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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2025
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CONTENTS OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Trustees and Advisors
Report of the Trustees The report is compiled from material submitted by people with leadership responsibility within the church and edited and Endorsed by the Trustees
Independent Examiner’s Report & Accounts
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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS FOR 2023 - 2025
Trustees who served during the year to 31 March 2025 and remained in office at that date:
Ex officio Trustee Revd Phil Hibbert
Trustees to serve until the Annual General Meeting 2025:
Rebecca Elliott - End of 2nd term 22 May 2025 Ian Beresford - End of 1st term 22 May 2025 Lynnette Thorne - Stepping down 22 May 2025
Trustees to serve until the Annual General Meeting 2027:
Louise Rogers
Officers
Secretary – Lynnette Thorne
Treasurer – Ian Beresford
Address: The Manse Durell Street Llantwit Major The Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1AD Telephone: 01446 792348 Email: bethel.llantwit@gmail.com - Website: www.bethel llantwit.org.uk
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Bankers: The Cooperative Bank PO BOX 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
Independent Examiners:
Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited 1 Lamb’s Passage London EC1Y 8AB
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REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2023 – MARCH 2025
OVERVIEW
During the reporting period, the church has experienced significant growth and development, particularly in its engagement with children and young people. This aligns with our strategic vision established in 2022 to focus on this demographic.
The increase in participation among children and young people in both weekly activities and Sunday services has been encouraging. This growth, while positive, has presented challenges, notably in recruiting sufficient volunteers and adapting our facilities to ensure they are inclusive and safe for all attendees. We commend our members for their adaptability and commitment during this period of change.
We are pleased to report the reopening of the baptistry, leading to several baptisms. These events have been a source of joy and signify important milestones in our community's spiritual journey.
Our 'Renew Wellbeing' initiative has continued to expand, underscoring the critical importance of mental health support within our community. This program remains a central component of our mission. Similarly, groups such as the Ladies' Bible Study have provided valuable support networks, contributing to the overall wellbeing of our members.
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PEOPLE ASSOCIATED WITH OUR CHURCH
A snapshot was taken of the people associated with our church.
Attendance at Sunday worship:
Children (Under 11) 9
Young People (11 to 18) 5
Young Adults (18-30) 1
Other Adults (30 to 65) 34
Seniors (Over 65) 39
People associated with our church:
The average number of participants at Communion was 63. We had one person added to our membership during this period.
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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Bethel Baptist Church, Llantwit Major, operates under a constitution enacted on 10 March 2021, coinciding with its registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Registered Charity Number: 1193745).
The Church Meeting serves as the principal decision-making body, discerning the collective will in matters pertaining to mission, policy, budget, and strategy. While Church Meetings are open to all associated with the Church, decision-making authority on these matters is reserved for Church Members.
Deacons and Elders, who also serve as Trustees, are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for a term of up to three years, renewable for a second term, after which a sabbatical of one year is required. Officers, who must be Trustees, are appointed annually at the AGM. As of the AGM in May 2023, one new Deacon was elected, bringing the total number of Trustees to four, in addition to the Minister, Revd. Phillip Hibbert.
The Church employs Revd. Phillip Hibbert as a full-time Minister, Jodie Davies as a full-time Children and Youth Minister, and Ms. Amy Leonard as a part-time Administrative Support Worker. Additionally, the Church contracts cleaning services to maintain the premises.
The Trustees acknowledge and deeply appreciate the substantial contributions of numerous Church family members who dedicate their time and efforts to advance the Church's priorities, ensure its day-to-day operations, and maintain the premises.
TRUSTEES’ MEETINGS
The Trustees meet monthly (these meetings are minuted), have a WhatsApp group, and also make extensive use of email. They also meet most Tuesday mornings for prayer.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
The Trustees continue to review a range of risks associated with the work of the Church; this is an ongoing process. The Trustees confirm that they know of no serious incidents relating to the Church which require formal reporting.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The Trustees have ensured the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations have been met. The Trustees regard the Church’s database as confidential and information held is for the sole use of the Church in pursuit of its purposes. Names and addresses and other information on the database will not be revealed to third parties.
OUR MISSION, PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES
The mission statement of the Church is:
Seeking to know Jesus and serving to make Him known.
In our Constitution:
The principal purpose of the Church is: the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the World.
Our 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 shall normally be 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;
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Education and training for Christian and community service; Giving and encouraging pastoral care;
Supporting and encouraging charitable social action in the United Kingdom and abroad;
Encouraging relationships with and supporting Baptists and other Christians.
The Trustees have ensured that the Church has operated only in accord with its purpose and activities as identified in the Constitution.
PROGRESS TOWARDS VISION 2022 and Beyond
In November 2021, the membership agreed and confirmed the following vision;
"Bethel is a church that aims to grow as a loving community of Jesus-followers who live and share His message. We believe that Jesus reveals the clearest picture of who God is and what He is like. He demonstrates God’s love, enables our reconciliation, and shows us how to live purposefully within a community."
This vision focuses on two key areas:
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Community: We strive to be a loving family of Jesusfollowers, fostering a sense of belonging and passion for the Gospel. Our goal is to share the message of God’s love and humanity's rescue through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, reflecting the ongoing good news of God’s kingdom in our daily lives. Bethel Baptist Church Llantwit Major
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Purpose: We are each called to live intentional, purpose-filled lives in step with God’s Spirit. As an all-age, diverse community, we aim to help everyone follow Jesus’ example, living our ordinary lives in extraordinary ways. Bethel Baptist Church Llantwit Major
From this vision, we have identified four interconnected outcomes:
1. Living with Purpose: Embracing intentionality in our daily lives.
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2. Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Creating an inclusive and supportive community.
3. Passion for the Gospel: Sharing God’s love through our words and actions.
4. Walking in Step with God’s Spirit: Remaining responsive to spiritual guidance.
The Leadership Team regularly reviews the church's mission outcomes and activities, addressing various administrative and mission-related matters to ensure smooth operations. These efforts fall into two main categories: strategic planning and analysis, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Strategic Planning and Analysis:
1. Facility Maintenance and Development: Undertaking renovations and ensuring the safety of our premises for all users.
2. Financial Stewardship: Preparing and implementing an annual budget, identifying long-term financial commitments or liabilities.
3. Pastoral Care: Addressing pastoral matters and establishing connect groups to strengthen community bonds.
4. Communication Enhancements: Improving internal and external communications to keep our congregation informed and engaged.
5. Association Membership: We continue to be in membership with the South Wales Baptist Association.
6. Technology Upgrades: Identifying and purchasing new audiovisual equipment to enhance our services.
7. Facility Assessments: Conducting a quinquennial review of the condition of our premises.
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8. Outreach Initiatives: Evaluating and approving new outreach programs to extend our community impact.
9. Mission Expansion: Considering approaches to mission work beyond Llantwit Major.
10. Community Support: Exploring additional support for Ukrainian refugees in our area.
11. Ethical Commitments: Becoming a Fairtrade church to promote social justice.
12. Collaborative Partnerships: Working with other organisations in Llantwit Major, especially in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
1. Budget Oversight: Regularly reviewing financial performance against our annual budget.
2. Pastoral Support Review: Assessing the effectiveness of our pastoral care initiatives.
3. Service Contracts: Evaluating and updating the church cleaning contract.
4. Membership Records: Overseeing updates to the membership roll.
5. Data Protection: Ensuring compliance with GDPR through regular review of our information handling practices.
6. Facility Maintenance: Reviewing and improving maintenance arrangements for our premises.
7. Risk Management: Updating and reviewing our risk assessments.
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8. Training Needs: Identifying and facilitating safeguarding, first aid, and food hygiene training for relevant personnel.
9. Event Planning: Evaluating programs associated with major Christian events like Christmas and Easter, as well as other church activities, to identify areas for improvement.
In all our planning and activities, the Trustees adhere to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, ensuring our work serves both our congregation and the wider community.
GROUP AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS
The following people as representatives of the various church groups/ activities have contributed to the annual report for 2024-25:
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Sunday morning worship remains the central gathering of our church community, aiming to be Spirit-led, inclusive, and a significant, safe space for all attendees to encounter God. Historically, we have focused on being a church for all ages; while this vision persists, its expression has evolved over the past year.
Our services typically include worship through music, a sermon, prayer, and fellowship. Communion is usually observed on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
Embracing our '4Every1' initiative has been a blessing, though not without challenges. To further this vision, in September 2024, we introduced a monthly evening worship service, which has been well received by the congregation. Additionally, we have hosted termly evening Welsh gatherings to cater to our Welsh-speaking members.
In March 2025, to better accommodate our children and provide them with a dedicated space, we trialed initiating children's worship in the hall at the start of the service, rather than having them begin in the chapel. This arrangement has been successful, with positive feedback from both children and parents, and has allowed worship leaders in the chapel to facilitate a more seamless service flow.
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We plan to continue with the monthly '4Every1' services, recognising the importance of integrating all age groups within our congregation.
A Welsh Language gathering every alternate month on a Sunday evening has also been started and well received.
Our ongoing commitment is to make Sunday services engaging and meaningful for everyone.
PRAYER
Prayer remains central to our church's life and mission. The weekly Thursday morning prayer meeting consistently gathers 15 to 20 participants, focusing on prayers of praise and intercession. This gathering is a vital component of our communal worship.
Recognising that a daytime schedule limits participation for some members due to other commitments, we recently conducted a Sunday sermon series on prayer. This series highlighted the need to provide additional opportunities for congregational prayer. Consequently, plans are underway to convert the vestry adjacent to the chapel into a dedicated prayer room. This space will be accessible throughout the week, offering all members a quiet place for personal prayer and reflection.
Additionally, a brief prayer meeting is held before the Sunday morning service. We also acknowledge and encourage the individual prayer practices of our congregation, recognising their importance in nurturing personal faith and our collective spiritual health.
MINISTRY
Ministry Overview
Our church's ministry is structured into three primary areas: Pastoral Care, Outreach, and Discipleship. While these areas naturally overlap, each plays a distinct role in fulfilling our mission.
Pastoral Care
Bethel Baptist Church remains committed to caring for its congregation. During the reporting period, we provided meals and
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practical support to several families in times of crisis. Visitation efforts continue for those in need, carried out by dedicated individuals who serve without seeking recognition.
Our Connection Groups have been instrumental in fostering relationships within the congregation, facilitating communication, and relaying pastoral needs to the minister when appropriate.
Outreach
Consistent with previous reports, our primary outreach focus has been on children, youth, and their families. For detailed information, please refer to the Children and Youth Work report.
Discipleship
Discipleship is a vital yet challenging aspect of church life. Numerous groups meet regularly, supporting each other and growing in faith. Initiatives such as the '4Every1' services, Evening Worship services, and the establishment of the new prayer room stem from our commitment to disciple the congregation.
We aspire to establish a new house group in the future and seek natural ways to mentor those new to the faith.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH 2025
Background/ Context
The second year as Children and Youth worker at Bethel has been an exciting one! We have an incredibly dedicated team who share their time, energy and gifting to enable this work to happen. As a team we have seen God working in some amazing ways over the past 12 months.
Children and Youth work at Bethel is organised into the areas and ages shown in the diagram. The vision behind this organisation is that whatever age, or stage on their faith journey a child is at, that there is provision for them where they are, and a clear path for them as they grow. Currently, these are the groups and activities at each step. (See image on the next page. Anything in red is in a planning stage)
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. D[Y tse•e
pwt AThir¥
rtY 5p*e
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Sowing Seeds
Bethel Tots is our outreach baby and toddler group. We started in May 2024 and run on a Friday from 9.00-11.00am. We have a regular 20-25 parents and grandparents who attend with their children. We were initially partnered with Flying Start, but due to need elsewhere they have paused their involvement. We maintain good relationships with the team and recently received a grant for equipment which has meant that we have been able to update a lot of our resources.
Bethel Tots follows the Refresh model which focuses on the adults who bring the children in addition to providing a safe, stimulating environment for children to play.
The sessions aim to be
Physically refreshing - coffee, tea, croissants, comfortable, safe, relaxing space
Emotionally refreshing - warm welcome, friendly faces, supportive environment.
Spiritually refreshing - Pause for thought with short bible based talk each session, take home bible verse postcard. Prayer available from the team.
Since starting, the team has built incredible relationships with the parents and grandparents who attend. God has given us many opportunities to share His love in practical ways and through some amazing conversations. Through the summer holidays we ran Family Fun day Fridays which older siblings joined in with and we have had special events such as a Christmas photography session with Linda. We have started to see crossover with older children attending other groups and there are a few mums who have started to come to church.
Please pray for our Bethel Tots team and for the families who attend.
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Primary School assemblies continue weekly in Ysgol y Ddraig and St Illtyds. Old Friends class visits from St Illtyd's Primary School children ran until July 2024. A change of school staff has meant that this has been unable to continue in its original fortnightly format but following a recent visit to Bethel from Year 3 for an Easter session, Old Friends will restart with monthly visits from April 2025. Ysgol y Ddraig also visited with 3 classes at Christmas. The feedback from the school was positive and several of the school adults and parents commented that they could ‘feel’ something different at Bethel.
Please pray for continued opportunities in the primary schools, and for the staff and children.
Assemblies in Llantwit Major Comprehensive School continue on a termly basis. In addition, the Tuesday Lunchtime Club in the school meets weekly. This is regularly attended by a small number of young people at various stages of a faith journey and includes some of our church youth who have recently started to take an active role in running the group. There are some great questions being asked and discussed about Jesus, the bible and Christian life. There have also been RE lessons taught at various points during the year. The latest sessions were covering “Why is Easter important to Christians’ which allowed the opportunity to share the gospel in 5 different classes with several young people asking if they could take copies of the New Testament used in the session away with them.
Please pray for continued opportunities in Llantwit Major Comprehensive School, and for the staff and young people there.
In the last year we have started termly Youth Outreach Events with Message Wales and have held 3 of these events so far. These are great fun and are well attended by young people. They are planned to follow a week of teaching in schools to maximise attendance. In addition to activities like zorbing, laser tag, crazy golf, etc., the gospel is shared, and prayer is offered. At our last event (Monday 7th April) there was good engagement with the gospel message. Some of those who attended have signed up to come to our weekly Monday Night Youth Group, as has been the case at the previous
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two events.
Watering and Nurturing Relationships
Friday Club, on a Friday evening during term time, has a steady number of children aged between 4 and 11 regularly attending. We average between 10-15 children each week with a mix of church and non-church children. There are a range of games, crafts, activities and bible stories each week. Children enjoy their time and respond well to stories and conversations about Jesus. The parent coffee lounge is well used by a small number of parents each week who prefer to stay while their children play, and we have built good relationships with parents through this. The Friday Club Team is small but very committed and continues to be amazing! There are two young people serving on the team who have become as integral as any of the adults.
Please continue to pray for this group, for the children and families who attend, and for the team.
Our Family outreach events in the last 12 months have included Family Fun day Fridays during the summer holidays, a Light Party in October half term and Scripture Union’s theatre company performance of “Amos and the Grumpy Owl’ at Christmas. These have been well attended by church families and families linked to Friday Club and other groups.
Monday Youth started in September 2024 following a programme of youth activities over the summer holidays. We started with a small number of young people from Sunday Youth, and this has grown to around 15 young people who attend most weeks. There is some crossover with young people from Tuesday Lunchtime Club attending. We meet weekly on a Monday evening and have a programme of activities and end with a bible-based discussion and prayer time. The young people take bible verses home with them each week.
In the summer term, we are opening up for young people in Y6 (last year of primary school) to start attending before they start secondary school. We have already had some crossover from Y6 children who
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have attended Friday Club.
The team is small and as our numbers grow, we are looking to expand the team. We would like to be able to offer two rooms, one which is more active, and another which is a more reflective discussion space. Currently the team is too small to enable us to do this.
Please pray for God’s guidance as we seek to expand the team and our activities to meet the increased number of young people wanting to attend. Please pray for the young people who attend and for those currently on the team.
We have continued to meet with other youth groups within the Vale Partnership of Churches monthly for Friday Youth social events, teaching and worship, alternating between visiting other churches and hosting here at Bethel.
Discipleship
On a Sunday morning there are groups for all ages, birth - 18, Creche, Sunday Club and Sunday Youth. There is also a pram friendly space in the chapel. The Sunday teaching team is superb in their commitment to helping our children and young people learn about and experience Jesus in their lives. The young people meet in the manse for bible study, discussion and breakfast snacks (which is a very important part of this ministry!) Creche and Sunday Club meet in the hall and begin with a time of family worship before parents head over to the church to join the service. The family worship time is a recent change but has already made a huge difference in the way children are engaging in worship.
In addition to Sunday morning discipleship, we have a Youth WhatsApp group where daily bible readings are shared. We attend Worship Nights with Message Wales where young people from all over south Wales gather for teaching and worship.
One of the highlights this year was Spree, a camping weekend of fun, fellowship, teaching and worship with young people from across Wales. We are rebooking again for this coming summer and several young people from Monday Night Youth are also planning
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on joining us this year.
We also have a mission trip planned for the summer holidays called The Scattering, organised by Message Wales. Young people will have a weekend of teaching and then head out into the community to share the gospel.
We have had the joy of seeing some of our young people choosing to be baptised. Please continue to pray for them as they seek to follow Jesus. Several of our young people have also started serving on various teams within the fellowship. We are currently looking into mentoring for those who have recently been baptised.
Please pray for the children and young people that we are so blessed to have within our fellowship, and also those who have chosen to join in with our discipleship activities who are not yet part of our church family. Please pray for all who come along, their families, and for our incredible team. Our heart is that each child and young person will grow in knowledge and love of Jesus and will live out their faith in their daily lives.
Prayer Support
It has been incredible to see the way God has been working over the last 12 months. The power of the prayer that underpins all this work is so evident. As well as the prayer in the weekly prayer meeting, there is a Children and Youth work prayer team, organised by Eleri that meets monthly to pray specifically for the activities, the children and young people, and the team. Each group and activity, across all Children and Youth Work begins each session with team prayer. We fully acknowledge that the work is God’s and look to Him for direction and strength. We recognise that it is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity of being a small part in what He is doing.
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LADIES BIBLE STUDY
Our Wednesday morning Bible Study Group continues to meet at 10:30 am, with attendance ranging between 12 and 20 participants. We warmly welcome visiting friends, emphasising that "all are very welcome, even those just passing through."
In Autumn 2023, we began a study in the Book of James titled "Faith That Works." This practical book guided us in our pursuit of living holy lives.
During the Spring term of 2024, we explored the Book of Daniel. This study provided rich historical insights and challenged us with Daniel's exemplary faith and dedication as a man of prayer. In Summer 2024, we shifted focus to "Spiritual Gifts," utilising materials from a different provider. After this experience, we decided to continue with the "Geared for Growth" series, which we found more suitable.
Autumn 2024 led us to "Men of Courage," a study of Elijah and Elisha. These sessions were uplifting, reminding us that "Elijah was a man just like us."
In Spring 2025, we delved into Ephesians with "Heavenly Living," discovering guidance for:
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Walking in Unity
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Walking in Purity
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Walking in Harmony
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Walking in Victory
These lessons have been instrumental in equipping us for our Christian journey.
Our gatherings are a source of blessing, providing a safe space for open sharing. If you haven't joined us yet, please feel free to visit; you will be warmly welcomed in the name of Jesus, whom we love and serve.
Here are some comments from our regular attendees:
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“As a member of the Ladies Bible Study group, I have been profoundly blessed by participating. The studies have deepened my understanding of various biblical figures and taught me how to apply their lessons to my daily life. I am especially grateful to Meryl, who brings God's word to life with remarkable clarity.The group fosters a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where we can share our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Recognising that we are all different parts of the body of Christ, everyone’s contributions are valued. Through these sessions, my knowledge of the Bible has grown significantly, leading me back to church as I learn the importance of obedience to God.”
“Reflecting on today's session, I am learning and living, growing in my knowledge of Jesus.”
MEN’S MINISTRY
Men’s ministry at Bethel during the period of this report has taken place as:
- Brothers and Bibles
This gathering of men, primarily from Bethel but open to everyone, began with Dave Stewart in a local pub. The purpose is to foster candid, faith-based conversations in a welcoming environment where everyone is free to share their opinions without fear of correction or judgment from others who might hold differing views.
Over the years, the number of participants has grown, leading us to relocate to the hall at Bethel for a variety of practical reasons. Discussions are open-ended, and anyone can propose a topic. Typically, we focus on reading and discussing a book of the Bible. The meeting is kept to one hour, bookended by prayer at the beginning and the end.
- Monthly Men’s Breakfast
In addition to Brothers and Bibles, there has been a regular, monthly breakfast gathering in midweek, at a local eatery, for those who can't do other men's gatherings and for those who just want some fellowship. This originated in Covid times, but has continued and grown since then.
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Typically 4-8 people attend, with the occasional non-Bethel member, there's no signup or booking process, and meetings are brief and informal. There is a prayer before sharing food. It has proved a useful means of bringing some of the men together outside of Sunday services, to share and discuss any personal issues and concerns, as well as an opportunity for spiritual guidance and extending fellowship beyond Bethel members.
• Weekend Away
At the end of September 2024, seven men from our congregation participated in a retreat near Brecon. The weekend offered a relaxed environment, featuring devotional sessions led by Dave Stewart, alongside ample opportunities for fellowship and meaningful conversations.
RENEW WELLBEING CENTRE
A Renew centre is a space to show up and be human – a first point of contact. It is not a service for service users. It is a community space run by the community for the community which is inclusive for anyone with emotional or mental health issues and it encourages all to take an active part in making the place home. It is based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect, keep learning, get active, take notice, give.
At its heart, the centre is based on prayer in which we listen to what God is showing us. It is a place which is calm and quiet and where people can find us; to try praying there and listen. We seek to develop simple patterns of prayer that anyone can join in with and use, encouraging silences and discouraging long prayers or dominating conversations. We have developed opportunities for guided reflection for all who attend with two prayer times in a session. We have recently introduced a communion celebration at the end of each month in the chapel, particularly for those people who cannot participate in communion in Sunday morning worship services.
As to the facilities, the centre is based in the church hall. We wish to make it look like a café but feel like a lounge with simple
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furnishings; a place of calm and relaxation with sensitive posters and pictures. There are tables for crafts and shared learning activities, together with café style tables for card games, books, and jigsaws. There is a display table with useful information. We have organised outside speakers who we think will be of interest and music sessions. The Ukulele Group that meets on Tuesday afternoons join us for refreshments and have contributed musical items on special occasions e.g. Christmas party and summer picnic.
The attitudes and values which underpin the centre are based on partnership – not them and us; we encourage those who attend (friends) to share their hobbies. Volunteers and friends are invited to address their own wellbeing. Exclusivity and churchy talk are discouraged. The centre aims to be welcoming without being loud or jolly. As mentioned previously there is an emphasis on listening – especially to those who have the most lived experience of mental ill health.
Crucial to the effective operation of the centre is committed staff (hosts), numbering 11. We seek to facilitate effective communication. At least three team members on a rota lead each session and oversee the day-to-day arrangements including refreshments, and to encourage continuity. All those who are hosts come demonstrating their humanity. We were pleased to provide a placement and a welcome to two students for their ‘service’ component in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme; they provided support to our friends and helped with organisational tasks.
In terms of its organisation, the centre is open Tuesday afternoon each week for two hours from 14.00. We regularly have 20 people attending. We have tried to establish good relationships with the local mental health team and we seek to link in with other initiatives locally provided by churches and charities. Our centre is part of a growing number of similar centres throughout Wales and more widely across the UK, all part of the Renew Wellbeing charity. Through a recent survey of those who attend, we have received the following comments:
“The ‘make up’ of wellbeing has been achieved; it is so friendly yet helpful with a deeper meaning; it is helping people struggling with life; there is a lovely atmosphere; there is good company,
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particularly for those who live on their own; the devotional times and the short talks are helpful and encouraging to those who are feeling down; there are opportunities to chat.”
As with all organisations, there are areas where improvement could be made:
be made: |
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|---|---|
| Area for improvement | Measures to be taken |
| More mingling and mixing with | Taking into account the mobility |
| others | challenges of some friends we |
| are seeking, where appropriate, | |
| for the friends to help serve | |
| each other with refreshments | |
| and for the hosts to move | |
| intentionally around the various | |
| groups | |
| Talks not to be too long | Reflections to be succinct |
| Increase varietyof food | Provision of savouryfood |
| Greeting and welcoming of new people |
Focus of the hosts, in particular the welcomer and greeter; supported bythe friends |
| Sound facilities | Improvements to be identified |
| for the hall | |
| Pet care | Prepare guidelines for people who bring a dog; provision of appropriate cleaningmaterials |
A short phrase which in part encapsulates the heart of a Renew Wellbeing Centre is: “It is a place where it is OK not to be OK.”
MISSION BEYOND LLANTWIT
Bethel is committed to giving 10% of offerings annually to mission of which 8.5% has been allocated to Mission Beyond Llantwit over the last 17 months. Organisations supported on an ongoing basis include: the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS World Mission), Pioneers, Open Doors and Missional Links. Operation Agri and Tearfund are also supported financially through Harvest and Quiz
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night offerings respectively. Furthermore, Joel Morgan is fundraising for Operation Agri by running the London Marathon.
The central focus of these organisations is to make Jesus known in communities across the world, through God’s Word and often by partnering with local organisations within a loving Christian context. Bethel specifically supports three BMS missionaries in prayer: Ardi Wiriadinata – Director of Mission in Asia Pacific and ‘Arthur and Rita’ pseudonyms for film and health workers in Afghanistan.
During the past 17 months, Bethel has also passed on in full a bequest of £13,000 given to Bethel by Noddfa Baptist church to Dinas Powys Baptist Church (£10,000) and The Message (£3,000). On an informal basis, folk from Bethel are also active in witnessing to Ukrainian refugees now living in Llantwit.
FOODBANK
The Llantwit Major centre of the Vale Foodbank, under the national umbrella of Trussell, continues to demonstrate partnership working across the churches in the town and individuals and community groups. Coastlands Church in Barry continues to provide management and administration, although for day to day activities the centre in Llantwit is responsible. The Llantwit Major centre has celebrated its eleventh year of faithful service to the community in the Western Vale. The centre supports individuals and families who are facing a range of economic pressures arising from employment, personal and health issues. The centre staff, numbering 16 in total during the period, are complemented by the input of representatives of Citizens Advice and Hafod who have the detailed knowledge of support services locally and nationally. For part of the period we were pleased to welcome the St Athan Clothes Bank. Our staff are justly and humbly proud of their commitment to serving the local community, demonstrating the totality of the Gospel to reach every part of people’s lives. Our commitment to following the example of Jesus in serving the vulnerable is complemented by the willingness and faithfulness of many people and organisations in the area to make donations of food and household essentials.
The weekly reflections and prayers of our volunteers provide opportunities to give thanks for the generosity of God through
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donations, to encourage one another, and to demonstrate empathy and commit to God the emotional stress that clients experience in coming into the Foodbank to seek support. 373 vouchers were fulfilled during the period 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2025; with 700 adults and 387 children supported; this represents an increase in the number of vouchers issued of over 60% on previous figures. At a time when people are still be affected by the increases in the cost of living, we appreciate the expressions of gratitude from our clients for the support that is provided.
HEALTH & SAFETY
In the past year, we have continued to prioritise health and safety by consistently monitoring and implementing our established policies and procedures. We have remained vigilant in ensuring the safety of all individuals on the premises, making necessary updates as needed. As part of our commitment to maintaining high standards, we regularly review our policies to ensure they remain effective and compliant with current regulations. Additionally, ongoing efforts have been made to maintain the premises, ensuring that they remain safe and fully aligned with health and safety guidelines.
SAFEGUARDING
As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding, we have taken proactive steps to ensure that all those involved at Bethel Baptist Church operate in a safe and responsible environment. This year, we updated and renewed the DBS checks for relevant volunteers and trustees, ensuring compliance with current safeguarding requirements. In addition, we provided appropriate safeguarding training to both our volunteers and trustees to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to any concerns. We remain dedicated to maintaining a culture of safety, vigilance, and accountability across all areas of our work.
REPAIR CAFE
Repair Cafe operates to fix household items for the community once/month, with a mission that is partly environmental and partly
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educational. It gives the opportunity for plenty of 1:1 interaction on our premises, since items are normally fixed and/or diagnosed in front of the customer that we are serving. It continues to be run as a self-financing non Bethel activity, as a Repair Cafe Wales member according to their rules and constitution, and under their insurance. It is however an outreach activity including Bethel Church members and run according to Bethel's mission statement I.e. 'Knowing Jesus and serving to make him known'.
This year we have processed about 295 items (+55% y/y) at a success rate of around 60-75%. We have continued to expand and this has necessitated a change in venue at the end of the year, and a move away from Bethel, since there were insufficient suitable work tables available in the Church Hall.
The customers come from the broad social demographic including many in Bethel's important age 25-40 range with children. We continue to get great customer feedback.
We continue to participate in Repair Cafes elsewhere in the Vale, including Barry and Cowbridge, and more recently St Athan. We have held two Repair workshops this year- one on sewing machines, the other on clocks, in an effort to improve and share our skills.
Bethel volunteer 'fixers' also assist at Emmaus, Enfys and British Red Cross charity shop operations on a regular basis...there is some element of outreach in both. We have an arrangement with the Red Cross shop to check/maintain their wrist watches before sale.
In 2025 we are expecting continued growth. Thanks to all those that have helped!
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT OVERVIEW
We are thankful to God for the faithfulness and generosity of the congregation throughout this period. It is to be noted that this was a one-off extended Financial Year comprising 17 months. This was undertaken to align subsequent Financial Years more closely to the UK Tax Year. A full set of Annual Accounts for the Financial Period 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2025 has been prepared and will be subject to independent examination by Stewardship. These accounts are available as Annex A to this document.
RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees regard the balance of £60,000 carried forward in the General Fund as adequate and ensure that the church maintains a minimum reserve of £60,000 at all times. This is a greater amount than is specified in our Reserves Policy, but at a time of ever increasing operating costs, the Trustees felt it to be a prudent measure.
EXAMINATION OF ACCOUNTS
The Church Accounts for the period of November 2023 to March 2025 are to be prepared and examined by Stewardship, in line with the Church’s requirement to have its accounts independently examined.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES
Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy and at any time, the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
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Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Ian Beresford Ian Beresford (Nov 13, 2025 10:04:28 GMT)
Ian Beresford Treasurer/Trustee Bethel Baptist Church Llantwit Major
Date: Nov 13, 2025
Annex:
- A. Bethel Baptist Church - Receipts and payments account for Financial Period ending 31 March 2025 (17 months)
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Bethel Baptist Church, Llantwit Major
Annex A: Indpendent Examiner's Report and Accounts
- 17 months ended 31 March 2025
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
Bethel Baptist Church, Llantwit Major
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bethel Baptist Church Llantwit Major ('the charity') for the 17 month period ended 31 March 2025 on pages 33 to 35 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 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 2011 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 accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Crispin
Sarah Crispin (Nov 25, 2025 10:37:10 GMT)
Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Nov 25, 2025
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Bethel Baptist Church, Llantwit Major
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE 17 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted | Funds | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | Restricted | ||||||
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2023 | ||||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Income receipts | ||||||||
| Offerings | 152,491 | - | - | 152,491 | 90,572 | |||
| Gifts to the church | - | - | - | - | 240 | |||
| Gifts for Mission Beyond Llantwit | - | - | - | - | 615 | |||
| Income tax recovered on gifts | 43,967 | - | - | 43,967 | 23,004 | |||
| Refunds | 247 | - | - | 247 | 129 | |||
| Interest from deposit accounts | 8,086 | - | - | 8,086 | 4,079 | |||
| Sundries | 220 | - | - | 220 | 65 | |||
| Total receipts | 205,011 | - | - | 205,011 | 118,704 | |||
| Payments | ||||||||
| Payments in relation to activities undertaken directly |
charitable | 2 | 181,524 | 700 | - | 182,224 | 92,902 | |
| Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others |
3 | 26,529 | - | - | 26,529 | 11,690 | ||
| Total payments | 208,053 | 700 | - | 208,753 | 104,592 | |||
| Net of receipts / (payments) before | (3,042) | (700) | - | (3,742) | 14,112 | |||
| Transfers between funds | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Net movement in funds | (3,042) | (700) | - | (3,742) | 14,112 | |||
| Cash funds as at last year end | 153,031 | 2,657 | 38,289 | 193,977 | 179,865 | |||
| Cash funds at this year end | A | 149,989 | 1,957 | 38,289 | 190,235 | 193,977 |
The notes on page 35 form part of these accounts.
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Bethel Baptist Church, Llantwit Major
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE 17 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Notice deposits B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity C Liabilities Falling due within one year Trade creditors Taxes due Fee for Independent Examination |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 23,790 - 126,199 1,957 149,989 1,957 2,129 - 2,129 - 2,378 - 13,048 - 1,380 - 16,806 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ - 38,289 38,289 - - - - - - |
2025 £ 23,790 166,445 190,235 2,129 2,129 2,378 13,048 1,380 16,806 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,618 192,359 |
||||
| 193,977 | ||||
| 21,200 | ||||
| 21,200 | ||||
| - 953 1,230 |
||||
| 2,183 |
D Assets retained for charity's own use
| Chapel building, church hall, and land in centre of Llantwit Major Music and PA equipment Computers and IT |
Current value £ |
|---|---|
| 2,000,000 5,556 3,539 |
|
| 2,009,095 |
Land & building value reflects the insurance value. Other assets and valued based on an estimate by trustees
E Guarantees and secured debts
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Ian Beresford Ian Beresford (Nov 13, 2025 10:04:28 GMT) _____Ian Michael Beresford
Nov 13, 2025 Date:_____
The notes on page 35 form part of these accounts.
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Bethel Baptist Church, Llantwit Major
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE 17 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Employment costs (see note 4) Worship activities Local outreach Property maintenance/ refurbishment Utilities Cleaning Insurance Office costs 3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Grants for: Pioneers Open Doors BMS World Mission The Message Wales Dinas Powys Baptist Church BUW subscription BMS re Turkey/ Syria Earthquake SW Baptist College Other small grants to organisations Grants to individuals |
Unrestrict | Designated funds £ - - 700 - - - - - 700 - - - - - - - - - - - ed Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total 2025 £ 104,554 7,921 6,008 39,528 8,714 4,712 1,804 8,984 182,224 1,700 1,700 6,778 3,000 10,000 1,360 - - 1,103 888 26,529 |
Total 2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64,698 1,652 5,220 6,462 5,426 2,980 1,202 5,262 |
||||||
| 92,902 | ||||||
| 1,200 1,200 1,200 - - 1,295 2,735 1,500 1,610 950 |
||||||
| 11,690 |
4 Transactions with related parties
Phil Hibbert served as church leader and was paid £38,734 (2023: £28,271) for serving in that capacity, not for serving as trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
In addition the charity incurred expenditure totalling £24,827 (2023: £17,462) in respect of the provision of accommodation (which is customary for ministers) to Phil Hibbert, who is a trustee so that they could better perform their duties.
5 Movement of funds
| General funds Designated funds Benevolent Fund Restricted funds Building Fund Total funds |
Opening balance £ 153,031 2,657 2,657 38,289 38,289 193,977 |
Receipts £ 205,011 - - - - 205,011 |
Payments £ (208,053) (700) (700) - (208,753) |
Transfers £ - - - - - - |
Closing balance £ 149,989 1,957 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,957 | |||||
| 38,289 | |||||
| 38,289 | |||||
| 190,235 |
The Benevolent Fund is a designated fund administered and used at the discretion of the trustees to assist church members in need. The Building Fund is a restricted fund for building projects associated with the existing buildings.
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