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 ServI￿S 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. T￿Y 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. hOM￿roUp 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 Ch￿itieS.
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 De￿mber 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
urVe￿rIcIed Reslrktsd Tolal Funds
Funds
Funds
24
Total
Funds
2023
2024
Income
Offerings
Gttt AKI & Bank Interest
Grants
Donations
Reffreshr￿nts
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
3￿95
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￿$
BOOk￿all
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
7￿12
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 F￿dS
Net In￿rnIng Resources
16,203
(875)
15.328
18.274
Fund balance bro￿ht 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