## **Borders Mission Circuit (22/13) Managing Trustees Report** ## **1[st] September 2022 – 31[st] August 2023** ## **Governance.** The Borders Mission Circuit operates under the governance of the Methodist Conference. Conference is regulated by the Deed of Union 1932 and the Methodist Church Act 1976. ## **Registration with the Charity Commission.** The Borders Mission Circuit has been registered with the Charity Commission since 1[st] April 2014 with the number 1156488. ## **Circuit Mission Statement.** Our calling is to demonstrate to others that the love of God is for all people. We will seek to do this in the following ways: - As Circuit, Churches, and Individuals we will be intentional about both making and growing followers of Jesus. - As a Circuit we will promote Christian worship of God by making worship relevant and inclusive through the power of the Holy Spirit. - As a Circuit we will help churches to think and work collaboratively – have ‘porous boundaries’ – and make best use of the skills of lay and ordained ministries, developing a more flexible outlook. This will help avoid the spreading of resources too thinly and allow us to invest in areas of potential growth and distinct need. - As a Circuit we will encourage churches to transform communities by breaking down economic, geographical and spiritual boundaries / borders and challenge injustice. - As Circuit, Churches and Individuals we will ensure the safety of all people within our churches. - As Circuit, Churches and Individuals we will use our God-given resources for the furtherance of the Kingdom and God’s glory. - As a Circuit we will be prayerful in all things, giving God all thanks and glory through Jesus Christ in the communion of the Holy Spirit as we look for the coming Kingdom. - As a Circuit we will encourage churches to provide opportunities for continuous learning, through: Bible study, fellowship groups, prayer meetings, quiet days and retreats. We will promote growth in both social and personal spirituality. ## **Nature and purpose.** Standing Order 500 of the Constitutional Discipline and Practice of the Methodist Church states that the Circuit is the primary unit through which churches express their inter-connection in the Body of Christ for the purposes of mission, mutual encouragement and help. ## **Responsibilities.** The Circuit provides ministerial oversight and pastoral care to its 18 congregations through: - Providing a team of 3 presbyteral ministers and 2 Layworkers. - 6 supernumerary presbyters 3 of whom have preached and helped with other tasks. - Providing lay preachers to lead worship. - Allocating financial and other resources. - Providing advice through its lay officers. - Providing training and other special events. - Maintaining 3 circuit manses. ## **Organisation.** The Circuit is an umbrella organisation serving 18 congregations with 485 members and with an additional number on the community roll. One congregation is a Local Ecumenical Partnership between the Methodist and Church of England churches. The Circuit Meeting is responsible for the affairs of the Circuit and the development of Circuit policy. It exercises spiritual leadership and administrative efficiency and acts as a focal point for the working fellowship of the churches, overseeing their pastoral, training and evangelistic work. Currently 4 meetings are held each year when officers are appointed, accounts adopted, grant applications approved, reports on Circuit work received, good news from the churches is shared and the business of the Circuit taken forward. Between Circuit Meetings the Circuit Leadership Team is responsible for the affairs of the Circuit. It meets as required and consists of: Circuit Ministers: **Rev Robert Hurley, Rev Peter Taylor, Rev Simon Rose.** Circuit Stewards (who also hold responsibility for circuit finance): **Jill Renshaw, Joan Spray, John Whitehead, Joanne Docherty, Margaret Lee, Melvyn Mee, Trevor Lee.** Circuit Administrators: **Amanda Hurley and Patrick Dawson** ## **Trustees.** The members of the Circuit Meeting act as trustees of the circuit property. There are currently 64 trustees being the Circuit Ministers, the Circuit Stewards, the Circuit office holders and stewards, treasurers and representatives of its constituent congregations. The Circuit administrator acted as secretary during this financial year. ## **Contact address.** Rev Robert Hurley 7 Chapel Close Blackwell Alfreton Derbyshire DE55 ## **Policies.** The Circuit currently has policies in place with regards to safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults, data protection and reserves. ## **Related parties.** The Circuit forms part of the Nottingham and Derby District of the Methodist Church and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The circuit comprises the following list of churches: |Alfreton Wesley|Birchwood|Clay Cross Central| |---|---|---| |Crich Wesley|Grassmoor|Huthwaite| |Kirkby The Hill|Kirkby Trinity|Newton| |Old Tupton|Skegby|Pinxton Town Street| |Selston|Stonebroom|South Wingfield| |Swanwick|Sutton New Cross|Sutton St Johns| ## **Outturn.** Total assets currently stand at £670,945 ## **Income.** The Circuit derives its income chiefly through the Circuit assessment payments from local churches and the sale of property. ## **Reserves policy.** The Circuit reserves policy is appended to this report. ## **Independent examiner.** Mr Daniel Drewry, AAT Accounting Matters Limited, 17 Wellington Street Ripley Derbyshire DE5 3EH ## **Bank details.** Co-operative Bank Plc 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP ## **Review of activities September 2022 – August 2023.** After the decision in 2022 to consider the future life of the Circuit, the Circuit Leadership Team undertook a series of conversations with each of the churches. It was the intention to identify the current situation of each church and how it views it mission and ministry amongst the community of which they are part. Following the conversations, a provisional report was produced that identified some areas of support that could be provided to the churches to ease some of the burden of administration and property issues. It was also felt that the spiritual life of the churches and Circuit also needs to be addressed and this was also to be considered. The report also considered a 5-year plan that would enable churches and Circuit to plan within this planning horizon and give a greater sense of stability. It is acknowledged that these are still challenging times for churches with the additional costs imposed on them because of the higher energy costs being paid. Reducing numbers and the ageing congregations also concern many of the churches and the Circuit, but in general, the Circuit is in good heart and looking to the future with a sense of hope. Zoom services continue each week in two of the Circuit churches and the weekly worship sheets sent out to those who are unable to attend church are greatly appreciated. The Methodist Church policies on Safeguarding are being adhered to, with courses for initial Foundation Training, Refresher Foundation Training and Advanced Safeguarding Training all having been provided by the Circuit and District. Following the stationing of both Revd Nicola Briggs and Revd Ann Anderson to other posts, the Circuit was pleased to be able to welcome Revd Simon Rose and his family to take up his role as Circuit Minister with responsibility for the Kirkby, Birchwood, Pinxton, Selston and Huthwaite churches. Deacon Samantha Taylor, who continues to reside in the Circuit and given permission to serve in an appointment outside of the control of the church, serves as a Hospital Chaplain at Kings Mill Hospital. She also continues to support the work of the Circuit by continuing to preach in churches across the Circuit. As a result of the reduction in the number of presbyteral staff to be stationed to the Circuit it was agreed to dispose of one of the Circuit manses. The manse at Stretton was sold at auction and the monies realised restricted for proposed updates to be made to the remaining three manses. ## **Future Plans.** Following the Circuit conversations, there is to be a series of follow up conversations with all of the churches to consider the proposals made by the Circuit Leadership Team. If agreed, then the CLT will continue to develop the 5-year plan, taking into account any changes in the number of churches that may occur. It was agreed that the Circuit would provide training for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as required by the Connexion. A programme of works to maintain and update the Circuit manses is to be developed. **Approved by the Circuit Leadership Team on Tuesday 19[th] March 2024 and signed on their behalf by the Reverend Robert Hurley (Superintendent Minister of the Borders Mission Circuit).** ## **Revd Robert Hurley.** Superintendent Minister. _**All signatures and addresses have been removed under GDPR Regulations, a signed copy of the Report is retained at the Borders Mission Circuit Office.**_ Borders Misson Circuit Profit and Loss (all accounts) 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023 Income Bank Interest Current Account CFB TMCP 659.54 11.729.05 12,388.59 Church Assessment 152.092.46 Grants & Glfts 1.404.16 Redundant Churthe$ Anne51ey 191,672.16 191,672.16 Sale ol manses 261.339.96 Other In¢ome Pension Contributions SalÈ of Wine Mission Youth Work Dlstrlrt Contribution 72.60 72.60 Total Income 618,969.93 Expenses Dlstr5ct Assessment 61,380.00 staff Stlpends 114,496.01 Stsff Expenses 6.610.60 Lay Worker Salarles 29,876. Lay Worker Expenses 1.271.38 Supernumerary Expenses 180. Admlnistration Expenses Offi Office Equipment Treasurer Expenses Telephone Ilnternet 3,733.23 1.605.44 350.IJO 967.58 1,222.90 7.879.15 Border5 Mission Circuit Page I Profit l Loss Account 2022123 Mèrt5e5 Council Tax Insurance Water Telephonefinternet 2.144.09 2,482.79 1.663.19 2.334.94 8,625.01 R¢palr5 1 Malntenance 7 Chapel C105e 3 Grange Farm Close 2 8ird's Lane Maln Road. Stretton 3.606.fM) 2.382.00 2.985.66 1.109.(K> 10,082.66 Exlstln8 Churches Redundant Churches 2,551.88 Qther E¥pense5 Quinquennial Inspectlons Removals Training Youth Mission Local Preèchers Web Site Gifts & Grants Bank Charges Sundries Annual CMTF conrrlbution Pension contributions Birthwood Loan 4.080.C 600.C(> 143.72 2,677.30 732.57 1,493.39 10.212.34 19,939.32 Total Expenditure Profit / Loss 262,892.07 356.077.86 Borders Mission Circvit Page 2 Profit l Loss Accotsnt 2022123 Border5 Misson Circuit Statement of Balances 31st August 2023 Current Assets Bank Ajc's {Closing Balances) Current CFB TMCP Co-op Current Reslricled funds Cash in Hand 0.00 75,914.51 296,020.14 37,671.26 261,339.96 0.00 from sale of manse 670.945.87 Total Current Assets 670,945.87 Curront Liabilities Accruals 2022123 (Uncleared Cheques) 0.00 Total Currènt Llabilities 670,945.87 Working Capital 670,945.87 Financed By Bank Alc's (Opening Balances) Current Accruals from 2021122 CFB TMCP Cash in Hand 39,846.73 0.00 22.190.13 252,831.15 0.00 Prof1VLo$$ 356,077.86 670.945.87 Borders Mission Circuit Pa8e I Statement of 8alances as at 3110812023 Name of Circuit Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm that these Receipt and Payment base(S accounts for the year to 31 August 2023 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit meeting Signature of treasurer . Joanne.Docherty Date. Name anct address of treasurer Post Code...... Presentation to the Clrcuit meeting I confirni that the annual feport and accounts tor the year ended 31 August 2023 werelwlLW" presented lo the Circuit meeting held on Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of the HI*io.pl... Circult Charity Number.. 1156488 Responsibilities and basis of report I report lo the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the ￿)Rr￿s tr4 Circuit for the year ended 31 AugLJSt 2023 set out on pages . to .s',he CircLJIt's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the ￿qUirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'lhe Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the cIr￿￿t'S accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examinalion. I have followed all the applicable Dire¢tions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. delele or circle as appropriate ¢JrCi1rt￿ W￿￿.￿02￿ 14r1 Name of Circuit . Independent Examiner's Statement I have completed my examinaliori. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below") which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect". the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act", or the accounts do nol accord with the accounting recofds. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters irs connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. I ba¥elhave not. obtained independent verification of all investments with the Tfuslees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other Irusls. bank balances and fund5 al the Central Finance Board of the Melhodisl Church which are individually in eX￿sS of £10,000 Iten thousand pounijsl at the balance sheet dale. Signature of independènt examiner Name of independenlexaminer Part&¢L.. Oce.w.fy................................................ Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner Name of fimi Iwhere appropriate} QCLO" Address Post Code Q.65..3£H Date 7/.11 j2o.2.3.................... delete or circle as appropriate May-23 ¢Y￿rt.1 8rnI￿2023 xhx RESERVES POLICY Report on behalf of Borders Mission Circuit Meeting Notts & Derb District ('Circuit MeetinglDistrictl We submit our annual report in accordance with the requirements of the Methodist Conference an the Charity Commission guidance in CC19. The trustees have established their mission aims taking into account all of the rèsources available in terms of people, property ¥né Money liiil We have agreed a Reserves Policy which is Set out overleaf and is recorded in the trustaes. rninules and our Annual Report livl We recognise the need lo be accountable as charity Iruslees for all tha molley which comes into our hands and will provide further information as required the Cir¢uiVDistricVConnexion initiativeslprojec15 have been costed or eslimales made of projected future costs which tske into account the needs ol the buildings and the requirements of the Quinquennial Inspection Reportls Iv) Our Report is attached overleaf please delete a5 appropriate To be completed by Receiving Body The 'Circuit MeetinglDistrict re¢eived the RESERVES POLICY of "Church Councillcircuit MeetinglDistrict Policy accepted and acknowledgement sent to the trustees YES INO Policy noted and the following enquiries made of the Iru5tee5 Responses received and any further action taken 'CircuitlDistrict Signatur Please delete as a Datg............ ro RESERVES POLICY of Borders Mission Circuit I"Church CouncilDICir¢ult Meeting@IDistricttJ) General Funds held al YIE 31108123 £409,606 Restricted Funds held sale of manse £261,340 Endowment Funds held £0 Reserves policy for General Funds £50,000 Money Set aside for church projects annually £125,000 Money drawn down from TMCP annually over 5 years £150,000 Short term working capital based on 6 months expenses £76,000 Money drawn down from TMCP to help with church assessments £9,606 Circuit mission based activities leg retreat & quiet days, fellowship days. etcl 5 PolicLfor Restricted Funds Funds to be used for the continued maintenance and capital expenditure on repairslupdating of Circuit manses. Terms relating to Endowment Fund$ held nla This Reserves Policy has been approved by 8ordern Mission Circuit ("Church Council Circuit Meeting IDistricl Treasurer Trustee Full name Full Name SINPSc)p4 Signature Signature