CIO NUMBER .' 1192810 BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH (Charitable Incorporated Organisation} TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Tove Accountancy Ltd Office 6, T¢)wn Hall, 86 Walling Street East, Towcesler. Northanls NN12 68S Page 1
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH CONTENTS Page 3 Legal and Adminislralive Infomation Page4108 Trustees, Report Page 9 Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees Page 10 Receipts and Payments Accounts Page11 Statement of Assets and Liabilities Pages 12- 13 Notes Page 2
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Reglstered Charlty No. 1192810 Trustges Lee Hillyard Brian Ash (re-appointed April 2024 Ruth Brown Anthony Maycock Raymond Payne Ire-appoinled April 20241 Michael White Anne Puffett (re-appointed April 20241 Prlnclpal Address Blisworth Baptist Church Chapel Lane Blisworth Northampton NN7 3BU Independent Examlner Angela Parry Tove Accountancy Ltd Office 6, Town Hall 86 Watling Street East Towcesler Northanls NN12 BS Area of Benefit Northamptonshire Page 3
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 The Trustees present their Annual Report wlh the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31st December 2024. Structure, governance and management The Charity is a Charitsble Incorporated Organisalion association. registered by the charity commissioners for England and Wales. registration number 1192810, registered 16th December 2020 amended on 29th July 2021 Governance Constltutlon Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees The Charity is governed by the Trustees. board eurrently made up of.. Mr L Hillyard (Pastor) Mr B Ash (Elderl IArs R Brown (Elderl Mr A Maycock (Deaconl Mr M While (Deacon) Mr R Payne (Secretary) Mrs A Puffett (Treasurer) Oblècts The principal purposes of the church are. The advancement of the Christian faith according to the pnnciples of the Baptist denominatson The church may also advance educ81ion and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom andlor other parts of the worfd The Church is govemed by a Constitution, which is an approved goveming document by both the Baptist Union and the Charity Commission. Membership is open lo all who profess repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Ghrisl, and whose lives bear evidence of this Christian profèssion. Such persons should also assent lo the church's Basis of Faith and Obligations ol Membership, in accordance wth the relevant sections of the Constitution. Page 4
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES. CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Structure. Govemance and Management {contlnued) The Church is governed by a Constitution, which is an approved governing document by bott) the Baptr'sl Union and the Charity Commission. Membership is open to all who profes5 repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and whose lives bear evidence of this Christian profession. Such person5 should also assent lo the church's Basis of Faith and Obligations of Membership, in accordance with the relevant sections of the Conslilulion. Church Member Meetings nomially take place four tsmes per year. and the members have overall responsibility for the decision makin9 and policies of the church. In accordance with the Constitution. the members appoint, from within their nkjmbers, people lo act as the Leaders ol the Church lin roles labelled as Elders and Deacons) to work wlh the Pastor, Secretsry and Treasurer (who are also all appointed by the Members) lo be responsible for the day lo day running of the church's work and witness, and the financia1 and legal aspects of the charity. A11 of these leaders are the Trustees All member5 are encouraged lo lake an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical tssks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective. Relevant mattets may be submitted lo the Church Meeting by the Trustees for members. consideration and 8pproval,' and matters may equally be raised by members for the Trustees, consideration. Though the Conslilulion pemils decisions to be made al Church Meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work towards consensus wherever possible. Since the enforced change5 during the Covid Lockdowns. the governance and management of the Church during 2024 has continued lo be delivered through different styles of meetings. The Ttuslees have continued to use technology (Zoom) in order lo hold regular virtual meetings with each other and with members. with hybrid church meetings also offering the option lo attend and participate via the inlernel, as well as in person. Objectlves and Activities The principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Chri$tian faith according lo the principles of the Baptist denomination, to include the advancement of educatson. community service and such other general charitable purposes in parts of the United Kingdom and the worfd as the Church shall detemiine. In order to achieve the principal objeth've, the Church provide$ a variety of activities both to its membership and lo the community generally. The aim is lo show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as Iiwng Lord. Central lo the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship. These services take place each Sunday al 10.30 am in the Chapel, with a quarterfy Cafe Church, which has more infornial approach, and tskes place in the Leisure Hall. The Church seeks lo be a friendly and welcoming community and 8nybtxly is free to attend any of these seNices. Page S
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Objectlves and Activities {contlnued The Church has estsblished 'Home Groups,. whereby small. localised groups meet primarily in the homes of members. during the week, in order for fellowship, bible study, prayer and spiritual growth lo tske place. There are three groups, based in Blisworth, Northampton and Towcester. and they meet tsw'ce a month. The Church opens on a Tuesday moming for a Community Cafe. wtlhin the Coffee House, lo enable all members of the community to visit the church and share in social activity, and enjoy a delicious sli of hom made cake,. and on a Friday morning for a Toddlers, Group called 'Tea & Tols,. Between November and March the opening hours have been extended into the afternoon to provide a warm environment for members of the public to use. as part of the National "Wam and Welcoming Spa¢e' initiative. In liaison with the Parish Council, the church is now hosting monthly meetings of the Youth Parish Council, which is aimed at giving the young people of Blisworth a voice. The Church organises a cooked English breakfast for Men of the community on the last Saturday of each month (with ladies invited lo attend on a couple of occasions),. and a r8nge of other activities and social events were all scheduled lo take place. During the week, the church premises were used by a range of local community groups, who hired diffenI rooms for activities {these induded a Pottery Group and a Pilates Group). The Church operates systems lo ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted with regard lo the Disclosure and Barring Servi, and different levels ol safeguarding training are in place as required. Public Benefit The Church has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and is satisfied that the act¢vities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the charity 15 providing a benefit to the public. Achievements and Perfonnance The Church does not measure the success of ils programmes only in numbers, including financial numbers, bul also in less tsngible areas like fellowship. spiritual growth and encouragement. The Trustees reeognise that these are difficult to measure. but believe that 2024 was a very positive year in the life of the church. The church fett truly blessed, as Lee Hillyard completed his second year as the Pastor. and continued lo bring new energy, new ideas and creativity to the church. A pleasing level of continuity and stability was also retained. as Anne Puffett and Ray Payne were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary respectively, and Brian Ash was re-elected as one of the Elders, al the A.G.M. in April. Page 6
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Achlevements and Perfomiance {contlnued) There wès one new member lo the church during the year. but there were several new people who became regular attendees al Sunday Services. The church lake5 great pleasure in celebrating Ihal. during the second half of the year, eight people fell spiritually led lo go through the water5 of baptism. with full immersion in the baptistry at the front of the chapel. Sadly, several members of the church fellowship have experienced Ill he811h, which has resulted in their attendance being restricted or prevented altogether. The value of prayer and the pastoral support. provided by leaders and many of the members. has been greatly used during the year and provided much needed spiritual reassurance, practical help and healing. During the year one member resigned as they moved away from the area. At the end of the year the offic4al number of Church Members is Ihirty-foLtr. The church has continued lo demonstrate a strong feeling of 10gelhemess and mutual support, adaptability and great technical adv8ncement. The life of the church has continued in abundaneel The use of technology, and in particular Zoom, has continued to be used for a variety of different meetings. The use ol the Coffee House, the ToLldlers' Group and the use of the facilities by different community groups have all resulted in interaction and benefits for all those involved. However, the Trustees are fully aware of the age profile of the vast rnajority of ils attendees and the need, as well as the challenges, as they seek engagement with the younger generations. for the future of the church. Liaison with the Parish CounrAI h8s led lo the creation of Youth Parish Council, which holds monthly meets.ngs in the buildings being led by members of the church. The church is heavily dependent on its membership and regular attendees working as volunteers, in all aspects of ils activities, many of which run wlh little or no impact on the expenditure, bul nevertheless contribute subslanli8lly to the achievement of the church's objectives. The Trustees wish lo record their gratitude to the Pastor and 811 the volunteers for their hard work and commitment to the work of our ¢hurch', and especially lo everyone fof the manner in which they have adapted and supported each other. Flnan¢lal Revlew The church continues to raise the funds which it needs lo cary on its aclivits'es from within its own membership and congregation. The increased generosity of the Church Fellowship has seen an increase in the amount of volunl8ry offerings and the level of Gift Aid that has been elaimed. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year. The Chu has benefitted, during the year, Irom the successful applicatson lor a number of grants. A totsl of £2,209 has been received, and these restricted fund5 have all been spent improving the facilities and the expenence for all those who attend the buildings, and helping towards the a¢hievemenl of the church objectives. Page 7
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Flnancial Review {continuedl The church has benefitted, during the year, from the successful application for a number of grants. A total of £2,209 has been received, and these restricted funds have all been spent improving the facilities and the experience for all those who attend the buildings, and helping towards the achievement of the church objectives. The most significant expenses relate lo remuneration payments made lo the Pa$lor, payments lo the cleaner, payments for maintenance and necessary repair work carried out on the building and especially energy costs. The three year fixed energy deals that were wured during 2023 are nearly double the price that the ehurch had been paying for the previous four yearsl The church has continued to express its commitment to the wider church by making donations to local, national and intemational organisations and societies with Christian aims and objectives compatible with our own charitable purpose. Over ten per cent ol our expenditure was made on Mission Payments to the Baptist Missionary Society, Home Mission, 'Open Doors, and charities such as Macmillan Cancer Care. Despite changes and fresh challenges being faced in 2024. the Church finds itself in a stable financlal position. Prudent financial management has seen a very healthy reserve maintained, and improved rates of interest have been received on our savings accounts. The financial rasults for the year. together with a summary of the a¢¢ounting policies adopted are set out in the accompanying financial stalemenls. Reserves Policy The Trustees have established 8 Reserve5 Policy to enable the church lo funcb'on effectively and meet ils obligations in the event of a decline in our income or a major cost. Having considered the relevant risks of changes in income and expenditure. the Trustee5 have det8miined that the appropriate level of reserves is in the range of £13,000 10 £15,000. As al 31 st December 2024, the church held total reserves of £31,214 of which £2,272 was restrieted funds for Propety Repair, the Pastoral Support Fund and Grant Funding being carried fOard,. and £1,700 was designated funds for the Pastoral Support Fund. The Trustees believe that the funds, surplus to our reserves figure, will be necessary in the coming months lo support a project to try lo improve our green energy profile and reduce our increasing energy costs. further significant propety repair and maintenance costs, a potential increase in stsff remuneration costs and, as yel, unknown costs felating lo the church's 200th Anniversary celebrabons. The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees, Report above. Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees L Hillyard Trustee Date.. Page 8
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 I report lo the Trustees on my examination of the a¢¢ounls of the above charity I'lhe Trust°} for the year ended 31st December 2024. Responslbllltles and basis of report As the Charity's Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordanee with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1.the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust'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 1451511bl of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination l confirm that no material matters have come lo my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause lo believe that in, any materi81 81.. the accounting records We not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Aet", or the aecounts did not accord with the accounting records I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be aChed. Dated Ange58 P Tove Accountancy Ltd, Office 6 Town Hall. 86 Watling Stfeet East, Towcester, Northanls, NN12 6BS Page 9
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Total 3111212024 3111212023 Notes RECEIPTS Offerings Offerings Igrft aided) Specified Collections Room Hire Men's Bakfast Miscellaneous Gift Aid Bank Interest Gran15 Coffee House Donations 200th Anniversary mugs 5,213.27 18,652.00 0.00 2,675.42 708.40 160 23 4,966 80 858.42 650.00 2,762.76 137.00 55.45 645 00 5,858.27 246.00 18,898 00 41727 417.27 2,675.42 708.40 160.23 5,189 55 858 42 2,209.98 2,888.46 13700 55.45 5,361.34 15,251.00 1.283.90 1,703.34 991.56 175.49 4,634.91 8.09 6.522.89 2,658.46 3,130.00 0.00 222.75 1.559.98 125 70 Total incoming r¢$ources 36.839.7S 3,216.70 40.056.45 42,680.98 PAYMENTS Pastors Remuneration Pastor and Pulpit Expenses Repairs, Maintenance & Projects Miscellaneous Organ & Mtssic Premises Costs Calenng & Cleaning Administration Missions Pastoral Support Fund 13,775 04 864.20 1,61986 0.00 869.78 9,744.38 3,755.42 4,296 $5 2,646 06 0.00 13,775.04 864.20 1,022 55 2,S42.41 277.25 277.25 193 99 1,063.77 651 66 10,396.04 19694 3,952.36 0.00 4,296.55 125.70 2,771.76 0.00 ooo 12.812.52 582.72 7.424.81 167.28 679.85 5,437.50 3,775.74 3.382.63 2.584.00 79120 Total resources oxp9nded 37,571.29 2,468.09 40,039.38 37,638.25 Not movement In funds 1731.541 748.61 17.07 5,042.73 Total Funds Brought Forward 29,673.24 1,523.91 31,197.15 26,154.42 Total funds carrled fopward 28,941.70 2,272.52 31,214.22 31,197.15 There are no endowment fLtnds during this year or the prior year Page 10
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Total Total CASH FUNDS Coffee house float Cash Old current account Old Savings account New current account New savings account Baptist Union savings account 75.00 10.001 0.00 000 7.449.67 18,565 12 5,124.43 50.00 10.001 0.00 0.00 9,816.02 17,793 98 3,537.15 TOTALS 31,214.22 31,197.15 REPRESENTED BY: General Funds Restricted Funds 2e,941.70 2,272 52 31.214.22 29.673.24 1.523.91 31,197.15 ASSETS FOR CHUR Organs 231,113.00 231,113.00 Contents 70,716.OQ 65,236.00 The Church and connected buildings afe owned by the Baptist Union and fom no part ol the assets of the church and are Insured for £2,484,489 H PURPOSES LIABILITIES As at 31st December 2024 there were no liabilities. P89e11
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Financial Staternenls have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 using the Receipts and Payments basis 2 ANALYSIS OF FUND MOVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR UNRESTRICTED FUNDS may be used by the Church ft)r any of ils ordinary purposes DESIGNATED FUNDS represent sums sel aside, out of ordinary unreslricled funds. for specific designated purposes, whieh can be transferred back into the general fund al any time. We previously allated 50 per month into a Pastoral Supw)rt Fund la Benevolent Fund) which may be used lo support individuals, or families, at limes of great difficulty. O was allocated in 2024. We currently have a total of £1,700 of Designated Funds lor this PUfPOSe. These Designated funds are retsined wthin the general fund RESTRICTED FUNDS represent either Income from trusts or endowments which may be expendèd only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, or donations OT grants received or invited for a specific purpose. The funds may only be spent on the specific purpose for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent musl be carried forward as a balance on that fund and Cannot be absorbed into general funds. Fund name and purpose Bal Jan 151 R¢r*ipts Payrnents Bal 08c 31st Pastoral Support Fund Propety Blisworth Parish Council GTanl Grants Mcmillan Logo T-shirts Music Donation 208.80 1,315.11 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.113.75 59.98 1,500.00 125.70 217.27 200.00 208 80 1,406 31 1.022.55 59.98 848.80 125.70 217.27 193.99 651 40 0.00 0.00 6.01 TOTALS 1.523.91 3.216.70 2,468.09 2,272.62 ENDOWMENT FUNDS are funds whose capital musl be maintsined.. only income ansing frorn the investment of the endowment may be used either as reslricled or unrestrided funds, depending upon the purpose for which the endowment wa5 e5t8blished. There are no endowment funds during this year or in the pllor year FUNDS Balance 0110112024 Income Balance 3111212024 Expenditure Transfer Genèral Fund Restricted Funds Desi naled funds.. Pastoral Support Fund 27,973 1,524 36,840 3,217 137,5711 12,4681 27.242 2.273 1,700 31.197 1,700 31,214 40,056 140,0391 Page 12
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 3 ASSETS FOR CHURCH USE The church and conneeted buildings and land are owned by The Baptist Union Corporation and fom no part of the assets of the Church. They are insured for £2,484,489 00 The organ installed in the church is insured for £231,113.00 The eontents of the buildings are insured against damage by fire for £70,716.00 4 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ANALYSES AND DETAILS Unrestricted Restricted Tolal RECEIPTS Grants received Donations TOTALS 650.00 137.00 787.00 1,559.98 417.27 1,977.25 2,209.98 554.27 2.764.25 PAYMENTS BMS Worfd Mission Home Miss10n Open Doors Other TOTALS 804.00 1,200 00 250 00 392.Ll8 2,646.06 804.00 1.200 00 250.00 517.76 2.771.76 125 70 125.70 6 GIFT AID Gift Aid received during the year is £5,189.55 6 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £590.00 was spent on a new fv monitor al the front of the church 7 PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION The Pastor, Mr L Hillyard, ceiVed a remuneration of £13,775.0412023 £12,812.52> No payments were made to any of the other Trustee5 (other than acceplable out of pocket expenses which were claimed for) Page 13