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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number NIC108952 (Northern Ireland)

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Mr C Arnold Mr H Beard Rev R Blayney Mr A Browne Mr J Byers Mr M Byers Mr C Clarke Mr J Daly Mr C Wallace Mr B Clulow Mr C Fullerton Mr P Irvine Mr E McFerran Mr M Mills Mr W Edler Mr R Smith

(Appointed 21 March 2024) (Appointed 21 March 2024)

Charity number (Northern Ireland) NIC108952 Principal address 23-27 Gransha Road Bangor Co Down BT20 4TN Independent examiner GMcG BELFAST Alfred House 19 Alfred Street Belfast BT2 8EQ Bankers Danske Bank Bloomfield Shopping Centre South Circular Road Bangor Co. Down BT19 7HB

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4 - 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 15

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".

Objectives and activities

Bethany Baptist Church (“the Church”) acknowledges the headship of Jesus Christ over His Church and exists to glorify the triune God by maintain and promoting His worship both individually and corporately.

The principal charitable object of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the teaching of scripture, understood in its historical and evangelical sense, the Doctrinal Statement and Baptist principles. Its members devote themselves to the teaching of scripture, to fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer and evangelism.

The activities carried out by the Church include:

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

The trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Achievements and performance

The church is committed to the spiritual, emotional and social wellbeing of all those engaging with the Church’s ministry and is open to all members of the general public as well as those who join the Church in membership. The Church meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and the public by making known the Christian gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of the Christian faith. The trustees continued to provide weekly Sunday services and a midweek meeting offering opportunities for prayer, Bible teaching and worship through the singing and the hearing of God’s Word.

Bethany Baptist Church offers the opportunity to meet in various groups throughout the year. Sunday services are supplemented by a wide range of other activities that depend on volunteers who ensure their safe and effective organisation. These include:

Adults

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Children & Youth - activities meet on a weekly basis

The church also contributes to the education of children and young people through its own programmes and support for other like-minded agencies locally and overseas. These include:

The trustees granted permission for Bangor Boccia Club to use the church’s Sportshall on a weekly basis. This is a non-profit club affiliated to Disability Sport NI.

Financial review

The results for the year are set out in detail on pages 6 to 15.

The Church recorded net income for the year of £85,158 (2023 - net deficit of £21,372). The surplus reflects a legacy donation of £89,833 received in the year.

At the year end cash at bank and in hand was £180,611 (2023 - £79,032).

At 31 December 2024, the total funds of the church amounted to £789,961 (2023 - £704,803) including free reserves of £181,342.

Reserves policy

The charity does not have a policy to build reserves as it does not have any ongoing financial commitments and it relies on donations to fund the church each year. Any reserves held at the year end will be used towards the costs of running the church in future years.

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 structure, govemance and management The trustees who seNed during the year and up to the date of signature of the finanaal slatements were: Mr C Arnold Mr H Beard Rev R Blayney MrA Browne Mr J Byers Mr M Byers Mr C Clarke Mr J Daly Mr D Murray Mr J Riordan Mr C Wallace Mr B Clulow Mr C Fullerton Mr P Irvine Mr E McF8rran Mr M Mills Mr W Edler Mr R Smith (Resigned 21 March 2024) (Resigned 30 June 2024) (Appointed 21 March 2024) (Appointed 21 March 2024) The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Rev R Blayney Trustee Mr 8 Clulow Trustee Date..

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH I report on the finandal statements of the charlty for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6t015. R•sp8¢tlv• r•spon$lbllltles of charlty tru8t••s and •xamln•r As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordanGe with the Charities Act (Northem Ireland) 2008. It is my responsibility to.. • examlne the flnanclal statements undar section 65 of th8 Charit188 Act (Northern Ireland) 2008: follow the procedures laid down in the gen&ral Directions given by the Commi3sion under section 85(9)(b) of the Charities Act (Northem Ireland) 2008- and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 8a•ls of Independont examlnor'8 r•port I have examined your charity financial statements as required under section 65 of the Charilies Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and my examination was carried oul in accordance with the general Directlons glven by the Charity Commisslon for Northern Irèland undar $8ctlon 65(9)(b) of the Charitles Act. The examination included a review of the accounting remrds kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also induded consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements. and seeking explanations from you as charity trustee8 conceming any such matter8. My role 58 to state whether any material matters have come to my attention givlng me cause to belleve that. Accountlng records were not kept in accordance wlih section 63 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008: or The financial statements do not accord with those accounling records: or The financial stalements do not compty with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008- or There is further Information needed for a proper understandlng of the finandal statements to b• reached. Alfred Hou8e 19 Alfred Street BELFK%r wr2 8EQ DX3910 NR Belfast 50 Century House 40 Crescent Biisine&% Vi1rk LISLIURN BT2LI 2GN 17 Trlandeville &Teet PORTADOWN Craisavoii BI'62 3PFI Td: +44 (0)28 9031 IA13 F￿. +44 {0)28 9031 07n Tel: +44 (0)28 926n 7355 Fax: +44 (0)28 0260 1656 Tel.. •44 (0128 3833 2801 Ilx.. +44 (0128 3835 0293 i ReXhrtr•JA￿Iwl5 ek•rredTuAthd50TS l Forengl¢ArtsxMi￿iI,. COtpJrthHnanceAdI￿ Reternitr¢rmdyEliuditkn)Irkbylhe Enxli￿t¢rfcknr*r¢dAC£oV￿4nts inlr4hnd Amcntso(T]￿.A WorMwidEA1liJnceolludew￿0mA¢r￿￿JngFbrnG WWW.8megc&¢o

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH Ind•p•nd•nt •xamlner's ststemont Since the charlty's gross Income exceeded £250.000. the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 85 of the Charities Act {Northern Iraland) 2008. 1 confirm thal l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland. which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination and I have no concerns in respect of the matters {11 to (4) listed above and, in connection Viith following the Oirections of the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland, I have found no matter8 Ihat require drawing to your attenb'on. Mr Nlgel for and on b Alfred House 19 Alfred Street Belfast BT2 8EQ Date.. ro FCA alf of GMCG BELFAST

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
282,752
7,900
Charitable activities
3
382
-
Investments
4
1,599
-
Total income
284,733
7,900
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
199,575
7,900
Total expenditure
199,575
7,900
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
85,158
-
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January
2024
704,803
-
Fund balances at 31
December 2024
789,961
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
290,652
174,556
7,735
382
1,265
-
1,599
-
-
292,633
175,821
7,735
207,475
197,193
7,735
207,475
197,193
7,735
85,158
(21,372)
-
704,803
726,175
-
789,961
704,803
-		 Total
2023
£
182,291
1,265
-
183,556
204,928
204,928
(21,372)
726,175
704,803

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH BALANCE SHEET ASAT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 608.619 621.926 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12 6.246 180,611 6.057 79.032 186.857 85,089 Credltors: amounts falling due within one year 13 (5,515) (2,212) Net ¢urrent assets 181.342 82,877 Total assets18ss current liabtlities 789.961 704.803 The funds of the charity Unrestricted fvnds 16 789.961 704.803 789,961 704,803 01[IOIzo25 The financial ststements were approved by the trustees on .... Mr B Clulow Trustee

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Bethany Baptist Church is an unincorporated charity and governed by its Constitution.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

These financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 are the first financial statements of the charity prepared on an accruals basis in accordance with the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). Earlier financial statements were prepared on a receipts and payments basis.

The date of transition is 1 January 2023 and comparative figures have been restated for the change in accounting convention. The impact of transition has been to increase the net expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2023 by £1,513.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings 2% straight line Fixtures and fittings 20% straight line Computers 25% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
193,430
7,900
Legacies
89,322
-
Other
-
-
282,752
7,900		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
201,330
174,531
7,735
89,322
-
-
-
25
-
290,652
174,556
7,735		 Total
2023
£
182,266
-
25
182,291

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Charitable income
Other income 382 1,265
4 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 1,599 -
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
Church Church
activities activities
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 46,199 43,615
Missionary support 37,438 48,929
Baptist missions 21,360 21,360
Gifts 5,954 4,750
110,951 118,654
Share of support and governance costs (see note 6)
Support 95,274 86,274
Governance 1,250 -
207,475 204,928
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 199,575 197,193
Restricted funds 7,900 7,735
207,475 204,928

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6
Support costs allocated to activities
Depreciation
Pastoral expenses
Printing, media, literature & advertising
Ladies fellowship, youth work & missionary weekend
Utilities
Baptist association
Repairs & maintenance
Insurance
Catering
Licenses
Sundry expenses
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Church activities
7
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 2024
£
28,730
732
5,532
8,678
13,957
15,315
6,766
4,430
2,752
1,168
7,214
1,250
96,524
96,524
2024
£
1,250
28,730		 2023
£
26,729
3,066
5,488
8,645
14,784
15,387
3,266
1,920
4,048
193
2,748
-
86,274
86,274
2023
£
-
26,729

8 Trustees

In accordance with the Constitution of the Church the Pastors also act as trustees. During the year, 2 (2023 - 2) trustees received remuneration of £42,920 (2023 - £42,757) and 1 trustee (2023 - 1) was reimbursed expenses totalling £732 (2023 - £3,066). No remuneration was paid in respect of services as trustee.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
2 2

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9
Employees (Continued)
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Other pension costs		 2024
£
43,306
2,893
46,199		 2023
£
40,860
2,755
43,615

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from income tax and capital gains tax to the extent that its income and gains are applied for charitable purposes. No tax charge has arisen in the year.

11 Tangible fixed assets

11
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
1,000,000
30,909
Additions
-
5,582
At 31 December 2024
1,000,000
36,491
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
400,000
10,450
Depreciation charged in the year
20,000
6,543
At 31 December 2024
420,000
16,993
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
580,000
19,498
At 31 December 2023
600,000
20,459
12
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Prepayments and accrued income
13
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income		 Computers
£
2,187
9,840
12,027
719
2,187
2,906
9,121
1,467
2024
£
6,246
2024
£
5,515		 Total
£
1,033,096
15,422
1,048,518
411,169
28,730
439,899
608,619
621,926
2023
£
6,057
2023
£
2,212

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14 Retirement benefit schemes
2024 2023
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 2,893 2,755

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

15 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1
Missionary fund
Previous year:
At 1
Missionary fund		 January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
-
7,900
(7,900)
-
January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31
December
2023
£
£
£
£
-
7,735
(7,735)
-

Restricted funds represent income received where the donor has indicated their wishes that the funds are used in support of specific mission work.

16 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
General funds
Previous year:
At 1
General funds		 January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
704,803
284,733
(199,575)
789,961
January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31
December
2023
£
£
£
£
726,175
175,821
(197,193)
704,803

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

17 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).