Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8
The Church said goodbye to Trevor Beckett and his family at the end of June 2023. Our thanks go to Trevor and the family for their service to SBC. We are grateful for Trevor’s ministry, teaching and leadership, and for making a difference in our lives and in the community.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
The Leadership Team (all of whom are the church’s trustees under the Charities Act) are pleased to present the Annual Report, together with the accounts that have been examined in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission, for the year to 31 December 2023.
The financial statements comply with the required Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
The Trustees are so thankful for all the encouragement and support that they have received from the membership and congregation throughout the year.
Reference and Administrative details of the Charity and its Trustees
Charity Status
Sheddingdean Baptist Church is a Registered Charity - number 1168341. 20 July 2016.
The Church does not currently own a place of worship but meets at Sheddingdean Primary School.
Managing Trustees
The Church is administered by the current Diaconate who are the Managing Trustees of the Charity comprising:
Pastor: Reverend Trevor Beckett (retired June 2023)
Colin Allen
Sylvia Lewis
Deborah McDonald
Valerie Dando
Gillian Davison
Eric Pollard
Bankers: Nat West Bank, 1 Muster Green, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4AP
Baptist Union Corporation Ltd, Baptist House, PO Box 44, 129 Broadway, Didcot, OX11 8RT
CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 44JQ
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Independent Examiner:
Mr Neil Watts, F.P.M.I., 25 Greenlands Close, Burgess Hill,
RH15 0AR
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
Sheddingdean Baptist Church is an un-incorporated body, a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, Didcot, Oxfordshire. It is governed by the terms set out in its own Constitution.
The current Constitution was adopted on 27 January 2015 at a Special Church Meeting and was amended on 27 November 2018 in order to allow a higher number of Trustees, and in July 2022 to allow ‘equivalents to be treasurer and secretary’.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The method of recruitment and appointment of trustees is set out in section 15 of the Church Constitution. Under guidelines issued by the Baptist Union, those appointed by the constitutional process to serve as elders or deacons, and those appointed to specific posts by the constitutional process, such as Secretary and Treasurer, automatically become Trustees on their appointment.
Organisational Structure
The Church is governed and regulated by its own members where all aspects of the work of the Church are subject to the approval of the Church meeting that is normally held five times a year. The Minister of the Church is a paid Managing Trustee and with the Deacons gives leadership to the Church. The Deacons assist the Minister in his/her role and are also responsible for preparing the business for the Church Meetings.
The Baptist Union and South Eastern Baptist Association
The Church is part of the wider Baptist family and is therefore a member church of the South Eastern Baptist Association (SEBA) and of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB). Both organisations are registered charities. The Church pays an annual subscription to SEBA and to BUGB based upon its membership numbers and also makes a donation to BUGB (Home Mission Fund) for the Baptist family in the UK.
Custodian Trustee
The Baptist Union holds the deeds for the Manse. This property is 31 Chestnut Close, Burgess Hill, RH15 0HN. No property valuation has been undertaken in recent years and the value shown in the accounts is the estimated value based on local market house sale prices and the Nationwide price increase index for the area.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts For year ended 31st December 2023
Relationships between the Charity and Related Parties
Members of the fellowship have engaged and continue to serve in many ways in the local community including the Respect Youth club. Relationships are being strengthened with the Windmills Opportunity Playgroup which meet at the Community Centre. The Sheddingdean Strummers, all of whom are members of the church, are a Ukulele, Guitar, Song and Dance Group which performs in local venues.
The church continues its support of Befriended, an organisation providing support and friendship for the lonely and elderly. A church trustee is a volunteer for them and was formerly a trustee on the Befriended Committee.
Members of the fellowship regularly contribute items of food and toiletries to the Basics Bank at Brighton and Hove City Mission, this forms a food bank in Brighton.
Several Ministers of local churches continue to meet monthly for prayer and there are regular joint church prayer events.
The Church remains committed to promoting and using fairly-traded produce.
Members of the Fellowship continue to support the Cornerstone Project financially.
Charity Vision and Mission Statement
‘Connecting more deeply with God (worship) so that we can connect God to every part of our lives (discipleship) and then connect others to Jesus (mission).’
At Sheddingdean Baptist Church we are seeking to be
-
A praying community
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A kingdom community
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A welcoming community
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A caring and loving community
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A community in which trusting relationships are built
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A community who loves the scriptures
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A spirit led community
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A diverse but integrated community
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A community in which God's creation is respected and nurtured
Objectives and Activities
The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to Holy Scripture and the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
The Activities, which seek to serve both the membership and the local and wider community include, but are not restricted to:
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts For year ended 31st December 2023
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regular public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching
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baptism, as defined in the Baptist Union's Declaration of Principle
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the Communion of the Lord's Supper
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evangelism and mission, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally
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the teaching, encouragement, welcome and inclusion of young people
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nurture and growth of Christian disciples
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education and training for Christian and community service
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giving and encouraging pastoral care
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supporting and encouraging charitable social action in the United Kingdom and abroad
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encouraging relationships with and supporting Baptists and other Christians
Worship
Weekly services have been held at Sheddingdean Primary School. Until June, monthly services were held at Gateway Baptist Church, in the afternoon, to accommodate more people and to enable us to serve refreshments. This afternoon service has also incorporated Senior Songs of Praise.
Until his retirement at the end of June, the Minister had overall responsibility for services and for preaching. Since June, services have been led by members of the church and there have been visiting preachers each week. Stuart Davison, a church member and our moderator, has preached once a month.
We connect with IBTI (International Bible Training Institute) and welcome the students to lead worship.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Prayer
Prayer is a fundamental part of our life at Sheddingdean Baptist Church.
During 2023 our online Tuesday morning prayer has continued and flourished. The half an hour spent together is an important time in the week. We usually focus on three different relevant topics as well as praying for pastoral needs in the church. We have also started meeting for prayer again in person once a month on a Tuesday evening at the Community Centre.
Throughout 2023 the weekly prayer walk around our community on Thursday afternoons has continued. During this time we have not only prayed all around our area: Sheddingdean, the Cornerstone site, the Industrial estate, Bedelands and the new area of Brookleigh, but we have made good relationships with the builders on the new estate.
We have picked up litter around the area, and engaged in conversations wherever possible. It is a wonderful time of prayer as well as fellowship together as we walk.
Connection Groups
The Church runs a number of Connection groups with the aim of providing fellowship, pastoral care and the growth of faith and discipleship. Attendance has increased and, in the summer one group divided to form two new groups both of which have flourished and welcomed new members, including some who are unable to attend Sunday worship. Groups are encouraged to find the right time of day and day of week which best suits their members (e.g., the more elderly or those with a disability often prefer daytime meetings). Transport needs are also taken into account.
Church Awayday
In October the church enjoyed a day of worship and teaching at the Jubilee Centre, Barcombe. This was led by our moderator, Stuart, and fantastic worship led by Gill. We shared a very moving time of communion where we served and prayed for each other. The day focused on Moses, looking at the Passover, Moses’ leadership of the people and his encounter with God.
The church family shared an excellent lunchtime together, and afterwards many enjoyed a walk around the area of Barcombe in the warm sunshine.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
A stroll through the countryside during our Awayday.
Children and Youth
Sheddingdean Baptist Church is active and engaging in the community. We have good connections with various families through Messy Church and it’s a surprise to many how SBC and a small 'church' can organise such a fun and engaging event. This is all down to the gifts our God has provided and how he is working in the Sheddingdean Community.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Messy Church continued in 2023 and was held every other month throughout the year alternating with a planning/preparation meeting. We had a regular attendance of between 30 to 40 children accompanied by their parents/guardians and they enjoyed a morning of crafts, games and hospitality as well as a celebration time with bible stories or songs.
Sheddingdean Easter Egg Hunt
2023 was the third consecutive year of holding our Community Easter Egg Hunt. On Good Friday, about 300 children came once again, all receiving the Easter Message when attending our Hunt around the Bedelands Nature Reserve. Our marvellous volunteers from SBC and Messy Church acted as guides, teamakers, and hot cross bun butterers! We received donations of hot cross buns from the local Coop, and some funding from the local housing association.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Cornerstone Café
The Cornerstone café continued to be open in 2023 twice monthly attracting visitors from the church and the community. It was valued by those who visited it but, due to falling numbers, the café closed temporarily at the end of July for the summer period.
After rebranding as The Community Café, we reopened in November on a bi-monthly basis on the 2[nd] Saturday of the month. A play and craft area was made available for children and this was widely advertised to our Messy community.
On our opening day the café was blessed with visitors from all ages and it was therefore decided to continue with this venture in the New Year and build on its success.
Pudding and Coffee Club
Pudding and Coffee Club currently meets at Notcutts Garden Centre, Ditchling on the third Saturday of each month. It is intended to maintain contact between ladies, who over the years, have had a connection with the church fellowship. Attendance varies between ten and fifteen.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Sheddingdean Strummers
The Sheddingdean Strummers; Martin, Tafrina, Maggie, Eric, Stuart and Gill have continued in 2023 to perform to various local groups bringing the joy of music and hope to various groups locally and further afield.
Our repertoire of songs, both secular and sacred are performed with the intention of bringing joy to people, particularly seniors and residents of care homes. Sometimes people like to support the work that we do by giving gifts to the Cornerstone project.
In February 2023 we returned to Chailey Heritage to perform to some of the pupils there, and also to Clayton Court in Burgess Hill to sing to the homeowners.
In March we were at Glentworth House in Hove working alongside the Brighton and Hove City Mission in their work there.
In April we sang at St Wilfred’s Vintage Club, and in June we were back at Chailey Heritage again. We joined in the farewell lunch for our Pastor Trevor and his family at Sheddingdean Community Centre in June and we were performing for “Befriended” at Gateway Baptist Church in July.
In October we had the joy of singing at Crossways Care Home in Lindfield where Dora, one of our church members lives.
In November we were at Forest View to sing to Roger and the other residents there.
Finally in December we played at Christmas events; the WI that meet at St Wilfred’s in Burgess Hill and “The Happy Hour” group at Plumpton Village Hall and finally at our own Sheddingdean Baptist Church Carol Service.
Welcome Leaflet
A Welcome Leaflet has been produced for residents of the new Brookleigh development situated adjacent to the Sheddingdean area. The leaflet gives details of all the churches in the town and the facilities they offer which may support members of the community. These have been delivered by the prayer walkers on a Thursday afternoon.
Mission
The Church provides financial and prayer support to organisations working for the advancement of the Christian faith both in the UK and in the wider world.
Each year the church fellowship gives to various organisations.
Total mission giving was 22% of total receipts (excludes Cornerstone income)
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Baptist mission giving was £9531 (81% of mission giving)
-
Giving to other causes was £2105 (19% of mission giving)
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
The Church has maintained its support for its mission partners across the world through the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS); to Baptist Union Home Mission (8.1% of total receipts) and to Baptist Twinning in Israel (for NETS – Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary).
Fellowship members requested giving to the Turkey/Syria earthquake in February.
The Church Anniversary Appeal was for a replacement tree outside the local Coop. This tree had been planted for the community as a remembrance to loved ones lost during the Covid Pandemic, but had been vandalised. This will be purchased and planted next spring.
Harvest-time – our offering was for the BMS Appeal ‘Days of Plenty’. This was to help people in Uganda to buy seeds and to sell their crops, following drought, wildfires, and the effects of climate change.
Our final appeal for the year was at Christmas…for a local charity, ‘Kangaroos’. This charity enables folk with learning disabilities and additional needs to enjoy a full and varied social life.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts For year ended 31st December 2023
Giving (apart from Baptist giving) includes regular support of the Savage family who planted and now lead a church, along with its associated activities, in Hem, Northern France. The church works with children and young people as well as people facing many difficulties in life. It also holds community events annually.
Regular support is also given to Brighton & Hove City Mission for their work with the needy, which includes going into schools and care homes, and running the local foodbank.
This year saw the beginning of new regular giving to a charity called TEK URA. This is based in Albania, and works with the underprivileged who have little access to appropriate healthcare, especially physiotherapy. Locals are being trained as professionals and encouraged to take on leadership roles.
Once again, the church supported Samaritan’s Purse’ ‘Operation Christmas Child’. Shoe boxes were sent to disadvantaged children in different parts of the world, accompanied by donations to assist with transport.
Local Mission - The Church is situated on the edge of the Northern Arc development which will see thousands of new homes built over the next 15 years. We see this this as a significant part of our mission field as we seek to serve and build relationships in the area and create a bridge between the existing and new communities.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts For year ended 31st December 2023
GDPR
GDPR
The Church Leadership is fully committed to implementing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
GDPR came into force on 27[th] May 2018 and the Trustees are fully committed to implementing it. Three people attended a course at Gateway Baptist organised by SEBA. Subsequent to this, a GDPR Policy was drawn up and passed by the Membership at the AGM.
The Church now holds signed permission by everyone in the database. The Leadership will update the policy as and when required to make sure that we conform to the regulations.
T h e C o r n e r s t o n e P r o j e c t
‘Church, Community and Creation working together in harmony’
In January, a new planning application was submitted to Mid Sussex District Council, detailing designs from Pod Developments Ltd. Planning permission was granted in April. This modular design will enable the project to be completed in phases, which will make the start of the build more achievable. There is still a shortfall in finances needed to commence building and the Church remains in a period of praying about the future direction of the building project whilst focussing on the missional elements of the Cornerstone vision.
Achievements and Performance
The Church does not measure the success of its activities purely by numbers, including financial numbers, but also in less tangible factors such as fellowship and encouragement. The Trustees acknowledge that these are difficult to measure but believe that 2023 was a good year in the life of the Church, particularly in the current climate.
| As at 31stDecember there were: | As at 31stDecember there were: |
|---|---|
| Baptisms | 0 |
| New Members | 2 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Total Members | 61 |
The average attendance for 2023 was 45, and the wider church fellowship prospered through various activities in and with the local community.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Financial review
Sheddingdean Baptist Church’s principal source of income arises from gifts received from members and others who are personally associated with the church.
Since the launch of the Cornerstone Project, some large gifts have been donated by members of the fellowship and others have also been given and pledged by various trusts. Income has also been generated by charitable activities.
Finance is also required for the upkeep of the Manse, the stipend and housing of the Pastor and the hiring of venues for church activities. There are no other paid employees.
During the year the church continued to make significant gifts to home and overseas missions and relief appeals: some of these gifts were made directly by individual members online, rather than through the church’s accounts.
Policy on Reserves
While the Trustees continue to believe that it is not appropriate to hold excessive reserves, they recognise that a general reserve is required to provide:
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Working capital
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A cushion against seasonal variations in income and expenditure
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Contingency provision against unexpected costs
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Flexibility to respond to unexpected needs and opportunities
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Provision for speedy access to capital for premises demands
All payments are subject to the availability of funds. In order to provide for these requirements, the Trustees believe that an appropriate level for the general reserve should fall about midway between the average of three months expenditure and one quarter of the annual budget. It is reviewed on an annual basis.
In 2018 the prudent balance figure was changed to £17,500 which, although slightly higher than the requirements set out above, was considered prudent whilst the Cornerstone Project is active. Reserves remained above this figure at all times throughout this year. In the event of the general reserve falling short of this ‘prudent balance’, action would be taken at the earliest opportunity to inform all members, and further steps would be taken to address the situation through the budgetary process. From December 2021 the majority of this money has been in an interest- bearing account. Given the requirement to give 3 months’ notice to withdraw the funds, the decision was made to leave the remaining £2,500 within the General current account.
The examined Accounts for the year 2023 follow in the subsequent pages of the report.
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
| Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheddingdean Baptist Church | |||||||||
| Analysis of Receipts and Payments - 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 | |||||||||
| Headings | General Account £s | Totals £s | Totals £s | ||||||
| Page 1 of 2 | Un-restricted | Designated | Restricted | This year | Last year | ||||
| Receipts | General Fund | General Reserves |
Mission | Com- passion |
CStone | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Donations and legacies | |||||||||
| General Collection, BACS receipts | £41,613.00 | £41,613.00 | £45,510.70 | ||||||
| Mission Anniversary gift Mission - Seasonal Mission - Love Gift |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||||
| £177.00 | £177.00 | £55.00 | |||||||
| £1,743.00 | £1,743.00 | £2,226.00 | |||||||
| £327.00 | £327.00 | £0.00 | |||||||
| Received Funds from Operation other | £25,649.00 | £25,649.00 | £912.80 | ||||||
| Operational - Café | £315.00 | £315.00 | £835.23 | ||||||
| Premises repayments received by l b Ministry other Compassion |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||||||
| General Funds received from CS | £1,600.00 | £1,600.00 | |||||||
| Mission FundsreceivedfromCS | £0.00 | ||||||||
| Donations and legacies Totals | £69,177.00 | £2,247.00 | £71,424.00 | £49,539.73 | |||||
| Charitable Activities | |||||||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||||
| Total Receipts - charitable activities |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Investments | |||||||||
| Interest on Bank DepositAccounts | £0.00 | £354.71 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £354.71 | £67.03 | ||
| Investments Totals | £0.00 | £354.71 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £354.71 | £67.03 | ||
| Other Income | |||||||||
| GiftAid/GASDSreceived a | £7,526.38 | £7,526.38 | £9,348.45 | ||||||
| ManseRentreceived | £1,067.20 | £1,067.20 | |||||||
| Other Receipts Totals | £8,593.58 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £8,593.58 | £9,348.45 | ||
| Receipts Grand totals | £77,770.58 | £354.71 | £2,247.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £80,372.29 | £58,955.21 |
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
| Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheddingdean Baptist Church | |||||||
| Analysis of Receipts and Payments - 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 | |||||||
| Headings | General Account £s | Totals | Totals | ||||
| Page 2 of 2 | Un-restricted | Restricted | This year | Last year | |||
| Payments | General Fund | General Reserves |
Mission | Com- passion |
Corner- stone |
2023 | 2022 |
| Raising funds | |||||||
| Payments on charitable activities | |||||||
| Operational | |||||||
| Administration Community & outreach |
£4,530.91 | £4,530.91 £141.25 |
£4,107.47 | ||||
| £141.25 | £557.25 | ||||||
| Youth Operational other - Café Operational other Pastorlal Connection Group Pastoral Gifts/flowers Compassion Training & BU Assembly Worship Premises |
£634.02 | £634.02 £267.04 £320.00 £0.00 £571.67 £21.69 £747.00 £2,447.77 £6,435.83 |
£694.42 | ||||
| £267.04 | £582.85 | ||||||
| £320.00 | £307.60 | ||||||
| £0.00 | £253.48 | ||||||
| £571.67 | £0.00 | ||||||
| £21.69 | £537.23 | ||||||
| £747.00 | £1,007.95 | ||||||
| £2,447.77 | £908.82 | ||||||
| £6,435.83 | £3,153.20 | ||||||
| **Operational Sub-total ** | £16,095.49 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £21.69 | £16,117.18 | £12,110.27 | |
| Manse | £336.42 £8,876.32 £9,212.74 |
||||||
| Insurance Maintenance/repairs |
£336.42 | £287.30 | |||||
| £8,876.32 | £306.40 | ||||||
| Manse Sub-total | £9,212.74 | £593.70 | |||||
| Minstry | |||||||
| In lieu payments | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| RetirementPensionpayments | £660.00 | £660.00 £16,327.24 £16,987.24 £8,020.00 £60.00 £0.00 £3,594.75 £12,181.00 £54,498.16 |
£2,040.00 | ||||
| Minister& allowances | £16,327.24 | £30,624.50 | |||||
| Ministry Sub-total | £16,987.24 | £32,664.50 | |||||
| Mission | |||||||
| Budgeted Mission | £8,020.00 | £7,580.00 | |||||
| Non Budgeted Mission | £60.00 | £1,608.75 | |||||
| Mission Anniversary Gift | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| Appeals/seasonal | £3,594.75 | £485.00 | |||||
| Mission - Love Gift | £506.25 | ||||||
| Mission Sub-totalb | £12,181.00 | £9,673.75 | |||||
| Payments-charitable activities Sub- totals |
£42,295.47 |
£0.00 | £12,181.00 | £21.69 | £55,042.22 | ||
| Other Payments | |||||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |
| Other Payments Totals | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Payments Grand totals | £42,295.47 | £0.00 | £12,181.00 | £21.69 | £0.00 | £54,498.16 | £55,042.22 |
| In year surplus/deficit | £35,475.11 | £354.71 | -£9,934.00 | -£21.69 | £0.00 | £25,874.13 | £3,912.99 |
| Transfers between General A/C funds c |
-£34,572.69 | £25,000.00 | £9,551.00 | £21.69 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Net Transfers betwn Funds during yeard |
-£18.75 | -£18.75 | -£2,900.00 | ||||
| In Year Balances | £902.42 | £25,354.71 | -£383.00 | £0.00 | -£18.75 | £25,855.38 | £1,012.99 |
| Balance B/F with EOY adjustment | £10,988.11 | £15,067.54 | £383.00 | £0.00 | £18.75 | £26,457.40 | £25,444.41 |
| Balance C/F | £11,890.53 | £40,422.25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £52,312.78 | £26,457.40 |
| End ofyear fund adjustments | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | -£383.00 | |||
| Balance after end of year adjustmts (does not include fixed assets) |
£11,890.53 | £40,422.25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £52,312.78 | £26,074.40 |
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Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
| Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheddingdean Baptist Church | ||||||
| Analysis of Receipts and Payments - 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 | ||||||
| Headings | Cornerstone Account £s | General Funds held £s | Totals £s | Totals £s | ||
| Restricted | Designated | Unrestricted | Thisyear | Lastyear | ||
| Receipts | **Cornerstone ** | Cornerstone | Missn | Gen Fund | 2023 | 2022 |
| Donations and legacies | ||||||
| Cornerstone Offering | £800.00 | £800.00 | £1,497.00 £22,469.00 |
|||
| CS Regular onlinegiving | £14,767.00 | £14,767.00 | ||||
| CS Regular Giving (cash/cheques) | £1,460.00 | £1,460.00 | £1,887.00 | |||
| In lieu ofpension | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| Cornerstone Large Gifts | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Moneyfrom Trusts | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Donations and legacies Totals | £17,027.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £17,027.00 | £25,853.00 |
| Charitable Activities | ||||||
| Fund Raiser Event Sky Dive Fundraising sponsored |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £11.00 £0.00 £0.00 |
|||
| £0.00 | ||||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| Memorial Funds/Funerals | £0.00 | £0.00 | £85.00 | |||
| Gift Day | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Collection boxes | £0.00 | £0.00 | £54.00 | |||
| Sale of coins/cables | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| EasyFundraising | £93.86 | £93.86 | £44.85 | |||
| Sheddingdean Sewers | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Sheddingdean Strummers | £104.00 | £104.00 | £235.00 | |||
| Total Receipts - charitable activities |
£197.86 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £197.86 | £429.85 |
| Investments | ||||||
| Interest on CAF account | £326.29 | £326.29 | £163.16 | |||
| Interest on LiquidityAccount | £1,206.42 | £1,206.42 | £228.01 | |||
| Interest on Bank Deposit Accounts |
£6,861.00 | £6,861.00 | £1,892.25 | |||
| Investments Totals | £8,393.71 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £8,393.71 | £2,283.42 |
| Other Receipts | ||||||
| Gift Aid/GASDS received | £2,648.00 | £2,648.00 | £4,362.58 | |||
| Other Receipts Totals | £2,648.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £2,648.00 | £4,362.58 |
| Receipts Grand totals | £28,266.57 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £28,266.57 | £32,928.85 |
| Expenses | **Cornerstone ** | Cornerstone | Missn | Gen Fund | 2023 | 2022 |
| Payments | ||||||
| Surveys and Planning Publicity Solicitor's fees Cornerstone Consultancy Fees Architect Fees |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 |
|||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| Cornerstone Fundraising costs | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| MonthlyAccount Fees CAF | £60.00 | £60.00 | £81.00 | |||
| Payments Grand totals | £60.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £60.00 | £81.00 |
| Inyear surplus/deficit | £28,206.57 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £28,206.57 | £32,847.85 £0.00 |
| Net money received for and paid out to General fund during year |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||
| Transfers between CS and General Funds during year |
£2,900.00 | |||||
| In Year Balances | £28,206.57 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £28,206.57 | £35,747.85 |
| Balance B/F with EOY adjustment | £394,393.49 | £19,586.00 | £0.00 | **£0.00 ** | £413,979.49 | £378,231.64 |
| Bal c/f | £422,600.06 | £19,586.00 | £0.00 | **£0.00 ** | £442,186.06 | £413,979.49 |
| End of year fund adjustments | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| Balance after end of year adjustmts (does not include fixed assets) |
£422,600.06 |
£19,586.00 | £0.00 | **£0.00 ** | £442,186.06 | £413,979.49 |
Page 17 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
-
The Receipts and Payments of the General accounts and the Cornerstone accounts are presented separately on Excel software, and this allows them to be managed separately. Columns within each section indicate which funds are held within these accounts.
-
There was a total of £25K of transfers not showing as cleared 31 December 2023 (from General Ac to Gen Reserve Ac). This transfer is reflected in the NatWest Current Ac and General Reserve Ac shown.
-
The church holds a NatWest Current account for Sheddingdean Baptist Church General Funds as well as a 3 month notice interest generating Liquidity Manager Saver Account which holds the majority of the Reserve funds (see also the information given in the Financial Review). The church also holds a CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) bank account for Cornerstone funds, as well as a NatWest Current Account, Two Baptist Union Deposit Accounts and a NatWest Liquidity Manager Saver Account. Currently, there is an additional £25k located with the Reserve Account. This was a gift from the Redfern Trust to use as the church desires.
-
The format for these accounts is set out to comply with SORP regulations. This shows in detail the Receipts and Payments, and Assets and Liabilities of the Church.
-
Assets and liabilities are recorded on a separate page.
-
For further notes, see ‘notes’ that follow.
-
S Jenkinson, VB Dando & JT Styles
These notes form an integral part of the Statement of Accounts
-
a. Gift Aid was received at the rate of 20% tax of gross (before tax) income. Benefit was also received from the Gift Aid Small Donation Scheme (GASDS). All Gift Aid is received into the General account and the proportion of Gift Aid that is received for donations to Cornerstone is then transferred into the Cornerstone account.
-
b. Mission income is that due to special appeals for mission and donations that are marked for mission. These are accounted for, over and above the church’s normal allocation for mission work which is included in the Annual Budget, and funded from the general Fund. Giving to mission (that was processed through the church accounts) amounted to 22% of total receipts in 2023.
-
c. Transfers between General funds during the year included the levelling off of the compassion and mission funds, as, unless a specific donation has been made for a particular project or cause, the funds are set to ‘£0’ for the following year. A budget amount is set for both these funds.
-
d. Monies owing to the Cornerstone account but held in the General Current Account, and vice versa, that were transferred during the year are recorded as ‘Transfers of different funds during the year’ and is shown in the rows below the ‘in year surplus/deficit’ row.
Further notes:
Any funds still requiring to be transferred, i.e. that were received for a specific mission, but have not been paid out from the General fund are entered in the row labelled ‘End of year fund adjustments’, which will be transferred during the following year.
The church building project is called The Cornerstone Project (labelled as Cornerstone in the accounts) and records monies given specifically for this purpose. The majority of standing orders to Cornerstone are paid into the NatWest Account and Cornerstone Collection monies are generally paid into the NatWest bank account. In order to keep the balance of money held in the NatWest Cornerstone Current Account to a level that does not attract business rates, transfers of money are made to the CAF bank account during the year. This account is used to make payments relating to Cornerstone. Cornerstone has been nominated as a recipient for some memorial funds.
Page 18 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
S Jenkinson (Treasurer), VB Dando & JT Styles (Treasury Team)
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities(by fund) as at 31 December 2023 | |||||||
| Balance | Previous Balance | ||||||
| Tangible Assets | General Fund | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | ||||
| Equipment: Computer Equipment and PA | £5,392.00 | £3,758.56 | |||||
| £367,300.00 | |||||||
| Mansea | £391,000.00 | ||||||
| **Tangible Assets ** | £372,692.00 | £394,758.56 | |||||
| Cornerstone Funds | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | |||||
| Balance | Previous Balance | ||||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | |||||||
| Cornerstone Current Account NatWest - Asset | Funds | Actual | |||||
| Cornerstone | Restricted | £5,058.46 | 5185.6 | ||||
| Cornerstone | Restricted | £19,586.00 | £19,586.00 | ||||
| Cornerstone | Designated | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| General Fund | Unrestricted | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| £24,644.46 | £24,771.60 | ||||||
| Cornerstone Liquid Manager NatWest |
Restricted | £52,453.25 | 51246.83 | ||||
| CAF Bank Cornerstone Account | |||||||
| Cornerstone | Restricted | £126,398.19 | £196,132 | ||||
| Cornerstone | Designated | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| General Fund | Unrestricted | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| General Fund - mission | Designated | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| £126,398.19 | £196,131.90 | ||||||
| BU Deposit Account G08S006 | Restricted | £184,983.23 | £89,175.29 | ||||
| BU Deposit Account NS024 (previously G12S001) |
Restricted | £53,706.93 | £0.00 | £52,653.87 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand Cornerstone | £442,186.06 | £413,979.49 | |||||
| 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | ||||||
| Balance | Previous Balance | ||||||
| Funds | |||||||
| General Bank Account | |||||||
| Cornerstone | Restricted | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| Mission Designated | £0.00 | £383.00 | |||||
| Compassion Designated | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| General | Unrestricted | £11,890.53 | £11,006.86 | ||||
| £11,890.53 £11,389.86 |
|||||||
| 35 day Liquidity Manager Account Reserve Account |
General | Unrestricted | £40,422.25 | £15,067.54 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand General | £52,312.78 | £26,457.40 | |||||
| Total General and Cornerstone Cash at bank and in hand |
£494,498.84 | £440,436.89 | |||||
| Grand Total | £867,190.84 | £835,195.45 | |||||
Note a Nationwide index and recent sales in the area. S Jenkinson (Treasurer) JT Styles, VB Dando (Treasury Team)
Page 19 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Examiner of Accounts
The examiner of the 2023 accounts was Mr Neil Watts, F.P.M.I. We are very grateful to him for all his help.
Declaration
Accounts prepared by the Treasury Team.
Approved by the Trustees of Sheddingdean Baptist Church on 13.5.2024 and signed on their
behalf by:
Susan Jenkinson
Valerie Dando
Treasurer/Trustee Trustee
Page 20 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8
The Church said goodbye to Trevor Beckett and his family at the end of June 2023. Our thanks go to Trevor and the family for their service to SBC. We are grateful for Trevor’s ministry, teaching and leadership, and for making a difference in our lives and in the community.
Page 1 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
The Leadership Team (all of whom are the church’s trustees under the Charities Act) are pleased to present the Annual Report, together with the accounts that have been examined in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission, for the year to 31 December 2023.
The financial statements comply with the required Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
The Trustees are so thankful for all the encouragement and support that they have received from the membership and congregation throughout the year.
Reference and Administrative details of the Charity and its Trustees
Charity Status
Sheddingdean Baptist Church is a Registered Charity - number 1168341. 20 July 2016.
The Church does not currently own a place of worship but meets at Sheddingdean Primary School.
Managing Trustees
The Church is administered by the current Diaconate who are the Managing Trustees of the Charity comprising:
Pastor: Reverend Trevor Beckett (retired June 2023)
Colin Allen
Sylvia Lewis
Deborah McDonald
Valerie Dando
Gillian Davison
Eric Pollard
Bankers: Nat West Bank, 1 Muster Green, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4AP
Baptist Union Corporation Ltd, Baptist House, PO Box 44, 129 Broadway, Didcot, OX11 8RT
CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 44JQ
Page 2 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Independent Examiner:
Mr Neil Watts, F.P.M.I., 25 Greenlands Close, Burgess Hill,
RH15 0AR
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
Sheddingdean Baptist Church is an un-incorporated body, a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, Didcot, Oxfordshire. It is governed by the terms set out in its own Constitution.
The current Constitution was adopted on 27 January 2015 at a Special Church Meeting and was amended on 27 November 2018 in order to allow a higher number of Trustees, and in July 2022 to allow ‘equivalents to be treasurer and secretary’.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The method of recruitment and appointment of trustees is set out in section 15 of the Church Constitution. Under guidelines issued by the Baptist Union, those appointed by the constitutional process to serve as elders or deacons, and those appointed to specific posts by the constitutional process, such as Secretary and Treasurer, automatically become Trustees on their appointment.
Organisational Structure
The Church is governed and regulated by its own members where all aspects of the work of the Church are subject to the approval of the Church meeting that is normally held five times a year. The Minister of the Church is a paid Managing Trustee and with the Deacons gives leadership to the Church. The Deacons assist the Minister in his/her role and are also responsible for preparing the business for the Church Meetings.
The Baptist Union and South Eastern Baptist Association
The Church is part of the wider Baptist family and is therefore a member church of the South Eastern Baptist Association (SEBA) and of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB). Both organisations are registered charities. The Church pays an annual subscription to SEBA and to BUGB based upon its membership numbers and also makes a donation to BUGB (Home Mission Fund) for the Baptist family in the UK.
Custodian Trustee
The Baptist Union holds the deeds for the Manse. This property is 31 Chestnut Close, Burgess Hill, RH15 0HN. No property valuation has been undertaken in recent years and the value shown in the accounts is the estimated value based on local market house sale prices and the Nationwide price increase index for the area.
Page 3 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts For year ended 31st December 2023
Relationships between the Charity and Related Parties
Members of the fellowship have engaged and continue to serve in many ways in the local community including the Respect Youth club. Relationships are being strengthened with the Windmills Opportunity Playgroup which meet at the Community Centre. The Sheddingdean Strummers, all of whom are members of the church, are a Ukulele, Guitar, Song and Dance Group which performs in local venues.
The church continues its support of Befriended, an organisation providing support and friendship for the lonely and elderly. A church trustee is a volunteer for them and was formerly a trustee on the Befriended Committee.
Members of the fellowship regularly contribute items of food and toiletries to the Basics Bank at Brighton and Hove City Mission, this forms a food bank in Brighton.
Several Ministers of local churches continue to meet monthly for prayer and there are regular joint church prayer events.
The Church remains committed to promoting and using fairly-traded produce.
Members of the Fellowship continue to support the Cornerstone Project financially.
Charity Vision and Mission Statement
‘Connecting more deeply with God (worship) so that we can connect God to every part of our lives (discipleship) and then connect others to Jesus (mission).’
At Sheddingdean Baptist Church we are seeking to be
-
A praying community
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A kingdom community
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A welcoming community
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A caring and loving community
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A community in which trusting relationships are built
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A community who loves the scriptures
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A spirit led community
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A diverse but integrated community
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A community in which God's creation is respected and nurtured
Objectives and Activities
The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to Holy Scripture and the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
The Activities, which seek to serve both the membership and the local and wider community include, but are not restricted to:
Page 4 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts For year ended 31st December 2023
-
regular public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching
-
baptism, as defined in the Baptist Union's Declaration of Principle
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the Communion of the Lord's Supper
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evangelism and mission, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally
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the teaching, encouragement, welcome and inclusion of young people
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nurture and growth of Christian disciples
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education and training for Christian and community service
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giving and encouraging pastoral care
-
supporting and encouraging charitable social action in the United Kingdom and abroad
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encouraging relationships with and supporting Baptists and other Christians
Worship
Weekly services have been held at Sheddingdean Primary School. Until June, monthly services were held at Gateway Baptist Church, in the afternoon, to accommodate more people and to enable us to serve refreshments. This afternoon service has also incorporated Senior Songs of Praise.
Until his retirement at the end of June, the Minister had overall responsibility for services and for preaching. Since June, services have been led by members of the church and there have been visiting preachers each week. Stuart Davison, a church member and our moderator, has preached once a month.
We connect with IBTI (International Bible Training Institute) and welcome the students to lead worship.
Page 5 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Prayer
Prayer is a fundamental part of our life at Sheddingdean Baptist Church.
During 2023 our online Tuesday morning prayer has continued and flourished. The half an hour spent together is an important time in the week. We usually focus on three different relevant topics as well as praying for pastoral needs in the church. We have also started meeting for prayer again in person once a month on a Tuesday evening at the Community Centre.
Throughout 2023 the weekly prayer walk around our community on Thursday afternoons has continued. During this time we have not only prayed all around our area: Sheddingdean, the Cornerstone site, the Industrial estate, Bedelands and the new area of Brookleigh, but we have made good relationships with the builders on the new estate.
We have picked up litter around the area, and engaged in conversations wherever possible. It is a wonderful time of prayer as well as fellowship together as we walk.
Connection Groups
The Church runs a number of Connection groups with the aim of providing fellowship, pastoral care and the growth of faith and discipleship. Attendance has increased and, in the summer one group divided to form two new groups both of which have flourished and welcomed new members, including some who are unable to attend Sunday worship. Groups are encouraged to find the right time of day and day of week which best suits their members (e.g., the more elderly or those with a disability often prefer daytime meetings). Transport needs are also taken into account.
Church Awayday
In October the church enjoyed a day of worship and teaching at the Jubilee Centre, Barcombe. This was led by our moderator, Stuart, and fantastic worship led by Gill. We shared a very moving time of communion where we served and prayed for each other. The day focused on Moses, looking at the Passover, Moses’ leadership of the people and his encounter with God.
The church family shared an excellent lunchtime together, and afterwards many enjoyed a walk around the area of Barcombe in the warm sunshine.
Page 6 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
A stroll through the countryside during our Awayday.
Children and Youth
Sheddingdean Baptist Church is active and engaging in the community. We have good connections with various families through Messy Church and it’s a surprise to many how SBC and a small 'church' can organise such a fun and engaging event. This is all down to the gifts our God has provided and how he is working in the Sheddingdean Community.
Page 7 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Messy Church continued in 2023 and was held every other month throughout the year alternating with a planning/preparation meeting. We had a regular attendance of between 30 to 40 children accompanied by their parents/guardians and they enjoyed a morning of crafts, games and hospitality as well as a celebration time with bible stories or songs.
Sheddingdean Easter Egg Hunt
2023 was the third consecutive year of holding our Community Easter Egg Hunt. On Good Friday, about 300 children came once again, all receiving the Easter Message when attending our Hunt around the Bedelands Nature Reserve. Our marvellous volunteers from SBC and Messy Church acted as guides, teamakers, and hot cross bun butterers! We received donations of hot cross buns from the local Coop, and some funding from the local housing association.
Page 8 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Cornerstone Café
The Cornerstone café continued to be open in 2023 twice monthly attracting visitors from the church and the community. It was valued by those who visited it but, due to falling numbers, the café closed temporarily at the end of July for the summer period.
After rebranding as The Community Café, we reopened in November on a bi-monthly basis on the 2[nd] Saturday of the month. A play and craft area was made available for children and this was widely advertised to our Messy community.
On our opening day the café was blessed with visitors from all ages and it was therefore decided to continue with this venture in the New Year and build on its success.
Pudding and Coffee Club
Pudding and Coffee Club currently meets at Notcutts Garden Centre, Ditchling on the third Saturday of each month. It is intended to maintain contact between ladies, who over the years, have had a connection with the church fellowship. Attendance varies between ten and fifteen.
Page 9 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Sheddingdean Strummers
The Sheddingdean Strummers; Martin, Tafrina, Maggie, Eric, Stuart and Gill have continued in 2023 to perform to various local groups bringing the joy of music and hope to various groups locally and further afield.
Our repertoire of songs, both secular and sacred are performed with the intention of bringing joy to people, particularly seniors and residents of care homes. Sometimes people like to support the work that we do by giving gifts to the Cornerstone project.
In February 2023 we returned to Chailey Heritage to perform to some of the pupils there, and also to Clayton Court in Burgess Hill to sing to the homeowners.
In March we were at Glentworth House in Hove working alongside the Brighton and Hove City Mission in their work there.
In April we sang at St Wilfred’s Vintage Club, and in June we were back at Chailey Heritage again. We joined in the farewell lunch for our Pastor Trevor and his family at Sheddingdean Community Centre in June and we were performing for “Befriended” at Gateway Baptist Church in July.
In October we had the joy of singing at Crossways Care Home in Lindfield where Dora, one of our church members lives.
In November we were at Forest View to sing to Roger and the other residents there.
Finally in December we played at Christmas events; the WI that meet at St Wilfred’s in Burgess Hill and “The Happy Hour” group at Plumpton Village Hall and finally at our own Sheddingdean Baptist Church Carol Service.
Welcome Leaflet
A Welcome Leaflet has been produced for residents of the new Brookleigh development situated adjacent to the Sheddingdean area. The leaflet gives details of all the churches in the town and the facilities they offer which may support members of the community. These have been delivered by the prayer walkers on a Thursday afternoon.
Mission
The Church provides financial and prayer support to organisations working for the advancement of the Christian faith both in the UK and in the wider world.
Each year the church fellowship gives to various organisations.
Total mission giving was 22% of total receipts (excludes Cornerstone income)
-
Baptist mission giving was £9531 (81% of mission giving)
-
Giving to other causes was £2105 (19% of mission giving)
Page 10 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
The Church has maintained its support for its mission partners across the world through the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS); to Baptist Union Home Mission (8.1% of total receipts) and to Baptist Twinning in Israel (for NETS – Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary).
Fellowship members requested giving to the Turkey/Syria earthquake in February.
The Church Anniversary Appeal was for a replacement tree outside the local Coop. This tree had been planted for the community as a remembrance to loved ones lost during the Covid Pandemic, but had been vandalised. This will be purchased and planted next spring.
Harvest-time – our offering was for the BMS Appeal ‘Days of Plenty’. This was to help people in Uganda to buy seeds and to sell their crops, following drought, wildfires, and the effects of climate change.
Our final appeal for the year was at Christmas…for a local charity, ‘Kangaroos’. This charity enables folk with learning disabilities and additional needs to enjoy a full and varied social life.
Page 11 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts For year ended 31st December 2023
Giving (apart from Baptist giving) includes regular support of the Savage family who planted and now lead a church, along with its associated activities, in Hem, Northern France. The church works with children and young people as well as people facing many difficulties in life. It also holds community events annually.
Regular support is also given to Brighton & Hove City Mission for their work with the needy, which includes going into schools and care homes, and running the local foodbank.
This year saw the beginning of new regular giving to a charity called TEK URA. This is based in Albania, and works with the underprivileged who have little access to appropriate healthcare, especially physiotherapy. Locals are being trained as professionals and encouraged to take on leadership roles.
Once again, the church supported Samaritan’s Purse’ ‘Operation Christmas Child’. Shoe boxes were sent to disadvantaged children in different parts of the world, accompanied by donations to assist with transport.
Local Mission - The Church is situated on the edge of the Northern Arc development which will see thousands of new homes built over the next 15 years. We see this this as a significant part of our mission field as we seek to serve and build relationships in the area and create a bridge between the existing and new communities.
Page 12 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts For year ended 31st December 2023
GDPR
GDPR
The Church Leadership is fully committed to implementing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
GDPR came into force on 27[th] May 2018 and the Trustees are fully committed to implementing it. Three people attended a course at Gateway Baptist organised by SEBA. Subsequent to this, a GDPR Policy was drawn up and passed by the Membership at the AGM.
The Church now holds signed permission by everyone in the database. The Leadership will update the policy as and when required to make sure that we conform to the regulations.
T h e C o r n e r s t o n e P r o j e c t
‘Church, Community and Creation working together in harmony’
In January, a new planning application was submitted to Mid Sussex District Council, detailing designs from Pod Developments Ltd. Planning permission was granted in April. This modular design will enable the project to be completed in phases, which will make the start of the build more achievable. There is still a shortfall in finances needed to commence building and the Church remains in a period of praying about the future direction of the building project whilst focussing on the missional elements of the Cornerstone vision.
Achievements and Performance
The Church does not measure the success of its activities purely by numbers, including financial numbers, but also in less tangible factors such as fellowship and encouragement. The Trustees acknowledge that these are difficult to measure but believe that 2023 was a good year in the life of the Church, particularly in the current climate.
| As at 31stDecember there were: | As at 31stDecember there were: |
|---|---|
| Baptisms | 0 |
| New Members | 2 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Total Members | 61 |
The average attendance for 2023 was 45, and the wider church fellowship prospered through various activities in and with the local community.
Page 13 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Financial review
Sheddingdean Baptist Church’s principal source of income arises from gifts received from members and others who are personally associated with the church.
Since the launch of the Cornerstone Project, some large gifts have been donated by members of the fellowship and others have also been given and pledged by various trusts. Income has also been generated by charitable activities.
Finance is also required for the upkeep of the Manse, the stipend and housing of the Pastor and the hiring of venues for church activities. There are no other paid employees.
During the year the church continued to make significant gifts to home and overseas missions and relief appeals: some of these gifts were made directly by individual members online, rather than through the church’s accounts.
Policy on Reserves
While the Trustees continue to believe that it is not appropriate to hold excessive reserves, they recognise that a general reserve is required to provide:
-
Working capital
-
A cushion against seasonal variations in income and expenditure
-
Contingency provision against unexpected costs
-
Flexibility to respond to unexpected needs and opportunities
-
Provision for speedy access to capital for premises demands
All payments are subject to the availability of funds. In order to provide for these requirements, the Trustees believe that an appropriate level for the general reserve should fall about midway between the average of three months expenditure and one quarter of the annual budget. It is reviewed on an annual basis.
In 2018 the prudent balance figure was changed to £17,500 which, although slightly higher than the requirements set out above, was considered prudent whilst the Cornerstone Project is active. Reserves remained above this figure at all times throughout this year. In the event of the general reserve falling short of this ‘prudent balance’, action would be taken at the earliest opportunity to inform all members, and further steps would be taken to address the situation through the budgetary process. From December 2021 the majority of this money has been in an interest- bearing account. Given the requirement to give 3 months’ notice to withdraw the funds, the decision was made to leave the remaining £2,500 within the General current account.
The examined Accounts for the year 2023 follow in the subsequent pages of the report.
Page 14 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
| Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheddingdean Baptist Church | |||||||||
| Analysis of Receipts and Payments - 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 | |||||||||
| Headings | General Account £s | Totals £s | Totals £s | ||||||
| Page 1 of 2 | Un-restricted | Designated | Restricted | This year | Last year | ||||
| Receipts | General Fund | General Reserves |
Mission | Com- passion |
CStone | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Donations and legacies | |||||||||
| General Collection, BACS receipts | £41,613.00 | £41,613.00 | £45,510.70 | ||||||
| Mission Anniversary gift Mission - Seasonal Mission - Love Gift |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||||
| £177.00 | £177.00 | £55.00 | |||||||
| £1,743.00 | £1,743.00 | £2,226.00 | |||||||
| £327.00 | £327.00 | £0.00 | |||||||
| Received Funds from Operation other | £25,649.00 | £25,649.00 | £912.80 | ||||||
| Operational - Café | £315.00 | £315.00 | £835.23 | ||||||
| Premises repayments received by l b Ministry other Compassion |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||||||
| General Funds received from CS | £1,600.00 | £1,600.00 | |||||||
| Mission FundsreceivedfromCS | £0.00 | ||||||||
| Donations and legacies Totals | £69,177.00 | £2,247.00 | £71,424.00 | £49,539.73 | |||||
| Charitable Activities | |||||||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||||
| Total Receipts - charitable activities |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Investments | |||||||||
| Interest on Bank DepositAccounts | £0.00 | £354.71 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £354.71 | £67.03 | ||
| Investments Totals | £0.00 | £354.71 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £354.71 | £67.03 | ||
| Other Income | |||||||||
| GiftAid/GASDSreceived a | £7,526.38 | £7,526.38 | £9,348.45 | ||||||
| ManseRentreceived | £1,067.20 | £1,067.20 | |||||||
| Other Receipts Totals | £8,593.58 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £8,593.58 | £9,348.45 | ||
| Receipts Grand totals | £77,770.58 | £354.71 | £2,247.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £80,372.29 | £58,955.21 |
Page 15 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
| Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheddingdean Baptist Church | |||||||
| Analysis of Receipts and Payments - 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 | |||||||
| Headings | General Account £s | Totals | Totals | ||||
| Page 2 of 2 | Un-restricted | Restricted | This year | Last year | |||
| Payments | General Fund | General Reserves |
Mission | Com- passion |
Corner- stone |
2023 | 2022 |
| Raising funds | |||||||
| Payments on charitable activities | |||||||
| Operational | |||||||
| Administration Community & outreach |
£4,530.91 | £4,530.91 £141.25 |
£4,107.47 | ||||
| £141.25 | £557.25 | ||||||
| Youth Operational other - Café Operational other Pastorlal Connection Group Pastoral Gifts/flowers Compassion Training & BU Assembly Worship Premises |
£634.02 | £634.02 £267.04 £320.00 £0.00 £571.67 £21.69 £747.00 £2,447.77 £6,435.83 |
£694.42 | ||||
| £267.04 | £582.85 | ||||||
| £320.00 | £307.60 | ||||||
| £0.00 | £253.48 | ||||||
| £571.67 | £0.00 | ||||||
| £21.69 | £537.23 | ||||||
| £747.00 | £1,007.95 | ||||||
| £2,447.77 | £908.82 | ||||||
| £6,435.83 | £3,153.20 | ||||||
| **Operational Sub-total ** | £16,095.49 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £21.69 | £16,117.18 | £12,110.27 | |
| Manse | £336.42 £8,876.32 £9,212.74 |
||||||
| Insurance Maintenance/repairs |
£336.42 | £287.30 | |||||
| £8,876.32 | £306.40 | ||||||
| Manse Sub-total | £9,212.74 | £593.70 | |||||
| Minstry | |||||||
| In lieu payments | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| RetirementPensionpayments | £660.00 | £660.00 £16,327.24 £16,987.24 £8,020.00 £60.00 £0.00 £3,594.75 £12,181.00 £54,498.16 |
£2,040.00 | ||||
| Minister& allowances | £16,327.24 | £30,624.50 | |||||
| Ministry Sub-total | £16,987.24 | £32,664.50 | |||||
| Mission | |||||||
| Budgeted Mission | £8,020.00 | £7,580.00 | |||||
| Non Budgeted Mission | £60.00 | £1,608.75 | |||||
| Mission Anniversary Gift | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| Appeals/seasonal | £3,594.75 | £485.00 | |||||
| Mission - Love Gift | £506.25 | ||||||
| Mission Sub-totalb | £12,181.00 | £9,673.75 | |||||
| Payments-charitable activities Sub- totals |
£42,295.47 |
£0.00 | £12,181.00 | £21.69 | £55,042.22 | ||
| Other Payments | |||||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |
| Other Payments Totals | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Payments Grand totals | £42,295.47 | £0.00 | £12,181.00 | £21.69 | £0.00 | £54,498.16 | £55,042.22 |
| In year surplus/deficit | £35,475.11 | £354.71 | -£9,934.00 | -£21.69 | £0.00 | £25,874.13 | £3,912.99 |
| Transfers between General A/C funds c |
-£34,572.69 | £25,000.00 | £9,551.00 | £21.69 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Net Transfers betwn Funds during yeard |
-£18.75 | -£18.75 | -£2,900.00 | ||||
| In Year Balances | £902.42 | £25,354.71 | -£383.00 | £0.00 | -£18.75 | £25,855.38 | £1,012.99 |
| Balance B/F with EOY adjustment | £10,988.11 | £15,067.54 | £383.00 | £0.00 | £18.75 | £26,457.40 | £25,444.41 |
| Balance C/F | £11,890.53 | £40,422.25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £52,312.78 | £26,457.40 |
| End ofyear fund adjustments | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | -£383.00 | |||
| Balance after end of year adjustmts (does not include fixed assets) |
£11,890.53 | £40,422.25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £52,312.78 | £26,074.40 |
Page 16 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
| Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | Foryear ended 31st December 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheddingdean Baptist Church | ||||||
| Analysis of Receipts and Payments - 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 | ||||||
| Headings | Cornerstone Account £s | General Funds held £s | Totals £s | Totals £s | ||
| Restricted | Designated | Unrestricted | Thisyear | Lastyear | ||
| Receipts | **Cornerstone ** | Cornerstone | Missn | Gen Fund | 2023 | 2022 |
| Donations and legacies | ||||||
| Cornerstone Offering | £800.00 | £800.00 | £1,497.00 £22,469.00 |
|||
| CS Regular onlinegiving | £14,767.00 | £14,767.00 | ||||
| CS Regular Giving (cash/cheques) | £1,460.00 | £1,460.00 | £1,887.00 | |||
| In lieu ofpension | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| Cornerstone Large Gifts | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Moneyfrom Trusts | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Donations and legacies Totals | £17,027.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £17,027.00 | £25,853.00 |
| Charitable Activities | ||||||
| Fund Raiser Event Sky Dive Fundraising sponsored |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £11.00 £0.00 £0.00 |
|||
| £0.00 | ||||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| Memorial Funds/Funerals | £0.00 | £0.00 | £85.00 | |||
| Gift Day | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Collection boxes | £0.00 | £0.00 | £54.00 | |||
| Sale of coins/cables | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| EasyFundraising | £93.86 | £93.86 | £44.85 | |||
| Sheddingdean Sewers | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Sheddingdean Strummers | £104.00 | £104.00 | £235.00 | |||
| Total Receipts - charitable activities |
£197.86 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £197.86 | £429.85 |
| Investments | ||||||
| Interest on CAF account | £326.29 | £326.29 | £163.16 | |||
| Interest on LiquidityAccount | £1,206.42 | £1,206.42 | £228.01 | |||
| Interest on Bank Deposit Accounts |
£6,861.00 | £6,861.00 | £1,892.25 | |||
| Investments Totals | £8,393.71 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £8,393.71 | £2,283.42 |
| Other Receipts | ||||||
| Gift Aid/GASDS received | £2,648.00 | £2,648.00 | £4,362.58 | |||
| Other Receipts Totals | £2,648.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £2,648.00 | £4,362.58 |
| Receipts Grand totals | £28,266.57 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £28,266.57 | £32,928.85 |
| Expenses | **Cornerstone ** | Cornerstone | Missn | Gen Fund | 2023 | 2022 |
| Payments | ||||||
| Surveys and Planning Publicity Solicitor's fees Cornerstone Consultancy Fees Architect Fees |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 |
|||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| Cornerstone Fundraising costs | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||
| MonthlyAccount Fees CAF | £60.00 | £60.00 | £81.00 | |||
| Payments Grand totals | £60.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £60.00 | £81.00 |
| Inyear surplus/deficit | £28,206.57 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £28,206.57 | £32,847.85 £0.00 |
| Net money received for and paid out to General fund during year |
£0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||
| Transfers between CS and General Funds during year |
£2,900.00 | |||||
| In Year Balances | £28,206.57 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £28,206.57 | £35,747.85 |
| Balance B/F with EOY adjustment | £394,393.49 | £19,586.00 | £0.00 | **£0.00 ** | £413,979.49 | £378,231.64 |
| Bal c/f | £422,600.06 | £19,586.00 | £0.00 | **£0.00 ** | £442,186.06 | £413,979.49 |
| End of year fund adjustments | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| Balance after end of year adjustmts (does not include fixed assets) |
£422,600.06 |
£19,586.00 | £0.00 | **£0.00 ** | £442,186.06 | £413,979.49 |
Page 17 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
-
The Receipts and Payments of the General accounts and the Cornerstone accounts are presented separately on Excel software, and this allows them to be managed separately. Columns within each section indicate which funds are held within these accounts.
-
There was a total of £25K of transfers not showing as cleared 31 December 2023 (from General Ac to Gen Reserve Ac). This transfer is reflected in the NatWest Current Ac and General Reserve Ac shown.
-
The church holds a NatWest Current account for Sheddingdean Baptist Church General Funds as well as a 3 month notice interest generating Liquidity Manager Saver Account which holds the majority of the Reserve funds (see also the information given in the Financial Review). The church also holds a CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) bank account for Cornerstone funds, as well as a NatWest Current Account, Two Baptist Union Deposit Accounts and a NatWest Liquidity Manager Saver Account. Currently, there is an additional £25k located with the Reserve Account. This was a gift from the Redfern Trust to use as the church desires.
-
The format for these accounts is set out to comply with SORP regulations. This shows in detail the Receipts and Payments, and Assets and Liabilities of the Church.
-
Assets and liabilities are recorded on a separate page.
-
For further notes, see ‘notes’ that follow.
-
S Jenkinson, VB Dando & JT Styles
These notes form an integral part of the Statement of Accounts
-
a. Gift Aid was received at the rate of 20% tax of gross (before tax) income. Benefit was also received from the Gift Aid Small Donation Scheme (GASDS). All Gift Aid is received into the General account and the proportion of Gift Aid that is received for donations to Cornerstone is then transferred into the Cornerstone account.
-
b. Mission income is that due to special appeals for mission and donations that are marked for mission. These are accounted for, over and above the church’s normal allocation for mission work which is included in the Annual Budget, and funded from the general Fund. Giving to mission (that was processed through the church accounts) amounted to 22% of total receipts in 2023.
-
c. Transfers between General funds during the year included the levelling off of the compassion and mission funds, as, unless a specific donation has been made for a particular project or cause, the funds are set to ‘£0’ for the following year. A budget amount is set for both these funds.
-
d. Monies owing to the Cornerstone account but held in the General Current Account, and vice versa, that were transferred during the year are recorded as ‘Transfers of different funds during the year’ and is shown in the rows below the ‘in year surplus/deficit’ row.
Further notes:
Any funds still requiring to be transferred, i.e. that were received for a specific mission, but have not been paid out from the General fund are entered in the row labelled ‘End of year fund adjustments’, which will be transferred during the following year.
The church building project is called The Cornerstone Project (labelled as Cornerstone in the accounts) and records monies given specifically for this purpose. The majority of standing orders to Cornerstone are paid into the NatWest Account and Cornerstone Collection monies are generally paid into the NatWest bank account. In order to keep the balance of money held in the NatWest Cornerstone Current Account to a level that does not attract business rates, transfers of money are made to the CAF bank account during the year. This account is used to make payments relating to Cornerstone. Cornerstone has been nominated as a recipient for some memorial funds.
Page 18 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
S Jenkinson (Treasurer), VB Dando & JT Styles (Treasury Team)
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities(by fund) as at 31 December 2023 | |||||||
| Balance | Previous Balance | ||||||
| Tangible Assets | General Fund | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | ||||
| Equipment: Computer Equipment and PA | £5,392.00 | £3,758.56 | |||||
| £367,300.00 | |||||||
| Mansea | £391,000.00 | ||||||
| **Tangible Assets ** | £372,692.00 | £394,758.56 | |||||
| Cornerstone Funds | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | |||||
| Balance | Previous Balance | ||||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | |||||||
| Cornerstone Current Account NatWest - Asset | Funds | Actual | |||||
| Cornerstone | Restricted | £5,058.46 | 5185.6 | ||||
| Cornerstone | Restricted | £19,586.00 | £19,586.00 | ||||
| Cornerstone | Designated | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| General Fund | Unrestricted | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| £24,644.46 | £24,771.60 | ||||||
| Cornerstone Liquid Manager NatWest |
Restricted | £52,453.25 | 51246.83 | ||||
| CAF Bank Cornerstone Account | |||||||
| Cornerstone | Restricted | £126,398.19 | £196,132 | ||||
| Cornerstone | Designated | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| General Fund | Unrestricted | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| General Fund - mission | Designated | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| £126,398.19 | £196,131.90 | ||||||
| BU Deposit Account G08S006 | Restricted | £184,983.23 | £89,175.29 | ||||
| BU Deposit Account NS024 (previously G12S001) |
Restricted | £53,706.93 | £0.00 | £52,653.87 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand Cornerstone | £442,186.06 | £413,979.49 | |||||
| 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | ||||||
| Balance | Previous Balance | ||||||
| Funds | |||||||
| General Bank Account | |||||||
| Cornerstone | Restricted | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||||
| Mission Designated | £0.00 | £383.00 | |||||
| Compassion Designated | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| General | Unrestricted | £11,890.53 | £11,006.86 | ||||
| £11,890.53 £11,389.86 |
|||||||
| 35 day Liquidity Manager Account Reserve Account |
General | Unrestricted | £40,422.25 | £15,067.54 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand General | £52,312.78 | £26,457.40 | |||||
| Total General and Cornerstone Cash at bank and in hand |
£494,498.84 | £440,436.89 | |||||
| Grand Total | £867,190.84 | £835,195.45 | |||||
Note a Nationwide index and recent sales in the area. S Jenkinson (Treasurer) JT Styles, VB Dando (Treasury Team)
Page 19 of 20
Sheddingdean Baptist Church Annual Report and Accounts
For year ended 31st December 2023
Examiner of Accounts
The examiner of the 2023 accounts was Mr Neil Watts, F.P.M.I. We are very grateful to him for all his help.
Declaration
Accounts prepared by the Treasury Team.
Approved by the Trustees of Sheddingdean Baptist Church on 13.5.2024 and signed on their
behalf by:
Susan Jenkinson
Valerie Dando
Treasurer/Trustee Trustee
Page 20 of 20
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charty accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018