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← Bishop's Stortford Baptist Church

2024-12-31-accounts

Annual

Report

Baptist Church Centre Twyford Road Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org 01279 507 575

Church Secretary churchsec@stortfordbaptist.org

www.stortfordbaptist.org

and

Accounts 2024

This church aims to be a community of believers living according to the Bible’s teaching where people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 1159484

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Table of Contents

Annual Report 2024 .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Aim and Purposes ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 Objectives and Activities ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Achievements and Performance .............................................................................................................................. 4 Worship, Teaching and Prayer .................................................................................................................................... 4 International Ministry ........................................................................................................................................................ 5 Safeguarding ...........................................................................................................................................................................7 Youth and Children .............................................................................................................................................................7 Youth Ministry ..................................................................................................................................7 Children’s Ministry ........................................................................................................................7 Discipleship ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Fellowship................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 BMF ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 Cake and Make ............................................................................................................................... 9 Contact ............................................................................................................................................... 9 Flower Arranging Group ........................................................................................................... 9 Network ............................................................................................................................................. 10 Reaching Out ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Local Outreach ............................................................................................................................. 10 World Mission ................................................................................................................................. 11 Roland & Carolien Smith .......................................................................................................... 11 Paul & Lizzie Reed ......................................................................................................................... 11 Eric & Claire Singirankabo ....................................................................................................... 11 Storly & Kate Michel ................................................................................................................... 11 Jonathan & Margaret Kisenyi ................................................................................................ 11 Tracy Moreton ................................................................................................................................ 11 Social Action.......................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 12 Exchange ........................................................................................................................................... 12 BSBC Advocate ............................................................................................................................. 13 Breaking Bread Café .................................................................................................................. 13 Toddlers and Co ........................................................................................................................... 13 Canal Adoption ............................................................................................................................. 13

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Grove Cottage .............................................................................................................................. 13 Love Stortford ...............................................................................................................................14 Street Pastors ................................................................................................................................14 Bishops Stortford Food Bank ...............................................................................................14 External Links ........................................................................................................................................................................14 Premises ...................................................................................................................................................................................15 The Bridge.........................................................................................................................................15 Church Membership........................................................................................................................................................ 16 Staff and Volunteers ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 Structure, Governance and Management .......................................................................................................... 17 Administrative Information ................................................................................................... 17 Trustee Responsibilities .......................................................................................................... 17 Trustees .............................................................................................................................................18 Financial Review ................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Overview Statement ................................................................................................................. 19 Workplace Pensions ................................................................................................................. 19 Accounts ........................................................................................................................................... 21 SoFP .................................................................................................................................................... 22 Cash Flow ........................................................................................................................................ 22 Notes To the Financial Statements 31 December 2024 .................................. 24 Audit Report .................................................................................................................................. 34

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Annual Report 2024

We are pleased to present a report of the life and work of the Church during 2024.

Aim and Purposes

The vision of Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church is to be a community of believers living according to the Bible’s teaching so that Christ’s redemptive purposes can be accomplished in the world. The Church’s mission is to enable people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The fellowship of the Church seeks to go deeper with God, become closer to each other and wider in our influence.

Objectives and Activities

The Church is committed to carrying out its activities in line with the Baptist tradition and to encourage and enable people in the local area to attend and take part in its services and meetings. Activities include:

The ministry areas of the Church are classified into Worship , Fellowship , Reaching Out , Discipleship and Social Action , supplemented by a Resources Team (all led by the Deacons) and with spiritual oversight and pastoral care administered by the Elders.

Achievements and Performance

Worship, Teaching and Prayer

2024 saw a small but steady growth in attendance at our main service. Growth has come from several areas and the ethnic mix of the congregation has gradually increased. We had several baptisms and a number of special events to celebrate the

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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diversity of the church and the church anniversary, as well as visits from mission partners. These services are live-streamed on You Tube.

We continued to hold a monthly communion service and a monthly prayer meeting on Sunday afternoons. We had other opportunities for corporate prayer including prayer breakfasts, and a Prayer Week in September. There is also a monthly Pilgrim Walk for meditation and prayer.

In 2024 we studied the following topics in our services:

We continue to encourage new members of our worship team, who are involved in leading music and worship on a Sunday. There have been several opportunities for our young people to get involved as well.

International Ministry

Leaders: Gustavo Gubiani

The International Ministry continues to pursue its vision of welcoming individuals from the wider town community, and it has been particularly effective in helping members of the international community feel fully integrated into our church family.

Sadly, our associate missionary Uelton Ricardo has returned to Brazil, as he was unable to renew his visa. As a result, we have had to pause our Portuguese-language Sunday services for the year. However, those who previously attended these services have been warmly welcomed into our main Sunday morning gatherings, fostering greater unity within the church.

In the areas of mission and pastoral care, we have been able to continue several key initiatives:

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Transportation for Refugees – With the hire of a van and the generous support of volunteers, we transported approximately 30 refugees to church services and special events each week, continuing the model established in the previous year.

Pastoral Visits and Counselling – This remained a vital ministry, particularly given the emotional fragility experienced by many refugees. We provided pastoral support, mediated family conflicts where possible, and offered essential guidance to those in vulnerable situations.

Language School – Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of a couple from our congregation, we were able to continue our Language School, which included three teachers and around twelve students.

Iranian Life Group – our Iranian Life Group continues to flourish. By God’s grace, we have been able to host a weekly Bible study every Friday to introduce participants to the Christian faith. Those who came to faith were invited to join our Baptismal Classes, and once ready, were baptised. Toward the end of the year, we began discussions around forming a Discipleship Life Group to help new believers grow in their faith and learn how to live it out practically.

We give thanks to God for His faithfulness throughout the year and for the many ways He has been at work in and through our International Ministry. Despite challenges, we have witnessed growth, resilience, and a deepening sense of community among those we serve. As we look ahead, we remain committed to welcoming the nations among us, sharing the love of Christ, and walking alongside people from all backgrounds as they discover and grow in their faith. We continue to pray for wisdom, provision, and open doors in the coming year.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Safeguarding

Our two Designated People for Safeguarding are Mandy Talbot (Children) , and Steve Barber (Adults at Risk) .

All volunteers working with children or adults hold an enhanced DBS Certificate and complete Safeguarding Training.

In September 2024 we made a few minor amendments to our Safeguarding Policy. Following this we asked Paul Morris Walford to carry out a Safeguarding Audit, in accordance with best practice. This looked at all aspects of church life. Areas which need attention will be addressed during 2025.

Youth and Children

Youth Ministry

Leader: Mandy Talbot.

Our Sunday morning group, called Impact, is for 11–18-year-olds, with between 10-20 young people attending most weeks. We have a strong team of leaders, who prepare interesting and varied sessions which help to develop Bible knowledge and provide opportunities for discussion. The Youth Band has led the worship in a few services this year and the Impact group joined the refreshment rota, serving tea and coffee to the wider congregation on several Sundays.

We have two Friday evening youth groups, Impact2 Club is for 14-18 year olds and alternates with Youth@TheBridge, for 10–14-year-olds. The groups allow plenty of time for the young people to socialise, and include a short Bible based discussion. Leaders for these groups include some of our Impact Leaders and a great team of parent volunteers.

We are very excited to have interviewed and appointed a new Youth Worker, Patrick Symonds, who will join us in 2025, and are looking forward to seeing how the youth ministry will develop in the future.

Children’s Ministry

Leader: Richard Jones

In 2024 we had Xplorers (school years 4-6) and the two Kidzone groups (nursery- school year 3) meeting on a Sunday morning. Around 40-50 children in total regularly attend one of the groups, including the children of our friends staying in the Ibis hotel.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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A Summer Club was held for the children and parents of our friends staying in the Ibis hotel and others.

There is a faithful team of volunteer leaders and helpers working well together. Thanks to them for making the groups safe and welcoming places where through stories, crafts and games the children learn about God ’ s love for them, how they can accept Jesus as savior for themselves, and how they can grow as Christians and as part of the church.

Discipleship

Leader: Graham Page

Small groups (known as LIFE Groups) continue to be the primary focus for Church members and non-members to grow as disciples of Jesus by building relationships with each other, deepening faith through prayer and Bible study, and living their faith out in the world.

Most LIFE Groups are meeting in person. However, a number have adopted a hybrid approach with members being able to attend face-to-face or via ZOOM when more convenient.

LIFE Group leaders are contacted when new church members are seeking to become part of a group so that they can join the most suitable group based on several criteria: the prospective member’s Christian experience, the demographics of potential LIFE Groups and geographical location. We have managed to successfully integrate a number of new members into Life Groups this year.

Discussions have taken place with the LIFE Group leaders to ascertain what digital and hard print materials can be provided to support their individual groups. A central resource library has been put together to assist in finding quality teaching materials.

This year the church continued its work in the Iranian community from the IBIS hotel with a regular Life Group meeting during the week. In addition, we have three new Life Groups planned for 2025 a men’s group, an African Life Group and Portuguese Life Group too.

The Life Groups have followed the Sunday Morning “Romans” study plan in the Autumn, with additional mid-week discussion helping to underpin the Sunday morning teaching plan. These sessions proved to be very popular and as a result we will also focus on another teaching series in the Spring; “24 hours that changed the world.”

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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I have also supported the “Link Up” team by attending the monthly Link up meetings where possible to meet people interested in knowing more about the Church and discuss LIFE Group participation where applicable.

In addition, we are investigating additional courses that could help the Church members to develop their spiritual lives.

Fellowship

Leader: Catherine Church

Over the past year we have had many different groups meeting at church and below are just some of the groups:-

BMF

The Baptist Midweek Fellowship (BMF) meets at 2pm for about an hour and a half on the first and third Wednesday of every month from September until April. Janet Casson leads this meeting alongside a committee of dedicated helpers. Over the past year we have hosted a variety of interesting speakers from our fellowship and one or two outside speakers in addition, one of whom was Richard Townsend the Mayor. At our December meeting we enjoyed a Christmas lunch with entertainment, which in 2024 was led by Steve Barber who played some Christmas Carols and Christmas music. Our AGM takes place in April where we enjoy a fish and chip lunch prior to the meeting.

Over the course of the past year our numbers have increased and at most meetings we have a gathering of between 30 and 40 people. In 2024 we introduced an extra fellowship meeting in May which was well attended, with a sales table and a quiz. In 2025 we will have two extra meetings in May and July. The committee recognises that this is a valuable time of fellowship in a relaxed environment when members can share together as well as hear the life and faith stories of our speakers and their passions.

Cake and Make

This group of about 20 folk meets on the first Friday of the month and enjoying fellowship and cake together. The group is organised by Susan Bates.

Contact

Geoff Gosling organises a group of 18 visitors who visit 9 people. The feedback from folk that are visited is that the visits are very much enjoyed. If anyone would like to volunteer to become a visitor, please contact Geoff.

Flower Arranging Group

The flower group of about 20 ladies meets monthly on a Wednesday at 1.30pm. If anyone is interested in joining this group, please contact Julie Pollard or Mary Scales.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Network

The Network team of 7 has planned a group of events over the last year that include bacon brunches after church, picnics at Hatfield Forest, Indian meals out and a trip to see Christmas Proms Praise at All Souls, Langham Place. We visited Cambridge in November to see Murder on The Orient Express which was an excellent production and are also looking forward to going to The Albert Hall in May to see Proms Praise Wonder with the All Souls orchestra and choir and a Performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Sadlers Wells Theatre in August. A Chinese meal is also planned to invite along some newer members of the Church.

It would be great to have some new members with fresh ideas and inspiration. We do have a couple of men in the group now but can always make more room for men or women! If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Catherine Church.

Reaching Out

Leader: Thiego Ribeiro

We are driven by a passion to spread our Christian faith in Bishop's Stortford and beyond while supporting global missions. We strive to positively impact the world by sharing our message of hope and love.

In 2024, our outreach ministry embraced the call to be a light in our local community and the world, spreading faith, compassion, and hope. Through engaging events like Holiday Bible Week, quiz nights, and Beer and Carols, we created spaces for fellowship, deepened connections, and shared the joy of Christ. Beyond our borders, we stood alongside missionaries in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, empowering their work in evangelism, education, healthcare, and refugee support. Mission Sunday and our harvest service for Tearfund reinforced our commitment to fighting poverty and injustice, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can create lasting change. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to bringing God’s love into every life we touch, continuing our mission with faith, purpose, and unwavering hope.

Local Outreach

In 2024, our activity included:

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Linked to the above, we participated in Hope 23-24, a national campaign seeking to share the good news of Jesus with people across the country.

World Mission

The Mission Council continues coordinating our prayer and support for our mission partners. The missionaries we partnered with in 2024 were:

Roland & Carolien Smith - Renkum, Netherlands. Roland and Carolien Smith, ECM missionaries, are grateful for prayer support and a church study of Matthew. A Czech prison project is funded, and ECM’s Church for All supports those with disabilities. Carolien is leading an Alpha course in a women’s prison. They also support an African refugee and a Kurdish family.

Paul & Lizzie Reed - Eastern Europe / USA. Paul and Lizzie, who met in St. Petersburg, moved to Budapest, Hungary, in 2024 and are currently working for the International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB) on the Chapeling team, helping the young people at the school.

Eric & Claire Singirankabo - Huye District, Rwanda. Eric and Claire are working with HIV/AIDS patients, visiting homes and hospitals in Huye District, Southern Province, Rwanda.

Storly & Kate Michel - USA / Haiti. Storly and Kate Michel run 4VEH, a media outlet in Haiti. The country faces violence, hunger, and displacement, but their ministry continues to broadcast hope. They are attending a support-raising boot camp due to increased financial needs. Please pray for Haiti's stability, their ministry, and their family's mission.

Jonathan & Margaret Kisenyi - Jinja, Uganda. Jonathan and Margaret work with the East African Revival Fellowship in Uganda, focusing on evangelism and mentoring new Christians in schools.

Tracy Moreton - Colchester/Essex, UK. Tracy works for Friends International, building friendships and faith with international students at the University of Essex. She's also the Assistant Chaplain at the Faith Centre.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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During our harvest service, we aimed to promote and gather funds for Tearfund, a Christian charity dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty in over 50 countries through humanitarian assistance, community development, and advocacy efforts.

Additionally, we devoted Mission Sunday to increasing awareness about our mission partners, who work diligently to support and empower students. This year, on Mission Sunday, we celebrated and embraced our community's diversity by highlighting the various nationalities represented in our congregation.

We take pride in our partnership with BMS World Mission, Operation Agri, and Compassion and continue working alongside them to positively impact the world.

Social Action

Leader: Julia Horner

Overview

Our focus is to engage with our local and wider community and make a difference through our aims:

Exchange

Exchange, which is based within our Bridge building, was open 2 afternoons a week, and provided clothing, household goods, furniture and white goods to members of the public. The biggest request was for furniture and household goods for those who had just moved from temporary accommodation to their first and completely empty property. They were very blessed to have Church members who regularly collected and delivered furniture using their trailer, and a volunteer who carried out portable appliance (PAT) testing on our white goods, enabling them to be received and given away. They also helped many asylum seekers from a local hotel who came to choose clothing. This year Exchange had 858 visits and made 262 deliveries. In conjunction with the Church’s Pantry, they gave out 20 Christmas goodie bags in December and 20 Pantomime tickets.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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BSBC Advocate

This year an ex-town councillor with years of experience ran an advocacy project in our Bridge building, opening 2 days a week. She helped members of the public with various issues but specialised in housing and benefits needs.

Breaking Bread Café

We ran a café serving hot drinks and homemade cake 2 afternoons a week to members of the public. The free café and warm space was particularly helpful due to the cost-ofliving, and the relationships and community feel being built up was valuable in reducing loneliness and social isolation and providing a meeting place where people can get to know others. We also ran a free café in the Bridge building while Exchange was running, to provide refreshments to Exchange visitors while they waited to be seen.

Toddlers and Co

Toddlers and Co ran 2 sessions a week although the numbers attending were significantly lower than in previous years and neither group was full for the whole year. This is in line with most other preschool classes and "stay and play" groups and was mainly due to the free nursery places introduced by the government and the need for more parents to work. Most weeks they welcomed around 40 families although some weeks as few as 25 across the two groups with a mix of mums, grandparents, childminders and nannies attending. Although the numbers were much lower the needs of the families were significantly greater which has been both a privilege and a challenge for the leaders. Currently, the greatest need is for more leaders especially on a Thursday where there were the minimum number possible to operate the group. The existing leaders are in the process of considering various options for the future of the group.

Canal Adoption

The church has informally ‘adopted’ a one-mile stretch of canal beside the Church. We have a Church member who is a Waterways Chaplain, who regularly walked the towpaths in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth, and supported anyone who needed practical or spiritual help, particularly negotiating with the Canal & River Trust regarding boat licence difficulties.

Grove Cottage

We supported Grove Cottage (the Mencap provision just a hundred yards from the church) however we could. We ran our usual accessible Carol Service for them in December, held an offering for their work over Christmas, and provided them with regular room hire in the main church building and the Bridge building. We continue to support them practically and financially where possible and in prayer.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Love Stortford

Love Stortford’ took place in June – a week of activities to show the love of God to the people of the town. We supported a decorated float which took part in the Carnival procession. This included a Gospel Choir, and the giving out of thousands of sweets and flyers. ‘Churches Together in Bishops Stortford’ supported other churches running free cafes, Fun Day Field Outreach at the Carnival and the making and sending of ‘Bless the Police’ Thank You gifts. Our church ran a café each afternoon for the week, serving free hot and cold drinks, cakes and ice creams.

We also had links with:

Street Pastors

Street pastors are trained volunteers from churches in Bishop's Stortford and Sawbridgeworth representing the Church on the street, who care about their community and want to keep people safe. They patrolled pubs, restaurants and railway stations weekly in teams on Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 2am. They listened to and helped people out in the town to make the community a safer place for everyone to enjoy. Much of their work was preventative, and they worked closely with the police and pub staff.

Bishops Stortford Food Bank

The Bishops Stortford Food Bank gave food parcels to local people in need and delivered food to those who couldn’t visit in person. They also gave Aldi vouchers so clients could buy extra fresh items they needed. They topped up the accounts of eligible clients with pre-payment gas and electricity meters. They worked via referrals from various local support agencies. At Christmas they provided Christmas hampers to local families and residents in need.

External Links

The Church continues to be linked in fellowship to the national structures of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, which are expressed locally through the Eastern Baptist association.

The Church also remains a member of Churches Together in Bishop’s Stortford and the Evangelical Alliance

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Premises

Leader: Paul Crispn.

The Church has four properties all of which are held in trust by the Baptist Union Trust Corporation for the Church.

Day to day maintenance is carried out by band of volunteers who meet every second Wednesday of the month.

The Church also took over ownership of the Burial Ground at the former Little Hallingbury Free Church and is responsible for its upkeep.

The Bridge

The Church acknowledges with extreme gratitude the generous grant of £750,000 made by the trustees of the Little Hallingbury Free Church which enabled the old Bishop’s Stortford Mineral waters office and warehouse that stood on the Church Centre Site to be modernised to a high standard and expanded. The trustees of Little Hallingbury Free Church have also generously made a grant available towards the running costs of the Bridge for five years which has four years left to run.

The building has been the home of Exchange (see above) for a number of years, but the alterations have allowed for more storage, office space and meeting rooms. They have made for much more pleasant environment to meet with people and allowed the running of a cafe at times when Exchange is open and also for former town councillor to provide an advice service re benefits at the same time.

The Bridge is used on an occasional basis by some small charities for meetings and occasional external hirers hires such as Slimming World and U3A

It is also used for youth work and other meetings for people within the fellowship where the smaller size and intimate atmosphere are more appropriate than the accommodation in the main Church Centre. In particular a monthly Art Class and the monthly Sunday evening Communion Service and Prayer Meeting are held in the Bridge Trustee Catherine Church is responsible for seeking further users of the Bridge to that enable outreach into the local community.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Church Membership

Leader: Judy Box

2024 has been an interesting year in terms of Church Membership. On one hand, we have had a larger than usual number of resignations and removals, and yet on the other hand, the church – and therefore the membership - is growing. There are valid reasons for both.

Firstly, following the covid years, the number of members did not accurately reflect the number who were actively involved in the life of the church, due to the fact that some had drifted or moved away and not let us know. We have therefore worked in 2024 to renew relationships with as many as possible. As a result, a few have returned, some resigned and others - if they have not replied - are removed. The Membership numbers are therefore now much more realistic, though we still have more work to do on this.

At the other end, we are seeing amazing growth in the church and people are coming to worship with us and settling into the church family.

We regularly run a Membership Discovery Course, which is an opportunity for newcomers to find out more about our beliefs, practices, priorities and activities. People can hear about the joy of serving in the church and the responsibility of governance by the gathered membership. On completion of the two-session course, attendees can decide whether they wish to become members of the church. In response to demand, we have increased the number of courses per year from 3 to 4. Of the 18 people who attended the course, 8 became members in 2024. We expect most of the others to become members in 2025.

We therefore began 2024 with 210 members, we ended with 209.

Staff and Volunteers

Our current stipend and staff payroll consists of John Walford, Gustavo Gubiani, Ira Mayo, Tim Kingston Hepner, Liz Lake and Irene Thorn.

But in addition, in order to run the vast number of activities that the Church operates, we have an amazing band of volunteers that serve faithfully and enthusiastically. Some 100 individuals serve in various ways on Sundays on 14 different rotas, as well as those who help in the office and all the various activities mentioned throughout this report or informally in myriad other ways. A great many of these serve in more than one role and many more still pray actively for the Church’s work. As always in any vibrant community, there are vacancies for service that need to be filled.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Structure, Governance and Management

A Finance and Administration Committee continues to oversee the administration of the church to free up more time for the rest of the Leadership Team to focus on ministries, in order to enable the church to thrive, grow and blossom in our service to our Lord and in our witness and service to the community.

Administrative Information

Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church is affiliated to the Eastern Baptist Association and to the Baptist Union. The correspondence address is The Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ.

Trustee Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Trustees

The Trustees for 2024 were as follows:

Ex Officio Members

Senior Minister The Reverend John Walford Minister The Reverend Gustavo Gubiani Elected Members Elders Mr Keith Bintley Mr Jamie Davidson Mr Rupert Moore Church Secretary Mr Michael Talbot Interim Treasurer Mr David Thomas (since March 2024) Deacons Mrs Judy Box Mrs Catherine Church Mr Paul Crispin Mrs Julia Horner Mr Stephen Lee Mr Richard Jones Mrs Jo Moore Mr Thiego Ribeiro Mr Graham Page Mrs Mandy Talbot Mr David Thomas

Auditors Lawrence & Company Accountants Ltd 26 Bell Street Sawbridgeworth Hertfordshire CM21 9AN

This report was approved by the Trustees 08.09.2025 and are signed on their behalf by Michael Talbot – Trustee and Church Secretary

Michael Talbot

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Financial Review

Overview Statement

The figures for 2024 reflect a similar financial position to that observed for 2023. The church runs at a modest deficit each year, though this arises almost entirely on the depreciation charged on the property, and does not reflect the wider cash/balance sheet position, which remains fairly healthy. Due to the two significant loans, total liabilities outweigh current assets for both unrestricted and designated funds (though of course the full value of the church buildings ensures that the net asset position remains wholly positive). Cash flow has remained consistent year-to-year, and both income and expenditure remain broadly similar to that seen in the previous year. During the year, total incoming resources amounted to £421,722 (2023: £408,152). The primary component related to general donations to the church. Contributions by churches and other organisations towards the development and running costs of The Bridge totalled £20,000 (2023: £19,250).

Resources expended totalled £453,004 (2023: £437,710). The charity therefore achieved a deficit before other recognised gains and losses of £31,281 (2023: £29,558). The charity has a reserves policy, and a minimum sum is stipulated within this and held within the General Reserve fund. The amount is sufficient for meeting obligations in a six-month period should the church have to be wound up.

Workplace Pensions

The Church is a participating employer the Baptist Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”), which is a separate legal entity administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited). The Scheme, previously known as the Baptist Ministers Pension Fund, started in 1925. At the beginning of the financial year, the scheme comprised of a defined benefits scheme which was closed to future accrual on 31 December 2011 and a defined contribution plan which was opened in January 2012.The assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers. For the current financial year, the pension provision for members of the Scheme is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Ltd. In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for Scheme members if they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva Limited. Furthermore,

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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members of the Basic Section pay reduced contributions of 5% of Pensionable Income, and their employers also pay a total of 5%.

In October 2024, the insurance company Just Group completed a buy out of the

liabilities of the closed defined benefit scheme. From that date any remaining liability of the participating scheme members to defined benefit scheme ceased and the £1 per

month deficit contributions payable by the participating employers which were agreed in the recovery plan approved in August 2022 also ceased from that date.

Administration of the closed defined benefit scheme transferred from the pension trustees to Just Group from that date.

The Ministers and members of the church staff are eligible to join the Scheme.

Section 28.11A of FRS 102 requires agreed deficit recovery payments to be recognised as a liability. The present value of the agreed deficit contributions were immaterial at the beginning of the financial year and were fully extinguished once buy out was completed by Just Group in October 2024.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Accounts Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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SoFP

Statement Of Financial Position at 31 December 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year
14
Net assets
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Restricted funds
Total charity funds
15
Cash Flow
Cash Flow Statement 31 December 2024
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (used in)/generated from operations
(below)
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Cash flows from financing activities
Net repayment of long term borrowings
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
reporting period		 2024
2023
£
£
£
4,114,568
4,186,880
18,394
17,297
452,165
463,667
470,559
480,964
(189,817)
(198,979)
280,742
281,985
4,395,310
4,468,865
(482,418)
(524,692)
3,912,892
3,944,173
3,919,674
3,989,571
(9,985)
(48,271)
3,203
2,873
3,912,892
3,944,173
2024
2023
£
£
15,895
171,649
12,828
9,033
(40,225)
(144,323)
(11,502)
36,359		 2024
2023
£
£
£
4,114,568
4,186,880
18,394
17,297
452,165
463,667
470,559
480,964
(189,817)
(198,979)
280,742
281,985
4,395,310
4,468,865
(482,418)
(524,692)
3,912,892
3,944,173
3,919,674
3,989,571
(9,985)
(48,271)
3,203
2,873
3,912,892
3,944,173
2024
2023
£
£
15,895
171,649
12,828
9,033
(40,225)
(144,323)
(11,502)
36,359		 2024
2023
£
£
£
4,114,568
4,186,880
18,394
17,297
452,165
463,667
470,559
480,964
(189,817)
(198,979)
280,742
281,985
4,395,310
4,468,865
(482,418)
(524,692)
3,912,892
3,944,173
3,919,674
3,989,571
(9,985)
(48,271)
3,203
2,873
3,912,892
3,944,173
2024
2023
£
£
15,895
171,649
12,828
9,033
(40,225)
(144,323)
(11,502)
36,359		 2023
£
4,186,880
17,297
463,667
470,559
(189,817)		 480,964
(198,979)
280,742
 281,985
4,395,310
(482,418)		 4,468,865
(524,692)
3,912,892 3,944,173
3,919,674
(9,985)
3,203		 3,989,571
(48,271)
2,873
3,912,892 3,944,173
2024
2023
£
£
15,895
171,649
12,828
9,033
(40,225)
(144,323)
(11,502)
36,359

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Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the reporting period 463,667 427,308
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period 452,165 463,667

Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities

2024 2023
£ £
Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting
period (as per the Statement of Financial (31,281) (33,293)
Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charged 72,312 72,312
Other losses/(gains) on subsequent recognition of tangible - 3,735
assets
(Increase)/decrease in debtors (1,097) 1,903
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 8,789 136,026
Interest received (32,828) (9,033)
15,895 171,649

The notes on pages 24 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorized for issue on 08.09.2025 and are signed on their behalf by David Thomas – Trustee and Interim Treasurer

David Thomas

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Notes To the Financial Statements 31 December 2024

  1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a charity registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ .

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', and the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).

  1. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. The are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.

Going Concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties around the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Creditors

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Pension costs

The charity offers a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.

Income tax

The charity is exempt for taxation on its income and gains where they are to be applied for charitable purposes.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future projects or commitments.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Freehold Land - no depreciation Freehold Buildings - depreciated over 50 years on a straight-line basis Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements,

estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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4. Income from donations and legacies

ncome from donations and legacies
Regular offerings
Specific donations and appeals
Legacies
Donations and grants for ‘The Bridge’
Gift Aid recoverable
Donations for use of the Church Centre
Regular offerings
Specific donations and appeals
Legacies
Donations and grants for ‘The Bridge’
Gift Aid recoverable
Donations for use of the Church Centre		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
2024
£
£
£
£
207,812
30,087
-
237,899
30,755
47,630
20,000
98,384
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
-
-
-
44,172
6,777
-
50,949
19,661
-
-
19,661
302,399
86,495
20,000
408,894
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
2023
£
£
£
£
230,849
40,941
-
271,790
18,115
9,890
-
28,005
-
18,820
-
18,820
-
-
19,250
19,250
45,185
8,055
-
53,240
8,014
-
-
8,014
302,163
77,706
19,250
399,119

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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5. Income from investments

ncome from investments
Total Total
2024 2023
£ £
Bank interest receivable 12,828 9,033

6. Expenditure on charitable activities

Note
Premises costs
Depreciation
Bank interest payable
Ministry & outreach
Ministry support
Mission grants
7
Note
Premises costs
Depreciation
Bank interest payable
Ministry & outreach
Ministry support
Mission grants
7		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
2024
£
£
£
£
65,976
-
19,670
85,646
72,312
-
-
72,312
15,647
28,930
-
44,577
155,967
11,978
-
167,945
13,711
-
-
13,711
313
68,500
-
68,813
323,925
109,409
19,670
453,004
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
2023
£
£
£
£
54,082
12,988
5,603
72,673
72,312
-
-
72,312
15,188
30,979
-
46,167
144,320
18,532
-
162,852
17,354
1,177
-
18,531
-
65,175
-
65,175
303,256
128,851
5,603
437,710

Baptist Church Centre, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ churchoffice@stortfordbaptist.org · 01279 507 575 · www.stortfordbaptist.org

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7. Mission grants

Mission grants
National Mission
Baptist Home Mission
Stort Valley Schools Trust
Holiday Bible Week
Others
Subtotal
World & Other Mission
European Christian Mission (R&C
Smith)
Samaritan Hospital (E&C
Singirankabo)
Eastern Europe Mission Work (E&P
Reed)
BMS World Mission
Friends International
Subtotal
Total
National Mission
Baptist Home Mission
Stort Valley Schools Trust
Holiday Bible Week
Others
Subtotal
World & Other Mission
European Christian Mission (R&C
Smith)
Samaritan Hospital (E&C
Singirankabo)
Eastern Europe Mission Work (E&P
Reed)
BMS World Mission		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
2024
£
£
£
£
-
12,500
-
12,500
-
2,350
-
2,350
-
3,300
-
3,300
313
6,690
-
7,003
313
24,840
-
25,153
-
10,205
-
10,205
-
9,230
-
9,230
-
6,225
-
6,225
-
15,000
-
15,000
-
3,000
-
3,000
43,660
43,660
313
68,500
-
68,813
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
2023
£
£
£
£
-
10,000
-
10,000
-
3,470
-
3,470
-
3,250
-
3,250
-
6,360
-
6,360		 313
24,840
-
25,153
-
10,205
-
10,205
-
9,230
-
9,230
-
6,225
-
6,225
-
15,000
-
15,000
-
3,000
-
3,000
43,660
43,660
313
68,500
-
68,813
-
23,080
-
23,080
-
8,879
-
8,879
-
8,808
-
8,808
-
4,130
-
4,130
-
15,031
-
15,031

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Operation Agri
Support for Ukrainian churches and
families
Subtotal
Total		 -
2,348
-
2,348
-
2,899
-
2,899
42,095
-
42,095
-
65,175
-
65,175

8. Audit fees Fees payable to the independent auditor for: Audit of the financial statements

Audit fees
2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the independent auditor for:
Audit of the financial statements
5,760 5,760
Staff costs and trustee remuneration
Staff costs were as follows:
Total Total
2024 2023
£ £
Stipends and salaries 128,910 105,962
Social security costs 5,574 3,216
Pension costs 11,484 12,413
145,968 121,591
No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year.
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the ministers of the church. As
permitted by the constitution of the charity, Rev John Walford and Rev Gustavo Gubiani – both
trustees of the charity – were remunerated in this capacity. The total employee benefits of the
key management personnel were £78,885 (2023: £78,349).
2024 2023
No. No.
£
Average head count 6 9
  1. Staff costs and trustee remuneration

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10. Trustee remuneration

Other than those trustees identified in note 9, no other trustees were remunerated by the charity.

11. Tangible fixed assets

angible fixed assets
Cost
At 1stJanuary 2024
Additions
Revaluations
At 31stDecember 2024
Depreciation
At 1stJanuary 2024
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposal
At 31stDecember 2024
Net Book Value
At 31stDecember 2024
At 31stDecember 2023
ebtors
Gift aid receivable
Prepayments and accrued income
reditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income
Baptist Union Loan for Church Centre & “The
Bridge”
Baptist Union Loan for 14 Cavell Court		 Freehold
Land
£
746,250
-
-		 Freehold
Buildings
Total
£
£
3,615,592
4,361,842
-
-
-
-
746,250 3,615,592
4,361,842
-
-
-		 174,962
174,942
72,312
72,312
-
-
- 247,274
247,274
746,250 3,368,318
4,114,568
746,250 3,440,630
4,186,880
2024
2023
£
£
15,096
12,595
3,298
4,702
18,394
17,297
2024
2023
£
£
105,019
116,234
61,200
61,200
23,598
21,545
199,817
198,979

12. Debtors

13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

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14. Creditors: amounts falling due after one year

reditors: amounts falling due after one year
Baptist Union Loan for Church Centre & “The
Bridge”
Baptist Union Loan for 14 Cavell Court		 2024
2023
£
£
307,783
340,053
174,635
184,639
482,418
524,692

15. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General Reserve
Bridge
Redevelopment Fund
Church Centre Loan
Fund
Legacies Fund
Capital Reserve
Communion Fund
Church Centre Fit-
Out Fund
Special Projects
Funds
Other Funds
Restricted funds
Hallingbury Free
Church
Total funds		 At 1st
January
2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Gains /
Losses
At 31st
December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,989,571
315,228
(323,925)
(61,200)
-
3,919,674
150,401
-
-
-
-
150,401
73,991
-
(143)
-
-
73,848
(401,253)
-
(28,930)
61,200
-
(368,984)
52,641
2,000
-
-
-
54,641
15,412
-
-
-
-
15,412
9,443
8,866
(5,690)
-
-
12,619
5,376
-
-
-
-
5,376
17,771
1,500
-
-
-
19,271
27,948
74,128
(74,645)
-
-
27,431
(48,271)
86,495
(109,409)
-
-
(9,985)
2,873
20,000
(19,670)
-
-
3,203
3,944,173
421,722
(453,003)
-
-
3,912,892

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Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General Reserve
Bridge
Redevelopment Fund
Church Centre Loan
Fund
Legacies Fund
Capital Reserve
Communion Fund
Church Centre Fit-
Out Fund
Special Projects
Funds
Other Funds
Restricted funds
Hallingbury Free
Church
Herts Comm.
Foundation
Total funds		 At 1st
January
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Gains /
Losses
At 31st
December
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
4,043,528
311,196
(303,256)
(58,162)
(3,735)
3,989,571
150,401
-
-
-
-
150,401
87,292
850
(14,151)
-
-
73,991
(456,474)
27,716
(30,979)
58,484
-
(401,253)
39,713
18,820
(4,068)
(1,825)
-
52,641
15,412
-
-
-
-
15,412
11,676
3,053
(5,286)
-
-
9,443
11,662
-
(6,286)
-
-
5,376
14,146
1,800
-
1,825
-
17,771
26,634
25,467
(68,081)
43,928
-
27,948
(99,538)
77,706
(128,851)
102,412
-
(48,271)
31,878
19,250
(4,005)
(44,250)
-
2,873
1,598
-
(1,598)
-
-
-
33,476
19,250
(5,603)
(44,250)
-
2,873
3,977,466
408,152
(437,710)
-
(3,735)
3,944,173

Unrestricted funds: Funds which can be used at the discretion of the trustees to further the objectives of the charity.

General Reserve: Monies set aside to provide resilience in the operational delivery of the charity’s legal obligations.

Bridge Redevelopment Fund: Dedicated fund used for the refurbishment of the Bridge site (this fund will be discontinued once the project is complete).

Church Centre Loan Fund: Funds for the financing of the church centre mortgage.

Legacies Fund: Funds held from gifts given to the church in legacy.

Capital Reserve: Funds set aside for major repairs and refits of church centre equipment and plant.

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Communion Fund: Social action fund given to support people in need.

Church Centre Fit-Out Fund: Funds allocated for Church Centre equipment when the building was developed (this fund is being run down and will be discontinued).

Special Projects Funds: Dedicated funds held for a specific project identified by the church that is to be supported.

Other Funds: Funds held for minor projects that do not fall in to any other category.

Hallingbury Free Church: Monies donated by the Hallingbury Free Church trustees held for supporting the bridge project in line with their mandate.

Herts. Comm Foundation: Monies held from grants to provide specific equipment for the Bridge café and exchange (this work is now complete and this fund will be discontinued).

East Herts District Council: Monies held from grants made for specific purposes by East Herts District Council (EHDC). This separate fund is a condition made by EHDC when a grant was made.

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors less than 1 year
Creditors after 1 year
Net assets
Fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors less than 1 year
Creditors after 1 year
Net assets		 Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
£
£
£
£
4,114,568
-
-
4,114,568
47,607
358,999
63,953
470,559
(67,866)
(61,201)
(60,750)
(189,817)
(174,635)
(307,783)
-
(482,418)
3,919,674
(9,985)
3,203
3,912,892
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2023
£
£
£
£
4,186,880
-
-
4,186,880
18,905
373,746
88,313
480,964
(31,575)
(81,964)
(85,440)
(198,979)
(184,639)
(340,053)
-
(198,979)
3,989,571
(48,271)
2,873
3,944,173

17. Related party transactions

During the year, 14 trustees made donations to the charity, totalling £102,080.

During the year, seven trustees incurred and were reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of the charity. Total expenses reimbursed to trustees in the year totalled £10,703. and consisted of costs incurred by the trustees in relation to travel, pastoral care, training and development, costs connected with maintenance of the church’s properties, and the delivery of a number of the church’s core ministries, including worship, social action and local mission.

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Audit Report

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees of Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church for the year ended 31 December 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash flows, and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is

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appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information in the Report of the Trustees, but does not include the financial statements and our Report of the Auditors thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Charities Act 2011

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.

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We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually

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or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of

instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at

www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in a Report of the Auditors and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Colin Peacock FCCA MAAT (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Lawrence & Company Accountants Ltd

26 Bell Street

Sawbridgeworth Hertfordshire CM21 9AN

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