2024-03-31-accounts - Abbey Baptist Church

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Trustees' Annual Report for the period

Period start date Period end date 1[st] April 2023 31[st] March 2024

From

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 1176927

Charity name Abbey Baptist Church Other names charity is known by 1176927 Charity's principal address Abbey Baptist Church Checker Walk Abingdon Postcode OX14 3JB

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

----- Start of picture text -----
Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
year to appoint trustee (if any)
Graeme Stonell Chair of trustees
1
(from-Oct 2023)
2 Chris Hawthorne
John Lipp Chair of trustees
3
(Apr-Oct 2023)
4 Elizabeth Rolfe
5 Peter Akrill
6 Stephen Mayo
7 Daniel Bryant Until 11 [th] Oct 2023
8
9
----- End of picture text -----

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Trustees’ Annual Report

Sep 2024

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Constitution Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) CIO How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Elected by membership Trustee selection methods

(eg. appointed by, elected by)

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
relationship with any related parties;

In addition to our constitution, we make use of our church handbook to guide our practice in the everyday running of our affairs.

Elders direct the day-to-day operations of the church. All work conducted by the church is done under their leadership. The elders are also trustees of the charity and are joined by additional trustees. All elders and trustees are selected by the members in accordance with our church handbook.

We are affiliated to two external organisations (The Association of Grace Baptist Churches (Southeast) and the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC)). The nature of these affiliations is mutually supporting and both bodies are non-governing of our church’s affairs.
trustees’ consideration of As a long standing, stable church there are few operational risks. By major risks and the system offering services to vulnerable people there are risks associated to and procedures to manage appointing volunteers/workers. These are managed through our them. Safeguarding Policy.

Section C Objectives and activities

The purposes of the Church are:

the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis
of Faith primarily, but not exclusively, within Abingdon and the surrounding neighbourhood; and

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the members of the Church in general meeting, put into practice the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith, including but not limited to: the prevention and relief of need, hardship and sickness; the advancement of education; and the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life

provided that the advancement of such purposes must be undertaken in a manner that is consistent with the Ethical Statements as may be adopted and amended by the Church from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Church Handbook.

Trustees’ Annual Report

Sep 2024

We seek to set up and respond to opportunities which allow us to fulfil our stated purposes: o Our main weekly meetings including Sunday worship, midweek small groups and prayer opportunities have continued, with inperson and on-line attendance options at most meetings. o Our work amongst older people/seniors continues through regular events (TOFS and coffee mornings), and support to local care homes, one of which regularly brings a group of residents to Sunday services.

o Work amongst young people, with specific weekly activities for primary aged children and older secondary children. One-off events Summary of the main have made some limited provision for those who do not fall into activities undertaken for the these age categories. public benefit in relation to o English language classes for non-native English speakers prove to these objects (include within be a useful service to attendees, but also an avenue which enables this section the statutory some attendees to explore the Christian faith for themselves. declaration that trustees have o The work of an outreach team to advance the Christian faith through had regard to the guidance events aimed at providing benefit to those who are outside of the issued by the Charity church. Commission on public benefit) The trustees are satisfied that these activities are conducted in line with the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

We are not involved in awarding grants or in investing (except for holding reserves in an interest paying bank account).

All of our work is supported and enabled by volunteers from within our membership. The Trustees thank the members of the church who conduct all of these activities on a voluntary basis.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

policy on grantmaking;
policy programme related investment;
contribution made by volunteers.

Trustees’ Annual Report

Sep 2024

Section D Achievements and performance

During this year, we have continued to respond to opportunities which Summary of the main allow us to fulfil our stated purposes, as set out in the previous Section achievements of the charity C. The continuance of these ministries is regarded as a worthy during the year outcome for which we are glad and thankful each year. In particular, we note the following highlights from the year under report. The continual healthy level of interest in our in-person meetings and activities by a mixture of members, families of members and nonmembers is regarded as an essential achievement. The ongoing regular ministry and Bible teaching from the new Minister (Mr Chris Hawthorne) has helped many in the understanding of the Christian faith. We have supported and sent one family to begin Christian ministry in a Church beyond Abingdon for the advancement of the Christian faith. This was our Trainee minister Dan Bryant, who was a trustee here with the church until taking up the role of pastor at a church in Suffolk in September 23. We have supported one person from the congregation to attend a theological training course with a view to eventual entry into Church ministry for the advancement of the Christian faith. The outreach team has organised events aimed at providing benefit to those who are outside of the church, including quiz nights and harvest evening with thought provoking epilogues. A series of Sunday evenings aimed at answering topical issues from a Christian perspective was held in November 23, all with the aim of advancing understanding of the Christian faith. The online provision of our main worship activities has continued to benefit our local supporters/beneficiaries, especially those for whom it was not possible or not wise to gather with the church. Although not fully measurable, we are also aware of a more geographically dispersed group of beneficiaries who have been able to continue to receive benefit though remote ministry. The additional needs team established the previous year has continued to be a worthy venture to ensure we are doing everything reasonable to welcome people regardless of what additional needs they may have. This team has focussed on including those with additional needs within our existing programme of activities, and has influenced the way we present materials on screen so as to be readily accessible to people joining in.

Trustees’ Annual Report

Sep 2024

Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

Details of any funds materially in deficit

We seek to maintain reserves of around 3-6 months of operating costs. These are held in order to cushion the effect of any unplanned short-term reduction in income or increase in expenditure.

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;

Our principal sources of funding are donations and income from the renting of property. The former have been generously gifted by members and supporters without any explicit fundraising initiatives. No funding was received from grants during this reporting year.

Our largest item of expenditure has been for the ministry of the church. This has funded the various activities and provided a salary for the staff who support and prepare every volunteer for their work.

A summary of our examined accounts is provided in Section F.

investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.

Trustees’ Annual Report

Sep 2024

Section F Other optional information

Financial Report for the year ending 31[st] March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Income and Expenditure Notes 2022/23 2023/24
Income
Donations to the church 104,745 94,809
Income from properties 9,330 6,000
Bank interest and other income 13,345 3,251
Donations for specific purposes 3,771 11,601
Total income 131,191 115,661
Designated giving paid out 2 3,771 11,601
Income for Church use 127,420 104,060
Expenditure
Ministry of the Church 3 50,342 68,342
Gifts made by the Church 2 17,656 18,996
Church maintenance 11,841 26,388
Properties maintenance 8,349 4,031
Total Expenditure 88,188 117,757
Net income (expenditure) 39,232 -13,697
Balance Sheet Notes 2022/23 2023/24
Fixed Assets
Church buildings and properties 4 860,000 860,000
Current Assets
Debtors 6,400 5,673
Cash at bank and in hand 89,630 76,119
Total current assets 96,030 82,011
Creditors 1,522 983
Total Assets less liabilities 954,508 940,809
Represented by
Unrestricted funds 94,508 80,809
Restricted funds
Capital funds 860,000 860,000
Funds at end of year 954,508 940,809
----- End of picture text -----

Trustees’ Annual Report

Sep 2024

Notes to the Accounts 1. Accounting policies Basis of preparation and audit of accounts These accounts have been prepared on a historical cost and accruals basis and in accordance with the Charities Commission SORP. The church is a small entity and therefore no cash flow statement is included and a full audit report is not required Church properties Church properties are held for the use of the church or for let to church members where possible. The properties are held in the accounts at market value and are independently revalued every five years. 2. Church Giving The church made gifts for the support of missionary work and other Christian work during the course of the year as detailed below. These figures include gifts from members for specific missionary work. Special offerings were taken during the year to assist in ministry of compassion in the UK and other parts of the world. Churchgifts £ Grace Baptist Mission 9,480 Pilgrim Homes 2,760 AGBC(SE)Home Mission 480 Mission work in Poland 1,740 Mission work in Italy 1,525 Open Doors 1,000 Other Missions 500 Gifts to members 1,511 Total Giving 18,996 Designatedgiving £ Grace Baptist Mission 600 Gift to leavingand currentpastor 10,001 Other compassion ministry 1,000 Total 11,601 3. The Ministry of the Church Expenditure on ministry 2022/23(£) 2023/24(£) Elders and visitingspeakers 42,075 52,654 Outreach and Church Activities 2,293 3,746 Other 5,974 11,942 Total 50,342 68,342 4. Church Buildings and Properties 2022/23(£) 2023/24(£) Brought forward 860,000 860,000 Revaluation in theyear 0 0 Balance carried forward 860,000 860,000	Notes to the Accounts 1. Accounting policies Basis of preparation and audit of accounts These accounts have been prepared on a historical cost and accruals basis and in accordance with the Charities Commission SORP. The church is a small entity and therefore no cash flow statement is included and a full audit report is not required Church properties Church properties are held for the use of the church or for let to church members where possible. The properties are held in the accounts at market value and are independently revalued every five years. 2. Church Giving The church made gifts for the support of missionary work and other Christian work during the course of the year as detailed below. These figures include gifts from members for specific missionary work. Special offerings were taken during the year to assist in ministry of compassion in the UK and other parts of the world. Churchgifts £ Grace Baptist Mission 9,480 Pilgrim Homes 2,760 AGBC(SE)Home Mission 480 Mission work in Poland 1,740 Mission work in Italy 1,525 Open Doors 1,000 Other Missions 500 Gifts to members 1,511 Total Giving 18,996 Designatedgiving £ Grace Baptist Mission 600 Gift to leavingand currentpastor 10,001 Other compassion ministry 1,000 Total 11,601 3. The Ministry of the Church Expenditure on ministry 2022/23(£) 2023/24(£) Elders and visitingspeakers 42,075 52,654 Outreach and Church Activities 2,293 3,746 Other 5,974 11,942 Total 50,342 68,342 4. Church Buildings and Properties 2022/23(£) 2023/24(£) Brought forward 860,000 860,000 Revaluation in theyear 0 0 Balance carried forward 860,000 860,000	Notes to the Accounts 1. Accounting policies Basis of preparation and audit of accounts These accounts have been prepared on a historical cost and accruals basis and in accordance with the Charities Commission SORP. The church is a small entity and therefore no cash flow statement is included and a full audit report is not required Church properties Church properties are held for the use of the church or for let to church members where possible. The properties are held in the accounts at market value and are independently revalued every five years. 2. Church Giving The church made gifts for the support of missionary work and other Christian work during the course of the year as detailed below. These figures include gifts from members for specific missionary work. Special offerings were taken during the year to assist in ministry of compassion in the UK and other parts of the world. Churchgifts £ Grace Baptist Mission 9,480 Pilgrim Homes 2,760 AGBC(SE)Home Mission 480 Mission work in Poland 1,740 Mission work in Italy 1,525 Open Doors 1,000 Other Missions 500 Gifts to members 1,511 Total Giving 18,996 Designatedgiving £ Grace Baptist Mission 600 Gift to leavingand currentpastor 10,001 Other compassion ministry 1,000 Total 11,601 3. The Ministry of the Church Expenditure on ministry 2022/23(£) 2023/24(£) Elders and visitingspeakers 42,075 52,654 Outreach and Church Activities 2,293 3,746 Other 5,974 11,942 Total 50,342 68,342 4. Church Buildings and Properties 2022/23(£) 2023/24(£) Brought forward 860,000 860,000 Revaluation in theyear 0 0 Balance carried forward 860,000 860,000	Notes to the Accounts 1. Accounting policies Basis of preparation and audit of accounts These accounts have been prepared on a historical cost and accruals basis and in accordance with the Charities Commission SORP. The church is a small entity and therefore no cash flow statement is included and a full audit report is not required Church properties Church properties are held for the use of the church or for let to church members where possible. The properties are held in the accounts at market value and are independently revalued every five years. 2. Church Giving The church made gifts for the support of missionary work and other Christian work during the course of the year as detailed below. These figures include gifts from members for specific missionary work. Special offerings were taken during the year to assist in ministry of compassion in the UK and other parts of the world. Churchgifts £ Grace Baptist Mission 9,480 Pilgrim Homes 2,760 AGBC(SE)Home Mission 480 Mission work in Poland 1,740 Mission work in Italy 1,525 Open Doors 1,000 Other Missions 500 Gifts to members 1,511 Total Giving 18,996 Designatedgiving £ Grace Baptist Mission 600 Gift to leavingand currentpastor 10,001 Other compassion ministry 1,000 Total 11,601 3. The Ministry of the Church Expenditure on ministry 2022/23(£) 2023/24(£) Elders and visitingspeakers 42,075 52,654 Outreach and Church Activities 2,293 3,746 Other 5,974 11,942 Total 50,342 68,342 4. Church Buildings and Properties 2022/23(£) 2023/24(£) Brought forward 860,000 860,000 Revaluation in theyear 0 0 Balance carried forward 860,000 860,000
Churchgifts			£
Grace Baptist Mission			9,480
Pilgrim Homes			2,760
AGBC(SE)Home Mission			480
Mission work in Poland			1,740
Mission work in Italy			1,525
Open Doors			1,000
Other Missions			500
Gifts to members			1,511
Total Giving			18,996

Designatedgiving			£
Grace Baptist Mission			600
Gift to leavingand currentpastor			10,001
Other compassion ministry			1,000
Total			11,601
3. The Ministry of the Church
Expenditure on ministry	2022/23	(£)	2023/24(£)
Elders and visitingspeakers	42,075		52,654
Outreach and Church Activities	2,293		3,746
Other	5,974		11,942
Total	50,342		68,342
4. Church Buildings and Properties
	2022/23(£)		2023/24(£)
Brought forward	860,000		860,000
Revaluation in theyear	0		0
Balance carried forward	860,000		860,000

Trustees’ Annual Report

Sep 2024

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date	Recoverable Signature X Graeme Paul Stonell Signed by: 5ba1c8ad-9275-48fa-8bf3-10ee7b9cc9c3 Recoverable Signature X John David Lipp Signed by: trust_
	Graeme Paul Stonell John David Lipp
	Chair Trustee
	05-Oct-2024
	05-Oct-2024

Trustees’ Annual Report 8

Sep 2024

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Report to the trusteesl members of Abbey Baptisl Church On accounts for the year endod 31" March 2024 Charity no (if any) 1176927 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Ihe above charity I'the Trust") for the year ended Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparalion basis of report of lh8 accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"}. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried oul under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicab16 Dir8clions given by the Charily Commission under section 14515}Ibl of Ihe Act. I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention ') in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material r8spect'. accounting records were nol kepl in accordance with sects'on 130 of the Act or Ihe accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independenl examiner's statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounls to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Slgned: Date: 7 10112r Name: .kn o BF-W S-re<M bJLWS Relevant professlonal quallflcation{s) or body (if any): Address: 2s @iETrJrtEi¥n f ttf-OENS (Ro ,£ L4[1}fE Oxil ¢SfyiP IER October 2018

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concem (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any Items that Ihe examiner wishes to disclose. IER October 2018