## **West Craven Baptist Church Trustees’ Annual Report for the Period 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2024** ## **Charity Name: West Craven Baptist Church Charity Registration Number 1190946** ## **Objectives and Activities** The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian Faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination (Const 3.1.1) In fulfilling this purpose, the Church will engage in a range of activities either on its own or with others. These will vary from time to time with activities being initiated, expanded or closed as appropriate. These activities may include but are not restricted to: - regular public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching - baptism, as defined in the Baptist Union’s Declaration of Principle - the Communion of the Lord's Supper which is normally observed at least once a month - evangelism and mission, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally - the teaching, encouragement, welcome and inclusion of young people - nurture and growth of Christian disciples - education and training of Christian and community service - giving and encouraging pastoral care - supporting and encouraging charitable social action in the UK and abroad - encouraging relationships with and supporting Baptists and other Christians (const 5) The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit ## **Structure, Governance and Management** West Craven Baptist Church is a CIO and its Governing Document is in line with Baptists Together and was prepared by Anthony Collins Solicitors in June 2021 Trustees are selected in line with the constitution. The Church Members Meeting shall appoint Charity Trustees, including a Church Secretary ( or equivalent) and a Church Treasurer ( or equivalent) to be responsible for the governance of the Church and where there is a minister that person is also a Charity Trustee because of their role and responsibilities. (const 14.1.1) The appointment of Charity Trustees shall be undertaken by processes that are public, clear and open, so that all Church Members are enabled to consider prayerfully who should be appointed as Charity Trustees. The processes shall ensure that notice is given of any forthcoming election so that Church Members may freely nominate prospective Charity Trustees whose names shall be submitted ( after they have indicated a willingness to be appointed) for decision to the Church Members with the intention of ensuring that those appointed have a sufficient level of support from them (Const 14.6.6) Nominations for the role of Charity Trustee, other than the minister, shall be made to the Church Secretary (or equivalent) no later than 3 Sundays (or other regular weekly meeting time when the Church gathers together) before the Church Members Meeting at which the election is to be held. Nominations must be submitted in writing with the supporting signatures of two other Church Members and the consent of the candidate. No person may nominate more candidates than there are places vacant. Requests for nominations shall be made at all services on the two Sundays (or other regular weekly meeting time when the church gathers together ) before that Sunday when nominations must cease, (Const 14.7) Voting shall be by secret ballot at an Ordinary Church Members Meeting. Church members shall be asked to vote for those nominated candidates who they believe would serve the Church well as Charity Trustees. Each member may vote for as many nominees as they believe meet this criteria. Scrutineers shall be appointed by the Church Meeting to count the votes and shall report the outcome in confidence and in writing to the chairperson of the meeting. The number of candidates, being no more than the number of vacancies receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected providing each candidate shall have received votes from at least 60% of those members voting (Const 14.8) ## **Achievements and Performance** At the end of 2023, our Senior Minister who had been working ½ time due to health issues took early retirement due to his worsening health. After prayerful discussion, it was agreed that Julie Bryan, our part-time pioneer minister, would serve as sole minister and increase her hours from ½ to ¾ time. The church acknowledged and affirmed her original calling as a pioneer, and agreed that this should remain her primary focus. Members of the church committed to help fill some of the resulting gaps. ## **Worship and Prayer** Sunday worship continued to offer a varied pattern and style. Overall numbers continue to show a slow but perceptible growth. The “Sunday Stroll” grew further in popularity and over the course of the year, we added new initiatives including Lego Church, Renew Wellbeing at Mount Zion and ‘Big Chat’ Bible discussion groups that meet at a local cafe. We also welcomed visitors to special services such as the Christmas Eve Crib service, Carol Service and we were thrilled to host a wedding! ## **Baptisms and new members** On Easter Day, we baptised three people which was really encouraging as there have not been any baptisms at our churches for 12 years. We also welcomed another person into membership from another church, taking our total membership to 40. ## **Pastoral Care** Our church pastoral team has reduced in size but continues to keep in touch with those who can no longer get to church and support those within our wider church family who are in need. The team met regularly to share concerns and pray for our church family. In September, 12 church members received Dementia Awareness training from a member of the Social Prescribing Team which has enabled us to improve our pastoral care. Each week our Warm Welcome space, Community Café and playgroups aim to offer safe spaces for people in our local community. The Social Prescribing Team signpost people to our afternoon groups which is helping to increase attendance and reduce social isolation. Our playgroups continue to provide bright and welcoming environments for pre-school children and the adults that care for them. Over the summer break, our Earby playgroup enjoyed a trip to Harwes Farm, which was a great success. ## **Community Engagement** As part of Julie’s pioneering work she has spent considerable time and effort in promoting the use of the Earby building and this is now beginning to be seen as a community asset, leading to us appointing a part-time, self-employed Community Partnership Co-ordinator. Our partnership with Earby Events Group led to over 100 people visiting Mount Zion on each event that took place on the Green. The creativity and skill of our Community Café team produced our very own dragon for Earby Dragons, and the Christmas Tree Festival built on the success of the previous year with 16 Christmas trees (each representing a local community group) and a variety of festive, musical entertainment bringing visitors of all ages. Our ecumenical partnerships have also helped us engage with the local community this year. Hope Barlick’s Crafts at Barlick Beach and the Community Picnic at Letcliffe Park were supported by members of our church, and the new initiative of Beer and Hymns organised the very successful Beer and Carols event at a bar in Barnoldswick. Another aspect of our church’s ministry is with Coates Lane Primary School, Barnoldswick as our minister serves as a member of the Governing Body, and led a Christingle service for the whole school in December. We also show our care for the community by supporting West Craven Food Bank which operates from our Barnoldswick building every Thursday, and several of our church members serve as volunteers. Financially the church is in a sound position at the moment, however our buildings are in need of some updating. Our commitment to inclusion means that as more people connect with us, we become aware of issues that can affect accessibility. The trustees have been looking at how to make our buildings more welcoming and accessible. The kitchens at Barnoldswick also need improving. ## **Reference and Administrative details** Charity Name: West Craven Baptist Church Charity Registration Number 1190946 Registered Address: Manchester Road Barnoldswick BB18 5NZ Trustees Julie Bryan Minister Margaret Nutter Secretary Michael Nutter Treasurer Helen Edmondson Melanie Mitchell Julie Lewis Robin Turner Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee’s report above Signature Full Name Revd Julie Bryan Position Minister Date 15[th] October 2025 dl INCOME 7535928 EXPENDMJAE 68592.05 INCOME OVER EXPENDURE 676723 BALANCE BFWD 0110112024 8ANK£URRENT AIC CASH SALTERFORTH CUSTODIANAIC 16478.11 200.00 INCOME OVER EXPENDURE 6767.23 24713.93 BALANCE ASAT31ST DECEMBER 2024 BANK-CURRENT AJC SALTERFORTH CUSTODL4NPJC 32 DAY NOTICEWC 11411.44 0.50 021.99 24713.93 ACCOUNTSAUDITED 8Y: JL 8ROUGHTON 112A KELBROOK ROAD BARNOLDSVIICK SIGNED DATE