CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees, annual report (including Directors, report) for the period From: September 1gl 2023 To: August 31° 2024. Charity name,. The Olive Tree Church Charity registration number.. 1196158 Company number: NIA Objectives and activities SORP refergnce Summary oflhe purposes of the charity as sel oul in its governing document Para 1.17 The Olive Tree Church is a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership foirlled from Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church and St Margaret's Methodist Church, in Luton, Bedfordshire. 'Baptists and Melhodists United in Christ serving our community,. The partnership was fomied in 2016 and formally constituted in 2021, with the adoption of its Constitution on 21 March 2021. The purpose of the Charity is to advance the Christian faith in the Area of Benefit in accordance with the principles and practices of the Participating Churches. In achieving ils purpose, the Charity engages in a range of activities, either on its own or with olhers, including Ibul not reslricled to).. the celebration of public worship., the leaching of the Christian faith., mission and evangelism., pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved., the provision of faGilities with a Christian ethos for the local communily, including (but not restricted lo) the elderly, the young and other groups with special needs,. and the support of other charitles in the UK and overseas. Luton is acknowledged to be an area of high deprivation, and with ils numerous cross-cullural issues, we find that there is tiemendous benefit in the work of this church. Members of The Olive Tree believe that it is Ihe core of our mission to serve the community in this situation. The church vision statement includes, 'We believe we are called to be a Christian presen￿ and witness in Gur n7ulliGultural area, sharing the good news of God's love and forgiveness with air and 'We aim to be good Christian neighbours and develop deeper relationships wilh other faiths represented in our neighbourhood,. The Olive Tree Church continues to thrive and serve through the gra￿ of God. Surnmary ofthe main activities in relat￿rn lo those purposes for the public benefit, in p8rtiCLJlar, the clivities, projects or serVi￿S identified in the accounts. Para 1.17 and 1.19 It is a privilege to introduce our third annual report, which documents the many and varied ways in which The Olive Tree Church lives out its mission lo be an inclusive, evangelistic, growing, justice- seeking Church. The calling of The Olive Tree Church is lo wholeheartedly embrace the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, expressing this commitment through a life marked by love, fellowship, and dedicated discipleship. Our mission is to reflect the love of Christ in all we do - through worship, pastoral care, evangelism. and community outreach. This year we started a new season under our newly- appointed Baptist minister Rev. Michael Anokye (from October 2023) and supported our community worker's training towards a new venture as an author. sharing her life in 'God's Fingerprints,, although very sad to see her leave in the Autumn. (September 2023> We have Gontinued with our local neighbourhood focus, supporting this deprived area of Luton. and although our focus has inevitably shifted without a community worker to help run and support activities, we have continued to be aGtive in many areas, with a regular Baby and Toddler group, NHS Childrens Clinic, a monthly Messy Church for local families and a monthly Thursday Christian Aid lunch club. We have also held regular Foodbank Gollections, supported Home Groups, Bible Study Groups, and build a steadily growing Youth Group. Social activities such as a Barbecue and Cream Tea, Fun Day, Quiz and Ploughman's, Sunday school outings and Fundraising events have also been well attended. Various community groups continued to use our premises, (both the 'Tree' site, previously Blenheim Baptist, and the 'Branch' site, previously St Margaret's Methodist), including a regular Scouts, Brownies and Guides groups, Karate club and three different Christian churches. We successfully installed two accessible toilets on the Branch site, much needed by our wheelchair users so they could be equally involved in activities held there, as well as when at our Tree site. We remained committed supporters of both Baptist and Methodist work and also donated to other charities such as Youthscape. Collections have been made on behalf of olher Charities- Christian Aid (at monthly lunches} and Azalea. These monies are passed on to the charities directly. Staternent confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity CorrEmission on public benefit Para 1.18 The Trustees of the Olive Tree Church have had regard lo the guidallce issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit, such that all of the activities, projects and servi￿5 provided by the Olive Tree Church are all regarded to be of public benefit in service lo Ihe community. Additional infomiation loptionall You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about.. SORP refeien NIA Policy on grant making P8Fa 1.38 NIA Policy on social investment Including program related investment Pai8 1.38 -NIA Contribution made by volunleers Para 1.38 -NJA Other Achievements and performance The Olive Tree Church has provided benefit to.. Church members, both old and young, with opportunities lo encourage and increase their faith and Chrtstian witness, receiving regular fellowship, home groups, Bible studies, lunch clubs and activities, and prayerful 8UPF)Ort with a rnew Thltrsday night prayer meeting. Support has also been provided in many different forms where needed, such as hospital and care home visits, lifts lo medical appointments, pastoral care and financial help. This year we particularly held a 'Friendship First, course, lo beller understand our Muslim nÈighbours. Our youth group has continued lo grow, with cooking challenges, bowling trips, countryside walks and various types of games and aclivilies. Members of the community, with a variety of aGtivilies to join and support where needed such as parent and toddler group, NHS Baby clinic, lunch clubs, Youth Group activities, uniformed groups such as Scouts, Brownies and Guides, and Messy Church family activities. Individuals, for example with food and clothing, or help lo pay for transport, or the bills and rent. Local churches and community groups, by providing our buildings to rent, meet in 2nd Ljse, such as Luton- based 'Oasis', and the Karate Club. Lulon Foodbank recipients, from regular church collections, including at Harvest Festivals. Various Lulon, UK charities by regular donations, raising awareness of their work, and supporting where needed. Para 1.20 Summary ofthe main achievements of the charity, identifying the differen￿ the charity's work has made to the circumstances of ils beneficiaries and any wider benefits lo society as a whole. Additional information loptionall You ma choose to include further statements where relev8nl about,, NIA Para 1.41 Achievements against objeclives set -NIA Perfoimance of fundraising aGtivilies against objectives sel Par2 1.41 NIA Investment performan against objectives Para 1.41 NIA other Financial review Review of the Gharily's financial position at the end of the period P8ra 1.21 The unrestricted income for the year ended 31 August 2024 was £114,500 {Last Year.. £123,523). Due to the cost of living, it is likely that ulilily bills will continue to inGrease. Unrestricted expenses for the year amounted to £142,611 (LY: £94,821). This Ireduclion) in expenditure was mainly because of (reducod ropair and main18nanc8 Costs). Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held Para 1.22 The reserves policy for the Olive Tree Church is modelled on that recommended by the Methodist Church, which is in accordance with the Charity Commission's Slalemenl of Recommended Pracli¢e {SORP}. The Olive Tree Church receives its income from donations by church members (including Gift Aid), by letting the buildings and renting the Manse, when vacant. Having considered our mission plans for the fultjre, we now employ a Baptist Minister, holding funds to cover al leasl 3 years of salary and associated costs, in addilion to the cost of employing a Community Worker at the start ofthe year, meet a reduced Circuit Assessment and cover our normal expenditure and routine repair and ainlenance costs for the buildings, including the completion of two accessible toilets. Due to the cost of living, utility bills have conslderably increased, although we have now ¢ompletely paid off the loan to the Melhodisl Circuit, which previously Supported the installation of new boilers al the Branch sile, We therefore agree that at this current time il is appropriate that we hold a Ihrghefj reserve of (£114,500) than that typically expected of 6 months expenditure expected, which on the 24125 budget was roughly (£60,000). At present, The Olive Tree Church holds the Ihighet) level of reserves and these will be maintained by reqular donations from the congregation. If required, funding towards specifjc aims will ￿ requested, and there will be caieful monitoring of expenditure. Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 As at the end of the financial year {31 August 2024), the reserves were., Unrestricted Funds {£714,5001 Restricted Funds (£0) Reasons for holding zero reserves Para 1.22 NIA Details of fund materially in deficit Para 1.24 NIA Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern Para 1.23 The Olive Tree Church continues lo steadily consolidate progress with our new Baptist minister, shaping the church and enabling us to meet the challenges of the future in a very distinctive mission field. We have new members and a thriving junior church. As such we have no concerns for this charity continuing as an ongoing concern, Additional inforrnation loptionall You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about". NIA Para 1.47 The charity's prillcipal sources of funds (including any fundraising) NIA Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted Para 1.46 NIA A description of the principal risks facing the charity Para 1.46 -NIA Other structure, governance and management Description of charity's trusts= Type ofgoverning document= for example, trust deed, memorandum and articles of association etc Para 1.25 The Olive Tree Church is a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership which was approved by the Baptist and Methodist Church Denominational authorities and the Sponsoring Body.. Churches Together in Bedfordshire on 18th April 2018. The Governing Document for the Olive Tree Church is its Constitution, which was finally adopted by Ihe Leadership Team and church members on 21st March 2021. How is the charity constituted? for example limited company, unincorporated association, cio Para 1.25 The Olive Tree Church is constituted as a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership between Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church and St Margaret's Methodist Church, with allegiance to the Baptist Union of Great Britain and The Methodist Church lo serve the Area of Luton. rustee selection methods including details of any conslilutional provisions e.g. election lo post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees Paia 1.25 The Constitution slates that tFie Olive Tree Church is administered and managed by a body of Trustees consisting of A) ex officio Trustees, being the ministers of the LEP, B) Four elected Trustees, elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting and, Cl Not more than three co-opted Trustees, appointed by the Trustees. Elected Trustees shall hold office from the end of the Annual Congregational Meeting al which they are selected until the end of the third such meeting after their appointment, but shall be eligible for re-election at that meeting. No person may be elected as an Elected Trustee or appointed as a Co-opted Trustee unless he or she,. A) is a Member., B) Is aged 18 or above., Cl Is nol disqualified from acting as a Trustee by virtue of section 72 Charities Act 1993 (or any stalulory re- enaclrnenl or modification of that provisionl-, and DI Has indicated his or her willingness lo seTve as a Trustee. Co-opted Trustees serve until the end of the next Annual Congregational Meeting following their appointment. Additional Informatlon loptlonall You ma choose to inGlude further statements where relevant about.. -NIA Para 1.51 Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees -NIA The charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works Para 1.51 NIA Relationship with any related part(es Para 1.51 NIA Other Reference and administrative details Charity name THE OLIVE TREE CHURCH Other name the charity uses Registered charity number 1196158 Charily's principal address 4246 Blenheim Crescent Luton Bedfordshire LU31HB Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity Trustee name Date$ a¢ted If not for whole yèar Narne of pfrrson lor bodyl entitled to apptslnt trustee Ilf any) Offlcè Ilf any) Rev Michael Anokye LEP Minister {Baptist} - Chair From l Octobei. 2023 The Baptist Church Madit Granl Treasurer Annual Congregational Meeting Helen Owen Communicalions Annual Congregational Meeting Dr Louise Newport Annual Congregational Meeting Peace Okyere Safegu81'diiig Annual Congregational Meeting Ramon Akib (Co-opted) Annual Congregational Meeting Mary Huffman Community Worker (Co- opted) (Unlil XXXX) Annual Congregational Meeting {Madit- can you fill lll when Mary left please) Corporate trustees- names of the directors al the date the re ortwasa roved Dlractor name -NIA Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the chaTity Trusteè name Dat88 acted if not for whole year The Baptist Union Corporation Ltd The Methodist Church Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Description of the assets held -NIA in this capacity Name and objects ofthe charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how Ihis falls within the custodian charity's objects -NIA Details of arrangemenls for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity's own assets -NIA Additional informatlon loptional} Names and addresses of advlsers {optional information) Type of adviser Name Address .NIA Name of chiefexecutive or names of senior staff members (optional information) -NIA Exemptions from disclosure rsonnel details Reason for non-disclosure of ke -NIA Other o -NIA tional Information Declarations The trustees declare thal they have approved the trustees, report Ilncluding directors, reporti above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trusteesldlrectors Signalurelsl Full namelsl Mrs Madit Grant Position {for example Secretary, Chair, etcl Church Trustee Date 25th June 2024 pedks through them. We eagerly await god's presence and 8nticipate God's miraculous work! We sometime celebrate Holy Communion as part of prayer mee.t.ing. This sacred time ol remembrance and unity allows us to reflect on God's love and grace. We meet each Thursday at 7:30 the meeting ends at 8'.30pm. And afterwards we have some food and drinks to enjoy together. As part of our Thursday prayer meeting, each of us is called to be a witness to Jesus Christ. We are all e.vange.lists of the gospel. Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.. (Acts 1.81. But we are going to step up to create an Evangelism Team. The Evangelism Team is lor those willing to encourage people to become more vital, vibrant witnesses to the love of God and to make Jesus Christ known in Luton and worldwide, Madit Treasurer Report Whilst the Olive Tree Church operates as an LEP the two churches still exist in their own right. St Margarets is still a member of the South Beds District Circuit and as such is still required to contribule to the running costs of the circuit. When the Olive Tree Church ministry is being undertaken by a Baptist minister the calculation of how much is needed by way of assessment is calculated after leaving the cost of Methodist mi nisters out of the tot81 circuit costs. The fln8ncial sustainability of The Olive Tyee Church requ ires attention. While paying the minister's salary and related costs Is vital, several issues undermine the current financial model: 1 , Ministerial Funding Clarity: There ib i nsufficient clarity on the funding responsibilities for ministers from different denominations le.g., Methodist vs. Baptist), This could lead to inequities or f inancial strain, 2. Disproportionate Financial Contributions: The church currently pays a Baptist minister while covering the Method 1st Church assessment. 3. Heavy Reliance on Rentals: The church depends heavily on rental income to offset its expenses. Any decline in rental revenue could jeopardise its f i n8ncial stability. To address these concerns, the following steps have been proposed: Develop Diversified Income Streams: o Encourage tithing, offerings, and Dther fundraislng efforts to reduce dependency on rentals. 2. Introduce a Finan¢lal Sustainablllty Plan: Establish clear guidelines for equitable financial contributions from the Ba ptist and Methodist churches, ensuring transp8rency and fairness. The challenges faclng The Olive Tree Church-f inancial, must be addressed with prayerful discernment and a commitment to unity. Wednesda House Grou There are 8 members in the Wednesday evening house group, and we have mel monlhly during Ihe last year, on Zoom during the winter months and al the Branch when the evenings were lighter. We have shared leadership and discussed a variety of themes, using material from Michael's Lent readings and from the Women's World Day of Prayer, as well as other Bible readings chosen by whoever was leading the meeling. As well as reading and discussing the Bible we always spend some lime praying for each other and people among our families and friends or within the fellowship who need our prayers. This is an important part of our group as we support and encourage each other. We also met for hjo social events, a barbecue in Madit and Roy's garden in the summer and a Christmas party al the Branch in December. Kate Silwood Social A¢tivitles At the Olive Tree we hav8 a Social Activity calendar to have regular events a nd activities both for our church members and our wider linked community. We have 8 small number of us who plan and organise the events. A big thanks to Jess, Rebecca, Madit and Roy, Elaine and Helen and Louise and Loess - and all others who have helped. In 2024 we have had another Quiz Night with Ploughman's SL¢pper at the Branch. It was great to see so many attend and less gave them a challengi ng but fun quiz to worlc through. We will be repeating this in 2025. In the Summer we had a Barbecue and Cream Tea in August atthe side ofthe church. It was also lovely to have music played by Roger and Martin. The weather was good and we were a ble to have it outside. We had games and aclivities for the children. In September we had our Harvest Supper where we had some lovely food, some rable garn8s and a chance to catch up with people. Christmas gave us a a great opportunity to encourage our community in to our building and to C8lebrat8 together. Our Christi ngie, Nativity Service and Carolservice all were great social and networking opportunities as well as an opportLJnity to worl7 70 1.614 Ib91 SECTION C NET Rk6EIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR YEAR a6-b8 28,1111 1,614 29.725 21,899 Total funds brought fO￿ard from la81 year 152.109 1.728 153,837 131.938 c1+c2 123,998 114 124,112 153.837 Transfeis and ad ustments TOTA￿ rUNDS AT END OF YEAR c34c4} 123.998 114 124.112 Ic81 153,837 Ic61 SECT,0￿ FOR IN;'.'ORNATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS IthesL7 thuJ10unts are not to be included in total receiptslpayments figures above) B8knce brought forward from last ear 475 Offerinos/Gifls- recelved for external or anlsalions 1,119 2,417 13 OfferinoslGifts passed lo external organisalions 1.283 1,942 BALAlklC:F SYILL TO BE PAID {d1+d2-d3) 311 Churclkiec¢ipts4n&p3ymenis-2024 SPA The Olive Tree Church tisl and Methodist LEP .INA ccou 18ATI EPOR HEC aECTION E Plo2$o lollvN the Guldaxc Gom Summaryof the Church accoun￿ iorlho yesf ended 31 Augus12024 and Internal OraAnl3dtlonB reporfrvJ iolhe ChurGh CouwlllChurGh Meeung, Note Ihallha ILKdsof Intemal Organisatlon would normalWb8 Re8trl¢ledfunds unlesg il Go￿d b&cL%ady $h(wm knalthey be used foi any Methodlsl PUTPD5e. Tths ¥ectloD rnu81 be cotnpleied loa1r￿a allho gloss Income exppniliure totaf8of the Chwch. If ￿0$$ Incomt èx¢eedsth2At¢n*als 1bieth0￿, Ihen IheAccnids m&ihodof8c¢ouniing ANO A DIFFERENT FORM rnu$l bè used lo report occourrts Isee Meihothslwabsll81. Ploase ¥efer io ihe guidance noies regarOlngirnD8lers be￿￿￿ the Dl$lrkl ard connecled Thslriclorgantsall￿5. itrrfERNAL ORGANISATIOMS N￿R￿￿181 Pa Cl)anlng bal* nig Usi￿ts CIo8ino bBlanGes ¢4 45 811 e12 Church a¢Co￿l￿8 Itotals brought forword from p&gg 2-tvtals ¢olvmnl 11450D 471 144,22S (29,7281 153,837 124,112 c81 Y CHURCkl 114,800 144,225 (29,72&1 153,837 124,112 ¢ontlnuÈ on asepBr8teEheel 11 nece$$aryand brhg Ihe lot815 loN8id TOTAL RECEIPTS TOTAL PAYPAENTS sEeTIOhl F STATEklEIiTO ES OPENING bALANCES LOSING ALANCES CHUR¢FI.¢ASH FUNDS at 31 Au ust202A Gash ID hs1)cS Bank cuff￿*ACCOunt 17.B76 21,203 Bank r> $IIA¢wurt 102.289 78.ags Central Flnance goard 10.654 820 Trustsès lor MslhudL4lChurch Pu ose$ Olawfuno Suè TO)-AL- Church e¢counts Toial hpld by Internal Organk4aibn¥ Itheclo￿￿g b￿anCe total from above) le121 163,837 c8 TOTAL f*.Srt FUNDS HELD BY CAUR¢H 153,837 124,112 (y) SECTIOIIG Al 31 Awusl 2024 1 Sfjpiernber2023 .ff E'i-SaNd LIABILITIES OTHER N.- InveslmeiiL° 5nclude Endowentg & 8tsildl $etsnole8 re knswancevalue 8 077 534 8 540 176 OlherAsb--I 226 640 237 518 Loan - %j'l(JW 8mwn10uistsnd￿ al r¢ Olher f4 Indudpimly held alth6 Centfdl Finanrg B(>ard IS Induaei>nly held alTru$168sforMelhothsl church Pviptsseg 91 In¢ludo any Otherlnveslmen￿ ImllhecaÈh £lementolTMCP trus15 a￿D￿ts Is I￿ud￿d In lknÈ1S 311 LlvQ*' 8of5 Name of Churoh - Olive Tree Church (Baptist and Methodist LEP) eclarations and Scrutiny I confinn that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Chui-ch trustees. Signature Of treasurer Oalè. .5 Name and address oftreasurer .- ,y Post Code.. Li/"l //44 Pyeserita'aon to the Church trustees I confirim that the annual report and accounts for Ihe year ended 31 Augusl 2024 w8rthill be. ptEsented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on .IlJ4 Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting Date . Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the The Olive Tree Church Charity Number 1196158 Responslbilities and basls of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of th8 Olive Tree Church for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages 1 to 3 As the Church's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounls In accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('th8 Acl,). I report in respect of my examination of the Church's accounts carried out under se¢tlon 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicabl8 DireGtions given by the Charity Commisslon under seclion 145{5)Ibl of the Acl. del8te or circle as appropriate 4of5 P.hiiinh.rovplr*q-?nA_wmAnlR-2D24 SFA Name of Church - The Olive Tree Church (Baptist and Methodist LEP) 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 (other than that disclosed belo￿> which give me cause to believe that in. any material respect-. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of Ihe 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 this report in orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I havelhave not, obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance 13oard of the Methodist Church which are individually in eX￿SS of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signat'ure of independent examiner Name of independent examiner Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner Name of firm (where appropriate) KU ! Addre Post Code LLL'&¥ fl sb . 2c)l+ deleie or circle as appropriate F#rmRevkwÈd Aw24 Church-recelpls-and-payments-2024 SFA 5of5