References and Administrative Details
Registered Address
98 High Street Boston Pe21 8TA
Charity Registration Number 1185777
Trustees
The Revd Steve Holland (Pastor/Minister) Mrs Rita Corke (Secretary resigned March 2020) Mr Kevin Smithbone (elected November 2019) Mr Pete Meller (elected Treasurer November 2019 Mrs Gill Massey (elected November 2019) Penny Hare (elected November 2019)
Property Trustees
Boston Baptist Trust, 98 High Street Boston PE21 8TAnion Corporation Limited Baptist House, 129
Bankers
CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ
Independent Examiner
Mrs Carol Lidgett
Annual Report for 2020
The trustees present their Annual Report and financial statements for 2020
Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document. Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the Constitution which requires them to be or to have been publicly baptised on the profession of faith in Jesus Christ or following other methods of baptism to renew their public profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
The members Meetings normally take place no less than four times per year with an AGM in March each year. Important decisions and policies of the church are discussed and approved at these meetings. In accordance with the Constitution, the members appoint Trustees, who together with the Minister (Pastor), Church Secretary and Treasurer (who are also appointed by the Members), are responsible for the day to day running of the church's work and witness, and the financial and legal aspects of the charity.
The church has a Leadership Team comprising of trustees meets no less than six times a year. The Minister is responsible for the spiritual direction and oversight of the church. The other trustees (Deacons) take an active role in the practical running of the church. All members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective.
Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church meeting by the Trustees for guidance or may be raised by members in Church meetings for further consideration by the Trustees. Though the Constitution permits decisions to be made at Church meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible.
Objectives and Activities
The principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination to include the advancement of education, community service and such other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Church shall determine.
In order to achieve the principal objective which is set out above, the Church provides a variety of activities both to its membership and to the community generally. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as living Lord .
Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship. These services take place each Sunday at 10.30 am. There are also occasional services at other times which are advertised on the Church notices and the website at 'bostonbaptistchurch.co.uk'. There is a children's programme during the morning services. The church seeks to be a friendly and welcoming community, and anybody is free to attend any of these services.
The Church runs bible study groups for the growth of faith and discipleship in the homes of some members, although throughout the lockdown and during covid restrictions this has been held via zoom. and further details of these can be obtained from the Trustees on request, or at the Sunday services of worship .
From time to time the Church runs courses for people interested in discovering more about Christianity, entitled 'Christianity Explored' and 'Christianity explained'.
The church also works with young people through a local mobile youth project call RoadHog.
The church buildings are available to be used by local community groups including a mums and toddler group, and a bereavement counselling service.
The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted with regard to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The trustees have read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that the activities outlined above and below clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the public.
Achievements and Performance
Refer to the reports prepared below by the Minister and Secretary.
Financial Review
The Church continues to raise the funds which it needs to carry on its activities from within its own membership and congregation, with support from the ‘Boston Baptist Trust. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year
The most significant expenses relate to payments of the Pastor, and the running costs of the church buildings. The Church expressed its part in the life of the ;local community and the wider church by making grants to national and international Christian organisations and societies with Christian aims and objectives compatible with the church's own charitable purpose. The Church is heavily dependent on its membership working as volunteers in all aspects of the church's activities which contribute to the achievement of the church's objectives. The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted are set out in the financial statements below
Ministers Report 2020
What a year this has been for all of us not just in the life of the church but across every aspect of life! Therefore, naturally this will be a very different report to previous years.
As a church and a congregation, we have had to endure several lockdowns which has meant the closure of our church building. This has resulted in us worshiping in a whole new way as we negotiated the challenging path of going on-line. I would like to particularly thank Shane Holland for all his hard work in enabling this to happen. I would also like to thank Martin and Pat Wyatt for their generous donation towards a video camera.
Like our services our prayer meetings and Bible Studies and even our coffee mornings have moved on-line and continued through Zoom, and I can’t help but thank God that we have these technologies at this trying time – I cannot imagine how we would have managed without them.
I realise this encroaches on the report of the Treasurer but I wanted to thank all of you who have supported the church financially throughout the lockdown. And I would also thank the Baptist Trust for their generous support. Without such support the church would struggle to continue to be the church it is.
I know that beyond the practical issues of functioning as a church through this year that many of you have stepped up to support one another through telephone calls and zoom meetings at a time when isolation has caused many to struggle, and for this I praise God.
As we move out of the lockdown and hopefully back towards enjoying the freedoms we so easily take for granted, I am sure that the church will rise to the challenges we will face in supporting one another and our community.
In addition to many of the existing activities re-starting we will Need to also explore new ways in which we can show the love of God to our community and especially those in need.
We all have a part to play in the life of the Church, and this is not limited to those who serve us so faithfully at present, every one of us, young and old, male and female have something unique to contribute, and I want to commit to encouraging you.
While we cannot avoid the impact of what has happened and how it will affect us. We must recognise that the past does not define us. We are a people of the future and that future is bound in Christ Jesus our Lord. Our challenge as we move forward is to look to see what God wants us to do and who we should be.
We should actively and intentionally encourage everyone in our fellowship.
We should look for, and encourage one another to develop the gifts that God has given each one of us.
In our daily lives I want to encourage our study of the Bible and I would of course be delighted to see everyone taking part in our Bible Study groups, which are a real inspiration and blessing in understanding the Word of God, for those who attend. I also want to encourage our prayer life as individuals and as a Church, I have been disappointed at the poor numbers attending our prayer meetings, although I understand that relying on technology as we have had to for so much of the year is challenging and prevents some for participating. I believe that prayer is the powerhouse of the church and if we are to succeed in our desire to serve the Lord to the best of our ability, we need to be a people at prayer.
And I also want to encourage us in our faith, we need to believe with an expectancy of what God can do though his church which is of course every one of us.
In 2 Corinthians 4:14-18 we read
14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. [15 ] All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day. [17 ] For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! [18 ] So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
This year we adopted a new logo and we included the phrase ‘Praising God, Following Christ, Bringing Hope.’ In these few words we acknowledge our need to look upwards in praising God, in the struggles and in the blessings, but they also call us to look inwardly to recognise our need to grow as people of God, through prayer and study and of course in fellowshipping together. And finally, we are challenged to look outwardly, to show our community the Love that has been shown to us and offer it to them. So, I want to encourage us to show the love of Christ to our community.
So let me leave you with these words from Philippians 3
13 … Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Steve Holland (Minister)
Secretary’s Report 2020
It seems strange to be writing a report about 2020 in the middle of 2021, but then it has been a very strange 15 months! At our Annual General Meeting on 12th March last year, we were aware of the need to improve hygiene (paper towels) because of Covid but had no idea of what was to come and how much it would impact all our lives. That was our last Church Meeting of 2020 and meeting together is still a work in progress as we emerge from what, we hope and pray, is our last lockdown. I read recently in Psalm 59:17 “You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” How good to know that we have a sovereign, dependable God to whom we can turn at any time.
It has been so good to have the online services each Sunday and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Steve and Shane for all the work they have put, and continue to put, into making that happen. I have also been so encouraged by those who have joined in the Zoom meetings – the Bible Study, the Prayer Meeting, the Coffee Morning. Thanks too to Pen for compiling the Words of Encouragement mailings, Steve for his continued Daily Thoughts and Carole for her contributions to the weekly Prayer Focus, all of which have helped us to stay connected. I know too that many of you have been encouraging one another by keeping in touch by phone, text, and email.
But how good it is to now be able to meet together again on Sundays, as we have done since Easter, despite some ongoing restrictions. I know that some have not felt able to join us, perhaps for health reasons, but, if health allows, I encourage you to come and enjoy fellowship once again. Last year I reported on an increase in the use of the church building! Since then, the building has hardly been used at all, though we did host music exams in November when restrictions allowed, and will do so again this month. The Romanian congregation have resumed their Sunday worship on Sunday evenings, and I know that Rompers are planning to re-start. CRUSE, who were planning to convert part of the upstairs schoolroom for their use, have had a major re-organisation and so are unlikely to need that space now. They are still welcome to use the building for training and counselling purposes but, like much of the rest of society, they are functioning by phone and online at present.
As you know, Fran Bouchard moved to Derby earlier this year to be nearer family. Fran (and her late husband Eddy) played a big part in Church life for many years, often behind the scenes. Lockdown meant that we could not give Fran the send-off we might have wished, but my thanks go to all of you who contributed greetings for her card and towards the gift vouchers we gave her for her new home. Fran has since resigned her membership with us and become a member of Broadway Baptist Church in Derby. Our loss is definitely their gain!
As we move on through and out of this very strange season for all of us, may I encourage us all to stay close to the Lord, and to encourage one another, as we seek to serve Him here in the Fellowship to which He has called us.
Rita Corke (Secretary)
BOSTON BAPTIST CHURCH GENERAL PURPOSE FUND
INCOME / EXPENDITURE STATEMENT
| 2019 | 2020 | VARIANCE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | |||
| Offerings | 16,476.82 | 8,631.82 | -7,845.00 |
| Covenants CAF Gift Aid | 24,590.00 | 26,185.00 | 1,595.00 |
| Baptist Trust | 7,800.00 | 16,800.00 | 9,000.00 |
| Gift aid claim | 7,683.45 | 8,292.50 | 609.05 |
| Hire of Buildings | 600.00 | 165.00 | -435.00 |
| Donations | 5,491.50 | 350.00 | -5,141.50 |
| Bank interest received | 9.04 | 5.34 | -3.70 |
| 62,650.81 | 60,429.66 | -2,221.15 | |
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| MINISTRY | |||
| Stipend PAYE & NIC | 21,196.00 | 21,990.53 | 794.53 |
| Pension | 9,033.84 | 8,198.01 | -835.83 |
| Rent | 7,800.00 | 7,800.00 | 0.00 |
| Manse Expenses | 4,184.16 | 3,926.63 | -257.53 |
| Ministers Expenses | 610.25 | 1,045.39 | 435.14 |
| Preachers Expenses | 100.00 | 0.00 | -100.00 |
| 42,924.25 | 42,960.56 | 136.31 | |
| CHURCH EXPENSES | |||
| Church Utilities | 5,809.04 | 4,054.29 | -1,754.75 |
| Church Insurance | 3,064.37 | 3,162.45 | 98.08 |
| Church Maintenance | 164.83 | 1,127.42 | 962.59 |
| Church Cleaning | 19.74 | 0.00 | -19.74 |
| Entrance costs | 1,600.00 | 0.00 | -1,600.00 |
| 10,657.98 | 8,344.16 | -2,313.82 | |
| FELLOWSHIP | |||
| Fellowship | 1,171.39 | 316.40 | -2,140.45 |
| Photocopier & stationery | 166.41 | 315.88 | 149.47 |
| Tithe | 3,700.00 | 4,700.00 | 2,350.00 |
| Donations | 235.46 | 290.00 | -10.00 |
| Charges | 235.40 | 60.00 | -175.40 |
| Legal fees | 0.00 | 356.40 | 356.40 |
| 5,508.66 | 6,038.68 | 530.02 | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 59,090.89 | 57,343.40 | -1,647.49 |
| EXCESS OF INCOME OVER | |||
| EXPENDITURE | 3,559.92 | 3,086.26 | -573.66 |
BOSTON BAPTIST CHURCH GENERAL PURPOSE FUND
INCOME / EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 31st DECEMBER 2020
| SUMMARY | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | |
| INCOME | 62,650.81 | 60,429.66 |
| EXPENDITURE | 59,090.89 | 57,343.40 |
| EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE | 3,559.92 | 3,086.26 |
| SPECIFIC PURPOSE FUND | ||
| 2019 | 2020 | |
| Balance carried forward | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| BALANCES BFWD | 15,995.92 | 19,555.84 |
| BALANCES CFWD | 19,555.84 | 22,642.10 |
| MOVEMENT IN THE YEAR | 3,559.92 | 3,086.26 |
| MOVEMENT ON GENERAL FUND | 3,559.92 | 3,086.26 |
| MOVEMENT ON SPECIFIC PURPOSE | ||
| FUND | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 3,559.92 | 3,086.26 | |
| BALANCES CFWD REPRESENTED BY | ||
| Cash at bank | ||
| Current Account | 11,161.07 | 18,241.99 |
| Deposit Account | 8,394.77 | 4,400.11 |
| 19,555.84 | 22,642.10 |
The accounts and statement of assets and liabilities relating to the year ending 5th April 2021 are as approved on behalf of the Trustees.
Signed:
Peter Meller (Treasurer)
Dated 22nd April 2020
Signed:
Steve Holland (Minister)
Dated 22nd April 2020
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of BOSTON BAPTIST CHURCH On accounts for the year ended 31ST DECEMBER 2020 Charity no (If any) Set out on pages 3AND4 I report to the trustees on my examinats.on of the accounts of the above Chanty (Ihe Trusf) for year ended 3111212020. Rosponslbilities and As the charity trustees. you are responsible for the prep¥ation of the basls of report accounts in accordance with the Chanties Act 2011 ("the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's acGounts carried out under sedion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed all the applicalJ8 Th'rections given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Art. Indepandent examinerfs statsment I have completed my examinth'on. I confirni that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examinab'on which gives me cause to believe that In, any material respect,: the a¢¢ounting rec¢xds were not kept in accordanc with section 130 of the Act. or Ihe a¢counts dKI not ac(y)rd wth the accounting rerdS,. or the accounts dMI not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the fomi and rnntent of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fair. vtew whith is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be dravffl in this report in order to enable a woper understanding of the accounts to be readd. . Please delete the M)rds in the b(elS rf they do not apply. 0510412020 Sign. Name: Carol Lidgett Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): FCCA retired No fee charged for this examination IER October 2018
11 Hemington Way Kirton Address: Boston Lincolnshi PE20 1 EA Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examinabon of chanty acuunts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here detalls of any itsms that the examlner wlshes to disclose. IER October 2018
BOSTON BAPTIST CHURCH GENERAL PURPOSE FUND 2019 VARIANCE INCOME Offerings Covenants CAF Grft Avj 16.476.82 8.631.82 .7,845.C 24.590.IJ) 26.185. 1.595.C(I Baptj'st Trust Gift abd cla'm 16.800.1XI 8,292.50 165.(Kl 9.tXKI.CQ 7.683.45 Hlre of Buildiros Dorwtions 43&C 4491. 9.04 -5, 141. Bank interest 4.70 650.81 221.15 EXPENDrruRE MINISTRY Stipend PAYE & NIC Pension 21. 196.( 21.WJ.53 794.53 9.033.84 8.198 01 35.83 7,8(KI.CKI 3,926.63 Manse Expef Minister8 Expen888 Prher5 Exw)ses 4.184. 16 610.25 -257.&7 1,045.39 435.14 -ICQ.L 92&25 136.31 EXPENSES Church Utilitie6 4809.04 4.054.29 -1,754. 75 98.08 Church InsurarKe 3,064.37 164.83 3,162.45 1,127.42 Church Maintena 962.59 Church CnIng Entrance costs 19.74 -19.74 1.6cKI. -1.6CQ. -2 313.82 FELLOWSHIP Felkw8hip Photocq)ier & stationery Tith8 2456.85 166.41 316.40 -2 140.45 315.88 149.47 ZW.<Y) 4.700.¢) 2.00 Charges Legal fees 235.40 -175.40 o. 3.40 356.4 6 038.68 S30.02 TOTAL EXPENDrruRE 59 W.89 $7 343AO 3.086.26 -573.66
BOSTON BAPTIST CHURCH GENERAL PURPOSE FUND INCOME I EXPENDfTURE STATEMENT 31st DECEMBER 2020 2019 INCOME 62.81 60,429.66 EXPENDITURE s9.0.89 57,343.40 BALANCES BFWD 1&995.92 19.S55.84 BALANCES CFWD I9,.84 22.642.10 IAOVEMENT IN THE YEAR 559.92 3.559.92 3.086.26 IAMIAEIIT ON SPECIFIC PLPOsE FUIIO o. 559.92 Cash at bank CUrn1 Account 11. 161.07 18,241.99 Deposit Accnt a394.77 4.400.11 and sned on the Church's behair Sieve Holland