Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st] April 2021 Period start date To 31[st] March 2022 Period end date Charity name: COVENTRY CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Charity registration number: 1035888
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promote the Christian faith amongst Chinese people and in the general community. To provide a programme of church life including worship, fellowship, training, services and social activities. To co-operate with Christian churches locally and in the wider Chinese community. To promote missionary activities in China and other parts of the world. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Our activities take account of the need to provide public benefit according to the guidance given by the Charity Commission for the advancement of religion. Worship services are held every Sunday and are open to all. Services are conducted in Mandarin, Cantonese and English to enable all to participate. Services are held in the church building. Sermons are provided in Cantonese in our morning service, and Mandarin and English in our 2ndservice. Children’s activities include Junior Worship, Sunday School and Youth Bible Study where children and young people learn in small groups appropriate to their age. Fellowship groups take place weekly or fortnightly in the 3 different languages including: an English Bible Study; an evening group for Mandarin speaking families, a daytime Cantonese Cell Group, a Sunday afternoon Cantonese Cell group and support for 4 Student groups at Warwick and Coventry Universities. (both Mandarin and Cantonese speaking) A Bible Study group runs every week in Rugby and a Sunday afternoon service in a local church. Holy Communion is served every other week at Church and is taken to members who cannot attend particularlywhenthey arein |
| hospital. The church community is promoted by taking days out together for teaching and recreation or for weekend retreats. Regular Baptism Services are held to enable young Christians to make a public declaration of their faith. Members are encouraged to co-operate with other churches in an Easter Open-Air witness and with voluntary activities in the local community. Regular church attendees are encouraged to apply for registered membership to promote a sense of belonging and unity. Members are encouraged to attend conferences to help them to understand and practise their faith. Subsidies are provided where there is need. The church provides support, home visitation to those who are unwell or who have asked for a visit. All our activities are open to all members of the community although, due to language restrictions, some are more suited to people of Chinese origin. The church prays for and provides financial support to other UK charities for mission work in the UK and abroad. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees have regard for public benefit – the church is run for the benefit of members and all who are enquiring or want to discover more about the Christian faith. Our services are provided free of charge including regular events as well as celebrations of various Chinese festivals in the church building or online. Our regular events are of great value to ethnic Chinese people living in the surrounding areas, students at Warwick and Coventry Universities and to visitors from China and Hong Kong. More events had taken place in the last year or so to facilitate and welcome immigrants with BNO visas from HK. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: | |
| SORP reference | ||
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The majority of the work and ministry in the church is done by volunteers. They make a huge contribution and the church would not function without them. The volunteers have continued to provide support through bible studies, group meetings and individual cares emotionally as well as practically throughout the period of pandemic. The volunteers also involved in creating/co- ordinating events to facilitate the needs of the newly arrived immigrants, in activities happened in the local community such as open air Carol Service. |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Weekly Sunday services catering for Mandarin, Cantonese and English speaking members. The additional Cantonese Sunday Service to cater the need of the large number of new immigrants from Hong Kong and residing in Coventry and surrounding regions started from Sept 2021 has continued to run as of today. This has been welcome and well used to support the new immigrants spiritually, emotionally and practically. It has also helped new immigrants to settle down and slowly but gradually connected and integrated into the wider community. A Sunday School and Junior Worship activities. A new online Youth Bible Study to help young people to study the bible systematically has started since Oct 2020. An additional Sunday School and Youth group started in church from Sept 2021, systematically taught with bible study. The Youth group has attracted nearly 30 teenagers. The Church has invited an external team working for children and youth to run our Christmas celebration with a gospel message. This used to be a very popular annual event every Christmas but stopped over the locking down period. Regular Cell Group meetings in various |
languages and at various times to cater for everyone who wants to join. These activities proved to be very helpful in particular that it can be held online to facilitate joining from different regions of the country and for those who returned to their country but wish to remain connected with the Church.
The weekly Cantonese fellowship has expanded a lot, with the large number of new immigrants joining. This fellowship has helped new immigrants to settle down practically as well as in the religious belief. Many of these had become more committed to the working together in the church.
Church prayer meetings continued to be held weekly and online.
The church conducted two baptism (one at home and at hospital) and two funerals.
Six people converted into Christianity during this year.
The church continued to support 4 university student fellowships with international students (2 Mandarin and 2 Cantonese) of Chinese origins in Coventry and Warwick University.
We now have 63 members including Pastor Muk Lam (Sammy) Chan.
The church normally has days out or retreat events on an annual base, no such events for this year due to the pandemic.
Other evangelistic activities: Nearly 60 members joined with the local community for Carol Service, involved with the ShoeBox Christmas Donation Project in Dec., Open Heaven Project in June – prayer walk around the streets in Coventry.
Joined City Praise and Prayer with other churches in Coventry. Carol Service in December which welcome friends and families as well our own church members.
Chinese New Year celebration catered for church members as well as for friends and families.
Social events for new immigrants:
| Two English classes (entry & |
|---|
| advance level); mental well-being |
| workshop; two outings; two social & |
| welcome events held at the church; |
| arts & crafts workshops in church & |
| Self-help groups (including a caring |
| group) were encouraged and |
| supported by the church volunteers |
| that new immigrants has a place to |
| turn to when encounter difficulties |
| and problems on a wide range of |
| aspects such as children’s |
| education, job hunting, legal process |
| of settling down, language barriers, |
| looking for accommodation & etc. |
| Some are supported when going |
| through emotional distress during |
| the process of settling down in the |
| UK. |
| Weekly football sessions instigated |
| and ran by new immigrants settled |
| down in the church became quite |
| popular and has attracted new |
| participants constantly. |
| Other group: |
| Our Rugby group had resumed |
| physical meetings on Sunday |
| afternoons in a local church. Our |
| pastor and one member of the |
| church continued to preach there |
| regularly. This group has attracted a |
| large number of new Cantonese |
| speaking immigrants. |
| Trainings:: |
| More than 30 members participated and |
| completed the Safeguarding training with an |
| external professional trainer; our internal |
| Safeguarding Team successfully completed |
| review and update of the current policy |
| Some members continued with the online |
| peer counselling training and discipleship |
| training conference. |
| We continue to support various |
| missionaries and missions, including |
| WRRCN led by Comfort Davis in |
| Nigeria, Heartlink in India, Andrew |
| Smith (OMF Int’l), Lawrence Sin |
| (COCM), OM UK, CCHC-UK, |
| UKAFC and Hope Coventry. |
All these church activities are free to those who attend with the exception of trips, but these are also subsidised to avoid anyone being excluded for lack of funds.
Our activities not only enable members and enquirers to grow in faith but also provide them with a network of friends who support one another in times of need and prevent people from becoming isolated and lonely. Members cared and supported each other, especially when there were people diagnosed with Covid-19. The church also supports international students through student fellowship activities. These have proven to be beneficial for maintaining and strengthening their Christian faith and continue to benefit both themselves and others close to them even after they return to their own countries. The church building was used by the city council as a Polling Station.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set Performance of fundraising activities against objectives Para 1.41 set Investment performance Para 1.41 against objectives Other
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end ofthe period |
Para 1.21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Reserves will be used to fund the church’s staff salaries, and to maintain and improve the church buildings. |
| Amount of reservesheld | Para 1.22 | |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Expenses for church activities and salaries are met by regular offerings given by current and occasionally from previous church members. No fund-raising is actively promoted although we encourage giving to help other causes. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Unincorporated association |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are nominated and elected by church members |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | COVENTRY CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charitynumber | 1035888 |
| Charity’s principal address | COVENTRY CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 151 Elm Tree Avenue Coventry CV4 9EN |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elaine Leung | Chair | Church Members | ||
| Haifeng Wei | Secretary | Church Members | ||
| Joachim Brandt | Treasurer | Church Members | ||
| Xiao Li Jia | Church Members | |||
| Chen Rong | Church Members | |||
| Lei Wang | Church Members | |||
| Hsiao-Pei Yang | Church Members | |||
| Shuhong Li | Church Members | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser Rev Edward Wei 75 Gurnards Avenue, Milton Keynes MK6 2BW
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Elaine Leung Position (eg Secretary, Current Chair of the Church Chair, etc) Council Date 11th Jan 2023
(HARITY COMMISSION ' FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner s Report Report to the truste1 member8 of Coventry Chinese Christian Church On accounts for tho year onded 31 Marth 2022 Charity no (If any) 1035888 Set out on pagos I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above Charity (Ihe Tnjst.) for the year ended 3110312022. ResponlbllftlM •nd ba818 of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe Act-). I report in resrct of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act arKI in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the aPIcable Directions given by the Charity Commission under sedion 145(5){b) of the Act. Ind•p•ndont I have Completed my examination. I Confi that no material matters have examinerfs 8tatemont come to my attention in connection with the examination which giv88 me cause to believe thal in, any material resFeCt'. the accounkn'ng records 4Yare not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accourrts did not comply wrth the applicable requirements conceming the forni and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention shoukl be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgn•d: 6 September 2022 Nam•: Stuart Mattocks Relevant professlonal qualification(s) or body Ilf any): Addru•: 8 Wyver Crescent Coventry CV2 5LQ IER Oct 2018
Financial Report 2021122 Receipts & Payments Account Unmtrlctod Funds R•strict•d Funds Last Year Racel tB Sunday Offertngs Bank Translers Speraal Off8ring8 Other Income Tax Claimed on Gift AKt Giving Total Rttelpts 8.071 37.149 4.092 12,163 2.6CrfJ 39.749 33,556 7,914 432 7,945 1,880 9,060 8 S72 61 $31 ments Church Stsfflng Staff Salaries Relocation Total Church Stafflng 35.914 35,914 25,107 0 35914 Church Mlsslon Cell Groups Ministry SLbPPOrt Love Gifts Conferences l Retreat Mission Projects I Speu81 Meglings Church Tilhe Totsl Church Ml••lon 1,035 1.500 $38 160 698 4,142 160 7 485 Church Bulldlng 1.375 828 474 167 1.852 1,375 828 474 1.007 1.396 3,248 1,200 1.200 3.436 8 133 Insurance Cleaning & Hoijsekggping Mainlonance & Repairs Capital items Church Rent Total Church Bulldlng 761 619 Church Servi¢•$ Catering & Hospitality Training Gifts Speaker Fees Worship Materials Sunday Schc# Total Church S•rvice¥ 150 997 922 1,265 371 102 3.807 150 517 922 1,265 371 102 3,807 40 1.024 Coventry Chinese Christian Church Registered Clwity 1035888
Financial Report 2021122 Receipts & Payments Account (contlnuedj Last Y•ar Funds Funds Tolal Trnv•l Co8t• Travel Expens8S Total Travel Costs 162 162 Church Admln Admin Fees Printing & Stalionery IT Mainlenaneé ProfeSsKal Fees Totd Church Admln 557 557 719 545 576 1,C69 744 576 Total Paym•nt• 3 $96 $7 280 Not of R•¢olpts l (payn) -724 261 Fund balanc• a• al 1•t Aprfl Fund balanc• a• at 31st March 15,438 70,101 71,8 20.413 74,353 70,101 Coventy Chinese Chn"stian Church Registered Chanty 1035888
Fillaneial Rert 2021122 Statement of Assets and Liabilities Cash - Unrnstrlctod Fund• 53,940 Cash - R•strlcl•d Furbds 20,413 Tolal Cash 74,353 Church BulldSng Equlpment •nd bulldlng ntsnts 300.WO Llabllltlo• 144 Total 404,209 Coventry Chinese Christian Church Registered Charity 1035888