2023-12-31-accounts

’ – Treasurer s Report 2023 Steve Box

Summary

It is pleasing to be able to report that the church finances are still in a strong position. We have run for a whole year with the salary of a pastor part time and a Families Worker. We have been able to keep our property in well maintained condition and we have been able to give generously to other ministries. God has been good to us.

Throughout the year we have received £100 400 in income and have spent £95 063, a surplus of £5 337. This is smaller than last year’s surplus, largely because we have spent more on the manse and the church buildings.

At the end of December our position was that we have £75 695 in the bank. We finished the year with one month of Gift Aid refunds so we have £1200 owing to us.

The accounts show two items in our Restricted Funds. That is where money that was given for a specific purpose is recorded. We have £745.91 which was raised in our 2022 Gift Day giving that can only be spent on supporting those in the church and beyond with cost of living difficulties. Most of the money set aside for that purpose has now been distributed, notably a £3000 gift to Restore Hope. The second sum recorded in this way is £6000 from the 2023 Gift Day offering. That will be given to Tek Ura (see below) on a monthly basis through 2024.

Our regular weekly offerings are very similar to last year at £63 600. Our total income is higher than last year, mainly because we have been gaining rental income from the manse for half of the year.

Giving to ministries

After much debate the trustees and elders have decided to make some changes to our giving to Baptist Union Home Missions (BU) and Baptist Missionary Society (BMS). Reservations have been expressed about the way that our giving to these organisations has been used. We have little control and are not confident that our generosity has supported the growth of God’s kingdom in the way that most of our givers would wish.

We have continued to pay our BU “subscription” of £5 per member but have been giving no money above that. We have reduced our giving to BMS to a nominal amount of £10 per month. Before that decision we intended giving 2% of our income (about £1600) to Home Missions and 3% (about £2400) to BMS. This giving is being redirected to other ministries. The money that would have gone to the BU Home Missions will be given to a local church that would benefit from some extra financial support. The money that would have gone to BMS is being given to Tek Ura in Albania.

We have been able to give a total of over £11 000 to a wide range of ministries: Leprosy Mission, Spurgeons, Operation Agri, Project Possible, Wycombe Youth for Christ, One Can Trust, Tear Fund, Everylife, Wycombe Homeless Connection and Restore Hope.

Gift Day

We held a Gift Day in October that drew a generous response. This year the leadership decided that we would use the Gift Day offering to support Tek Ura in Albania. This organization has been funded by BMS but have had their funding withdrawn. The total giving was £6000 (with Gift Aid reclaim to be added). When we add in the money that we would have sent to the BMS we should be able support the work of a physiotherapist. We intend giving to Tek Ura in this way for three years to help their planning.

Manse

We have had tenants in the manse since June. The letting is now managed by John Nash - a more local estate agent/lettings management company (for 8% of the income). We have collected rental of £12 000. However we have spent a serious amount of money to ensure that our tenants are treated well. We have replaced a boiler and the gas fire, replaced soffit and barge boards, some fencing work, purchased a new microwave and a new oven. If we include the council tax that we paid before the tenants took on the responsibility we have spent over £15 000 on the manse. We are hoping that nothing else will need replacing for a while now!

Church Building

Our total spend on the church buildings has also been about £15 000. The larger bills have been for the log cabin, picnic benches, a new shed, upgrading the lighting, dishwasher repairs and insurance.

We are in the process of getting quotations for a refurbishment of the entrance lobby. As part of our consideration we have met with the team from Holy Trinity, Hazlemere Church who designed their church redesign church and in particular The Atrium. We hope to be able to present a more attractive and modern look to give a more positive first impression to visitors and users of the building.

Reserves and savings

Trustees have decided to keep at least £30 000 in reserve. This will be kept in a separate bank account and will only be used in very serious circumstances. Over the past year we have place £55,000 in savings accounts that have produced for us an extra £2000 of income. We have chosen to put the money with the Baptist Union savings accounts which have been managed in such a way to enable them to offer loans to church groups.

We have begun 2024 with a confidence that God has continued to provide all that we have needed to play our part in His work in our village and surrounding area.

God is Good!

Stephen Box Treasurer March 2024

Holm•r Greon Baptist Church ststement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 2023 Iln¢oTrporaOng an 11￿me and ex[￿￿ttUre accourrtl Note 2023 2022 Restrlcted IPastorfsl Fund Balan￿ brought forward Re￿Ipts Direct Charitable Expenditure Balance carried forward 5,245.91 400.86 5,590.00 744.95 5.245.91 4,500.00 745.91 Restricted (Gift Day) Fund Balance brought forward Re￿IPtS Direct Charitable Expenditure Balance carried forward 6,930.00 930.00 6,000.00 0.00 General Fund Recelpts Weekly Offerings Other donations received Other raised incor Other income Total 63.610.05 0.00 2.763.36 34,027.36 100,400.77 64,372.38 0.00 2,912.09 24,869.07 92,153.54 Direct Charitable Expendlture Cost of services Ministry Church l Manse u Other causes Other expenses Total 1,437.87 41,455.65 32,883.34 11,495.27 7,791.13 95,063.26 2,288.27 42,282.83 12,593.87 10,039.49 7,661.12 74,865.58 Surplusldeficit for the year 5,337.51 17,287.96 Balance brought forward Surplusldeficit for the year Balance carried forward 63,612.01 5,337.51 68,949.52 46,324.05 17,287.96 63.612.01 All Funds balance carried forward 75,695.43 68.857.92

Holmer Green Baptist Church Statement of Assets and Liabili￿88 as at 31 Dac•mb•r 2023 Balance Sheet 2023 2022 Fued Assets Church and Manse Church Held for church's own use Manse Held for investment 980,000.00 180.000.00 1,160,000.00 980.000.00 180,000.00 1.160.000.00 MonetsryAssels Lloyds Current account Lloyds InstsntAccess account Lloyds InstantAccess Online account BU Corp 7 dayaccount lopened Jan 20231 BU Coip 3 month account (opened Jan 20231 6,382.32 15.464.75 0.00 22,641.42 31,206.94 13.046.53 55,811.39 Cash In hand 75,695.43 68,857.92 Non MondaryAssels 1.160,000.00 1,160.000.00 TotslAssets 1,235,695.43 1.228,857.92 Restricted (Pastor's) Fund Restricted IGift Dayl Fund Geneial Fund 745.91 5.245.91 6,000.00 68,949.52 63.612.01 Cash at Hand 75.695.43 68.857.92

Holmer Green Baptist Chur¢h Notes to the Ftnancial Statemonts 8a5is ofa¢￿￿1tlng TIEse alxounts havo been prepared uThJer the historical cost coNention applicab￿ acmuntiJ¥J standards, aNI in ac¢ord8n( vKth Accountiro aTrJ ReportiNJ by Chalibes Statement of ReconvneTrJed Practi￿ {SORP 20051 aNI Ch￿ILleS Act 1993. Basls of Property Valuatio Ttr¢ ¢hur¢h aThJ mar￿e are revalued as per Baptist Urlon reeommeTrJed figures every 5- 7 years wlwn carry oit 8 review. last reviewwas coThILKtsd on 19th Decwnber 2016. Status of Chaf The G￿rity w8$ formal￿ regFStered with the Chaiity Commisslotws in 1996. Cash Fkiw Statennt The trith have tsken advantage of exemption eonferred by the FirAnryal ReportiNJ StaThJard N￿b￿r 1 aTrJ have not wepared a cash fbw $taloment on the basis that trlls is a small Charity. 2 Oth•rCau 2023 2023 GNen 2022 Raised 2022 Given Raised For missio￿ supported BMS Workl Mission Home Mission Leprosy Mission Spurgeons Operation Agri RopelProjec Possib Wycombe Youth for Chn51 BookslWbls given away OrE Can Trust TearfuThY Everylrfe lrtemational Love Wycornbe Wycombe HO￿￿￿5$ Cornthon Restore Ho 1186.50 1652.20 2070.00 0.00 650.00 330.00 235.00 479.09 3W.00 76.49 S6￿31 1288.50 400.00 2460.00 ICKJO 174.93 0.00 1500.00 300.00 113.9 105 768.2 500 100.00 4UO.39 100.00 Who L8ttlK Dads OE Pop lft Events J￿10r Church PLayfrates l Toddb S¢hoob Youth Cl Simpty Walk lexpdl 96.00 222.36 1,378.01 1.074.27 48B.60 709.90 186.56 233.26 22&53 109.50 430.25 936.38 118.86 260.40 654.17 176.00 287.28 154.12 1.386AS 1.150.39 94A1 2.763.36 11.495.27 2.912.09 10.039A9 3 Ottw Income 2023 2022 Pop In I1￿) Use of Premises Gewal Events CAF Donation Interest HMRC RefuNI Simpty Walk I1￿) Otrr Rebatss Manse Rent81 RefurKJ of fe8S 1.624.60 450.00 821.70 0.00 1.882.15 15,484.75 2.070.62 939.50 10,274.04 600.00 34,027.36 1,777.50 856.00 768.20 120.00 15,836.59 1,643.08 3,844.17 0.00 24.869.07

The accounts and statement of assets and liabilities (balance sheet) as set out in pages 1 to 6 inclusive for the year ending 31st December 2023 are as approved by the Trustees.

Signed (Church Secretary) Date: 25th March 2024

veen ANNUAL REPORT 2023

ANNUAL REPORT

202 3

Holmer Green Baptist Church

The Common Holmer Green High Wycombe Bucks HP15 6TD

www.holmergreenbaptist.org.uk

[e-mail]

www.facebook.com/holmergreenbaptist

(Telephone : [phone])

’ – Pastor s Report 2023 Anthony Smith

God’s Faithfulness

“God’s Faithfulness” As in previous years I thought I would give this report a title. seems appropriate.

Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Every single action God takes is sure and steady. Every word He speaks is always good and true. People let us down–but God will never let us down in the ways that matter most. He keeps every promise, always. His unfailing love will never end.

As I reflect on this last year that verse in Psalm 34 really resonates with me. We have faced a number of challenges but God has truly been faithful and those in the church have risen to each challenge and opportunity that we have faced.

The personal highlight for myself was to take my sabbatical, even if it was somewhat overdue. It was a wonderful time of relaxation, renewal and reflection. Whether it was visiting our mission partners in Albania, walking some of the Camino, catching up on reading materials, visiting other churches or a relaxing holiday, it was a wonderful opportunity I am truly grateful to you all for affording me this opportunity, Thank you!

It enabled me to particularly take stock of where we are and what the future looks like for me and the church. I concluded as they say on “Bargain Hunt” that “We are in safe hands” why, because we are in God’s hands.

For myself I have been your formal Pastor now for over 10 years (even though I only came for 5!) and you have been such a blessing to me. During that time, we have faced many challenges together and found God to be faithful. We have received God’s blessing in so many ways. Truly God is faithful. When I went on my sabbatical I foolishly thought, how will they cope, who will cover this, will there be a church left when I come back and many other thoughts. I confess my sin to you!

The reality was very different, the church grew in strength. We saw others take up the reigns in an amazing way. We saw God’s gifts released. I don’t think we had to drop anything during my time away as others filled those opportunities. Some of my Pastor friends say on their sabbaticals the church simply tried to hold the church together.

How faithful God was to us. One of my first services back I remember sitting in the congregation thinking How faithful God has been. I almost felt redundant. That reminded me of a phrase my old boss used to say. “Tony (yes he called me Tony) work to make yourself redundant.” I now understand fully what he meant.

For our size of church, the last year has shown what an amazing group of preachers, worship leaders, musicians, teachers, helpers we have and not forgetting the amazing tea and coffee team without whom we would definitely struggle. Some have up front roles which are very visible but there are many working behind the scenes. We need all of them to make HGBC what it is today held together and empowered by God’s Holy Spirit.

The last year has shown what a gifted group of Trustees and Elders you have. What a blessing we have in Rach leading our families work and so many others that work so hard for all of us. I cannot name you all as the report wouldn’t be long enough and I would be bound to forget someone.

The main result of the last year is that I am more confident than I have ever been that as you search for the right person to replace me that God will be faithful IF you diligently seek his way.

I love the phrase “The past is a closed door, the present is an open one, and the future is an approaching one”

I believe the message of God for the last year has been “He is faithful and he will guide you into the next exciting chapter for this church in Holmer Green.” The future is exciting. As we reflect on 2023 yes let’s give thanks but let’s all appreciate the best is yet to come. Praise God!

Your Pastor and friend

Anthony

– THE CHURCH YEAR 2023: Church Secretary Derek Brown

The discipline of preparing an annual report gives you the opportunity to look back and review how God has continued to bless us over the last year.

2023 began with many challenges for the fellowship here in Holmer Green. The first being the task of recruiting someone to take on the children and families’ work within the fellowship. We were delighted that Rachael Smith, who had been in the role before starting her own family, was able to fulfil this vacancy. She is doing a tremendous job reaching out to the families in the area via school visits, assisting with Oasis, our mother and toddler’s group, and children and youth activities on a Sunday.

Special events including Christmas Unwrapped and Easter Cracked, with the school children and staff attending the church building, and after school Party Nights have also been a great success in making contact with local families.

The second challenge was to cover the services and meetings whilst our pastor Anthony embarked on his long overdue sabbatical. As church secretary traditionally the task of finding speakers to fill the preaching slots would normally have fallen on me. We are so blessed that not one meeting required action in this way. I am so grateful to God for those members and friends who faithfully prepared, preached and served us in this way, on behalf of the fellowship thank you!

We know the church is not just the building but the people who worship in it. As Peter writes in chapter two of his first letter ‘you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.’ This is very true, however our building is a tremendous resource which can easily be taken for granted. As someone who has been involved in the past with the setting up of worship in hired accommodation and halls I can testify to what an asset it is to have such a facility at our disposal.

As with any property ongoing maintenance and repair is necessary to preserve the integrity of the building. We also have a duty as stewards of what we have received from the Lord to ensure it continues to be a welcoming and safe place for all those who use it. The manse also falls into this category. This year this responsibility has resulted in a number of major and costly works being undertaken.

As our treasurer has said in his report “God is Good” and thankfully we had sufficient funds not only to carry out these works but maintain our regular financial commitments. On that note I would like to thank the finance team for all the time and hard work they carry out behind the scenes to ensure everything is in order with the church finances.

Worship services on a Sunday and a Wednesday continue to be well supported and our Sunday online broadcast is appreciated by many both near and far who are unable to attend in person. Our other regular meetings, Life Groups, Oasis Toddlers, Pop in Lunches and Women’s fellowship continue to attract good numbers. Who let the Dad’s Out, continues to grow and our friends at Simply Walk on a

Monday continue to enjoy the hospitality the church building provides them. These opportunities enable us to reach out to those on the fringes of the church community as well as the regular members and it provides an opportunity to share the Good News in an informal way and make real friendships with those living on our doorstep.

Anthony has kindly let us know that he intends to retire in June 2025 after serving 10 years in the role as our pastor although he had only agreed to 5! We thank him for his commitment, love and service to the fellowship over that time.

This will mean changes in the months ahead while the leadership team seek the Lord for the way forward and the correct role for any appointment that is made.

Our official membership currently stands at 47 but we have many regular attendees at both our services. It would be lovely if we could increase this number going forward, so do pray about who you could approach to take this step and encourage them to talk to any of the leadership team should they have any questions.

In my report last year I wrote of the blessing that our Ukrainian refugee families had brought to the fellowship. Sadly the hostilities continue and many of them have now been found longer term accommodation in the area which has meant some have left us and others have returned home to be with their loved ones. We continue to remember and thank God for them and pray that this evil war which has destroyed and disrupted so much of their lives will cease and peace will reign once more.

For them and for the fellowship I will end with this promise from Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

As we look to what the Lord has in store for us I am sure you will join me with an Amen!

God bless you Derek Brown

Contact Information 2023

Pastor: Anthony Smith [e-mail] Secretary: Derek Brown [e-mail] Treasurer: Steve Box (Co opted) [e-mail] Trustees: Richard Chen [e-mail] Chris Davy [e-mail] Claire Spinks-Gillen [e-mail] Steve Phillips [e-mail] Elders: Mark Coventry [e-mail] Bob Davy [e-mail]

Holmer Green Baptl•t Church Indopendont exarninerfs report to the trustees on the accounts for the year ended 31 Docembor 2023 R68PeCtl￿ rn8pon8lbllttles of trustees and •xamin•r The chanws trustees are responsibk for the Pfeparatlon of the a¢¢ounts. The ¢hariV$ trustees Consider that an audié is not reguire(I for this year under SeCt￿n 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an Indeper￿ent examination is needed. 11 Is my re5￿￿bilty to.. examine the a¢¢ourrfs, as set OLrt on the foNovlng 4 pag08, under section 145 of the 2011 Act. to follow the Procedures la￿ down in the general DIreCtior￿ gfven by Chaiity Ccrfnmission (under Section 4317)(b} of the 1993 Act, and . to stste hether particular matters have come to my attenti¢M. B•sl8 of Ind?￿ndOnt •xamIn0￿$ •tat¢m• My examinati￿ Was carried fxrt in accordance vkn 9eneral Direct￿$ gwen by the Chartty Commission. An examinaiion includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wilh those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items di$dosures in the accoun18, and seeking explanations from the trustees conceming any such matters. The wocedures undertaken do not provide all the evldence that would be required In an audlt, and consequently no opinion is gwen as lo Yh)elher the accounts preg￿t a kn and farf and the report is Ilmited to those matters set out in the $tment Wow. Indopondgnt 0xami￿¥ 8tatsmont In the course ol my exam0nat￿n. no matter5. ¢xcept as thsdo8ed below. come to my attenb"on: I WIMch glv2s me Tea50nabfe caLBe to Wieve that in. any m*rid respect. the requirements.. to keep accounting iecords In accordance with sectKJn 130 of the 2011 Act.. and lo ' h accord the accountyng recor(l$ and Gomply ￿7th the a¢xountlng repare acf% g011 Ect have not been met.. or Irements o 2 to in my opinion, attention shouhj be drawn in order to enable a proper under8tan¢Jin9 of the accounts to be reached. rmo] 01-Mar-24 Sarah Hom Chartered Ac¢ountant 7 Bunbury Avenue Great 8arton Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP3125Z Date