2022-03-31-accounts - Bethel Baptist Church

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Bethel Baptist Church

Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2022

1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE The Manse Minyrafon Tredegar NP22 4AL GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution dated 12 February 2015 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1164490 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Rev T Hallam MANAGING THE CHARITY Mr R Harding Mr C Hutchings Mr C Jones Mr J Williams BANKERS Barclays Bank PLC INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Lisa Darby ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB

INDEX

Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2-7 Trustees' Report Page 8 Independent Examiner's Report Page 9 Receipts and Payments Account Page 10 Statement of Assets and Liabilities Pages 11-12 Notes to the Accounts

Page 1

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Objects of the charity

The charity, which is a church, is governed by a constitution. The Trust seeks to present the Christian Gospel in words and actions to the local community in Tredegar and further afield.

Structure, governance and management

The policy and operating decisions of the charity rest with the trustees who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the Trust.

The method of appointment of Church trustees is set out in the Church constitution and rules. At Bethel, the trustees are made up of the Church minister, together with the other four elders who are appointed by the Church membership following recommendations by the Church eldership.

The trustees are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in church matters including deciding on how the funds of the Church are spent. All major financial decisions are confirmed by the membership of the Church.

The trustees met regularly during the period of this report. All meetings are reported back to the church membership for their consideration and approval.

Aims and purposes

The trustees of 'Bethel Baptist Church' Tredegar have the responsibility of co-operating with their minister, Rev Trystan Hallam, in promoting 'the advancement of the Christian Faith in accordance with the Church's basis of faith, primarily but not exclusively within Tredegar and the surrounding neighbourhood and such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the members of the Church in general meeting, further the work of the Church.'

The trustees are also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church premises located in the Georgetown area of Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent.

Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements

The trustees and minister of the Church are committed to enabling as many people as possible, both young and old to worship at our Church and participate in the many activities undertaken at the Church and elsewhere each week.

In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission. In particular, we try to enable people from all walks of life to live out their faith as part of our Church community through:

Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus Christ.

Provision of pastoral care for people living in the community. Missionary and Outreach work for both young and old alike.

To facilitate this work, it is important that the trustees oversee the maintenance and fabric of the Church premises in Georgetown, Tredegar.

Page 2

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

a) WORSHIP AND PRAYER

In the usual course of the year the trustees and minister are keen to offer a range of services and activities during the week that members of our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling.

Normally every Sunday, two worship services are held, in the morning and evening, with Sunday school and creche activities incorporated into the morning service. During the year, a number of family and youth services are held and well received by the church community. During the midweek, activities include children’s and youth groups. Some ladies of the Church meet weekly to knit woollen garments to distribute overseas and, in the locality, whilst weekly prayer and bible study meetings remain a priority for the Church. Due to Covid some meals and activities this year have had to be curtailed.

All are welcome to attend our regular services. At present there are 59 members on the Church membership roll. During the twelve months of this report, no members were removed through death nor by resignation from the Church register. Five new members were gladly welcomed and added to the members roll during the year.

Response to Covid-19 Pandemic

During the past year, the Church has continued to adapt to a flexible approach in response to the fluctuations in the infection rates of the Covid 19 virus. Easter Sunday – 4th April 2021 marked the welcome return of two Sunday services being held at the Chapel, with those attending being social distanced, wearing facemasks and with cleaning taking place between the two services. A booking system limiting the numbers attending to 45 persons for each service was also employed. Thankfully for those unable to attend, these Sunday services were ‘live-streamed’ on the internet together with being recorded. As the year progressed, there was a gradual start-up of midweek activities including children’s and youth group activities together eventually with Sunday school. Building momentum and continuing in these Church activities have proved to be difficult during the year.

It is good to report however that a regular midweek meeting for prayer and Bible study has been maintained along with some of the ladies of the fellowship continuing their valuable ministry of knitting garments for both local and overseas needs. Regular trustees and elders’ meetings have also been convened throughout the year at the chapel together with the occasional use of the ‘Zoom’ app when Covid rates were high.

One new venture developed over the year has been a regular Tuesday morning coffee and walk at the local Bryn Bach Parc – the walk and fellowship enjoyed by those attending has been of great benefit. Towards the end of the year in 2022 a group set up to help those with addiction problems, also met regularly on a Friday evening at the Church.

Despite the great difficulties experienced over the past twelve months, the congregation are grateful to our faithful God for His safe-keeping and care.

Grateful thanks must also be expressed to Pastor Trystan and others who have been involved in the ministry of both Sunday and midweek services throughout the pandemic, together with those responsible for the live-streaming and recording of our Sunday services.

Page 3

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

As well as our regular services and activities we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through believers’ baptism we thank God for the gift of the spiritual life, in marriage, public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life of the deceased. During the twelve months of this report there has been one wedding, no baptisms, and one funeral held in the church.

b) PROVISION OF PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral care within the Church is undertaken by the Pastor – Rev Trystan Hallam together with the four other elders, who in June 2021 had been unanimously elected by the church members to become elders instead of deacons. (It is the intention of the church to appoint new deacons at a suitable time in the future). Carl Hutchings, one of the elders has continued to be employed by the church – one day a week, assisting the Pastor in the regular pastoral visitation and care of the members and friends of the fellowship.

Elders, members and friends of the church are grateful to God in answering their prayers regarding a serious health issue affecting Pastor Trystan during July 2021. Leave of absence from his pastoral duties was granted for three months for him to undergo major surgery followed by a recovery period. We give thanks to God for his full recovery together with our appreciation for all those who helped out in maintaining the faithful preaching of God’s Word and pastoral care whilst the Pastor recovered.

Safeguarding Matters:

During the past year, DBS checks were undertaken by all the church trustees together with those in need of a safeguarding check. Mrs Ann Harding replaced Steven Knapik on the committee which coordinates these safe-guarding measures within the Church. At the start of 2022, time was spent in the revision of the Church’s safeguarding policy. This policy was then presented to all Church helpers, reminding them of their responsibilities regarding this important matter, with agreements being duly signed by all involved.

Trustees are also grateful to the work of Ron Harding in his compilation of a new Church directory which has greatly enhanced pastoral care within the Church.

Despite the ongoing Covid difficulties it has been good to witness the continued provision of weekly food parcels and Christmas food hampers for those in need within the local community.

Page 4

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

c) MISSIONARY AND OUTREACH WORK

The Church at ‘Bethel’ demonstrates its faith in practical terms by helping those in need, both in the local community and also further afield.

Note 3 of the accounts sets out the gifts paid out during the year to the following Christian charities: ‘Leprosy Mission’, ‘Release International’ which includes £1,500 raised by a sponsored bike ride completed by a number of church members; ‘Slovak Gospel Association’ in response to the war in Ukraine and the ‘Associating Evangelical Churches of Wales’.

In addition, regular gifts have continued to be sent in support of ‘Casa- Mea’ – a home looking after individuals with additional needs in Moldova, together with new regular donations to ‘Barnabas Aid’ and the ‘Christian Institute’.

Financial support has also continued for four Christian workers based in Wales – namely John Funnel, working in Abersychan, Paul Daniel – ‘AECW’ evangelist and Nathan Davies and Rhys Thomas ‘UCCF’ workers in Cardiff. A one-off gift was also sent in support of ‘Mount Elim Church’, Pontardawe’s appeal for a new Church building together with financial help for refugees displaced from Ukraine and now being helped by the Legniza Church in Poland. Financial gifts have also been sent to the work of ‘Hope for the Valleys’, aiding Mick Moffet and his work in various local schools. Last Christmas – the annual collection of shoeboxes organised by ‘Samaritan’s Purse’ was also well supported by members and friends of the Church.

Despite the difficulties experienced because of Covid, trustees are grateful to the continued faithful giving of both members and friends associated with the Church, which has enabled this financial support to continue despite adverse circumstances.

Outreach in the Community has once more been severely affected because of the continued Covid outbreak. Nevertheless, the Church has made every effort to reach out to those who usually have no connection with the Church. To this end, it has been good to report that Sunday services have been live streamed on various media platforms throughout the year. Church members have also been able to help Mick Moffet of ‘Hope for the Valleys’ in reaching out to young people of the town through a number of Football events organised through visits to local primary schools together with events in Bedwellty Park. Mick was also able to speak at a Men’s meal organised at the local Indian restaurant, with many attending that evening.

Over Christmas, members and friends went out carol singing at the local park, together with joining with our friends in ‘Castle Street’ Church for a late Sunday afternoon Carol service. One thousand Christmas ‘Ask’ evangelistic magazines were also delivered to homes in the local area. Carol services held at the Church, also attracted a number of folks who do not normally attend including some responding after receiving invitations accompanying the Christmas Food hampers.

Overall, it has continued to be a difficult year in organising outreach activities, although early in 2022, as already mentioned it has been good establishing a weekly group for those affected by addiction issues. This time of sharing and advice during this group entitled ‘Biblical Transformation’ has proved to be of great help to those attending.

Page 5

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

d) CHURCH PREMISES

Last April 2021, ‘BT’ were able to install an internet connection at the chapel. This has enabled all Sunday services to be ‘live-streamed’ throughout the year. A new laptop computer was also purchased in order to facilitate this service. Trustees express their grateful thanks to Ron Harding and Peter Helps who have setup and maintained this ministry.

During the year, a new overhead projector was also purchased and installed which has greatly enhanced the quality of visual presentations of hymns, songs and video clips viewed during both Sunday and midweek services. Grateful thanks are expressed to Graham Francis who faithfully organises this vital ministry.

Trustees record their grateful thanks to the recently closed ‘Gospel – Hall’ for their generous gift of twenty-nine chairs for use in the church. During the year, ‘British Gas’, also installed a smart meter in the chapel. The annual service of the boiler together with the August fire inspection were also undertaken. It is anticipated that new carpets will be laid in the main sanctuary during 2022.

Trustees express their grateful thanks and appreciation for the diligent work of Mr and Mrs Graham Francis – church cleaners/ caretakers together with so many others who have continued to work conscientiously to keep the church premises safe during the continued problems associated with Covid 19 this year.

Financial review

Despite Covid difficulties prevalent throughout this financial year – trustees are grateful to God for His continued goodness in enabling members and friends of the church to generously continue their financial support of the church. Many members have used bank transfers rather than weekly offering envelopes to facilitate their giving. The finances have allowed the church to fully renumerate all its employees throughout the year, including a cost-of-living increase in wages from January 2022. The church has also been able to continue its generous support to many missionary organisations and individual Christian workers. During the year, a generous gift of £3,000 was received from the family of Mr and Mrs Ray Norton – in memory of their many years of faithful service in the church. During the year receipts increased by £17,229 to £85,914, and expenditure increased by £11,653, to £67,098. As a result the cash held by the charity increased by £18,816 to £115,949, of which £75,595 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose.

At the end of the year, total funds held were £115,949. Of these £75,595 are general funds being unrestricted and undesignated, £354 are restricted funds and £40,000 represents the permanent endowment fund created following the sale of 26 Park Hill, Tredegar in October 2000. On 4 May 2021 the Charity Commission directed that their order dated 13 October 2000 concerning this fund will cease to have effect, so that the trustees may now administer this fund as they decide is appropriate.

To this end an account was opened in Kingdom Bank during April 2022 for this sum £40,000 to be invested in anticipation for its future use in the employment of a community outreach worker, hopefully later in 2022.

Reserves policy

The trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of three months' of normal unrestricted expenditure so that the charity could continue to operate should income and / or expenditure vary adversely. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £75,595 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.

Page 6

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Responsibilities of trustees

Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.

We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.

We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.

Approval

This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

J Williams

____ J Williams

Date: 5 October 2022

Page 7

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bethel Baptist Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2022 on pages 9 to 12 following.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Lisa Darby

Lisa Darby ACA

Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB

Date: 24 October 2022

Page 8

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £	Endowment Funds £	2021 £
70,790 11,247 1,052 19	2,806 - - -	- - - -	57,585 10,794 230 76
83,108	2,806	-	68,685
56,243 8,403	- 2,452	- -	49,625 5,820
64,646	2,452	-	55,445
18,462 -	354 -	- -	13,239 -
18,462 57,133	354 -	- 40,000	13,239 83,894
75,595	354	40,000	97,133

The notes on pages 11-12 form part of these accounts.

Page 9

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access COIF Charities Deposit Fund Cash in hand B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity C Liabilities Payroll liabilities Fee for Independent Examination D Assets retained for charity's own use Freehold building Equipment	Unrestricted funds £ 51,718 23,813 64 75,595 14,564 14,564 - 1,200 1,200	Restricted funds £ 354 - - 354 - - - - -	Endowment funds £ 40,000 - - 40,000 - - - - -	2022 £ 92,072 23,813 64 115,949 14,564 14,564 - 1,200 1,200 Insurance value 2022 £ 1,481,611 74,402 1,556,013	2021 £
					33,120 63,798 216
					97,133
					11,747
					11,747
					652 1,200
					1,852
					Insurance value 2021 £
					1,481,611 74,402
					1,556,013

The trustees have used insurance values as the trustees are unable to reliably estimate current values; insurance values may differ materially from current values.

The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf

J Williams by date -------------------------------------------5 October 2022 J. Williams

The notes on pages 11-12 form part of these accounts.

Page 10

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

1 Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects. Endowment funds are donations that are retained as capital in accordance with the donor's wishes. The nature of the restriction determines whether the endowments represent permanent endowments or expendable endowments.

Unrestricted funds £ 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Employment costs Note 4 39,731 Property costs: Repairs and maintenance 420 Utilities 2,087 Cleaning 2,080 Insurance 1,243 Visiting preachers 2,780 Equipment 4,053 Licences and safeguarding 1,074 Outreach activities 414 Printing and publications 214 Work among the young 160 Independent examination fee 1,224 Legal fees 243 Other costs 519 56,243 3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Organisations: Mission giving 6,403 Individuals: Benevolent and mission gifts 2,000 8,403	Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,167 285 2,452	Endowment Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total 2022 £ 39,731 420 2,087 2,080 1,243 2,780 4,053 1,074 414 214 160 1,224 243 519 56,243 8,570 2,285 10,855	Total 2021 £
				37,818 1,317 1,352 1,870 1,119 160 - 676 1,324 624 - 1,218 1,518 630
				49,625
				4,000 1,820
				5,820

4 Transactions with related parties

Rev Trystan Hallam served as the Pastor and Mr Carl Hutchings served as Pastor's Assistant and were paid £31,110 (2021: £30,600) and £6,816 (2021: £6,756) respectively for serving in those capacities, not for serving as trustees. The constitution of the church permits the remuneration of the minister and an assistant minister notwithstanding that they are trustees of the church.

Page 11

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 5 Movement of funds Balance at 31 Mar 2021 Receipts £ £ General funds 57,133 83,108 57,133 83,108 Restricted funds Specific offerings - 2,806 - 2,806 Endowment funds Property endowment fund 40,000 - 40,000 - Total funds 97,133 85,914	Payments £ (64,646) (64,646) (2,452) (2,452) - - (67,098)	Transfers £ - - - - - - -	Balance at 31 Mar 2022 £ 75,595
			75,595
			354
			354
			40,000
			40,000

			115,949

On 4 May 2021 the Charity Commission issued an order authorising the termination of the property replacement fund that had been created following the sale of a residential property in the year 2000 and authorising the trustees to use the endowment fund in accordance with sections 281 - 284 of the Charities Act 2011.

Page 12