Chapel Street. Wem. and the Manse in Station Road. Wem. TY also have oversight of the legal and financial integrity ofthe charity- The Church has insurance policies in place covering assets and potential liabilities which could arise and meets its legal requirements in this area. The Trustees have agreed several FX)licies which are in place and reviewed regularly including th8 Child Protection Policy and the Heallh and Safety Policy which are both reviewed annualty. The Trustees have put in place a comprehensive range of employm8nl policies and continue to highlight the importance and relevance of the Data PTOtection procedures. The Trustees meet four times a year. These meetings are formally recorded, and these records are available for inspection by the Charity Commission and the Independent Examiner. Achievements and Performance The Church does not measure the success of its ministries mainly in numbers, including linancial numbers, but in less tangible ways like growth of irKlividuals in Iheir Christian faith and in opportunities to share the Christian gospel with rnembers of the community. Such °success" is difficult to measure. but the Trustees rejoice in another year when the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been shared with the town of Wem arKI in increasing numbers at all our weekly events.. This year we have prowded free literature outside the church building in Chapel Street. This includ8s Bibles, books and leaflets. These hav8 proved popular and hundreds of items have been taken. We are encouraged lo firKI that they have not been dropped in the street and have not contributed to littering. Attendance at the Sunday services in Wem average around 100 in the mornings and around 45 in the evenings. Much of the work of the church was carried out by a large number of volunt8ers who, amongst other ministries. s8Ne as musicians. hOMroUp leaders, lay preachers, children's and youth leaders, visitors to the sick and elderly. church maintainers. administrators. arKI so on. We give thanks to Ihe Lord for their farthful and fruitFul efforts. This year our Pastor, Nathan Burley. who led many ol the setvices, contacted those in need of pastoral support and chaired the Trustees and the other decision-making meetings. The church's administrator, financial administrator and cleaner were employed on part-tirne contracts. We are very grateful to them especially as they give extra time voluntarily. Wern Baptist Church continues to seek to support those facing financial challenges. The Ghurch
building is a collection point for the local food bank. The Deacons hold a fund which can be called upon by the Ghurch leaders to support those in financial need. Overseas Missionary work was also supported last year. with conlinued finance given to a number of organisations. The details of the support given are included in the Treasurer's Report below. By conviction. Wem Baptist Church is a welcotning group which both encourages the community into our building and seeks to support the town of Wem by getting involved in those events that are Gompatible with our values and beliefs.
Tr8asurer's Report lor the year gnded 31st December 2024 Summ of the Year At the start of 2024 the church had a healthy opening cash position of over £65,000. A summary of the 2024 church finances is as follows: Income £118,846 (budget £96.085) Mainly due to increased offerings, gift aid and restricted donations. Expenditure £103,518 (budget £116.079) Savings on expenditure were made in several areas. particularly in Ihe area of Chapel Street repairs and improvements. FUNJS are ring-lenced for potential manse kitchen upgrade. Surplus £15,328 (budgeted deficit £19,994). Closing bank balance £80.757. Other Causes A total 01 £14.473 was distributed during 2024 and included gifts to Operation Mobilisation, Ched(point Christian Youth Trust, Teach Beyond, Platform 67 and the Friends of Wem Cemgtery. In addition. a further £3.296 was generously given by Church rnembers via restricted offerings, to a variety of Christian and other ChitieS. Resetves Poli The Managing Trustees maintain a balance on unrestricted funds of £1 0,000 to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. Conclusion The Church enters 2025 with a solid cash balance of over £80,000. Whilst a deficit budget has once again been formulated with significant improvements at Chapel Street anticipated, this is based on a prudent view of income and will not impact on the reserves policy as covered above, The Managing Trustees are grateful to everyone involved in the management of the church finances and recognise God's continued financial provision to Wem Baptisl Church.
structure, Governance and Management Wern Baptist Church is a charitable unincorFK)rated assoGiation. The way that the church is govemed is set out in the church's constttuknn that was revised and agreed on 20th September 2022. The members of the church elect elders and deacons to govern, manage and seNe the church, and together these act as Managing Trustees lor the charity. During 2024. one of the ek4ers was a full-time paid worker (as pastor). Three of the Deacons. (the general administrator, financial administrator and cleaner) were also employed part-time. The church's constitution allows for Ihis. with suitable safeguards tor the avoidan of conllicts of interest. The ¢hurch is affiliated to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), The holding trustee for the manse and the Chapel Street premises is the Church Growth Trust. Administrative Information Wern Baptist Church is situated in Chapel Street. Wem. Shrewsbury. Shropshire, SY4 SER. Wern Baptist Church's Charty Registration Number is 1149374. Managing Trustees who have served in the period 1 st January 2024 until 31 st December 2024 are as follows: Nathan Burfey - Chairman JDnathan Berry - Vic8 Chairman Robin Townsend Lorna Dakin - Administrator (resigned 4th June 2024) Ashley Bone (resigned 31 St Dember 2024) Elizabeth Dakin Graham Joynes (resigned 4th June 2024) John Paul Towers Lyn Towers- Financial Administratortrreasurer Roger Howarth (appointed 4th June 2024) Timothy Towers (appointed 17th September 2024) Benjarnin TownserKI (appointed 3rd December 2024) Declaration
The Managing Trustees declare that they have approved the above report. Signed on behalf of the Managing Trustees {1): Full Name: Nathan Philip Godfrey Burley Chair of the Trustees Signed on behalf ol the Managing Trustees (2}: 14W /JJ Full Name: Elizabeth Patricia Dakin Trustee & Chair of the Deacons
Independent Examiner's Report to the Management Committee of Wem Baptist Church on the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Basis of independent examiner's report We report on the accounts of Wem Baptist Church for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Group's officers are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Group's officers consider that an audit is not required for this year and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to: examine the accounts to follow the general directions for the conduct of an independent examination to state whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basis of independenl examiner's statement Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions for an independent examination. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the committee 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 a committee conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examinerfs statement In connection with our examination. no matter has come to our attention: which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect. the requirements to keep appropriate accounting records" and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with applicable financial reporting standards have not been met; or lo which. in our opinion, attention shoukj be drawn in order to en8ble a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Community Accounling Servlces Ltd 7 Napoleon Drive Shrewsbury SY3 SPH Date: 1810912025
Wem Baptist Church IncoTh & Expenditure Accounts tor Ihe Year Ended 31 December 2024 urVerIcIed Reslrktsd Tolal Funds Funds Funds 24 Total Funds 2023 2024 Income Offerings Gttt AKI & Bank Interest Grants Donations Reffreshrnts Bookstall Chur¢h Groups OEher Income 87.rn 17,661 87,799 1&198 100 4,733 74,270 16,236 8,926 9.913 537 100 395 262 132 1.988 1.764 1,7PA Total Income 114.216 118 115, ILIO Expendlture Runnlng cosls Wages Pension Travel expenses conferen Expenses Repairs & Maintenance Light & hoat Insurance Rates LgJal & professlonal IndepEndent examiner Telephone Publicily Computer costs & equipment LIcon$ BOOkall Evangelism Children & Youth Rgfreshmènts Donations to other causes Trainiro Deacon's gifts Printing & Slalionery Subscrlpiions Genera] expenses 36.742 2261 36.742 2,261 36.289 2.054 683 1.319 5.777 815 815 5.205 3.290 4,059 305 1,791 1,633 1,917 2,134 4T33 4,n3 246 712 3,656 1.978 14,4TJ 78 2,293 1,360 21.954 25 500 3.656 1,978 19,980 W7 963 1.300 2.373 Total Expenses 98,013 5,507 103,520 96.826 Not Inwmlng Resources Before Transfgrs 16,203 (875} 15.Y28 18.274 Transler Between FdS Net InrnIng Resources 16,203 (875) 15.328 18.274 Fund balance broht forward at 1 January 124 1.934 65829 47,155 Fund Balance Carrled Forward al 31 Docomber 2024 80.757 65.429 The slaternent of financial activiti8s Sndudès all gains and losses rectynÉsed in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended delive frorn continuing aclivitie&
Wem Baptlst Church Statement of Assets for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Unreslrfctsd Restrlcted Funds Funds 24 2024 T¢)tsl Funds 2024 Cash al bank 79.698 1.OS9 80.757 Signed on behalf of th8 charitys Ifustees Nathan Phlllp Godfrey Burfey Chair ot the Trustées Elizabelh Patrlcla Dakln Trustee & Chair of the Deacons Dat8 zÉ/fj/z 10