2025-12-31-accounts

Princes Risborough Baptist Church CIO

Tel: [phone] www.risboroughbaptst.org.uk Email: [e-mail] Charity Registration No. 1200447 Registered Address: 42 Bell Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AD

Trustees/Deacons

Mrs N Hirst (Church Administrator and Safeguarding Trustee) Mr P Gabbott (Treasurer) Mrs S Gabbott (Office Manager and DPS) Mrs L Lishman

Mr A Whittred (Pastoral Care co-ordinator)

Mr G Lienweber

Bankers

Trustee Savings Bank (TSB) plc

Independent Examiner

Paul K West FCA

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2025

The Trustees present their Annual Report for the year 1[st] January 2025 to 31[st] December 2025

Structure, Governance and Management

The Church is a Charitable Incoporated Organisation and is governed by a constitution based upon the Approved Governing Document for Baptist Churches.

Structure

We are a small church fellowship of about 40 members. We belong to the Baptist Union of Great Britain and follow Baptist traditions as an independent Baptist Church. The church is currently in a pastoral vacancy; our previous Pastor having retired in August 2024. Currently guided by the trustees of the church, decisions concerning the running of the church are made by the church members meeting which normally meets every other month. So together we seek to determine God’s will for the fellowship. Trustees are nominated from the membership and elected by the church members meeting. Members are admitted into membership on profession of faith, so are professing Christians.

Purposes and Objectives

Our mission statement reads as follows:

‘We are here to worship Jesus Christ and obey his teaching, to care for one another, and to share our good news with everyone.’

In line with this, the main meeting of our week is our Sunday morning worship service which is open to all, and we love to see and welcome visitors (during our pastoral vacancy services have been led by a variety of invited speakers both from within and outside the church, so we continue to operate and worship as a church fellowship). The process of seeking a new Pastor has been ongoing throughout 2025 and we are hopeful of this coming to a conclusion in

Q1 2026.

Financial review

It has been an unusual year for church finances since we had no pastor to pay for and yet because we rented the manse we had an additional income stream. This has meant that we could pay all our regular expenses, spend money on improving our premises, increase our charitable giving, and still end the year with a surplus.

Our income of £92,995 came from the following main areas: regular giving by the fellowship of £37,376, rent of £30,802 (which includes rent from the manse of £12,260), gift aid recovered £13,515, money raised for other causes £7880 (mainly given to pass on to MVA), interest on our reserves £1636, together with donations and other income £1167.

Our expenditure was £76,123, which meant we finished with a surplus of £16,871. We paid £5,720 on administration which includes subscriptions and licenses, church broadband, photocopier, professional fees, and worship material. Essentially this includes items that are involved with the running of the church. We gave £20,200 in charitable donations to a range of charities, both those to which we give regularly by standing order, and those to which we gave a one-off donation as agreed at each church meeting. The main cost of ministry was manse repairs of £6,291 so this was lower than normal at £8,886. Upkeep of the church was the largest figure at £41,325. This includes energy costs £4837, grounds maintenance £5281, insurance £3953, together with repairs and renewals of £24,315. The renewals figure included new entrance doors to church which cost £7,414

We finished the year with total cash assets of £66,854. Of this £37,431 is held in reserve accounts with the BU Corporation. At the end of the year £3,500 was transferred from the building fund into the current account toward payment of the vestibule doors so the building fund stood at £880.

We give thanks to God for the generosity of the fellowship and for His blessing on our finances.

Church life

2025 was a year of steady faithfulness and quiet blessing for Princes Risborough Baptist Church. Although it was our first full year without a full-time minister, the life of the church continued to flourish. People stepped up, teams worked together, and God’s presence was felt in the ordinary rhythms of fellowship, prayer, and service.

We completed the 24/7 video Prayer course and the Bible Society’s Romans video course, welcomed a variety of speakers, and strengthened our relationships with the charities we support. Harvest Tea and Christmas Carols once again brought friends and neighbours into our building — and at Christmas, we were so full we had to fetch extra chairs and tables. It truly felt like an answer to prayer.

Our Family Nativity was another highlight, with 17 children attending — more than in the previous two years. Crafts, costumes, and a lively retelling of the Nativity story created a joyful atmosphere, and many families asked when the next event would be. We look forward to welcoming them again at Easter.

A new Wednesday friendship group began in October, offering a gentle space for conversation and connection. It has been encouraging to see neighbours join in regularly. Meanwhile, our links with Churches Together in Risborough remained strong, with members attending meetings and supporting shared events throughout the year.

Safeguarding continued quietly and responsibly behind the scenes, with designated personnel ensuring that any concerns were handled appropriately.

Pastoral care remained a cornerstone of church life. The team met regularly, stayed in close communication, and supported individuals with prayer, visits, and practical care. Communion was shared with those unable to attend services, and the team’s gentle, faithful work has been a blessing to many.

We continued to support Home Mission through prayer and monthly giving. The Regional Minister from the Central Baptist Association visited twice, offering guidance and encouragement during this minister-less season.

Our overseas mission partnerships have remained strong. We welcomed Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) link workers, heard updates from The Leprosy Mission (TLM), and received news from Macedonian Vision Africa (MVA) visits — including stories from the young mothers’ programme and a graduation

ceremony in Africa. These connections remind us that our fellowship reaches far beyond our own town.

The Premises Committee had an exceptionally active year, completing around 13 projects. These included new vestibule doors, LED lighting, double glazing, tree work, and a full fire risk assessment. The manse also received a new boiler and other improvements before new tenants arrived.

Looking ahead, 2026 will bring further upgrades, including fire-compliant doors, improved heating controls, and continued development of the peace garden.

Sixteen groups hired our halls during the year, providing valuable income and keeping our building well-used by the community. Although a few long-standing groups closed due to circumstances, others — such as U3A table tennis and Colour Wheel art — continued to enjoy our facilities.

Churches Together Risborough (CTR) remained a vibrant part of our shared Christian witness. PRBC supported events throughout the year, from the Good Friday Witness to the Advent Service and Christmas Lights Switch On. Although there were no Lent Groups, churches offered their own sessions for wider participation.

Both the Men’s group and Ladies groups enjoyed a year of fellowship and fun. The Men’s Group grew to around 18 members, with popular evenings at Dukes Wine Bar and a hearty breakfast at Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. The Ladies Evening Group enjoyed a creative and sociable year — card making, crochet, beading, tie dye, origami, a meal out, and festive bauble decorating. These gatherings continue to be a source of joy and connection.

Although no families currently attend Sunday services, we maintain a welcoming children’s corner. Our Baby Group continues to be a gentle, supportive space for parents, grandparents, and carers. Numbers vary, but the atmosphere remains warm, calm, and encouraging. Luci and the volunteer team serve faithfully each week.

Closing reflection

2025 was a year shaped by community, generosity, and God’s quiet faithfulness. Without a minister, we discovered again that the church is not built on one person — it is built on many hearts serving together. From pastoral care to premises work, from mission partnerships to craft evenings, PRBC continued to be a place of welcome, prayer, and hope.

As we step into 2026, we do so with gratitude for all that God has done and expectation for what He will continue to do among us.

Princes Risborough Baptist Church

Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period To from 01/01/2025 31/12/2025

Section A Receipts and payments	Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts	Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 687 13,515 1,636 30,802 37,376 84,016 84,016 310 834 - 249 978 785 1,140 - 493 931 - 7,937 - - - 950 12,700 37,586 64,893 64,893 19,123 45,272 64,395	Restricted funds to the nearest £ 617 480 - 7,880 8,977 8,977 7,500 3,730 11,230 11,230 - 2,253 4,757 2,504	Total funds to the nearest £ 617 1,167 13,515 1,636 7,880 30,802 37,376 92,993 92,993 310 834 249 978 785 1,140 - 493 931 - 7,937 - - - 950 20,200 41,316 76,123 76,123 16,870		Last year to the nearest £
BuildingFund Income					1,233
Donations and Grants	687				12,183
Income Tax Recovered	13,515				8,610
Interest	1,636				1,550
Raised For Other Causes					366
Rent	30,802				22,702
SundayOffering	37,376				42,644
Sub total(Gross income for AR)	84,016				89,288
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
Sub total
Total receipts A3 Payments
					89,288
Bank Charges	310				291
Church Office Phone and Broadband	834				904
Conferences	-				192
Office Supplies	249				145
Photocopier	978				1,046
Professional Fees	785				988
Subscriptions and Licences	1,140				849
Sundries	-				-
Website	493				876
WorshipMaterial	931				413
Conference Costs	-				260
Manse Expenses	7,937				5,287
Mileage	-				310
Pastors Salary	-				24,620
Retirementgift and cateringcosts	-				1,064
Pulpit Supplies	950				90
Givingto Other Causes	12,700				20,749
Church Premises Costs	37,586				38,685
**Sub total **	64,893				96,769
A4 Asset and investment purchases (see table)
,
Sub total
Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end
					96,769
	19,123	- 2,253	16,870		- 7,481
	45,272	4,757	50,029		57,510
	64,395	2,504	66,899		50,029

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

18/07/2026

1

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees Treasurer B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets	Signature Details Details Church Premises Church Manse Bank and Cash Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details	Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 64,395 2,504 64,395 2,504 OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Unrestricted - Unrestricted - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Paul Gabbott	Date of approval
		Paul Gabbott	23rd March 2026

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

18/07/2026

2

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the tru5teesl members of Charity Namt Princes Risborough Baptist Church On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 Charity no (rf any) Set out on pages Ir¢m8n*or lo induda th6 page numbe@ of addty¢nal sheatsl I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('the Trust.) for the year ended 31112 12025. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Twst, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (Ihe Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below") in connection with the examination which gbves me cause to believe that in. any material respect.. accounting records Y￿re not kept in a￿￿rdance with s8clion 130 of the Act or th8 accounts do not accord with the accounting records Indepondont examiner's statement I have no concems 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. Please delete the words in the b￿CketS rfthey do not apply. Slgned: Date: Name: Paul K West FCA R8l•vant profegsional qualification{s) or body (if any): ICAEW Address: 2￿ Fl¢)or, 1 Church Square, Leighton Buuard, Bedfordshire. LU7 1AE

Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose.