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2020-12-31-accounts

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD (RCCG)

STRONG TOWER PARISH

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD (RCCG) STRONG TOWER PARISH

TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020

1

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD (RCCG)

STRONG TOWER PARISH

Page
Corporate Information 3
Board of Trustee’s Report 4
Independent Examiner’s Report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Statement of Financial Position 11
Accounting Policies 12
Notes 13

2

Corporate Information

Registered Charity Number: 1084588
Registered Office: 923 – 927 Oldham Road, Newton Heath, Manchester M40 2EB
Principal Office: 923 – 927 Oldham Road, Newton Heath, Manchester M40 2EB
Pastor in Charge: Pastor Wellington Obadimeji
Board of Trustees: Pastor Musa Bako - Chairman
Mr Taiwo Adegbola
Mrs Aderonke Edem
Mrs Bola Adewusi
Mr Feyisayo Afolabi
Bankers: Barclays Bank Plc
Manchester University Branch
137 Oxford Road
Manchester
M1 7DY

3

Board of Trustee’s Report

Introduction

The Trustees present their annual report and the financial statements of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Strong Tower Parish (the Charity) for the period ended 31 December 2020. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in March 2005.

Public Benefit Statement

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charites Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit "Charites and Public Benefit".

Structure, Governance and Management

The Charity is a parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God which has parishes all over the world. The parish's relationship with other parishes is governed by an 'Agreement for Common Purposes'.

The charity was constituted under a trust deed dated 11th December 2000 and is registered in England and Wales with charity number 1084588

Appointment or Election of Trustees

Trustees are elected and or co-opted under the terms of the trust deed.

Policies Adopted for the Induction and Training of New Trustees

The induction process for a newly appointed trustee comprises an initial meeting with the Chair and other Trustees, followed by short meetings with the Pastor in Charge on the powers and responsibilities of the Trustees.

Organisational Structure and Decision Making

The charity is organised so that the Trustees meet regularly to manage its affairs. The Pastor in Charge manages the day to day administration of the church.

Objectives and Activities

The principal object is the advancement of Christian faith worldwide and the relief of poverty. To promote any charitable activity for the benefit of the local people. To achieve its objectives, the church adopted the following strategies:

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Board of Trustee’s Report

The activities for achieving its objectives include:

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance advancing religion and relieving poverty when reviewing the charity's aim and objectives and in planning future activities and grant making policy for the year.

Achievements and Performance

Aim and purpose

The advancement of the Christian faith in our community and worldwide in accordance with the doctrines set up by our parent church - Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide. Strong Tower Parish Manchester has a responsibility to cooperating with the council and wider community in fostering faith, love and charitable work in Newton heath and its surroundings.

Objectives and Activities

Through various activities Strong Tower Church is committed to enabling as many people to worship at the church and become part of the Parish community. The pastorate and the church workers maintain an overview of worship throughout the parish with ministers and workers making suggestions on how services can involve the many groups within the church. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayers, scriptures and music.

When planning activities for 2020, actions were put in place which included both gender, children, families and the council’s guidance on public benefit and charity for the advancement of religion and in doing so the activities were channelled to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of the church community through: Worship, Prayers and Evangelism.

We hold peculiar services every Sunday which include our thanksgiving on the first Sunday of the month. Second Sundays is devoted to an interactive session between the church married couples, single mothers and families to seek answers to everyday questions that most Christians shy away from. Missionary and outreach work is sustained by our street pastor’s programme, each department have their own evangelism month headed by the pastors in charge of the departments and the evangelism team of the church.

The Parish Pastor provides an outlet in our Wednesday services for up and coming ministers to teach the word and this is not only seen as a training opportunity but a great way for our church to learn about the gospel and develop great relationships between scholars and any church member coming in to listen and ask further questions about their faith. The Church has dedicated men and women who are fervent prayer warriors who are seen as spiritual hand lifters of the Church.

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Board of Trustee’s Report

The children Church continue to thrive to the glory of God, the children are very much involved in the Church programmes and events, presenting in song, dance, mime and drama ministration. The children Church usually have two sessions every Sunday except on thanksgiving Sundays due to joining in the adult service. Children are taught from the RCCG Sunday School Manual.

Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic and Lockdown, face to face classes took place only till March, thereafter, the children were taught through weekly recorded videos by the teachers and parents were encouraged to play this to their children.

Weekly Zoom classes took effect from July 2020 with average of 14 children in attendance. Children were taught from the Bible study manual fortnightly and the children watches a Bible story video once a month followed by questions centred on the bible story. Variety Sunday takes place on the last Sunday of each month, where children are taught a new song, have a bible quiz and engages in other fun activities. Parents are also encouraged to get involved.

The youth department popularly known as Gdep is the department for the younger youths, open to those from Year 7 to University. Those 19 and above could serve as Youth leaders and begin to take the leadership of sessions and activities.

The unprecedented events of Covid-19 impacted the activities of the youth group as they could not meet physically. However, they seized the opportunity to virtually meet as maintaining a stable spiritual, mental health and general well-being is key to GDep vision. Weekly meetings were held via zoom with activities including, games, fun time. The youth sessions are generally geared towards helping the young ones in the community to build self-confidence, learn life skills, develop skills required to pursue chosen careers and equip them with requisite and value-adding knowledge to become relevant in the community.

Gdep’s Got Talent in August was tagged “Unshakeable”. It was done observing all Covid-19 guidelines and protocols. Bubbles and social distancing were maintained and the event was streamed online due to social distancing. It was a huge success and played a major role in the health and well-being of the youths. Event activities included mimes, musical dramas, dancing, singing and band presentations. Due to Covid19, the youth were unable to embark on the annual residential youth trip.

The older youth called CRUi (Creative Ideas Unit) have their interaction via the Revive Wats App group and Zoom platform, this included catch up sessions in group or on 1-1 basis, supporting each other in a safe environment, having prayer and interactive games sessions and regular bible studies fortnightly, this helped to promote the self-esteem and emotional wellbeing of the group. Other key activities include supporting and signposting to careers and job opportunities, mentoring and networking amongst the group.

The church has two ministries that support the church in maintaining the balance of the homes in the church and lead in both social and spiritual care. The men of valour (MoV) and the women of dignity (WoD). These ministries are seen to be important outlets for welfare networking and evangelism and aims at empowering men and women in the Church and in the community.

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Board of Trustee’s Report

The women group were unable to hold their annual women conference due to the lockdown but continues to have their meeting on the second Sunday of every month on zoom.

Due to Covid-19 epidemic, the Men’s Fellowship were unable to host their annual community event - Party in the Park. However, as part of its ongoing community engagement and empowerment, monthly meetings on the last Sunday of every month were held throughout the year over zoom to help with the mental health and well-being of the men.

An important session was held on restoring the place of fathers in the lives of their sons, as gap were identified in the growth and development of young boys. This session was also targeted to improve FatherChild relationship, taking advantage of the lockdown.

More than ever, Strong Tower Church feels the need to reach out to the most vulnerable in our community, hence the Church provided Christmas hampers containing basic necessities for the festive period.

Covid restriction procedures were observed in the Church once the lockdown was lifted, social distancing was maintained with seats on two metres apart families mandated to sit together, address and contact number were collected for covid tracing purposes free face masks and hand sanitisers were provided.

Grant Making Policy

The church supports visiting ministers of the gospel both within and outside the United Kingdom. The church supports other charities and missionary that shares its objects in advancement of Christian faith and relief of poverty.

Risk Management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied the systems are in place to mitigate our exposures to the major risks.

Financial Review

The church continues to enjoy tremendous growth in its physical and spiritual life during the year, and in the advancement of Christian faith in accordance with the doctrines set out in the Statement of Faith as contained in our Trust deed.

During the year to 31st December 2020, the church had a total income of £154,006. Total operating charitable expenditure was £113,251 giving an operating surplus of £40,755.

The Charity’s principal funding sources has been provided mainly through tithes and offerings by church members and through gift aid. Pledges are also taken for specific projects.

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Board of Trustee’s Report

Investment Policy

The Trustees have decided that at present, funds should be retained in Banks and Building Societies, and as far as possible in interest bearing accounts.

Reserves Policy

The trustees' policy is to have unrestricted and uncommitted funds (free reserves) to cover 3 to 6 months of resources expended which equals to roughly £20,000 to £40,000 in general funds. They feel that this would enable the current activities to continue if there is a significant drop in funding. It would obviously be necessary to then consider how the funding would be replaced or activities changed. The trustees have set aside £30,000 as free reserve within its policy range but the trustees are continuing to seek additional unrestricted funds to build up its reserves.

Volunteers

The church is grateful to its volunteers who gave their services for free to the charity. It is estimated that over 3,000 hours were provided by volunteers during the year. If this is conservatively valued at £8.91 per hour, the volunteer's effort will amount to over £26,700.

Future Development

The charity continues to explore various ways of spreading the gospel of Christ in an effective manner. The charity is also looking to grow in membership and continue to develop its members to make lifechanging impact in society.

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Board of Trustee’s Report

Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the net income or expenditure of the charity for the year. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 29/10/2021 and signed on their behalf by:

Full Name: Musa Bako Signature: Position: Chairman Date: 29/10/2021

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Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/members of: The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Strong Tower

Parish On accounts for the year ended: 31st December 2020 Charity No: 1084588

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions 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 examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Signed: Date: 29 October 2021 isO> Name: Tobi Labeodan, for and on behalf of Chedders Ltd Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ACCA Address: Ground Floor, Synium House, r/o 94-96 High Street, Henley in Arden B95 5FY 10 ~~+~~

Statement of Financial Activities: Year Ended 31st December 2020

Notes
Income:
Donations and legacies
1
Other income (Grants)
1
Total Income
Total Income
Expenditures on:
Charitable Activities
2
Other Charitable Activities
2
Other Costs
2
Total Expenditures
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Other recognised gains/(losses):
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets
Gains/(losses) on investment assets
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward at 1 January 2020
Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2020		 2020
2020
2020
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
120,092
-
120,092
33,914
-
33,914
154,006
-
154,006
154,006
-
154,006
105,249
-
105,249
6,792
-
6,792
1,210
-
1,210
113,251
-
113,251
40,755
-
40,755
-
-
40,755
-
40,755
133,329
-
133,329
174,084
-
174,084		 2019
2019
2019
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
109,325
-
109,325
13,634
-
13,634
122,959
-
122,959
122,959
-
122,959
103,117
-
103,117
11,776
-
11,776
1,729
-
1,729
116,622
-
116,622
6,337
-
6,337
-
-
6,337
-
6,337
126,992
-
126,992
133,329
-
133,329

11

Statement of Financial Position: Year Ended 31st December 2020

Notes
Fixed Asset
Tangible assets
3
Total Fixed Asset
Current Assets
Loans & Advances
Accrued Income
Cash at bank and in hand
Other Debtors
Total Current Assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other Creditors
Other Current Liabilities
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets (liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Total Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one
year
Total net assets (liabilities)
The funds of the charity:
Retained Reserve
Restricted reserves
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Total charity funds		 2020
£
329,974
329,974
-
15,250
43,317
-
58,567
-
21,114
21,114
37,453
367,427
193,343
193,343
174,084
133,329
-
40,755
174,084		 2019
£
336,395
336,395
-
13,500
8,939
-
22,439
-
25,685
25,685
(3,246)
333,149
199,821
199,821
133,328
126,991
-
6,337
133,328

12

Accounting Policies

Scope and Basis of the Financial Statements

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities published in March 2005.

Income

Revenue is recognised in the period in which the charity is entitled to receipt once the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Expenses

Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) on an accruals basis and is recognised at the point when a legal or constructive obligation arises. The majority of costs are directly attributable to specific activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Fixed assets

Fixed assets with an individual purchase of £500 or more are capitalised and stated at cost less depreciation which is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:

Fixtures and fittings 20%
Equipment 20%
Vehicles 20%
Building 2%

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Notes

1. Income

Income
Donations and legacies
Restricted Income
Total donations & legacies
Other income
Gift Aid Receipts
Other income
Total other income
Total Income
2.
Expenditures
Charitable Activities
Premises
Utilities
Travel
Motoring & Transportation
Insurance
Administration
Advertising
Operations
Training
Professional fees and services
Finance Charges
Depreciation
Honorarium
Total Charitable Activities
Other Charitable Activities
Outreach
Central Office
Welfare & Benevolence
Charitable Donations
Total Other Charitable Activities
Other Costs
Other costs
Legal fees
Accountancy fees
Total Other Costs		 Income
Donations and legacies
Restricted Income
Total donations & legacies
Other income
Gift Aid Receipts
Other income
Total other income
Total Income
2.
Expenditures
Charitable Activities
Premises
Utilities
Travel
Motoring & Transportation
Insurance
Administration
Advertising
Operations
Training
Professional fees and services
Finance Charges
Depreciation
Honorarium
Total Charitable Activities
Other Charitable Activities
Outreach
Central Office
Welfare & Benevolence
Charitable Donations
Total Other Charitable Activities
Other Costs
Other costs
Legal fees
Accountancy fees
Total Other Costs		 2020
120,092
-
120,092
15,813
18,101
33,914
154,006
2,020
£
9,600
7,627
637
11,226
1,410
39,911
268
10,846
-
-
8,475
9,514
5,735
105,249
-
5,500
1,292
-
6,792
-
-
1,210
1,210		 2019
109,325
-
109,325
13,500
134
13,634
122,959
2,019
£
9,600
11,494
2,552
8,758
2,389
37,003
25
11,332
500
1,020
6,972
8,957
2,515
103,117
4,176
6,600
1,000
-
11,776
-
929
800
1,729
14

14

Notes

3. Tangible Assets

Cost
At 1 January 2020
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 December 2020
Depreciation
At 1 January 2020
Charge for the year
Adjustments
At 31 December 2020
Net Book Value
At 1 January 2020
At 31 December 2020		 Property
Machinery &
Equipment
£
£
440,000
48,441
2,266		 Fixtures &
Fittings
Computer
Equipment
£
£
45,445
98,012
-
827
-
-
45,445
98,839
45,445
96,481
-
331
-
45,445
96,812
-
1,531
-
2,027		 Total
£
631,898
3,093
-
-
440,000
50,707		 634,991
105600
47,977
8800
383
-
114,400
48,360		 295,503
9,514
-
305,017
334,400
464		 336,395
325,600
2,347		 329,974

4. Related Party Transactions

During the year, the church made donations and contributions to other RCCG and charitable organisations as shown in note 3 under Central Office and Charitable Giving.

5. Trustee Remuneration & Expenses

During the year, there were not payments or reimbursement of expenses to trustee members.

15