2024-12-31-accounts - Thurso Baptist Church SCIO

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Scottish Charity No. SC049327

Thurso Baptist Church SCIO Trustees' Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Thurso Baptist Church SCIO

Contents of the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

	Page
Report of the Trustees	2 - 4
Report of the Independent Examiner	5
Receipts and Payments Account	6
Statement of Balances	7
Notes to the Financial Statements	8-10

Thurso Baptist Church SCIO Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Charity Number

Thurso Baptist Church SCIO is established by Constitution. The church is a Scottish Charity (No. SC049327) and is recognised by HM Revenue & Customs under reference CR45799.

Principal address

Thurso Baptist Church Thurso Business Park Thurso Caithness KW14 7XW

Aims & affiliation

The aims of the church are in line with its Constitution and include the worship of God and the advancement of the Christian faith, by ministry and service in the local community and worldwide. The church is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Scotland.

Trustees and Office Bearers

The Church is congregational in its form of church government, and its day-to-day running is undertaken by the Office Bearers and deacons (the Trustees).

The Office Bearers who served during the year and to the date of this report were as follows:

Pastor (from 1 January 2024) Treasurer Secretary Deacon Deacon Deacon Deacon Pastor Emeritus (from 1 January 2024)

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Appointment of trustees

New Trustees are nominated for appointment by members of the Church and are subject to re-election every three years. 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, aims and objectives as well as its day-to-day operations. As part of their induction programme, new Trustees are required to understand their statutory responsibilities.

Thurso Baptist Church SCIO Report of the Trustees (cont'd) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and Performance

Significant events and developments of note in the year include the following: In relation to activities:

Sunday Services throughout the year conducted mostly by

Sunday Services throughout the year conducted mostly by and occasionally by the Deacons. The church has now installed new audio-visual and broadcasting equipment which has enabled the livestreaming and recording of the weekly services via the church YouTube channel: this has enabled, primarily, the housebound members of the congregation to participate in Sunday worship. Junior Church now known as Kids Club was provided when a sufficient number of children have attended.

Weekly discipleship courses, known as ‘Christian College’, were run throughout the year.
Church Members Meetings were conducted on the Church premises in January, February, May and November and an AGM was held in September.
, main Pastor of Thurso Baptist Church, was vetted by the Baptist Union of Scotland Board of Ministry and has now begun working towards accreditation with the Baptist Union of Scotland. continues in the role of Pastor Emeritus and is a member of the church leadership team; he preaches occasionally, leads Junior Church and the Christian College and attends church leadership meetings.
Baptismal Services were conducted in September and November.
The church ran a Messy Church session in February as an outreach to families in the community.
Earlier in the year the church participated in regular inter-church prayer walks with the Highland Christian Church and Thurso Free Church.
In July the church set up an Oasis tent at the Caithness County Show to provide free refreshments and children’s activities to members of the public.
The church was engaged in a number of activities in the run up to and during the Christmas season including:
The Blythswood Christmas Shoebox Appeal
Special collections raised to help GNM and IVM provide Christmas gifts to their communities in India
Carol Singing in the Thurso Precinct
10.The church building was also used by the church for:
movie nights throughout the month of May
‘Keep-fit and Craft’ sessions for the congregation
‘Fit 2 Box. which has been attended by people from outside the church members/adherents.
11.Other than activities directly related to the life of the church, the church building was also utilised by local community and Christian groups including:
the Scripture Union Connect group,
a first aid course for the local community
a safeguarding course for local churches
the Pentland Brass Band
the Caithness Big Band.

In relation to funding:

Members participate in the Gift Aid Scheme.
Special offerings were made to Good News Ministries India and India Village Ministries
Several external Christian organisations were supported through donations from general offerings.

Thurso Baptist Church SCIO Report of the Trustees (cont'd) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Financial Review

1. Principal sources of funding:

The church receives most of its funding from church members and attendees by way of weekly/monthly offerings and Gift Aid donations plus other gifts from visitors and local organisations.

2. Results of the year:

The financial statements for the year are set out in pages 6 to 10. The receipts and payments account on page 6 indicates an increase in regular income to the current account.

Current account net surplus of £10,096 (2023 net surplus of £17,909)
Building account net surplus of £12,589 (2023 net surplus of £1,426)
Reserves:

Total reserves, including the net book value of fixed assets (Manse/Church building) and balances on unrestricted funds amounted to £382,804 (2023 £359,840).

Brief statement of the charity's policy on reserves

Surpluses continue to be maintained to facilitate the ongoing upkeep of our current buildings and the ministry of Thurso Baptist Church.

Donated facilities and services

The trustees donate their time to attend monthly deacons' meetings and carry out administrative duties for the church and do not make a charge for these services.

Grant Making Policy

The church makes grants from its tithed gift income to individuals and organisations that are generally known to the Trustees and the church. The beneficiaries are involved in activities or ministries compatible with the church's objectives.

Statement on risk

The Trustees assess the major risks to which the charity is exposed on an on-going basis and have established procedures to mitigate those that are identified from these reviews.

Statement of Trustee's Responsibilities

The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements which give sufficient detail to enable an appreciation of the transactions of the church during the financial year. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which, on request, must reflect the financial position of the church at the time. This must be done to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the church and must take reasonable steps for the prevention and/or detection of fraud and other irregularities.

ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES

– Treasurer

Date:

Thurso Baptist Church SCIO Report of the Independent Examiners to the Trustees For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiners' Statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations (as amended), and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations.

have not been met, or

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Innes & Partners Limited Chartered Certified Accountants

9 Ardross Street Inverness IV3 5NN

Date:

THURSO BAPTIST CHURCH SCIO

Receipts note Open Offerings Gift aid Offerings Non-Gift Aid Offerings Tax Reclaimed Donations Special Appeals 1 Donations Miscellaneous Juinor Church Donations Total receipts Payments Gross Salary - Pastor 7 Gross Salary - Associate Pastor 7 Gross Salary - Pastor Emeritus 7 Car benefit in kind 8 Pension Fund 9 Donations special appeals 1 Donations 2 Church maintenance 3 Manse maintenance 4 Council Tax Junior Church Messy church Miscellaneous 5 Meetings, courses & expenses Scottish Baptist Fund Church car costs Ministry resources Sunday School Noor Ministries BUS Accreditation Total payments Surplus/(Deficit) for year Reserves At 1 January Transfer At 31 December Statement of Receipts & Payments For the year ended 31 December 2024	Current account General (£) 11,576 30,653 11,505 9,416 - - 1,710 125 64,985 15,000 - 6,773 372 2,014 - 7,200 9,286 2,873 1,496 296 192 3,230 867 1,764 1,357 - 240 2,429 55,389 9,596 72,129 81,725	Current account Restricted (£) - - - - 2,674 500 - - 3,174 - - - - - 2,674 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,674 500 - 500	Building account Restricted (£) - 1,340 360 - - - 11,811 - 13,511 - - - - - - - 922 - - - - - - - - - - - 922 12,589 17,986 - 30,575	2024 Total funds (£) 11,576 31,993 11,865 9,416 2,674 500 13,521 125 81,670 15,000 - 6,773 372 2,014 2,674 7,200 10,208 2,873 1,496 296 192 3,230 867 1,764 1,357 - 240 2,429 58,985 22,685 90,115 - 112,800	2023 Total funds (£) 10,649 27,254 17,920 8,193 7,047 1,341 1,072 -
					73,476 15,902 7,769 - 319 1,451 4,097 6,150 5,915 3,141 1,560 162 629 3,565 322 1,569 1,123 347 120 -
					54,141
					19,335
					70,780 -
					90,115

THURSO BAPTIST CHURCH SCIO

Statement of Balances As at 31 December 2024 Bank accounts Royal Bank of Scotland - current account Royal Bank of Scotland - Building account Reserves Surplus/(Deficit) for year Current account - as at 31 December Building Fund account - as at 1 January Surplus/(Deficit) for year Building Fund account - as at 31 December Closing bank balances Other Assets Church & Manse Buildings HMRC - Gift Aid debtor Liabilities Independent Examiner's fee Current Account - as at 1 January	2024 £ 82,225 30,575 112,800 72,129 10,096 82,225 17,986 12,589 30,575 112,800 265,000 5,664 660	2023 £ 72,129 17,986
		90,115
		54,220 17,909
		72,129
		16,560 1,426
		17,986

		90,115
		265,000 5,325
		600

On behalf of the trustees

Trustee ……………………… Date ……...........…..... 2025

THURSO BAPTIST CHURCH SCIO

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Accounting policies

Basis of Accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the Receipts & Payments basis in accordance with the Charities & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).

Nature and purpose of funds

Unrestricted funds are those that may be used at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Restricted funds may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes.

Note

1 Special Appeals Receipts Payments BMS Harvest Appeal - - Open Doors - Christmas card - - Personal gifts to members - - Good News Ministries India Appeal 1,211 1,211 India Village Ministries 1,463 1,463 2,674 2,674 In 2023, £3,000 was paid via salary for the pastors retirement. 2 Donations 2024 £ Noor Ministries 1,000 Fishermen's Mission - Scottish Baptist College 350 Open Doors 250 Christian Solidarity Worldwide 250 Ellon Baptist Church Building Fund - India Village Ministries 750 UCCF - Stepping Stones 250 Thurso Community Café - Good News Ministries India 1,500 Refuel 250 Caithness Foodbank 250 Scottish Bible Society 100 Forres Baptist Church Building Fund 2,000 SBMF (Scottish Baptist Ministers Fellowship) 250 7,200 2024 £	Receipts Payments 460 460 767 767 3,000 - 2,820 2,870 - - 2023 £	Receipts Payments 460 460 767 767 3,000 - 2,820 2,870 - - 2023 £
	7,047	4,097
		2023 £ 500 400 350 500 250 1,000 500 250 200 200 1,250 300 250 200 - -
		6,150

THURSO BAPTIST CHURCH SCIO

Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31 December 2024

3 Church building Insurance Electricity & oil Maintenance & supplies Broadband Ground Rent Live Streaming upgrade ProTraining defibrilator 4 Manse Insurance Heat and lighting Repairs & maintenance Phone and Broadband 5 Miscellaneous Independent Examiner's fee Music/video licence Payroll fees Website & Computer costs Ministry equipment & supplies Safeguarding & GDPR Special events costs Weights for Keep Fit class Maintenance & supplies	Current Account 1,435 2,505 1,197 180 530 2,834 605 9,286 527 1,644 371 331 2,873 600 840 582 288 320 185 337 78 - 3,230	Building Account - - 922 - - - - 922 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2024 Total £ 1,435 2,505 2,119 180 530 2,834 605 10,208 527 1,644 371 331 2,873 600 840 582 288 320 185 337 78 - 3,230	2023 Total £ 1,304 2,451 928 153 1,079 - -
				5,915
				501 1,501 769 370
				3,141
				540 800 638 288 760 180 165 - 194
				3,565

6 Explanation of funds

The G eneral Fund encompasses all income and expenditure relating to the primary focus activities of the charity, other than those for which funding is restricted.

The Special Appeals Fund encompasses all income and expenditure relating to special offerings for Christian relief agencies.

The Welfare Fund encompasses all income and expenditure relating to the support of those in the church who are facing times of financial hardship.

Thurso B*ptist Church SCIO Notes to the Ateounts For the ?eA T ended 31 Deeember 2024 Trustee rèmullerxtio itll receii'ed a 055 Salary of £6,773 for his role a5 as Pastor) and receiked expenses of £llil (2023.. £nil} foI his role as a trnstee. (2023.. £15.775 for his role re¢eiNed a 0$$ salary of £15,000 for his role as a part-tim¢ Pastor (2023.. £6,750 for his role as Associate Pastor) and receiNed expenses of £nil (2023.. £nil) for his role as a trnstee. Ail allse cosls. includillg heatllig and lightllig tre coi-ered by the Chwch. He was also proTrided with car (owned by the Church) for which 118 Costs were also coi-ered. In 2023, he was paid relocation expenses of £1.559 oll bis aLal from Canada. No expenses were paid to other tnlstees dllTins the year for their role as trustees. Benefit ill Killd The ¢liur¢li paid a benefit in kind on the proNision of a car for the Pastor. Thi's totalled £372 (2023.. £319). Peusioll Obligatiolls Pension colltributions are paid to a defjned eolltriblltion pension. The total pensioll cost. incliidin8 expenses. for the employer Thas £2.014 (2023.. £1.451) and no colltributions were outstalldillg al the 10