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2020-12-31-accounts

Spring Mount Christian Fellowship

Report and Accounts

For the year ended

31 December 2020

Bellevue, Prince’s Street, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7NB Tel 01229 582149 117 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria LA14 1XA Tel 01229 820003 email ulverston@rfm-more.co.uk | barrow@rfm-more.co.uk rfm-more.co.uk Partners: Paul Newsham ACA, Alan Meikle BA (Hons) FCA

Spring Mount Christian Fellowship

Year Ended 31 December 2020

Index

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Page No

1 to 19 Trustees’ Report
20 Independent Examiner’s Report
21 Receipts and Payments Account
22 Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Spring Mount Christian Fellowship (SMCF)

Trustees Report 2020

Trustees' Report for the year 01 January 2020 to 31 December 2020

Contents

1. Reference and Administration Details

2. Executive Summary

3. Structure, Governance and Management

4. Objectives and Activities

5. Achievements and Performance

5 2.1 Men’s Ministry

5.4 Buildings

5.4.1 Salthouse Pavilion

5.5 Media

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6. Risk

7. Financial Review

8. Declaration

9. Appendix: More information is provided on charities with Links to Spring Mount referenced in the main report

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1. Reference and Administration Details

Charity Name: Spring Mount Christian Fellowship (SMCF)

Registered Charity Number: 1163628

Principal Address: Salthouse Pavilion, Roose Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA13 9RQ Online: Website: www.springmount.church Facebook: facebook.com/springmount.church Twitter: twitter.com/springmountch

Charity Trustees who Manage the Charity (known as the Church Leadership Team):

2. Executive Summary

2020 started as any other year, full of optimism and promise and welcomed in with the usual New

Year’s Eve party. The work of Spring Mount was flourishing with increasing numbers of people accessing the groups and services that were provided. The move to the Salthouse Pavilion in the previous year had proved to be a great success and all activities had settled into their new home. This spirit of thankfulness and optimism was perfectly encapsulated at the Pavilion commissioning service in February which saw the hall full of people. The larger hall also allowed for many more people to worship comfortably together on a Sunday morning with additional space for the large number of Sunday School children. These services were increasingly multi-cultural with many international friends joining us each week.

In March 2020 the world was changed by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Almost overnight it was necessary to cease all face-to-face interaction as the country entered a national lockdown. All the weekly activities were unable to continue including the main Sunday services. The Leadership Team had to rapidly reassess and adapt to what was safe and possible to do. The pandemic caused fear

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throughout society, but the necessary closure of normal life also led to much loneliness and isolation which often exacerbated such anxiety. The new ways of doing things evolved over the year as regulations and advice changed and as people became increasingly comfortable with new technologies such as Zoom. Sunday services moved to on-line formats.

Spring Mount has always been a church which strives to help the community practically and to share God’s love to all, especially those who are the most marginalised. The pandemic quickly exposed deep problems in society and many people struggled with basic living due to the sudden cessation of normal services and facilities on which they usually relied. From early in the lockdown, SMCF looked for opportunities to help and so set up and ran a Community Hub in collaboration with Walney Community Trust (ref: 9.1). This provision helped with emergency food for those who needed it, built many new relationships within the community, and increased the prominence of Spring Mount as a charitable organisation within the town. These are excellent foundations on which to build in the coming years.

The work on Walney continued to thrive working alongside Walney Community Trust. The usual provision of community meals, toddler groups, craft cafes, activities for families and older people all continued until March. At that point the Walney building was taken over with the collection, storage, and distribution of food to the community. A few socially distanced activities resumed towards the end of the year, but the pandemic really allowed SMCF to strengthen its links within the Walney community in a way which could have never been imagined.

2020 also saw SMCF continue to practically serve the needs of the most vulnerable people in society through CAP (Christians Against Poverty) (ref: 9.2). The work adapted and was less face to face but many people were still helped to become debt free. Another exciting development was the partnership with Green Pastures (ref 9.3) to offer accommodation to homeless people. A house was acquired and the first resident moved into this house in September.

3. Structure, Governance and Management

SMCF is an active church organisation which was founded in the early 20th century. The church was registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2015. Church trustees are appointed by the church Leadership Team. Trustee term of service is 3 years.

SMCF is staffed by volunteers from within its membership. The trustees retain overall management of all Trust affairs but delegate day to day administration to volunteer workers for areas specific of responsibility. Jonny Harrison has been employed full time as the church pastor since 2018. In addition, Donna Docker is employed part time to lead and co-ordinate the work of Christians Against Poverty and Samantha Taylor is part time church administrator. Corey Love was supported as an apprentice Youth pastor using funding from StreetGames (ref: 9.4), Scripture Union, personal sponsorship and church funding.

The Leadership Team meet formally at least once a month for business and prayer. Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic this has continued online via videocall meetings usually every three weeks. The leaders continue to recognise a need for more prayer and therefore a significant proportion of Leadership Team business meetings have been devoted to prayer. Usually the team also meet once a month for a specific prayer time during which issues are raised and time is spent seeking God and additional meetings are held if the need arises including occasional whole Saturday meetings for business and prayer. These have not been possible during 2020 due to the lockdown. Key workers also meet weekly for prayer with Jonny and to discuss day to day issues. These have continued via zoom and in person when the regulations allowed.

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The Leadership Team is actively seeking ways to improve the efficiency of decision making by separating some of the day-to-day decision making from the long-term strategic planning to reflect the growth of the church. During 2020 separate groups of key workers met via telephone and virtually to discuss decisions and pastoral issues.

The Leadership Team outlines current plans, activities and concerns during Sunday services and encourages feedback, especially via the Connect Groups and the Sunday evening prayer times. The Leadership prayer times are occasionally open to the wider church as a way of seeking and sharing vision collectively. The opportunity to communicate in these ways was significantly reduced due to the pandemic but effort was made to encourage participation and connection through the online services, prayer times and connect groups.

Property title is held by the CIO.

4. Objectives and Activities

SMCF objectives are summarised in the SMCF CIO constitution as follows:

  1. The advancement of the Christian faith for the benefit of the public in accordance with the SMCF Statement of Identity (attached to the Constitution as Schedule 1 "Statement of Identity").

  2. Such other purposes as are exclusively charitable in accordance with the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.

The Constitution Schedule 1 "Statement of Identity" sets out SMCF's concerns, principles, beliefs, practices and membership. Associated appendices include the SMCF Mission Statement, Statement of Doctrine and an accompanying statement of Privileges and Responsibilities of being Part of a Local Church, all broadly as published in past Trustees Reports.

The Constitution Schedule 1 summarises SMCF's primary concern as follows:

'For children, young people, men and women of all ages that they may know that salvation through Christ can transform lives wherever they are lived out including home, school, work and leisure. To that end, SMCF's ultimate aims are that they will come to faith in Christ by whatever means and will continually grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, whether or not they remain with Spring Mount".

SMCF's Mission Statement (why SMCF exists) is presented in the Constitution Schedule 1 as follows:

SMCF's vision (what will SMCF look like) is currently as follows:

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SMCF's strategy (how SMCF will get there) is currently as follows:

The priority remains a concern for all people which has helped keep the church's focus on its core objectives to help and serve people in the church and wider community. In particular, the church feels that it should concentrate its work amongst people experiencing greatest need and hardship thus following the example of Jesus.

SMCF's vision and strategy are live items which are expected to develop over time.

Activities undertaken to support SMCF's objectives are described in the following section.

5. Achievements and Performance

The following sections give a more detailed report of the activities of Spring Mount Church and a brief summary of how these link to the general mission objectives are highlighted in red text.

5.1 General Activities

Most activities were based at SMCF's Salthouse Pavilion building. Certain activities are centred on Walney Island within the Walney Community Trust (WCT) (ref: 9.1) building on Amphitrite Street (known as Spring Mount on Walney).

Throughout the pandemic Spring Mount Church has strived to be creative in allowing people to stay connected to church worship whilst fully conforming with the laws and government recommendations. This has led to some new ways of operating some of which will continue after normality returns.

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5.1.1 Weekly Sunday Services

The principal expressions of the church's community are the weekly services of worship.

The mornings cater for all ages, including Sunday School groups and a crèche for children.

The evening service is a less formal setting with an emphasis on corporate prayer and includes the following:

This regular pattern continued until March when the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown meant any face to face, congregational worship and physical meeting was not permitted.

Spring Mount Church believes in the importance of regular services both for the worship of God and the benefit of the individual. A new COVID safe way to worship was developed quickly as a necessity to maintain a regular service. Initially Jonny was able to live stream worship from his home on a Sunday morning in which the congregation was able to follow from their own homes and encouraged to sing along personally. Jonny also gave a sermon during this time.

A Sunday evening Zoom worship and prayer service was quickly developed. This allowed for people to “see” each other on screen and allowed for a slightly more interactive form of worship. Up to 50 participants took part in this online service regularly.

Due to the uncertain times and unprecedented circumstances of the lockdown Jonny also provided a daily devotional session via the internet in which there was some live worship and a short talk. During this time Jonny went through the book of Acts showing the struggles and lessons from the early church. These daily devotionals continued until July.

The Leadership Team followed the changing Government guidelines and restrictions closely to maintain the safety of people and to obey the law. In September, following the lifting of some of these restrictions, worship was allowed to be broadcast live from the Pavilion via YouTube without any congregation present in the building and keeping anyone in the building socially distant. In November the regulations changed and allowed for the limited return of the congregation. This was done under a very strict booking system to keep numbers to permitted levels and no singing or inter-household mixing was allowed. However different and strange this was, it was deemed to be an improvement and a step back towards normality and important to start worshipping God together again, albeit under very different circumstances. A simple Christingle service also took place at Christmas.

5.1.2 Prayer Meetings

In addition to the Sunday evening prayer focus, there were two regular prayer meetings held weekly until March. Tuesday night had an outward focus on community, CAP and international issues, and

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Wednesday morning focussed on issues and people in the fellowship. An additional prayer group for Israel also met regularly in homes including folk from other Barrow churches. Helen Pearson continued to promote the importance of corporate prayer in her capacity as Prayer Co-ordinator. The Tuesday prayer then met online during the pandemic via Zoom.

The administration of the Prayer Network allowed prayer requests to be circulated rapidly to those who have committed to pray for issues and situations as they arise. This was carried out confidentially to ensure all GDPR and confidentiality requirements were fully met. This formed an important part of corporate prayer throughout the pandemic.

5.1.3 House (Connect) and Other Small Groups

The Leadership Team continued to encourage participation in a Connect Group as a means of support, prayer and Bible study. They were held on different days and at different times to cater for as many people as possible. One of these groups was aimed to appeal to people in their 20s and 30s and one was held during the day for ladies. Each group is encouraged to follow on from the Sunday morning sermon to provide continuity and an opportunity to discuss the points raised in a safe, small group setting. It is also a forum for sharing and discussing the vision and opportunities in the church. It is the Leadership Team's desire to see as many people from within the fellowship as possible linked to a Connect Group.

Unfortunately, with the onset of the pandemic, meeting in this way was not possible from March onwards. Most of the Connect Groups moved to online meetings via Zoom. The group leaders have encouraged members of the group to stay in more regular contact via messaging to help support one another during the exceptionally stressful times of 2020. A new online Connect Group specifically for young people was also started during this time.

The Book Club continued to meet on a Friday afternoon to review a Christian book together over a coffee. They met in a local coffee shop and were encouraged to read a chapter per week and then discuss and review the issues together. After March this moved online and met successfully via Zoom.

A course called “Old to New” was set up and run on a Thursday evening by Geoff Chad to give a brief run through and background to each of the Old Testament books of the Bible. This was to give a better understanding of the way the Bible fits together historically and contextually. It was regularly attended by over 40 people until it was forced to stop in March. It is planned to continue it after the pandemic restrictions are lifted.

A Freedom in Christ Marriage Course was run with the aim of helping people to understand their Christian faith within the context of a marriage. Participants attended this with their spouses via zoom.

5.1.4 Children’s Work

A toddler group met at the Pavilion every Wednesday led by Shirley Waters. A different toddler group also met on Tuesday and Thursdays at Walney led by Ros Harrison. The groups are supported by teams

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of volunteers. Both groups attract a large and diverse number of parents, carers, and children from across the community. The groups provide safe environments for parents and small children.

A large Sunday School met every Sunday during the main morning service in which children from the age of three upwards were taught about stories from the Bible in a fun and interesting way.

Sadly, all these stopped meeting in March due to the pandemic. Contact with the young people was maintained and a weekly Sunday School video on YouTube was posted. Activity packs were also given out during the school holidays.

5.1.5 Youth Work

Corey continued work as an apprentice youth pastor funded partially by Streetgames (ref: 9.4). He continued to develop the youth work within the church. A PAIS team led by German intern Tabby Kind also provided support (ref: 9.5). The PAIS team was jointly supported by St Paul’s Church Barrow who hosted one of the three interns. The PAIS interns provided a lot of assistance with youth activities and included mentoring individuals on a one-to-

one basis whilst working with local schools. This continued until the National lockdown. The decision was already taken not to take a new PAIS team for the 2020-21 year.

Other volunteers from within SMCF also helped with running various youth clubs.

Tuesday evening meetings start with a meal before Bible study. This continued to be a great success with the youngsters. It also encourages more adult participation in the youth work with people preparing the meals, serving, and clearing away afterwards. The evening finishes with football at a local floodlit all weather pitch which allows non-church youngsters to engage with church youth.

There were games nights and an indoor cricket club for young people using funding from Streetgames These all continued until March.

5.1.6 Seniors

A monthly meeting for more senior folk (known as SMILE) provided a tea, entertainment, and devotional time. It attracted people from the church and the wider community and helped to build relationships with senior folk and tackle the problem of loneliness and isolation within this age group.

A “Café Connect” group on Walney provided support for those who are lonely and isolated.

These activities both ceased at the start of the pandemic. A special effort was made to ensure older and vulnerable people from within Spring Mount were contacted via telephone in the national lockdowns and people were encouraged to remain in touch and offer to help whenever possible and appropriate.

5.2 Other Regular Events

5.2.1 Men's Ministry

The regular men's social meeting ceased in March.

5.2.2 Ladies’ Ministry

A ladies’ Bible Study continued every fortnight for women to pray and read the Bible together. The online Ladies Bible study continued throughout the national lockdown and increased in membership.

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A ladies’ conference called “Flourish” took place in March before the national lockdown. This provided a day of worship and teaching for approximately 100 ladies from different churches across the area.

The sewing group called “Spring Mount in Stitches” continued to meet until March to share sewing tips and create work together.

5.2.3 Ad Hoc Events

SMCF usually organises many other events, however,due to the pandemic none of these were able to take place.

All these regular church events described above succeeded in teaching people about Christ and helped many within the church to grow in their faith over many years. Sadly, due to the pandemic most of these were unable to continue to meet. All the activities encouraged members to remain in contact with one another and to support one another. Strong relationships created during these activities provided an excellent foundation for people to help one another during the unprecedented situation of 2020.

5.3 Community Involvement

5.3.1 COVID-19 Emergency Food Hubs: At the start of the COVID-19

pandemic in March 2020 a Food Hub was set up at Spring Mount Walney, which is owned by Walney Community Trust. This was set up to provide food parcels for those people who were struggling due to having to selfisolate or struggling financially. This could have been due to loss of employment or simply a reduction in wages because a reduction in hours, or support whilst waiting for their benefits to come through.

During this time, it was a privilege to help so many people to come through this very difficult time, and as time went on it was encouraging to see many of these people getting back on their feet and being able to support themselves again.

The Food Hub not only provided food parcels for people but also did shopping, collected prescriptions or their click and collect shopping from Tesco, Asda or Morrison’s. The food provided was paid for by grant money and donations. The food hub also received donations of food from many different supermarkets, shops as well as generous individuals.

During the school holidays, additional support was given. The hub provided and delivered picnic bags for children who would have otherwise received free school meals. In addition, the hub also provided toilet packs, art/craft packs for children, teenage packs, baking packs, sports packs, and film night goodies. At Christmas the hub also provided well-being packs.

In total the Food Hub supported nearly 10,000 people across Barrow in 2020.

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The hub also distributed leaflets to every house on Walney and the Salthouse area of Barrow with details of the help available. Leaflets were included with information on additional help from other professionals available.

All this was done jointly with staff from Walney Community Trust and approximately 80 volunteers, mainly from Spring Mount Church but also from local people just wanting to help people in their community.

This practical show of Christian love in the local community’s time of need was a key element of Spring Mount’s vision to share God’s love with everyone, especially the most disadvantaged and in need. The connections made with people and the links made to agencies and bodies within the town will be a good base from which to build further practical outreaches in the future.

5.3.2 Walney Worshipping Community

In 2018 Ros Harrison was appointed to be a Community Worker on Walney by the Walney Community Trust (WCT) (ref: 9.1). Ros’ role is to increase and coordinate the community work on Walney.

Weekly community meals continued to take place on Monday evenings, building on the success of the monthly Sunday meals. They provide a safe place for children and carers to enjoy an afterschool time over a meal with activities and space for homework for children and teenagers.

A popular toddler group continued to meet twice a week. It gives carers and children a safe environment in which to meet, play and support one another.

A program of weekly events was held on a Saturday night for the community. “Saturday Night on Walney” (SNOW) provides such diverse entertainments as crafts, football on the big screen, films and open mic nights. The aim is to provide a safe, family friendly social environment for the community on Walney.

A Craft Café was provided in the school holidays during which children and parents were invited to meet and participate in crafts and activities followed by a lunch.

New parenting courses, CAP Fresh Start, CAP Life Skills and CAP Money courses (section 5.3.3) were all run through the Walney building positively impacting the lives of many people

who participated.

A monthly group dedicated for fathers monthly. “Who let the Dads Out?” community to meet whilst their in a safe environment.

with small children met attracted fathers from the children were able to play

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All these activities had to cease throughout the national lockdowns. However, the Walney building run by Walney Community Trust transformed to become a local Food Hub. Relationships built up over many years running these activities made us well placed to meet the needs of the community in its time of need.

5.3.3 Christians Against Poverty (CAP)

CAP Debt Centre

Spring Mount ran a local debt centre (established in November 2016) for CAP (ref: 9.2) with Donna Docker employed as the centre manager.

Throughout 2020, CAP saw 37 new clients in addition to working with existing families. A total of 17 people were helped to go “debt free”. That was despite the unprecedented situation caused by COVID-19 as Donna continued to work with new and existing clients in different ways.

Initially Spring Mount made use of the Government’s furlough scheme placing Donna on furlough between March and May while CAP geared up for home working and telephone-based appointments. Even during

this time clients on the waiting list and some debt free clients were still supported with phone calls and food parcels described elsewhere in the report. In May phone-based appointments resumed for existing clients and new clients were accepted from August with a full diary throughout the rest of 2020.

The usual CAP client events in which clients were served with a meal by volunteers within the church were unable to happen, however, Christmas hampers and gifts were still provided to past and present clients. After March the usual practice of face-to-face appointments with a “befriender” to help support the client had to cease and so the bulk of this support fell to Donna as the Debt Centre Manager.

CAP Fresh Start Courses

Jonny Harrison provided CAP Fresh Start courses which helped people with life controlling habits and addictions. These continued in a COVID-safe way when regulations allowed later in 2020.

CAP Life Skills Courses

Ros Harrison ran a series of CAP Life Skills Courses from the Walney building. The course helps people to gain some of the basic skills required for effective, practical living. Topics covered include how to cook from scratch and how to budget effectively. These occurred pre-pandemic and resumed after the summer in a Covid- secure way.

CAP Money Courses

Due to the pandemic, it was not possible to run the CAP Money course in person in 2020.

CAP Funding

SMCF received the final year of grant funding to help finance the work of CAP Barrow over three years. The Frances C Scott Charitable Trust is providing a grant for £7,000 over 3 years from 2018-2021 and the Sir John Fisher Foundation is providing a grant for £6,000 over 3 years, also from 2018-2021. It is Spring Mount’s intention to re-apply for funding for future years.

The work of CAP formed a key part of the strategy to prioritise the needs of people, especially those experiencing greatest need and hardship. Several individuals have been helped practically by this work and through that have also found a spiritual home in SMCF and seen positive, transformational changes to their lives. The pandemic has exposed deeper problems and needs within society and has been critical in relieving people’s needs and SMCF expect demand for this to increase in future years as a result.

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5.3.4 Green Pastures

This year SMCF acquired a two-bedroom property in partnership with Green Pastures in the Salthouse area very close to the Pavilion. The property was shortlisted with Green Pastures who then negotiated and purchased the property. The running and maintenance of it is the responsibility of Spring Mount. The property was furnished and prepared for the first resident who moved in during September.

The house will provide emergency and short-term housing for two residents who agree to access support available through the church. In ordinary times this would include volunteering under supervision and accessing a variety of

activities. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the bulk of these activities were not running. However, Jonny did make regular visits three or four times a week to support them. They also participated in the CAP Fresh Start course.

Samantha Taylor, the church administrator took responsibility for the management of the paperwork required for this outreach. This included submitting claims for housing benefits and other official documentation.

It is anticipated that during normal times this house will allow people experiencing emergency need for housing to be housed and integrated into activities in the church to be supported and helped put their lives back on track. It forms a key part of the strategy to meet people’s practical needs within the community.

5.3.5 Street Angels

Members of SMCF continued their involvement with the “Street Angels” initiative until the pandemic in March. (ref: 9.6)

5.3.6 Foodbank

SMCF continues to support the Barrow Foodbank (ref: 9.7).

5.4 Buildings

5.4.1 Salthouse Pavilion

In February 2015 Spring Mount purchased Salthouse Pavilion as a long-term solution to the lack of space in Abbey Road and as part of a strategy to grow the church including reaching into a new community. After four years of development the permanent move into the building took place in 2019. In February 2020 there was a celebration service to formally mark the opening of the building, to thank God for its provision and to commission it for its

future use. The service was full of current and previous church members, people with a connection to Spring Mount and people who had worked on the building. Some people travelled from as far afield as Manchester, Warrington and Edinburgh to attend the special celebration.

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Although the bulk of the renovation work has been completed to allow for church services and activities to take place there remain several areas of the building which still require development and improvement. During 2020 further renovation work was carried out by Neil Martin Group Ltd. This included the construction of a new ramp access to the front of the building to provide better disabled access. In addition, work was carried out on the annex adjacent to the main building with an office for Jonny created on the first floor. This work continued to be led by Iain Salter, a member of SMCF with professional engineering and project management experience. A team from church led by Iain communicated regularly to plan and liaise with the contractors.

The move to Salthouse massively increases the physical capacity of the church to accommodate people attending weekly Sunday services, provide space for Sunday School and large-scale events. In addition, the size and flexibility of the building allows for many more activities to take place and to therefore provide even more opportunities to meet people’s needs. The location of the building in Roose will allow SMCF to expand its ministry into a new area of Barrow and to act as a community hub for the local residents. The location of the building in the heart of the Salthouse/Roose community was a real asset during the pandemic to provide emergency assistance through the Food Hub described previously.

5.4.2 Abbey Road

Since the permanent move from Abbey Road to the Salthouse Pavilion in 2019 the Leadership Team has been actively exploring options for the use of the Abbey Road building. Use of the building has been greatly reduced and it remains a valuable property asset. However, costs associated with maintaining the building, even in a much-reduced capacity remained significant. In 2020 valuations and professional advice were sought from estate agents to explore the options of both selling or leasing the building.

5.5 Media

The website www.springmount.church was developed and maintained by Naomi Chad. It provides sophisticated content to showcase and advertise the work of the church. All activities are listed and described together with links to newsletters, videos, and articles. All sermons are available to download or watch via podcast. Links are available to contact the church leadership team. There are links to the church Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. An email account is given to the leadership team and other key church workers to send and receive church related email.

The pandemic led to a rapid shift towards new ways of connecting with church via new online media. The inability to physically meet meant that it was vitally important to connect with people in other ways to avoid isolation, maintain the church community and to provide for people’s spiritual growth. A simple worship time and message was broadcast via Facebook every day throughout the first lockdown. An evening service was broadcast on Zoom to allow for some participation and regularly attracted up to 50 participating households. Connect Groups also met via Zoom to allow for group discussion.

In September when the regulations allowed for limited numbers to attend the services a booking system through the website “Ticket Source” was set up to allow for people to book in on a Sunday morning. The services were broadcast live via YouTube, Facebook and then the recorded service could also be accessed via the church website afterwards. The recorded service was also distributed via CD to those who could not access the service via online formats. Throughout this time, SMCF has found

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that the church has connected with people who would not have otherwise attended the church physically in normal times including several local people who have never attended the church before and others who have viewed the services from different areas of the country.

5.6 External Prayer and Financial Support

UGANDA - SMCF also continued to have strong links with Blessed Hill school and orphanage in Kampala, Uganda (Ref: 9.8).

ROMANIA - through the "Boxes of Hope, Cumbria" charity (ref: 9.9). An appeal for shoeboxes (filled with gifts for children) in the run-up to Christmas saw approximately 100 given by members of SMCF.

PERSECUTED CHURCH - SMCF continued to support the persecuted church through the charity "Open Doors" (ref: 9.10).

OTHER - SMCF continued to support Capenwray (local Bible College) (Ref: 9.11).and Bridge Trust (Health Clinic in Zambia) (Ref: 9.12).

6. Risk

6.1 Insurance

Insurance has been reviewed. Insurance includes public and employer's liability and Trustees indemnity and covers both the Salthouse Pavilion and Abbey Road buildings including contents.

The Missing Document Insurance policy purchased during the acquisition of the Pavilion was for a oneoff premium and remains in force with no need for renewal.

The copyright licenses have been reviewed and renewed.

6.2 Policies

All policies are maintained and reviewed annually including the following:

Professional advice across all policies is being obtained from Turnstone HR.

6.3 Buildings (including Security)

The Health and Safety File compiled during the Salthouse Pavilion refurbishment works is maintained as a live file in compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

The asbestos survey undertaken in 2015 provides the basis for an on-going asbestos register to manage remaining asbestos. No alterations have been required to the asbestos register.

The Pavilion alarms (fire and intruder) are actively managed and maintained.

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6.4 Planned Maintenance

Appliances and equipment (including fire extinguishers) have been serviced and maintained as appropriate.

PAT testing was completed by trained SMCF volunteers.

The arrangements for use of a local school minibus minimise SMCF's exposure to risks associated with vehicle ownership.

6.5 Financial

See Section 7 Financial Review below for comment on loan liabilities.

7. Financial Review

7.1 Policy

All regular income is by way of voluntary gifts and donations.

The Trustees appreciate the government's Gift Aid scheme and encourages gifts to be made using this means. Claims are made on an annual basis.

Receipts from the government's Gift Aid on Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) were received during this reporting period for 2019-2020. The claim for 2020-2021 will be made during 2021.

The third and final instalments of two grants for the ongoing work of CAP were received. The grants totalled £39,000 over three years (see section 5.3.3).

£1,500 was received from Scripture Union for youthwork.

No new loans were taken out during 2020. Repayment of loans continued as follows:

Annual grants from Keswick2Barrow Walk are appreciated, however, the 2020 event was postponed due to the pandemic.

Income is used for general running expenses, the Salthouse Pavilion refurbishment project, and grants which are made to Christian organisations who work both locally and abroad, based on perceived need, in accordance with SMCF's objectives.

SMCF continues to meet all on-going financial commitments as a going concern.

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7.2 Independent Examination

SMCF's accounts were subject to Independent Examination. Building on experience gained during previous examinations (which were first conducted for the year 2007 to 2008), a local firm of Chartered Accountants with experience in the charity sector (R F Miller & Co) undertook the Examination. The Examination was successfully concluded and found the accounts to be compliant with regulatory requirements.

7.3 Bankers

SMCF continues to use Barclays Bank PLC, 86-90 Dalton Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 IJH.

8. Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.

Signed for on behalf of the SMCF Trustees:

Signature: ……………………………… Full name: Tim Baalham Position: Trustee Date: ……………………………..

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Spring Mount Christian Fellowship (SMCF)

Trustees Report 2020

9. Appendix: Charities with Links to Spring Mount

9.1 The Walney Community Trust (WCT) has close ties to SMCF. It is led by Alan Docker (also a member of SMCF Leadership Team) with the vision of serving the community of Walney. Ros Harrison is employed to co-ordinate the work on Walney Island. It also employs many other community and youth workers to provide youth clubs, courses and community activities throughout the week. Whilst independent organisations, the WCT links with SMCF activities such that both charities can benefit from each other. Many of the trustees for the charity are also a part of Spring Mount Church.

9.2 Christians Against Poverty (CAP ) is a nationally recognised charity started in Bradford in the 1990s which seeks to help people in poverty by giving debt advice to clients referred to them. It seeks to address the root causes of poverty and provide practical financial advice and help to those in need. It provides help to all who request it irrespective of their faith, however, CAP is a Christian charity which seeks to ultimately assist with a holistic solution to a person's problems.

The debt manager sets up appointments to meet with potential clients and together with a "befriender" will seek to build a trusting relationship with the client. The details of the client's financial situation are then passed to experts at CAP central office in Bradford who will identify a strategy to assist the client to become debt free. On subsequent visits they will pass on that plan and, if the client accepts it, CAP will support the client in following that new path. The befriender is there as an on-going moral support for the client throughout the whole process to financial independence. This model has been successfully used for 20 years throughout the UK by CAP.

9.3 Green Pastures is a national Christian social enterprise that provides homes for the homeless and those in most need. The successful model adopted by Green Pastures is that they purchase a suitable property, in consultation with the partner church and provide the financial resources needed. The partner church then manages the day to day running and maintenance of the property, renting it exclusively to homeless people or those in real need of emergency accommodation. The church administers the rent collection and deals with the local authorities or other agencies. This pays the lease of the property to Green Pastures. The tenant is required to engage in activity through the church each week as part of their agreement. In the case of SMCF, this will be through taking CAP courses, volunteering and being mentored. This supervised activity allows the individual to get the help they need, turn their life around and hopefully find community within the wider church.

9.4 StreetGames is an organisation which uses the power of sport to create positive change in the lives of disadvantaged young people across the UK. It helps make young people and their communities healthier, safer and more successful.

9.5 PAIS International is a global organization which provides teams of youth and schools workers with the aim of linking young people in schools with churches and community initiatives and spread the gospel of Christ. It provides interns to work in local schools and youth clubs based from a local church or churches across a local area.

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Spring Mount Christian Fellowship (SMCF)

Trustees Report 2020

9.6 Street Angels is an initiative partnered through Cumbria Police in which volunteers help in the town centre on Saturday nights. The teams of volunteers comprising individuals from various Barrow churches give assistance and help to those who are exiting the pubs and clubs and are often in a vulnerable state due to alcohol consumption.

9.7 Barrow Foodbank is operated by the local churches to respond to and provide emergency food parcels to those in desperate need. It forms part of a national network of foodbanks linked to the Trussell Trust.

9.8 Blessed Hill Children’s Centre is a Christian based organisation which runs an orphanage and school in Kampala, Uganda. Close ties have been built up and maintained between it and Spring Mount Church. Regular support is provided through a £6/month scheme (commenced in 2011) which provides enough money to feed all the children at Blessed Hill every day. The scheme has continued through the current year with regular gifts to support the school/orphanage. Fund raising events for the Uganda projects included a garden party at the home of Alan and Hilly Docker in Barrow, in addition to the monthly Café Uganda.

9.9 Boxes of Hope Cumbria is an organisation which distributes seasonal aid to needy children around the world, including Romania. It also provides other support to dis-advantaged children.

9.10 Open Doors International is an organisation serving and raising awareness of the persecuted church across the world. It seeks to help Christians on the ground in these countries as well as mobilising the UK church to support and pray for Christians under religious persecution. Spring Mount Church supported their regular initiatives and encouraged regular prayer meetings for them.

9.11 Capernwray is a bible college based near Carnforth. SMCF has benefited in previous years from college staff speaking at SMCF and from bible course at the college.

9.12 Bridge Trust supports a health clinic in rural Zambia which SMCF has had a keen interest in.

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Independent Examiner’s Report

To the Trustees of

Spring Mount Christian Fellowship

I report on the accounts of Spring Mount Christian Fellowship for the year ended 31 December 2020 which are set out on pages 21 to 22.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this Period under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:-

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given 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 items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

Mr P Newsham

R F Miller & Co

Chartered Accountants

Bellevue

Ulverston

Cumbria LA12 7NB

Bellevue, Prince’s Street, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7NB Tel 01229 582149 117 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria LA14 1XA Tel 01229 820003 email ulverston@rfm-more.co.uk | barrow@rfm-more.co.uk rfm-more.co.uk

Partners: Paul Newsham ACA, Alan Meikle BA (Hons) FCA

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Spring Mount Christian Fellowship

Receipts and Payments Account

for the year ended 31 December 2020

Receipts
Offerings
Donations
Rentals
Auxiliaries
Specified gifts
Bank interest
Legacy
Events
Pavilion loan
Housing project
Misc income
Total receipts
Payments
Gas
Electricity
Telephone
Water, sewerage
Rates
Insurance
Fabric
Professional Fees
Cleaning
Speaker's expenses & gifts
Books, tapes, videos
Sunday school
Printing, postage & stationery
Digital Media
Course fees & training
Catering
Consumables
Freedom in Christ
Young people
Support gifts
Personnel Related Costs
PAIS
Events
Pavilion loan repayment
Housing project
Bank charges
Miscellaneous
Total payments
Net of payments
Cash funds at 31 December 2019
Cash funds at 31 December 2020		 Ye 31/12/2020
£
139,172
16,500
45
80
9,844
52
-
901
-
2,309
1,555
170,458
3,471
3,329
170
680
638
1,808
42,171
1,303
-
300
-
-
534
2,179
-
1,545
224
180
575
18,843
64,344
1,250
27
34,164
4,454
241
1,236
183,667
(13,208)
74,175
60,967		 Ye 31/12/2019
£
158,245
22,933
297
120
25,447
69
238
200
10,000
-
71
217,619
3,203
4,184
694
1,554
895
1,841
60,807
756
785
1,240
543
144
1,204
-
672
3,297
-
180
1,709
18,172
53,007
4,850
1,479
29,564
-
372
740
191,892
25,727
48,448
74,175

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Spring Mount Christian Fellowship

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

as at 31 December 2020

Assets
Cash funds
Current account
Business premium account
Other monetary assets
Investment assets
None
Other assets
Gift Aid due from HMRC re YE 31/12/2020
GASDS
Assets retained for the charity's own use
Projectors
Electronically operated screen
Building
Computer equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Televisions
Audio equipment
Appliances
Liabilities
Loans
Accountancy YE 31/12/2020
PAYE liability
Pension liability		 2020
£
7,022
53,945
60,967
16,740
0
16,740
10,144
1,000
1,581,060
3,238
67,579
900
23,168
2,470
157,398
636
794
321
159,149

These financial statements were approved by the trustees on [date] and are signed on their behalf by:

Mr P G Hardingham Trustee

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