# **MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
**Charity Number 1191696**
## **MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
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Contents Pages
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|**Contents**|**Pages**|
|---|---|
|References and Administration|1|
|Trustee Annual Report|2 - 5|
|Independent Examiners Report|6|
|Statement of Receipts and Payments|7|
|Statement of assets and liabilities|8|
## **MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
## **PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
The church is registered with the Charity Commission Reference Number 1191696 and is governed by a Constitution dated 12 July 2020 .
## **Church Address**
Milton Baptist Church Baytree Road Milton Weston-super-Mare BS22 8HJ
## **Trustees**
Miss Rebecca Allison Mrs Lucy Hall (Resigned 31 December 2023) Mr Nabil Jarad (Appointed 1 January 2024 Rev Bob McKay (Resigned 31 August 2023) Mrs Alison Parsons Mr Paul Salmons Mr Ian Shillcock Mr Mark Spence Mr Jon Voyle Mrs Catherine Williams (Appointed 1 January 2024) Mr Steve Wotton
## **Property Trustees**
West of England Baptist Trust Company (West) Ltd The Old Forge, Broom Hill, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1DN Registered Charity Number 1092446 Company Limited by Guarantee Number 188973
## **Bankers**
HSBC 30, High Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1JE
## **Independent Examiner**
Joshua Kingston ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
Page 1
## **MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT**
## **PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report together with the receipts and payments of the Charity for the period ended 31 December 2023.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The Charity is governed by a Constitution (dated July 2020).
Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the Constitution which requires them to profess repentance towards God and faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ and have lives that bear evidence of their Christian profession. Members are usually received after baptism by immersion.
The Members Meeting normally takes place six times per year and has responsibility for the overall policy of the church. In accordance with the Constitution, the members appoint up to twelve Trustees usually for a period of three years, who together with the Minister, (who is also appointed by the Members), are collectively known as the Diaconate, and 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 election of Trustees normally takes place at the AGM, the Constitution requires advanced notice to be given over two weeks then nomination close fourteen days before the election, with each person preparing a profile which is displayed two weeks prior to the election. At the election nominees must receive at least 51% of the cast votes to be elected. Trustees are encouraged to attend both regional and national activities to gain a wider understanding of the role.
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 Members Meeting by the Trustees for guidance, or may be raised by members for further consideration by the Trustees. Though the Constitution permits decisions to be made at Members Meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible.
The Trustees have made an assessment of the major risks facing the church, and are satisfied that there are policies in place to minimise these risks. The charity has a continual process of reviewing risk exposure, over recent years a formal Child Protection Policy has been prepared which is regularly reviewed and updated by the church. Policies relating to other vulnerable people are being considered.
The Trustees have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
## **Objectives and Activities**
The principal object 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.
## The church vision is to: **LOVE GOD, LOVE EACH OTHER, LOVE WESTON**
Page 2
## **MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT**
## **PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
The church occupies premises which are held by West of England Baptist Trust Company (West) Ltd, on trusts which are entirely compatible with the above object. In addition the church owns a residential property at 7 Powis Close, Weston-super-Mare BS22 9AG (also held in trust by the West of England Baptist Trust Company (West) Ltd). As this property is not presently required for operational purposes it is let on an assured shorthold tenancy.
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, normally at 10.30 a.m. There are also occasional services at other times which are advertised in the weekly bulletin, MBC News, and on the website www.Milton-baptist.org.uk. There is a full 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 a series of house groups for the growth of faith and discipleship in the homes of some members, and further details of these can be obtained from the Trustees on request, or at the Sunday services of worship.
The Church is responsible for a Toddler Group which meets in the Church premises on Wednesdays, with the purpose of assisting the community and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ.
From time to time the Church runs Alpha courses for people interested in discovering more about Christianity. The Church runs various events for young people and for those in later years.
The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted with regard to the Criminal Records Bureau.
The church has taken a lease on a building in Worle to provide a Safe space for the community to experience “peace” in the form of a “Renew Centre”.
## **Achievements and Performance**
The Church does not measure the success of its programmes only in numbers, including financial numbers, but also in less tangible areas like fellowship, encouragement and influence in people’s lives . The Trustees recognise that these are difficult to measure, but believe that 2023 was a positive year in the life of the church, and that it will be able to pursue its mission purposes in 2024 with continued enthusiasm. The Church is active in the local community where activities include Toddler, and Free Film Nights.
In 2023 net membership decreased from 130 to 116 members. Mainly from members who moved away or passed away during the year.
Page 3
## **MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT**
## **PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Financial Review**
The Church continues to raise the funds which it needs to carry on its activities from within its own membership and congregation. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year.
The church is fully responsible for the stipend and housing costs of the Senior Minister, Revd Bob McKay (part of the year) along with Miss Rebecca Allison, Child and Family Minister. Miss Angela Fung, is employed as a Part Time Administrator and paid for by the church.
The church is actively looking for a replacement for Revd Bob Mckay.
The church continues to maintain its membership with the wider Baptist family through the West of England Baptist Association and the Baptist Union of Great Britain. In the 12 months to 31 December 2023 it supported Baptist missionary work through donations amounting to £4,330 for Home Mission and £4,330 for BMS World Mission. In addition the church supports those from within the fellowship who are involved in a variety of mission fields throughout the world through agencies like BMS World Mission Action Teams, Youth With a Mission. The support during 12 months to December 2023 was £15,330.
The Church is very fortunate in having people who are willing to give their time and talents to support its life and work. Whether it be leading study groups, setting up and packing away for services and meetings, providing refreshments, making music, welcoming people into the premises or any of the many other tasks, quietly - day by day. This is truly appreciated and the Church wishes to record its thanks to all our members and friends for their support.
The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted are set out in the accompanying financial statements.
The Trustees have adopted a Reserves Policy which requires 3 months of expenditure to be held in reserve. This will allow the Charity to continue operating for a minimal period of time should giving reduce. The value of reserves will be monitored on a regular basis in the light on current giving levels items of expenditure and annually as part of the budget process. The Trustees believe that the reserves should be at least at a level to ensure the charity can run efficiently and meet the needs of the beneficiaries. At the Balance Sheet date free reserves amounted to £19,222 (December 2022 £21,220) which is above the reserves policy requirement of £11,270 based on 2024 budget. The Trustees are monitoring the opportunities for “Love God, Love Each Other and Love Weston” with a view to utilising the additional funds as suitable opportunities arise. It is felt that the Coronavirus may have adversely affected some people mental health and so the church continues to operate the Renew Café in the community.
The Trustees are satisfied that they have sufficient reserves at the Balance Sheet date, together with ongoing income anticipated, to enable the church to function effectively in the coming year.
Page 4
## **MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT**
## **PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Statement of Trustees responsibilities**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- Make judgement and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provision of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Paul Salmons ………………………………. Trustee
…………………2024 01 March
Page 5
## **MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES**
## **PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Milton Baptist Church**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Milton Baptist Church for the period ended 31[st] December 2023.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Joshua Kingston ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
01 March 2024 Date: …………………………
Page 6
## MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH CIO YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
|RECEIPTS
Donations
Legacies
Gift Aid Received
Charitable activities
Room hire
Investments
Letting income
Interest received
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Charitable activities
Grants made
BUGB Home Mission
BMS World Mission
Mission and other donations
Direct Costs
Salaries
Pension Deficit Payments
Staff travel costs
staff housing costs
Youthwork
Evangelism
Children's work
Other ministry costs
Support costs
Renew Building Costs
Heat and Light
Maintenance, repairs and cleaning
Equipment
Insurance
Training and Development
Misc Expenses
Office Costs
Bank charges
Legal Expenses
Governance costs
TOTAL PAYMENTS
NET RECEIPTS/(PAYMENTS)
Cash funds 1 January 2023
Cash funds 31 December 2023|Unrestricted
Funds
£
107,199
-
18,014
6,491
11,700
8,870
152,274
4,330
4,330
15,786
24,446
42,507
12
1,020
23,732
5,538
1,960
1,968
2,396
15,609
16,914
5,850
13,063
3,879
2,007
-
5,016
-
-
1,032
166,949
(14,675)
243,627
228,952|Restricted
Funds
£
269
-
-
-
-
-
269
-
-
400
400
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
400
(131)
963
832|12 Months to 31 December
Total Funds
Total Funds
2023
2022
£
£
107,468
106,901
-
1,000
18,014
28,700
6,491
5,250
11,700
10,800
8,870
4,168
**152,543**
156,819
4,330
6,171
4,330
6,171
16,186
14,703
24,846
27,045
42,507
71,618
12
-
1,020
2,500
23,732
27,855
5,538
556
1,960
3,450
1,968
1,801
2,396
1,351
15,609
19,516
16,914
7,507
5,850
5,718
13,063
13,493
3,879
3,589
2,007
2,831
-
-
5,016
3,168
-
124
-
-
1,032
948
167,349
193,070
(14,806)
(36,251)
244,590
280,841
229,784
244,590|
|---|---|---|---|
Page 7
## MILTON BAPTIST CHURCH CIO YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
|Unrestricted
Funds
£
Cash Funds
Bank and cash balances
19,222
Other Monetary assets
Gift Aid not yet claimed
3,269
3,269
Assets retained for the church's own use
Church Building
-
7 Powis Close
-
Church fixtures and fittings
-
-
Liabilities
Independent examiner's fee
1,116
1,116
Funds Balances at 31 December 2023
Balance 1
January 2023
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Church Projects
133,579
Legacy Fund
81,357
Renew spend
-
External giving
1,000
Powis Fund
1,599
Fabric Fund
4,872
222,407
General Fund
21,220
Total Unrestrcited funds
243,627
Restricted funds
Barnabas Fund
963
963
Total
244,590
Signed on behalf of the trustess on …..........................................................
01 March 2024|Designated
Funds
£
209,730
-
-
1,250,000
200,000
18,278
1,468,278
-
-
Receipts
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
152,274
152,274
269
269
152,543
............................|Restricted
funds
£
832
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Payments
-
-
(15,609)
-
(611)
-
(16,220)
(150,729)
(166,949)
(400)
(400)
(167,349)|Total Funds
2023
£
229,784
3,269
3,269
1,250,000
200,000
18,278
1,468,278
1,116
1,116
Transfers
(15,609)
-
15,609
-
1,911
1,632
3,543
(3,543)
-
-
-
-|Total Funds
2022
£
244,590
3,956
3,956
1,250,000
200,000
18,278
1,468,278
1,032
1,032
Balance 31
December 2023
117,970
81,357
-
1,000
2,899
6,504
209,730
19,222
228,952
832
832
229,784|
|---|---|---|---|---|
## Paul Salmons
….............................................................
Trustee
Page 8