Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney
Registered Charity Number: 1151773
Annual Report and Accounts
For the year ended 31st December 2022
Sutcliff Baptist Church, Market Place, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4EA www.olneybaptist.org.uk
Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022
Mission Statement
Sutcliff is a Baptist Church family that seeks to look up to God, and out to the world, to make effective disciples for Jesus Christ.
Statutory Information
Charity Name: Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney Registered Address: Market Place, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4EA Charity Registration Number: 1151773 Property Trustees: The Baptist Union Corporation Ltd. Baptist House, 129 Broadway, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 8RT Charity Trustees: Mr. David Greaves (Treasurer) Mr. James Wharpshire (Secretary) Rev. Stuart Macdonald (Minister) Mr. Sydney Bond Mr. Martyn Glass (until 6[th] July, stepping down for health reasons) Mrs. Susan Griffiths (from 16[th] March 2022, our 2022 AGM) Mr. Christopher Hanson Mrs. Susan Lynch Mrs. Angela Richardson
Mr. Ralph Terry (until 16[th] March 2022, our 2022 AGM) Mr. Michael Walker (until 16[th] March 2022, our 2022 AGM)
Bankers: Barclays Bank Leicester, LE87 2BB Independent Examiner: Mr. Michael Maidment 1 Windmill Hill, Biddenham, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 4AG No. of Paid Employees: 2 (Minister and Cleaner)
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The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2022
Charitable Object
The charity is an unincorporated body and is governed by its Constitution dated 28[th] November 2012, which states that “The principal purpose of the Church 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 in the United Kingdom, and/or other parts of the world”.
Following the AGM in March 2022 the Trustees and Membership undertook a review of the voting process. This led to a small amendment to the Constitution which was approved by Members in November 2022. A further change to the Constitution, concerning the length of term Trustees should stand for, will also be considered and voted on early in 2023.
The Church occupies premises which are held by the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd., on Trusts which are entirely compatible with the above object.
Organisational Structure and Decision Making Processes
Baptism by immersion upon personal profession of faith is the normal mode of entry into the membership of a Baptist church. The church applies an open Baptismal qualification for Church Membership, so that persons seeking membership who have not been baptised in the manner described in the Union’s Declaration of Principle may at the discretion of the Church Members’ Meeting be accepted for full membership based on their own public profession of faith. Church Membership is open to those who:
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Accept the Beliefs of the Church.
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Meet the Church’s qualification on Baptism.
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Commit themselves to serving Christ within the Church and beyond.
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Abide by the decisions of the Church Members’ Meeting.
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Acknowledge their responsibilities as Church Members.
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Have their membership application accepted by the Church Members’ Meeting.
In accordance with the Constitution, the members appoint Elders and Deacons, who together with the Minister, Church Secretary and Treasurer (who are also appointed by members), are collectively known as the Leadership Team and are the Charity Trustees. The Leadership Team, as appointed Trustees, are responsible for the day to day running of the Church’s work and witness, and the financial and legal aspects of the charity.
Church Members’ Meetings are held at regular intervals on not less than six occasions in any calendar year and are an opportunity to consider and review routine matters associated with the life of the Church including issues related to church membership, the appointment of the Charity Trustees, the approval of the budget, with opportunities for considering proposals from the Charity Trustees or other Church Members for the development of the Church and the advancement of its Purpose through its Activities. One Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting each year includes the Annual Church Members’ Meeting for the Church Members to receive annual accounts and reports, to appoint Auditors or Independent Examiners, and to consider proposals for the strategy and vision of the church in the coming year, with other appropriate matters.
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Objectives and Activities
In fulfilling the Purpose of the Church as set out above, it engages in a range of Activities either on its own or with others that will vary from time to time, with Activities being initiated, expanded, or closed, as appropriate.
The Activities may include but are not restricted to:
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Regular public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching.
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Baptism, as defined in the Union’s Declaration of Principle.
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The Communion of the Lord’s Supper which shall normally be observed at least once a month.
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Evangelism and mission, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
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The teaching, encouragement, welcome and inclusion of young people.
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Nurture and growth of Christian disciples.
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Education and training for Christian and community service.
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Giving and encouraging pastoral care.
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Supporting and encouraging charitable social action in the United Kingdom and abroad.
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Encouraging relationships with and supporting Baptists and other Christians.
Notwithstanding the appointment of persons to accept responsibility for any of the Activities all individuals, organisations, groups, and committees operating within the life of the Church, and their leaders, shall be accountable to the Charity Trustees and also through any specific direction of the Church Members’ Meeting.
The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children, young people or adults at risk are appropriately trained (in line with Baptist Union guidance) and vetted with regards to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
When planning our activities for the year the trustees have considered the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and in particular specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion and are satisfied that the activities outlined clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing benefit to the public.
Church Attendance
As at 31[st] December 2022 the Church Membership totalled 91, a decrease of 14 over the previous year. Physical services were possible throughout the year following the relaxation of the Covid19 lock down rules seen in 2021. Attendance improved throughout 2022 as our fellowship grew more comfortable returning to face-to-face services. By the end of the year attendance was around 7080 for the Sunday morning service, and 25-30 for the evening service.
Like many churches across the country the numbers attending are still noticeably lower following the Covid19 pandemic. Perhaps people remain nervous about returning or have simply fallen out of the habit of attending church services in person.
Achievements and Performance Review for the Year
The year started with still quite a considerable concern about the number of Covid cases across the country and the consequence of the restrictions and guidelines in place. As a result, church services were still somewhat impacted with social distancing, high levels of ventilation and limited
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social interaction after the services. Fortunately though, we were able to worship together throughout the whole of 2022 with far less disruption overall than the previous year. It is clear Covid is now here to stay and we must continue to be sensible in our approach to managing its risk and exposure. However, it’s good to see our church life is mainly back to normal.
During 2022 the church trustees and membership also agreed to make a significant investment in new technology that has allowed us to start streaming our services live via YouTube each Sunday. After various trials this went live in October and we now have a small but regular audience of those who wish to enjoy our service but for whatever reason are unable to attend in person.
Over the year a number of new ideas for our services have been introduced including:
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An early fellowship communion and breakfast ahead of the main Easter Sunday service.
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All age services on the first Sunday of each month.
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Small group prayer at the Sunday evening services.
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A ‘Praise, Prayer & Share’ style of service on the last Sunday evening of each month.
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• Having a service leader to conduct the first half of the service.
With Stuart comfortably settled in Olney, he undertook the vast majority of the preaching at the Sunday services. This was supplemented by preaching from several others from our fellowship and two visiting preachers.
Church Activity Annual Reports
These reports, by the two Church Officers (Secretary and Treasurer), our Minister and all leaders of organisations / groups / committees etc. that have operated throughout the year have been produced for circulation to members as an electronic booklet and as a paper copy where requested. This document was presented to the membership at the AGM in March 2023 for adoption by them. A copy is available on request.
Main Church Activities
Over the course of the first half of the year it was clear that the vaccinations received by a significant proportion of the population were starting to both reduce the number and the severity of infections. As a result, the leadership took the decision, with membership support, to start moving back towards a ‘new’ normal church environment.
Church Members were able to meet face to face for our usual pattern of six Members’ meetings including the March AGM. The Church Trustees were also able to meet face to face throughout the year. Our minister introduced a couple of additional meetings between the usual bi-monthly, administrative dates to allow for more dedicated time to reflect on and discuss specific topics.
Refreshments after our morning service resumed around Easter and many were pleased with the ability to mix socially after the services again. Importantly, our outreach activities were also able to restart in full during the spring.
Our activities throughout 2022 included:
Sunday services:
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A morning and evening service every week.
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An act of communion held on the 1[st] Sunday evening and 3[rd] Sunday morning of each month.
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An all-age, family service held on the 1[st] Sunday of each month.
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Our morning service is followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments.
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- During most Sunday morning services we provide a creche, our Sunday Club group for primary school aged children and our GIGG group for secondary school aged young people.
Outreach activities during the week (weekly or bi-weekly):
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Four Home Groups providing fellowship and bible study within small groups.
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CAMEO, a social group aimed at older people.
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A craft group for adults.
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First Steps, a baby and toddler group
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Saturday coffee morning for local people which also helped to raise money for several local charities.
Annual events aimed at young people:
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Christmas Cracked held in December and Easter Cracked held in March/April where children from the local middle school learn about the appropriate historical event in the life of Jesus Christ.
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A week-long Holiday Bible Club for children aged 5-12, held in August. This is organised and run jointly by the four churches in Olney.
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Lifepath, held in May where local schools bring children to learn about the life of John Newton or John Bunyan. This event is run in conjunction with Scripture Union.
Other notable events aimed at our local community:
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Carols by Lamplight, a Christmas carol event, open to all which is held on Christmas Eve at the local Infant Academy.
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Dickens of a Christmas, an annual event organised by the town in early December. We support the event by opening our church to provide somewhere warm and quiet to relax, activities for children as well as providing free refreshments and the use of our toilets.
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Milton Keynes Food Bank for which we are a local collection centre.
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Olney-Newton Link, a charitable organisation based in Olney that provides financial and other help to individuals and the town of Newton in Sierra Leone.
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Outdoor Nativity, a new event for 2022, which sees a small group of adults from the local churches together with a real donkey and sheep, retell the Christmas story of The Nativity. The event is held in a local public space providing the performance across different outdoor settings ending with refreshments.
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For the Queens Jubilee celebration in June our church worked with the other three churches of Olney to provide a tea tent at an event organised by Olney Town Council.
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The Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal helps provide a Christmas gift for children across the world who may not otherwise receive a Christmas present. In addition to participating ourselves we also publicise this across the town and act as a local collection point for Samaritans Purse.
Financial Review
The Church has only one main source of income, namely from the personal giving of the membership and congregation. This being through the cash offerings made at our Sunday Services, a weekly envelope scheme and by standing order.
Additional income is derived from the General Public through appeals and regular events, such as a fortnightly Coffee Morning, and the hiring of rooms in the church’s premises.
This income is separately directed to the Church’s General Fund, to a Building Development Fund (for the development of the church premises), and to our Fellowship Fund (for those suffering difficulties amongst the church family).
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Special Appeals
In addition to our regular giving to the Baptist Missionary Society (for overseas mission) and Home Mission Fund (for UK mission), we also gave to fourteen other mission organisations.
Income and Expenditure
The attached Financial Statement (below), prepared by the Church Treasurer, for the year ended 31[st] December 2022, along with the independent examiner’s report, form part of this report.
There was one extraordinary item of expenditure during the year, namely an IT project to replace the main church computer, upgrade the sound system and broadband, and install new video cameras. This allowed for the introduction of live streaming of morning services in the autumn.
Reserves
The Trustees are satisfied that they have sufficient reserves at the end of the financial year, together with anticipated ongoing income, to enable the Church to function effectively in the coming year.
Safeguarding
The Church and Trustees continue to take Safeguarding seriously and we ensured that all of our activities were operated according to our Safeguarding Policies.
The Future
We thank God for his love and support during a year where we have been able to return to a more normal church life working to serve our fellowship and the community that we are part of. We also thank God for the first full year of our new minister and look forward to the future as we grow under his ministry and support.
We are delighted that following the difficult year of 2021 our church premises have now reopened and can provide the many outreach activities again. We are grateful for the ongoing financial resources that help support our church, the services and activities we offer and the repayment of the loan that was taken out for the redevelopment of our premises. We look forward to the near future where this financial commitment is fully repaid.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees of Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney:
James Wharpshire Church Secretary 22[nd] April 2023
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022
GENERAL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
| Receipts Note Regular Offerings Donations and other income 2 Income tax recovered on gifts Investment Income 3 Rent and contributions for use of premises 4 Raised for other causes 5 Payments Ministry 7 Mission 8 Upkeep of church premises 9 Administration 10 Transferred to Development Fund 11 Surplus for the year Balance brought forward Balance carried forward |
2022 66,359 2,739 15,815 363 5,999 4,157 £95,432 32,724 27,548 17,561 16,229 21,999 £116,061 £(20,629) £61,910 £41,281 |
2021 69,118 1,041 15,892 92 3,577 705 |
|---|---|---|
| £90,425 | ||
| 17,886 22,902 21,510 5,024 26,577 |
||
| £93,899 | ||
| £(3,475) £65,384 |
||
| £61,910 |
RESTRICTED FUNDS RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
| Balance | Receipts | Payments | Balance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 22 | 2022 | 2022 | 31 Dec 22 | |
| Development Fund (Note 11) | 16,843 | 55,940 | 58,000 | 14,783 |
| Fellowship Fund | 10,448 | 2,068 | 4,020 | 8,496 |
| Furnace Fund | 594 | 10 | - | 604 |
| Graveyard & A. J. Wiffen | 1,472 | 23 | - | 1,495 |
| Godly Play | 1,200 | - | - | 1,200 |
| Sunday Club | 600 | - | - | 600 |
| CAMEO | 146 | 1,423 | 1,249 | 320 |
| £31,303 | £59,464 | £63,269 | £27,498 | |
| Balance | Receipts | Payments | Balance | |
| 1 Jan 21 | 2021 | 2021 | 31 Dec 21 | |
| Development Fund (Note 11) | 35,320 | 53,523 | 72,000 | 16,843 |
| Fellowship Fund | 8,644 | 2,204 | 400 | 10,448 |
| Furnace Fund | 593 | 1 | - | 594 |
| Graveyard & A. J. Wiffen | 1,469 | 3 | - | 1,472 |
| Godly Play | 1,200 | - | - | 1,200 |
| Sunday Club | 600 | - | - | 600 |
| CAMEO | 122 | 521 | 497 | 146 |
| £47,948 | £56,252 | £72,897 | £31,303 |
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022
| Note ASSETS Bank and other cash balances REPRESENTING BALANCES ON THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS General Fund Restricted Funds Non monetary assets 13 LIABILITIES Loan from Baptist Union Corporation (LC501) 12 |
2022 £68,779 41,281 27,498 £68,779 £3,107,618 (£29,694) |
2021 |
|---|---|---|
| £92,213 | ||
61,910 31,303 |
||
| £92,213 | ||
| £2,753,473 | ||
| (£85,543) |
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
(Notes 2 to 10 refer solely to the General Fund)
1. Basis of accounts These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and accord with Section 133 Charities Act 2011
2. Donations and other income
| 2. Donations and other income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cash Offerings Sundry Gifts and Receipts 3. Investment Income General Fund – Interest on Deposit Account 4. Rent & contributions for use of premises Room bookings |
2022 1,417 1,322 £2,739 2022 363 £363 2022 5,999 £5,999 |
2021 746 295 |
| £1,041 | ||
| 2021 92 |
||
| £92 | ||
| 2021 3,577 |
||
| £3,577 |
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
| 5. Other Causes Coffee Mornings Jubilee Tent Carol Singing Ukraine Aid Olney-Newton Link Gift for leaving member Harvest Appeal 6. Church Events Holiday Bible Club Christmas/Easter Cracked Outdoor Nativity Halloween Light Party Induction Service 7. Ministry Minister’s Stipend Pension Contributions Employer’s National Insurance Travel/Removal Expenses Book Allowance Manse Light & Heat Visiting Speakers Sundry Gifts |
2022 Receipts 1,379 289 384 2,105 - - - £4,157 2022 Receipts 1,223 - - - - £1,223 |
2022 Payments 1,394 289 412 2,105 400 - - |
2021 Receipts - 510 195 £705 2021 Receipts 640 - - - £640 2022 26,508 2,989 - 1,808 219 652 300 248 £32,724 |
2021 Payments - 510 195 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £4,600 | £705 | ||||
| 2022 Payments 1,561 149 216 45 - |
2021 Payments 677 - 40 120 |
||||
| £1,971 | £837 | ||||
| 2021 11,917 977 - 4,051 45 99 677 120 |
|||||
| £17,886 |
Note that the ministerial costs were significantly more than the previous year because in that year our minister was only in post for around six months, compared with a full year in 2022.
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
| 8. Mission Baptist World Mission Baptist Home Mission Milton Keynes Bridgebuilder Trust Scripture Union TearFund Mission Aviation Fellowship Barnabas Fund Advantage Africa Mercy Ships Good News for Everyone (formerly Gideons UK) World Vision Cry in the Dark FEBA Radio Langham Partnership Sovereign World Trust UCCF (Ellen Barker) BMS Ukraine Appeal Other Causes (see Note 5) Church Events (see Note 6) 9. Upkeep of church premises (a) Church Light and Heat Water Repairs & Renovation Insurance Church Cleaner (employed) and materials (b) Manse Water General Repairs & Renovation Insurance Council Tax |
2022 6,800 6,800 2,600 600 600 600 600 300 900 300 300 300 300 300 300 - 600 4,600 748 £27,548 2022 2,733 240 3,811 2,744 4,338 £13,866 428 1,083 401 1,783 £3,695 £17,561 |
2021 7,000 7,000 2,600 600 600 600 600 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 600 - 705 197 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| £22,902 | |||
| 2021 2,027 238 4,547 2,457 2,437 |
|||
| £11,706 | |||
| 36 9,210 342 216 |
|||
| £9,804 | |||
| £21,510 |
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
| 10. Administration Telephone Photocopier, Computer & Software Coffee machines & Supplies Training Printing & Stationery CCLI Copyright Licences TV Licence Subscriptions Sundry Expenses Website |
2022 2021 595 431 11,451 1,247 547 502 245 15 1.019 668 1,191 1,119 159 158 580 568 183 172 259 144 |
|---|---|
| £16,229 £5,024 |
11. Church Development Project
| 2022 | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | Payments | Receipts | Payments | |
| Regular Gifts | 14,837 | 14,714 | ||
| Gift Aid on Development Fund | 3,416 | 3,450 | ||
| Interest | 31 | 14 | ||
| Room Hire (from General Fund) | 5,999 | 3,577 | ||
| Transferred from General Fund | 16,000 | 23,000 | ||
| Events & Gift Day | 15,657 | 1,967 | ||
| Rental of Manse | 6,801 | |||
| Repayment of Loan | 58,000 | 72,000 | ||
| £55,940 | £58,000 | £53,523 | £42,000 |
12. Development Loan from Baptist Union Corporation
Loan number LC501, for an initial value of £344,929 drawn down in 2015 and repayable over 10 years, for redevelopment of the church premises
| Balance at 1st January Interest Monthly Loan Repayments Additional Payment Balance at 31st December |
2022 85,543 2,151 (42,000) (16,000) £29,694 |
2021 154,227 3,316 (42,000) (30,000) |
|---|---|---|
| £85,543 |
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
13. Non-monetary assets Held for the Church’s own use
The Church is the beneficial owner (subject to the relevant trusts) of the following assets, shown at insured value, the legal title to which is held by the Church’s custodian trustee, Baptist Union Corporation Ltd.
| Sutcliff Baptist Church Market Place, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4EA The Manse 9 Wellingborough Road, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4BJ The Church also owns fixtures, furniture and equipment with an insured value of: |
2022 2,715,315 242,587 149,716 £3,107,618 |
2021 2,413,585 206,809 133,079 |
|---|---|---|
| £2,753,473 |
The accounts and statement of assets and liabilities and its notes set out in pages 8 to 12 relating to the year ending 31[st] December 2022 are as approved by the trustees.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees of Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney
David Greaves Church Treasurer 15[th] March 2023
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