## **CORNERSTONE CHURCH (BOURNEMOUTH)** ## **REPORT** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED** **31[st] DECEMBER 2024** Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 1 ## **CORNERSTONE CHURCH (BOURNEMOUTH)** **INDEX TO THE REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31[st] December 2024** Page Charity Information 3 Report of the Trustees 4 – 9 Financial Statements 10 – 13 Copy of independent examiner’s report on the 2024 accounts for 14 Cornerstone Church Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 2 ## **CORNERSTONE CHURCH** ## **CHARITY INFORMATION** The Trustees Mr Toby Butler (until May 2024) Mrs Susan Frewin (until January 2024) Mr David Fleming (until March 2024) Mrs Lianne Hart (from January 2024) Mrs Emma Taylor (from January 2024) Mr Linford Dunstan (from September 2024) Mr Jonathan Irwin-Sawdon (from September 2024) Secretary Mr David Parish Treasurer Mr Ian Collier (March till September 2024) Mrs Christina Cashell (from September 2024) Mr David Fleming (until March 2024) Principal office address Cornerstone Church Holloway Avenue Bournemouth Dorset BH11 9JR Registered Charity Number 1163367 Inland Revenue charity number X95938 Independent Examiner Mrs Sue Wintle, Oak Accounting Bank CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 3 ## **CORNERSTONE CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES For the year ended 31[st] December 2024** The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024. ## **Structure, governance and management** ## **Governing Document** Cornerstone Church is a self-governing, self-financing congregation within the Baptist Union of Great Britain. The decision-making body, being the Church Meeting, comprises all the members of the Church, and is governed in accordance with the constitution adopted on 25[th] September 2014 (and registered with the Charity Commission on 26[th] October) as part of the process to register with the Charity Commission in accord with the revised rules set out in the Charities Act 2011. ## **Organisational structure** The Church membership appoints Ministers, Elders, a Church Secretary, a Treasurer and Trustees to oversee the running of the affairs of the church. The individuals holding these posts also act as Trustees of the charity. Toby & Hannah Butler left as joint church leaders in May 2024. An Interim Leadership Team was set up, led by the Church Secretary. The process of looking for a new minister was initiated without delay, assisted by the Regional Minister, Rev. Simon Gray. Christina Cashell works 2 days a week as our Administrator. Libby Marlow, our Children’s Worker, continued working two days a week. A new Youth Worker, Charlotte Croucher began in January and left at the end of December. All the other Trustees and office bearers are non-stipendiary. Our treasurer, David Fleming, resigned in March – Ian Collier took over until September, when the role was taken on by Christina Cashell on a voluntary basis. Over 25 members (who are not trustees) operate as volunteers. ## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees** Ministers, Secretary, and Treasurer are all Trustees of the charity, and their appointment is approved by the membership at an Ordinary Members’ Meeting, as and when required. Additionally, we have a non-trustee Elder. ## **Objectives and activities** Cornerstone Church is a fellowship of Christian people affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain. The mission of the church is summarised by the following statement: “The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.” ## **Public Benefit** In undertaking the planning of the many activities undertaken during this year, we have taken into account the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and in particular in Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 4 relation to the guidance relating to the advancement of religion. We have sought to ensure that all our activities are available and open to the whole community in which we serve, both in the provision of services of worship, and in provision of community activity and support. ## **Reviewing Progress in Relation to Priorities Identified Last Year (2023)** ## **The priorities identified at the end of 2023 were as follows:** 1. To keep our eyes focused on Jesus, lifting Him high above all else. 2. Maintain a regular rhythm of prayer & worship. 3. Grow as a church, as disciples and missionaries - missional disciples, seeing growth in depth and new people coming to Christ. 4. To continue to grow a strong children’s ministry, led by our Children’s ministry lead and supported by a growing team. 5. To continue to run all of our youth activities, possibly starting new ones and see more young people come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him. 6. To take the young people to Satellites in Summer 2024 and support them in doing this, before and after the event. 7. To develop a strong leadership team in the first half of the year, ready to take on the challenge of a pastoral vacancy for the second half of the year. 8. Develop those with leading and preaching skills, particularly in the younger half of the church. 9. Continue to grow strong disciples, ensuring all those who attend church are able to access a house group for regular accountability, support and spiritual growth. 10. To grow as a church family, developing skills and empowering one another in giftings. 11. To find a new church leader(s), seeking God in prayer as a church family to do this. ## **Progress made on these priorities:** 1. Despite our joint leaders leaving in May, our membership only reduced slightly during the course of the year with some losses but also some gains. 2. Generally, all events continued at the same level after their departure, apart from Mini Mega Club (for younger children) which had to pause indefinitely in early summer due to a shortage of volunteers. 3. Weekly prayers continued to be a priority throughout 2024, with 3 to 4 sessions a week, as well as monthly Sunday evening gatherings. Prayer & worship of Jesus continues to be a priority in all that we do. 4. We were able to run a monthly Alpha course, as well as one for our youth. 5. Prayer Ministry is offered every Sunday and people will often ask for prayer. We have also prayed in groups during our Sunday gatherings and on Sunday evening gatherings and this has been much appreciated. We would like to see more coming forward for prayer. 6. Our worship team meets on Thursday evenings for prayer, worship and practice for Sunday. Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 5 7. We have seen our children and young people growing in their faith in many ways. We now have a fortnightly bible study group for our youth and one of our young people got baptised in December. Our children’s groups all include time to ask questions and spend time with Jesus. 8. We look out to our community as we have events such as a Fun Day in the summer, a Messy Church Christingle, Light Party and regular all-age services. Sadly, we could not run our annual Fireworks evening as health and safety rules have changed. 9. We continued to run BLAH (Bible Learning at Home) for our 11 to 17-year-olds. 10. A new men’s group, Ignite, was set up and held regular meetings. 11. Financially, we had healthy reserves in the bank at the end of the year, helped by not having to pay two salaries from May onwards, as well as due to a generous gift. 12. With the help of our Regional Minister the Church Profile (for prospective ministers to learn about our church) was completed during the summer and circulated in good time. Towards the end of the year, we appointed Rev. Ben Lucas as Moderator to guide us through the process of appointing a new minister. His assistance was greatly valued. ## **General Overview of the Year** - In January, after a gap of four months, we welcomed a new Youth Worker. Our children’s worker’s hours were slightly increased. We also began to prepare for our church leaders’ departure. - In the next two months an Interim Leadership Team was set up led by the Church Secretary. We held a Mission Sunday with a focus on Ukraine – an appeal for finance raised £1400. - Before the joint leaders left, line management of the children’s worker was handed over to a church member (later in the year replaced by a trustee), and two trustees took over the line management of the youth worker and administrator. - We have a diverse congregation in terms of nationality, age and ability, Sunday attendance being around 40 adults out of around 70 in total, with 12 children and 6 young people. Some watch the live streamed Sunday service online. - Leadership of the Parents and Toddlers group passed to a new leader in April but with the former leader assisting. - Toby and Hannah Butler, the joint leaders, left in May, trustees and volunteers stepping up to continue to run the church effectively. - The manse next door was let out in June under a six-month Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement which brought in rental income as well as removing the liability for council tax. - As usual, we had gatherings on Good Friday and again on Easter Sunday with an Easter egg hunt beforehand. - We held our annual Family Fun Day in August, with up to several hundred people attending. Many from the church volunteered to make it a great success. Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 6 - We held the usual Messy Church Light Party in October for local families, which was well attended and enjoyed. - Over the course of 2024 we held several all-age gatherings, led by members of our church family. These begin with a breakfast and are well attended and received by all ages, some of whom only attend church on these all-age Sundays. - Christmas events included as usual the Carols by Candlelight service, and the Messy Nativity, which was attended by around 60 children and adults. ## **Activities mainly geared towards adults** We welcome allcomers to our activities – not just those otherwise involved with the church. All our activities were supported by our placement students from Moorlands College. - Our Tuesday Sports Group continues successfully – numbers were as high as 20 (often 15) but can vary. The more active sports are table tennis and badminton, but there is pool and table games, so all abilities are catered for. Voluntary contributions add to church funds. - The informal Wednesday morning café continues to be well supported, especially by the more elderly. One café morning was held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. It is followed later in the morning by a keep-fit session. - The Wednesday afternoon Open Door group for over-50s is attended by some from other local churches. The group went on a holiday together. - Women’s Wellbeing runs on Friday mornings in term time attended by around 15 – it is lots of fun with widely varying activities, and spans generations. At Christmas time around 45 attended for wreath-making. As it was run by one of the joint leaders (till she left) there was a need to hand it over to a volunteer, but this went seamlessly. There was also a monthly Alpha course for those seeking to explore matters around faith. - The men have their own Ignite group which meets regularly for a friendly chat and Christian fellowship. - House groups – where the bible and related topics are discussed, and prayed over, continue to be held, usually every two weeks. ## **Activities geared mainly towards children and young people** - The Parents and Toddlers group continued to be highly successful, despite the change of leader during the course of the year (the church leader who left in May helped out). The previous leader had been running it for over 20 years. More help is still needed. It provides a great service to the community, attended by both new people and regulars. Activities varied from being able to go outside to enjoy a new gazebo in summer to a bring-and-share lunch toward the end of the year. - Children’s work continues to thrive, led by our Children’s Worker, Libby. More volunteer help is needed, however, especially on Sundays. There were two community events during the year – a Light Party at the end of October and a ‘Messy Church Nativity’ in Advent. Links with local schools were initiated. Mini Mega Club (ages 4-7) was initially paused in the summer, then discontinued for the time Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 7 being, due to lack of volunteers. Mega Club (ages 7-11) was attended mostly by children with no connection to the church, numbers being frequently over 20 on a Friday evening, and helpers have to sometimes deal with challenging behaviour. Activities varied from dodgeball to looking at simple faith questions. There was also a bowling evening. On Easter Sunday an egg hunt in the grounds was thoroughly enjoyed. These children sometimes joined in Sunday sung worship and would attend for the occasional all-age gatherings, otherwise they would go out to Kids’ Church. - Regarding youth activities, a new employed youth leader, Charlotte, began in January. The number of volunteers quickly grew to 13, and they would meet each term for a social evening and a separate Vision Evening. Relationships were built with a local secondary school in partnership with PACE. - On Friday evenings attendance at Youth Club (ages 11-17) rose during the year to 25-30 and continued to grow - a full programme with a wide range of activities. Some of the older ones would help and take responsibility. - On Sunday mornings, as many as 8 would attend, and on occasion, youth would be involved in music worship. - On Tuesdays after school a drop-in was set up where young people would prepare, then eat, a meal and clear up afterwards. - There was a full programme of Christmas activities. - A group of young people attended the national Satellites Christian Youth Camp in August (along with thousands of others). This is camping with seminars to attend. There was a fundraising Quiz Night to enable as many as possible to attend. ## **Maintaining the provision of facilities at Cornerstone Church** The church relies on volunteers to deal with a number of housekeeping tasks but employs the following contractors on a regular basis: a) Leaf Contract Clean continue to do our weekly four-hour clean. - b) Ace of Spades mows the lawn on a fortnightly basis. - c) Canford Drains deal with drain problems - d) DFP Global maintain fire precaution equipment - e) Giles Heating maintain all gas installations - f) NICEIC inspect electrical systems - g) Additional contractors are employed on an ad hoc basis as required. ## **Links with other Community Agencies** It has been encouraging to receive positive feedback on our activities during the year from Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 8 the community, schools and community organisations, and to continue to be recognised as being active in supporting the local community. Before Christmas, the church supported the “Samaritan’s Purse” charity by purchasing shoe boxes for members to fill with toys and gifts for distribution to needy children in various countries around the world. The church continued to support the Kinson Food Bank based at St. Andrew’s Church by referring suitable cases and issuing vouchers. A coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support was held We allow the hire of parts of the building to known organisations such as Narcotics Anonymous – this generates income. It is also hired to known and trusted individuals. The Kinson MSDC dancing group hired the hall throughout 2024 as in previous years. A weekly badminton group hires the hall every Monday. ## **Looking Ahead** As we have no minister, our 2025 priorities are based on those for 2024: 1. To keep our eyes focused on Jesus, lifting Him high above all else. 2. Maintain a regular rhythm of prayer & worship. 3. Grow as a church, as disciples and missionaries - missional disciples, seeing growth in depth and new people coming to Christ. 4. To continue to grow a strong children’s ministry, led by our Children’s ministry lead and supported by a growing team. 5. To continue to run all our youth activities, expanding them if possible and to see more young people come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him. 6. To take the young people to Satellites in Summer 2025 and support them in doing this, before and after the event. 7. To effectively continue leadership with the increased number of trustees until the pastoral vacancy is filled. 8. Develop those with skills such as leading and preaching, with emphasis on the younger people in the church. 9. Continue to grow strong disciples, ensuring all those who attend church can access a house group for regular fellowship, support and spiritual growth. 10. To grow together as a church family, developing skills, encouraging more to volunteer and empowering one another in giftings. 11. To find a new church leader (or leaders), seeking God prayerfully as a church family to achieve this. 12. We will have to budget for the renovation of the church manse to bring it up to date for a new minister and family. Cornerstone Church (Bournemouth) – Annual Report Jan-Dec 2024 9 Comerstone 1163367 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a Forth• pwiod l•t 3f•tDK•mbva124 Section A Receipts and payments fund• fvnds Fut)ts Total fund• Last y•ar Notes ton•4rn•tE to DMr••t£ A1 Recolpts In¢ome from OffennAS & Gfft Ajd Tax R8CO_V Cafe Other Incryne Bulk1￿￿￿1 De¥ek)p.￿nt Fund Income received an¢JpaKI out to tx￿ Sub toial(Gmss ftyAR) 117.642 13,845 3,091 117.642 70.553 12,255 3,256 23.417 3.091 155.870 160.Bn 112,150 A2 A55•t and Inmtm•nt sal•s. Totsi rnc*pts Minkst8r5' expenses Ministra￿n. Chik#ren's Minis Evan981ism Prem￿8$ Mini$try_ MISS￿n0ry support Music Group Olher Exp. Bui￿lty Pevek)pment Fund Payrnenl of inco￿￿ rEceNed othe 46.051 18,782 16.355 735 22.415 734 6.850 20,249 21,640 1.529 21.640 9.979 9,979 3.115 98.014 9,979 3,115 111.109 113.108 1880 tsblo) Sub ioial Total￿V￿¢￿S £98.014 £9.979 £3.115 £111,109 £113,108 Not o1rne*￿p*ym￿ts) AS TranslerB bgl*wn fvr A6 Cash funds last yearend Cash fvnds Ihls yw•nd 57,856 9.979 49.no 69,309 e119.079 70.267 £69,309 127,165 £1. 2024 CC Accounts 2110412025 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period C.Iiiagories B1 a75h funds Fund4 Toial luThJ to rt••r••t£ CAFbank 81239 82.239 22,644 Red*rod Bank Baptsl T￿ether1 Loans Fund Cash In hand Petty Czsh Uoyds 36.211 36.211 45.288 1.376 Totsl fvnds £119,339 £0 £119.339 £69,310 Unrosirlcigd Deslgnated Restrlct•d fund8 funds to noar85t £ B2 Oth•r mon•¢•ry as*•ts to noaresi£ to n•ar•st £ Éo £0 B3 In¥wtm•nt £0 84 Asaots retslned for cha to noar85t £ to n•)r*st £ 1.781.346 437.500 to noar¥st £ Church BuildinAs Church Manse Church Coftlents At Insurance Valuat 1.724.464 332.776 At Insurance ValL•tKX) At estffiated r88115able val 82.215 £8121S £2.218.816 £2.065.230 85 LIa￿lItIes S¥ned by ￿ TN$tees on b8haW of all the Trustee5 S¥JThatu Prin¢ Name Date of approval D. R. P/1￿54 21/u*120_: 2024 CC A¢rx)unts 21104r2025 cornernio￿ Chur¢h. BouTnwnouth Notss to Finan¢i•l siaiements Yoar Ended 31st Docemb8r 2023 1 AG¢ounting Policle¥ lil B8sfd of AccDuntirrfJ The Firtancaal Statemen15 haby been preparod in with Ihe ¢hant*s Ad 2011. on the Rece* 3ThJ Payff*nts basis. lill Grani Making PdKy Grants. gffts and donaiions made to ¥awJs organoatK)ns in Ihtr fvrttWan￿ olthe chanws obpdwes. Mon￿5 donated from genernl fund$ to Miss￿ary cause5 are detai￿ ￿k7￿. MonEs re￿Ned lor SFecth causes are hehy in a Restricted Fund pÈndiNJ tyysrttance ol io the aFyrcwe ber*f<4ry. (jjjl Assets lor Chuf¢h Puwoses Assets and property. a￿ re*aMxd for w are rKaJp￿d by Chur(* pur[￿86 3nd whrh ar* ￿￿tsTrent asgets. are valued al insured value5 and are Ii$ted on st8ternent of A55ets and LKgbilrt*s as non- rrTronetary assets 2 Anaty5is of Financial Movomth￿ for tho Year lil UNRESTRICTED FUNOS may t* used by ¢t* Churth fol any ol rt$ ￿￿nary pu￿￿5. Tho [r￿MeTht in the fvnd5 are 9iven in the Receipt$ & Payments Account lill DESIGNATED FUNDS represent fijnds set asth by TN*ees. (rtrt ofordirwy unrestrthj g￿ra1 fvnds. lor speofic Pur[￿ or kNoJe¢ts. iwt tlw can transferred bath mio general hjnds al any lrne. B41•r￿• 1st Jan 2024 Balan¢• 31$t Docvmber 2024 to E PURPOSE Rernitts Payments to Tr••r••l r*•r•rtÉ SC8A Home Mission Bapt151 Mwionary Secty_.. Small Gol8 lo other M￿s￿)n$ velo ftw¢ FuThJ 3.120 3.120 3,120 3,740 160 Totals £19) Iiiil RESTRICTED FUNDS represent donations or grnnts recewj or In¥rt8d for s[￿fiC purwes Any baknce rernaini unpsent musl be Ca￿*d forward as a balar￿ ￿ Ih•t furKI and cannot be absorbed into general lunds e•l•nc• 1st Jan 2024 Bal8nc• 31st December 2024 to nHrfj•t £ FUND NAME FU14D PURPOSE Payments Tear Fvnd BCHA Kinson Foc¢J Bank Ukraine Grant Incorne Tota18 Rel RelEfA rt Rel￿f Rel￿fA Youth Work 218 312 524 589 1,438 1.962 £1.108 £5.008 £6,115 £0 3 Sundry Accoun18 By the end of the 2023. the￿ no s¢pernte fund5 that onty exxt tecause ts Church exi¥ts. Sundry Funds h•fd by connoctod and Fundb Fund trj M•M•te 2024 Tot•1 2023 Toi•l to r￿MIt£ r•ttÈ Rocelpts Operating Athwrt*s to lurther Charfis Operating Activrt*s to gÈfiera￿ runds Donations Total Paymonts Payrrents for gene¥ating luThYs Operating ACtwrt￿ to lurther Chaws c* Funds taken by Group that o no part ol Ihe Chur(* chantab￿ payments Ito Church FurKJ$i Total Payments Net of rec•lptsllpaYm￿i 1,398 Cash frJnd• L98t year end C88h funds this y••r •nd 1.398 £0 £0 2024 CC**c*Jnt& 2110412025 C0mfrrnto￿ Church. Boumomouth nd R•G Offennp Irnn. Qn. 32,281 J0272 IJ 11.016 1 ￿10 Caré J.091 149 E112.150 £IM,8n p￿rn￿￿￿ SaLAry. perfy￿ & Nl 12 CtyJwi T8X 812 112 Tol•l 474 Fees & sUb￿￿kn Sund AdministratorSa*. P•iw & Nl T(Aal ¢hlklrFD'• Wnl•iry Youth Wther chi￿[$Th,$ Wtyk¢r Youth & C￿￿￿.¥ Wuk 74 Youth & T(i•l EvanylL*m Gtyjp General E￿r*￿n T￿1 Pr•rnk￿ Group 735 G8$ $61 Churth C*an Rep8ir 8 Bu1￿￿1n9$ & Eqww IWnkntyGrow¥ k*nL8tryi Teathiry Pthn815 Trainirw RetrBMb P¥sttr81 T+Jial iulowryGroup 174 8T4 174 124 rJ4 3.12Q S.7￿ $.8$0 11$ 91.014 3,115 111,OB7 IlJ,110 S Pald Employe81 *tyw 6(flO 12 86,192 10 57.502 Tui•l St•llCMI• 21￿4￿$ 1[st] April 2025 The Trustees Cornerstone Church Holloway Avenue Bournemouth BH11 9JR ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS** ## **Report to the Trustees of Cornerstone Church, on accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** ## **Respec(ve responsibili(es of Trustees and examiner** The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under sec#on 144(2) of the Chari#es Act 2011 (the Act)) and that an independent examina#on is needed. It is my responsibility to: - Examine the accounts (under sec#on 145 of the Act); - To follow the procedures laid down in the General Direc#ons given by the Charity Commission (under sec#on 145(5)(b) of the Act), and - To state whether par#cular ma1ers have come to my a1en#on. ## **Basis of independent examiner’s statement** My examina#on was carried out in accordance with General Direc#ons given by the Charity Commission. An examina#on includes a review of the accoun#ng records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considera#on of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explana#ons from you as trustees concerning any such ma1ers. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those ma1ers set out in the statement below. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In the course of my examina#on, no ma1er has come to my a1en#on: 1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the Trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that: - a. Proper accoun#ng records are kept (in accordance with sec#on 41 of the Act); and - b. Accounts are prepared which agree with the accoun#ng records and comply with the accoun#ng requirements of the Act; or 2. To which, in my opinion, a1en#on should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed… _SueW_ ……… Date… 1/4/2025….. Sue Wintle ACIE Associa#on of Charity Independent Examiners 27 Basco1 Road Bournemouth Dorset BH11 8RJ