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2023-12-31-accounts

Annual Trustee Report 2023

What a difficult thing it is to write a report that does justice to all that has happened at Pinner Baptist Church in 2023! The growth in numbers, in activities, in community, in governance and in faith, is so varied it is difficult to know where to begin.

The year started, as always, with a Service of Re-Dedication on 15 January, followed by a lunch together in the church hall. The leaders were commissioned for a further year of service and all church members and congregation also committed themselves for 2023, and so began another year of prayer, worship and service at Pinner Baptist Church.

By the end of 2022 we had returned to almost a normal way of doing things after the various restrictions imposed by the covid pandemic. But there was one major change that took place early in 2023 – we stopped using the little plastic cups with the peel-off tops containing the bread and wine for Communion. Once we made this decision, we moved to the present system of the congregation coming up to receive the wafer and the little cup of wine, then returning to our seats so that we could share the Communion all together. This was a major step forward and enabled us to feel part of the Communion Service and realise anew the significance of what we were doing. We were also relieved not to have to peel off the little tops anymore! Our thanks to Vino and Su Ramachandra, Marilyn Graceson and Anne Jayawardene, the Communion Stewards, who make sure everything is always ready for this special part of our services.

PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY

The leaders have continued to meet on the 2[nd] Wednesday of every month for prayer, with the church prayer meeting for everyone on the 3[rd] Wednesday. In 2022 we had returned to face-to-face prayer meetings, but in 2023, we changed it to both face-to-face and on zoom, enabling those who are unable to come out in the evenings, or just too late home from work, to take part. Both prayer meetings have been well supported throughout the year.

The Wednesday morning Connect Group continued to meet, but two new groups also started early in 2023, both on Thursday evenings, one in Edgware and one in Pinner. We are grateful to Alice and Grant Benjamin, and Smitha Nair and Vinod Nagappally for hosting these groups.

A 10-week course on the book of Romans was run in early autumn by Vino Ramachandra – well attended and much appreciated. With the many preaching series including: - Exodus, Ephesians, Joshua, there were many opportunities to grow in knowing the Bible.

POP-UP KITCHEN EVENTS AND CHURCH LUNCHES

There were 3 of the Pop-up events in 2023: - A Chinese meal in February; an African meal in May, and an Indian meal in September, master-minded by Siew Tran, Kin Chen, Vinod Nagappally, Smitha Nair Wendy Tang, Nelson Ma and Margaret Field. Members were invited to bring guests to enjoy the wonderful cuisine and the good company. As well as the January church lunch to celebrate the Re-dedication, there was a ‘Bring and Share’ lunch on Palm Sunday and then a church picnic in Little Common Park in August and a wonderful Caribbean Lunch the week after our Windrush Service, arranged by Arlene Weekes and Marilyn Graceson. We are blessed with many talented cooks and creative ideas, to make possible these occasions to bring our community together over food.

CELEBRATING THE CHURCH CALENDAR

Pinner Baptist Church has always made a point of celebrating the special times of the year. Once again there were lovely posies given to all the women in church on Mothering Sunday, and Palm Crosses handed out on Palm Sunday. We were able to hold a Kaleidoscope Easter Service, an in-person Maundy Thursday Service in the evening, with Taizé music and a ‘Last Supper’ table, plus an early Good Friday Service, before many members joined the PAC Walk of Witness through Pinner and then a celebratory service on Easter Sunday, followed by a few Easter eggs!

Later in the year we celebrated Harvest with a Harvest table and extra gifts for the Harrow Food Bank and London’s Community Kitchen. On Remembrance Sunday, we observed the 2-minute silence and had representatives at the War Memorial in Pinner High Street. Then Christmas we observed Advent, with our weekly Advent Candles, Carol Service with candle-light, a choir, youth involvement and mulled wine and mince pies to finish. In 2023, we held a Christingle Service, for children and families, in the afternoon; something we had not done for a long time. Many families came along and the children loved processing round the church with their Christingle, a lit candle in an orange, and the whole thing was followed by a tea with sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes etc in the church hall. This was well received by everyone who came and something we will want to repeat. Christmas Day Service saw Manoj and his wife, Maria showing their dramatic skills in a very poignant sketch written by Manoj, plus children coming up to show us their Christmas toys.

1

Another new service for 2023 was a watchnight service on 31 December at 11.30pm. Many people gathered for this new opportunity to welcome in 2023.

CORONATION COMMUNITY FUN DAY 8 MAY 2023

In 2022 we held a very successful Fun Day for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, so with a Coronation to celebrate, it seemed a good idea to repeat the exercise. This time the weather was not as kind, so we were unable to hold it outside in the rear playground, but we made good use of the whole premises, the lower hall and the church sanctuary. In the hall we had a bouncy castle, balloon modelling, making flower decorations, making a crown, a Union Jack windmill, and other crafts, while in the church we served cream teas and cakes, had a face painting table, some games, and musicians entertaining in the corner.

We estimated that over 200 people came through our premises that day, some from the nursery, from Super Dads, local neighbours and friends and family. It was a lovely day with so many people taking part in one way or another. We enjoyed doing it so much that we plan now to have an annual community fun day, even without a royal event to celebrate. Our thanks to all those who helped in any way to make this possible.

WINDRUSH SERVICE 24 SEPTEMBER

With the number of members of our community with origins in the Caribbean, we decided to have a service to commemorate the Windrush anniversary. We came in to find the church decorated with flags, fruit and flowers from the different countries; the former Mayor of Harrow and other Councillors attended. There was a testimony from Lesline Lewinson and a poem read by several members, a very moving service and a blessing to all who took part and all who were there. It was followed the next week by the Caribbean lunch after the Harvest Service.

OUR REGULAR ACTIVITIES

As well as special activities and events, there are all the groups that meet on a regular basis and do such faithful work week by week or month by month.

SUNDAY SERVICES

Our thanks to Manoj for arranging all the preachers throughout the year and giving us his inspiring messages on so many occasions. But the services would not be possible without a lot of people being involved in background work.

2

EVERYTHING ELSE

All of the things mentioned so far are what people see when they come to the church, but there are a lot of other things that happen which are mostly unseen, but without which the church could not function.

We are very grateful to all those who help in the finance area of church life: - Vino Ramachandra, Bola Ogbe and Jones Shu join me on that group, plus the work of Kevin Ogilvie, who does the monthly and yearly accounts. A great deal of work is also done by the property group, especially by our Premises Manager, Daniel O’Brien, plus Ian Sweet, Dudley Hinds and Cristian Carlescu.

We have been quite amazed at the income we have received in 2023 to make all this possible and thank all of you for your gifts, both regular and occasional.

PLANNING AHEAD

Although we are very fortunate to have many people volunteering in various roles in the church, it was still obvious to us that the main work of church governance was resting on just a few people, and we realised this could not go on indefinitely, so after discussions and investigations, it was decided to seek to employ an Operations Manager to take on many of these roles. By the time of writing this, our new Operations Manager, Lizzie Thomson, has started working for us and we look forward to easing the burden on some of our members, and to see the work of PBC expand with the extra vision this will bring to the church.

In April 2023, the words ‘Hatch End Baptist Church’ started appearing on our leaders’ agendas, as we heard about their situation and the suggestion that we might help out by doing a ‘rescue merger’. This was new ground for all of us, making us question and feeling quite anxious about what this might mean. But over the next months there were several meetings, with members of HEBC, with the Regional Minister, and at church meetings, where it was possible to raise questions and find out if this is right for us. As I write, we have committed ourselves to working with this and trying to make this new situation work and enable a small church to keep going. We don’t yet have all the answers, but we are open to listening to what God wants us to do and to find the best way forward for both HEBC and PBC. We are aware that we are in exciting, but slightly scary, times!

3

PEOPLE

We welcomed 13 new members into full membership in 2023, with several others joining our circulation list. This is always a joy when people decide to make Pinner Baptist Church their home. But others are moving on, in one way or another.

Derek Best died last year and he will be greatly missed, doing so much for this church as church secretary, deacon, property team and so many other things. His funeral was an occasion that brought several former members back to PBC.

We said goodbye to Joe Soares when he moved away to Bath, and will be shortly saying goodbye to Jones and Cherith Shu, with Matteus and Alessandra, as they move to Brazil, they will be greatly missed. Yanice and Orlando Bonzi finished their studies at LST and stepped down from their role as our worship leaders. We thank them for all that they brought to our worship and wish them well as they move on. Naomi Buijs will also be moving on, and we are grateful for all her musical gifts to the church.

Whether people make PBC their home for a short time or a longer time, we hope they will always feel welcome and part of the community.

MANOJ

Our very grateful thanks to Manoj for all his devotion and care for Pinner Baptist Church. For the generous gifts of time and energy that he brings to his role as our Pastor. As well as his work with PBC, Manoj is Chair of the Evangelical Alliance; part of the NW District of the London Baptist Association, attending Ministers meetings; and is very committed to the work of the Pinner Association of Churches. We continue to pray for him and his family, Maria, Chandni and Ishaan.

It is always a worry when writing a report like this that I will have left out something that you felt was important or significant. If that is the case, then my apologies. We are so blessed to be part of a congregation where there are all ages, plus so many different nationalities, abilities and gifts; a congregation that sees new people coming along each week and where so many people are now feeling this is their home. We pray that we will continue to be a place of welcome, a place where unity dwells and where God’s love is seen in action.

Joyce Eavis April 2024

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Pinner Baptist Church

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31[st] December 2023

Page 1

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Pinner Baptist Church

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set in pages of the Annual Report.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

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

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the gross income for the year exceeds the amount provided in section 145(3) of the Act, I confirm that I am qualified to act as Independent Examiner under the provisions of that section of the Act and that my qualification is as shown below.

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

Anthony Ogilvie FCCA 20[th] March 2024

75 Stanley Park Road

Carshalton Surrey SM5 3H

==> picture [198 x 55] intentionally omitted <==

Page 2

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Outreach Income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities
Minister Direct
Manse Expenditure
Church Expenditure
Support Costs
Outreach Expenditure
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Represented by
Unrestricted
General Fund
Designated
Disabled Access
Reserve Fund
Special Events
Restricted
Fellowship Fund
Outreach Kaleidoscope
Outreach Men's Group
Window Fund
189,247

5,561

194,807
109,688
100



100
376
94,324



94,324
87,164
1,391
165


1,556
253

999
1,755

2,754
285,062
1,165
7,316

293,542
197,481
48,058



48,058
35,804
15,138



15,138

103,848

3,500

107,348
56,879
36,514



36,514
29,648
31,564
772
5,185

37,521
37,148
8,687



8,687
7,631
243,809
772
8,685

253,266
167,111
41,252
393
(1,369)

40,276
30,370
200



200
957


(200)

(200)
(957)
41,452
393
(1,569)

40,276
30,370
72,912
65,031
3,763

141,706
111,336
114,364
65,424
2,195

181,983
141,706
114,364



114,364
72,912

5,000


5,000
5,000

60,196


60,196
60,031

228


228



250

250
250


42

42



(111)

(111)



2,013

2,013
3,513

Page 3

Balance sheet

Class and code
Description
This year
Last year
Current assets
6510
HSBC Community Account
6511
HSBC Money Manager
6515
NAT West
6516
Petty Cash
6520
Capital Deposit
6521
LB Property Board 15956
6525
LB Property Board 15961
Z05
Accounts Receivable
Total Current assets
Liabilities
0501
Uncleared Transactions
0510
Loans Received
6699
Agency collections
Z04
Accounts Payable
Total Liabilities
Net Asset surplus(deficit)
Reserves
Excess / (deficit) to date
Z01
Starting balances
Total Reserves
Represented by funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total
38,470
36,191
42,232
30,702
78,494
71,788
12
12


219
100
4,162
4,116
20,840
184,430
142,909





1,203
2,447
2,447
1,203
181,983
141,706
40,276
30,370
141,706
111,336
181,983
141,706
114,364
72,912
65,424
65,031
2,195
3,763

181,983
141,706

Page 4

Analysis of income and expenditure

Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
General Offerings
85,442



85,442
48,050
Loose Collections
4,165



4,165
2,818
Stewardship Donations
6,240



6,240
10,900
General Donations
6,904



6,904
3,918
SumUp donations (card reader)
22,813

112

22,925
3,759
Gift Aid Refunds
44,712



44,712
16,255
Thank Offerings
18,971

2,000

20,971
21,162
Specific Donations


3,449

3,449
2,824
Total
189,247

5,561

194,807
109,688
Income from charitable activities
Sundry Receipts
100



100
376
Total
100



100
376
Other trading activities
Lettings
14,580



14,580
15,141
Nursery Income
41,311



41,311
35,692
Cottage Rent
24,000



24,000
16,909
Manse Rental
14,433



14,433
19,423
Total
94,324



94,324
87,164
Investments
Bank Interest
1,391
165


1,556
253
Total
1,391
165


1,556
253
Outreach Income
Outreach Men's Group Income


693

693

Outreach Kaleidoscope Income


1,062

1,062

Outreach - Special Events Income

999


999

Total

999
1,755

2,754
Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
General Offerings
85,442



85,442
48,050
Loose Collections
4,165



4,165
2,818
Stewardship Donations
6,240



6,240
10,900
General Donations
6,904



6,904
3,918
SumUp donations (card reader)
22,813

112

22,925
3,759
Gift Aid Refunds
44,712



44,712
16,255
Thank Offerings
18,971

2,000

20,971
21,162
Specific Donations


3,449

3,449
2,824
Total
189,247

5,561

194,807
109,688
Income from charitable activities
Sundry Receipts
100



100
376
Total
100



100
376
Other trading activities
Lettings
14,580



14,580
15,141
Nursery Income
41,311



41,311
35,692
Cottage Rent
24,000



24,000
16,909
Manse Rental
14,433



14,433
19,423
Total
94,324



94,324
87,164
Investments
Bank Interest
1,391
165


1,556
253
Total
1,391
165


1,556
253
Outreach Income
Outreach Men's Group Income


693

693

Outreach Kaleidoscope Income


1,062

1,062

Outreach - Special Events Income

999


999

Total

999
1,755

2,754
189,247

5,561

194,807
109,688
100



100
376
100



100
376
14,580



14,580
15,141
41,311



41,311
35,692
24,000



24,000
16,909
14,433



14,433
19,423
94,324



94,324
87,164
1,391
165


1,556
253
1,391
165


1,556
253


693

693



1,062

1,062


999


999

999
1,755

2,754
INCOME TOTAL 285,062
1,165
7,316

293,542
197,481

Page 5

EXPENDITURE

EXPENDITURE EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on charitable activities - Minister Direct
Minister's Net Salary 36,244 36,244 24,224
Baptist Minister's Pension Fund 9,135 9,135 6,537
BU Pension Fund Deficit Contribution 12 12 2,294
Minister's Expenses 59 59 629
Visiting Ministers 1,850 1,850 2,100
Minister Training 758 758 20
Total 48,058 48,058 35,804
Expenditure on charitable activities - Manse Expenditure
Manse Maintenance 15,138 15,138
Total 15,138 15,138
Expenditure on charitable activities - Church Expenditure
Church Maintenance 51,518 3,500 55,018 20,532
Cleaning Labour 17,224 17,224 13,106
Cleaning Materials 2,340 2,340 1,195
Church Utilities- Electricity 12,003 12,003 5,164
Church Utilities - Gas 6,129 6,129 5,708
Church Utilities - 605 605 567
Telephone/broadband
Church Utilities - Water 1,339 1,339 1,041
Church Utilities Waste Collection 624 624 627
Furniture & Equipment 2,002 2,002 2,063
Premises Manager 9,518 9,518 6,535
Audio Visual Equipment 547 547 341
Total 103,848 3,500 107,348 56,879
Expenditure on charitable activities - Support Costs
Insurance 6,338 6,338 7,003
Legal Fees 2,787
Admin Asst's Wages 2,184 2,184 546
Finance Officer's Fees 2,816 2,816 3,379
Photocopier Costs (net) 677 677 524
Office Expenses 2,432 2,432 1,540
PAYE & NI 13,516 13,516 9,250
Office Administrator 7,732 7,732 3,821
Payroll management fee 818 818 798
Total 36,514 36,514 29,648
Expenditure on charitable activities - Outreach Expenditure
Youth & Children's Worker 15,318 15,318 14,287
Youth & Children's Worker Pension 3,270 3,270 3,564
Church-Worship, Music & Literature 1,854 1,854 511
Children & Young People 502 502 865
Church Donations exp 6,272 6,272 7,322
Specific Donation Exp 3,561 3,561 2,994
Worship Leaders 4,200 4,200 5,200
Outreach - Special Events 772 772 1,426
Outreach General 601
Outreach Men's Group 804 804 256
Outreach Kaleidoscope 820 820
Outreach SALT 23 23 51
Outreach Members Transport 125 125 (9)
Outreach Discipleship 81
Total 31,564 772 5,185 37,521 37,148

Page 6

Other expenditure

Other expenditure
Cottage Maintenance & Costs
Gifts to Members & Staff
Catering
Training/Conferences & Courses
Subscriptions
Sundry Payments
Professional Fees
Total
257



257
628
955



955
549
1,095



1,095
1,112
789



789
295
1,441



1,441
1,876





771
4,150



4,150
2,400
8,687



8,687
7,631
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 243,809
772
8,685

253,266
167,111
GRAND TOTAL 41,252
393
(1,369)

40,276
30,370

Notes to the Accounts

New format of accounts

This year, the church’s income exceeded £250,000. As a result, the accounts format has changed from being produced on an Income and Expenditure basis to that of the Accruals basis.

The Baptist Pension Scheme

During 2023 the church continued to contribute to the general deficit of the Baptist Pension Scheme

Non-Monetary Assets

Land and buildings used by the Church (freehold titles vested in the Custodian Trustee the London Baptist Property Board)

  1. The Church, the cottage and buildings in Paines Lane, Pinner

  2. The Manse at 25 Towers Road, Pinner

  3. Furniture and equipment at the Church, Manse and Cottage

Page 7