2024-12-31-accounts - Ashby Baptist Church

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Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

ASHBY BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

2024

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

Statutory Information

Registered Address

Brook Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. LE65 1HA

Charity Registration Number 1159600

Trustees

Rev Mathew Sheffield (Minister) (Inducted as Minister 17 August 2024) Mrs Wendy Becker (Treasurer) (Appointed as Deacon 28 June 2016) Mr Ian Hunt (Appointed as Deacon 28 February 2023)

Mrs Brenda Hunter (Appointed as Deacon 27 February 2024 Prof. Martin Insley (Appointed as Deacon 22 February 2022) Mr Michael Sweeney (Appointed as Deacon 27 February 2024) Mrs Sheila Rook (Appointed as Deacon 27 February 2024) Mrs Sue Treasure (Secretary) (Re -appointed 27 February 2024)

Mrs Sarah Anderson (Retired as Deacon 27 February 2024) Prof. Richard Craggs (Retired as Deacon 27 February 2024) Mrs Lesley Salter (Retired as Deacon 27 February 2024) Mr Duncan Scott (Retired as Deacon 27 February 2024)

Property Trustees

The Baptist Union Corporation Limited Baptist House 129 Broadway, Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 8RT

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

Bankers

National Westminster Bank, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Kingdom Bank, Beeston

Independent Examiners

Mrs Anne Myring Mrs Sandra Shaw

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

Charities Commission Annual Report.

Charitable Object

The Charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document which states that the principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the declaration of principle of the Baptist denomination to include the advancement of education and other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.

The Church occupies premises which are held by the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd, on trusts which are entirely compatible with the above object.

Organisational Structure and Decision-making process.

Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the Constitution which requires them to be baptised by immersion upon personal profession of faith or, at the discretion of the Church, upon an alternative personal profession of faith.

The members’ Meeting normally takes place five times per year and has responsibility for the overall policy of the Church. In accordance with the Constitution, the members appoint a minimum of six Trustees (including the Secretary and Treasurer), who together with the Minister (who is also appointed by the Members), and collectively known as the Diaconate, 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 the 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 the Church meeting for further consideration by the Trustees. Although the Constitution permits decisions to be made at Church Meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible.

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

Objectives and Activities

In order to achieve the Charitable Object, which is set out above, the Church provides a variety of activities both to its membership and to the community generally. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as Living Lord.

Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship. Anybody is free to attend these services which take place each Sunday morning at 10.30am; there are also occasional services at other times, as advertised from time to time. There is a children’s programme linked to the morning services.

The Church runs a series of mid-week home groups for the growth of faith and discipleship, both in the homes of members and on the Church premises. The Church runs various activities specifically for the wider community, some of which are recommended by the local Council’s social services department, including Renew Wellbeing and a lunch club.

Rainbows and Guides meet regularly in the Church building and a number of activities for young people are held on a regular basis, some in conjunction with Ashby Youth for Christ; the Women’s Institute meets monthly on the premises, and many other organisations use the facilities on an occasional basis.

Valued links with the other Churches in Ashby and in to the community find expression through involvement with Ashby Youth for Christ, Christians Against Poverty, and Street Pastors, as well as through town-wide gatherings for prayer. Many members are involved individually in the life of the community, in Ashby and further afield.

The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and adults at risk are appropriately vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Trustees are satisfied that the Church’s activities, which can be seen in more detail on the Church’s website, clearly demonstrate that it is providing a benefit to the public.

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

Achievements and Successes

The Church does not measure the success of its programmes only in numbers, whether financial or otherwise, but also in less tangible areas like fellowship, encouragement and spiritual growth. The Trustees recognise that these are difficult to measure, but the wide range of successful activities indicate that the Charitable objective has been met and will continue to be met in 2025.

This section of the report comprises both the Trustee’s and the Minister’s formal reports, reflecting as it does the Baptist principle that leadership within a Baptist Church is done collaboratively and fundamentally an act of service to both the membership and wider community.

(i) Changing Leadership

We began the year in Pastoral Vacancy with the Church Profile live on the Baptist Union Pastoral Vacancy list. However, in January we interviewed two potential applicants, one we asked to preach with a view. Following a weekend of interviews and meetings at a Special Church Meeting, Rev. Mat Sheffield was invited to become our new Minister. Mat began work on 8 July.

At the February AGM, Four Deacons came to the end of their terms of office, one stood for a further term while another Deacon resigned to take up leadership of Junior church. Three new Deacons were appointed.

In January our Pastoral Assistant, Rhona Passey, retired and we publicly gave thanks for her ministry and acknowledged her with a gift during a service. Rhona continues with us as a member of the church.

In September Mat took over from Martin Insley as the chair of deacons, and we want to thank and recognise his contribution in that role.

(ii) Changing Membership

During the past year, two members died, while four people were received into membership.

We held a wedding in February for two members of our congregation and two adults were baptised: one in May and one in December.

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

(iii) Sunday Services / Word & Worship

For 4 weeks during the summer, we held Café Church in our lounge area instead of meeting upstairs in the Sanctuary. All the meetings were very well attended and attracted new people.

On 17 August we held an Ordination and Induction service for Mat to which local dignitaries and the other local Church Ministers were invited, as well as representation from Mat’s training college and the East Midlands Baptist Association.

In September Mat ran a preaching series called ‘Manifesto’, with a view to setting a vision for the church in the years ahead. Taking us through 10 weeks we looked together at the distinctiveness of church, and what it means to be a community of disciples. This followed directly on from the themes of our weekend away, and through discussion in small groups, bible study and prayer we committed to living out our faith and exploring what this means.

In November we ran an evening for those seeking to explore Baptism. Just under 10 people attended, out of which we had three certain commitments, and two others considering it.

In December we looked at the theme of Advent and at Christmas, to the incarnation. We first explored how Advent means ‘coming’ and points us to the second coming of Christ, and then how the incarnation recognises the miracle of the first. All the services over the Christmas period were well attended, with notable highlights of our Carol Service and Nativity.

Also, in December we ran three evening devotional sessions, consisting of teaching and bible study, which were received very well. These were on the theme of ‘myth busting’ the Christmas Story and placing it in its proper historical context.

More broadly attendance over the course of the latter half of the year has increased, with some growth coming from brand new people joining us, some from people returning, and some coming from transfer from other churches.

(iv) Missional Activities

The last weekend in August we had a church weekend away, the theme being ‘Mission Possible’. Approximately 40 members attended, and we theologically reflected together on the urgency of mission, and its centrality to the expression of Christian faith as it relates to our Baptist Declaration of Principle. In addition, we spent time in fellowship, prayer and worship together.

The mid-week small groups for adult Bible study, prayer and support continued. The Friday ‘Why Jesus?’ and ‘Lunch Club’, and the regular reflective Sunday afternoon service, ‘Prime Time’ continued.

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

‘Renew 139’ the weekly Wednesday group where it is ‘OK to not be OK,’ with craft and other activities, and an opportunity to gather for quiet prayer; continued to be very popular.

As a church we took part in the Sunday ‘bumper cars’ service as part of the Ashby Statutes festival and continue to engage in events and activities that foster collaboration between the churches in Ashby, such as Remembrance Sunday.

(v) Prayer

In May we began a 45-minute prayer meeting on the first Saturday of each month. We held a week of prayer in February and another at the end of October which ended with a period of 24 hours of prayer, beginning and ending corporately in church with a great many people signing up to cover the 24 hours praying at home in between. We also held special mid-week prayer meetings during Lent and Advent, and a regular prayer meeting prior to our Sunday morning service forms part of our regular pattern.

(vi) Children and Youth

The provision for children and young people continued on Sunday mornings, the monthly Saturday morning group for fathers and their pre-schoolers, ‘Who let the dads out?’ continued as well. The deaconate gave time to the consideration of, and then approved, a baby and toddler group, expected to start in January 2025.

(vii) Wider Charitable & Community Support

Ashby Youth for Christ ran activities from our premises for young people, as did the Guides and Rainbows. The monthly Women’s Institute meeting continued, and a monthly Saturday morning ‘Make do, mend and create’ group in partnership with another local church continued.

As a member of the local East Midlands Baptist Association, we continued to support the ministry of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Kingsgate Project at Greenhill Baptist Church , both in Coalville, while the annual toy service brought generous contributions for the Marlene Reid Centre . The church also provides ongoing financial and prayer support to a number of ministries, both in this country and overseas, offering assistance to church workers, young people, students, victims of abuse, and those in need of development aid or emergency assistance.

(viii) Other

In November following a lengthy process we purchased a house (Manse) for our new Pastor and his family. We recognise the generosity of giving, both in finance and in time and patience, that has enabled this.

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

Minister’s Report.

On a personal note, this year has been a significant blessing. Both for me personally and for us a family. We were delighted to be invited to preach with a peep and then with a view at the start of the year and were excited to recognise and accept a calling to be minister here back in March ahead of my induction and ordination in August. The journey here was not the easiest, and for a while we had to live in a temporary house in Measham while the manse purchase completed and was made ready, but God works all things for good and in the end, we were able to move and now live in the town we are called to serve.

I am also of course immensely thankful for the easy transition to full-time ministry from Regent’s Park College, and for the three years of formation shared between there and my training church in Rugby. The Baptist association are supporting me well, and I have been assigned a mentor who I regular see.

Picking a few highlights is difficult, and the six months I have been in office here have flown by. I think particularly of the warm welcome we have received from the church membership, the support we were given as we transitioned to living here, and the time, effort and expense the church has made to make sure that welcome is sincere and meaningful.

My ministry here has begun with great encouragement and a positive reception from both the membership and the wider town community. I have similarly been welcomed by the other churches and their leaders, community groups, and ministries in the town every bit as much as I have been welcomed into my role as preacher, pastor and teacher. It has been a wonderful affirmation, as well as a challenge.

From a ministry perspective things are finding their natural rhythm quickly, and while we have been busy as a church community (as the previous section of this report testifies) we have nevertheless spent time getting to know each other. Things have not been intense, rather they have been exciting and encouraging. We have had several large preaching series, and a range of study materials in different formats that are all being well received; I came here with a promise that I was passionate about God’s word, and people seem to be catching that excitement. Pastorally I am still finding my feet and getting to know everyone, but with the capable help of people in the church I am slowly getting to know people and making myself known in turn.

On a more spiritual note, I cannot help feeling that the pastoral vacancy, while certainly draining and consuming of energy for many, has left us feeling like a coiled spring. There is so much potential here, and already in the people God has brought to us we are seeing encouraging signs of growth, not simply in the numerical sense (although, yes, that too!) but in the spiritual sense as well. There is an urgency to mission in this town, exemplified by the message of our church weekend, but this needs to be tempered with the desire to be faithful with those we already have.

In thinking ahead about the shape this will take, the church leadership team felt unanimously that our theme for 2025 should be ‘Hope’, and we have commissioned a

Ashby Baptist Church Annual Report | Complied by Mat Sheffield (Minister), Sue Treasure (Secretary), Wendy Becker (Treasurer) on behalf of Ashby Baptist Church

banner and set the church text to reflect this and are planning to renew our focus on the covenant service in the new year.

As a final point, but a hugely positive one to end on, it was my privilege this year to take part in my first Baptism service as a NAM, and already we are exploring more possibilities for the new year, and there seems to be a steady stream of people considering this.

Sola Deo Gratia

Rev. Mat Sheffield, 2024/25

Thanksgiving:

The Deacons and Minister are grateful to everyone who contributed to all that was achieved during 2024. May God enable us to ‘prepare the way for the Lord’ in 2025, so His purposes might be fulfilled in our own lives and in the lives of those He calls us to serve.

ASHBY BAPTIST CHURCH FINANCE REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR 2025 AGM -Be Bold ond Courageous, all you who hope in the Lord.- Psolm 31."24 l. Independent Examlnatlon The Independent Examiners have completed their work and si8ned off the accounts. A copy of their Report and the Accounts in the format for the Charity Commission is attached. 2. Recelpts The Churth continues to ralse the funds that it needs to carry on its actNltles from within its own membership and congre8atloft. Income for 2024 benefitted from a specific appeal to help fund the purchase of a manse as a home for the new Pastor and his immedlate family. Over £IOO.OCX) was raised. 3. Payments The purchase of the manse wa5 enabled by the legacy received at the end of 2023, the gifts receNed following the appeal and a relatively small mortgage. As well as the expected costs associated with buying a house additional costs were incurred. It proved necessary to thoroughly clean the house. to undertake some repalrs and to redecorate much of it before it was in a suitable condition to be occupled. Most of the work was done bv friend5 of the church thu5 keeping expenditure to a minimum. However, some professional services were employed. a. Mlnlstry It was good to be able to welcome the new Pastor who offlcialty took up his role in ear July. The Pastoral Worker retired ear15er in the year and it has been decided not to -appOInt at present. b. Mlsslon The Church eXpssed its part In the lrfe of the wider church with financlal support to local, natlonal and Internatlonal organisations and societies wtth Christian aims and objectives compatible with the Church'5 own charitable purpose. These a summarised in Note 5 to the Accounts and detailed at Note 3. IO% of the church's income continues to be tithed equally between BMS World Mission and EMBA Home Mission Fund. Financial support is also given out of Church funds to Ashby Youth for Christ, Oasis International (to support the work of Phil Lanel. Christians Agalnst Poverty (CAP- Ashbyl, Britlsh Youth for Christ and Ashby Street Pastors. Upkeep of church premlses The Trustees continue to monltor the condition of the building and have recently commissioned an inspection to ascertain the work currently recommended to maintain the condition of the building. The outcome of the report is awaited. 4. Surplus for the year and bank balances With the appointment of a Pastor, the purchase of a manse and the retirement of the Pastoral Worker, the pattem of spending is necessarily changing. However, wlth some careful management the Trustees anticipate that the church will funrtion satisfartorily in 2025. Page | I

ASHBY BAPTIST CHURCH ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 GENERAL RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT Note 2024 2023 Recelpts Regular offerings Donations and other income Income tax recovered on gift aided receipts to general funds Bank interest Rents and contributions for use of premlses Manse Fund Monies raised and received for other causes 77,745.66 7,527.66 14,195.36 4,085.54 3.324.05 114,756.(Kl 1.131.62 222,765.89 71,385 139.342 15.986 1.362 2,397 1,020 1,759 £233,251 Payments Ministry Mission Administratlon Manse Upkeep of Church premlses 39.130.CX) 37.540.61 12.404.22 294,700.19 21,320.17 405,095.19 17,624 23,267 11,325 17,474 £69,690 Surplus/(Deficltl for the year Balance brought fon¥ard at 1st January Closlng Balance at 31st December {182,329.301 226,425.83 44.096.53 163,561 62,865 226.426 Page12

STATEMEKf OF BANK & CASH BALANCES AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 226,425.83 1182.329.30) 44,096.53 General Funds- balance brought forward at l January Total General Funds SurplusllDeficitl for the Year Balance carried foNard at 31 Dmber represented by: Natwest Current & Busine55 Reserve Attounts Kin8dom Bank Savings Accounts Petty Cash Total Cash and Bank balan58t31 Deomber allocated to: General Fund Building & Maintenance Fund Ministry & Manse Deposit Fund Benevolence Fund 2023 62,865 163,561 £226,426 7,987.99 36,097.10 11.44 22,785 203.614 27 44,096.53 £226,426 27.610.16 7,704.56 6,719.68 2.062.13 44,096.53 163,234 2,228 58.727 2,237 E 226,426 Total STATEMENT OF ASSEfs AND UABILITES AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Note Assets 2024 2023 Bank and other cash balances rePrentIng Balances In the followlng Fund$ Total Funds 44,096.53 226,425.83 44,0%.53 226,425.83 Other monetary assets Non-monetary assets 7.090 2,606,982 £ 6,039.85 £2,126,681 Page13

ADOPTION BY THE MEMBERS OF ASHBY BAPTIST CHURCH The Accounts. including the Notes, were adopted at the Annual General Meeting of Ashby Baptist Church on 25th February 2025. Dated: Signed: Chair of Deacons Mat Sheffield Secretary Sue Treasure. Page 14

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 1. 8asls of accounts: These accounts have been prepared on a 'receipts and payments. basis and accord wrth Section 133 of the Charities Art 2011 Z. Donatio and other income: General donations Le8aLy Saturday coffee mornings Family activities Income towards upkeep of Church premises 2024 520.50 2023 191 137,188 256 1,007 699 45.(Ll 6.556.49 405.67 7.527.66 139,341 3. Other causes 2024 2023 Ralsed GS¥en Rolsed Given A8ape IL Mclntoshl Ashby Blokes Ashby Food Bank Ashby Youth for Christ BMS World Mission Brltish Youth For Christ IN Roberts) Christians A8ainst Poverty (Ashbyl Christian Aid EMBA Home Mission Fund Oasls International IP & R Lane) Open Doors Retirement Gifts Street Pa5tOfS Tearfund 82.32 82.32 202.90 10.00 10.00 32.00 6,000.00 210.00 4,724.00 900.00 1.200.00 507.23 5,653.90 82.31 2.782.31 177.00 177.00 387.(X) 24.95 240.00 186.50 7,554.1)0 11,335.C(I 978. 1.304.40 507.23 11.335.1XJ 2.949.60 15. 436.(Kl 808.05 261.Lh) 562.22 477.72 271.00 £1,759 1,131.62 37,087.27 £22,488 4. Ministry Ministerfs Stipend. on-costs and expenses Minister's housing costs Pastoral W0er and costs Family activitie5 Worship resour$ Fellowship support and events Benevolence 2024 2023 12 15,351.IXJ 14,601.48 1.482.97 6.010.80 842.80 640.95 2(A).(M) 13.397 1.891 1.626 246 452 39,130.(KI £17.624 Page 15

NOTES TO THE Accoumfs (continued) 5. Mission Given to other ouses Other local outreach 2024 37,087.27 453.34 37,540.61 2023 22,488 779 £23,267 6. Upkeep of Church Premlses and General Running Costs 2024 2023 Insuranee Gas and electriclty Other running costs Cleaning Catering General repairs & maintenance 2,808.16 4.038.87 3,711.28 5.016.97 911.25 2,487 3.182 3,312 4,606 862 4,833.64 21.320.17 3,025 £17,474 7. Other monetsry assets Current debtors: HMRC- tsx COverable on Glft Aid Q3 Insurance prepaid Note 024 2023 4,258 2,494 £6,752 338 3,255 2,487 £5.742 297 Cash balances of Churth orzan15atlon5 £7,090 £6,040 8. Non-monetary assets lal Church premises situate Brook Stet. Ashby4e-la-Zouch, buift In 1862 and held by The Baptist Union Corporatlon Ltd. as Custodian Trustees. The buildin8 is currentiy insured for Contents of the Church premises are currentty insured for 2023 2,¢X(),690 181,292 £2,181,982 1,949,984 176,697 £2,126,681 Ibl The Manse.. I, Moleyns Close, Ashby-de-la-zouch, LE65 IGN, bou8ht in 2024 and held by The Baptlst Union Corporation Ltd. as Custodian Trustees. The house is currentty insured for £425 £2 606 982 9. Cash balances of Churth oryanlsations Openlng Balance Closlng Balance Recelpts Lunch Club 297.48 750.50 710.25 337.73 £297.48 £750.50 £710.25 £337.73 Page16

INDEPENDEKf EXAMINERS, REPORT ON THE AccouMrs REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ASHBY BAPTisf OIUROI ON ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Respertlve responslbllities of the Trustees and the Independent Examlners The Charitvs Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts. The Charws Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Chèritie5 Act 2011 Ithe Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to= • examine the Accounts Under Section 145 of the Charitie5 Act,. • follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions gNen by the Charity Commission (under Sertlon 14515}Ibl of the Charities Act),. and state whether particular matters have come to our attention. 8a515 of Independent Examiners. Statement Our examination was carried out in accordance with general dlrertions glven by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the Accounts presented with those records. It also Includes consideration of any unusual item5 or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the Trustees conorning 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 falrf view and the pOrt is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examlners. Statement In connection with our examination. no matter has come to our attention.. l. whlch gives us reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the qU1MentS lal to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and Ibl to prepare accounts which accord with the accountin8 records and comply with the accountlng requirements of the Charltles Act . have not been met,. or 2. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandin8 of the Accounts to be reached Dated.. Slgned: Anne Myring 14 Woodlands Way Moira Swadllncote Derbyshire DE12 6HE Sandra Shaw 41 Ashby Road Moira Swadlincote Dert)yshire DE12 6DJ Page 17