Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney
Registered Charity Number: 1151773
Annual Report and Accounts
For the year ended 31st December 2024
Sutcliff Baptist Church, Market Place, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4EA www.olneybaptist.org.uk
Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024
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: Rev. Stuart Macdonald (Minister) Mrs. Sue Griffiths (Secretary) Mr. James Wharpshire (Treasurer) Mr. Jonathan Billingsley Mr. Sydney Bond (until 19[th] March 2024) Mr. Michael Hailes Mrs. Susan Lynch (until 19[th] March 2024) Mrs. Angela Richardson Ms. Carrie Walker Bankers: Barclays Bank Leicester, LE87 2BB Independent Examiner: Mr. David Greaves 19, Elmlea Drive, Olney, MK46 5HU No. of Paid Employees: 2 (Minister and Cleaner)
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The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2024
Charitable Object
The charity is an unincorporated body and is governed by its Constitution which was originally agreed and 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, was agreed and adopted by Trustees and Membership at a Special Church Meeting held on the 25[th] January 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 2024 the Church Membership totalled 88, a decrease of 4 over the previous year. Sunday morning and evening services are attended by approximately 75 and 25 people respectively.
Achievements and Performance Review for the Year
2024 has seen the continuation of some familiar trends and the emergence of new ones. It has been encouraging to see new people appearing among us along with several more children and teenagers. Unfortunately we have seen an increase in the loss of some of our church family through age and illness and the bereavement that some are now experiencing as a result. It is also becoming noticeable that it is more of a challenge to staff certain aspects of the church’s life and ministry.
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The main activities of the church have continued through Cameo, the Craft and Art Groups and First Steps. In some cases, these groups have grown in number and are making new contacts with the community. During this past year we have witnessed the launching of new ventures in the church with the Hope Explored Course and the commencement of Friday Fun which has been well received by the community. 2024 has also seen the maturing of the ministry of the Men’s Breakfast which has allowed men to gather together for fellowship.
The church also launched a new look and feel to its outward appearance with a new logo, colour scheme and website which have been rolled out across the different online and physical materials we use.
Following the creation of the Outreach Group in 2023 the church started an after-school club on Fridays offering fun, craft and a meal to young families. The group also formed a partnership with the Milton Keynes Bridgebuilder Trust as a way to support outreach in our local Olney schools. A team was formed and trained by Bridgebuilder and will now plan to help with assemblies and other activities.
Stuart continued to undertake the vast majority of the preaching at the Sunday services. This was supplemented by preaching from others when Stuart was on holiday and we hosted one visiting preacher.
Encouragingly we maintain a healthy interest in meeting in smaller fellowship ‘House Groups’. We continue to have approximately 50 people meeting in five different groups across the week.
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 2025 for adoption by them. A copy is available on request.
Main Church Activities
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 activities throughout 2024 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.
Regular outreach activities during the week:
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Five Home Groups providing fellowship and bible study within small groups.
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An art group for adults.
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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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Friday Fun, a term-time, weekly after-school club for younger families.
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A Men’s Breakfast group for informal fellowship.
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Saturday coffee morning for local people which also helped to raise money for several local charities.
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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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Hope Explored, a short enquirer course produced by Christianity Explored Ministries.
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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, repeated after the successes in 2022 and 2023, 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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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 and credit card 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 and to our Fellowship Fund (for those suffering difficulties amongst the church family).
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 14 other mission organisations.
Income and Expenditure
The attached Financial Statement (below), prepared by the Church Treasurer, for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, along with the independent examiner’s report, form part of this report.
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.
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Safeguarding
The Church and Trustees continue to take Safeguarding seriously and we ensured that all of our activities were operated according to our Safeguarding Policy.
The Future
We thank God for his love and support throughout the year providing a full and wonderful church life and allowing us to serve our fellowship and the community that we are part of. We also thank our minister, our leadership team and the many people in our Church who give much of their time in Church related service.
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.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees of Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney:
James Wharpshire Church Treasurer 1[st] September 2025
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
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 Plus Transfer from AJ Wiffen & Furnace Funds Following Closure Plus Transfer from Sunday Club Fund Balance brought forward Balance carried forward* |
2024 2023 77,292 65,071 3,248 5,760 17,794 12,978 1,328 880 6,965 6,115 1,407 1,972 |
|---|---|
| £108,033 £92,775 |
|
| 35,426 33,333 28,355 24,937 27,106 19,128 5,815 9,075 - 9,465 |
|
| £96,703 £95,938 |
|
| £11,330 (£3,163) £2,161 £882 £40,280 £41,281 |
|
| £52,492 £40,280 |
RESTRICTED FUNDS RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
| Balance | Receipts | Payments | Balance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01-Jan-24 | 2024 | 2024 | 31-Dec-24 | |
| Fellowship Fund | 9,781 | 1,793 | 4,100 | 7,474 |
| Sunday Club | 1,543 | 19 | 882 | 680 |
| CAMEO | 820 | 2,065 | 1,828 | 1,057 |
| First Steps | 56 | 260 | 184 | 132 |
| £12,201 |
£4,137 | £6,994 | £9,344 | |
| Balance | Receipts | Payments | Balance | |
| 01-Jan-23 | 2023 | 2023 | 31-Dec-23 | |
| Fellowship Fund | 8,516 | 1,915 | 650 | 9,781 |
| Sunday Club | 600 | 1,205 | 263 | 1,543 |
| CAMEO | 320 | 1,800 | 1,300 | 820 |
| £9,437 | £4,920 | £2,212 | £12,145 |
- Funds closed and transferred to General Fund due to inactivity for many years
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
| 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 |
2024 2023 |
|---|---|
| £61,835 £52,425 |
|
| 52,492 40,280 9,344 12,145 |
|
| £61,835 £52,425 |
|
| £3,369,800 £3,266,000 |
|
| Closed £0 |
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 Credit Card Donations Sundry Gifts and Receipts 3. Investment Income General Fund – Interest on Deposit Account 4. Rent & contributions for use of premises Room bookings |
2024 2023 1,919 1,742 87 0 1,242 4,018 £3,248 £5,760 |
| 2024 2023 1,328 880 £1,328 £880 |
|
| 2024 2023 6,965 6,115 £6,965 £6,115 |
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)
| 5. Other Causes Coffee Mornings Harvest Appeal Ukraine Aid 6. Church Events Holiday Bible Club Super Saturday Men’s Breakfast Christmas/Easter Cracked CAMEO Outdoor Nativity Mothering Sunday Friday Fun Hope Explored First Steps / Sunday Club / GIGG Net Difference 7. Ministry Minister’s Stipend Pension Contributions Employer’s National Insurance Travel/Removal Expenses Book Allowance Manse Light & Heat Visiting Speakers Sundry Gifts |
2024 Receipts 1,303 0 103 |
2024 2023 2023 Payments Receipts Payments 1,303 1,472 1,472 0 500 500 103 0 0 |
|---|---|---|
| £1,407 | £1,407 £1,972 £1,972 |
|
| 2024 Receipts 1,591 244 281 - 49 - 744 - - |
2024 2023 2023 Payments Receipts Payments 1,920 1,240 1,428 927 37 514 257 - 10 516 - 140 49 - - 180 - 99 50 - 50 1,468 - - 145 - - 135 |
|
| £2,909 | £5,648 £1,276 £2,241 |
|
| (£2,739) (£965) |
||
| 2024 2023 31,500 29,160 3,146 3,262 - - 0 0 0 0 556 658 89 90 135 164 £35,426 £33,333 |
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
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 Olney Newton Link 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 |
2024 2023 7,930 6,700 7,930 6,700 2,600 2,600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 300 300 900 1,500 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 350 - 1407 1972 2739 965 |
|---|---|
| £28,355 £24,937 |
|
| 2024 2023 5,372 5,878 912 644 9,473 1,966 2,817 2,732 4,909 4,805 |
|
| £23,483 £16,025 |
|
| 560 332 983 846 477 435 1,604 1,490 |
|
| £3,623 £3,103 |
|
| £27,106 £19,128 |
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
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 Piano 11. Church Development Project 2024 Receipts Regular Gifts Gift Aid on Development Fund Interest Transferred from General Fund Repayment of BUC Loan Repayment of Personal Loan Closed |
2024 2023 731 731 171 1,087 1,646 754 60 120 1,071 299 1,022 1,079 159 159 576 544 148 266 230 187 0 3,849 £5,815 £9,075 2024 2023 2023 Payments Receipts Payments 3,780 5,935 17 9,465 29,980 4,000 Closed £19,197 £33,980 |
|---|---|
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 Balance at 31st December |
2024 2023 29,694 286 (29,980) |
|---|---|
| Closed £0 |
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SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, OLNEY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
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.
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
Sutcliff Baptist Church Market Place, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4EA |
2,939,528 | 2,845,646 |
| The Manse 9 Wellingborough Road, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4BJ |
268,194 | 263,452 |
| The Church also owns fixtures, furniture and equipment with an insured value of: |
162,078 | 156,902 |
| £3,369,800 | £3,266,000 |
The accounts and statement of assets and liabilities and its notes set out in pages 8 to 13 relating to the year ending 31[st] December 2024 are as approved by the trustees.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees of Sutcliff Baptist Church, Olney
James Wharpshire Church Treasurer 1[st] September 2025
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(HARITY COMMISSION | FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Secllon A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to tho trnstees S 4 1 éAe<isf CWé£C rf On accounts for the year ended Charity no lif any) 11 f177P Set out on pages I report lo the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above chanty {llhe Trusf) for trE year ended Re$ponslbllitie$ and basls of report As the charitys trustees. you are resp)nsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wilh the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act.). I report in SpecI of my examinab.on of the Trust's accounts carried out under sedion 145 of the 2011 Acl and in carying out my examination. I have followed all the apF4icable Directions given by the Charity Commission urKlef section 145(5)(b) of the Ad. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention in connection wrth the examination (other than that disdosed below "} which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records not ketrt in accordan th section 130 of the Charrtjes Acl: or the accounts dKI not aco)rd wth the accounting record$", or the accounts dKI rKJt comply ryth the applicable requirements concemirKJ the fo and content of accounts sel oul in the Charities (Accounts and ReFwytsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts gNe a Irue and fairf vie*4 ¥vthich is not a matter n$idered as part of an independent examination. I have no CA)nC arKI have come aryoss no other matters in connection h the examination lo vthich attention shoukl be dravm in this report in order to enable a kyoper understarvJir¥J of the accounts to be reached. ' Please delele the Mxds m the ljrnckets rfthey (kn not apply. Signed: Dat¢: zf/ a2r Name: AV17• Relevant professional qualifieationlsl or body IER Oct 2018 Page 14
lif any): Address: Iq 0 G fHH Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs lo hKJhlight material matters ol concern (see CC32, Independent examination (rf (*wty xrAxM)ts.' directions and guKlance for examiners). Give here brief detalls of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018 IER Page 15