Greenfield Baptist Church Llanelli
Trustees’ Report for 2023
Church Address: -
Greenfield Baptist Church Murray Street Llanelli SA15 1DZ
CHURCH TRUSTEES in 2024
Minister - Rev David Jones BD Church Secretary - Mr Darryl Benjamin BSc Church Treasurer - Mrs Annette Gravell BSc MBA MSc JP Ms Sheenah Angelone Mrs Sandra Davies Mr Stephen Davies Mr Mathew Taylor BEng MSc Mrs Susan Wooller Mr Michael Wooller Mr Stephen Thomas Mrs Wendy Barnes
Bankers: -
HSBC Vaughan Street Llanelli
Baptist Union Corporation Baptist House PO Box 44
Barclays Bank City of Cardiff branch Cardiff
Monmouth Building Society Union Street Swansea
Independent External Examiner
RCA Williams Charles & Co. Murray Street Llanelli
CONTENTS
1. GOVERNING DOCUMENT
2. GREENFIELD CHURCH PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
3. GREENFIELD CHURCH VALUES
4. THE MINISTER
5. CHURCH TRUSTEES
6. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
7. CHURCH SERVICES AND MEETINGS
- PASTORAL CARE
9. CHURCH WEBSITE and DIGITAL PLATFORMS
10. CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
11. MANAGEMENT OF RISK
- CHURCH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
13. SAFEGUARDING
14. HEALTH AND SAFETY
15. RISK ASSESSMENT/POLICIES/PROCESSES GRAPH
16. MISSION WORK
17. CHARITY WORK
- USE OF THE CHURCH BY EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
19. TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS
20. GREENFIELD PREMISES
21. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS
23. RESERVES POLICY
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BAR CHARTS SHOWING CHURCH ATTENDANCE FIGURES
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CONCLUSION AND REINFORCEMENT OF PURPOSE
1. GOVERNING DOCUMENT.
Greenfield Baptist Church, Llanelli (hereinafter referred to as Greenfield) is a registered charity with the Charity Commissioners of England and Wales - Charity Number 1150291.
The current governing document - ‘The Constitution’ - was adopted at a Special Church Meeting held on 30th April 2014.
2. CHURCH PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The principal purpose of the Church at Greenfield is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes within the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
Greenfield seeks to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and aims to be a warm and welcoming community of faith.
In terms of Christian witness Greenfield strives to ensure good stewardship of the resources and talents that God has provided and aims to be a living witness to God's grace, at the heart of Llanelli.
3. GREENFIELD CHURCH VALUES
Greenfield seeks to demonstrate God’s love through word and action, valuing each other as individuals , and modelling on Jesus’ example. These values can only be achieved by reliance on God’s grace, love and power; ever recognising the limits of our own strength or ability. At Greenfield we are committed to being a body led by the Spirit of God; seeking God’s will and purpose in all we do in His name. Building and developing relationships with God and with one another are vital aspects of our life as a church and the foundation of our Christian faith and hope.
Baptists have a passionate belief in the uniqueness of Jesus, the importance of personal faith, and the expression of that faith through Believers’ Baptism. As a gathered community of Believers at Greenfield, we seek to discern the will of God by ensuring that:-
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our structure is not hierarchical; we seek to work together for good, aiming to establish a “priesthood of all believers” and committed to informing others about God’s love, which extends to all.
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by recognition that we are not in this alone , and therefore we seek to associate with fellow Baptists as well as Christians from other churches locally, nationally, and globally.
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by welcoming and encouraging those who are seeking to learn more of the Christian faith.
4. THE MINISTER
The Rev David Jones continues to serve the church with unfailing Christian commitment. He has been the minister at Greenfield since September 1989. Through his witness, and outreach into the community, church membership has not just been sustained but has increased. With the unfailing support and encouragement of his wife Yvonne, the community spirit of the church continues to flourish.
5. CHURCH TRUSTEES.
The Minister, as defined by his role and responsibilities, is deemed to be a Church Trustee. Greenfield Church Constitution purports that a maximum, of up to twelve additional Trustees, are elected from among the baptised church members. Trustees at Greenfield are elected for an initial four-year term with the opportunity to be nominated for re-election at the end of each four-year term. The role of district deacon is incorporated into the role of a Trustee.
There are inherent legal responsibilities constituent with the role of Trustee. Prospective Trustees at Greenfield are apprised of the Baptist Union’s guidelines and the Charity Commission requirements for Trusteeship prior to submitting their name for consideration as a Trustee. It is acknowledged by all Greenfield Trustees that each has a personal responsibility to keep up-to-date with Charity Commission guidelines for Trusteeship.
Trustees recognise a duty under Common Law to act in the best interests of the charities they serve. Trustees should neither benefit from the charity nor be influenced by their own wider interests when involved in decisions affecting the charity. Trustees of charitable organisations have a legal duty to avoid conflicts of interest under s175 of the Companies Act 2006. A Conflict-of-Interest Protocol is operational at Greenfield.
The Church Secretary and Church Treasurer are acknowledged as the Senior Officers of the church. They are appointed from within the group of Church Trustees, in accordance with the Church Constitution
6. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
During 2023 Greenfield witnessed 3 baptisms and received 3 additional member by profession, transfer, and restoration.
In the year 2023 6 members sadly passed away and 2 transferred their membership.
7. CHURCH SERVICES AND MEETINGS
The current monthly schedule of church services is listed at the beginning of this document.
In March 2020 the first recorded Sunday morning service was ‘uploaded’ on YOUTUBE and FACEBOOK. Since that time weekly services, including Daily Thoughts, have been recorded and are still accessible.
The drive and ambition of our Minister coupled with the technical capability of Darryl Benjamin, the Church Secretary have been the motivation for extending the reach out into the community to church members no longer able to attend worship and to friends, old and new, both near and far.
Special Services
Open-air services are held within the church grounds at key times during the Christian calendar , and members of the local community are also warmly welcomed. The support of the local Salvation Army Band, which regularly accompanies the annual outdoor Christmas Carol Service, is greatly appreciated and adds another dimension to the welcome and witness of this special time of year.
7a COMMENTS FROM SOME OF THE DEPARTMENTS
THE GALLERY GANG
With the lifting of Covid restrictions it was possible for the congregation to meet once again inside Greenfield. However, there were initially some restrictions regarding seating proximity. A polite request was made by church officers for the more able-bodied members of the congregation to take seats upstairs so that the less abled might be seated on the ground floor. Thank you to all who embraced this request. It was clearly apparent that age was not a defining factor in terms of being able bodied! Those who have regularly congregated upstairs have now affectionately become known as the ‘Gallery Gang.’
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE SPOT
Another post Covid development has been the introduction of the ‘Coffee Spot’ which was introduced in 2023. Following the conclusion of the morning service coffee is served in the front of the church for any members of the congregation who wish to remain and socialise with others. The success of this venture is clearly evident with an average of 24 remaining. This facility permits members of the congregation to engage in conversation with persons that they might otherwise not have the opportunity to converse with. Thanks to all who have made this venture a success
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
Philip Hooper, one of our church members organises this fellowship with support from Trustee Stephen Davies. The fellowship meets in the evening of the third Monday of the month from 7p.m. until approx. 8.30 p.m. It is open to any male members of the church but friends from outside of the church are warmly welcomed to join. Speakers are arranged by Phil with an interesting range of topics – from local history, Welsh culture and Roman History.
An annual trip is scheduled each May leaving Llanelli at 08.30 and scheduled to return around 7-8p.m. This trip is open to all members of the church including ladies and friends. At the end of November the fellowship is augmented by additional males from within the church with the purpose of forming a male choir. The Men’s Fellowship leads one of the services during Advent and the choir takes an important role in the service.
Phil’s invites anyone who is free on the third evening of the month “Come and join us - you are most welcome.”
TORCH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Following many months of prayer and discussion the Torch Christian Fellowship held its first meeting at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Llanelli on 4[th] February 2006. A Torch group had previously met at Bethania Baptist Church but that had disbanded many years earlier. The Torch Fellowship Group at Emmanuel was very successful and operated until the Covid crisis intervened. During that period of Covid closure many issues, and particularly those of a logistical nature, impacted on the reopening process. With the encouragement of the Rev David Jones the meeting venue changed to a more central location at Greenfield Baptist Church and the Torch Group became established at Greenfield from September 2022.
In February 2023 the Officers of Greenfield and the Officers of Torch Trust signed a Partnership Agreement with the Torch Trust recognising the establishment of the Llanelli Torch Fellowship Group at Greenfield. This Partnership Agreement confirms the status of the group, in terms of its governing structure and indicates that the Torch Fellowship Group will operate within the structures, policies and procedures of Greenfield Baptist Church.
An extract from the Torch Website
“ Torch Fellowship Groups - People with sight loss are more likely to feel lonely and isolated from those around them. Yet each of us has a deep-rooted need to connect with other people and develop relationships within caring supportive communities. Torch Fellowship Groups provide a wonderful way for people with sight loss to connect with each other and with sighted people. They offer a warm welcome, hospitality, companionship and the opportunity for Christian fellowship. Over 60 groups meet around the UK, often on a monthly basis. Each group is independent but works in partnership with Torch to offer encouragement and support to their members. Our groups are made up of blind and partially sighted people along with sighted people. They provide a relaxed environment to explore the Christian faith and build friendships with others. Groups vary as much as the individuals who participate in them. Torch is passionate about helping churches reach out into their communities to support people with sight loss.”
The Torch Fellowship meets on the first Saturday of the month (except in August) from 2.30p.m. to 4.00p.m. Thank you to all the volunteers at Greenfield who have made the transition to Greenfield so successful.
SOUP STATION
The Wednesday evening Soup Station operated, as a consequence of the Covid situation, as a door service only. However, the original format has now been restored offering a more convivial service with guests now invited indoors to consume their meal and engage socially with others. The response for additional volunteers has been amazing. All the new volunteers will be processed through the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Scheme) checking system before they are added to the rota.
Junior Church -2023
Junior Church is held every Sunday morning in the church schoolroom. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children and grandchildren of church members and friends to enjoy learning bible stories, singing and participating in crafts relating to the stories they have listened to. We have a team of dedicated teachers who teach the children on a rota basis. The children participate in various church services during the year by singing typically in the Harvest Service and annual Toy Service.
The Junior Church children also perform the Nativity Play every December. In July 2023 some of the children aged 8– 15 years attended the annual ‘Spree Wales’ weekend event at Carmarthen. An Event that was organised by the Christian organisation ‘Urban Saints’.
Greenfield adheres to Baptist Union Child Protection Schemes. – Safe to Grow. All who work with children and young people in Greenfield
are provided with a copy of the appropriate safeguarding documentation. All teachers of the Junior Church are volunteers and are DBS checked (Disclosure and Barring Scheme) prior to engaging in any activity with children or young people connected with the church.
Friday Club- 2023
Greenfield Friday Club is held every Friday during school terms 6pm-7:15pm for children of ages 6yrs to 12 yrs. The older youth 13-15yrs enjoyed a film night with hot dogs and some trips to some Youth Meetings in Carmarthen during 2023. A call at McDonalds on the way to Carmarthen was greatly looked forward too and a firm favourite with everyone on these trips! Friday Club is always informal with games and crafts for the younger children. There is also squash and a tuck shop for sweets. The evenings are closed with a short bible story/epilogue.
Greenfield adheres to Baptist Union Child Protection Schemes. – Safe to Grow. All who work with children and young people in Greenfield are provided with a copy of the appropriate safeguarding documentation. All leaders of the Friday Club are volunteers and are DBS checked (Disclosure and Barring Scheme) prior to engaging in any activity with children or young people connected with the church.
8. PASTORAL CARE
The Minister leads the church in respect of Pastoral Care. He is supported by the Trustees in their combined role as district deacons. Church membership is currently structured into ten districts; each with its own district deacon and district officer. Pastoral care is an integral part of the responsibilities of district deacons, who are expected to operate as specific and trusted links to members within their designated districts. Invoking, where necessary, the beneficial support of their respective district officer , deacons are expected to support the Minister by providing a major part of the pastoral care structure within their designated district. Additionally, many church members are proactive in providing care and support to other members of the church community , and we thank God for this important and caring ministry that is undertaken in His name.
9. CHURCH WEBSITE AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS
The church website is a valuable source for promoting Christian worship and specifically Greenfield’s mission. It plays a crucial role in extending and expanding the ministry at Greenfield. The website is updated regularly and provides information relating to all church activities. The church is extremely fortunate to have a member who, as a committed volunteer, sets up and consistently manages the church website. Greenfield’s web address is: www.greenfieldchurch.net
The Trustees of Greenfield recognise their responsibility to provide adequate guidelines, processes and restrictions, in the safe use of digital / social media. Designated Trustees are involved in the managing of Greenfield Social Media accounts . A specific risk assessment has been established which seeks to ensure that any behaviour, or anything communicated or posted online, is not at variance with Greenfield’s Christian ethos, nor liable to adversely affect Greenfield’s legal standing and reputation. It is appreciated that the impact of Covid 19 restrictions and the increased used by Greenfield of digital platforms has resulted in extending the outreach of the Greenfield congregation. The church at Greenfield warmly welcomes the many individuals, now from much broader and extended horizons, who regularly or perhaps just occasionally access Greenfield services, newsletters and other messages.
10. CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
The administration of the church is the shared responsibility of the Minister and the Trustees.
All matters requiring the approval of church members are submitted by the Trustees to one of the three church members’ meetings held annually. Additional church meetings may be held as required. Minutes, recording decisions taken, are kept in accordance with the Church Constitution.
During Covid lockdowns the Baptist Association appointed Ellis Whittam – Employment Law and Health and Safety Advisors to provide guidance to church Trustees. Whilst recognising that Church Members meetings were a key feature of Baptist practice and, also their importance to the functioning of the church the advisor’s questioned the wisdom of holding actual meetings during Covid. The option of on-line church meetings was considered by Ellis Whittam who ultimately questioned the level of inclusivity possible. No church meetings were held at Greenfield during the difficult Covid periods. When urgent decision making was crucial Greenfield Trustees followed guidance from the Baptist Association. Any decisions that Trustees had to make on behalf of the church were later ratified by church members at an actual church meeting. All such decisions have now been ratified.
11. MANAGEMENT OF RISK
“All aspects of life involve risk and the church is no exception. The Charity Commission expects trustees of charities to assess the risks, they carry and to take steps to mitigate those risks” (s tatement from the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers).
11.1 Risk Register
Greenfield has a comprehensive Risk Register which is reviewed annually (unless there is a specific need or requirement to review within that period). The Risk Register is structured under the following headings: -
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Governance, Statutory, Regulatory, Compliance
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Operational
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Financial
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External
11.2 Risk Assessments
The church Trustees acknowledge their duty to recognise and assess risks to which the church is exposed and to establish methods or ways to mitigate such risks. Risk Assessments are structured under the following headings:-
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Safeguarding and respect for others
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Establishing and maintaining a safe environment
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Financial
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Statutory, Regulatory and Legal
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Dispute Resolution.
Specific risk assessments created specifically as a consequence of the Covid pandemic have now been withdrawn. However, many aspects of church life have changed or been amended as a result and as a consequence all Risk Assessments and Processes were subject to a thorough and comprehensive review in 2023. An updated chart relating to Risk Assessments, Policies and Processes can be found at Section 15 below.
12. CHURCH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Greenfield Trustees recognise the importance of having policies and procedures in respect of operational matters; many are directed or influenced by the risk assessment process. Various policies and procedures have been introduced which aim to direct operational matters and promote regulatory compliance and many are recommended or required by the Charity Commission. Greenfield policies and procedures are structured under the same five headings as the risk assessments:
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Safeguarding and Respect for Others
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Establishing and maintaining a Safe Environment
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Financial
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Statutory, Regulatory and Legal
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Dispute Resolution
Copies of all Policies and Procedures are held on file in the Church Admin Office. Individual copies are obtainable from the Church Secretary. An update of current policies can be found in Section 15 below.
13. SAFEGUARDING
13.1 Children and Young People
Greenfield adheres to Baptist Union Child Protection Schemes. – Safe to Grow . All who work with children and young people in Greenfield are provided with a copy of the appropriate safeguarding documentation.
All leaders and volunteers at Greenfield are subject to DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Scheme) prior to engaging in any activity with children or young people connected with the church.
All Trustees, Leaders and Volunteers attend relevant training courses arranged by the Baptist Association. Update Safeguarding training sessions for Levels 2 and 3 were held in January 2023.
Level 1 Safeguarding Videos and other such material issued by the Baptist Association which appertains to the care of children and young people are shown at Church meetings.
13.2 Working with Adults at Risk within the Church
All Trustees, Leaders , and Volunteers who are engaged in activities with Adults at Risk in Greenfield , are required to attend relevant training courses arranged by the Baptist Association. Updated training sessions were held in January 2023.
All leaders and volunteers at Greenfield are subject to DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Scheme) prior to engaging in any activity with adults at risk.
A Soup Station ‘Entry and Behavioural Policy’, designed to safeguard both volunteers and guests, is operational and complies with the requirements of Greenfield’s Insurers.
13.3 Recruitment of Volunteers
A robust Recruitment of Volunteers policy and procedure, designed to meet Safeguarding Standards for ‘Working with Children’ and ‘Working with Adults at Risk’, is operational at Greenfield. Application forms and References are always considered essential.
14. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Greenfield Church Trustees recognise their responsibilities under the auspices of ‘Health and Safety’. Health and Safety features as a standard agenda item at all Trustees’ meetings and church meetings, and the Health and Safety Administrator delivers a report at each meeting. Department leaders, church members and regular attenders are reminded of the importance of reporting ‘near-miss’ episodes as well as actual accidents. An Accident Report book is available outside the Church Admin Office.
Health and Safety measures were greatly intensified during pandemic and appropriately risk assessed. These measures were clearly communicated to church users.
15. RISK ASSESSMENTS, POLICIES AND PROCESSES UPDATE CHART
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Category Risk Assessment/Policies/Processes Position
Working with Children Update Safeguarding training held in January
Working with Adults at Risk 2023. The two Risk Assessments and the two
respective policies have been reviewed and
updated as necessary. Updated DBS checks
undertaken 2023/2024.
Appointing and managing Volunteers Ongoing as per current policy
DBS Checking Processes Ongoing process
Soup Station Protocols Service is currently door duty only but it is
Entry and Behavioural Policy for Soup hoped that this will change in 2024.
Station
Category Risk Assessment/Policies/Processes Position
Food Safety and Hygiene Food Safety Training sessions held in January
2023 for all who are involved in preparing or
handling food at Greenfield. The Food Safety
and Hygiene Risk Assessment was then
reviewed and the Food Safety and Hygiene
Policy amended accordingly.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Working at Height
These Risk Assessments were reviewed
Lone Working
during 2023.
Use of Church Baptistry
Approaching the Church Perimeter
Fire Safety Alarm Testing Regular, ongoing process
Emergency Evacuation of the Church Ongoing process of fire marshalling for all
Premises and evacuation practice will be undertaken
at times during the year so that all
congregations can be involved.
First Aid Procedures and Reporting Ongoing process
Category Risk Assessment/Policies/Processes Position
Church Financial Regulations and Banking Financial regulations policy subject to review
processes Autumn 2023.
Appointment of Internal Examiners Process unchanged 2023
Appointment of External Examiners Process unchanged 2023
Category Risk Assessment/Policies/Processes Position
Data Protection Process unchanged 2023
Data Retention & Archive Policy Process unchanged 2023
Conflict of Interest Protocol established and operational
Appointment of TRUSTEES In accordance with Greenfield Church
Appointment of Church Officers constitution
Church Music Licence Updated annually with CCLI
Use of CCTV in an around church premises Process unchanged 2023
Use of Digital and Social Media Process unchanged 2023
SAFEGUARDING AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS
ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
FINANCIAL
STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND LEGAL
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| Category | Risk Assessment/Policies/Processes | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Greenfield Employee’s Grievance Policy | ||
| DISPUTE SOLUTION |
Greenfield Disciplinary Policy | Subject to review Feb 2023. |
| Dealing with Capability in the Greenfield Workplace |
||
RE |
Dealing with complaints | Subject to review July 2023. |
16. MISSION WORK
Mission work is integral to the advancement of the Christian faith, and Greenfield Church’s community shows strong commitment to a range of mission work activities. The financial section highlights the various donations made to mission work during 2023.
16.1 Developing the work of Mission
Facebook and other Social Media – Particularly during lockdown various social media platforms have been crucial to communication and sharing of the gospel message. A specific risk assessment has been established in order to manage the use of digital platforms and social media.
The weekly Soup Station - The financial and practical support of church members and the local community in aid of the Soup Station has been greatly appreciated, particularly during the period of pandemic. Donated food items and personal hygiene products are regularly provided by local supermarkets, and their support is similarly greatly appreciated.
Street Connect - Greenfield, inspired by visits from representatives of ‘Street Connect’ in Glasgow , now makes regular contributions to their developing cause of street mission and particularly drug addiction. The work of ‘Street Connect’ now includes outreach cafes and community recovery groups. Apart from their engagement in residential ‘rehab’ work , ‘Street Connect’ has greatly expanded the range of their work and commitment to those in need of the valuable and expanding support network.
Support from Bethel Church - Some health and safety measures during the Covid crisis restricted the continuous use of Greenfield at certain times of the week. The church Trustees were extremely grateful for the generosity of the Trustees of Bethel, Seaside for allowing the young people, under the leadership of Lisa Isaac, to utilise the facilities at Bethel.
The Digital Junior Church - the church Trustees were greatly encouraged by the fact that the Greenfield Junior Church sought to continue meeting during the church closure by utilising social media platforms. Appropriate Risk Assessment procedures were followed. A report about the work of the Junior Church can be found at section 7a above.
Hope Home Thailand As a group , the Greenfield Junior Church continues its support of the mission work at Hope Home in north-west Thailand. This worthy cause, established under the auspices of the British Missionary Society , provides a home and refuge for children with severe disabilities. Members of the Junior Church receive periodic ‘jottings’ from Judy Cook of the BMS updating them to the situation in Hope Home.
16.2 Church Newsletters
The weekly newsletter is an additional and valuable source for communicating church news and associated information. Copies are usually distributed at Sunday and Tuesday services. Over 260 are despatched digitally.
During lockdown church newsletters were a crucial means of keeping in touch with the expanding community of Greenfield.
16.3 Newspaper Outreach
The Minister contributes a weekly column conveying a Christian message to the local newspaper ‘Llanelli Star’ . Readership extends across Llanelli and outlaying districts and this provides a further opportunity of sharing God’s word within the local community.
The Minister continues in his engagement as a Hospital Chaplain at Ward 9, Prince Philip Hospital. He is additionally engaged in supporting individuals and families who approach the church for pastoral care and assistance to deal with domestic needs.
17. CHARITY WORK
17.1 Special Offerings
The church supports local and national charities, principally through offerings taken at all Communion Services throughout the year and during Tuesday morning services. These charitable offerings are augmented by specific fund-raising activities organised by various church departments and by designated retiring collections. The breakdown of these Special Offerings can be seen in the financial section of this report.
17.2 Church Members engaged in Designated Charity Work
Several church members are regularly engaged in charity work for a range of local and national charities, including Christian Aid, Llanelli Talking Newspaper, Blood Cancer UK, Torch Christian Fellowship, Age Cymru Sir Gâr, Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation, Barnardo’s, Parkinson ’ s UK, Trussell Food Bank, and the Cancer Information Support Services. A member of the church congregation is regularly involved in school visits promoting ‘Open the Book’. To quote Matthew 13: ‘Sowing seeds all the time, keep on sowing, keep on growing; for ‘how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?’ Romans 10:14.
18. USE OF THE CHURCH BY EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
Greenfield, as one of the largest and most centrally situated churches in Llanelli, is often used for special, formal fundraising events.
The Trustees of the church are supportive of the use of the chapel by selective external organisations. Various local schools utilise the facilities for concerts and prize giving events. Local choirs use the facilities for concerts, auditions or as a rehearsal venue.
The church lettings policy accords with guidance from Greenfield’s Insurers. The church secretary is the main point of contact in respect of church lettings so that the appropriate insurance and regulatory checks can be consistently undertaken.
19. TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS.
Technology, including the use of audio-visual equipment, is an integral part of worship, outreach and mission. The Trustees are extremely grateful for the valuable services provided by church members in organising and operating the various technical services e.g., the church website, projection of hymns and readings during services and other technical aids.
Loop systems for individuals with hearing loss are installed in both the chapel and the schoolroom. Recent modifications have been made the church sound system to improve the quality of sound.
20. GREENFIELD PREMISES.
20.1 Beneficial Ownership
The church is the beneficial owner of the following asset - the church premises - the legal title of which is held by the church’s custodian Trustees – The Baptist Union Corporation Ltd.
20.2 The Chapel
The 166-year-old church building is subject to a constant need of upkeep and maintenance. Greenfield is a Grade 2 listed building, and this imposes restrictions and constraints on the building, development and repair work permitted. Previous experience has demonstrated that, as a listed building, in a prominent area of the town, repair and replacement have had to be consistent with original materials, impacting heavily on cost.
20.3 Church Manse
The church does not currently own a manse. Some financial provision is, however, retained in a Manse Fund specifically for the purpose of supporting a minister of the church in need of housing accommodation. The Manse Fund is registered as a separate Charity – Registration Number 226501.
20.4 Buildings Survey
The church is insured with the Baptist Insurance Company. A quinquennial (5 year) survey was undertaken in 2022 by CJ Consulting and a comprehensive report has been received.
21. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for ensuring that complete and accurate financial statements are prepared for each financial year. These statements are required, by law, to provide a true and fair account of that Charity and of the surplus or deficit for the respective financial year.
The Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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Prepare financial statements on the ‘going concern’ basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The accounts of Greenfield Baptist Church are prepared on a ‘Receipts and Payments’ basis. The Accounts and Statements of Assets and Liabilities for the year ending 31 December 2023 are set out in the Financial Section of this Church report.
At a Church meeting held on 26[th] February 2024 it was agreed that in future the accounts would be externally examined each year rather than every five years. The current internal examiners will continue to operate in a supportive role offering assistance to the Church Treasurer when requested.
21.1 Finance Regulations
The Financial Regulations Policy and Procedure was implemented in 2016 and the review delayed due to Covid. A comprehensive review commenced in 2023. The revised policy and procedure will be ratified in 2024.
21.2 Payment of Trustees
The Minister of the church continues to be the only Trustee who is remunerated by the church charity.
21.3 Principal Funding Sources
The main source of church income is derived from the generous regular offerings of church members and other worshippers. Legacy income and Gift Aid income, including the Gift Aid Small Donations (GASDS), supplement this income source. Trustees continue to encourage those who are eligible, to participate in the Gift Aid scheme. The relevant forms are available from the Church Treasurer.
Increasingly worshippers now contribute directly through the banking system. Any other worshippers wishing to avail themselves of this facility are invited to contact the Church Treasurer for further details and the requisite form.
Bespoke gifts for specific purposes or projects are often received by the church; many are anonymously donated and cannot, therefore, be formally acknowledged. The Church Trustees are keen to take the opportunity through this church report, to express their gratitude for these kind, generous, and so often anonymous gifts. Whilst we respect your request for anonymity we wish you to be aware of our gratitude- Diolch yn fawr iawn; thank you very much.
21.4 Pensions
The church is no longer an employer participating in a pension scheme known as the Baptist Pension Scheme (“The Scheme”), formerly known as the Baptist Ministers’ Pension Fund, until 31 December 2011 (“The Ministers’ Fund”).
21.4.1 Pensions Auto Enrolment
The Trustees recognise their responsibilities under Auto Enrolment of the Government Pensions Scheme . Those dates were met.
22. BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS
22.1 Planned Preventative Maintenance
Planned, preventative maintenance is under the auspices of the church Trustees. All costs are approved in accordance with the Financial Regulations of the church.
22.2 Reactive Maintenance
Constant checking of the premises is designed to minimise the need for much reactive maintenance. Church users are encouraged to report any malfunction that they note or experience to the church secretary of one of the other trustees.
Due to the service provider removing the option of service contracts to business customers, Greenfield no longer has a service contracts to cover any breakdown in respect of the heating boiler. Despite enquiries it has not been possible to secure a suitable alternative provider.
22.3. Building improvements or developments
Obtaining quotations or securing contractors has been a difficulty post Covid and this has meant that some of the planned work, although organised in 2023 was not actually undertaken in 2024.
Work completed in 2023/24
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The repainting of the perimeter railings and gates.
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A strip down and overhaul of the church organ.
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Installation of an external lantern to the lane gate entrance.
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The replacement of the church boiler and pumps along with the relocation of the schoolroom thermostat and an upgrade to the schoolroom and chapel heating timers.
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Replacement of the lower handrails to the left hand side of the gallery stairs.
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Re-fixing of lead flashing and replacement of missing tiles on the main roofing area.
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Refurbishment of the “coffee spot” meeting area including re-location of carpet from the landing area.
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Rough
Total
working
Future projects estimate £78,700
The plastering and repainting of the internal walls of the chapel and subsequent
decoration is now becoming an urgent requirement. Improvement work to the chapel £16,000
ceiling has also been identified. There is an expectation that the scaffolding required
for the work to proceed will be costly and additionally, it is anticipated that there will
be a need for temporary relocation of church services.
£8,000
Positioning of safety rails in front rows of the gallery of the chapel.
Replacement of current ceiling in the chapel £20,000
Stabilise the render and the repainting of exterior front porch of the church £1,000
Replace handles on kitchen cupboards £350
Replacement of chapel windows in the Station Road aspect £30,000
Replace fault emergency lighting £350
Removal of the rear pews in order to improve accessibility within the chapel. Initial £3,000
discussions have been held with the relevant regulatory authorities regarding the
developments designed to improve manoeuvrability for individuals with disabilities.
This could entail the repositioning of some seating but the effect of these
developments should prove invaluable should there be a fire within the church
premises.
Items yet to be costed from quinquennial report recommendations
Repair to the external stone work
Repair to rainwater goods and drainage system
Fixing of various rails and door throughout the building
Other items of desirable and longer term works are also being considered from the
quinquennial report.
----- End of picture text -----
23. RESERVES POLICY.
The building improvements itemised in section 22 above feature within the Reserves Policy. In addition, changes to the ministerial leadership of the church at some future time, may well result in major reduction in income and this change could also create ensuing housing costs.
Greenfield has agreed to support a church member through their study at the Baptist College. This support will include payment of study costs. The final portion of the study costs was made in 2024.
24 BAR CHARTS SHOWING CHURCH AENDANCE FIGURES Sunday Moming online Services Sunday Moming Chapel Services IC•) Sunday Evening Chapel Services Sunday Evening Call 12 10 Tuesday Moming online thought Tuesday Moming Chapel Service Tuesday Evening Bible stjY Friday Y<yJth 10
Junior Church Soup Statson 12 10 10 *"++4 y>" Sunday School Lisa Sunday Youth Lisa JOY Lisa YAY Lisa 15 10 10 Social & Bible Study Ltsa TORCH io IL4 10
25. CONCLUSION AND REINFORCEMENT OF PURPOSE
This report from the Trustees of Greenfield Baptist Church relates to the year of 2023 and is a true reflection of the Christian work and witness of the church and its efforts to reach out to its members, friends and to the wider community. The 2022 Trustees’ report concluded with the words of Psalm 67 v1-2 - ‘May God be gracious to us and continue to bless us and make His face shine upon us so that His ways may be known on earth and His salvation among all nations.’ As a church we continue to recognise our need of His grace and salvation in our lives. We were richly blessed in 2023 with new members joining our congregation by transfer and by baptism. We are His Church and together we seek to do His will and to grow spiritually together in worship, service and love for Christ and for each other.
End of document.
Financial Statement for the year ending 31st December 2023.
| 2022 | RECEIPTS | Note | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ 79,200 | Offerings | 1 | £ 84,796 |
| £ 18,762 | Sundry Receipts | 2 | £ 21,415 |
| £ 11,128 | Mission Work | 3 | £ 13,089 |
| £ 3,949 £ 5,641 |
Communion Offerings Charity Receipts |
4 5 |
£ 7,862 |
| £ 2,735 | Church Community Social Events | 8 | £ 1,951 |
| £ 292 | Departmental Receipts (Junior Church closing balance) | £- | |
| £121,707 | SUB TOTAL | £129,113 | |
| £ 43,751 | Movement /Transfer IN from Other Greenfield Bank Accounts | £ 4,622 | |
| £ 759 | Bank Interest | 7 | £ 2,910 |
| £166,217 | TOTAL | £136,645 | |
| 2022 | PAYMENTS | 2023 | |
| £ 44,685 | Pastoral and Associated Costs | 9 | £ 45,947 |
| £ 7,665 | Other Salaries and Associated Costs | 10 | £ 6,817 |
| £ 25,325 | Pension Deficit | 11 | £ - |
| £ 21,752 | Mission Work | 12 | £ 15,621 |
| £ 8,875 £ 4,001 |
Communion Offerings Charity Donations |
13 14 |
£ 9,545 |
| £ 2,842 | Utilities | 15 | £ 7,885 |
| £ 8,659 | Buildings | 16 | £ 5,526 |
| £ 3,780 | Insurances | £ 4,138 | |
| £ 952 | Stationery, Printing & Postage | 17 | £ 1,616 |
| £ 6,904 | Miscellaneous | 18 | £ 6,685 |
| £ 2,137 | Affiliation Fees | £ 2,138 | |
| £ 498 | Departmental Reimbursements | 21 | £ 1,005 |
| £ 3,082 | Church Community Social Events | 22 | £ 1,950 |
| £141,157 | SUB TOTAL | £108,873 | |
| £ 25,967 | Movement / Transfer to Other Greenfield Bank Accounts | 20 | £ 19,210 |
| £ 79 | Bank Charges | £ 84 | |
| £167,203 | TOTAL | £128,167 | |
| £(19,450) | Balance of Receipts over Payments | £ 20,240 | |
| DEPARTMENTAL | |||
| £ 1,259 | Receipts | 6 | £ 1,967 |
| £ 389 | Payments | 19 | £ 1,277 |
Note 1 - Offertories
| £ | 25,098 | Envelopes | £ 27,490 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 47,511 | Direct Credits to Bank | £ 45,918 |
| £ | 6,591 | Cash | £ 10,480 |
| £ | - | Other | £ 908 |
| £ | 79,200 | TOTAL | £ 84,796 |
| 2022 | Note 2 - Sundry Receipts | 2023 | |
| £ | 3,493 | Donations | £ 7,359 |
| £ | 430 | Soup Station | £ 1,225 |
| £ | 40 | CDs/ Newsletters | £ - |
| £ | 941 | Reimb/Weddings/Funerals | £ - |
| £ | 610 | Flowers | £ 806 |
| £ | 12,379 | Gift Aid | £ 10,859 |
| £ | 719 | Utillities | £ 250 |
| £ | 150 | Church Lettings | £ 265 |
| £ | - | Reimbursement | £ 651 |
| £ | 18,762 | TOTAL | £ 21,415 |
| 2022 | Note 3 - Mission Work | 2023 | |
| £ | 7,128 | BMS World Mission | £ 2,551 |
| £ | 645 | Baptist Union Home Mission | £ 600 |
| £ | 1,340 | Christian Aid | £ 4,577 |
| £ | 1,730 | Barnabus Fund | £ 307 |
| £ | 170 | Open Doors | £ 805 |
| £ | 115 | Other | £ 4,249 |
| £ | 11,128 | TOTAL | £ 13,089 |
| 2022 | Note 4 & 5 - Communion & Charity Offerings | 2023 | |
| £ | 9,590 | Various | £ 7,862 |
| £ | 9,590 | TOTAL | £ 7,862 |
| 2022 | Note 6 - Departmental Sundry Receipts | 2023 | |
| £ | 401 | Choir | £ 736 |
| £ | 780 | Junior Church | £ 535 |
| £ | 77 | Open Door | £ 173 |
| £ | 1 | Men's Fellowship | £ 523 |
| £ | 1,259 | TOTAL | £ 1,967 |
Note 7 - Bank Interest
2022
2023
| £ | 29 | Internet Account 1 | £ 339 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 86 | Internet Account 2 | £ 642 |
| £ | 16 | N S & I Investment Account | £ 132 |
| £ | 98 | Baptist Union Ministry Account | £ 345 |
| £ | 63 | Barclays Investment Account | £ 620 |
| £ | 467 | Monmouth Building Society | £ 832 |
| £ | 759 | TOTAL | £ 2,910 |
| 2022 | Note 8 - Church Community Social Events | 2023 | |
| £ | 2,205 | Pantomime | £ 1,401 |
| £ | 280 | Church Trip | £ 550 |
| £ | 250 | Miscellaneous | £ - |
| £ | 2,735 | TOTAL | £ 1,951 |
| 2022 | Note 9 - Pastoral and Associated Costs | 2023 | |
| £ | 34,375 | Stipend and Housing Allowance | £ 36,092 |
| £ | 1,010 | Pulpit Supplies | £ 555 |
| £ | 4,800 | Expenses | £ 4,800 |
| £ | 4,500 | College Fees & Support | £ 4,500 |
| £ | 44,685 | TOTAL | £ 45,947 |
| 2022 | Note 10 - Other Salaries and Associated Costs | 2023 | |
| £ | 300 | Organist | £475 |
| £ | 7,365 | Cleaner and Caretaker | £6,342 |
| £ | 7,665 | TOTAL | £6,817 |
| 2022 | Note 11 - Pension Deficit | 2023 | |
| £ | 25,325 | Baptist Pension Scheme Shortfall | £ - |
| £ | 25,325 | TOTAL | £ - |
| 2022 | Note 12 - Mission Work | 2023 | |
| £ | 12,347 | * BMS World Mission | £ 2,372 |
| £ | 720 | Support for BMS Hope Home | £ 220 |
| £ | 837 | Baptist Union Home Mission | £ 667 |
| £ | 2,000 | Christian Aid | £ 4,575 |
| £ | 1,700 | Barnabus Fund | £ 400 |
| £ | 2,200 | Open Doors | £ 950 |
| £ | 873 | Greenfield Soup Kitchen | £ 332 |
| £ | 600 | Street Connect | £ 600 |
| £ | - | Bibles for Children Schools | £ 500 |
| £ | 175 | Special (Womens' Day of Prayer) | £ 130 |
| £ | 100 | Cardiff University Chaplaincy | £ - |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 200 | Stand by Me (Africa Beds Appeal) | £ - |
| £ | 300 | Leprosy | £ 670 |
| £ | 600 | Christian Blind Mission | £ 350 |
| £ | 200 | Good News for Everyone(formerly Gideons UK) | £ 750 |
| £ | 300 | MAF | £ 350 |
| £ | 500 | Cardiff Baptist College | £ 400 |
| £ | 1,200 | Bible Society | £ 350 |
| £ | 500 | Samaritans Purse | £ - |
| £ | - | Daylight Christian Prison Trust | £ 350 |
| £ | - | Grace Church Soup Station | £ 255 |
| £ | - | Elim Local Foodbank | £ 1,400 |
| £ | 25,352 | TOTAL | £ 15,621 |
| *2022 total includes special donation for Ukraine | |||
| 2022 | Notes 13 and 14 - Communion and Charity Offerings | 2023 | |
| £ | 200 | British Heart Foundation | £ 250 |
| £ | 650 | Cancer Research Wales | £ 250 |
| £ | 200 | Motor Neurone Association | £ 200 |
| £ | 200 | Save the Children | £ 500 |
| £ | 200 | Versus Arthritis(formerly Arthritis Care) | £ 250 |
| £ | 400 | Bloodwise | £ 600 |
| £ | 275 | Age Cymru Dyfed(formerly Age Cymru Sir Gar) | £ 250 |
| £ | 200 | Parkinsons UK Association | £ 525 |
| £ | 300 | Air Ambulance | £ - |
| £ | 300 | Alzheimers UK | £ - |
| £ | 800 | Macmillan | £ - |
| £ | 350 | Luhimba Project | £ 550 |
| £ | 500 | Chemotherapy Unit PPH | £ 350 |
| £ | - | Royal Marsden | £ 450 |
| £ | 1,550 | Llanelli Hospice | £ 2,200 |
| £ | 300 | Salvation Army | £ 200 |
| £ | 500 | Crisis for Christmas | £ 750 |
| £ | 500 | Spurgeons(payment made January 2024) | £ - |
| £ | 250 | Blood Bikes | £ - |
| £ | - | Red Cross Morocco Appeal | £ 600 |
| £ | - | Ty Golau Kidwelly | £ 250 |
| £ | 1,401 | Benevolent Fund | £ 1,370 |
| £ | 200 | Llanelli Talking Newspaper(payment made January 2024) | £ - |
| £ | 9,276 | TOTAL | £ 9,545 |
| 2022 | Note 15 - Utilities | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 2,589 | Light and Heat | £ 7,602 |
| £ | 253 | Water | £ 283 |
| £ | 2,842 | TOTAL | £ 7,885 |
| 2022 | Note 16 - Buildings | 2023 | |
| £ | 625 | General Repairs | £ 1,267 |
| £ | 6,751 | Property Renovations | £ 1,622 |
| £ | 503 | Fire Protection | £ 737 |
| £ | - | Grounds & Pest Controls | £ - |
| £ | 780 | Use of other premises for services | £ 1,900 |
| £ | 8,659 | TOTAL | £ 5,526 |
| 2022 | Note 17 - Stationery, Printing & Postage | 2023 | |
| £ | 952 | Stationery, Printing & Postage | £ 1,616 |
| £ | 952 | TOTAL | £ 1,616 |
| 2022 | Note 18 - Miscellaneous | 2023 | |
| £ | 1,077 | Licences | £ 841 |
| £ | 2,915 | Technical Costs | £ 427 |
| £ | 276 | Piano and Organ Tuning | £ 223 |
| £ | 267 | Cleaning and Associated Costs | £ 144 |
| £ | 240 | PAT Testing | £ 295 |
| £ | 727 | Health & Safety & Associated Costs | £ 627 |
| £ | 2,133 | Other Sundry items | £ 2,133 |
| £ | 245 | CD production | £ - |
| £ | 171 | Telephone Line Rental | £ 337 |
| £ | - | Training | £ 1,208 |
| £ | - | External Examination of Accounts | £ 450 |
| £ | 8,051 | TOTAL | £ 6,685 |
| 2022 | Note 19 - Departmental | 2023 | |
| £ | - | Choir | £ - |
| £ | 389 | Junior Church | £ 427 |
| £ | - | Open Door | £ 300 |
| £ | - | Men's Fellowship | £ 550 |
| £ | 389 | TOTAL | £ 1,277 |
| 2022 | Note | 20 - Bank Transfers to Other Accounts & Charges | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 25,967 | Transfer to other Greenfield Bank Accounts | £ 19,210 | |
| £ | 79 | Banking Charges | £ 84 | |
| £ | 26,046 | TOTAL | £ 19,294 | |
| 2022 | Note 21 - Departmental Reimbursements | 2023 | ||
| £ | 391 | Junior Church Materials | £ 238 | |
| £ | 107 | Youth Materials | £ 767 | |
| £ | 498 | TOTAL | £ 1,005 | |
| 2022 | Note 22 - Church Community Social Events | 2023 | ||
| £ | 2,293 | Pantomime | £ 1,400 | |
| £ | 500 | Church Trip | £ 550 | |
| £ | 289 | Miscellaneous | £ - | |
| £ | 3,082 | TOTAL | £ 1,950 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at 31 December 2023
| HSBC - COMMUNITY ACCOUNT | |
|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Balance of Receipts over Payments Jan - Dec 2023 Transfer in from HSBC Internet A/C Transfer in from HSBC Building Fund A/C Transfer to Church Choir A/C Transfer out to other Greenfield Building Fund A/C Transfer to Monmouth BS Soup Station receipts for transfer to Barclays A/C Other transactions for Barclays A/C Bank Charges Jan-Dec 2023 Outstanding Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 6,051 £ 20,240 £ 3,000 £ 1,622 £ (10) £ (13,000) £ (5,000) £ (870) £ (330) £ (84) £ (881) |
| £ 10,738 | |
| HSBC INTERNET ACCOUNT No 2 (Building Fund) | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest added Jan-Dec 2023 Transfer to HSBC Community Account Transfer from HSBC Community Account Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 38,658 £ 642 £ (1,622) £ 13,000 |
| £ 50,678 | |
| NS&I INVESTMENT ACCOUNT | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest added Jan-Dec 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 17,071 £ 132 |
| £ 17,203 | |
| MONMOUTH BUILDING SOCIETY | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest added March 2023 Transfer from HSBC Community A/C Dec 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 65,768 £ 832 £ 5,000 |
| £ 71,600 | |
| BARCLAYS COMMUNITY ACCOUNT | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Balance of Receipts over Payments for Soup Station element Outstanding in banking process Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 14,507 £ (1,644) £ (1,749) |
| £ 11,114 | |
| HSBC INTERNET ACCOUNT No 1 | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest Added Jan-Dec 2023 Transfer to HSBC Community Account Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 24,692 £ 339 £ (3,000) |
| £ 22,031 |
| LLOYDS BANK TREASURER'S ACCOUNT | |
|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 65,130 |
| £ 65,130 | |
| BAPTIST UNION CORPORATION FUND | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest Added Jan-Dec 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 11,602 £ 345 |
| £ 11,947 | |
| BARCLAYS BUSINESS SAVINGS ACCOUNT | |
| Opening Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest Added Jan-Dec 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 TOTAL CASH ASSETS TOTAL MONETARY ASSETS at 31st DECEMBER 2023 BANK AND CASH BALANCES Representing balances on the following accounts General Fund (Unrestricted) Ministry Fund (Restricted) Sunday School Legacy Fund Choir Fund (Designated) Open Door Fellowship (Designated) Men's Fellowship (Designated) Junior Church (Designated) |
£ 65,107 £ 620 |
| £ 65,727 | |
| £ 326,168 | |
| £ 307,790 £ 11,947 £ 1,812 £ 2,681 £ 192 £ 1,249 £ 497 £ 326,168 |
|
| LIABILITIES | NIL |
Basis of Accounts
GREENFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH IS A REGISTERED CHARITY - 1150291
THE CHURCH IS THE BENEFICIAL OWNER OF THE FOLLOWING ASSET –
CHURCH PREMISES AT MURRAY STREET-LLANELLI- CARMARTHENSHIRE-SA15 1DZ -INSURED VALUE £3,438,638 INCLUDING ORGAN £242,488 AND CONTENTS £103,503
THE LEGAL TITLE OF THESE ASSETS IS HELD BY THE CHURCH'S CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE THE BAPTIST UNION CORPORATION LTD.
THESE ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN PREPARED ON A 'RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS' BASIS. THE ACCOUNTS, STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES SET OUT IN THIS BOOKLET RELATE TO THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2023 AS APPROVED BY THE TRUSTEES OF GREENFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH
These Accounts were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:-
Rev. David Jones (Minister) ……………………………………………………………………………..
Annette Gravell (Church Treasurer)………………………………………………………………….
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT to the TRUSTEES OF GREENFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH, LLANELLI
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Greenfield Baptist Church Llanelli:-
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Greenfield Baptist Church Llanelli (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
R.A. Williams
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Charles & Co
Chartered Certified Accountants
3 Murray Street Llanelli
Carmarthenshire
SA15 1AQ
Financial Statement for the year ending 31st December 2023.
| 2022 | RECEIPTS | Note | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ 79,200 | Offerings | 1 | £ 84,796 |
| £ 18,762 | Sundry Receipts | 2 | £ 21,415 |
| £ 11,128 | Mission Work | 3 | £ 13,089 |
| £ 3,949 £ 5,641 |
Communion Offerings Charity Receipts |
4 5 |
£ 7,862 |
| £ 2,735 | Church Community Social Events | 8 | £ 1,951 |
| £ 292 | Departmental Receipts (Junior Church closing balance) | £- | |
| £121,707 | SUB TOTAL | £129,113 | |
| £ 43,751 | Movement /Transfer IN from Other Greenfield Bank Accounts | £ 4,622 | |
| £ 759 | Bank Interest | 7 | £ 2,910 |
| £166,217 | TOTAL | £136,645 | |
| 2022 | PAYMENTS | 2023 | |
| £ 44,685 | Pastoral and Associated Costs | 9 | £ 45,947 |
| £ 7,665 | Other Salaries and Associated Costs | 10 | £ 6,817 |
| £ 25,325 | Pension Deficit | 11 | £ - |
| £ 21,752 | Mission Work | 12 | £ 15,621 |
| £ 8,875 £ 4,001 |
Communion Offerings Charity Donations |
13 14 |
£ 9,545 |
| £ 2,842 | Utilities | 15 | £ 7,885 |
| £ 8,659 | Buildings | 16 | £ 5,526 |
| £ 3,780 | Insurances | £ 4,138 | |
| £ 952 | Stationery, Printing & Postage | 17 | £ 1,616 |
| £ 6,904 | Miscellaneous | 18 | £ 6,685 |
| £ 2,137 | Affiliation Fees | £ 2,138 | |
| £ 498 | Departmental Reimbursements | 21 | £ 1,005 |
| £ 3,082 | Church Community Social Events | 22 | £ 1,950 |
| £141,157 | SUB TOTAL | £108,873 | |
| £ 25,967 | Movement / Transfer to Other Greenfield Bank Accounts | 20 | £ 19,210 |
| £ 79 | Bank Charges | £ 84 | |
| £167,203 | TOTAL | £128,167 | |
| £(19,450) | Balance of Receipts over Payments | £ 20,240 | |
| DEPARTMENTAL | |||
| £ 1,259 | Receipts | 6 | £ 1,967 |
| £ 389 | Payments | 19 | £ 1,277 |
Note 1 - Offertories
| £ | 25,098 | Envelopes | £ 27,490 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 47,511 | Direct Credits to Bank | £ 45,918 |
| £ | 6,591 | Cash | £ 10,480 |
| £ | - | Other | £ 908 |
| £ | 79,200 | TOTAL | £ 84,796 |
| 2022 | Note 2 - Sundry Receipts | 2023 | |
| £ | 3,493 | Donations | £ 7,359 |
| £ | 430 | Soup Station | £ 1,225 |
| £ | 40 | CDs/ Newsletters | £ - |
| £ | 941 | Reimb/Weddings/Funerals | £ - |
| £ | 610 | Flowers | £ 806 |
| £ | 12,379 | Gift Aid | £ 10,859 |
| £ | 719 | Utillities | £ 250 |
| £ | 150 | Church Lettings | £ 265 |
| £ | - | Reimbursement | £ 651 |
| £ | 18,762 | TOTAL | £ 21,415 |
| 2022 | Note 3 - Mission Work | 2023 | |
| £ | 7,128 | BMS World Mission | £ 2,551 |
| £ | 645 | Baptist Union Home Mission | £ 600 |
| £ | 1,340 | Christian Aid | £ 4,577 |
| £ | 1,730 | Barnabus Fund | £ 307 |
| £ | 170 | Open Doors | £ 805 |
| £ | 115 | Other | £ 4,249 |
| £ | 11,128 | TOTAL | £ 13,089 |
| 2022 | Note 4 & 5 - Communion & Charity Offerings | 2023 | |
| £ | 9,590 | Various | £ 7,862 |
| £ | 9,590 | TOTAL | £ 7,862 |
| 2022 | Note 6 - Departmental Sundry Receipts | 2023 | |
| £ | 401 | Choir | £ 736 |
| £ | 780 | Junior Church | £ 535 |
| £ | 77 | Open Door | £ 173 |
| £ | 1 | Men's Fellowship | £ 523 |
| £ | 1,259 | TOTAL | £ 1,967 |
Note 7 - Bank Interest
2022
2023
| £ | 29 | Internet Account 1 | £ 339 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 86 | Internet Account 2 | £ 642 |
| £ | 16 | N S & I Investment Account | £ 132 |
| £ | 98 | Baptist Union Ministry Account | £ 345 |
| £ | 63 | Barclays Investment Account | £ 620 |
| £ | 467 | Monmouth Building Society | £ 832 |
| £ | 759 | TOTAL | £ 2,910 |
| 2022 | Note 8 - Church Community Social Events | 2023 | |
| £ | 2,205 | Pantomime | £ 1,401 |
| £ | 280 | Church Trip | £ 550 |
| £ | 250 | Miscellaneous | £ - |
| £ | 2,735 | TOTAL | £ 1,951 |
| 2022 | Note 9 - Pastoral and Associated Costs | 2023 | |
| £ | 34,375 | Stipend and Housing Allowance | £ 36,092 |
| £ | 1,010 | Pulpit Supplies | £ 555 |
| £ | 4,800 | Expenses | £ 4,800 |
| £ | 4,500 | College Fees & Support | £ 4,500 |
| £ | 44,685 | TOTAL | £ 45,947 |
| 2022 | Note 10 - Other Salaries and Associated Costs | 2023 | |
| £ | 300 | Organist | £475 |
| £ | 7,365 | Cleaner and Caretaker | £6,342 |
| £ | 7,665 | TOTAL | £6,817 |
| 2022 | Note 11 - Pension Deficit | 2023 | |
| £ | 25,325 | Baptist Pension Scheme Shortfall | £ - |
| £ | 25,325 | TOTAL | £ - |
| 2022 | Note 12 - Mission Work | 2023 | |
| £ | 12,347 | * BMS World Mission | £ 2,372 |
| £ | 720 | Support for BMS Hope Home | £ 220 |
| £ | 837 | Baptist Union Home Mission | £ 667 |
| £ | 2,000 | Christian Aid | £ 4,575 |
| £ | 1,700 | Barnabus Fund | £ 400 |
| £ | 2,200 | Open Doors | £ 950 |
| £ | 873 | Greenfield Soup Kitchen | £ 332 |
| £ | 600 | Street Connect | £ 600 |
| £ | - | Bibles for Children Schools | £ 500 |
| £ | 175 | Special (Womens' Day of Prayer) | £ 130 |
| £ | 100 | Cardiff University Chaplaincy | £ - |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 200 | Stand by Me (Africa Beds Appeal) | £ - |
| £ | 300 | Leprosy | £ 670 |
| £ | 600 | Christian Blind Mission | £ 350 |
| £ | 200 | Good News for Everyone(formerly Gideons UK) | £ 750 |
| £ | 300 | MAF | £ 350 |
| £ | 500 | Cardiff Baptist College | £ 400 |
| £ | 1,200 | Bible Society | £ 350 |
| £ | 500 | Samaritans Purse | £ - |
| £ | - | Daylight Christian Prison Trust | £ 350 |
| £ | - | Grace Church Soup Station | £ 255 |
| £ | - | Elim Local Foodbank | £ 1,400 |
| £ | 25,352 | TOTAL | £ 15,621 |
| *2022 total includes special donation for Ukraine | |||
| 2022 | Notes 13 and 14 - Communion and Charity Offerings | 2023 | |
| £ | 200 | British Heart Foundation | £ 250 |
| £ | 650 | Cancer Research Wales | £ 250 |
| £ | 200 | Motor Neurone Association | £ 200 |
| £ | 200 | Save the Children | £ 500 |
| £ | 200 | Versus Arthritis(formerly Arthritis Care) | £ 250 |
| £ | 400 | Bloodwise | £ 600 |
| £ | 275 | Age Cymru Dyfed(formerly Age Cymru Sir Gar) | £ 250 |
| £ | 200 | Parkinsons UK Association | £ 525 |
| £ | 300 | Air Ambulance | £ - |
| £ | 300 | Alzheimers UK | £ - |
| £ | 800 | Macmillan | £ - |
| £ | 350 | Luhimba Project | £ 550 |
| £ | 500 | Chemotherapy Unit PPH | £ 350 |
| £ | - | Royal Marsden | £ 450 |
| £ | 1,550 | Llanelli Hospice | £ 2,200 |
| £ | 300 | Salvation Army | £ 200 |
| £ | 500 | Crisis for Christmas | £ 750 |
| £ | 500 | Spurgeons(payment made January 2024) | £ - |
| £ | 250 | Blood Bikes | £ - |
| £ | - | Red Cross Morocco Appeal | £ 600 |
| £ | - | Ty Golau Kidwelly | £ 250 |
| £ | 1,401 | Benevolent Fund | £ 1,370 |
| £ | 200 | Llanelli Talking Newspaper(payment made January 2024) | £ - |
| £ | 9,276 | TOTAL | £ 9,545 |
| 2022 | Note 15 - Utilities | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 2,589 | Light and Heat | £ 7,602 |
| £ | 253 | Water | £ 283 |
| £ | 2,842 | TOTAL | £ 7,885 |
| 2022 | Note 16 - Buildings | 2023 | |
| £ | 625 | General Repairs | £ 1,267 |
| £ | 6,751 | Property Renovations | £ 1,622 |
| £ | 503 | Fire Protection | £ 737 |
| £ | - | Grounds & Pest Controls | £ - |
| £ | 780 | Use of other premises for services | £ 1,900 |
| £ | 8,659 | TOTAL | £ 5,526 |
| 2022 | Note 17 - Stationery, Printing & Postage | 2023 | |
| £ | 952 | Stationery, Printing & Postage | £ 1,616 |
| £ | 952 | TOTAL | £ 1,616 |
| 2022 | Note 18 - Miscellaneous | 2023 | |
| £ | 1,077 | Licences | £ 841 |
| £ | 2,915 | Technical Costs | £ 427 |
| £ | 276 | Piano and Organ Tuning | £ 223 |
| £ | 267 | Cleaning and Associated Costs | £ 144 |
| £ | 240 | PAT Testing | £ 295 |
| £ | 727 | Health & Safety & Associated Costs | £ 627 |
| £ | 2,133 | Other Sundry items | £ 2,133 |
| £ | 245 | CD production | £ - |
| £ | 171 | Telephone Line Rental | £ 337 |
| £ | - | Training | £ 1,208 |
| £ | - | External Examination of Accounts | £ 450 |
| £ | 8,051 | TOTAL | £ 6,685 |
| 2022 | Note 19 - Departmental | 2023 | |
| £ | - | Choir | £ - |
| £ | 389 | Junior Church | £ 427 |
| £ | - | Open Door | £ 300 |
| £ | - | Men's Fellowship | £ 550 |
| £ | 389 | TOTAL | £ 1,277 |
| 2022 | Note | 20 - Bank Transfers to Other Accounts & Charges | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 25,967 | Transfer to other Greenfield Bank Accounts | £ 19,210 | |
| £ | 79 | Banking Charges | £ 84 | |
| £ | 26,046 | TOTAL | £ 19,294 | |
| 2022 | Note 21 - Departmental Reimbursements | 2023 | ||
| £ | 391 | Junior Church Materials | £ 238 | |
| £ | 107 | Youth Materials | £ 767 | |
| £ | 498 | TOTAL | £ 1,005 | |
| 2022 | Note 22 - Church Community Social Events | 2023 | ||
| £ | 2,293 | Pantomime | £ 1,400 | |
| £ | 500 | Church Trip | £ 550 | |
| £ | 289 | Miscellaneous | £ - | |
| £ | 3,082 | TOTAL | £ 1,950 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at 31 December 2023
| HSBC - COMMUNITY ACCOUNT | |
|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Balance of Receipts over Payments Jan - Dec 2023 Transfer in from HSBC Internet A/C Transfer in from HSBC Building Fund A/C Transfer to Church Choir A/C Transfer out to other Greenfield Building Fund A/C Transfer to Monmouth BS Soup Station receipts for transfer to Barclays A/C Other transactions for Barclays A/C Bank Charges Jan-Dec 2023 Outstanding Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 6,051 £ 20,240 £ 3,000 £ 1,622 £ (10) £ (13,000) £ (5,000) £ (870) £ (330) £ (84) £ (881) |
| £ 10,738 | |
| HSBC INTERNET ACCOUNT No 2 (Building Fund) | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest added Jan-Dec 2023 Transfer to HSBC Community Account Transfer from HSBC Community Account Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 38,658 £ 642 £ (1,622) £ 13,000 |
| £ 50,678 | |
| NS&I INVESTMENT ACCOUNT | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest added Jan-Dec 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 17,071 £ 132 |
| £ 17,203 | |
| MONMOUTH BUILDING SOCIETY | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest added March 2023 Transfer from HSBC Community A/C Dec 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 65,768 £ 832 £ 5,000 |
| £ 71,600 | |
| BARCLAYS COMMUNITY ACCOUNT | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Balance of Receipts over Payments for Soup Station element Outstanding in banking process Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 14,507 £ (1,644) £ (1,749) |
| £ 11,114 | |
| HSBC INTERNET ACCOUNT No 1 | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest Added Jan-Dec 2023 Transfer to HSBC Community Account Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 24,692 £ 339 £ (3,000) |
| £ 22,031 |
| LLOYDS BANK TREASURER'S ACCOUNT | |
|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 65,130 |
| £ 65,130 | |
| BAPTIST UNION CORPORATION FUND | |
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest Added Jan-Dec 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 |
£ 11,602 £ 345 |
| £ 11,947 | |
| BARCLAYS BUSINESS SAVINGS ACCOUNT | |
| Opening Balance at 1 January 2023 Interest Added Jan-Dec 2023 Balance at 31 December 2023 TOTAL CASH ASSETS TOTAL MONETARY ASSETS at 31st DECEMBER 2023 BANK AND CASH BALANCES Representing balances on the following accounts General Fund (Unrestricted) Ministry Fund (Restricted) Sunday School Legacy Fund Choir Fund (Designated) Open Door Fellowship (Designated) Men's Fellowship (Designated) Junior Church (Designated) |
£ 65,107 £ 620 |
| £ 65,727 | |
| £ 326,168 | |
| £ 307,790 £ 11,947 £ 1,812 £ 2,681 £ 192 £ 1,249 £ 497 £ 326,168 |
|
| LIABILITIES | NIL |
Basis of Accounts
GREENFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH IS A REGISTERED CHARITY - 1150291
THE CHURCH IS THE BENEFICIAL OWNER OF THE FOLLOWING ASSET –
CHURCH PREMISES AT MURRAY STREET-LLANELLI- CARMARTHENSHIRE-SA15 1DZ -INSURED VALUE £3,438,638 INCLUDING ORGAN £242,488 AND CONTENTS £103,503
THE LEGAL TITLE OF THESE ASSETS IS HELD BY THE CHURCH'S CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE THE BAPTIST UNION CORPORATION LTD.
THESE ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN PREPARED ON A 'RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS' BASIS. THE ACCOUNTS, STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES SET OUT IN THIS BOOKLET RELATE TO THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2023 AS APPROVED BY THE TRUSTEES OF GREENFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH
These Accounts were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:-
Rev. David Jones (Minister) ……………………………………………………………………………..
Annette Gravell (Church Treasurer)………………………………………………………………….
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT to the TRUSTEES OF GREENFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH, LLANELLI
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Greenfield Baptist Church Llanelli:-
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Greenfield Baptist Church Llanelli (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
R.A. Williams
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Charles & Co
Chartered Certified Accountants
3 Murray Street Llanelli
Carmarthenshire
SA15 1AQ