## **Perry Beeches Baptist Church** **Annual Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Financial Year Ended 31[st] March 2025 for Perry Beeches Baptist Church** 1 ## **Table of Contents** 1. **About Perry Beeches Baptist Church ............................................................... 4** 1.1 Reference and Administrative Details ..................................................................................... 4 1.2 Structure, Governance and Management ............................................................................... 5 1.3 Public Benefit.......................................................................................................................... 5 1.4 A Message from the Chair of Trustees ................................................................................... 7 2. **Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals ................................................................. 8** 2.1 Objectives and Activities ......................................................................................................... 8 2.2 Achievements and Performance: .......................................................................................... 10 2.2.1 Church Attendance ........................................................................................................ 10 2.2.2 Sunday Services ............................................................................................................ 10 2.2.3 Bible Study ..................................................................................................................... 10 2.2.4 Prayer Meetings ............................................................................................................. 11 2.2.5 Worship Team ................................................................................................................ 11 2.2.6 Baptisms ........................................................................................................................ 11 2.2.7 Baby Dedications ........................................................................................................... 12 2.2.8 Funerals ......................................................................................................................... 12 2.2.9 Chaplaincy ..................................................................................................................... 12 2.2.10 Prison Ministry .............................................................................................................. 12 2.2.11 Ladies Ministry ............................................................................................................. 13 2.2.12 Men’s Ministry .............................................................................................................. 13 2.2.13 Evangelism ................................................................................................................... 13 2.2.14 Food Bank Service ....................................................................................................... 14 2.2.15 Ladies Conference ....................................................................................................... 15 2.2.16 Community Hub and Café ........................................................................................... 15 2.2.17 North Birmingham Small Church Hub .......................................................................... 15 2.2.18 Place of Welcome ........................................................................................................ 16 2.2.19 Warm Place .................................................................................................................. 16 2.2.20 Toddler Group .............................................................................................................. 16 2.2.21 Messy Church .............................................................................................................. 16 2.2.22 Make Lunch Club ......................................................................................................... 16 2.2.23 Open the Book ............................................................................................................. 17 2.2.24 Befriending Service ...................................................................................................... 17 2.2.25 Digital Skills Club ......................................................................................................... 18 2 2.2.26 Free Help and Support Service .................................................................................... 18 2.2.27 Family Fun Day ............................................................................................................ 18 2.2.28 Harvest Supper ............................................................................................................ 18 2.2.29 Harvest Sunday ............................................................................................................ 19 2.2.30 Christmas Fair .............................................................................................................. 19 2.2.31 Macmillan Coffee Morning ............................................................................................ 19 2.2.32 Compassion – Sponsor a Child .................................................................................... 19 2.2.33 Moldovan Mission ........................................................................................................ 20 2.2.34 Operation Christmas Child 2024 (Shoe Box Appeal) ................................................... 20 2.2.35 James Watt College – 70[th] Birthday Celebration .......................................................... 21 2.2.36 Church Trips ................................................................................................................. 21 2.2.37 Newsletters .................................................................................................................. 21 3. **Financial Review .............................................................................................. 22** 3.1 Financial Review .................................................................................................................. 22 3.2 Risk Management ................................................................................................................. 22 3.3 Declarations ......................................................................................................................... 22 4. **Financial Statements ....................................................................................... 23** 4.1 Independent Examiner’s Report ........................................................................................... 23 4.2 Statement of Financial Activities ........................................................................................... 24 4.3 Balance Sheet ...................................................................................................................... 25 4.4 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2025 .............................. 26 3 ## **1. About Perry Beeches Baptist Church** ## **1.1 Reference and Administrative Details** ## **Charity Name** Perry Beeches Baptist Church, Birmingham ## **Registered Charity Number** 1198329 ## **Registered Office** Beeches Road Great Barr Birmingham B42 2HF ## **Names of the Charity Trustees who Manage the Charity** The Charity is governed by the Board of Trustees. The following Trustees served during all or part of the year: ||**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not**
**for whole year**| |---|---|---|---| |1|Angela WEISE-BENT|Treasurer|Whole year| |2|Barbara QUARLESS|Acting Secretary|Resigned 26thJanuary 2025| |3|Belinda BELLE||Whole year| |4|Pastor Tracy SWEET|Ex Officio|Whole year| |5|Robert LEWIS||Whole year| |6|Vinnett MADOURIE||Whole year| |7|Zoeta BROWN||Whole year| |8|Antonio DEWAR||Whole year| |9|Robert Dene Smith||26thJanuary 2025 onwards| ## **Our Advisors** |**Type of adviser**|**Name**|**Address**| |---|---|---| |Bankers|TSB Bank|893 Walsall Road, Great Barr,
Birmingham, B42 1TN| |Independent Examiner|Birmingham Voluntary
Services Council|Latham House, 33-34 Paradise Street,
Birmingham, B1 2AJ| |Solicitors|Anthony Collins Solicitors|134 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3
2ES| 4 ## **1.2 Structure, Governance and Management** Perry Beeches Baptist Church (PBBC) was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the Charity Commission on 22[nd] March 2022. It does not have a share capital and is not registered with Companies House. The charity’s Board of Trustees are responsible for ensuring that it complies with its constitution and governing document and the law. The Board of Trustees are also the Deacons of the Church who support the work of the Senior Pastor. Regular leadership meetings are held to ensure that Church business is conducted according to the Constitution and that there are no conflicts of interest. PBBC’s Constitution stipulates the process for the appointment of Trustees, who are elected from the Church Membership by ballot of Church Members. They are appointed for an initial three-year term and can serve further three-year term if elected again. All members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical tasks in furtherance of the charitable objectives. Members Church Meetings are held and is the discussion and major decision-making forum for the Church. Relevant matters are submitted to the Church Meeting by the Diaconate or can be raised by members. Though the Constitution permits decisions to be made by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible. The Church membership at the end of the reporting period was 80. ## **1.3 Public Benefit** At Perry Beeches Baptist Church, we are dedicated to serving our community with love, compassion, and faith. Our mission extends beyond our Church walls as we strive to be a positive force in the lives of those around us. Through a variety of community activities and outreach programmes, we aim to foster a spirit of unity, support, and growth. Our initiatives include: 1. **Food Bank** : We have a food bank every Tuesday, and at other times in an emergency, to provide a range of food and other supplies to those in need, creating connections in the community. We often invite these people to other events at Church. 2. **Support Services** : We offer counselling, advocacy services, financial assistance, and resources for families facing hardship, ensuring that no one feels alone in difficulties. 3. **Breakfast Club and After School Club** : The Church hosts a Breakfast Club and After School Club, supporting local schools and families. 4. **Educational Workshops** : We organise workshops on topics such as financial guidance and will writing, empowering individuals to plan ahead. 5. **Volunteer Opportunities** : We engage our members and community in volunteer projects, fostering a spirit of service and collaboration while addressing local needs. Through these activities, we seek to uplift individuals and families, nurture relationships, and foster a sense of belonging. Our commitment to service reflects our belief that every person is valuable and deserving of love and support. 5 We confirm that the Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission before each event, to check that it is for the benefit of the public, within the definition of that guidance. At Perry Beeches Baptist Church, we embrace our role as a community partner, working collaboratively with local organisations to create lasting, positive change. Together, we strive to build a compassionate, thriving community where everyone can flourish. We support and encourage charitable social action not only in the community, but also in other countries, for example, Water Aid International and the Christian ministry in parts of India. 6 ## **1.4 A Message from the Chair of Trustees** Senior Pastor and Chair of Board of Trustees, Perry Beeches Baptist Church Welcome to this year’s Annual Report and Financial Statements. I share the best wishes of everyone at Perry Beeches Baptist Church to those reading this report. The period that we are focusing on in this report is a time when we have begun to see growth. The local community know that we are here and are committed in our care and willingness to support. Our Community Hub continues to grow as we now have input from outside organisations to help us in our support of the local Community. The growth has been steady, we began a Friendship Group helped by Age Concern, and it is a delight to witness a group of people growing in their relationships with each other and really enjoying the group. Our Toddler Group is now established on Monday mornings and again the joy in seeing the mothers develop friendships and support of one another. During the school holidays we continue with our Messy Church and Make Lunch Club groups as families come together for a time of fellowship. Our Befriending Programme continues, we also had a very successful Family Fun Day in June 2025. The list goes on; however, we are a forward-thinking Church, and we continue to plan to enable us to be able to support those around us, with plans for the youth and to continue to build those activities that already take place. Our Church membership continues to grow, and we delight in the Baptismal Service that took place in February 2025. We thank God for his guidance, we have a very committed Leadership Team, during the year we had a new Trustee come on board and a new Church Secretary who together with the current leadership team, will work hard to achieve our objectives. We also continue to have a wonderful team of volunteers at Perry Beeches Baptist Church. Thank you to everyone that supports Perry Beeches Baptist Church financially, we have had a good year. It is an honour and joy to work with a wonderful team of Trustees and volunteers at Perry Beeches Baptist Church. I thank each one for their commitment as we work together. ## **Pastor Tracy Sweet On behalf of Perry Beeches Baptist Church Charity Trustees October 2025** 7 ## **2. Mission, Vision, and Strategic Goals** The Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals for Perry Beeches Baptist Church is as follows: ## **Our Mission** - **Mission Statement** : “Empowering individuals and families through worship, discipleship, and outreach, reflecting God’s love in every aspect of life.” ## **Our Vision** - **Vision Statement** : “ _To be a beacon of hope and transformation, serving the Lord, each other and the community in unity and harmony. Jesus at the centre of all we do, carrying out the Great Commission_ .” ## **Strategic Goals** ## 1. **Spiritual Growth** : - Enhance worship services with contemporary and traditional options. - Develop small group ministries for deeper connections. ## 2. **Community Engagement** : - Expand local outreach programmes and partnerships. - Address pressing community needs, such as youth mentorship and food insecurity. ## 3. **Church Development** : - Invest in leadership training and development. - Strengthening infrastructure, including digital and physical resources. The Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals for Perry Beeches Baptist Church are reviewed and updated by the leadership on an annual basis. ## **2.1 Objectives and Activities** In order to fulfil its Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals, the Church provides a wide range of activities both to its membership and to the community. The Objectives for Perry Beeches Baptist Church for this year are as follows: ## • **Increase Congregation Engagement** : - Grow small group participation by 50%. - Host monthly community events. ## • **Outreach Impact** : - Partner with five new local organisations. - Launch a youth mentorship initiative. ## • **Sustainability** : - Raise funds for building renovations. - Achieve 20% growth in financial giving. 8 The 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 Principles; - 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; - Education and training for Christian and community service; - Giving and encouraging pastoral care; - Encouraging relationships with and supporting Baptists and other Christians; - Supporting and encouraging charitable social action (i.e. coming together to help improve the lives of others and solve the problems that are important) in the United Kingdom and abroad, especially, but not limited to, the local community, on an inclusive basis in terms of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, financial hardship or any other measure. This social action is described more fully in, but not limited by, our Social Action Plan document, which is reviewed annually. Looking at outreach impact and partnering with five (or more) local organisations. The church had already partnered with several organisations as follows: - Compassion – Sponsoring a child - Christians Against Poverty - Age Concern - Christian Concern - Open the Book - Messy Church - Transforming Lives for Good – Make lunch club - Birmingham City Council – Advice and guidance service - Age UK Birmingham - Digital skills service - Befriending service - Local GP surgery - Local schools - Erdington and Perry Barr fire stations - James Watt College - Community police service The Church has applied for various bids from the National Lottery and proceeds of crime funding from the West Midlands Police to support the development of its Youth Initiative, e.g. to establish a weekly youth club. The Church will continue to seek funding opportunities to develop its programmes of work. The Church has also held a Fundraising Concert to support building renovations. The Church will continue to work with these partners and new partners to improve its outreach impact within the local community and businesses and other organisations. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into closer relationship with him. 9 ## **2.2 Achievements and Performance** ## **2.2.1 Church Attendance** Church attendance has been monitored during the year over 4 periods of 3 months, as shown below: 1. April 2024 to June 2024 2. July 2024 to September 2024 3. October 2024 to December 2024 4. January 2025 March 2025 Attendances for these periods are outlined below: |**Period**|**YouTube**|**In Church**|**Total**| |---|---|---|---| |1|374|877|**1251**| |2|419|750|**1169**| |3|406|846|**1252**| |4|411|1164|**1575**| The overall church attendance has remained the same as last year. The following sections of this report aim to provide you with a snapshot of the key activities the Church has undertaken this year. ## **2.2.2 Sunday Services** Sunday morning worship at Perry Beeches Baptist Church includes congregational singing of hymns and worship songs, Bible-based preaching, and prayer. The service often begins with a welcome, announcements, and an opening prayer, followed by Scripture reading and an offering. The sermon, usually the focal point, emphasises practical application of biblical teachings. Many services conclude with an invitation for personal decisions, a closing hymn, and a benediction. After the service, there is a time of fellowship and community interaction. - The Sunday morning service is recorded on YouTube and available on the Church website YouTube Services. A Sunday evening service is held online via Zoom. ## **2.2.3 Bible Study** Bible study provides spiritual growth by deepening your relationship with God and offering guidance for decision-making and moral choices. It encourages community connections, enhances mental discipline, and offers emotional comfort during difficult times. Additionally, it enriches your understanding of historical and cultural contexts, informs your prayer life, and establishes a strong moral foundation. The Church offers several Bible study groups: - Weekly Youth Bible Study online via Zoom on Monday evenings - Bible Study for New Christians in Church on Tuesday evenings - Weekly Bible Study in Church on Wednesday afternoons - Weekly evening Bible Study online via Zoom on Thursday evenings 10 Praise God that we have been able to begin a new Bible Study for New Christians in July 2024. The study is called _**Growing in Christ,**_ and we meet each Tuesday evening. The first part of the study was all about the assurances that we have as believers in Christ. We have now moved onto what it means to be a Christian, what do we need to do, discussing things such as putting Christ first. Ultimately, all Bible study encourages personal transformation and connects you to a long tradition of faith, making it a meaningful practice for both individual and communal enrichment. ## **2.2.4 Prayer Meetings** Prayer meetings hold significant importance for fostering community, spiritual growth, and collective worship. They provide a space for individuals to come together, share their faith, and seek guidance or comfort through communal prayers. The Church offers several Prayer meetings: - Weekly Prayer Meetings held in Church for people to get together for prayer as a group - Weekly Prayer Meetings are also held online via Zoom. These gatherings help strengthen bonds within the group, encouraging mutual support and accountability in their spiritual journeys. Prayer meetings can also be a source of inspiration and renewal, as participants reflect on shared values, express gratitude, and find hope in times of hardship. Overall, they play a vital role in nurturing both personal and collective faith. ## **2.2.5 Worship Team** Through music and song, the worship team guide the Church community in expressing praise, gratitude, and devotion to God. The worship team plays a crucial role in the Church by leading the congregation in collective worship, helping to create an atmosphere that promotes spiritual connection and reflection. The team enhances the worship experience by setting a tone that aligns with the message of the service, encouraging active participation and engagement. Worship Team rehearsals are held on a weekly basis to prepare for the Sunday morning service, baby dedications, baptisms, concerts, and other events. Their role is not just musical, but also deeply spiritual, as they help to unify the congregation in a shared expression of faith. ## **2.2.6 Baptisms** Baptism is a very special moment on the journey of faith. It is a moment when God’s presence and blessing meet us, and when we make our personal commitment of faith in Jesus as Lord. It signifies the end of our old life and of being born again to a new life in Christ. Baptism speaks of repentance and cleansing, of being united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and of witnessing to the call of God upon our lives. During February 2025, five people were baptised at the Church. The Church has also hired out the baptism pool on three occasions to other churches. 11 ## **2.2.7 Baby Dedications** Baby dedications are a significant tradition in the Baptist Church, and is not an act of salvation, baptism, or church membership. It is seen as a symbolic way to present the child to the church and make a covenant to raise the child in a godly home. The ceremony highlights the parents’ spiritual intentions for their child, emphasises community involvement, and seeks blessings for the child’s future. No baby dedications were held during the reporting period. ## **2.2.8 Funerals** Funerals are important because they provide a structured way to honour and remember the deceased, offer closure to the grieving, and bring together family and friends for emotional support. Funerals often incorporate cultural and religious rituals that help people cope with loss and reflect on life and mortality. By fostering a sense of community and continuity, funerals play a key role in helping individuals navigate grief and maintain important traditions. Two funerals were held at the Church during the reporting period. ## **2.2.9 Chaplaincy** The Senior Pastor provides a confidential and safe space for individuals to discuss personal, emotional, or spiritual issues. This trust allows people to be open about their concerns, fears, and questions, providing a unique form of support that is deeply personal. The Senior Pastor provides Chaplaincy to several organisations in the community as follows: 1. Arena Academy in Birmingham is a secondary school where the Chaplain helps students that are struggling with anxiety, home problems, etc. 2. James Watt College in Birmingham is a centre of excellence for technical training and education. The Chaplain provides family support counselling and staff counselling. 3. The Chaplain provides emotional, social, and spiritual support to staff at Erdington and Kingstanding Fire Stations. Chaplaincy is vital for addressing the spiritual, emotional, and ethical dimensions of human experience. Whether in educational, or community settings, the Chaplain role helps individuals find meaning, comfort, and strength during some of the most difficult moments in life. ## **2.2.10 Prison Ministry** In today’s world, where society often focuses on reform and rehabilitation, one aspect that is sometimes overlooked is spiritual healing. Prison ministry stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, offering men and women in jail hope, redemption, and a chance at personal renewal. Prison Ministry can have significant benefits for both the Church and the prisoners involved. Engaging in prison ministry aligns with the Church’s mission to serve the marginalised and fulfil biblical teachings about compassion and redemption. Every fourth Sunday of the month one of the Trustees attends HM Prison Featherstone, which is a Category C men’s prison, located in the village of Featherstone in Staffordshire, England. The Prison Ministry deliver a church service and invite the inmates to participate, which they are more than happy to do. 12 Many prisoners find comfort and hope in faith-based programmes, which can provide spiritual guidance during difficult times. Exposure to spiritual teachings can also encourage self-reflection, repentance, and a desire for personal change. Prison Ministry serves as a powerful bridge between the church and those in prison, fostering mutual grown, understanding, and transformation. Through these connections, both the church and prisoners can experience profound benefits, promoting healing and restoration for individuals and communities alike. ## **2.2.11 Ladies Ministry** The Ladies Ministry is a faith-based group dedicated to supporting and empowering women in their spiritual growth, personal development, and community involvement. It often provides opportunities for women to deepen their relationship with God through Bible studies, prayer groups, and worship gatherings. The ministry has adopted a sense of sisterhood and mutual support through fellowship events, and service projects that cater to the unique needs of women in the Church and the broader community. The goal is to encourage spiritual maturity, emotional wellbeing, and active participation in both Church life and outreach efforts. The Ladies Ministry held two meetings during the reporting period. ## **2.2.12 Men’s Ministry** The Men’s Ministry provides a supportive environment for men to strengthen their relationship with God, build meaningful relationships with other men, and become better husbands, fathers, and role models in both their families and communities. Men’s Ministry also encourages spiritual maturity, character development, and a deeper commitment to living out Christian principles in daily life. The Men’s Ministry held two meetings during the reporting period. ## **2.2.13 Evangelism** Evangelism is the practice of sharing and spreading the Baptist faith, with the goal of converting others to that belief. Evangelism involves preaching the gospel and teaching the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Evangelism aims to inspire others to accept and live according to the principles of their faith. During the reporting period, the Church hosted an evangelism course and evangelism outreach. Evangelism Training with Christ for All Nations was held in July 2024 and we were given the training using the tools that this evangelistic organisation use. There has been evangelism outreach in the local shopping centre in December 2024, which involved carol singing and talking to the community. It was a powerful and uplifting time – bringing the true meaning of the season to passers-by, sparking conversations, smiles, and even a few tears. What a blessing to share the Gospel in our local community. The Franklin Graham Evangelism Training course was held in March 2025 to help members engage actively in evangelism; providing insights, activities and talking points to help individuals understand how to share their faith and become more confident and effective in connecting with people. 13 ## **2.2.14 Food Bank Service** The Church Food Bank is a community-based outreach project to help individuals and families facing food insecurity. It operates by collecting donations of food items, fresh produce, and essential supplies, from Church members and other local organisations in Great Barr, including Cotmore Surgery, St Matthew’s Church, James Watt College, and Glenmead School. Volunteers help sort, package and distribute the food to those in need, offering a lifeline to people who may be struggling financially. The Church Food Bank is open weekly but also at other times when it is required. During the reporting period, the Food Bank supported a total of 1352 people as outlined below: The number of collections has remained relatively the same. There has been a slight reduction of 16 (2.89%) collections compared to 2023/24. The number of adults using the food bank has remained the same, with a slight reduction of eight adults (0.97%) compared to 2023/24, however there has been an increase of single men. There has been a reduction in the number of children benefitting from the Food Bank. There is a reduction of 168 children compared to 2023/24, making a percentage reduction of 27.45%. The reasons for this reduction are unknown, Most people who used the food bank were from Great Barr and the surrounding areas such as Perry Barr and Kingstanding. However, there have been instances when people have used the Food Bank who live in Erdington, Aston, Birchfield, Handsworth, Hockley, and Castle Vale. Many of these people attend on a weekly basis and collect the food parcels themselves, but where necessary, a few are delivered to people’s homes. 14 There is a growing need for the food bank within the community due to the continued increase in the cost of living. In addition to addressing physical hunger, the Food Bank provides a welcoming environment and a sense of community, compassion, and spiritual support. ## **2.2.15 Ladies Conference** Perry Beeches Baptist Church hosted a Ladies Conference in September 2024, which was attended by various other churches and led by Mustard Seed, a Christian charity which desires to work closely with all local Christian churches and organisations. Over thirty ladies attended the conference. The guest speaker was Rebecca Benstead from Christian Concern, whose vision is a society transformed at every level by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus Christ is good news for society and as relevant today as he has ever been. But we also know that it is becoming harder to be a Christian in the UK today. Christian Concern campaigns in law, media, and politics for a Christian vision of society which protects life, promotes family, and preserves liberty. Christian Concern work to make Jesus and his ways known, to protect the freedom to live and speak for him, and to empower Christians to be compassionate and courageous ambassadors. ## **2.2.16 Community Hub and Café** The café at Perry Beeches Baptist Church Community Hub has been running smoothly and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 2pm. We have held meetings to solidify roles within the team to ensure we continue providing excellent service. We are excited to introduce new events to keep everyone engaged. Looking ahead, we have a busy calendar filled with upcoming activities, such as plans for Black History Month, harvest celebrations, and our Christmas Fair. These events will help us strengthen community bonds and create enjoyable experiences for all. We have started planning to advertise for a volunteer position at the café, aiming to attract committed individuals to support our activities as we move into the new year. ## **2.2.17 North Birmingham Small Church Hub** Small Church Hubs enable smaller Baptist churches to come together for training, events, celebrations, and resourcing. Perry Beeches Baptist Church hosted the North Birmingham Small Church Hub meeting in May 2024. Rev Jack Sykes from Liverpool, led the session which was about evangelism and sharing your story. A further North Birmingham Small Church Hub meeting was held in October 2024, and all attendees were asked to complete a ‘Ministries and Gifts’ questionnaire, to think about the different truths about themselves. The results of the questionnaire highlighted where each attendees’ strengths were, e.g. Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher, plus Organiser and Helper. From these results attendees were put into the respective ministry groups and plans were made for each ministry. In February 2025 we held a meeting called Small is Beautiful, celebrating the positives of being small in number, categories of small churches, starting a church from scratch, church activities and sharing resources. 15 ## **2.2.18 Place of Welcome** At Perry Beeches Baptist Church, we are honoured to be designated a “Place of Welcome” by Birmingham City Council. We believe that the Church is a place of welcome for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Our mission is to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where individuals and families can come together, find support, and build meaningful connections. ## **2.2.19 Warm Place** At Perry Beeches Baptist Church, we are proud to be recognised as a “Warm Place” by Birmingham City Council, committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all members of our community, especially during challenging times. Our Church provides a comfortable and welcoming environment where people can come to escape the cold, enjoy refreshments, and find companionship. We believe that a welcoming atmosphere is essential for fostering community spirit and providing a safe haven for individuals and families. ## **2.2.20 Toddler Group** The Church opened a Toddler Group in September 2024. The group was established due to feedback from local mothers who stated that there was not a toddler group in the area. The Toddler Group takes place every Monday between 9.30am to 11.30am and it has been well attended. The children play, and the parents/carers are able to get to know each other and enjoy conversation. Drinks are available and of course our biscuits and toast time is very popular. We have built good relationships with the families that attend with many of them coming to other events within the Church such as our summer Family Fun Day, Messy Church, and Make Lunch clubs. Each term ends with a little party and a gift for each child, some of the children then go onto nursery but the families still keep in touch. ## **2.2.21 Messy Church** Messy Church is a national movement and creates church communities that are, well, messy! That means we can get messy with paint and glue and other creative stuff and have a meal together. Messy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality, and celebration. It is held during the school holidays. During the reporting period four sessions were held as follows: April 2024, August 2024, October 2024, and February 2025. The Messy Church sessions are very popular within the community and are always oversubscribed. ## **2.2.22 TLG Make Lunch Club** Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) is a national charity who have a network of churches all over the UK running holiday lunch clubs serving free, hot, and healthy meals to families during school holidays. Perry Beeches Baptist Church held its first Make Lunch Club in May 2024, and welcomed twenty-four people in total, each taking part in activities and having lunch as families. The theme for the session was the ‘Prodigal Son Story – everyone can be forgiven’. 16 We started the session with some exercises and then a family challenge game. Families then enjoyed the play corner, the craft table and cake/biscuit decorating before story time. Everyone really enjoyed the lunch and desserts afterwards. Each family also had a bag of shopping to take home with them. Feedback from some of the families included: _“Thank you for giving the kids a great day out.”_ _“Thank you for a lovely lunch, we all had a fun time and looking forward to supporting you again. PS: Thank you for the unexpected bag of goodies.”_ _“Thank you, these are the treats I can’t afford to buy for my kids.”_ A further Make Lunch Club was held in August 2024. ## **2.2.23 Open the Book** Open Book is an exciting programme that offers primary school children an opportunity to hear key Bible stories, from a team of storytellers from the Church. The team continue to go into Glenmead Primary School once each term to deliver our Open the Book Assembly. We dress up and tell the Bible Story to the children, make sure that there is plenty of interaction and we always have a group of children to help us to tell the story. This is well received by staff and children, and it has enabled us to have a good relationship with Glenmead School and the staff and students there. The Church has been invited to have a stall at their annual Christmas Fair where we are able to engage with students and their families. They also donate to our food bank, and we help to support some of their families through our food bank. During the reporting period, the Church presented the Open Book at Glenmead once a term. ## **2.2.24 Befriending Service** Perry Beeches Two’s Company Befriending Scheme, aims to reach elderly and vulnerable people in the local area who are lonely and feel disconnected from society. We offer a weekly 1- hour telephone service to help scheme members to build and maintain connections, offering support, prayer, and a listening ear. All our volunteer befrienders are DBS checked, and we also offer supervision and support and training appropriate for their role. We currently have four volunteer befrienders supporting five scheme members. We have recruited two more volunteers, and we are actively seeking more volunteers to fulfil this rewarding role. Our referrals come from within the local community, e.g. self-referrals, social prescribers, local churches and the wider community, and we can signpost to relevant community services for additional support, if needed. Ongoing assessments continue to ensure that the scheme provides a valuable service for the local community. 17 ## **2.2.25 Digital Skills Club** Perry Beeches Baptist Church Community Hub started hosting Age UK Birmingham’s Digital Skills Hub in October 2024. The monthly one-to-one sessions are designed to help people to improve their digital skills, which includes phones, tablets, and computers. The sessions focus on improving digital IT skills and learning how to stay safe online. Topics covered include: - Learn to use your devices - Staying safe online - Social media - and much more. People can come along to our friendly and informal Digital Skills Club where they can grow in confidence and expand their knowledge. ## **2.2.26 Free Help and Support Service** Perry Beeches Baptist Church hosts a Community Network Support Officer from Birmingham City Council who provides free weekly help and support with any issue, such as benefits, housing, debt, isolation, etc. Food bank vouchers can be provided This service is available from 11am to 1pm on Tuesdays to provide information and signposting. ## **2.2.27 Family Fun Day** In June 2024, Perry Beeches Baptist Church held a Family Fun Day, and we were blessed with wonderful sunshine. The church is a charity which strives to bring the love of God to their communities through numerous activities. Over 300 people attended the Family Fun Day and there were many stalls and activities for the community, such as live music in the café area, BBQ, magic show, bouncy castle, hook a duck, spin a prize, tombola, raffles, craft stall, bric-a-brac, face painting, manicures, hand and back therapy, ice-cream van, and much more. Entry was free and everyone had a ticket for a free drink and piece of cake. Thanks to Transforming Lives for Good charity, who supported the event with a £300 contribution towards the day. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, and everyone had a great time. We look forward to next year’s Family Fun Day. ## **2.2.28 Harvest Supper** On Saturday 26[th] October 2024, over 40 members of the Church attended in the evening to join in a Harvest Supper – it was a bring and share event. There was also music by some of the Worship Team. A Harvest Super is a community meal which traditionally celebrates a successful harvest, and for Christians, the provision God has made for us. The book of Ruth begins with Naomi and Ruth leaving a land of famine and travelling to a place where there is food to harvest and they can ‘glean’ from Boaz’s field. 18 Thank you to everyone who contributed to the delicious food, and special thanks to Robert our Worship Leader who made a huge pot of vegetable soup. God bless you all. ## **2.2.29 Harvest Sunday** The Church celebrated Harvest Sunday, or Harvest Festival, on 27[th] October 2024. Harvest Sunday is a day to give thanks for the harvest and the good things in life. Church members celebrated Harvest Sunday by: - Bringing in produce from their gardens and allotments - Singing hymns - Praying - Donating food to the Church Food Bank. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Food Bank, which enabled the Church to continue its community-based outreach project to help individuals and families facing food insecurity. Harvest Sunday is also a time to consider the environment and our responsibility for it. As part of the service, we also opened the Garden of Remembrance, which was created in memory of Molly, a former Deacon, organ player, ladies fellowship lead and Sunday school teacher at Perry Beeches Baptist Church. ## **2.2.30 Christmas Fair** On 30[th] November, Perry Beeches Baptist Church held its Christmas Fair to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with family and friends. There were several stalls selling a selection of goods, including cosmetics, jewellery, clothes, brica-brac, books, handmade greeting cards, and cakes. The café served turkey baps with stuffing and cranberry sauce, as well as vegan burgers. There was story telling about what Christmas is actually about, and there was even a wise man! ## **2.2.31 Macmillan Coffee Morning** The Church hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning in September 2024 and Church family and friends were invited, as well as the local community. It was a great time of fellowship for a good cause. We raised £200 and the money helped Macmillan to continue to support people affected by cancer. This included helping to fund Macmillan nurses, providing cancer information, helping with financial support, such as grants and advice, and helping to answer calls on the Macmillan Support Line. ## **2.2.32 Compassion - Sponsor a Child** Founded in 1952, Compassion is an international children’s charity, who work in 29 countries partnering with 8,600 local churches within communities experiencing poverty. They give children and young people the opportunity to thrive and reach their God-given potential, both now and into the future. In September 2024, representatives from Compassion gave a service on the work they are doing. Several members of Perry Beeches Baptist Church sponsored a child, and they send payment 19 each month and write letters to the children. Sponsoring a child gives them life-changing support including food, education, and health-checks. Compassion’s child development programmes are holistic, and because they work in partnership with local churches who know their communities inside out, they are tailored to a child or young person’s individual situation. Independent research shows they are highly effective, and now more than 2.3 million children globally are being released from poverty. ## **2.2.33 Moldovan Mission** On Sunday 6[th] October 2024, Mark McCormick, Chief Executive Officer of the Moldovan Mission, gave a presentation on the Moldovan Mission and the work they are doing serving the Lord in the Republic of Moldova. - Moldova is Europe’s poorest country. - Over 900 villages and towns have no evangelical church. - Mark and Mari McCormick responded to this need and have been serving the Lord in Moldova since 1994. - The Lord has used them to build a team of 12 church planters. Between them they have planted 28 churches and started 13 new works to date. Each £25 aid pack allows a family of four to survive for between 2 and 4 weeks. On delivering a pack our planters ask if the recipient would like to hear a message from the Bible. If not, we leave the pack, pray and move on. The Lord is guiding the Moldovan team to plant evangelical churches in two hundred towns or villages by 2040. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (NJKV) Details on how to give to the Moldovan Mission can be found on **www.moldovanmission.org** ## **2.2.34 Operation Christmas Child 2024 (Shoe Box Appeal)** Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It is a hands-on way for you to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, personal care items, school supplies, and fun gifts. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local churches worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Perry Beeches Baptist Church is proud to partner with Samaritan’s Purse and support this project, which is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. The Church is also a distribution centre and receives shoe boxes from other churches and organisations on behalf of Samaritan’s Purse. A total of 197 shoe boxes were produced. When a child opens their shoe box they are overjoyed and it will have an impact on them all year round. The children are invited to participate in the Great Journey Discipleship Programme. Every shoe box is an opportunity to tell a child about God’s love and his son Jesus Christ. If you reach the heart of the child, you will reach the heart of their parents and family, and then you will touch the community. 20 Every year the Shoe Box Appeal sees tens of thousounds of children disciple and we could not do this without all the people taking their time, money and energy packing the boxes. ## **2.2.35 James Watt College – 70[th] Birthday Celebrations** Perry Beeches Baptist Church received an invitation from James Watt College to join them as part of their 70[th] birthday celebrations on 13[th] June 2024. The College put on a wonderful afternoon tea, and we had a great time of fellowship with those at the college and other organisations also invited along. The college are working hard to bring the community together and it was a joy for the Church to be involved. ## **2.2.36 Church Trips** The Church organised one trip during the reporting period. In July 2024 there was a trip to Southport. This was an opportunity for fellowship and fish and chips! Further trips will be arranged in the future. ## **2.2.37 Monthly Newsletters** Monthly newsletters of Church events and activities held by the church are produced and available on the website – www.perrybeechesbaptistchurch.com 21 ## **3. Financial Review** ## **3.1 Financial Review** A review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period, is outlined below. The Church income for the year was £93,096 and expenses £74,674, giving a surplus of £18,422. At the end of the year, the bank and cash balances were £84,040. The bank balance includes Designated Funds of £2,102. There were no Restricted Funds. ## **3.2 Risk Management** The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The Church currently undertakes regular risk assessments. All persons having contact with children in a leadership capacity are CRB checked. There are regular fire safety examinations internally every year and there will be external independent examination every three years. Any decision of a financial nature is sanctioned by at least two Trustees. Any accounting and expenditure is carried out transparently, and any member is at liberty to view details of any transactions. ## **3.3 Declarations** The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity Trustees. |**Signature(s)**||| |---|---|---| |**Full name(s)**|Pastor Tracy Sweet|Zoeta E. Brown| |**Position**|Senior Pastor and Chair of
Trustees|Church Secretary| |**Date**|10thOctober 2025|10thOctober 2025| 22 ## **4. Financial Statements** ## **4.1 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Perry Beeches Baptist Church** 23 ## **Perry Beeches Baptist Church 4.2 Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2025** 24 ## **Perry Beeches Baptist Church 4.3 Balance Sheet at 31[st] March 2025** 25 **Perry Beeches Baptist Church 4.4 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2025** 26 ## **Perry Beeches Baptist Church Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2025 (continued)** 27 9. MOVEMENTIN FUNDS Net Al 0110412024 movements in funds At 3110312025 Unrestricted Fund5 General fund Revaluation Reserve 406.507 18,422 183.388 424,929 183.388 Desl8natÈd Funds 1.640 463 2,103 408.147 202,273 610,420 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming Resources Resources Expended Net Movements UnrestrStted lunds General fund Revaluation Reserve 93.096 183.388 74.674 18,422 183,388 Desl8nated Funds 582 119 463 TOTAL FUNDS 277.066 202 273 28