## **References and Administrative Details** ## **Registered Address** 98 High Street Boston Pe21 8TA ## **Charity Registration Number** 1185777 ## **Trustees** The Revd Steve Holland (Pastor/Minister) Mr Kevin Smithbone (elected November 2019) Mr Pete Meller (elected Treasurer November 2019 Mrs Gill Massey (elected November 2019) Penny Hare (resigned 4[th] February 2022) ## **Property Trustees** Boston Baptist Trust, 98 High Street Boston PE21 8TA ## **Bankers** CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ ## **Independent Examiner** Mrs Carol Lidgett ## **Annual Report for 2021** The trustees present their Annual Report and financial statements for 2022 ## **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 both in church and on-line (via YouTube) 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 addition the church holds regular prayer meetings to pray for the world, nation, community and the fellowship which, as for the bible study, for 2021 has been held electronically via ‘Zoom’ and details of these published on the church notice sheet and through the website and are available upon request. 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 2021** So another year has passed and it has been a year that has been in many ways much the same way as the year before. So what should I include in this Ministers report? I could mention the challenges of the covid pandemic which have limited what have been able to do as we began the year with a lockdown that meant we continued to worship in the virtual world, via on-line You Tube Services and zoom meetings for prayer, bible study and even social gatherings over coffee. I could talk about how blessed we are to be back worshipping in church, even if some of our mid week meetings continue on-line. but I want to talk about the church which is more than a building, or dates in a calendar, It is the people of God who come together for activities of fellowship and worship. I am of course, truly thankful to those who keep our technology working making it possible for us to continue with the ministry of worship over the internet as well as in church. And while I am saying thank you, I would also want to register my gratitude to all of you who serve the church is some way, whether it be leading prayers and readings or cleaning and making tea. Everyone of you brings glory to God as you serve with cheerful hearts. I also thank all of you who have give each other pastoral support through a year when it has been so difficult for so many, and I pray that this vital ministry which has been carried out so well will continue to be a defining aspect of our church. As a fellowship we have mourned the loss of Phyllis, who has been a powerful servant of the church especially in the ministry of music but also of Rita who gave herself in so many ways to the Lord’s service in this place, someone we continue miss daily, and yet we are able to praise God that they are now in Glory with him. We also miss Fran who has moved to Derby but who was an important part of our pastoral team. These folk leave a hole in our church, but again we praise God for the new people who have joined us for regular worship. I recently wrote to you about the importance of membership, of the importance of fellowshipping together and our responsibilities to meet together, encourage one another, to serve together and honour God by sharing in communion together. And recognising that we cannot do this on our own and that we need to take every opportunity to draw strength from God by joining together in worship and prayer I thank God for all the activities that have continued, even while we were not able to meet together in person. But the challenge for us as we go forward is to continue to seek the will of God for us in our community. - A community which finds us where we live – a community continues to grow with new houses being built and new families moving in. - A community where we work – where in so many ways it is more and more un-cool to be a Christian and we need to dispel the misconceptions about our faith. - and of course a community where we worship – where we are ever challenged to be the real thing sharing who we are with a God who gives and forgives. I believe we need to find new ways to release the gifts and resources that God has blessed us with, to engage in those places where we are. Recognising that we not alone when we share the good news of Christ, but that we partner with God who leads the way. We need to seek out the opportunities presented to us, to engage with a changing world that will sometimes seem hostile, which means we will also need to grow and mature together as Christians who support and care for one another encouraging one another and praying for one another. As we look to the future, we cannot know what is around the corner. Somethings of course we do know, for example that at the end of 2022 the church we be seeking a new minister as I retire and this is something that even now the church should be praying about. But irrespective of the uncertainties the church might face we have one certainty that we can always hold fast to. God is with us to the very end of the age. I close with a passage I would like to make ours for this coming year and beyond. It’s from the letter to the Romans 12:9-13 and is entitled Love in Action _9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.[11 ] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.[12 ] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.[13 ] Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality._ I believe this is meant not only for within our own fellowship but is to be shared with all people, and if this is true then we need to find new ways to release the gifts and resources that God has blessed us with, to engage in those places where we are and those around us. Recognising that we not alone when we share the good news of Christ, but that we partner with God who leads the way. We need to seek out the opportunities presented to us, to engage with a changing world that will sometimes seem hostile, which means we will also need to grow and mature together as Christians who support and care for one another encouraging one another and praying for one another. Steve Holland (Minister) ## **Secretary’s Report 2021** I should like to start by paying tribute to Rita Corke, who wrote last year’s secretary’s report, and who sadly left us after a short illness to join Jesus in glory last November. In Rita we have lost a wise, compassionate, reliable friend who served her Lord in so many ways. Her gift for administration will be greatly missed. Let us thank God that her gifts blessed our Church and so many individuals. Shortly beforer Rita died, we lost another faithful Christian, Phyllis Davy, who was also devoted to serve her Lord at Boston Baptist Church for many years. The past year continued with lockdown and various restriction to our activities. We continue to thank Shane and Steve for maintaining the online provision on YouTube and Zoom, which has enabled us to keep in contact with each other. Matthew Lymer was also kind enough to update and improve our website. As we now have fewer advised restrictions in meeting, we have been able to gather face-to-face, if we feel confident, and Sunday services are almost back to normal – to singing without masks, enjoying coffee, tea and biscuits after the service, etc. Several of the congregation meet for coffee on a Wednesday morning. Also, afternoon tea on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month has been reinstated. Many were delighted to share fellowship in the Church again, and it is hoped that more will feel able to return over the coming weeks. We have been pleased to welcome several new folks into fellowship, and also some into membership recently. At present, the Bible study on Monday evening and the prayer meeting on Thursday afternoon are still being held on Zoom. We have continued to share the Church buildings with others. The Romanian Church meet on a Sunday evening, and Pastor Minko and his Bulgarian congregation meet on a Saturday evening. Rompers, the mother and toddler group (meeting on a Friday morning), will return after a two-year break after Easter. The music exams will also take place again this year. We thank God that we have been able to continue supporting, among others, Centrepoint, Roadhog and Churches Together in Boston. Steve and Karen provided Christmas lunch for several of the congregation and friends, which was a very enjoyable occasion. We are now looking forward to celebrating Easter together: the joyful news of God’s plan of salvation for anyone who will accept what Jesus achieved by his sacrifice and resurrection. If you feel led to get more involved in the various goings-on at High Street, please speak to Steve or one of the deacons; there are several openings for service, e.g. the prayer chain, pastoral care and Church cleaning. If you have an idea of how we can start a new venture, please do not keep it to yourself. We anticipate several adjustments in the coming months, including a change in our leadership as Steve’s retirement and time as our pastor draws to a close. Steve and Karen have been a tremendous blessing during an unusual period of restrictions; we are thankful for their use of all their special gifts to serve the Lord, and we shall miss them greatly. We pray that they will enjoy this new phase of their life together and keep in contact with us. Let us all rely on each other to commit to collective and individual prayer to seek God’s will for our Church and its community. Gill Massey (Secretary) BOSTON BAvnsT CHURCH GEIIERAL PUIIPOSE FU141> Imcome i EXPENDfftIRE STATEIAENT 2020 VARWICE COME Offerings Covenants CAF Gift Ald Baptist Tn￿1 Grfl clam Hlre of Bu1￿[￿5 8.631.82 11,008.54 23.757.00 2.376. 72 26.185 .2.428.C 3.thXI.CiI 157.50 Y6.800.00 8,292.50 165. I9.8￿.00 8,450.00 1,0(k).CKI 34276 835.L .7.24 350.LY) Bw)k intuest rKdved 0.44 EXPENDtfuRE MwisTrY Stip￿j PAYE & NIC 21.990.53 22,540.00 9,395.88 549.47 8.198.01 1. 197.87 Rwtt 7.800. 7,8￿.00 3.926.63 -3.926.63 Mmisters Expenses 1.045.39 s.￿.25 4.550.86 42.960.56 45,332.13 Z371.57 EXPENSES Church U￿rt 4.054.29 3,S21.64 .532.65 Church Insurance 3.162.45 3.453.69 291.24 Church MwnterAnce 1.127_42 299.98 27.44 Church Cleani 45.00 Entran¢e cogts a,3￿10 7,320.31 -f,023.85 FELLOWSHIP Felkr•thp prK)locLy'w & slatKMy Tithe 316.40 315.88 593.39 308.62 276.99 4.TCk).00 5.850.00 1. 150.00 290.00 2(Kl.(M) CharyJes Le9al fees CIO ApWicatN CCLI L￿ence 60.00 356.40 .356.40 1.564.20 1.564.20 213.72 213.72 Baptsl unl￿ 212.65 212.65 6.038.68 9.038.58 2.999.g TOTAL EXPENDITURE 57 343.40 61 691.02 Exce38 OF IKo¥e OVER ExPE￿￿l 418.51 BOSTON BAPTIST CHURCH GENEIIAL PURPOSE FUND INCOME I EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 31¥t DECEMBER 2021 SUMIAARY 2020 INCOME .429.66 64,358.74 EXPENDITURE 57.343.40 61,691.02 BALANCES 8FWD 19,555.84 22,642.10 22.642. 10 25.309.82 3.086.26 2.667.72 BALANCES CFWO REPRESEIITEO BY C88h al bank 18.241.99 20,W27 4.4LKI. 11 4,4(M).55 th ts apr￿0Ved on and ¥19r￿ ￿ the Churth'¥ beh41 24 March 2022 Steve HdlaThJ CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGIANO ANO WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts S•cli lor Ihe year erKled 31112D)21. R•spMsibiliti08 •NI As the charity trustees. you are re¥)￿SIble the prepwatiM ol the b•Jl$ of r•port ￿¢￿nts in acccYdan￿ wrth the ChwitEs Ad 2011 (Ihe kr). I repK)rt in respecl of my exarnina￿n cl the Trusl's accounts &vried o der seth'on 145 01 the 2011 Act in Gqryiro out my examinalj'on. I trkqve followed all the applicable DIrect￿n3 gNen by the Charrty Commiss bder seth'on 145(5Xb} ol Ihe kl. IndoperKl•nt •xamln•fs stat•m•nt I have ccmpleted my exarninatiDn. I confmi that no malerial mattefs have come to my attentK)n (other than that disdosed below-> in connectson ￿lIh Ihe ex¥ninatK)n which glves ￿uSe to beh'eve that in, any materi81 resFEd,: the accLwnting re¢￿dS were not ke0 in acurdarKe *ith sectN)n 130 of the kt" or the aCc￿￿t5 dld noi accxxd wlth Ihe accounb'ng records: or Ihe account5 dld nol ￿Mpty wilh the appltsble requirements conceming the fonn and conlenl of accounts set out in the Charib'es (Attounts Re￿rts) Regulations 2008 other Ihan any requiremenl Ihat the accwnis give 8 'In￿ and fair, view whth is not a matter (x>nsMlered as part of an ndependent examinatK>n. I have m corttms and have come across no rther mttefs in ¢J)MectkM) Mth Ihe examinalK)n to whith attentw)n should be drawn in It¥s rery)rt ' (￿der to ena14e a proper understand￿g of the accx)unts to be rethd. ' Please delete the w(xds in the brnckets rf they do not 8ppty. Slgn•d: Dats: 1810312022 N•n•: Carol kn'dgell R•l•vant prOf•s￿on quallficatlonls) or tK>dy (rf any): FCCA retired No fee charged thi5 examinatbn IER Octob•r 2018 11 Hemington Way 'rton Addr•M: Boston Lin4x)knshire PE20 1 EA Soction B Disclosuro Orty c￿np￿te rf the eX￿nI￿r ne￿8 to highlight maliers cl C1￿ceM {see CC32. Independent examlnatk)n crf thwlty aCC￿nts. dr￿tk)n8 guldartt for examiners). Givo h•r• details ol any Il•m8 thal th• oxamln•r wish•8 to disclog•. As with cther charits'es and churthes who are banking wrth HSBC there has been a woblem bankiThJ cash as HSBC no longer accepi cash al their t*anch kn Bosicn aTrJ thts is the bank that handles bankn'twas for CAF Ban This has meant that a trustee has used thetr personal bank account to bank the cash offenrwJs t￿1 trkqs Iransfe￿ed the 9￿ntS by bank transler lo CAF bank I have been unable to follow thL8 a￿lt trail as a further compfication arose due to the Covid19 restr￿1)nS leading to Ihe closure ol the church building dunrvJ 2 lenglhy k)ckdovms. I have checked the 8rri)imt of cash transfers against Ihe cash offefing but was unable to rec¥)ncile the Iwo as nK>re had been bank￿ than the cash offering book rec(￿ded. As the church was dosed for mary weeks the offenThJ bcK)k only recc￿dS the weeks when the thurth was open when a rxow uxjnt was carr￿d out wth 2 people doiThJ Ihis. HS8C has nol changed its p0￿cY bul steps are being put in pl￿e to have a special bank account lor th'is ￿sh and a fulty restofed a￿rt tra￿ wll tr￿n be put in place. l arn wnfident thai (xsh offerings hwrfe been banked eventualty aThJ so thi5 doesn'l affect the accounts annexed to this repc¥t. Many dcffKJf5 are now using b￿k Iransfers themselves to la￿1rtate Iheir giving I¢￿vering Ihe amount ol rash handling required is a FK)skn've oulwne in a tUrt￿lent and uncefL9in year. IER October 2018