Sidley Baptist Church Known as Freedom Church Bexhill Report and Accounts For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Charity number: 1158651
Freedom Church ilexhill Year Ended 31 December 2024 Contents Page Legal and Administralive Det18 Report of the Trustees Report of the Independent Examiners Receipts and Paytnents Accounts Notes to the Accounts 9-11
Freedom Church Bexhill Year Ended 31 Deeember 2024 Legal and Adn)inistrative Detalls Charity Name Freedom Church Bexhill Charity Regi8(ration Number 1158651 Mailing Address Claremont Road Bexhill On Sea East Sussex TN39 5BX Trustees P Asselin { Resigned 12106124) B Chaseley (Resigned May 2024) P Goldsmith (Appointed Oct 2023} K Davis (Appointed Oct 2023 Resigned Jan 2024) L Daniels (Appointed Ocl 2021 Resigned June 2024) M Scarlell (Appointed 12106124) S Briton (Appointed 12106124) P Mullens (Appointed 12106124) T Purfield (Appointed 12106124 resigned November ?024) I C05tley (Appc)inted 12106ll41 H Belton (Appointed 12106124) Rev Sally Sago (Appointed Feb 2024) Property Trustees The Baptist Union Corporation Ltd., Baplist House, 129 Broadway, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 8RT Independent Exan]iners Ryefields Limited Unit 139 Airport House Purley Way Croydon Surrey CRO OXZ
Freedom Church Bexhill Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the TteeS The Trustees presents their report and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 st Decernber 2024 Governance. Structure and Management The Charity is governed by a constitution based on the Approved Governing Document for Baptist Churches. The principal purpose of the charity is Ihe advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination to include the advancement ol education, community service and other such general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Church shall determine. Membership and Trustees Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the Constitution wherein baptism by immersion upon a personal profession of faith is the normal mode of entry but persons seeking membership who have not been baptised may be accepted at the discretion of the Church Members, Meeting on their own public profession of faith. The members Meeting normally takes place 4-6 limes a year and has responsibilily for the overall policy of the church. In accordance with tho eonsljlulion. Ihe members appoint up to 19 Trust&os including tho Minigtor, Church Secretary and Treasurer. They are responsible for the day to day running of the church's work and witness. and the financial and legal aspects of the charity. All members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in Ihe spiritual and practical tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective. Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church meeting by the Trustees for guidance or may be raised by members in Church meeting for further consideralion by the Trustees. Though the Constitution permits decisions to be made at Church meetings by appropriale majorities, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible. Public Benelit The Church has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and is satisfied that there is clear benefit lo the public through the activities it carries out in meeting its purpose and objectives. This is particularly shown by.. Public opportunity to attend Worship events on Sundays including Sunday morning services and evenir5g zoom meetings Open access to outreach activities Public access to Liltle Seeds (Parent and Toddler group) Public access to Market Place la community food larder and café) Accommodaling other publicly accessible activities and private hire agreements eg. Community & Church lunches, Dance groups, Cookery Classes, Art Glasses, Older Peoples groups, Family Parties and Partnering with Local Charities lor special events.
Freedom Church Bexhill Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustee (Cont) Objectives and Activities Core Activiti In OTder to achieve the p¥incipal objective, which i% set out above, the Church %eeks to provide <i vartety of activities both for its membership and the wider community of Sidley and beyond. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer Telationship with him as living Lord. Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship. The main 5ervtce% tdke place each Sunday (It 10.30 drn, thi% service i.s live stredmed. Thi8 enables tho%e who Cdiinot get to the building to continue to engiige and worship with us. There is a quieter worship and prayer service on 700m at 6pm on Sundays, with a face-to-face meeting called 'The Well, at 6pm on the last Sunday of the month in the church sanctuary. Other occa.sional service% are advertised on the church notice board, the website and using the weekly new%sheet. Early in the year the A V desk was improved with the replacement and reconfiguring of some of the existing equipment. This was financed by the members through a special gift appeal. Thi% resulted in improved sound quality both in the church and online for streained scrvices. Thanks to Andy Sago for all his work in this area. Thanks also to those who worked as part of the t¢arn each week on the Sound and iiisuals to support the services. Many Lcatno coniiitsuicd io 6unday scryicc provisiun, thii ir]tiludcd ihc Sunday School icam, thc worship band, thc welcome team, the prayer ministry team, those providing refreshments. Ihose preaching and those bringing all age messages. All volunteers and a]1 woiking to fulfil our aim of sharing the love of Jesus to all who come into the church. Attendance over the year was relatively static wrth occasional peaks for special occasions. A tsll children's programme is provided during the morning services and numbers of children grew glightly over the year. Thanks to the Sunday tearn of i'olunteers who dedicated time and energy to providing teaching and activities week by week for varying ages of the children atjd young people who came along to church. The Church run% %everal Explorc group% for the growth of faith, fellow.%hip ind di%ciple8hip in the home% of some members, and in the church durinu each week. These groups continued to be fully subscribed. At the end of the year planning was taktng place to consider how capacity and provision rnay be increased in the new year. These groups only run due to the commitment and dedication of those willing to lead and those opening their homes where the groups take place. W¢ are gral¢ful to them. The groups play an important part in the discipleship journey of faitliful Chrislians and contribute to the oveidll unity and deeper relationships that ChaCriSe church life. The Church 18 responsible for a Toddler Group which meets in the Church premi.%es on Wednesddy mornings. with the purpose of assisting the community and dernonstrating the love of Jesus Christ, whilst helping in the development of learning and social skills in those under 5. This has continued to thrive during this year being very popular with parents and their children. We thank Angle Young for leading this group so well over the last eighteen months and all the team workn.ng with her as she siood in the gap whilst there was no Children and Families Worker. The Market place is a community Food Larder which %eeL% to serve the loLal Sidley community as the impact of economic hdrdship has had a considerable effect on thosc living in the area. By providing very chellp food. much of which is donated by local supennarkets etc the WOTk brings some needed relief and support. This project allows the church to work in partnership with many local agencie8, local businesses and local schools.
Freedom Church Bexhill Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustee (Cont) Through the provision of a café at Market Place, this work also provides a place for those isolated, seeking friendship as well as a safe place for parents ]d their pre-school children to play. The Market Place is led by project leader Maureen Chaseley a church member who worked rirelessly throughout the year, not only on thc premises but aLross thc voluntary scclor. partnerinu many loc&1 businesses and charities, acce8%ing grant funding 10 5UPPOrt the co%t of food and %octal events lor those who con%ider MarkLJt Place their community. In 2024 the Market place provided the equivalent of 8616 meals to local people. There were 3 social events plus a summer barbecue and a harvest supper all of which provided Meals as part of the gatherings resulting another 110 meals. We consider this a massive achievement by the team of volunteers. We were hugLly proud to celebrate Maureen's award as East Su%sex Woman of the Year in recognition of all her work in May. The team w¢re also nominated this year for BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey's Make a Difference Aw.d. Also, at the Rother Voluntary Action (RVA) group's AGM in October, two of the team, Chris Miles and Tony Purfield received awards recognising their work and commi¢ment as volunteers at the Market place. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) The church is the lead church for Bexhill and Hastinas for CAP providing office accommodation for the CAP team within the church building. The church also asgists with fjnancial and PTaclica] support iowards the much-needed work Ihal ihe leam provide io Iliose slruggling with debl. +v Giiy PArtridge. a memher of Ihe chllrch. coniinued as thc ccnirc manager, ovci%e¢ing growth in the team with additional and voluntr¢¥$. This work sees many hclpea to Èscape overwhelrnjng debt aq well as inlrodueing Ihem where possible to Jesus. Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults The Church operates sygrems to ensure thllt all people working wilh children and vulnei-able adults are appropriately vetted in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service. The policy is reviewed aniiually. Acce5S to suitable and appropriaie traininLV is provided to all those in roles which require it. Gi-ateful thanks are expressed to Helen Goldsmiih who was appointed as Designated Person for Safeguarding with Luci Partridge as her. deputy in June 2024. Paula Mullens beLame our Safeguarding Trustee. Helen led the team and worked closely with the minister and organisational teiims lo upddte church practices where needed and to raise the aWeneSS of safeguarding within thc church. Achievements and Performance The Church doe5 not measure the success of its programmes only in numbers. including financkal numbers, but also in le%% Idngible diL(Ib like fcllow%hip dnd encouragement. 2024 wa% a time of chantre in the Icadership of the church. The previous minisr in training had left a pastoral vacancy in June 2023 and this was fflled by the calling of Rev Sally Sago lo full time ministry in February 20?4. An induction service was held in March led by Rev Joth Hunt, SEBA Regional Minister Team Leader and the speaker was Rev Beih Powney. This was attended by many representatives of local churches as well as members and friend5 from Sally s previous church in Norlolk. Barry Cha5eley ended his 3-year term of office in May and the then treasurer, Phil Asselin fulfilled his extended term of office and siood down in June. The church recognised their contributions with gifis and thanks as they stepped dowF]. Liz Daniels resigned as a trustee also in June, after resigning her role as church administrator and finishing in May. We are gratetul for all her help in overseeing and handing over the work of the otfice to lempurary volunteers as she worked her notice and prepared to move away from the area, and again (he churLh expressed their thanks Wlth a gift as she relinquished her roles of administrator and truslee.
Freedom Church Bexhill Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustee (Cont) Trustee elections were held at the members meetiDg in June and 5 new trustees weie elected. Heidi Belton, Sharon Britton. Isobel Costley, Paula Mullens and Tony Purfield. Mike Scarlett was appoinied as Treasurer. Along with Peter Goldsmith, Church Secretary and Rev Sally Sago this resulted in a team of 8 Trustees. A Core Leaders Training session was held in November led by Paul Kerley Regional Minister for SEBA. During JulylAugusi the church provided a placement to Yuki Kim a student ordinand with Westminster College Cambridge. Tbis was a positive experience for both the church and Yuki. Paid staff The churLh continues to employ a cleaner 6 hrs pei. week, Deborah Brown who does a fantastic job. A new church administrator, Jo Marder was appointed in August to oversee the work of the church office four mornings a week. In tesponse io advertising for a Children and Families Worker lo replace the vacancy left in June 20?3, no applicants crc inicrvicwca. anu li wa5 Ccciacd by Ilic IrublCCS 10 illcicdSC ihc b(lI(Y b¢ing oifcred. This rcsulicd in a bUCCC55ful Cdndida(e being appoind who will siari in Janu£lry 2025 working 15hr% pcr wcck. Membership A mernbership and baptism inforn]ation evening was held in July and was attended by 7 people. On I l December 2024 the membership stood al 50 compared to 52 a ye. earlier. 3 people were received into chureh membership. I member died 4 members resigned Attendance is between 50-65 per week on Sunday mornings. {averatse -57) Other Activities The church coniinued to welcome local ortsanisations into the building and to hire the premise5 for functions and charity evenis as mentioned aEx)ve as wèll ds being used as a Polling .Siation foi. election purpi)ses. These dclivities are reliant on our volunteer caretakers who lock and UDlo¢k the building, and we appreciate all the hard work of John Knight, Fred Ginbey and Simon Green throughout the year. The cburch joined with Churches Together in Bcxhill at Easier and in the summer for ecumenicdl gdtherings. Links were also rnaintained with Hopes, a house of prayer and The Pelham a local community hub and coffee lounge. Speaker5 were welcomed from International Mi55ion to Jewish People, Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team and Geoff Thompkins {Jesus Loves Bexhill).
Freedom Church Bexhill Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustee (Cont) New initiatives Towards the end of the year the church was delighted to celebrate with 'Jesus Loves Bexhill, a litter pickinu coimmunity group as they launched a new 'Jesus Love% Sidley, ttam. Thc church sUPPOrt them with use of the prerni,4es for praycr cover and refreshments as well as joining in with letier picking in our local area. The church also began a monthly prayer walking initiaiive, walking the streets praying and meeting local people out and about in December. Building and Maintenance On behalf of the trusiees Pecer Goldsmith led the oversighi and implemeniation of various butlding and maintenance tasks during the year. This included the replacement and installation of a new seri'ery in the cafe area of the sanctuary. This was financed by grant% in support of Market place. A qUiTtquennial Survey report wn% also undertaken for the first time in 2024 this will provide a plan of actton for necessary work to the building going forward. The work is ongoing. constant and den]anding and moving forward the hope is that a teatn may be developed to help with the work needed ill 2025. Thank% to Barry Chdseley and Tony willi who a%%i.%ted in variou5 la5L% during the ye{. Fin2nei21 RoviÈw Miko seIe[[ Jppoinied Treagurer in June and our Ihdnk% offered lo him to¥ (Ill hi% hd work week by week the production of the yearly accouiits below. The Church continues to raise the funds which it needs to carry on its activilies from within its own membership and Longregatton together with grants from a number of sympathetic charities in support of the Mllrket Place Financial systems are in placc. as are policies for accountability and management, which ate reviewed regularly. The Church is heavily dependent on its membership working as volunteers in all aspects of the ¢hurch's activities, many of which run with little or no impaet on the church's expenditure. but nevertheless coiitribute substanrially to the achievement of the church's objectives. Reserves Policy The Trustees have established a Reserves Policy to enable the church to fuT]Ction effectively and meet its obligations in the event of a decline in our income or a major cost. Statement from policy Freedom Church Reserves Policy is as follows.. "To hold thi'ee month.Y nlall expendilure plus afvrther three moiEths staff costs to adai?t to any changes in the income or expeiidiliir¢ (if the church. The pnlic), Hyill be reitriewed aiiniiull3'. This Report was accepted by the Trustees Date.. Signed: Church Secretary Treasurer
Freedom Church Bexhill Year Ended 31 December 2024 Independent examiner's report to the trustees L report on the accounts of the Trust for the period ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 10. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under seciion 144(2) of the Charities Aci 2011 (the 2011 Acl) and that an independeTIt eAar5]ination is needed. It is my responsibilÉty to: examine the account.s under section 145 of the ?0 I l Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity CommissÉon under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act" and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My exarnination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Comn)ission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accountb pr¢b¢nt¢d with thobe records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: ( l) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 201 l Act" and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met. or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Name: Leslie John Tasker FCCA Relevant professional qualification or body.. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Address: Ryefields Ltd. Unit 139 Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon. Surrey CRO OXZ. Date: 19 Septsmber 2025
Freedom Church Bexhill Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Unrestrticted Restricted funds funds Designated I'unds Total fun(ts 2024 2024 2024 2024 2023 otes Incoming resources Charitable giving.. Giving to the church Other income.. 72,550 16,100 10,651 -59,171 28,865 19,491 5,331 16,IIK> 27,130 5,329 Grants received 27,136 Bank interest 5,329 Total incoming resources 9_3,979 37,787 131,766 112.858 Resourees expended Charitable activities 102,144 30,086 132,230 113,532 Total rQur(C5 cxpendcd 102.144 30.086 132,230 113,532 Net Incomin (outgoing) resources for the year (8,165) 7,701 (464) (674) Transfers between funds 150,238 {150,238) Reconciliation of funds Totdl fund% brought forward 48.762 182,6?8 231,390 232.064 Total funds carried forward 190,835 40,091 230.926 231,390 Represented by: Petty cash Bat 18? 182 178 190.653 40.091 230,744 231,212 190.835 40,091 230,926 231,390 Approved by the Trustees on . The notes on pages 9 and l O form part of these accounts.
Freedom Church Bexhill Notes forming part of the Finaneial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 l Accounting polieie5 The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting polici&s have been applied Lonsistenily tIOughoUt the year. (a) The accounts have been prepared on (he receipLg Ld payments basis. Ibl • Unregtricted funds are available for u%e al the discretion of the tni.8tees in furtherance of the general objective5 of the charity. . Dcsignatcd funds are unrcgiricted fundg earmarked by the Tru8ieeq for particular purpo.%es. . Restticted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by thc donor or through the ternL% of un appeal. (c) Voluntary incotne is received by 'aY of grants. donations and gifts. (d) Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in ihe delivery of its activitics alld 8¢Tvice5 for its beneficiaries. It includ&s both ¢ogtg that C2n be allocated directly to such activities and those costs ol an indlreci nalure necessary to support them. Govcrnance cost5 include those cosLs asswiated with meeting ihe coJi.4ritutional and staiutory requirements of the charity and include ¢0814 linked to the 8(raiegic management of the chariiy. el Capital expenditure is written off on purchase. 2 Giving to the church UnrestrfietÈd Restrieted Designated 2024 2023 Ttstal Totsl Gifts aT]d donations Inier&st 65.945 5,329 1.fj.159 445 10.651 76.596 5.329 15,159 445 51827 5331 Property letting Other Income Income form Market Place 999 13054 BMS - Birthday Scheme Little Seed8lMe5Sy Gants - New Garden 50 495 495 429 9971 Garnt8 - Other ?7.136 27.136 6,606 131.766 95?0 Tax recovered 6.606 93,979 7344 112858 37.787
Freedom Church Bexhill Notes forming part of the Finanelgl Statements for the )'ear ended 31 December 2024 3 Total resources expended Unrestricted Restrieted Designtsted 2024 2023 Total Totsl C & FW costs 504 504 Ho.4pilality Childrcn's work resources Telephone. internet & Zoom Insurance 1,048 1,575 I,U99 1,618 6,170 1.048 1.575 1.099 1.618 7.298 2991 877 910 1581 6888 10377 grants made Charitabkle Irading Worship and PA resources Safcguarding Trdvcl and bubsistctrce 1,128 11.536 966 966 818 331 331 87 87 2863 1467 882 1189 955 792 Sthiionery & printing Equipment costs Subscription5 I£L8ing co4ts Advertisintr and mketIng Training and reiource4 Bank Chargeb 798 798 1.858 1,858 643 643 886 137 535 886 137 535 315 17? 172 £)nse costs 21,Y03 8,846 1,172 8,440 812 21.903 7128 6409 897 7705 Premi.8e LOSIS 8.846 Rates and Water 1.172 8.440 812 Lighi and Heat Cledring and waste Church ¥uite 5049 414 414 AV upgrade Servery area refurbishtlleat New Garden 3,290 13.628 -3,290 13.628 294 14873 Kitchen 3651 5740 Professional Fees 1,968 638 1.968 Administration CObtS 1222 Employment costs 40,028 102,IM 27659 113532 30.086 132.230 4 Movement of funds Balance at l Dec 2024 Incoming re50urcos Resources expended Transfers Balance at 31 Dee 2024 Unrestricted funds 48.762 93.979 {102.144) 150,?18 190,835 Restricted funds 182.6?8 37.787 (311.0861 (150.238) 40,091 Designated funds 231,390 131.766 1132.2301 230.926 10
Freedom Church Bexhill Notes forming part of the Fillancial Statellnts for the year ended 31 December 2D24 S A&qets At 3 l Dcccmber 2024 the Charity had thc following assets= Unrestrieted 18,124 22,653 150,238 182 Restricted Designated Current Account 18,124 51,989 160.993 182 Savings Accounts Manse Trust fund 10,755 Cash held PAYE Paid in January 2025 -362 190,835 -362 ?30,9?6 40.091 6 Defined contribution pension herneS The charity utilises tlJe services of the Bapt15t Union Pension Scheme In respect of the Minister's pension and NEST for thc Administrdtoi's pcn5ion. 7 Remuneration and payments to TrteeS and perso5 connected with them No Trubiees or perbons connected with them received dny remunerdrion from ihe chariry or any related eniity other than as disclobed below. Rev Sally Sago acts as one of the church's trustees and receives rernunerution and other benefits in respect of her services %tb millibt¢r. Thlb in¢lud¢b rcnt pd by the church for the provibicpn of manse a¢¢ornmodation in the private residence of the n)inistei' 2nd hei. husband. Liz Daniels, one of the trustees, re¢eived remuneration in respect of her services a church Adl1straIOr. until her rcsignalion in Jtsnc 2024.