**RICHILL PARK  BAPTIST CHURCH** 

**Year ended 31 December 2023** 

The Trustees present their Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023. 

## **Objects and activities of the charity:** 

The purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document. The Church acknowledges the headship of Jesus Christ over his Church and exists to glorify the triune God by maintaining and promoting his worship both individually and corporately. Its members devote themselves to the teachings of the Scripture, to fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer, and evangelism. They commit, with the help of God, to witness to the saving and sustaining power of the Lord Jesus Christ and to work for the extension of His Kingdom. The principal charitable object of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the teachings of the Scripture, the Doctrinal Statement and Baptist principles. 

The main activities undertaken in relation to these purposes are as follows: We hold regular services for public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching for all age groups, and providing pastoral care to the members of the church and the wider community through visitation and prayer. We organise meetings and events that promote our charitable purpose. Where possible, we participate in the life of the local community. We strive to support other Christian organisations and charities through volunteering, financial gifts, and prayer. The main activities undertaken during the year to further the charity's purpose for the public benefit. 

Our main worship services are held every Sunday at 11.30am and 6.00pm, and Wednesday at 8.00pm. 



**Adults:** We aim to offer opportunities for discipleship to equip people to grow into devoted followers of Jesus: - 

We meet every Wednesday for a time of Bible study and corporate prayer. Throughout the year we hold various men and woman’s groups for fellowship and the advancement of the gospel.  These have, bible studies, book studies, visiting speakers as well as social events and breakfasts. 

**Youth:** We seek to provide a cycle of activities to help young people encounter the big God of the Bible while coming alongside them dealing with issues they are confronting and drawing from our own life experience. We have a Youth group who meet on a Sunday morning for Bible Class, and we try and met for fellowship, fun and food monthly on a Saturday night. 

**Children:** We have an active Sunday School on a Sunday morning for children of Primary school age. 

**Mission:** The church supports a family from the church on mission to Papua New Guinea. 

**Community:** We are engaged in a variety of activities to help live out God’s love in our community. The community are welcome to our corporate meetings.  In conjunction with Baptist Youth, we organised a week of events in August for all ages for church members and the community. This included a ‘Bible Club with Lego’ for primary children, a youth night, and a series of evening events for adults (including a quiz night, ‘Fit & Fun’ evening and a community BBQ). 

**Other Organisations:** The church building is used by other local Gospel organisations such as Exodus and Disabled Christian Fellowship. 



## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

The congregation’s main source of income is members’ contributions through the Weekly Offerings. 

Total Income of the congregation during the year was £43,537, compared to £45,085 in the previous year. 

Total expenditure increased from £52,358 to £57,292. 

Copy of Financial Report Submitted Separately. 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. 

As the congregations total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64(3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabilities. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.