**Carley Evangelical Baptist Church** Wharf Street North Leicester LE1 2AB ## **Annual Report** ## **for the year ended 31[st] December 2023** **Name:-** Carley Evangelical Baptist Church **Charity Number:-** 1182735 **Governing Documentation:-** Church Constitution (approved by Charity Commission 01/04/19) and Church Handbook (adopted 10/11/18) **Minister:-** None at present **Trustees / Church Officers :-** Christopher J Baines (Deacon) Stephen M Hardy (Secretary / Deacon) David E Harrington (Treasurer / Deacon) Mohanlal J Shah (Deacon) Nestor B Makita (Deacon to 23/05/23) Christopher M Dee (Deacon from 30/06/23) **Charity Commission Correspondent:-** Stephen M Hardy 1 Willowbrook Close, Queniborough, Leicester LE7 3FW **Website:-** www.carleychurch.co.uk **Bank:-** Co-Operative Bank – 77/79 Market Place Leicester LE1 5EW **Independent Examiner of Accounts:-** Mrs Susan Taylor FCCA ## **Purposes and aims of the church.** The purposes of the Church are for the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith primarily but not exclusively within the city of Leicester and the surrounding neighbourhood; and such other charitable purposes that in the opinion of the charity trustees, put into practice the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith that will further the work of the church. ## **Background** The church was formed in 1823 and has been in the current building since being built in 1958. The church is an independent church and welcomes people from all backgrounds and denominational beliefs. Membership of the church is open to anyone who professes the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith, meets the admission procedures and has indicated agreement to accept the duty of a church member as contained in the Church Constitution document (signed 1[st] April 2019). The current church membership at 31[st] December 2023 stands at 22. The provision of church leadership is by Elders and Deacons (collectively known as Church Officers) who are elected by the church membership. The Church Officers make decisions collectively, and certain matters as set out in the Church Handbook are decided by the Church Members at a duly convened Church Members Meeting. As at 31[st] December 2023 the church leadership consists of 5 deacons. The church is independent of any other organisation, but maintains links and interests with other Christian and charitable organisations and is affiliated to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). ## **Main Activities** We endeavour to enable people to live out their Christian faith as part of the church community through:- Worship and prayer; learning about the Bible and developing and growing their faith and knowledge in the Lord Jesus Christ. Providing pastoral care for the local community and those attending the church. Missionary and outreach work especially (but not exclusively) within the local community. The church currently meets every Sunday and Wednesday mornings and on other occasions for worship and these are open for the public to attend. Other activities for ladies, and children are held during the year and are regularly supported by the local community. ## **Sunday Worship and Sunday School.** The church holds Sunday morning public worship and expository teaching services throughout the year. These services take place on the church premises and all meetings are open to all. As part of the Sunday morning worship, a Sunday School and Crèche are provided for children of all age groups for Bible teaching applicable to their age. ## **Midweek Bible Study and Prayer Meeting** Meetings specifically for Bible Study and prayer occur weekly within the church building on a Wednesday morning. The prayer meetings are to encourage open prayer for the church, the community, the world and for each other. These meetings are open to all. ## **Ladies Craft & Chatter** The church run a weekly (during school term time) ladies afternoon craft and chatter time together in the local primary school. This is an opportunity to make craft items and a time for friendship and support for ladies within the local community. The time is open for all women and children under school age to attend and meet to get to know one another. ## **Outreach and Mission** Carley Evangelical Baptist Church supports various missionary and missionary organisations with worldwide interest and speakers are invited to provide updates and information of their work. The church supports and is involved with the local community including activities outside of the church. During August 2023, an event was held in the local school to build relationships and provide activities and opportunities for the community to meet together. Other local community activities include “building bridges” and relationships within the community and community organisations, visiting and meeting local people in cafes, a Christmas Carol Service for the community, supporting the local community in learning English and obtaining employment, supporting children’s education. Supporting the local primary school with school trips and special events. In addition the church is involved with outreach to local University overseas students through an International Cafe. ## **Contact with other churches** Carley Evangelical Baptist Church maintains regular contact with other Leicester churches including sharing in joint services and times of worship together. ## **Church Operation and Management** All church activities are led and supported by volunteers including a designated “St Matthews Matters” Community Worker from within the church and missionary organisations who are DBS checked and receive training as appropriate. During the year, the Church Trustees continue to review specific legislations and guidance, as they may affect the church to ensure compliance and identify areas where improvements and changes are required, as part of overall risk management . There were no serious incidents during the year ending 31[st] December 2023. ## **Finances** The finances of the church are as recorded in the Statement of Accounts. The church income comes from the regular giving and donations by church members and congregation through which all financial commitments of the church are met and allows the provision to support missionary work. The Church Trustees constantly review the level of funds and seek to ensure sufficient is carried forward to meet anticipated expenditures necessary to enable the church to continue its activities and to maintain the property in good condition. ## **Declaration** The trustees declare that they have approved the above trustee’s report. 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