2023-12-31-accounts

Rosyth Baptist Church ( Scottish Charity N° SC018391 )

Church Information

Email Address: r [e-mail]

Trustees

(With dates at which acting members were elected under the Constitution.)

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Rosyth Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 May 2023

The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the church for the year ended 31 May 2023.

Status of Charity and Governing Document

Rosyth Baptist Church is established by Constitution and is a registered Scottish Charity (No. SC018391).

Aims and Affiliation

The aims of the church are in line with its Mission Statement – " Learning to show the Father's love ". The church is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Scotland.

The church is Congregational in polity and its day to day running is undertaken by the elected Leadership Team.

Trustees and Office Bearers

Pastor (who is a Trustee). The Office Bearers who served during the year and to the date of this report were as follows:

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The appointment of trustees is in line with our new Constitution adopted in October 2015. This requires the church to have at least four active Trustees not including Pastoral staff. Trustees are referred to as Leadership Team.

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Appointment of Trustees

New Trustees are nominated for appointment by the Members. Pastor is a Trustee ex officio. Other Trustees are elected for a three-year term which is renewable once. Prior to their appointment, new Trustees would have served the church for some time in various roles and would be familiar with the church’s values, its aims and objectives as well as its day-to-day operations.

The title deeds to the property owned by the church are held in the names of the active Trustees.

Achievements and Performance

A year, by God’s grace, of strengthening the core of the church, starting and consolidating new ministries.

Apart from the subheadings below, it has been a joy to have Nigerian families worshipping and serving among us with their children, bringing their distinct culture to the church fellowship, and enabling us to bless them as they settle in a new country. Also an encouragement is to see occasional visitors finding a ‘home’ in the church and becoming regulars.

The worship team has been going through a transition time following the pandemic as new members have courageously stepped up to develop their musical gifts under the leadership of (our worship leader).

What a blessing it has been to welcome two new members, Between them they have encouraged us all in their faith and love, and their willingness to use their gifts to strengthen the church family.

BLOOM ministry

After local research, there was a very positive response to the prospect of having a mums and tots group in Rosyth and Bloom was launched on 10th January 2023. Early Years Scotland assisted with a grant; in addition, a gift was received from a church in the Scottish Borders. Bloom has its own committee and is registered with Early Years Scotland.

Operating weekly in the church hall the group has been operating at 80-100% capacity (20 children) since then with few exceptions. The work is carried out by three to four voluntary workers through Rosyth Baptist Church.

Bloom is held in the church hall every Tuesday (10.30am - 12.15pm) during school terms and is open to all children up to 4 years of age. We have a capacity to have 20 children along with their parent/guardian. Bloom offers a safe place for parents, carers and their children to make friendships and play together within the main hall.

Bloom provides equipment needed for the group to run and a clean, warm and safe environment in which to meet while parents/guardians are fully responsible for the care of the children they bring to the Bloom mornings. Bloom provides tea/coffee and biscuits/ cakes for parents/carers. There is a small charge to contribute towards the running costs of the group on a ‘per child’ basis: £2 per first child, £1 per additional child in the same family.

We see the group as a demonstration of God’s love, an important outreach and a way to serve our community. Many relationships have been formed between the mums and with our volunteers which many mums have found supportive.

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In preparation for the Bloom work starting, the walls of the church hall were redecorated and the appropriate play equipment purchased or gifted.

Bible Study ministry

This continues to be held weekly in the church lounge. The Bible study group is normally led by one of the leadership team, and is usually focused on the Scripture passage from the previous Sunday service. In addition to RBC church members, the Bible study is open to all who would like to study the Bible and as result, a few individuals attend from other local church congregations.

Friendship Cafe ministry

A ‘friendship cafe’ began on a fortnightly frequency, before being offered on a weekly basis. Free and open to all, members of the congregation serve tea, coffee and biscuits, and offer a friendly and warm space for individuals to meet others for socialising and friendship. Again, we see the group as a demonstration of God’s love, an important outreach and a way to serve our community.

Kingdom Kids ministry

Kingdom Kids is a ‘Sunday school’ group that became operational in April 2023. We have four children who regularly attend, with an average of four occasional visitors. The younger children are currently about 2 years old, and this part of the programme operates mainly as a creche. The Kingdom Kids team that oversees the work comprises four volunteers from the church congregation that have been PVG approved (‘Protecting Vulnerable Groups’ is a safeguarding scheme). Going forward, the Kingdom Kids workers are looking to develop a format that includes the teaching of songs and learning some of the simple language of the Christian faith to help prepare them for future Sunday school lessons providing the opportunity to experience a personal faith of their own. Parents are welcome to attend at any time, especially if they feel that their child needs their support. However, the crêche facility has been very successful in calming little ones that might be upset, helping them socialise with one another, and giving their parents a chance to enjoy the weekly sermons.

The older children attend a more structured programme with set lessons every week. Ages currently in this group are 7 and 9. The lessons have been created from guidelines already in place from Bible Believers Baptist website, Bible Teaching Printables, teaching packets, downloads of free lesson plans, photocopied crafts from websites, some purchased items, and inherited material from previous Sunday school work at RBC.

The children's time begins with prayer, moves on to a lesson from Scripture and usually has a hand craft or game associated with the topic discussed. Kingdom Kids provides a safe and fun space for children to learn together.

The aim is to help the children learn about the God of the Bible, to discover a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ for themselves, and how to follow Christ in their lives.

In preparation for the Kingdom Kids work starting, the ‘children’s room’ was redecorated with new curtains and carpet, and equipped with furniture for the work.

Women’s Fellowship ministry

The Women's Fellowship meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:30am in the home of one of the church members. It opens with prayer, usually involves the study of Scripture or an invited speaker, and ends around 12:30pm. The fellowship currently has two coordinators and around 7 regular attendees, (though this varies week to week).

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All ladies are welcome whether they are members of the Rosyth Baptist Church, visitors or members of the community at large. A welcome is extended to individuals who perhaps previously attended (now defunct) groups from other local churches to reach ladies who would enjoy some Christian fellowship and a cup of tea or coffee.

Secondary school ministry

Pastor Chris Demetriou was part of a team of three local church ministers who addressed a year group at Inverkeithing High School at a Remembrance Day event, and at Christmas 2022.

Christmas 2022

Carol singing was arranged at two local care homes comprising a sizeable group from the church congregation, with Scripture readings and poems. This proved to have a moving impact on some residents and family members. A Christmas meal at a local venue brought the church fellowship together and was attended by 23 of the church congregation, 3 family members, and a carer.

YouTube / Website / Facebook / Instagram

RBC has a Youtube channel to which the weekly sermon is uploaded (usually in audio format), and a website to which the Youtube link is uploaded. Personal testimonies are video recorded in most cases and uploaded to Youtube.

The church also has a Facebook page which in addition to the weekly sermons (or testimonies), posts general news and promotes relevant events. The RBC Instagram account has not been used during this reporting period.

SCIO status

The church leadership team followed through with its intention for the church to change its charity status and become a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) in line with BUS recommendations and as part of a general move within the Scottish Baptist Union of churches. This is now in its final stages with an application to OSCR due shortly as ‘Rosyth Baptist Church SCIO’.

Church membership ‘pack’ and new members

A copy of the newly drafted church membership pack was distributed at the church meeting @ 23rd April 2023 outlining benefits and obligations of being a church member. Two new members joined the church fellowship during this reporting period.

Rosyth Gala

As last year, on the 27th May 2023, Rosyth Baptist church was represented by members with a ‘stand’ at the Rosyth Gala to make its presence known and to connect with the local community. (Free fruit was once again given away to represent the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.)

Leadership team changes

At the 7th August 2022 church meeting

shared that he and

were formally stepping down from their leadership roles. Their service for the Lord on behalf of the church (which included the duration of the pandemic and the church vacancy period) was thankfully acknowledged by the church members.

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Pastor had asked to prayerfully consider whether it was right for them to join the leadership team and after doing so, they both agreed to be nominated. Their nomination took place at the 7th August church meeting and the church members voted onto the leadership team on 21st August 2022.

Refreshments ministry

Refreshments are prepared and served at the end of every Sunday church gathering by a committed team which rotates from week to week. This comprises tea, coffee, fruit squash, biscuits and often cake. During the summer months, the monthly praise gathering would be advertised with doughnuts provided after the service. Likewise during the winter months, the monthly praise gathering would be advertised with soup and roll served after the service (this is home-made, usually by three volunteers from the congregation).

Investment was made in a new hot water urn to facilitate the refreshments ministry.

Pastor’s church office

The ‘vestry’ was redecorated and made ready for use with a new carpet and window blind, and equipped with a book case and office chair.

Church grounds

An investment of time and labour was made to the church patio area in particular, by volunteers from the church congregation. This involved planting shrubs, weeding, and spreading gravel to improve the driveway, among other things.

Hire of premises

Chinese church - RBC continued to hire out the use of most of the church building and facilities to the Chinese Christian Church Fellowship every Monday for a monthly hire charge.

Brass band - RBC continued to hire out the use of the church hall to the local brass band for practice on a monthly hire charge basis.

Helping Hands Fife - During this reporting period, Helping Hands Fife gave notice that they would not be needing to hire the church hall due to greatly reduced attendance. The hire arrangement was ended as a result.

Chinese church fellowship

A meeting took place between the leadership teams of both Rosyth Baptist church and the Chinese church fellowship in August 2022 to review the working relationship of the Chinese church hiring the RBC premises. The meeting also served to make formal connection with the new pastor of RBC, Chris Demetriou. A desire was agreed in principle to have a joint gathering for both congregations at some point in the future.

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Financial review

Principal sources of funding

The church receives its funding from church members by way of offerings and Gift Aid donations.

Reserves

Total reserves at 31 May 2023 amounted to £197,593.

The Trustees monitor the Church’s financial position closely throughout the year.

Reference and administrative details

Principal office

Bankers

Virgin Money 64 High Street Dunfermline KY12 7DF

On behalf of the Trustees

Trustee/Treasurer

Dated: 19th October 2023

Rosyth Bap+st Church Sco1sh Charity N° SC018391

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Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31 May 2023

		Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	Restricted	Total	Total
		General Fund	Fund	Fund		2023	2022
Receipts	Notes	£	£	£		£	£
Gi6 Aid dona8ons		18,258	-		-	18,258	20,305
Collec8ons		12,665		400		13,065	9,522
Gi6 Aid received		7,654	-		-	7,654	5,176
Collec8ons for outside chari8es		250	-		-	250	494
Other gi6s/dona8ons		135	-	100		235	335
Miscellaneous		392	-		-	392	519
Interest		-	2		-	2	2
Hall Income		4,465	-		-	4,465	2,161
Early Year Learning Grant		-	-	500		500	-
Pension Refund		533	-		-	533	-
Re8rement Gi6		-	-	-		-	1,335
Sale of Manse		-	-	-		-	187,363
Total receipts		44,352	2	1,000		45,354	227,212
Payments
Staf costs		32,548	-	-		32,548	17,260
Charitable dona8ons	1	4,245	-	-		4,245	4,270
Church running costs		4,910	-	-		4,910	4,803
Council Tax		1,090	-	-		1,090	1,001
Other ministry costs		435	-	-		435	1,209
Repairs and maintenance		186	-	-		186	258
Miscellaneous	4	2,580	-	-		2,580	3,505
Professional fees		299	-	-		299	368
Flowers		181	-	-		181	27
Bloom Equipt./Set-up		-	-	516		516	-
Bloom Cash Float		100	-	-		100	-
Re8rement Gi6		-	-	-		-	1335
Total payments		46,574	-	516		47,090	34,036
(Defcit)/surplus for the
year before transfers		( 2222 )	2	484		(1,736)	193,176
Transfer between funds		( 3508 )	3508	-		-	-
(Defcit)/surplus for the
year aVer transfers		( 5,730 )	3510	484		(1,736)	193,176
Total funds brought forward		197,877	1,255	-		199,132	5,9567
Total funds carried forward		192,147	4,765	484		197,396	199,132

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |Statement of Balances|as at 31|[st]|May 2023| |2023| |Opening Surplus Closing| |balance for year balance| |£ £ £| |Bank and cash in hand 199,133 (1,540) 197,593| |Total assets held 199,133 (1,540) 197,593| |Represented by:| |General fund|2|192,147| |Designated funds|2|4,765| |Restricted funds|3 484| |Cash in hand|5 & 6 197| |197,593|

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The financial statements on pages 4 to 6 were approved by the Trustees on 22[nd] September 2023 and signed on their behalf by the understated:

Treasurer/Trustee

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] May 2023

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|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |1. Charitable dona+ons Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2023 2022| |fund fund fund|Total|Total| |£ £ £ £ £| |WEC 2,400 - -|2,400|2,400| |Bap8st Union of Scotland 1,400 - -|1,400|1,520| |Tearfund 225 - -|225|-| |BMS 20 - -|20|-| |BMS Ukraine Appeal -|-|-|-|350| |Ukraine Pastors 200 - -|200|-| |4,245 - - 4,245|4,270| |2. Unrestricted funds Balance at|Balance at| |01-06-22 Receipts Payments Transfers 31-05-23| |£ £ £ £ £| |General Fund 197,877 44,352 (46,574) (3,508)|192,147| |Designated funds| |Fabric Fund 665 - - (665) -| |Reserve Fund 590 2 -|(592) -| |Housing Allowance Fund - - - 4,765 4,765| |Total Funds 199,132 44,354 (46,574) - 196,912|

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Explana+on of funds

The General Fund represents all income and expenditure rela8ng to the primary focus ac8vi8es of the church, other than those for which funding is designated or restricted.

The Housing Allowance Fund represents all income and expenditure designated by the trustees for the repairs or maintenance of property held by the church. This fund is financed by the monthly housing allowance, due to the pastor and his wife, being gi6ed to the church.

The Bloom Fund represents all transac8ons carried out by the mothers & toddlers group.

3. Restricted Funds Balance at Balance at 01-06-22 Receipts Payments Transfers 31-05-23 £ £ £ £ £ Bloom - 1,000 516 - 484 Total restricted funds - 1,000 516 - 484

4. Miscellaneous large expense items include: vestry carpet & blinds, church sign, pea gravel, café & church banners, curtains, hall carpet.

1. Friendship Cafe holds £68.82 in cash.

2. Bloom holds £127.80 in cash.

3. Amount amended to compensate for error in carried forward figure for general funds.

4. This emana8ng from set of accounts prepared by Innes & Partners for financial year 2018/19.

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APPENDIX 3 (harty Independent examlnevs report on the accounts Ros￿rA £hPnsT Ctfv£cd 018391 R•port to th• trust•￿lMOMb•Tr of R•glt•r•d charlty SC numb•r th• of th• c￿rIty for th• p•rfod PariTrJ start dats Poriod end d818 oi ots 2olZ 2013 S•t oul on p•g•• R•sp•ctlv• The charitys trustees are reSp￿sIble Ihe wep8r8tson of the aGGounts in accord8nce rMponslbllltl•¥ IA ith the lemis of the Charili8s and Trustee Investment (Scotlandl 2005 Act ond the tru•t••B and •xamln•r Charities Accwnts (S￿￿0nd) R•gulati￿$ 2006 las aM￿ded). The charity trusto•s consider that the audit rnquiremenl ol Regulation 1011) Id) ol tho Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is rny responsibility to examine the acownts as required und8r secdon 44111 {cl of the Act arKI lo slate whelhw pardcular mattws have comé to my attentlon. 8a•ls of Ind•pond•nt My examinatic￿ is carried out in 8cc(fftiance with R•gULqti￿ 11 of the 2006 Aco)unts •x•mlTr•e• •tst•m•nt R•gubatKffls. An •xamination inchJd•$ 8 rnvi•w of the accx>unting rewds kepl by the charrty and a comp8nson of the accounts prnsanted wth those rècords. It abo indudes Considera￿11￿ of any unusual Items or dlsdosm in the accounts and seeks explanalit￿$ from the trustees conc¥n￿g any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide 811 the e¥ldence th81 woukl be required in 8n audlt and, consequenuy, I do not expfe88 an audrt winion on the w•w given by the accounts. Ind•p•nd•nt •x•mln•e• In the course of my examlnatlon. no malter has come lo my attentlon l•kW giNe8 me re880nabl8 cau8e to bel6N that In any material re8peL thg requlrements.. to keep 8ccountlng records In aCCothr￿ 8eclkn 44<11 la) of the 2(105 Act ar*d ReguL8tkn 4 01 the 2006 Accounts RegLblations, and to Prepare aec(￿nts wthlch acccrfd wlth the ac￿￿nt￿g roGtyd$ and c4mpty wlth Reguktion 9 01 the 2006 Accounts Regulation$ have not be￿ m8L to whlch, In my rylnlon, 3ttentton should be dra￿ In order lo enable 8 pmper und ndin ofthea vnls lo be reached. Slgn•d: LJ23 R•lw•nt prol•Mlon quallflcatlonlsl or body (If •ny): Addres•: