CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER= 1192810 BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH (Charitable Incorporated Organisationl TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Tove Accountancy Ltd Office 6, Town Hall. 86 Wading Street East, Towcester, Northants NN12 68S Page 1
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH CONTENTS Page 3 Legal and Administrative Information Page4to8 Trustèe5' Report Page 9 Independent Examinels Report lo the Trustees Page 10 Receipts and Payments Accounts Page11 Slalemenl of Assets and Liabilities Pages 12- 13 Note5 Page 2
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Registered Charity No. 1192810 Trustees Lee Hillyard Brian Ash Ruth Brown Diane Atkinson Irelired March 20231 Anthony Maycock Raymond Payne (re-appointed April 20231 Michael White Anne Puffett (re-appointed April 20231 Principal Addrès$ Blisworth 8aptlSt Church Chapel Lane Blisworth Northampton NN7 3BU Indèpèndent Examiner Angela Parry-stone Tove Accountancy Ltd Office 6, Town Hall 86 Watling Street East Towcester Northants NN12 BS Area of Benefit Northamptonshire Pagè 3
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 The Trustees present their Annual Report with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31st December 2023. Structure, govèrnance and management The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation association, registered by the charity commissioners for England and Wales. registration number 1192810. registered 16th December 2020 amended on 29th July 2021 Govtm•fECe Constitution Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees The Gharity is govemed by the Tmstees. board currently made up of.. Mr L Hillyard (Pastor) Mr B Ash (Elderl Mrs R Brown (Elderl Mr A Maycock (Deacon) Mr M White (Deacon) Mr R Payne (Secretary) Mrs A Puffell (Treasvrerl Objects The princip81 purposes of the church are.. The advancement of the Christian faith according lo the principles of the Baptist denomination The church may also advan¢e education and carry out other tharitable purposes in thè United Kingdom andlor other parts of the woild The Church is govemed by a Conslilulion, which is an approved goveming document by both the Baptist Union and the Charity Commission. Membership is open lo all who profess repentance lowards God and faith in our Lord Jesu5 Christ, and whose lives bear èvidence of this Chii51ian profession. Such persons should also assent to the church's Basis of Faith and Obligations of Membership, in accordance with the relevant sections of the Constitution. P89e 4
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Structure, Governance and Management Icontinuedl The Church is governed by a Constitution, which is an approved governing document by both the Baptist Union and the Charity Commission. Membership is open to all who profess repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. and whose lives bear evidence of this Christian profession. Such persons should also assent to the church's Basis of Faith and Obligations of Mernbership, in accordance with the rèlevant sections of the Constituts'on. Church Member Meetings nornially lake place four times per year. and the members have overall re5ponsibilily for the deci510n making and policies of the church. In accordance with the con51ilution. the members appoint, from within their numbers, people lo act as the Leaders of the Church lin roles labelled as Elders and Deacons) lo work wilh thè Pastor, Secretary and Treasurer (who are also all appointed by the Member51 lo be responsible for the day to day funning of the church's work and witness. and the financial and legal aspects of the charity. All of these leaders are thè TIu5tee5. All members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical lasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective. Relevant matters may be submitted lo the Church MeÈtiny by the Trustees for mèmbeT5' consideration and approval.. and matter5 may equally be raised by members for the Trustees, consideration. Though the Constitution pemiits decisions lo be made al Church Meetings by appropriate major+ties, the Church sèeks lo work towards ¢onsensus wherever p0551ble. Governance and management of the Church during 2023 retumed to a more nomial style of working. following the impact of Covi(J Infections, lockdowns. extended closures and new regulations that had impacted on proceedings for nearly years. The Trustees have continued to use technology Izoornl in order to hold regular wrtual meeting5 Wlth each other and with mernbers, with church meetings now offering the option to attend tria the inlernet., and fX)nsequently important church matters have continued lo bè Objectives and Activities The principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according lo the principles of Ihe Baptist denomination. to include the advancement of education, cornmunity seNce and such other general charitable purposes in parts of the United Kingdom and the wortd as the Church shall detemiine. In order to achieve the principal objective, the Church prowdes a variety of actiwties both lo 115 membership and lo the community generally. The aim is 10 Show the love of Jesus Christ In both WOTd and deed and lo bring people into a closer relationship with Hirn as limng Lord. Central to the work and witne55 of the Church is the provision of regLJlar public serwces of Christian worship. These seMce5 lake place each Sunday al 10.30 am in the Chapel. with a quarterly Cale Church, which has a more informal approach, and takes place in the Leisure Hall. The Church seeks to be a friendly and welcoming community and anybody is free lo attend any of these seN¢es. Page 5
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Objectives and Activities Icontinuedl The Church ha5 e51abli5hed'Home Groups,, whereby small, localised groups meet in the homes of members, during the week, In order loi fellowship, bible study, prayer and spiritual growth to take place. There ale three groups, based in Blisworth, Northarnpton and Towcesler. and they meet hyice a month. The Church opens on a Tuesday moining for a Community Cafe, within the Coffee House. to enable all mernbers of the community to wsit the church and share in soaal activity, and enjoy a deliOu5 slice of home- made cake. and on a Friday rnofning for 8 Toddlers. Group called 'Tea & Tots,. During the colder months of the year, working with the Parish Council, the opening hours have been extended Into the 8ftemoon to provide a warm environment for members of the public lo use, as part ol the National "Wam Space. and °Welcoming Space. Initiatives. The Church organises a cooked English breakfast for Men of the community on the last Saturtjay of each month (with ladies invited to attend on a couple of occasions).. and a range of olher activities and social events were all scheduled lo lake place. During the week, the church piemises were used by a range of local community groups, who hired different rooms for activities (these included a Pottery Group and a Pilales Group). The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted with regard lo the Di5c105ure and Barring Service. Public Benefit The Chvrch has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and 15 sat15fied that the activities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the tharity is prowding a bènefit to the public. Achi•vements and Perfomiance The Church does not measuTe the success ol Its PTOgrammes only in numbers. including financial nurnber5, bul also in less tangible areas like fellowship and encouragement. The Trustees recognise that these are difficult to measure. but believe that 2023 w8s a very positive year in the life ol the church. In April, after nearly a decade of dedicated 5eNce. Diane Atkinson stood down from her post as a Deacon, which included six year5 8s the Church Secretary. Her wonderful service wa5 duly acknowledged. However, the church felt truly blessed. a5 Lee Hillyard cornpleled hi5 first year as the new Pastor, bringing new energy. new ideas and creativity to the church. A pleasing level of continuity and stability was a150 retained, as Anne Puffett and Ray Paynè were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary respectively, at the A.G.M. in April. Page 6
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Achievements and Performance leontinued) There were no new members to the church during the year, but there weie several new people who became regular attendees al Sunday Service5. Sadly, several members of the church fellowship have experienced ill health, which has resulted in their attendance being reslricled or prevented altogether. The value of prayer and the pastoral support, provided by leaders and many of the rnernbers. ha5 been greatly used during the year and piovided much needed spiritual reassurance, practical help and healing. During the year IhTee members resigned 8nd one sadly passed. At the end of the year the official number of Church Members is thirty-four. The church has continued lo demonstrate a strong feeling of togetherness and mutual support. adaptability and great technical advancement. The Ille of the ¢huich h85 continued in abundance The use of technology, and in particular 2oom. has continued to be used lor Sunday morning services and for a variety ol different meetings. The use of the Coffee House. the Toddlers. Group and the use of the facilities by different community groups have all resulted in interadion and benefi15 for all those involved. However, the Trustee5 are fully aware ol the age profile of Ihe vast majority of its attendees and the ne. as wèll as the ¢hallenges. as they seek engagement with the younger generations, for the lulure of the church. The church is heavily dependent on its mernbership working as volLJnteers, in 311 aspects of the its actiwties, many of which lun with little or no impact on the expenditure. but nevertheless contribute substantially to the achievement of the church's objectives. The Tru5tee5 wish lo record the1r gratitude to the Pastor and all the volunteer5 lor their hard work and commitment to the work ol our church," and especially to everyone IOT thè manner In which they have adapted. 5UPPOrted each other and remained both 'strong and togetherf during challenging timesl Page 7
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - GONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Financial Review The church continues to r815e the funds which it needs to carry on Ils acliwtie5 from wiihin its own mernbership and congregation. The increased generosity of the Church Fellowship has seen an increase in the amount ol voluntary offerings and the level of Gift Aid that has been claimed. No wider public appeal was made for fLtnds durtng the yeai. The church has benefitted greatly, during the year, from the successful application for a number of grants. A lolal of £6,522 has been received, and these re511icted funds have all been spent improving thè facilities and the experiènoe for all those who attend the buildings, and helping toward5 the 8chievement of the church objectives. The most significant expenses ielate to rernuneralion payments made to the Pastof. payments to the cleaner, payments for maintenance and nece55ary repair work carried out on the building and in the fv40 graveyards, and energy costs. New energy deals were secuied during the year, which are nearly double the price that the church has been paying for the past four yearsl The church has continued to express its commitment lo the wider thurch by making donations to local, national and international organisations and societies vAlh Christian aims and objectives Compatible with OUT own charitable puip05e. Over ten per nt of our Income was made on Mission Payments to the Baptist Missionary Soaety, Home Mission, 'Open Doors. and charities such as Macmillan Cancer Care. Despite changes and fresh ¢hallenges being faced in 2023, the church finds itself in a stable financial position. Prudent financial managernent has seen a very healthy reseNe maintained. The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted are set out in the accompanying financial statements. Reserves Policy The Trustees have established a Reserves Policy to enable the chuTch to function effectively and meet It5 obligations in the event of a decline in our income or a major cost. Having considered the relevant 115k5 of changes in income and expenditure, the Trustees have determined that the appropriate level ol reserves is in the range of £13.(X)o to £15.(K)O. As at 31 st December 2023, the church held total reserves of £31,197 of which £1,523 was restricted funds lor Property Repair and the Pastoral Support Fund,. and £1,700 was designated funds for the Pastoral Support Fund The Trustee5 believe that the funds. Surplus to our reserves figure, will be necessary in the coming months lo support the known major increase in energy ¢osls, further propèrty iepair and maintenan¢e ¢osl$, and polential increase in staff remuneration costs. The Trustees dedare that they have approvèd thè Trustees, Report above. Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees aa131a< L Hillyard Tiuslee Date.. Page 8
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 I report to the Trustees on my exarninalion of the accounts of thè above ¢harily I'lhe Trusl'l lor the year ended 31st December 2023. Responsibilities and basis of report As the Charity'5 Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the account5 in accordance wth the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1.the Act-l. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's acGoun15 carried out under Section 145 ot the 2011 A¢1 and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independènt •xamlnee$ 5tsternent I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have comè to my attenb.on in connection with the examination which gives Tne Cause lo believe that In. any malerial respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance wrth section 130 of the Charrties Act.. or the accounts did not accord with the aocounting records I have no concerns and have come acioss no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention shoijld be drawn in thi5 report in order to enable a proper understanding of thè accounts to be reached. Dated Angela Parry Tove Accountancy Ltd, Office 6 Town Hall, 86 Wauing Street Easl, Towcester, Northanls. NN12 6BS Page 9
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Unrestricted ReslTlCted Funds Fund5 Total Total 3111212023 3111212022 Notes RECEIPTS Offerings Offerings (gift aidedl Specified Collections Room Hire Men'5 Breakfast Miscellaneous Gift Aid Bank Interest Grants Coffee House Donation5 Friday Tea & Tots 5.361.34 15.251.00 0.00 1.703.34 991 56 175.49 4.384.91 8.09 0.00 2.658.46 3,130.00 0.00 5,361.34 15,251.00 1.283.90 1,703.34 991.56 175.49 4,634.91 968.09 8,522.89 2,658.46 3.130.00 0.00 8.414.18 10.935.00 711.00 3,395.90 474.26 802.99 4,103.22 62.29 1,166.78 2,090.79 100.00 2.00 1.283.90 250.00 6,522.89 Total incoming resources 34,624.19 8,OS6.79 42,680.98 32.258.41 PAYMENTS Pastors Remuneralio Pastor and Pulpit Expenses Repairs. Maintenance & Project5 Miscellaneous Organ & Music Prernises Costs Catering & Cleaning Administialion Missions Pastoral Support Fund 12.812.52 582.72 1,479.87 167.28 679.85 4,518.11 3,556.38 3.322.14 2,302.00 0.00 12,812.52 582.72 7,424.81 167.26 679.85 5,437.50 3,775.74 3,382.63 2,584.00 791.20 11.531.25 588.01 5,886.85 292.99 491.45 4,363.90 3,250.83 3,670.8S 2.174.00 0.00 5,944.94 919.39 219.36 60.49 282.00 791.20 Totsl resources expendèd 29,420.87 8,217.38 37,638.25 32.250.13 Net movement in fund$ 5,203.32 1160.S91 5,042.73 8.28 Total Funds Brought FoNard 24.469.92 1,684.50 26,154.42 26,146.14 Total funds carried forward 29,673.24 1,523.91 31.197.15 26,154.42 There are no endowment funds during this year or the prior yea Page 10
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Notes 2023 Total 2022 Toi01 ASH FUNDS Coffee house float Cash Old current account Old savings account New current account New savings account Baplist Union sawngs account 50.00 10.001 0.00 0.00 9,816.02 17,793.98 3,537.15 75.00 10.001 0.00 0.00 6,905 15 3,500.33 15,673.94 TOTALS 31,197.IS 26,154.42 REPRESENTED BY. General Funds Reslricled Fund5 29,673.24 1,523.91 31,197.15 24.469.92 1.684.50 26,154.42 ET Organs 231.113.00 231,113.CM) Contents 65,236.00 65,236.00 The Church 8nd connected building5 are owned by the Baptist Union and form no part of the assets of the church and are insured for £2.484,489 HURCH PURPOSES LIAB LIT As at 31 st December 2023 there were no liabilitie5. Page11
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 U51ng the Receipts and Payments basis 2 ANALYSIS OF FUND MOVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR UNRESTRICTED FUNDS may be used by the Church for any of its ordinary purposes DESIGNATED FUNDS represent sums set asi¢Je. oul of ordinary unrestricted funds, for specific designated purpose5. which can be transferred back Into the general fund al any time. We previously allocated 50 per month into a Pastoral Support Fund la Benevolent Fund) which may be used to support individuals, or families, at times of great difficulty. O was allocated in 2023. We currently have a total of £1,700 of Designated Funds for this purpose. RESTRICTED FUNDS represent eilheT income from trus15 or endowments which may bè expended only on those restricted objects provided in the temis of the trust or bequest. or donations or giant5 received 01 invited for a specific purpose. The funds may only be spent on the specific purpose for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent must be car¥ied forward as a balan on that fund and cannot be absorbed into general funds. Fund name and purpose B81 J8n 1st Receipts PAyments Bal Dec 3181 Pastoral Support Fund Property Gi8n15 Mcmillan Communty Fr+dge 1,000.00 584.50 0.00 1.351.gJ 6,522.89 182.00 0.00 791.20 621.29 6,522.89 182.00 100.00 208.80 1.315.11 0.00 0.00 100.00 TOTALS 1,684.50 8.056.79 8,217.38 1.523.91 ENDOWMENT FUNDS are funds whose capital mu51 be maintained.. only income arising from the invesltnenl of Ihe endowment rn8y be used either as $1cted OT unrestricted funds, depending upon the pvrpose lor which the endowment was established. Thèrè are no endowment fLJnds during this year or in the pnor year FUNDS Balance 0110112023 Income Balance 3111212023 Expenditure Transfer General Fund Restricted Funds Desi nated I nds". Pastoral Support Fund 23,270 1,685 34.624 8.057 129,4211 18,2171 16001 27,873 1.524 1,200 26,154 600 1.800 31.197 42.681 137,6381 Page 12
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 3 ASSETS FOR CHURCH USE The church and connected buildings and land are owned by The 8aplist Union Gorporalion and form no part of the assets of the Church. They are insurèd for £2,484,489.00 The organ installed in the Church is insured for £231,113.00 The content5 of the buildings are insured against damage by fire for £65.236 00 4 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS A14ALYSES AND DETAILS UnreBirKled Rè8tn¢t8d Total RECEIPTS Grants received Donation5 TOTALS 0.00 3,130.00 3.130.00 6,522.89 0.00 6,522.89 6,522.89 3,130.00 9,652.89 PAYMENTS BMS World Mission Home Mission Open Ooors Other TOTALS 804.00 1,200.00 250.00 48.00 2.302.00 804.00 1,200.(X) 250.00 330.00 2,584.00 282,00 282.00 5 GIFT AID Gift Aid received dLJring the year is £4.634.91 6 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £2,149.94 was spent on new electric heaters for the Chapel and Leisure Hall. £1.471.88 w35 spent on items for the Leisure Hall. £332.56 was spent on a water boiler for the Leisure H311. £1,034.99 was spent on decorats'ng materials for the wholè building. 7 PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION The Pastor, Mr L Hillyard, received a remuneration of £12,812.5212022 11531.251 No payments were m8de to any ol the other Trustees lolher than acceptable out of pocket expenses which were daimed for) Pag8 13