St James Mar Thoma Church, UK Mar Thoma Centre, 167, Avery Hill Road, New Eltham, SE9 2EX
Annual Report & Accounts for the year 2023-2024
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church in the Diocese of UK, Europe & Africa Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Contents
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Annual Report and Accounts 2023 – 2024 Independent Examiner’s Report (Internal)
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the Accounts
The following pages are for private circulation only
List of expenses incurred exceeding budget 2023 – 2024 Budget forecast 2024 - 2025
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Notice of Annual General Body Meeting
To all Members of the St. James Mar Thoma Church General Body,
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Body meeting of St James Mar Thoma Church UK will be held on Sunday, 2nd June 2024, 12:00 PM in person at St James Mar Thoma Church, 167 Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2EX to transact the following business.
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To receive and adopt the Annual Report for the year 2023/24.
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To approve expense exceeding budget 2023/24.
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To receive and adopt the audited Annual Accounts for the year 2023/24.
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To receive approve the Budget for the year 2024/25
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To appoint an external firm/individual as the External Independent Examiner
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To confirm the appointment of the Executive Committee members for 2024/25 as required by the charity commission.
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Any other business (AOB) with the prior permission of the Chair (see notes below).
-sd-
Mr. Iju Thomas Hon. Secretary
Notes forming part of the notice:
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The Annual Report, Accounts and Budget will be sent by email by Friday 17-May-2024. If you have any trouble in receiving the emails or prefer to have a hard copy of these documents, please inform the Secretary or the Vicar in writing by Wednesday 22-May-2024 5:00 PM and you may collect the hard copy from Secretary in person on Sunday 26-May-2024 after church service.
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Questions and clarification on the annual report or accounts or budget that should be answered by reference to the records should be notified in writing to the Vicar and Secretary before 5:30 PM on Wednesday 29-May-2024. Please email to londonstjamesmtcvicar@gmail.com (Vicar’s email ID) and stjameslondonmtcsecretary@gmail.com (Secretary’s email ID)
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If any member is interested in bringing up any item under the item “Any other business” (AOB), Please contact the Vicar in writing before 5:30 PM on Thursday 30-May-2024
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Annual Report 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Introduction
A parish is the place where the people of God gather to offer thanksgiving and where they grow in deeper intimacy with Christ and the Church. It is where we welcome others and we strive to build a family of love by our communion with Christ and one another as a worshipping community and sacramental community. God Almighty enables us to live with such a vision and be witness to Christ Jesus.
On behalf of the Executive Committee of St. James Mar Thoma Church UK, it is with immense pleasure and a heart full of praise and gratitude to the Almighty Lord that we present to you the annual report and financial statement for the year ending 31[st] March 2024, of St. James Mar Thoma Church UK
Let us thank Lord Almighty for His guidance, mercy, and grace we have experienced as a parish through the last twenty eight years and glorify His name for His faithfulness. We thank Our Almighty God for giving us this wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord and Our Parish during the year.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the Accounts and comply with the Charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities statement of Recommended Practice, (FRS102). The trustees have complied with the duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in relation the activities being for the public benefit.
Historical Perspective of our Parish
St. James Mar Thoma Church, UK (SJMTC) is a Parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, in the Diocese of UK, Europe and Africa. Previously, the parish was part of North America-Europe Diocese until 31-Dec-2023 led by Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa.
The Mar Thoma worship in the UK started in 1957. St James Parish was based in Central London and was a continuation of the worship that started in Central London in the fifties to meet the needs of members residing in London and the Home Counties.
St. James Mar Thoma Church UK is a Registered Charity in the United Kingdom (Charity Reg. No: 1059210.), with the registered office at St James Mar Thoma Centre, 167 Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2EX.
Our Parish is now administratively placed in the Diocese of UK, Europe and Africa, and His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa is our Diocesan Bishop. We remain blessed and thankful for His Grace’s continuous support and leadership provided for our Parish.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Mission and Objective
The mission and objective of the Church is to keep and safeguard the faith as revealed by Christ and taught by the Apostles, to promote the spiritual life of the faithful through the administration of the sacraments and the preaching of the word.
Our Mission is to serve the people as servants of the resurrected Christ without diluting and deluding the ethos of the Church. We as a parish are embodied to promote the Christian religion, provide our members with regular Christian worship services in accordance with the traditions of the Mar Thoma Church, provide pastoral care and organise activities to enhance and support the spiritual life of its members, enhance the ecumenical relationship within the local community and Churches, provide financial support for evangelistic and charitable work in the United Kingdom and abroad, especially India.
Governing Document
St James Mar Thoma Church UK is governed by the constitution adopted on 27th October 1996 and as amended on 29th January 2006 and submitted to the Charity Commission and by the constitution of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, India.
Ecumenical Relations
While retaining many of the traditional characteristics of the ancient Eastern church, the Mar Thoma Church keeps very close relations with Christian churches in other parts of the world. The Church enjoys full intercommunion relationship with the world-wide Anglican Church and is a full member of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Churches Together in England (CTE) and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). Locally, we are also members of the Churches Together in New Eltham (CTNE)
Parish Membership & General Body participation
A parish register of all members is maintained by the Vicar and is kept updated. All persons above 18 years, who have their names on the parish register, receive Holy Communion in the parish and whose parish membership has not been barred, are entitled to be Edavaka Sangham members (General Body of the parish).
Our membership as of 31st March 2024 was 210 families including new families who joined the parish during the reporting year. We welcome these new families to the fellowship of St James Mar Thoma Church, UK.
Vicar
We acknowledge the services of our previous Vicar Rev. K. K. Kuruvila, his wife Mrs. Remi Kuruvila and their two daughters, Ms. Rhema Eliza Kuruvila & Ms. Kerigma Susan Kuruvila from 2019 to 2023. There was a farewell meeting held on 23[rd] April 2023 to thank Rev K.K. Kuruvila and family for their services over the past four years.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
We acknowledge the services of our Vicar Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas, his wife Mrs. Jessen Varghese and their two children, Eben Soju Thomas and Elmina Jessy Soju during this period. Vicar Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas has now completed a year of his service as the Vicar of our church. Vicar’s spiritual leadership and pastoral care has made a significant impact to the members’ spiritual life and wellbeing. Through Vicar’s leadership and guidance, all organisations of the church and prayers groups are functioning well. Vicar has also taken an active role in the various activities of the zone. We thank Vicar and family for their blessed ministry in our parish over the last year
Appointment of Trustees of the Charity (Executive Committee)
The appointed Vicar of St James Parish is the President. The trustees (members of the Executive Committee) are elected or nominated every year before the commencement of the financial year. They are elected either by the General Body or by the members of the organisation whom they represent or nominated by the Diocesan Bishop. The Sabha Mandalam and the Diocesan Assembly members are elected/nominated and their terms of office to these bodies is for a period of three years. The appointment of Trustees is as per the constitution.
Trustees of the Charity (Executive Committee) for the reporting year
The following members served as the Trustees of the Charity for the year 2023-2024.
| President & Vicar ~~a~~ |
Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas ~~a~~ ~~D~~ |
Appointed ~~a~~ ~~D~~ |
|---|---|---|
| Vice President ~~a~~ |
Mr. P.K. Edison ~~a~~ |
Elected ~~a~~ |
| Secretary ~~a~~ ~~a~~ |
Mr. Iju Thomas ~~a~~ ~~a~~ |
Elected ~~a~~ ~~a~~ |
| Trustee Finance ~~a~~ |
Mr. Ashok Thomas ~~a~~ ~~G~~ |
Elected ~~a~~ |
| Trustee Accounts ~~a~~ |
Mr. Ajex John | Elected |
| Lay Leader 1 ~~a~~ |
Mr. Rajan Chacko ~~G~~ |
Elected |
| Lay Leader 2 ~~a~~ |
Mr. Regi C Philip | Elected |
| Sabha Mandalam Member ~~a~~ |
Mr. Sabu George | Elected |
| Diocesan Zonal Assembly Member ~~a~~ |
Mr. Cyril Abraham John ~~D~~ |
Elected |
| Diocesan Zonal Assembly Member ~~a~~ |
Mr. Noble J Mathew | Nominated |
| Edavaka Mission Representative ~~a~~ |
Mr. Alex P Sam ~~D~~ |
Elected |
| Sevika Sangham Representative ~~a~~ |
Mrs. SherlyLinoy | Elected |
| Sunday School Representative ~~a~~ ~~a~~ |
Mrs. Sherine George ~~G~~ |
Elected |
| Youth League Representative ~~a~~ |
Mr. Thomas Rajan Chacko | Elected |
| Choir Representative | Mr. Aji Chacko | Elected |
| Area Prayer Group Representatives | Mrs. Aswathy Varghese (Bury St Edmunds Area) Mr. Shiju Thomas (East Area) Mr. Abraham Isac (Ipswich Area) Mr. Shajan Varampel Mathai (Kent Area) Mr. Stephen Varughese Joseph (South East Area) Mr. Praveen Mathew (South Area) |
Elected Elected Elected Elected Elected Elected Elected |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
The Executive Committee met 15 times during the year to discuss and deliberate on the day-to-day running of the Parish, as well as to execute the decisions of the General Body.
Other Officials
| Authorizing officer and Key contact for UKBA | Mr. Iju Thomas Mr. P. K. Edison |
|---|---|
| Data Protection Officer(DPO) | Mr Cyril Abraham John |
| Internal Auditors (Elected) | Mr. Mathews John Mrs. MercyMathew |
General Body Meetings
Two general body meetings were held during the reporting year. All general body meetings were held in-person in our church.
The Annual General Body meeting (AGM) was held on Sunday 11th June 2023 to receive and approve the annual report and accounts for the year 2022-23 and to receive and approve the budget for the year 2023-2024. The general body approved the annual report and accounts for the year 2022-2023 and passed the budget for 2023-2024. The general body agreed to raise and donate INR 15 Lakhs to fund the housing aid charity project for evangelist.
The second general body meeting was held on 29[th] October 2023. In this meeting, general body approved the decision to remortgage the property with Kingdom Bank.
The third general body meeting was held on Sunday 25[th] February 2024 to elect the office bearers and auditors for the year 2024-2025. In this meeting, general body also accepted the proposal from Executive Committee to elect Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Data Controller Officer (DCO) from within the executive committee for 2024-25.
Risk Management
The Executive Committee have, from time to time, examined the major operational risks which the parish faces and confirms that systems have been established to enable regular review of steps that can be taken to reduce these risks. Risk management is reviewed and discussed at Executive Committee meetings.
For the safe running of the Church, a Health and Safety Policy has been adopted. A CCTV guideline is also followed for the use in Church.
Reserves Policy
St James Mar Thoma Church shall set aside reserves to provide financial stability and the means to sustain, improve and develop its mission and objects. As the flow of income is not uniform, reserves need to be set aside to meet expenses that are irregular in pattern. The Executive Committee has determined that the approximate level of free reserves should be equivalent to three months expenditure, approximately £53,000. For various reasons, we were not able to fully maintain this level
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
of reserves. As result of actions taken, we were able to make some progress on our reserves. However, a continued effort is needed to maintain this.
Financial Update
St James Mar Thoma Church is wholly dependent on the voluntary contributions of members and wellwishers. We are greatly indebted for their financial support. The full income and expenditure statement for the year 2023/24 and the balance sheet are attached. In spite of the current political and economic situations around the world, it is pleasing to note that our various collections have increased. Whilst this is welcome news, we have a significant way to go before we can get to the level of reserves we need to have for the smooth running of the affairs of the parish, meet various financial obligations and to maintain our Mar Thoma Centre, New Eltham.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
We have adopted a policy, based on the requirements of the Children Act 1989, which is monitored and reviewed annually. DBS checks are being carried out on all individuals who take responsibility for children’s activities.
Our Church recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for our children and young people. To accomplish this, we have also established a child protection policy and procedures and thereby fulfilling our commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of our children and youth.
General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
The GDPR came into to law on 25th May 2018. In compliance with the requirements, St James Mar Thoma Church have adopted and established a GDPR privacy policy. This policy is published on the Church website. All trustees have been briefed on the regulation and their responsibilities to be in compliance with the policy. Our parish is also registered with Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Sunday Worship Services
The Sunday Worship services were held in person and also broadcasted via the online platform. On average about 180 members attend the service regularly and an average 130 members participate in Holy Communion. We have Holy Communion service in both English and Malayalam. Our worship services are assisted by various area prayer group members on a rota basis. Both our Lay Leaders with the guidance from our Vicar did a commendable job in ensuring that there is equal participation from all areas to lead our church service. Our Church Choir play an active role in assisting our services. Sunday worship service conclude with a fellowship meal sponsored by the respective area prayer group members. During the reporting year, Sunday evening worship services were also held once in a month in Ipswich. Members from nearby areas, Ipswich, Bury & St Edmunds, Norwich and Colchester attended the worship services in Ipswich.
Special Services & Prayers
Special services were conducted to celebrate Parish Day, Thanksgiving Day, Family Sunday, Diocesan Sunday, Edavaka Mission Sunday, Sevika Sangham Day, Youth Sunday, World Sunday School Day, Choir Sunday, Senior Citizens Day, 40[th] Friday service, Student Thanksgiving Day and Christmas during the respective days as per the church calendar.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Thanksgiving Sunday, Parish Sunday, Family Sunday and Parish Convention
In this reporting year, Thanksgiving Day was celebrated on 21[st] May 2023. Rev. Merin Mathew was our Chief Guest and Celebrant for the service.
The Parish Day, Family Sunday and Annual convention was held on 20[th] , 21[st] and 22[nd ] October 2023. Rev. Thomas Baby, Vicar of Tabore Mar Thoma Church, Manchester was the main speaker and guest of honour. The theme for the three-day convention was “ The family as a Kingdom of God. A rereading ”. The first day session was held in Ipswich and the second and the final day were held at St James Mar Thoma Church. All sessions were well attended and was a blessing to our members.
Harvest Festival
Over the years the Harvest Festival has evolved to be an event both young and old look forward to with great enthusiasm. Harvest Festival food sale and fund collections were organised on Saturday, 23[rd] September 2023. Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Jit Ranabhat was the chief guest for our Harvest Festival inaugural session. Councillor Patricia Greenwell visited our food stalls. We also managed to conduct auctions after church service. Raffle ticket sales were done during the last quarter with good participation from our members. Thanks to our Harvest Festival Convenors, Mr Shajan Varampel Mathai, Mr. Praveen Mathew and Mrs Sherly Linoy who organised the events well and helped to raise significant funds during these challenging times.
Parish Picnic
A one-day parish picnic was organised on 30[th] September 2023. We visited Longleat Safari Park, Warminster. Seventy of our members participated and we had a fun filled trip and joyful fellowship during the parish picnic. The convenors Mrs Soumya Abraham, Mrs Bindu Annie Jacob and Mr Shiju Thomas co-ordinated all the arrangements for the picnic.
Christmas Carol Service
The Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 17th December 2023 at St James Mar Thoma Church. Rt Rev Saju Muthalaly, the Bishop of Loughborough was our chief guest for the service and delivered the Christmas message. It was a beautiful service of carols led by our talented and dedicated senior and junior choir. The Sunday school children presented the nativity story with new and contemporary themes. We appreciate and extend our gratitude to the choir leadership and choir members, Sunday school teachers and the children for their dedication and hard work.
Christmas Bells
Christmas Bells is an annual event of our church organized by the choir focusing on the theme of Christmas. This event gave opportunities to each area prayer groups to showcase their musical talents through Christmas carols. This year, Christmas Bells was held on the 24th December 2023 immediately after the service. The Christmas raffle draw also took place on this occasion.
House to House Carol Rounds
As part of the Christmas celebrations, house-to-house carol rounds were arranged. Carollers together with the Vicar visited homes of 140 members in London and Home Counties of Middlesex, Berkshire,
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Buckinghamshire, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk during the weeks leading to Christmas. The carol rounds started on 25[th ] November and completed on 23[rd] December. It was an opportunity to proclaim the Good News of Christmas through carols, bible passages and prayer. As convenor, Mr Sabu George, together with area representatives deserve considerable credit for their dedication and tireless efforts in arranging the house to house carol rounds.
Watch Night Service
Watch night service was held on the New Year’s Eve at St James Mar Thoma Church. It was also an occasion of thanksgiving, praise, testimony, and worship especially during the tough economic times that the world was undergoing. Holy Communion was celebrated on the eve of the New Year 2023.
Great Lent and Passion Week
During this reporting year, our church observed the Great Lent with Easter being celebrated on the Sunday, 9[th] April 2023 last year and Sunday 31[st] March 2024 this year. The passion week services, Good Friday services and Easter services were well attended last year as well as this year.
Apart from the passion week services, our church observed the Great Lent by dedicating all the area prayer meetings during the Lent season as Great Lent prayer sessions.
Family Retreat
We had our one day family retreat on March 16[th ] 2024 guided by the inspiring theme of Ephesians 4:1 - Lead a life worthy of calling. Acclaimed speaker Mr Sunny Stephen lead the session, offering insights on mental renewal, spiritual strength, and the power of fellowship both in church and in family life. A separate program for children under the age of fifteen was also hosted at church lead by Sunday School. The convenors for the family retreat were Mr Aji Chacko and Mr Regi Philip.
Mission and Evangelism
Helping those in need is a demonstration of our faith. During the year, we were able to support various missionary activities and lend a helping hand to those in need. Through the generous support of our members, we were able to support the following Charities and Charitable projects and Institutions in India and here in UK.
They include the following:
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Housing Aid Charity Project for Evangelist
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Educational support for five nursing students
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Provided medical aid for three individuals
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Educational Support for a student in St. Thomas Teachers Training Institute, Thiruvalla
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Set up “Wings to Dream” project for ongoing educational support to two BSc Nursing students and one general nursing student
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Donations in kind to Bexley Food Bank led by Sunday School
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37 students were sponsored for Light to Life project by 33 sponsors
Our church organisations have also supported various charity initiatives which are included in their respective reports
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Matrimony
During the report year, the marriage of Eric Edison & Tatiana Giller was solemnised at our church. The marriage banns was published and Deshakuri was issued for the marriage of Tevin Mathew & Merlin Anna Reji. No Objection Certificates were issued for the marriage of Jerry Rajan Chacko & Richu Susan Philip, Jyothis Varampel Shajan & Midhun Dev Devkumar Anitha. We congratulate the newly married couples and wish them long and happy married life.
Baptism
During the report year, we conducted 2 baptisms in our church. We welcome the newly baptised members to the Christian family and pray for their physical and spiritual growth.
Following are the names of those who were baptised in our church in the reporting year.
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1) Tatiana Giller
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2) Mevisri Chiranjeevi Damala (D/o Chiranjeevi Damala and Meenakshi M Gollar)
Obituary
This year some of our members have lost their beloved Parents/Siblings/Relatives. Parish extended spiritual support for the consolation of these families. We place on record our condolences to all bereaved families.
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1) Mr Linoy Cherian was called to eternity on 5[th] September 2023 and funeral service was conducted at our church
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2) Dr K G Mathai was called to eternity on 1[st] December 2023
We give thanks to God Almighty for their life, especially their services and contributions to St. James Mar Thoma Church and the love and fellowship they shared amongst our community.
House Blessing
During this year many of our members have acquired new homes and three house blessing services have been conducted.
St James Mar Thoma Centre
With a long-term vision to build and develop our own place of worship, in 2005, St. James MTC purchased 167 Avery Hill Road, New Eltham, spanning 4.6 acres in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, neighbouring the University of Greenwich campus.
The foundation stone laying service of the redevelopment of the Mar Thoma centre and Parsonage was held on 23rd August 2017. Our late Metropolitan His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan and Our Diocesan Bishop His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa led the service and laid the foundation stone in the presence of invited guests, clergy of sister parishes and members of the parish.
The consecration of our Church, Centre and parsonage was conducted on 8th May 2021 by His Grace
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Rt. Rev. Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa. On the following day, we had the first holy communion service at our newly built St James Mar Thoma Church.
By the Grace of Our good Lord, after years of collective prayers, hard work and perseverance, we accomplished this long-term vision of building our own place to serve as the St. James Mar Thoma Church Centre, with facility for worship, multi-use facility for community and sports activities and a parsonage.
In the last year, our football pitches have been rented out to Metrogas football club and Total football club. In addition, our facilities are popular in the local community for small event hires especially due to the availability of managed onsite parking.
The Centre will continue to be a blessing not just for our families, but also for the community as a whole and for the next generation.
Parish Organisations
The Parish is blessed with its organisations namely: Sunday School, Youth League, Church Choir, Suvishesha Sevika Sangham (The Women’s Mission) and the Edavaka/Parish Mission. Each organisation has elected leaders to help carry out the administrative duties and responsibilities vested on them meaningfully. All the organisations of our Parish functions effectively to further the mission of our Church.
Sunday School
"Train a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22: 6
St James MTC Sunday school supports the SJMTC parents in their responsibility of bringing up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord with the help of God-fearing, dedicated and committed DBS-cleared Sunday school teachers under the guidance of our Vicar Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas.
The office bearers for the year 2023/24 were elected on 05th March 2023
| Headmistress: | Mrs Sherine George |
|---|---|
| Secretary: | Mrs Jessen Joseph |
| Treasurer | Mrs Susan Mathew |
SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND CLASSES
There are 77 children registered in our Sunday school in 2023-24, who attend lessons under the guidance and training of 25 teachers. Our weekly Sunday school session structure emphasizes worship, education, and service as the three-fold components of Christian living. The Sunday school Session is from 9.00am to 10.15am, starting with class lessons, followed by Sunday school Collective Worship session. Thereafter Sunday school Collective Activity session takes place for all age groups. The children prayerfully attend the Holy Qurbana service at 10:30am.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
ACTIVITIES HELD DURING 2023 -24
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VBS 2023 from 27th May to 29th May 2023 with 87 VBS registrations at our parish. The theme was: “Root & Fruit” Isaiah 37:31. We thank VBS 2023 Director Mr Jickson V George and his team for all their efforts.
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VBS Refresher Retreat on 18th Feb 24 with theme Strengthening Roots to bear Consistent Fruits led by Mr Jickson V George.
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Annual exam on 2nd July 23.
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Student and Teachers Dedication on 10th Sept 23
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Annual Day 22-23 & Prize distribution on 10th Sept 23 to celebrate the efforts and achievements of all Sunday School children in the competitions and Annual exams.
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12 Teachers attended the Sunday School Teachers Retreat at St Johns MTC, Hounslow on 14th Oct 2023
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Attended WSSD 2023 at Cardiff on 4th Nov 23 hosted by Cardiff Sunday School.
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Music Accompanied Singing sessions: Throughout the year, various Children with passion for music accompanies the singing/activity sessions with music on their preferred instrument
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Sunday School Charity Ventures: Because of the generous and prayerful contributions of the Sunday School parents and our parish members we have been able to:
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Participate in Operation Christmas Child in Nov 23. Children across our parish felt very blessed to be part of this amazing project where they were able to bless children in need across the world by sending them 48 shoeboxes filled with toys, personal care items, school supplies, and fun gifts.
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Donate regularly to Bexley Food Bank on a monthly basis. Bexley foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local community.
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Raise funds through Food sale on 28th Jan 24 for Marthoma High School for the deaf, Cherkala, Kasargod, India. We raised £1570/- of which we donated Rs 87000/- for this worthy cause.
Under the able leadership of our Vicar, the Year 23-24 was a blessed year with innumerable and blessed opportunities to learn about our Lord, to worship Him with all our hearts, to serve Him and His children and to proclaim the Gospel to many. We are extremely grateful to our Lord for this incredible privilege! We thank God for enabling us by His grace to serve you all with love, truth, enthusiasm and God’s love in our hearts. We thank you for your prayers and continued support and encouragement.
Youth League
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.’’
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Almighty Lord and Saviour for his grace and mercy bestowed upon us throughout the year. It was indeed a blessing to witness Youth fellowship members dedicatedly serving the lord through various activities and events.
The following members served as office bearers for the year 2023 – 24:
| Secretary | Mrs Nisha MaryPhilip |
|---|---|
| Joint Secretary | Ms Rianne Thomas |
| Treasurer | Mr Ashwin Chacko |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Youth fellowship meetings were held on every 2nd Sunday of the month, where the youths actively participated and also prayerfully served for the Youth Sunday Service.
The Youth Committee organised a one-day outing to Thorpe Park during the summer break involving all the university students and school students, the excursion was aimed to bring fellowship, enjoyment and fun amongst the youths.
The Youths organised various entertaining game sessions for the family retreat held in the church premises. They also lent a hand during the harvest festival by organising the drinks, games and entertainment stall. The Youths joined hands and beautifully decorated the church for Christmas which was appreciated by all. There was also a skit and a song presentation by the Youths in the Christmas Bells program. The Youths actively engaged in online sessions organised by the diocese. Under the leadership of Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas, we had a meaningful Youth Convention, led by Rev. Thomas Baby.
We thank the Vicar, Executive Committee, Senior Parish members and all the Youth members for their support and participation throughout the year.
Church Choir
The Choir of St. James Mar Thoma Church plays a vital role in our worship services, actively assisting the vicar and leading various events, including the Parish Convention & Parish Day, First Holy Communion, Thirumenis’ visit, Christmas carols service, Watch Night service, and Passion Week services. Affiliated with DSMC, our choir boasts 37 members, comprising 18 males and 19 females, who also participate in organisations like Sevika Sangham, Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, and Edavaka Mission.
Junior choir was led by the Junior choir leader Mr. Jickson V George who did a wonderful job in leading the children. This was a great platform for the young children to begin their journey into learning and singing music and also be part of the overall choir. This year junior choir had the maximum number (28) of participation from the Sunday school children
The following members served as office bearers for the year 2023 – 24:
| Choir Leader | Mr. Aji Chacko |
|---|---|
| Joint choir leader | Mr. Vishak Kurien Pattassery |
| Choir secretary | Mrs. Nisha MaryPhilip |
| Treasurer | Mr. Jiku Thomas |
Activities for the year 2023-24
The Choir Sunday service was held on the 18th June 2023. Choir members took a major lead in assisting the service. There was a special order of worship by DSMC that was used during the service. Choir members also presented a special song. Rev. Mathews George, Faculty from Dharma Jyoti Vidyapeeth led the service and gave the sermon. Choir dedication was also held on the same Sunday. In this year, choir has conducted 3 choir fellowship meetings and a choir retreat was held on 25th June 2023. Apart from our Choir Leads, Mr. Aji and Mr. Vishak, choir has also invited the musician and singer Mr. Rinosh Noble to provide vocal training, staff notation and site reading. A choir meeting was also held to share the feedback for the carol service.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Choir practice for the Christmas carol service started in the month of September and there was a total of 18 practice sessions. The Christmas carol service was held on 17th December 2023 at New Eltham. The Chief guest for the day was Rt. Rev. Saju K Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough, Suffragon Bishop of Leicester along with the other guests Rev. Daniel Kirk and Patricia Green, councillor of new Eltham and Avery Hill. Bishop inspired us with a refreshing and thought-provoking Christmas message. The choir sang 6 new carols this year, 4 Malayalam and 2 English.
The Junior choir put in yet another stellar performance and which was highly appreciated by all. The junior choir sang 2 carols, one in English and one in Malayalam. The Sunday school children also presented an innovative nativity scene combined with a relevant message concerning today’s world situation.
As part of continued efforts to spread His glory across digital platforms, Choir has released 11 new songs in YouTube during Christmas and Passion week.
St. James Mar Thoma Church Choir also participated in additional activities like Zonal carols service which took place on 26th December at Peterborough, Open stage choir competition organised by Garshom TV for all the ecumenical churches in UK in Coventry on 9th December 2023, Mar Thoma CHOIR FEST 2023’ organised by DSMC, Zonal choir-organised ‘Virtual Choir 2023’
Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Shirley Linoy Cherian for the untimely demise of our choir member Mr. Linoy Cherian who was an enthusiastic musician and an expert bass vocalist. Choir leader expressed condolences message along with a song by the choir during his celebration of Life.
Suvishesha Sevika Sangham (The Women’s Mission)
St. James parish is blessed with a vibrant Sevika Sangham that takes an active role in the spiritual life of the parish. Sevika Sangham members offered great mental and physical support for the family members of parish members in their sickness and in bereavement.
St James Mar Thoma Church Sevika Sangham meet on first Sunday of every month immediately after the church service. Our Sevika Sangham members participate in online chain prayers organised on every alternate Fridays, held from 5:30 AM in the morning till 11:00 PM. These chain prayers have been a blessing to our members who has participated and the wider community who has requested. The other alternate Fridays are observed as fasting prayer days.
In addition to the above, this year the Sevika Sangham started an online bible study, jointly with the Edavaka Mission, on first and third Wednesday of every month. This bible study is led by our Vicar and is open to all the members of the church.
Our Sevika Sangham members attended the Zonal Sevika Sangham Conference held at the St Thomas Mar Thoma Church Bristol on 24th June 2023. Our members also took part in the singing competition held on the day. Our members also attended the Annual Sevika Sangham Conference held at the Hermon Mar Thoma Church, Midlands on 07th October 2023. Our members took part in the Quiz competition held on the day, and secured third place.
Sevika Sangham played an active role in organising and preparing a wide variety of food for our Harvest Festival, held on the 23rd September 2023. Our Parish celebrated the Sevika Sangham day on 17th of September 2023. Our members assisted and helped to lead the service for the Sunday Holy Qurbana. Our member Mrs Shiby Varughese delivered the sermon on the day. On Sevika Sangham initiative, Onam Sadhya was also served after the church service.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
During this year, our Sevika Sangham heartly contributed towards various charity purposes. Sevika Sangham invited applications for all those who are in need of Education and Medical aid. From the applications received, our Vicar and the sub-committee, appointed by the General Body, selected the most deserving candidates. Sevika Sangham provided an Education Aid of Rs.1,00,000 to a nursing student and medical aid of Rs.50,000 each to 2 women from the shortlisted applications.
Our vicar Rev Soju Mathai Thomas served as the President of the St. James Sevika Sangham for the year 2023-24. The following members served as office bearers for the year 2023 – 24.
| Vice President | Mrs LalyAbraham |
|---|---|
| Secretary | Mrs. ShantyThomas |
| Joint Secretary | Mrs. Bindu Annie Jacob |
| Treasurer | Mrs. Sheena John |
| Representative to EC | Mrs. SherlyLinoy |
| Auditor | Mrs Carmel Mathew |
Edavaka/Parish Mission
Acts 1:8, “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Edavaka Mission has a prominent role of spreading the Gospel and leading the mission activities of the Parish. The functioning of this organisation is based on the motto 'Every Marthomite is an Evangelist' and it was called to promote various activities of the Parish. Evangelism is the responsibility of every member of the Church and not that of the clergy alone.
Under the guidance of Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas, the Parish Mission thrived this past year with various activities aimed at spiritual growth and community engagement.
Activities
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Church Meetings: Regular Parish Mission meetings were held after select Sunday services.
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• Wednesday Evening Prayer: A fruitful online evening prayer and Bible study were initiated, alternating leadership with Sevika Sangam.
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Intercessory Prayer: The intercessory prayer was reinstated, providing a blessed start to Sunday mornings.
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Cottage Fasting Prayer: Cottage fasting prayers were organized, fostering deeper spiritual connections.
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House Visits: Visits were made to the homes of elderly members, ensuring their inclusion and care.
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Parish Mission Sunday: The Parish Mission led the celebration of Parish Mission Sunday on October 1, 2023, with various members contributing to the service and refreshments.
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Medical Information Session: A valuable session on CPR was conducted by Dr. Jagan John, Dr. Jason John, and Dr. K John, enhancing preparedness in emergencies.
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Parish Convention: The Parish Mission took the lead in organizing the Parish convention and Rev. Thomas Baby from Tabore Marthoma Church, Manchester was the chief guest and key speaker.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
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Diocesan Intercessory Prayer: Hosting the Diocesan intercessory prayer further strengthened our bond with the broader Mar Thoma community.
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Membership Drive: Parish Mission office bearers undertook a membership drive to widen the participation of our church members in the activities of the Parish Mission
The following members served as office bearers for the year 2023 – 24.
| Vice President | Mr. Varughese Mathew |
|---|---|
| Secretary | Mr. Alex P Sam |
| Treasurer | Mrs AncySunnymon |
| Auditor | Mrs ShineyAlex |
The Edavaka Mission remains always as the body for helping the spiritual awakening of the Parish. We thank our Vicar and all the Edavaka Mission committee members. May God’s continuing guidance be with the Church and all Edavaka Mission activities.
Area Prayer Groups
The Parish is currently made up of various prayer groups. Regular prayer meetings were held at Bury St. Edmunds, East London, Ipswich, Kent, South East London and South London. Each prayer groups met regularly for Bible study, praise and intercessory prayers. Each prayer group has an elected prayer leader to assist the Vicar with the arrangements. The area prayers are a source of strength and enrichment to the lives of members both children and adults. The prayer groups also play a part in assisting with our Worship services. Each elected prayer group leader has played a vital role in keeping the families informed and also supporting the lay leaders for Church assistance. Prayer groups also have elected treasurers to manage the offertory and any other special collection the groups may decide.
Zonal Meetings
The parish members participated in the Mar Thoma UK and Europe zonal meetings. This included the Zonal Sevika Sangham Meet, World Sunday School Day, Zonal Christmas Carols, Zonal Parish Mission Intercessory Prayer and Zonal Mar Thoma Meet. Our members have also taken up leadership roles in the Zone. Mr. Cyril Abraham John was elected as Zonal Auditor and Mrs. Susan Mathew served as the Zonal Sunday School Treasurer
Church Website & NewsLetter
The official website of the parish is www.marthomachurch.org.uk. The website continued to be regularly updated. It has been a source of information for both our members, new members and to others around the world.
The Church Newsletter is published weekly and distributed via email to members of the Parish. The Newsletter comprises the church programme calendar for each month and other information such as Sunday worship timings, Sunday lectionary, prayer schedules, special events, achievements by the parishioners, financial updates etc.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Visiting Bishops and Clergies
During the report year, following bishops and clergies visited our parish
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Rt Rev Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa
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Rt Rev Dr Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa
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Rt Rev Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough
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Rev Merin Mathew
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Rev Abu Cherian
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Rev M J Cherian
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Rev Thomas Baby
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Rev Sunny Thomas
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Rev V G Varghese
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Rev M J Joseph
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Rev Sijo John
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Rev Daniel Kirk
We would like to extend our gratitude to all the Bishops and Vicars and their parishes for the support.
Acknowledgements
The Executive Committee would like to place on record the grateful leadership, guidance and support of His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan, our current Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev. Dr Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa as well as our previous Diocesan Bishop Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa. There was a farewell meeting organised on 12[th] Nov 2023 at church for our outgoing Diocesan Bishop Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa to thank Episcopa for his dedicated service in the Diocese over the last seven years.
We also respectfully thank His Majesty’s Government and the London Borough of Greenwich for all their assistance during the reporting year.
We acknowledge the dedication and sincere services of the entire Executive Committee; from the leadership and guidance of our Vice President, the tireless and meritorious work of the Treasurer and Accountant, Lay leaders, internal auditors, convenors of the various programmes, office bearers of organisations, all the area prayer group leaders and all our family members and well-wishers who have supported the parish through their prayers and generous contributions and wholehearted support during the year. We are also grateful to all Sevika Sangham Area prayer group leaders and families, who volunteer regularly to provide refreshments on Sundays after church service and on special occasions.
We affectionately remember with gratitude all our former and present Bishops, Vicars and their families, parish members and well-wishers. Let us thank and pray to our Lord Almighty for their services, able leadership and guidance, for their untiring work and contributions rendered for the growth of our Parish to this day.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Conclusion
We thank our God Almighty for the abundant mercies and provisions throughout this year, especially, during this unprecedented political and economic turmoil where we have faced with various challenges. In the midst of our limitations, His bountiful blessings protected, preserved and strengthened us to be His witnesses.
Our membership is constantly increasing and many within our community enjoy the love, fellowship and services provided by our Parish. New members attending our service need wholehearted support, guidance and fellowship. As a parish we need to set our priorities so that we can support our community.
For the year under review, we conducted our regular worship services, prayer meetings, study sessions, and special events and activities. The parish has experienced God’s enduring presence and grace. God Almighty has provided us timely spiritual leadership through the Bishops, Clergies, and other lay leaders. We have also extended possible support to the sick, needy, and marginalized people. Let us rededicate ourselves to continue the mission and ministry of God Almighty through reflecting Christ's character of humility, love, integrity, generosity, and servant hood. The church is the community where individuals get support, guidance, skills, encouragement, and motivation to transform not only their own lives, but also assist others who are in need of meaning and wholeness. May the Almighty God continue to bless our parish and make all our efforts for His glory and extension of His Kingdom.
Let us be the torch bearers of faith, “light to the generations and salt of the earth” and move forward with the motto of the Mar Thoma Church, ‘Lighted to Lighten’.
For and on behalf of the Executive Committee / Charity Trustees.
-sd- -sdRev. Soju Mathai Thomas Mr. Iju Thomas (Vicar & President) (Hon. Secretary)
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts (Internal)
Report to the Trustees /members of St James Mar Thoma Church UK (Charity No. 1059210) on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024, which are set out on pages 21 to 33
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiners.
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (the Act).
The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5) (b) of the Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiners’ statement
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Direction given by the Charity Commission. 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 seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiners’ statement
In connection with our examination, no material matters have come to our attention which gives us cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form 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 fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
We have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
-sd- -sd-
Mr. Mathews John (Hon. Independent Examiner)
Mrs. Mercy Mathew (Hon. Independent Examiner)
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
Date: 27[th] April 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
| Notes Unrestricted | Notes Unrestricted | Restricted | Actual | Budget | Actual | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Fund | 2023-24 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | |||
| Income | |||||||
| 1. | Stewardship | 81,401 | 81,401 | 90,000 | 74,127 | ||
| 2. | Tax Refund | 43,938 | 43,938 | 25,000 | 33,732 | ||
| 3. | General Offertory | 3a | 63,223 | 63,223 | 40,000 | 53,031 | |
| 4. | General Offertory - Thanksgiving | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,490 | ||
| 5. | Specific Offertory and Collections | 3b | 7,389 | 7,389 | 5,000 | 7,023 | |
| 6. | Harvest Festival | 4 | 25,920 | 2,580 | 28,500 | 20,000 | 25,891 |
| 7. | Christmas Carol Rounds | 9,850 | 9,850 | 10,000 | 6,870 | ||
| 8. | Mar Thoma Centre Enhancement Fund | 0 | 100,000 | 1,430 | |||
| 9. | Mar Thoma Centre Additional Principal Repayment Fund | 3,260 | 3,260 | 24,000 | 0 | ||
| 10. Mar Thoma Centre Maintenance Fund | 10. Mar Thoma Centre Maintenance Fund | 0 | 20,000 | 0 | |||
| 11. Insurance Claim | 11. Insurance Claim | 18,900 | 18,900 | ||||
| 12. Donations | 12. Donations | 5,998 | 5,998 | 4,000 | 0 | ||
| 13. Event Donations | 13. Event Donations | 3c | 5,658 | 5,658 | 6,000 | 7,793 | |
| 14. Zonal Contribution Collection | 14. Zonal Contribution Collection | 6,035 | 6,035 | 9,590 | 4,350 | ||
| 15. MTC Hire of Hall and Grounds | 15. MTC Hire of Hall and Grounds | 20 | 14,355 | 14,355 | 10,000 | 5,550 | |
| 16. Bank Interest | 16. Bank Interest | 939 | 939 | 250 | 286 | ||
| 17. Church Organisation Collections | 17. Church Organisation Collections | 4,698 | 4,698 | 0 | 5,136 | ||
| 18. Zonal Contra Collections | 18. Zonal Contra Collections | 1,250 | 1,250 | ||||
| 19. Church Worship Book Donations | 19. Church Worship Book Donations | 10 | |||||
| 20. Zonal Development Fund | 20. Zonal Development Fund | 42,840 | |||||
| 21. Charitable Donation Collections | 21. Charitable Donation Collections | 18a | 12,649 | 12,649 | 25,000 | 4,900 | |
| 22. Church Fellowship Fund | 22. Church Fellowship Fund | 12,486 | 12,486 | 10,000 | 9,632 | ||
| Total Income | 270,182 | 53,347 | 323,529 | 401,840 | 286,092 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| Notes Unrestricted | Notes Unrestricted | Restricted | Actual | Budget | Actual | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Fund | 2023-24 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | |||
| Direct Charitable Expenditure | |||||||
| 1. | Salary, Tax and National Insurance | 17 | 28,934 | 28,934 | 33,600 | 30,635 | |
| 2. | Provident/Pension Fund | 675 | 675 | 750 | 750 | ||
| 3. | Guest Expenses | 980 | 980 | 1,000 | 990 | ||
| 4. | Motor and Travel | 10 | 2,650 | 2,650 | 5,000 | 2,715 | |
| 5. | Motor Car Leasing & Final Payment | 0 | 0 | 2,085 | |||
| 6. | Motor Insurance | 10 | 1,270 | 1,270 | 1,500 | 1,165 | |
| 7. | Accommodation and Utility | 7 | 5,388 | 5,388 | 9,000 | 5,357 | |
| 8. | Church Building & Contents Insurance | 2,244 | 2,244 | 2,000 | 1,747 | ||
| 9. | Visiting Clergy | 1,257 | 1,257 | 4,000 | 3,750 | ||
| 10. New Vicar's Relocation (Winter) Allowance | 10. New Vicar's Relocation (Winter) Allowance | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||
| 11. New Vicar's Driving License | 11. New Vicar's Driving License | 890 | 890 | 2,000 | |||
| 12. Zonal Contribution | 12. Zonal Contribution | 5 | 3,155 | 6,035 | 9,190 | 9,190 | 9,190 |
| 13. Specific Offertory | 13. Specific Offertory | 3b | 7,389 | 7,389 | 5,000 | 7,023 | |
| 14. Harvest Festival Expenses and Grants | 14. Harvest Festival Expenses and Grants | 4 | 2,700 | 2,580 | 5,280 | 2,500 | 3,723 |
| 15. Charity Contribution from Thanks Giving | 15. Charity Contribution from Thanks Giving | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,490 | ||
| 16. Printing, postage and Stationary | 16. Printing, postage and Stationary | 101 | 101 | 250 | 28 | ||
| 17. Special Events, Parish Day / Convention | 17. Special Events, Parish Day / Convention | 3d | 10,337 | 10,337 | 6,000 | 6,168 | |
| 18. Provision for Vicars Transfer Cost | 18. Provision for Vicars Transfer Cost | 14 | 12,063 | 12,063 | 10,000 | 11,761 | |
| 19. Mandalam and Assembly Meeting TA | 19. Mandalam and Assembly Meeting TA | 1,000 | 0 | ||||
| 20. Church Organisation Grants | 20. Church Organisation Grants | 9 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 2,750 | |
| 21. Ecumenical Membership | 21. Ecumenical Membership | 5 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | |
| 22. Sundry Expenses | 22. Sundry Expenses | 125 | 125 | 500 | 51 | ||
| 23. Altar Expense | 23. Altar Expense | 145 | 145 | 500 | 279 | ||
| 24. Carol Rounds Expenses | 24. Carol Rounds Expenses | 1,358 | 1,358 | 1,500 | 1,140 | ||
| 25. Bank Charges | 25. Bank Charges | 1,435 | 1,435 | 1,500 | 1,284 | ||
| 26. Family / Clergy Conference | 26. Family / Clergy Conference | 120 | 120 | 500 | 0 | ||
| 27. Mar Thoma Centre Maintenance Charges | 27. Mar Thoma Centre Maintenance Charges | 8 | 28,057 | 28,057 | 24,000 | 13,607 | |
| 28. Bank Loan Repayment & Interest | 28. Bank Loan Repayment & Interest | 11 | 86,575 | 86,575 | 79,572 | 52,912 | |
| 29. Mar Thoma Centre Additional Principal Repayment | 29. Mar Thoma Centre Additional Principal Repayment | 3,260 | 3,260 | 24,000 | |||
| 30. Mar Thoma Centre Enhancement | 30. Mar Thoma Centre Enhancement | 0 | 100,000 | 0 | |||
| 31. Donations | 31. Donations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 500 | 0 | |
| 32. Church Organisation Payments | 32. Church Organisation Payments | 4,698 | 4,698 | 0 | 5,136 | ||
| 33. Zonal Contra Payments | 33. Zonal Contra Payments | 1,250 | 1,250 | ||||
| 34. Zonal Development Fund | 34. Zonal Development Fund | 48,150 | |||||
| 35. Professional Fees | 35. Professional Fees | 14,873 | 14,873 | 5,000 | 1,000 | ||
| 36. IT Infrastructure | 36. IT Infrastructure | 395 | 395 | 2,000 | 190 | ||
| 37. Charitable Donation Payments | 37. Charitable Donation Payments | 18b | 12,649 | 12,649 | 25,000 | 4,900 | |
| 38. Church Fellowship Expenses | 38. Church Fellowship Expenses | 19 | 12,486 | 12,486 | 15,000 | 9,605 | |
| Total Expenditure | 210,627 | 53,347 | 263,974 | 380,262 | 231,979 | ||
| Excess of Income over Expenditure | 59,555 | 0 | 59,555 | 21,578 | 54,113 | ||
| Less: Depreciation Net Surplus |
12 15 |
51,438 8,117 |
0 0 |
51,438 8,117 |
0 0 |
Page22 52,975 1,138 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| Balance Sheet As At 31st March 2024 | Balance Sheet As At 31st March 2024 | Balance Sheet As At 31st March 2024 | Balance Sheet As At 31st March 2024 | Balance Sheet As At 31st March 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | |||
| FIXED ASSETS | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 12 | 2,379,856 | 2,423,565 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Cash at Bank- General | 76,124 | 56,099 | |||
| Cash at Bank– Building Fund | 15 | 10,668 | 10,668 | ||
| 86,792 | 66,767 | ||||
| LESS: CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||
| Creditors & Accruals | 13 | 137,441 | 121,399 | ||
| NET CURRENT LIABILITIES | -50,648 | -54,632 | |||
| 2,329,208 | 2,368,933 | ||||
| Less: Bank loan (BOI) | 11 | 780,450 | |||
| Less: Bank loan (Kingdom Bank) | 11 | 730,608 | |||
| Less: Provision for Vicar's transfer cost | 14 | 10,000 | 8,000 | ||
| NET ASSETS | 1,588,600 | 1,580,483 | |||
| Represented by : | |||||
| Unrestricted | |||||
| General Funds | 15 | 655,302 | 647,185 | ||
| Building Fund | 15 | 930,263 | 930,263 | ||
| Restricted | |||||
| Social welfare Fund | 15 | 3,035 | 3,035 | ||
| 1,588,600 | 1,580,483 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
1. Accounting Policies
a. Basis of accounting
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognized at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.
b. Recognition of income
Income included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
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the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
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the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
c. Tangible fixed assets for use by charity
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and are valued at cost.
Depreciation is provided on the following rates.
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Freehold property - 2% on cost
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Fixtures and fittings - 20% on reducing balance
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Computer and other equipment - 25% on reducing balance
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Car - 10% on straightline basis
d. Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Gift aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor.
2. Stewardship
Stewardship consists of voluntary contribution. 156 family members made such contributions during the year
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
3. Offertory
3a - General Offertory
| 3a - General Offertory | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | 2024 | 2023 |
| Church Service | 31,033 | 25,993 |
| Birthday, Wedding Anniversary | 12,962 | 10,724 |
| Baptism (Offertory & Donations) | 215 | 631 |
| Marriage (Offertory & Donations) | 1,500 | 500 |
| Parish Day \ Thanksgiving Sunday | 6,030 | 5,848 |
| Family Sunday Tithe | 9,593 | 7,745 |
| Students Thanksgiving Service | 1,610 | 1,040 |
| House Dedication Service | 280 | 550 |
| Total | 63,223 | 53,031 |
3b - Specific Offertory
| 3b - Specific Offertory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Specific Offertory and Collections | 2024 | 2023 |
| General Offertory : Suvishesha Nidhi Collection | 229 | 130 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Vaidika Seminary | 325 | 270 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Metropolitan Fund | 137 | 139 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Choir Sunday | 131 | 117 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Mission Sunday | 116 | 183 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Education Sunday | 127 | 311 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : World Sunday School Day | 115 | 114 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Voluntary Evangelist Day | 98 | 202 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Bible Sunday | 111 | 204 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Outside Kerala Mission | 225 | 127 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Medical Mission Sunday | 194 | 336 |
| Specific OffertoryCollection : ClergyMedical Aid | 168 | 123 |
| 13 Sundays Collection | 1,974 | 2,255 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Youth Sunday | 231 | 222 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Self Denial | 3,524 | 3,549 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Recessa | 574 | 393 |
| Specific Offertory Collection : Good Friday | 801 | |
| Specific OffertoryCollection : Sevigha Sangham Day | 284 | 605 |
| Total | 7,389 | 7,023 |
Offertories and other collections made specifically during various church services will be disbursed as required.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| 3c - Event Donations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Event Donations | 2024 | 2023 |
| Family Retreat | 1,033 | 1,310 |
| Zonal Carol Service | 2,189 | |
| Episcopal Visit | 2,505 | |
| Zonal Mar Thoma Meet | 645 | 575 |
| Parish Picnic | 3,630 | |
| Carol Service | 350 | |
| Other | 0 | 1,214 |
| Total | 5,658 | 7,793 |
| 3d - Event Expenses | ||
| Event Expenses | 2024 | 2023 |
| Family Retreat | 303 | 975 |
| Zonal Carol Service | 1,993 | |
| Episcopal Visit | 1,470 | 1,448 |
| Zonal Mar Thoma Meet | 1,500 | 1,500 |
| Parish Picnic | 3,649 | |
| Parish Day | 1,245 | |
| Carol Service | 910 | 252 |
| Christmas Bells | 480 | |
| Thanksgiving Sunday | 780 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Total | 10,337 | 6,168 |
| 4. Harvest Festival | ||
| Harvest Festival | 2024 | 2023 |
| Sale Of Tickets | 8,020 | 10,525 |
| Auctions | 5,960 | 5,548 |
| Food and Games Stalls | 10,665 | 8,863 |
| Donations | 2,805 | 955 |
| Donations frompreviousyear | 1,050 | |
| Total | 28,500 | 25,891 |
| Restricted Fund | 2,580 | 2,463 |
| Less: Expenses | 2,700 | 1,260 |
| Surplus | 23,220 | 22,168 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| 5. Zonal/ Sabha Office Dues | ||
|---|---|---|
| Zonal Dues | 2024 | 2023 |
| Nithyachilavu | 1,490 | 1,490 |
| Zonal Fund | 2,980 | 2,980 |
| Episcopal Travel | 745 | 745 |
| Zonal Day Collection Offertory | 2,235 | 2,235 |
| Salary Adjustment Fund | 250 | 250 |
| Higher education Scholarship | 1,490 | 1,490 |
| Ecumenical Subscription Fees | 400 | 400 |
| Total | 9,590 | 9,590 |
| **6. ** | ||
| 7. Accommodation Expenses | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Lighting & Heating | 2,467 | 3,316 |
| Council Tax & Water Rates | 2,217 | 1,464 |
| Telephone & Internet | 188 | 236 |
| Television Licence | 158 | 159 |
| Repairs and Sundry Household Items | 358 | 181 |
| Total | 5,388 | 5,357 |
| 8. Mar Thoma Centre Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Rates and Water | 2,416 | 2,525 |
| Light and Heat | 3,341 | 4,538 |
| Cleaning | 2,533 | 2,577 |
| Premises Licence | 415 | 55 |
| Ground Maintenance | 7,986 | 4,223 |
| Building Works | 12,415 | |
| Building Maintenance | 0 | 405 |
| Waste Collection | 773 | 402 |
| Gardening | 87 | 102 |
| Sundry | 42 | 336 |
| Christmas Decorations | 70 | |
| Total Expenses | 30,008 | 15,234 |
| Utilities Refund | 1,951 | 1,627 |
| Total | 28,057 | 13,607 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
9. Church Grant for Church Organisations
| 9. Church Grant for Church Organisations | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| VBS | 500 | 500 |
| Sunday School | 500 | 500 |
| Sevika Sangham | 500 | 500 |
| Youth League | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Choir | 500 | 0 |
| Edavaka Mission | 500 | 250 |
| Total | 3,500 | 2,750 |
| 10. Motor and Travel Expenses | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Public Transport | 200 | 515 |
| Fuel Charges & Parking | 1,331 | 1,750 |
| Motor Repairs | 794 | 23 |
| Tax & Toll Charges | 326 | 427 |
| Total Motor and Travel | 2,650 | 2,715 |
| Motor Car Leasing | 0 | 2,085 |
| Motor Insurance | 1,270 | 1,265 |
| Total Motor Expenses | 3,921 | 6,065 |
| Refund | 0 | 100 |
| Total | 3,921 | 5,965 |
| Motor Car Final Payment (Note 12) | 12,641 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
11. Bank Loan Repayment & Interest
This relates to loan received from Bank of India and is secured on the Freehold Property together with personal guarantees given in favour of the bank by two of our church members, Mr P K Edison & Mr Reji Mathew. Interest is charged at SOFR plus 4% and the loan is repayable by monthly instalments of £6,631.
As of 20th December 2023, the remaining borrowing of £860,000 has being remortgaged for term of 30 years by Kingdom Bank at Gospel Partner Prime Discounted Rate of 6.2% (for five years) repayable by monthly instalments of £5267.23.
A lumpsum repayment of £43,938.05 (received as GiftAid for 2022-23) made along with existing monthly instalments of £6,631 has reduced the term by 13 years and 7 months. A further amount of £3260 collected from members towards MTC Additional Principal Repayment has been set aside to be paid to the bank in April 2024.
| paid to the bank in April 2024. | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Interest Paid - BOI (Upto 20/12/2023) | 72,175 | 52,912 |
| Interest Paid - Kingdom Bank (20/12/2023 - 31/03/2024) | 14,400 | |
| Total Interest | 86,575 | 52,912 |
| Capital Repaid - BOI | 22 | 26,660 |
| Capital Repaid - Kingdom Bank | 49,820 | |
| Total Capital Repaid | 49,842 | 26,660 |
| Total Paid | 136,417 | 79,572 |
| Mortgage Outstanding - 1 April | 810,180 | 860,022 |
12. Fixed Assets
| Freehold | Fixtures & | Motor | Computer & | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Fittings | Vehicle | Office Equipment | ||
| Cost | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| At 1 April 2023 | 2,458,443 | 148,839 | 12,641 | 6,048 | 2,625,971 |
| Additions | 0 | 7,729 | 0 | 0 | 7,729 |
| 0 | |||||
| At 31st March 2024 | 2,458,443 | 156,568 | 12,641 | 6,048 | 2,633,700 |
| Depreciation | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| At 1 April 2023 | 108,423 | 87,188 | 1,264 | 5,531 | 202,406 |
| Charge for the Year | 36,169 | 13,876 | 1,264 | 129 | 51,438 |
| At 31st March 2024 | 144,592 | 101,064 | 2,528 | 5,660 | 253,844 |
| Net Book Value | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| At 31st March 2024 | 2,313,851 | 55,504 | 10,113 | 388 | 2,379,856 |
| At 31st March 2023 | 2,350,020 | 61,651 | 11,377 | 517 | 2,423,565 |
Included in cost of Freehold land and building is freehold land of £650,000 which is not depreciated
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
13. Creditors & Accruals
| 13. Creditors & Accruals | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Unrestricted | £ | £ |
| Restricted Funds | 51,119 | 35,527 |
| General Accruals | 6,390 | 5,940 |
| MTC Building Project Accruals | 360 | 360 |
| Bank Loan Repayable within 12 Months | 79,572 | 79,572 |
| 137,441 | 121,399 |
Included in the Restricted fund above is the remaining legacy amount £4,133 of the total amount received from the estate of a Late member of the parish and this amount will be disbursed in accordance with his wishes.
14. Provision For Vicar’s Transfer Cost
| 14. Provision For Vicar’s Transfer Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Brought forward at 1st April | 8,000 | 16,000 |
| Visa extension expense - 2022 | 0 | 7,391 |
| Visa application expense - 2023 | 189 | 10,865 |
| Travel Arrangements for outgoing Vicar | 831 | 1,505 |
| Severance Bonus for outgoing Vicar | 7,402 | 0 |
| Travel Arrangements for incomingVicar | 1,642 | 0 |
| Total expended as at 31 March | 10,063 | 19,761 |
| Charge for the year | 12,063 | 11,761 |
| Carried forward at 31 March | 10,000 | 8,000 |
This is to provide for the travel and other related costs of the vicar and family, on their transfer to and from this parish.
15. Movements in Funds
| 15. Movements in Funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | MTC | Social | Total | |
| Fund | Building | Welfare | ||
| Fund | Fund | |||
| Unrestricted | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| At 1 April 2023 | 647,185 | 930,263 | ||
| Net Surplus for the Year | 8,117 | |||
| Transfer to Building Account | ||||
| As at 31 March 2024 | 655,302 | 655,302 | ||
| As at 31 March 2024 | 930,263 | 930,263 | ||
| Less expended this year | 0 | |||
| Less expended previous years (2018,2019,2020, | 919,595 | |||
| 2021, 2022, 2023) | ||||
| Held at Building Fund Bank Account | 10,668 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church
Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| Restricted | ||
|---|---|---|
| At 1 April 2023 | 3,035 | |
| New Funds received in the Year | ||
| Distributed in the year | ||
| As at 31 March 2024 | 3,035 | 3,035 |
| 1,588,600 |
16. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds
| Unrestricted (£) | General | Total (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted (£) | |||
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 2,379,856 | 2,379,856 | |
| Current Assets | 83,757 | 3,035 | 86,792 |
| Current Liabilities | -147,441 | -147,441 | |
| Long Term Liabilities and Provisions | -730,608 | -730,608 | |
| Assets | 1,585,565 | 3,035 | 1,588,600 |
17. Trustees Remuneration and Expenses
The vicar who served the parish during the year was remunerated in accordance with the terms agreed prior to the appointment. The charge in the accounts include net monthly stipend to the vicar of £1,850.74 to October 2023 and £2,213.00 thereafter , tax and national insurance contributions on the stipend and on the value of taxable benefits in kind. The vicar who also acts as manager of the Mar Thoma Centre is provided with accommodation and all expenses incurred on pastoral and management duties were reimbursed to him. Except for the above, no remuneration, either directly or indirectly, out of the fund of the church was paid or payable for the year, to any trustee nor to any person or persons known to be connected with any trustees. No expenses were reimbursed to trustees for carrying out their duties during the year.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
18. Charitable Donations
18a. Charitable Donation Collections
| 18a. Charitable Donation Collections | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Light To Life Project | 2,160 | |
| House Building Support for Evangelist - Ranni | 6,488 | 2,100 |
| Educational Aid | 2,015 | |
| Medical Aid | 1,150 | |
| Wings 2 Dreams | 2,750 | |
| Educational Support for student at TTI | 246 | 240 |
| Turkey Earthquake Fund | 100 | |
| Mission Field : Andimadam | 300 | |
| Total | 12,649 | 4,900 |
18b. Charitable Donation Payments from Collections
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Light To Life Project | 2,160 | |
| House Building Support for Evangelist - Ranni | 3,412 | 0 |
| Educational Support (5 Students) | 2,012 | |
| Medical Aid (3 Families) | 1,104 | |
| Wings 2 Dreams | 2,403 | |
| Educational Support for student at TTI | 246 | 240 |
| Mission Field : Andimadam | 300 | |
| Total | 9,177 | 2,700 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| 18c. Charitable Donation Payments from Accruals | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| House Building Support for Evangelist - Ranni | 3,670 | 0 |
| Educational Support for student at TTI | 295 | 0 |
| Friends of Vellore, UK - Support for safer birth | 500 | |
| Total | 3,965 | 500 |
| 18d. Restricted Charitable Donations in Accruals | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| House Building Support for Evangelist - Ranni | 3,076 | 2,100 |
| Turkey Earthquake Fund | 100 | |
| Educational Aid | 3 | |
| Medical Aid | 46 | |
| Wings to Dreams | 347 | |
| Total | 3,472 | 2,200 |
| Self Denial (2021-22) allocated to House Building Support for Evangelist - Ranni | 1,570 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
19. Church Fellowship Expenses
| 19. Church Fellowship Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Fellowship Lunch | 12,115 | 9,605 |
| Total | 12,115 | 9,605 |
| 20. MTC Hire of Hall and Grounds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Car Park | 1,035 | 200 |
| Football Pitch | 8,560 | 2,900 |
| Hall Hire | 4,760 | 2,450 |
| Total | 14,355 | 5,550 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
Please note that the audited account statements of all organisations are included for informational purposes only. These accounts have been audited by the auditors of the respective organisations and have been presented to and approved by their respective general bodies.
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
St James Mar Thoma Church UK - Edavaka Mission
Statement of Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Actual | ||
|---|---|---|
| INCOME | 2023-24 | |
| 1 Grant from church | 1 Grant from church | £500.00 |
| 2 Registrations/Donations | 2 Registrations/Donations | £481.49 |
| Total Income | £981.49 | |
| Actual | ||
| EXPENSES | 2023-24 | |
| 1 Sent Off Gift | 1 Sent Off Gift | £250.00 |
| 2 Stationary Expenses (R/Book and Stamp) | 2 Stationary Expenses (R/Book and Stamp) | £21.49 |
| 3 Fellowship Meals | 3 Fellowship Meals | £298.80 |
| Total Expenses | £570.29 | |
| Net Surplus/Deficit for the year | £411.20 | |
| Balance brought forward from last year | £551.88 | |
| Balance carried forward to nextyear | £963.08 |
Accounts presented and approved in General Body held on 28-April-2024 at St James Mar Thoma Church UK, 167 Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2EX.
Sd-
President - Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas
Sd-
Trustees - Ancy Sunnymon
Sd-
Auditor - Shiney Alex
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
St. James Mar Thoma Church, UK 167, Avery Hill Road, New Eltham, SE9 2EX
St James Mar Thoma Church Youth Fellowship
Statement of Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Actual | Actual | Budget | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| 1 Badminton Tournament | 1 Badminton Tournament | £815.00 | £1,000.00 | |
| 2 Church Grant | 2 Church Grant | £1,000.00 | £1,000.00 | £1,000.00 |
| 3 Donations | 3 Donations | £340.00 | £570.00 | £100.00 |
| 4 Harvest Festival | 4 Harvest Festival | £10.00 | £100.00 | |
| 5 Football / Ecumenical Sports Event | 5 Football / Ecumenical Sports Event | £2,000.00 | ||
| 6 Membership Fee 2023/2024 | 6 Membership Fee 2023/2024 | £465.00 | £625.00 | £500.00 |
| 7 Membership Fee 2024/2025 | 7 Membership Fee 2024/2025 | £420.00 | £0.00 | |
| 8 General St James Youth Activities/Retreat | 8 General St James Youth Activities/Retreat | £1,000.00 | ||
| 9 General St James Youth Fundraising/Sales Income | 9 General St James Youth Fundraising/Sales Income | £1,000.00 | ||
| 10 Thorpe Park Trip | 10 Thorpe Park Trip | £670.00 | ||
| 11 Yeldho Lent Collection | 11 Yeldho Lent Collection | £710.00 | £425.00 | |
| 12 Youth Sunday Offertory | 12 Youth Sunday Offertory | £231.12 | £232.00 | |
| 13 Zonal Triathalon | 13 Zonal Triathalon | £125.00 | ||
| 14 Zonal Youth Retreat | 14 Zonal Youth Retreat | |||
| 15 Christmas Arrangement | 15 Christmas Arrangement | £205.00 | ||
| Total Income | £4,051.12 | £3,892.00 | £6,600.00 | |
| Actual | Actual | Budget | ||
| EXPENSES | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| 1 Badminton Tournament | 1 Badminton Tournament | £55.34 | £714.38 | £1,000.00 |
| 2 Gift / Token | 2 Gift / Token | £83.13 | £196.97 | £200.00 |
| 3 Harvest Festival | 3 Harvest Festival | £413.33 | £153.66 | £250.00 |
| 4 Football / Ecumenical Sports Event | 4 Football / Ecumenical Sports Event | £2,000.00 | ||
| 5 General St James Youth Activities/Retreat | 5 General St James Youth Activities/Retreat | £1,000.00 | ||
| 6 Shaka Registeration 2024/2025 | 6 Shaka Registeration 2024/2025 | £94.27 | ||
| 7 Sunday Refreshments | 7 Sunday Refreshments | £330.00 | £325.00 | £400.00 |
| 8 Thorpe Park Trip | 8 Thorpe Park Trip | £670.00 | ||
| 9 Youth Sunday Offertory* | 9 Youth Sunday Offertory* | £231.12 | £232.00 | |
| 10 Zonal Triathalon | 10 Zonal Triathalon | £560.00 | ||
| 11 Zonal Youth Conference Share* | 11 Zonal Youth Conference Share* | £300.00 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| 12 Zonal Youth Membership Fee* | 12 Zonal Youth Membership Fee* | £51.00 | £53.00 | £300.00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Zonal Youth Retreat | 13 Zonal Youth Retreat | |||
| 14 Christmas Arran | 14 Christmas Arrangement | £212.50 | £212.50 | |
| Total Expenses | £2,440.69 | £2,235.01 | £5,150.00 | |
| Actual | Actual | Budget | ||
| RESTRICTED FUNDS | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| Yeldho Lent Donation | 710 | 425 | ||
| Total Restricted Funds | £710.00 | £425.00 | ||
| Net Surplus/Deficit for the year | £900.43 | £1,231.99 | £1,450.00 | |
| Balance brought forward from last year | £5,494.76 | £4,262.77 | ||
| Balance carried forward to next year | £6,395.19 | £5,494.76 | ||
| Total Balance(includingrestricted funds)carried forward to nextyear | £7,105.19 | £5,919.76 |
*Payments made to the Zone
Accounts presented and approved in General Body held on 28-April-2024 at St James Mar Thoma Church UK, 167 Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2EX.
Sd-
President - Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas
Sd-
Trustees - Ashwin Chacko
Sd-
Auditor - Nithin Jacob
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
167, Avery Hill Road, New Eltham, SE9 2EX
St James Mar Thoma Church Sunday School
Statement of Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Actual | Actual 2022- | Budget | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | 2023-24 | 23 | 2024-25 | |
| 1 Grant From Church - Sunday School +VBS | 1 Grant From Church - Sunday School +VBS | £1,000.00 | £1,000.00 | £1,000.00 |
| 2 Student Collection/Donation | 2 Student Collection/Donation | £1,137.46 | £993.95 | £1,150.00 |
| 3 World Sunday School Day | 3 World Sunday School Day | £1,595.00 | £7,193.34 | £1,000.00 |
| 4 SS Offertory Collection | 4 SS Offertory Collection | £702.00 | £540.00 | £700.00 |
| 5 VBS Registration/Donation/offertory | 5 VBS Registration/Donation/offertory | £2,918.50 | £2,682.00 | £2,740.00 |
| 6 SS Food Sale | 6 SS Food Sale | £1,755.00 | £0.00 | £1,500.00 |
| 7 DBS | 7 DBS | £247.50 | £0.00 | £250.00 |
| Total Income | £9,355.46 | £12,409.29 | £8,340.00 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| Actual | Actual 2022- | Budget | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPENSES | 2023-24 | 23 | 2024-25 | |
| 1 DBS | 1 DBS | £247.50 | £0.00 | £250.00 |
| 2 SS Expense/SS Food | 2 SS Expense/SS Food | £661.52 | £777.64 | £1,100.00 |
| 3 WSSD Coach | 3 WSSD Coach | £1,500.00 | £7,843.34 | £1,500.00 |
| 4 WSSD Hall Booking | 4 WSSD Hall Booking | £325.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| 5 WSSD -Food Expense | 5 WSSD -Food Expense | £420.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| 6 WSSD (Stage Light) | 6 WSSD (Stage Light) | £31.69 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| 7 Stationary/Books | 7 Stationary/Books | £936.00 | £683.50 | £800.00 |
| 8 Stationary/Attendance Tracker | 8 Stationary/Attendance Tracker | £27.86 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| 9 Annual SS Diocesan Contribution | 9 Annual SS Diocesan Contribution | £150.00 | £150.00 | £150.00 |
| 10 Honorary Awards | 10 Honorary Awards | £746.60 | £910.34 | £900.00 |
| 11 Christmas Shoebox Appeal | 11 Christmas Shoebox Appeal | £37.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| 12 VBS Expense/Offertory | 12 VBS Expense/Offertory | £1,670.15 | £1,892.30 | £3,620.00 |
| 13 Charity (Marthoma Institutions for the Deaf) | 13 Charity (Marthoma Institutions for the Deaf) | £819.70 | £500.00 | £700.00 |
| 14 Gifts (Father's Day/Mother's Day) | 14 Gifts (Father's Day/Mother's Day) | £270.73 | £0.00 | £350.00 |
| 15 Farewell Gift | 15 Farewell Gift(KK) | £150.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Total Expenses | £7,993.75 | £12,757.12 | £9,370.00 | |
| Net Surplus/Deficit for the year | £1,361.71 | -£347.83 | -£1,030.00 | |
| Balance brought forward from last year | £3,743.01 | £4,090.84 | ||
| Balance carried forward to nextyear | £5,104.72 | £4,074.72 |
Accounts presented and approved in General Body held on 12-May-2024 at St James Mar Thoma Church UK, 167 Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2EX.
Sd-
President - Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas
Sd-
Trustees - Susan Mathew
Sd-
Auditor - Shiney Alex
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
St. James Mar Thoma Church, UK 167, Avery Hill Road, New Eltham, SE9 2EX
St James Mar Thoma Church Choir, UK
Statement of Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Actual | Budget | Actual | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | 2023-24 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | |
| 1 Choir membership fee | 1 Choir membership fee | £180.00 | £200.00 | £170.00 |
| 2 Choir Notation Books (Sing Along/DSMC) | 2 Choir Notation Books (Sing Along/DSMC) | £45.00 | ||
| 3 Grant from church | 3 Grant from church | £500.00 | £250.00 | |
| 4 Choir Equipment Sale | 4 Choir Equipment Sale | |||
| 5 Charity | 5 Charity | £100.00 | ||
| 7 Video & Audio equipment purchase | 7 Video & Audio equipment purchase | £150.00 | ||
| 8 Choir tablet (Ipad) | 8 Choir tablet (Ipad) | £282.00 | £150.00 | |
| 9 Choir Equipment (Piano) | 9 Choir Equipment (Piano) | £400.00 | ||
| 10 Refreshments | 10 Refreshments | £144.00 | ||
| 11 Christmas expenses | 11 Christmas expenses | |||
| 12 Choir Affiliation | 12 Choir Affiliation | £10.00 | £8.21 | |
| 13 Carol day dinner (for church) | 13 Carol day dinner (for church) | £180.00 | £485.00 | |
| 17 Zonal Choir practice refreshments | 17 Zonal Choir practice refreshments | £130.00 | ||
| 19 Donations | 19 Donations | |||
| : Baptism/Wedding (Donation) | £250.00 | |||
| : Charity (Donation) | £1,120.00 | |||
| : Others (Donation) | £500.00 | £20.00 | ||
| Total Income | £1,676.00 | £1,750.00 | £1,848.21 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| Actual | Budget | Actual | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPENSES | 2023-24 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | |
| 1 Charity | 1 Charity | £173.00 | £173.00 | £1,320.00 |
| 2 Audition expense | 2 Audition expense | £300.00 | £200.00 | |
| 3 Video & Audio equipment purchase | 3 Video & Audio equipment purchase | £95.00 | £300.00 | £64.95 |
| 4 Choir tablet (Ipad) | 4 Choir tablet (Ipad) | £282.00 | £300.00 | |
| 5 Choir Equipment (Piano) | 5 Choir Equipment (Piano) | £1,000.00 | ||
| 6 Refreshments | 6 Refreshments | £228.83 | £375.00 | £137.85 |
| 7 Christmas expenses | 7 Christmas expenses | £234.00 | £150.00 | £123.48 |
| 8 Choir Affiliation | 8 Choir Affiliation | £10.00 | £10.00 | £8.21 |
| 9 Carol day dinner (for church) | 9 Carol day dinner (for church) | £350.00 | £412.50 | |
| 10 Garshom Entry Fee | 10 Garshom Entry Fee | £50.00 | ||
| 11 Video and audio editing expense | 11 Video and audio editing expense | £100.00 | ||
| 12 Christmas Bells | 12 Christmas Bells | £150.00 | ||
| 13 Zonal Choir practice refreshments | 13 Zonal Choir practice refreshments | £175.00 | ||
| 14 Other Expenses | 14 Other Expenses | £95.39 | £50.00 | |
| 15 Non-budgeted Items | 15 Non-budgeted Items | |||
| 16 Retreat Gift | 16 Retreat Gift | £150.00 | £94.14 | |
| Total Expenses | £1,843.22 | £2,908.00 | £2,361.13 | |
| Net Surplus/Deficit for the year | -£167.22 | -£512.92 | ||
| Balance brought forward from last year | £2,216.89 | £2,729.81 | ||
| Balance carried forward to nextyear | £2,049.67 | £4,074.72 |
Accounts presented and approved in General Body held on 21-April-2024 at St James Mar Thoma Church UK, 167 Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2EX.
Sd-
President - Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas
Sd-
Trustees - Jiku Thomas
Sd-
Auditor - Joyan Chacko Jacob
Sd-
Auditor - Adita Susan Aji
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
St James Mar Thoma Church Sevika Sangham UK
Statement of Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Actual | Budget | Actual | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | 2023-24 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | |
| 1 Grant from Parish | 1 Grant from Parish | £500.00 | £500.00 | £500.00 |
| 2 Yearly Collection from members | 2 Yearly Collection from members | £3,875.00 | £5,000.00 | £3,510.00 |
| 3 Onam Lunch | 3 Onam Lunch | £2,155.00 | £3,000.00 | £1,540.00 |
| 4 Sevika Sangham Day Offertory | 4 Sevika Sangham Day Offertory | £284.00 | £700.00 | £605.00 |
| 5 Food sale/Fund Raising | 5 Food sale/Fund Raising | £3,000.00 | £1,710.00 | |
| 6 Retreat | 6 Retreat | £500.00 | ||
| 7 Offertory | 7 Offertory | £10.00 | £200.00 | £44.00 |
| 8 Donations | 8 Donations | £30.00 | £1,000.00 | £279.15 |
| 9 Vishranti Bhavan Building Fund Thiruvalla | 9 Vishranti Bhavan Building Fund Thiruvalla | £240.00 | ||
| 10 Zonal Meet | 10 Zonal Meet | £1,610.00 | £1,000.00 | £391.00 |
| Total Income | £8,464.00 | £14,900.00 | £8,819.15 |
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
| Actual | Budget | Actual | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPENSES | 2023-24 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | |
| 1 Annual payments to Sevika Sangham Sabha Office | 1 Annual payments to Sevika Sangham Sabha Office | £500.00 | £500.00 | £500.00 |
| 2 Sponsorship - Balika Bhavan, Elanthoor | 2 Sponsorship - Balika Bhavan, Elanthoor | £150.00 | £150.00 | £150.00 |
| 3 Education/Medical/Family Support/New home | 3 Education/Medical/Family Support/New home | £1,907.52 | £3,000.00 | £2,000.00 |
| 4 Payment to Zonal Sevika Sangham Activities | 4 Payment to Zonal Sevika Sangham Activities | £284.00 | £700.00 | £605.00 |
| 5 Honorarium for guests | 5 Honorarium for guests | £500.00 | ||
| 6 Onam Lunch | 6 Onam Lunch | £1,685.50 | £3,000.00 | £1,137.50 |
| 7 Church/Parsonage Expenses | 7 Church/Parsonage Expenses | £461.17 | £2,200.00 | £160.57 |
| 8 Refreshments/Stationeries/other Misc expenses | 8 Refreshments/Stationeries/other Misc expenses | £1,410.50 | £2,000.00 | £1,123.09 |
| 9 Payment to Vishranti Bhavan | 9 Payment to Vishranti Bhavan | £320.00 | ||
| 10 Retreat | 10 Retreat | £500.00 | ||
| 11 Zonal Meet | 11 Zonal Meet | £2,805.01 | £1,000.00 | £750.00 |
| 12 Leaving gift to Remi kochamma - Cheque no 100175 (dated 2/4/23) | 12 Leaving gift to Remi kochamma - Cheque no 100175 (dated 2/4/23) | |||
| Cheque not cashed - Accrued to 2024-25 | £500.00 | £500.00 | ||
| Total Expenses | £9,703.70 | £13,550.00 | £6,746.16 | |
| Net Surplus/Deficit for the year | -£1,239.70 | £1,350.00 | £2,072.99 | |
| Balance brought forward from last year | £15,734.34 | £13,661.35 | ||
| Balance carried forward to nextyear | £14,494.64 | £15,734.34 |
Accounts presented and approved in General Body held on 12-May-2024 at St James Mar Thoma Church UK, 167 Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2EX.
Sd-
President - Rev. Soju Mathai Thomas
Sd-
Trustees - Sheena John
Sd-
Auditor - Carmel Mathew
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210
www.marthomachurch.org.uk
--- End of Report ---
A parish of The Mar Thoma Syrian Church Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland Registered Charity No. 1059210 www.marthomachurch.org.uk