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2021-12-31-accounts

Spring Mount Christian Fellowship

Report and Accounts

For the year ended

31 December 2021

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 2021

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 2021

Trustees' Report for the year 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021

Contents

1. Reference and Administration Details

2. Executive Summary

3. Structure, Governance and Management

4. Objectives and Activities

5. Achievements and Performance

5.1 General Activities

5.2 Other Regular Events

5.4 Buildings

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5.4.2 Abbey Road

6. Risk

6.3 Buildings (including Security)

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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Spring Mount Christian Fellowship (SMCF)

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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

2021 saw the uncertainty and challenges of the previous year continue as the world dealt with the global COVID-19 pandemic. Just when things looked like normality was returning, new lockdown restrictions were announced. Spring Mount is a very active church which usually has a good many activities, services and outreaches taking place throughout the week. One of our strengths is in our genuine care, concern and support for others and we are a very social group of people. The pandemic has challenged us to keep doing this even when legal restrictions and infection rates meant that lots of our usual events were not possible.

From the start of the pandemic in 2020 we looked for ways to support the local community around us and partnered with Walney Community Trust (ref: 9.1) and the Local Authority to deliver emergency food packages within Barrow. 2021 saw this emergency work scaled down, but we are excited that it has continued and evolved into a permanent outreach amongst the most vulnerable people with the appointment of Shirley Waters to administer emergency goods from a Barrow Borough Council grant.

The work of Christians Against Poverty (CAP) (ref: 9.2) continued to provide support for people struggling with debt and financial difficulties and the Green Pastures house (ref: 9.3) which was set up in 2020 gave stability and a home for three men who may otherwise have been homeless.

Over recent years Spring Mount Church has grown both numerically and spiritually. The lack of physical meeting for a time has inevitably seen some people sadly not returning. We are, however, encouraged at the number of new people who have joined us once physical services returned. This is in part due to the influence of streaming the service online each week and our increased online presence. The last year has seen the number of connect groups increase as demand for meeting and learning together has

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grown. We are excited that this shows that people are hungry to meet and learn about God’s Word and support each other whilst being supported. The uncertainty of the last few years has reminded people of the need to rely on others and God.

A particular encouragement is the increase in ethnic diversity as new people join us from different countries and cultures. A highlight of the year was an international evening where we celebrated these diverse cultures. Another highlight was the establishment of a Filipino service on a Sunday afternoon which is led by a Filipino pastor in the Filipino language. As Christians we believe that all nationalities are equal under God and this diversity is an exciting expression of God’s family.

These opportunities would not have been possible were it not for the global pandemic, and are a reminder that God often uses difficult challenges to open new doors and opportunities.

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 of specific 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. Shirley Waters was employed in 2021 to administer emergency goods from a Barrow Borough Council grant. Corey Love was supported as an apprentice Youth pastor using funding from StreetGames (ref: 9.4) and personal sponsorship in addition to church funding.

The Leadership Team meet formally at least once a month for business and prayer. For some of the time during 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.

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 2021 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. A special service was held in November in which the vision was shared with the wider church.

Property title is held by the CIO.

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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:

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

Encourage all regular SMCF worshippers to be within a partnership of two or three people to pray and mentor each other or be a member of a small group or Connect Group.

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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. Throughout 2021 as government restrictions and local infection rates allowed, regular in person activities and groups re-started so that by the end of 2021 many pre-pandemic groups could meet in some way and with the addition of some new ones.

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.

Spring Mount Church believes in the importance of regular services both for the worship of God and the benefit of the individual. A COVID safe way to worship was continued as a necessity to maintain a regular service. The Leadership Team followed the changing Government guidelines and restrictions closely to maintain the safety of people and to obey the law. From January worship was allowed to be

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broadcast live from the Pavilion via YouTube without any congregation present in the building and keeping everyone in the building socially distant. In April 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 appropriate levels and no singing or inter-household mixing was allowed. Throughout the summer the numbers accommodated on a Sunday morning slowly increased as the risks posed by the virus receded. By Autumn 2021 the Sunday Morning service was once again at full capacity although mask wearing was still advised. The Sunday evening prayer meeting was also able to restart.

Throughout this time, the sharing of Communion did not take place, but people were encouraged to bring their own communion elements to take individually in a reflective part of the service. The monthly sharing of a meal at Spring Mount Walney as part of the monthly cycle of evening services was also unable to take place and no tea or coffee were served after the morning services. It was felt these could not be done in a Covid-safe way. It is hoped these will resume early in 2022.

5.1.2 Prayer Meetings

In addition to the Sunday evening prayer focus, there was a weekly Tuesday night prayer meeting. Helen Pearson continued to promote the importance of corporate prayer in her capacity as Prayer Coordinator.

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.

Some groups continued to meet online via Zoom while others restarted meeting physically as circumstances allowed. 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 2021. A new online Connect Group started on a Tuesday night and an additional Wednesday evening group also started in September.

A group of men started meeting regularly for Bible study and prayer support weekly within the Green Pastures house.

The Book Club continued to meet on a Friday afternoon to review a Christian book online.

A course called “Old to New” which was set up pre-pandemic restarted in September. It was run on a Thursday evening by Geoff Chad to give a brief run through and background to each of the books of the

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Old Testament. This was to give a better understanding of the way the Bible fits together historically and contextually.

Several Freedom in Christ Marriage Courses were 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

After the Covid Lockdown a toddler group met every Wednesday at Salthouse Pavilion led by Shirley Waters and volunteers. A different toddler group also met on Tuesday and Thursdays at Walney led by Ros Harrison. 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.

After September Sunday School met every

Sunday during the main morning service in which children from the age of three to eleven were taught about stories from the Bible in a fun and interesting way. It was encouraging to see new people stepping into the roles of teaching the children.

An online Bible Study group was started for some of the Sunday School children on a Wednesday.

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.

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

Regular youth clubs restarted in September led by Corey and Emmanuel.

Weekly football at a local floodlit all weather pitch allowed non-church youngsters to engage with church youth.

Every Tuesday evening a small group of boys met.

The Youth band restarted in which young people within the church who can play a musical instrument practiced worship songs with the aim of taking part in leading occasional morning services.

5.1.6 Seniors

From September, a monthly meeting for more senior folk known as SMILE restarted. It 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. This was run by volunteers headed up by Sue Durham.

A “Café Connect” group on Walney provided support for those who are lonely and isolated. This also restarted in September.

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5.2 Other Regular Events

5.2.1 Filipino Church Community

In recent years Spring Mount Church has been blessed with an increasingly culturally diverse group of people including those from The Philippines. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns Gerald Ybosa and his wife, Caroline started a ministry to help reach out to and support people from within their Filipino community, especially those new to the country. Gerald was a pastor in The Philippines before moving to Barrow. The success of this led to them starting a small house church within their own home. This has rapidly increased in size and in November it was decided that it would meet on a Sunday afternoon in the upstairs rooms at the Pavilion with the support and help of Spring Mount Church. They worship God and have a service in their own language.

5.2.2 Men's Ministry

The regular men's social meeting restarted in December for a Christmas meal. This provides a regular social setting for the men of the church and to bring friends to in a social setting.

In November a group of men attended the Excel Men’s conference at Life Church in Bradford.

5.2.3 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.

5.2.4 Spring Mount in Stitches

The sewing group called “Spring Mount in Stitches” created to share sewing tips and create work together was unable to meet during 2021.

5.2.5 Ad Hoc Events

SMCF usually organises many other events, however due to the pandemic, the number of these was dramatically reduced.

In November there was an International Celebration with food and dancing. This was a celebration of the increasing cultural diversity expressed within the church. People were encouraged to dress in national costume and bring typical national cuisine to share. Seventeen different nationalities were represented, and the event helped to break down cultural barriers and increase cross community connections.

All these regular and ad hoc church events described above succeeded in teaching people about Christ and helped many within the church to grow in their faith over many years. Thankfully as the country started to emerge from the pandemic most of these events were able to restart in a Covid-safe way. It is especially encouraging to see new groups and activities starting from the work and relationships built and strengthened during the pandemic.

We are particularly encouraged by the increasingly diverse nature of our congregation with people from many different nationalities forming part of the church. The establishing of the Filipino congregation is just one such encouragement and helps meet the different needs of people from different backgrounds. It is hoped that events such as the international night will help increase integration between different communities.

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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 self-isolate 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. This continued into 2021 before slowly being reduced as normality returned and the initial crisis passed.

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. We also received donations of food from many different supermarkets, shops as well as generous individuals.

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

All this was done with the help of 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. The Salthouse Pavilion was also used for distribution of meals during school holidays.

Following on from the successful partnership between SMCF, Walney Community Trust and the local council, Barrow Borough Council asked Shirley Waters to head up the distribution of a special hardship grant. This allowed for the purchase and distribution of emergency items for people in need such as white goods and furniture across the Barrow area.

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. We are privileged to have been recognised by Barrow Borough Council as a partner organisation to distribute their hardship funds.

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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. The many community activities slowly restarted throughout 2021 as it became safe and appropriate to do so.

Weekly community meals on Monday evenings provide a safe place for children

and carers to enjoy an after-school time over a meal with activities and space for homework for children and teenagers.

A popular toddler group meets 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 Saturday nights 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 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.

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. The connections and relationships built during this time have continued as the activities restarted. This work, run over many years, forms a backbone to the local community on Walney and is a key part of the SMCF strategy to show the love of God to the people of the area.

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 2021, CAP saw new clients in addition to working with existing families. A slightly different approach was adopted due to the unprecedented situation caused by COVID-19.

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. The usual practice of face-to-face appointments with a

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“befriender” to help support was reduced and so the bulk of this support fell to Donna as the Debt Centre Manager. However, as normality returned, more support was again possible.

The challenges of the pandemic are likely to fall disproportionately on those in need and so the demand for the services of CAP are likely to increase.

CAP Fresh Start Courses

Jonny Harrison provided CAP Fresh Start courses which helped people with life controlling habits and addictions. Due to restrictions, several of these were provided one to one, rather than in a larger group.

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.

A six-week cooking course was run over the summer in which participants were taught two simple recipes each week and then given the ingredients and encouraged to try them at home.

CAP Money Courses

Due to the pandemic, it was not possible to run the CAP Money course in person in 2021 however several courses were run online.

CAP Funding

SMCF successfully applied for a £10,000 grant from the Sir John Fisher Foundation following on from the previous three-year grant for £6,000 per year which finished in 2021. The Frances C Scott Charitable Trust had provided a grant for £7,000 over 3 years from 2018-2021 for which we were unable to reapply due to changes in their funding criteria. However, SMCF successfully applied for funding from The Cumbria Community Foundation of £9,000 per year for three years. Following this successful grant application some of their trustees visited Spring Mount Church and CAP in October. These included the past and present High Sheriffs of Cumbria.

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 we expect demand for this to increase in future years as a result.

5.3.4 Green Pastures

In 2020 we acquired a two-bedroom property in partnership with Green Pastures (Ref: 9.3) in the Salthouse area very close to the Pavilion. The running and maintenance of it is the responsibility of Spring Mount.

The house provides 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 for much of the year. However, Jonny did make regular visits three or four times a week to support them. They also participated in the CAP Fresh Start course.

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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. Over 2021 three different tenants benefitted from this service.

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 to 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 Anna Chaplaincy

A new outreach organised by Churches Together in Barrow which works with older people with dementia was commissioned. In 2021 Barbara Lowes took on responsibility for the work of the Anna Chaplaincy across Barrow. This is supported by several churches across the town. Barbara is doing this work on behalf of the Churches in Barrow, however, SMCF fully endorsed and supported this new outreach. Several people from within the church volunteered for this (ref: 9.5).

5.3.6 Street Angels

Members of SMCF continued their involvement with the “Street Angels” initiative (Ref: 9.6), however, the number of times this took place in 2021 was very restricted due to restrictions on nightlife. It is hoped to resume this fully again in 2022.

5.3.7 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.

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. 2021 saw the completion of the first floor Annex works to provide private office space for the church Pastor.

A new baptistery was purchased to allow baptism services to take place. The baptistery is a mobile temporary structure which can be easily stored when not in use.

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The move to Salthouse massively increased the physical capacity of the church to accommodate people attending weekly Sunday services, provided 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 is allowing SMCF to expand its ministry into this 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 in section 5.3.1. Now that normal activities started to resume in 2021, we are able to build on these local connections made and are excited for the future with the building once again regularly full.

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 had been greatly reduced and it remains a valuable property asset. SMCF agreed a lease with a national firm of funeral directors to lease the property.

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 services and 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 online media. These continued to be offered even once physical meeting became possible again. The Sunday morning 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, we have found that we have connected with people who would not have otherwise attended the church physically. Many of the Connect Groups also continued to meet via Zoom to allow for group discussion. There are now groups which meet exclusively online which gives people who cannot attend in person the option of still being a part of a group.

5.6 External Prayer and Financial Support

UGANDA - SMCF 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.

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PERSECUTED CHURCH - SMCF continued to support the persecuted church through the charity "Open Doors" (ref: 9.10). Members of SMCF attended the annual Open Doors conference in Birmingham.

OTHER - SMCF continued to support Capernwray (local Bible College) (Ref: 9.11).

LIFECENTRE SALFORD - SMCF started regular financial support to Salford’s Lifecentre Church’s Youth Worker project. This is seen as a token of gratitude for Lifecentre’s support to Spring Mount and a tangible demonstration of standing alongside a church with similar objectives to Spring Mount (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.

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.

6.4 Planned Maintenance

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

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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.

The government's Gift Aid on Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) was not utilised during the period for 2020-2021 due to the low levels of cash receipts during the Covid-19 pandemic. The claim for 20212022 will be made during 2022.

The first £9,000 of a three year grant (for £27,000) for the ongoing work of CAP was received and a further £10,000 grant was secured with payment anticipated in January 2022, all as described in section 5.3.3.

No new loans were taken out during 2021. Repayment of loans was as follows:

Grants from Keswick2Barrow Committee are appreciated. The May 2020 K2B and C2B walks were postponed to Sept 2021 due the Covid-19 pandemic and a grant is expected in January 2022 following SMCF’s participation in the Sept 2021 event.

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.

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.

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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: 26 September 2022

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Trustees Report 2021

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 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. Some 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 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 Anna Chaplaincy is a way of supporting older people emotionally and spiritually. It seeks to particularly support those with dementia. It operates across the UK with churches and is run by the Christian charity BRF.

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Spring Mount Christian Fellowship (SMCF)

Trustees Report 2021

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.

9.9 Boxes of Hope Cumbria is a local charity which distributes seasonal aid to needy children in Romania. A group of 6 local people go out to Romania at the beginning of December each year to help distribute some of the shoe boxes. However, due to COVID this has not been possible for the last two years but it is hoped there will be a distribution trip in 2022, which will include two members from Spring Mount. Boxes of Hope 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 Lifecentre, Salford is part of Langworthy community church, a small church plant on an estate with great social challenges. As a church they model a community based approach and Spring Mount has benefitted greatly from their advice and example as we have tried to work in our similar communities.

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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 2021 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

RfM Ulverston Ltd

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 2021

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
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 2020
Cash funds at 31 December 2021		 Ye 31/12/2021
£
121,385
53,785
320
150
8,240
2
500
108
-
18,967
286
203,745
1,575
3,371
278
767
1,573
1,919
13,633
3,277
1,140
470
35
467
281
575
238
35
180
-
54,900
64,793
19
48,164
13,778
169
2,749
214,385
(10,640)
60,967
50,327		 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

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Spring Mount Christian Fellowship

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

as at 31 December 2021

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
Kendal to Barrow donation
Assets retained for the charity's own use
Building
Fixtures and fittings
Appliances
Projectors
Computer equipment
Audio equipment
Liabilities
Loans
Accountancy YE 31/12/2021
PAYE liability
Pension liability		 2021
£
12,226
38,101
50,327
13,696
0
693
14,389
1,581,060
31,807
2,098
9,136
2,420
20,069
1,646,589
112,174
564
995
113,733

These financial statements were approved by the trustees on 26 September 2022 and are signed on their behalf by:

Mr P G Hardingham Trustee

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