## **Circuit Annual Report 1st September 2021 – 31 st August 2022** ## **Introduction** Thank you for taking the time to read this report from the South Molton and Ringsash Methodist Circuit. We are a small Methodist Circuit comprising of 8 church societies meeting on Methodist premises, in members’ homes and church buildings owned by other denominations. Working as a Church and in partnership with other denominations we attempt to give a distinctly Methodist ‘flavour’ to all that we do in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Following the decision in 2020 of one of the Church Societies, Bishops Nympton to cease meeting and with the approval of the Circuit Meeting the Chapel has now been sold. ## **Aims and organisation** We work from a mission statement that says, ‘From a foundation of prayer, we seek to share the truth of the Bible with our communities and young people in humility, through fellowship and by working together’. ## **Our vision is:** - To be inclusive and flexible, reaching beyond our boundaries. - To develop spiritually and make use of God-given gifts wherever possible. - To rely on God, simply helping people towards the Kingdom of Heaven, rather than being too concerned with increasing the numbers attending church for our own benefit. **Our Purpose:** We intend to work towards this vision by focussing on … Keeping the Word and Work of God alive, by putting Him first; holding relevant premises and facilities which encourage flexible ways of serving Him, where possible as a single worshipping community rather than two or more per village; and helping our worshipping communities to deepen in prayerfulness, and to develop their creativity in worship. We have one ordained minister stationed in the Circuit and a part-time Circuit Administrator. The Circuit Leadership Team oversees the work and leadership of the Circuit and is accountable to the Circuit Meeting which it advises. ## **Covid restrictions:** Due to relaxation of government restrictions and recommendations which applied from March 2020 our Chapels have re-opened and resumed normal pre-covid activities. South Molton Methodist Church continues to use Zoom technology to enable members and others to share in worship services on a weekly basis via the internet. ## **Brief financial review of the year** The year has seen the Circuit work within its stated budget. ## **Income trends** Circuit income is primarily drawn from the assessment paid by the circuit churches. 1 Other income includes the rental of a manse and donations. Capital receipts relate to the sale of Bishops Nympton Methodist Chapel. ## **Expenditure trends** Stipend expenditure has increased each financial year in line with conference approved Increases and salaries are increased in line with inflation and/or minimum living wage increases Approximately 20% of expenditure is the Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion, of which a significant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church. Other expenditure includes insurance and maintenance of Circuit held buildings which includes manses. ## Fund balances As at 31 August 2022 the net current assets of the Circuit were £334k, this includes approximately £209k which is restricted of which approximately £103k is ring-fenced, £83k for the Community Worker Project in the south of the Circuit and £20k provision for a loan to support Chittlehampton Chapel building renovation work. The unrestricted balance of £125k gives the Circuit approximately six months reserves for general expenditure and a property reserve to allow for work needed on the circuit manses. ## Plans for 2022/23 Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared considering the following: An increase in the assessment paid to the district and inflationary cost increases. ## **Basis of preparation and legal framework** _The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2020 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 102_ _Full Name of Charity: South Molton & Ringsash Methodist Circuit_ _Registration Charity Number: 168118_ _Date of registration: 7th July 2016_ ## **Main communication address:** The Circuit Administrator South Molton and Ringsash Methodist Circuit 2 Circuit Office South Molton Methodist Church North Street, South Molton EX36 3AW The members of the South Molton and Ringsash Methodist Circuit Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit office holders, minister and representatives appointed by the local churches. _Full membership is shown as Appendix A to this report._ "Circuit Ministers and officers” Circuit Minister Circuit Stewards Mr Martyn Short Mrs. Monica Fry Administrator: Mrs Anita Vellacott Independent examiner Ian Huggett BSc FCA (ICAEW) 47 Boutport Street Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1SQ Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church ## **Aims and organisation** Charity objective is to act as a Resource provider within the area around South Molton for the Methodist Church: "The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of: a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church. b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit. local or other organisation of The Methodist Church. c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church. 3 d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church. The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike. The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. Taking religious assemblies in local schools. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services. Provision of chaplaincy services to the local university and other institutions. ## **Public Benefit** We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976) Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD). Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting and the Circuit Property Team. ## **Trustee Training** A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit, specifically the leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church’ is given to all new Circuit meeting members as induction to their role as trustees. ## **Related Parties** The Circuit is part of the Plymouth and Exeter District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are linked to the circuit: Ashreigney Methodist Church (meeting in members homes), Brayford Methodist Church, Burrington Methodist Church, Chittlehampton Methodist Church, Kings Nympton Methodist Church, North Molton Methodist Church and South Molton Methodist Church. In addition, there is an informal arrangement whereby ministry is shared in St Paul’s Parish Church in Filleigh where there are Methodist members. ## **Risk Management** The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Leadership Team with professional advice taken as required. 4 There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded. Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves. ## **Safeguarding** Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s recreation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. ## **"Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles:** - the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults - the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable - the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse. • We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes. • We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. - We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care. - We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust. • We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult. - In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice" The South Molton and Ringsash Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation, guidance, and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches. The South Molton and Ringsash Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. ## **Reserves Policy** 5 The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a sum equivalent to 4-6 months average expenditure. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on manses and to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches. DA Peyton 26/05/2023 6 CIRCUIT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS South Mollon and Rln sash Methodlst Circuit FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 mouth and Exeter Circuil no 24122 Registered Charity - Charity Registralion number 1168118 11 not a registered charity Her Majesty's Revenuo and Customs Glft Aid numbei (The HMRC number is equivalent lo a registered charity number in terms ol evidence ol charitable slalus and may be used lo give lo donors or grant lunders wishing lo see evKlence ol the organisalioll's charitable slalus. Melhodisl charities in England and Wales thal are not iegislered charities are excepted from regislralion under Slalulory InslrLJment 2014 No.2421 Ministers.. Rev S. Innalls Circuit Stewards.. M¥ M. Short Mi D. Pe￿0￿ Mrs M. Fry Treasurer.. MrD.Pe on 2015 l of5 on•n M•ihodl•i ngM• ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 Clrcull Clrcult r•ilrlcl•d Tiu•t A•xtrfei•d Fund• Fund• Totsl• Ihl• SECTION A a1 RECEIPTS Not• Asses51neiitJShgie l 18 a3 a4 8anK and CFB Inlofosi And Iiivosimonl Iiiconio 247 GTanis Olhor ieceipl5 TOTAL AECEIPTS 107,354 39,262 146,616 •e SECTION B b1 PAYMENTS Siipends. salanes. NIC. Pe11510n and liavel Cosis 38.691 Klaiise Costs 48.620 19598 Adniinislralion elc Distncl Assessment 8.416 12.917 19,642 19 22.$79 Gratiis S donations Youth ad uslmenl Othef payments TOTAL PAYMENTS b7 6.348 13.300 19,648 148,334 30 49$ 122,117 12,917 13,300 Ib91 132,050 SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR THE YEAA 97-b9 14,763 26,345 13,300 13 Total fun(Is brou hl forward Irom last ear 105,125 222,924 4,910 332.959 Ic6 337.T72 Sub total e1+c2 90.362 249 269 8.39) 331.241 332,959 c4 Transfers and ad ustments 32,783 147.783 15.000 c7 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAFI Ic3+e41 123,145 201,466 6.610 331,241 (¢81 332,959 le61 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS these amounts should not be Included In totsl ￿Ce0 tsl yments al￿¥*) d1 Balance brou hl forward from last ear d2 Otterin sIGIfts received for exiernal o anisations d3 OtteriryslGifts- passed to external organisatlOn5 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID d1+d2-d3 2O1SCrt￿it R P.x 2015 i.Y fw. 01 A DIFFEREP4T FOflPA t* ￿lD I•ItyI tr• P•• TEPWAL 476 KXA o, $31 1S51 2. foLils 146.616 14&3Jl 332.9* HELD B Y¢*CUff 11,rn) TOT￿ PECBP15 roTAL PAYIIEPITS TotsIs'¢*) ENT ANO UABILM OPEF4P caiicwr. C￿ FUNDS ￿L0 •t$l 611e2 5.616 2t2.92S 201. SU8 TOTAL 241 i(*aLs thb*l18121 2.907 TOT•L CW F￿Ds HELD BYtsACIIT 1.296.5Q3 l.SJ&910 L4tr¢kthorty CFB hObj￿ TfL*ioei kv Puwm Name ol Circujl South Mollon and Ringsash Melhodisi No... 1168118 Declarations and Scrutiny I conlinn lttal these Receipl and Paymenl based accounls lor Ihe yoar lo 31 Augu812022 have been Fyepared Ironi Ihe rocords ol Ihe Circuil and that they include all lund5 under Ihg conlrol ol Ihe Circuil meelinq. SMJnature of treasurer . Name athlress ol I￿aSurel .......... Post Code.& k.3.(...IrL Presentation lo the Clrcuit meeilng I confimi thal Ihe annual report and accounts lo th year ended 31 August 2022 werelwill be. esented lo the Circuil meeting held on S￿nature of the Chair ol the meeting Name ol the Chair ol Ihe meeting Date Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the South Molton and Ringsash Methodist Circuit Charity Number 1168118 Responsibilities and basis of report I rewrt to the trustees on my examination ol the accounts ol Ihe South Molton and Ringsash Methodi Circuil lor the year ended 31 August 2022 sel out on pages .1. to 3. As the Circuit's Irustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with Ihe requirements of the Chartties Act 2011 I'the Acl'l. I reFK)rt in respect of my examination of the Circuit's accounts carried oul under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by ihe Charity Commission under seclion 145(5)Ib) of the Act. 2015C*¢ul A artl 9.￿1 4015 Name ol Clrcull ... Souih Molion and Rirglaih Moll￿￿11 ... . . )... 1118118.. Indep•ndonl Ex•mln•r'J Sl•l•m•nl I have completed my examlnallon. I conllrm th81 rrf) rnttlertal m8llerg Iwv• my *l•W connect￿n ￿1h the ox8minallon (other Ihan Ihal digclosed bekMI'.l ***h m• thai in, any malenal respecl.. the aC￿Untiftg recor(ts V￿re not kepi in ac£ordance ￿1h 1x1 ol Ad. Ihe accounls do noi accoyrj wih the accouniiTrJ records. I have concems and have come across no oihef matters In Il* ¥thich alteniion should be drawn in this report in ￿der 10 enablo a P• accounts lo be reached. I haveihave noi. obtained independent veri1ical￿n ol all invesimenis Tntslo8s l(* Alellro Church Purposes or held in other Irusls, bank balances arrtl lurKls al Central P4)•11 the Melhodisl Church which are individually in excess ol £1 O,ChXI lien ttrxx￿aTry at tre balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name ol independent examiner iAd i i Relevant professional qualification ol independenl examiner Name of firm (where approprialel . Westcotts ISWI LLP.........................-..........--. Address . 47 Boutport Street. Bamstaple. Devon . . Post Code ... EX31 ISQ... Date delete or circle as appropriate Sep-22 2015 R at*1 P. 5dS