NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION CHARITY NO: 1176587 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Newport tlst
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS INDEX Page Trustees, annual report Independent Examiner's report Receipts and payments account Statement of assets and liabilities Notes to the accounts
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 The Trustees are pleased to presenttheir annual reporttogether with the receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities of the Church for the year ended 31 December 2020. Newport Baptist Church Shropshire was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 9January 2018. By an agreement executed by the Trustees dated 5 April 2018, all assets, liabilities and activities of the Church were transferred from Newport Baptist Church, an excepted charity (by virtue of its affiliation to the Baptist Union of Great Britain). The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Church's Constitution. OBJEcfivES AND AcfiviTIES The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to 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. As a member of the Baptist Union the Church subscribes to the Union's Declaration of Principle: _ That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and prartice, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and that each Church has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer His laws. That Christian Baptism is the immersion in water into the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who 'died for our sins according to the Scriptures. was buried, and rose again on the third dav. That it is the duty of every disciple to bear personal witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to take part in the evangelisation of the world. During the year the Church has engaged in regular public worship, prayer and Bible study, preaching, teaching and observance of the Communion of the Lord's Supper. In view of the restrictions imposed by Covid-19, much of the Church's activity has been carried out using social media platforms, such as You Tube, and meetings conducted via Zoom. In shaping our objectives for the period and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on publlc beneflt, Includlng the guidance 'Publlc Benefit: Running a Charity (PB2)'. The Church is open to anyone who wishes to attend. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Regular activities under pandemlc At the beginning of 2020, all our Church activities were continuing as normal with no hint of what was around the corner with the coming of the Covid-19 pandemic and it's ensuing restrictions. Our final 'in-person' service in our Church building was on March 18th 2020 which was our Church anniversary and gift day, which we celebrated with a guest speaker and fellowship lunch following the service. This would be the last time that we would be together in our church building for the rest of 2020.
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 In March 2020, we had to make some quick and far reaching decisions regarding how to do church going forward in such uncertain times. Our Church has a specific demographic. We have a congregation which includes a large number of elderly, elderly-infirm and other vulnerable adults. It was imperative that we stay connected with each other given the level of vulnerability and home shielding in our Church. This imperative dictated comprehensive and rapid action. Our first decision was to take the Church into digital and social media in a way that it had never been before. So we did the following: We set up a social media team which was overseen by the Pastor and included 3 members of the Church who had personal experience in the area of social media. The team was set up in order for there to be a plan going forward and good oversight. This has been a great success. We also set up a WhatsApp group for the Church family so that conversations could continue amongst the fellowship. It would also become a way we would share prayer requests and so much more. This has been very well used and welcomed by the Church family, and undoubtedly has brought us closer together than before. A church Facebook and Instagram account has also been established. In order to replace and replicate our worship experience as a church we created a dedicated Church YouTube channel to host our weekly services. As soon as the beginning of April 2020 we began to put together a complete weekly Sunday morning service that ran as a YouTube play list. This approach allowed us to comply with copyright issues regarding broadcast music. We have enabled others within the congregation to take part in the services by doing readings, prayers, service introductions and blessings, amongst other things. A shorter church YouTube Playlist was set up too for a children's worship experience. All these digital social media and worship services have been a very steep learning curve. They are relentless in their planning and executing, but they have enabled us as a fellowship to continue to worship together, albeit through the medium of YouTube, without missing one service in the whole of 2020. As a result of the above, we had to design, create and publish completely new digital content and platforms for our Church. This required a completely new website that could handle all the digital content, along with a new email system, hosting domains and website software. The opportunity was taken to bring all our GDPR systems and recording up to date to incorporate all our new social media forums. Where we have been able, we have moved church activities online including our Sewing Grace ministry group. Esther Women's Fellowship, our weekly prayer meeting and a newly started weekly quiz night and a coffee and chat group both of which are carried out over Zoom. For those without the technology, or who do not embrace the use of it, we have stayed in contact through text, email, regular mail outs and phone calls. Throughout the pandemic, our Pastor and his wife have recorded the church services onto DVDS and delivered them weekly to those in the extended fellowship who are unable to access digital media. Pastoral care sessions with the Pastor have taken place over Zoom video conferencing or by socially distanced walks and when allowed we met in the Pastor's garden, following social distancing rules and the rule of six for as long as we could, weather permitting. Suspended artivities under pandemic Other established and regular activities we had planned for 2020 before the pandemic have had to be terminated and postponed until the pandemic is over. These are: Sunday evening reflective church services; Connett services, for people with learning disabilities, Bible Study at the church, weekly Fellowship Group, Toddler Group at the church, Pastoral Care Drop-ln at the church that runs alongside and in partnership with the NHS Telford Public Health Nursing Service (we work in partnership with the local nursing teams for their well-baby and breastfeeding clinics that run from our church rooms), and Men's Fellowship. All our new activities planned for 2020 have had to be shelved due to pandemic restrictions; these were to be a Student Fellowship Group, and a Life Group (our second fellowship group).
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 There has been virtually no in-person local community involvement during this period as all but one group that hires our buildings had to suspend hiring because of the pandemic. But usually our buildings would be used by the following groups: The History Society. The Photographic Club. 1st Newport Guides. First Friday Lunch (Christian Aid). The church is also used as a Polling Station. Weight-watchers (Tuesday and Wednesday) restarted their group for a period, but have now made their workers redundant because of the pandemic and the clubs have closed down. We have made contributions to the local food bank. Under the pandemic, the Pastor's leading of care home services for Churches Together in Newport (cfiN) has been suspended, as has his involvement with dementia sufferers as the Honorary Chaplain to the local Newport Cottage Care Centre. All our commitments to our link missionaries have been maintained. Looking ahead into the next review perlod of 2021 still under pandemic As we enter 2021 we continue with all our on-line established ministries and are looking toward performing the necessary risk assessments to enable us to re-commence an in-person evening worship service. In view of the continuing fluctuation in tightening restrictions this may not go ahead, but we will continue with the planning. If restrictions allow we will restart the Men's Fellowship as a walking 8roup and we are also looking into restarting a weekly Bible study group which will be held over digital video conferencing. We will restart all our regular activities as soon as social distancing and pandemic allow. We will also try again to start our new planned groups of Student Fellowship Group and a Life Group. FINANCIAL REVIEW The Church's work is entirely dependent on the Lord's leading and the resources He provides. At the beginning of the year, the Church had cash reserves in the bank of £58,560. During the year income received amounted £44,237 but expenditure totalled £51,982. We spent £7,745 more than we received, which reduced the amount we had in our bank at the end of the period by the same amount, to £50,815. The Church received a Home Mission grant of £9,600 to contribute towards the payment of our minister's stipend. During the year, the Church also received gifts and donations of £565 which were for specific causes. These funds were paid out in accordance with the donors, wishes. The Church also received a one off gift of £5,500 towards its general funds. Covid-19 The global pandemic has had a significant impact on the Church's finances. The two lock downs during the year saw the building belng closed to the public. This resulted in the loss of rental income and, in part, the loss of the weekly offering income, because services could not be held in church on a Sunday. There was a small saving in the establishment costs because it was not necessary to heat and light the building when it was not in use. The Church's cleaner was furloughed during April and May and the Church made claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme of £451. For June onwards, the opportunity was taken to deep clean the building whilst it was closed. The virus will continue to impatt adversely the Church's finances into 2021 with the loss of rental income and Sunday offerings. Reserves policy Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to cover unplanned emergency expenditure.
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 The Trustees feel that it is prudent for the Church to aim to maintain a level of cash reserves equivalent to the cost of running the church for a period of six months, which based on the expenditure in these financial statements amounts to £26,000. At 31 December 2020 the Church had cash reserves of £50,815. Reserves currently exceed the policy level because a fund has being accumulated that will allow the Church to fund the cost of a full time minister for a number of years with the aid of a Home Mission grant. The annual cost of a full time minister is approximately £40,000. Rlsk policy The Trustees have identified and reviewed the risk to which the Church is exposed and taken steps to eliminate, reduce or manage those risks. They have also taken steps to ensure that appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud or error. STRucfuRE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document The Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is governed by its constitution document which was unanimously adopted at a Church Members, meeting held on 30 October 2017, prior to it being submitted to the Charities Commission for England & Wales as part of the registration process. The document is based on the model constitution produced by the Baptist Union Corporation Limited in consultation with the Charity Commission for England & Wales. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees The Church Members, meeting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit appoint Trustees to be responsible for the governance of the Church. The Minister is also a Trustee because of his role and responsibilities. Deacons are appointed for an initial three year term with the opportunity to be nominated for reappointment at the end of each three year term, or as agreed from time to time by the Church Members, Meeting. The Church Secretary and Church Treasurer are appointed annually and there is no restriction on the number of years that they can serve. New Trustees are trained and guided on the job by the Minister and the more experienced Trustees. Organisational strurture Church Members meet together in a Church Members, Meeting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and under the Lordship of Christ to discern the mind of God in the affairs of the Church. Members shall, so far as is possible, seek consensus on all matters considered at a Church Meeting. However, for matters requiring a decision, a vote shall be taken and the outcome of the vote recorded as a resolution of the Members. There are two types of formal Church Members, Meetings, Ordinary Church Members, Meetings (normally held quarterly) and Special Church Members, Meetings. In order to be carried, a resolution at an Ordinary Church Members, Meeting requires a simple majority of Members attending and voting. At a Special Church Members, Meeting a resolution requires a two thirds majority of Members attending and voting in order to be carried. Wider network The Church is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the Heart of England Baptist Association. The Church will normally promote, encourage, support and advance the work of the Baptist Union, The Association and BMS World Mission through prayer, through financial contributions and, where appropriate, by making personnel available from membership of the Church. The Church will also support local Baptist and ecumenical gatherings when it is able to do so. The Baptist Union has no controlling interest in the conduct and operation of the Church.
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Charity name: Newport Baptist Church Shropshire Reglstered Charity Number: 1176587 Princlpal address Water Lane Newport Shropshire TFIO 7LD Trustees Minister: Revd David Middleton permanent trustee by virtue of appointment as minister Deacons: Chris Cartwright Mrs Alison Davies Mrs Helen Wilson appointed 11 March 2019 appointed 11 March 2019 reappointed 9 March 2020 Other officers: Mrs Ruth Summers (secretary) lan Walsh (treasurer) reappointed 9 March 2020 resigned 21 October 2020 reappointed 9 March 2020 Property trustee: Legal title to the Church's freehold property is held by HEBA (Trust) Association (formerly The West Midland Baptist (Trust) Association) for the benefit of the members of Newport Baptist Church Shropshire. Independent examlner Tim Herriott Enterprises 15 Briarsleigh Stafford ST17 4QP The Trustees approved the Trustees, Annual Report on 9 March 2021 ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Revd D J Middleton
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE I report on the accounts of Newport Baptist Church Shropshire (Charity No: 1176587) for the year ended 31 December 2020 set out on pages 7 to 10. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Att 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. T Herriott Tim Herriott Enterprises 15 Briarsleigh STAFFORD ST17 4PQ
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 2020 2019 Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestrirted Restricted Total Receipts Offerings - general Offerings- communion Offerings - appeals Offerings - Home Mission boxes Home Mission Grant Gift Aid recovered Donations Rents received Other income Total receipts 19,349 19,349 24,539 24,539 626 3,444 164 10,552 6,845 932 7,801 220 55,123 626 3,444 164 10,552 813 640 1,710 440 2,150 9,600 9,600 5,131 5,695 1,827 485 44,237 5,131 5,570 1,827 485 34,072 6,032 292 7,801 220 38,884 125 10,165 16,239 Payments Minister's stipend Employers, National Insurance Minister's pension contributions Minister's housing allowance Minister's expenses Manse expenses Contribution to Pension Fund deficit Visiting speakers, expenses Donations Insurance Heat, light, telephone and water Cleaning Subscriptions Repairs and maintenance Miscellaneous expenses Independent Reviewer's fee Solicitors fees 14,400 9,600 24,000 12,898 66 2,959 6,144 1,704 632 3,257 620 4,206 1,031 2,650 2,912 541 884 1,076 400 430 42,410 10,552 23,450 66 2,959 6,144 1,704 632 3,257 620 9,893 1,031 2,650 2,912 541 884 1,076 400 430 58,649 3,025 6,248 1,520 646 2,497 250 4,350 1,063 2,885 2,912 503 263 855 400 3,025 6,248 1,520 646 2,497 250 4,915 1,063 2,885 2,912 503 263 855 400 565 5687 41,817 10,165 51,982 16,239 Asset purchases Purchase of furniture and equipment Total payments 41,817 10,165 51,982 42,410 16,239 58,649 Net cash outflow for the perlod (7,745) (7,745) (3,526) (3,526) Cash funds at l January 2020 Cash funds at 31 December 2020 58,560 50,815 58,560 50,815 62,086 58,560 62,086 58,560
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020 2020 2019 Restricted Cash funds Unrestricted Restrirted Total Unrestricted Total Cash at bank 50,815 50,815 58,560 58,560 Other assets Unrestricted Restrlcted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total Gift Aid recoverable on gifts 819 819 1,397 157 1,554 2020 2019 Estlmated current value Estlmated current value Assets retalns for own use Cost Cost Freehold property Equipment and furniture 327,266 4,094 331,360 327,266 2,629 329,895 327,266 4,094 331,360 327,266 3,093 330,359 Legal title to the Church's freehold property is held by HEBA (Trust) Association (formerly The West Midland Baptist (Trust) Association) for the benefit of the members of Newport Baptist Church. In recognition of the Pension Trustee allowing the pension fund deficit to be transferred to the new CIO, the church consented in a special church meeting dated 18 December 2017 to the Pension Trustee protecting the BPS financial interest by placing a Land Registry restriction on the church property. This restriction is yet to be registered. Llabilities 2020 2019 Estimated amount owing for utilities prior to period end Expenditure committed before period end 345 345 Contlngent Ilability Pension fund deficit 10,900 10,300 The Church contributed to the Baptist Pension Fund final salary scheme until the scheme was closed on 31 December 2011. The Church has an on going liability to contribute to this scheme in respect of former ministers, pensions. Contributions are calculated annually by the Baptist Pension Scheme. Signed on behalf of the Trustees: Revd D J Middleton- pastor 9 March 2021 V4 l R Walsh - treasurer 9 March 2021
NEWPORT BAPTIST CHURCH SHROPSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Establishment of the Charity Newport Baptist Church Shropshire was registered, as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 9 January 2018, although it did not commence attivities until 5 April 2018. Accounts format The Trustees have taken the decision to prepare these accounts on a receipts and payments basis. Payments to Trustees No Trustee, other than the minister and the cleaner, were remunerated. However some trustees were reimbursed for expenses they incurred on behalf of the Church. The cleaner, who is a trustee, is engaged for four hours per week. The minister is also a trustee. His stipend and other allowances are paid at a level and in accordance with HEBA guidelines. Restricted funds 2020 2019 Recelved 9,600 565 10,165 Paid (9,600) (565) 10,165) C/fwd Received 10,552 5,687 16,239 Paid (10,552) 5,687) (16,239 C/fwd Home Mission Grant Donor specific donations The Home Mission grant is given by the Heart of England Baptist Association as a contribution towards the cost of the minister's stipend. During the year the church receives certain donations for specific purposes. Pension Newport Baptist Church Shropshire is a participating employer in the Baptist Pension Scheme (the BPS) Defined Benefit Plan, which is a multi. employer scheme, having taken over membership from Newport Baptist Church. The Church contributed to the Baptist Pension Fund final salary scheme until the scheme was closed on 31 December 2011. The Church has an on going liability to contribute to the scheme deficit in respett of former ministers, pensions. Contributions are calculated annually by the BPS. The cost of quantifying the Church's share of the deficit is prohibitive. However, the BPS has indicated that the figure is likely to be in the region of £10,900. Related partles The Tustees and several Church Members have bought items for the Church and have been subsequently reimbursed. Reimbursements where paid as follows:_ 2020 102 2019 511 D Summers Mrs A Trickett Revd D Middleton Mrs H Wilson 205 61 368 56 575