STRATFORD METHODIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202212023 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER- 1127618 'ij FOR THE YEAR ENDING ST 31 . AUGUST 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. Mission Statement 2. Stewards Report 3. Property Report 4. Sunday School Report 5. Wesley House 6. Community Centre 7. Chairperson Report Annual Financial Review &7 9. Resetve Policy 10. Reference and Administrative information 10 11. Responsibilities of Trustees 12. Independent Examiners Report 13. Summary ofAnnual Accounts 14. Notes to accounts 12 13-14 15-17
STRATFORD METHODIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 202212023 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Introduction Stratford Methodist church is part of the Methodist Church of Great Britain, situated within the Newham Circuit of churches. The Church registered, as a Charity on 20th January 2009. The Charity constituted according to Standing Order 610 of the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist church. The managing trustees form the Church Council, which meets quarterly. The following Committees meets and report to Church Council.. _ Community Centre, Welfare, Stewards, Pastoral. Finance and Property, Worship and Youth and Adurt committees. This is the fourteen years of our registration as a charity. Mission Statement of Stratford Methodist Church The mission statement of the Methodist Church as a whole is sum up in the document 'Our Calling,. "The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission" Worship is about- Recognising God's sovereignty over all things and responding in praise, song and prayer Becoming open to God's transfoming love, through the Holy Spirit ReIving and reflecting on the Gospel of Christ in our world today Offering ourselves to share in God's costly action in the world Mission consists of.. Telling the good news of Jesus Helping people to recognise the calling of God in their lives Living our discipleship in our world Caring for individual people and communities Sharing the task of education and social and spiritual development Struggling for a just world and in the meantime being alongside 'the poor,
PROPERTY REPORT Over past year we have carried out wide range of work to all areas of community centre and church which has made a huge difference to our environment and the health & safety of the building. Some of the work undertaking includes: All boilers were seNices and safety certificates issued. Fire alarm, smoke detectors, emergency lighting have had their annual inspection and safety certificates issued. All electrical items had their annual safety check (PAT- Testing). All Fire extinguishers check and service. Upgrade of the lighting in the men's toilet, IRL, lounge, hallway and office to LED lights. Main Hall repair and repainted still have to paint the upper and lling areas of the hall. Kitchen in the main hall replaced. Store- room in main hall repair and painted. CCTV camera coverage extended to cover back of church building and additional camera installed in the Main Hall, First Aid training for church members and volunteers. Purchase a defibrillator and an alarm cabinet for storage of the defibrillator. Men's toilet, fully refurbished. Repla the printer in church offi. Future Plans. Look into replacing the boilers, that provide hot water for whole building and the other 2 boilers that provide heating for our Main Hall and our hostel (Wesley House). Look into replacing fire alarm system. Carry out maintenance work to community ntre roof. Look into replacing the kitchen next to David Lapworth Hall. Look into introducing sound system controller to monitor and control noise level in the main hall. Complete painting of upper areas of the main hall. Replace stage curtains. Look into replacing pews or repairing pews in the church & also look into replacing the flooring in the church this requires further on-going Church Council discljssions. SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT Stratford (Bryant Street} Methodist church have a Sunday school session, during our Service (11.00 - 12.30pm). Where the children leave the main church at about 11.20am and return towards the end seNice to share what they have learnt during Sunday school. The age range is from 3- 16 years old, where the children could work in groups or work all together on a variety activity. We use a variety of resources - Roots magazine, Semion 4 kids and selection activities selected from the internet.
We have 3 dedicated and hardworking Sunday teachers who run variety of activities every Sunday to help our children learn more about GodlJesus and about been a Christian in a fun and exciting way. All Sunday school teachers attended regular training courses to keep up to date with all the latest teaching techniques. WESLEY HOUSE REPORT Wesley House Report May 24 Our partnerships with Just Homes (who are responsible for managing Wesley House) have continued over the past 12 months. The occupancy level has remained full throughout the whole period, and they continue to provide vital accommodation to men sleeping on the street and parks around the Stratford area. Our partnership remains strong, they are up to date in settling all issued invoices and have passed on to us the funding increase allocated to them by the local authority, as per our license agreement. A group of us attended the 25th anniversary of First Fruit Charity along with the 15th anniversary of Just Homes Charity, which was celebrated on the 28th of September at Penuel House. The event was a great success with a very good turnout from partners and well-wishers. Our local MP Sir Stephen Timms (guest speaker), and Cllr Shaban Muhammed - Parliamentary representative for Housing for Newham, Cllr Neil Wilson and Cllr Elizabeth Booker attended the event along with other members from the council. The renovations to the kitchen was completed in March 23, which consisted of a total gut-out with the renewing of the.. Flooring Wall & Floor Units Wiring Sinks Extractor Wall Tiling Painting of Walls, Ceiling & Door Just like the renovation of the shower units previously, the feedback from Just Homes, the Trustees and members of the church about the standard of the kitchen renovation has been very positive. General Maintenan has continued such as the replacement of worn seals around the bottom of the shower doors. The flooring within the lounge has also been changed from carpet to vinyl. Up until rentlY no issues relating to repairs had been reported, however we are now investigating a leaking radiator pipe in Room 7 and evidence of leakage resulting in watermarks on the lling along the corridor downstairs (above the toilets near the pantry). Our Newham License for Landlords was renewed last year for another 5 years which enables the use of Wesley House as an MHO for the duration.
Unfortunately, the renewing of the license agreement between the Church and Just Homes (with expired Oct 221, has still not been completed mainly due issues with our solicitors. Assurance has been to Just Homes to alleviate any concerns and we hope it will be completed in the coming months. We continue to give God the glory for sustaining this partnership and pray for favour daily for it to grow and change the lives of those accessing the SeICe$ provided. COMMUNITY CENTRE REPORT The church and ntre continue to function considerably well with more enquiries daily. The revenue generated is almost at is study post the pandemic. Thankfully, our regular users have returned and we have acquired one more. The new Latin American Dance Company has ceased using our premises but the Karate Club has continued. Thursday lunch club and the monthly Chinese lunch clubs are well attended and continue to gain momentum. We issued a linse to Stratford Karate Club this year after they completed their probation period We continue to work with Sphere, a charity who obtains food, donations and baby items to assist the community elderly, mothers and the homeless alike. They currently use the centre facility twice a week and provision has been made to accommodate them fully. A formal licence agreement has been sent to Sphere for any additional programme they wish to conduct on the premises and we await confinmation and the return of their license. We currently assist in the food bank with Sphere on Mondays and Wednesdays. We are yet to obtsin any infonmation about the donations obtain via the Facebook page set up for the night shelter through the night shelter organisers. There is still a notion that we could resume the night shelter back at the centre, provided that volunteers are obtained and re-trained but this is yet to come to fruition. We currently have nine churches that use the premises for worship namely,. Fountain of Blessing Church, The Great Commission Church, Sion Church, London City Chapel Church, Assembly of God Church, The Way of Holiness End Time Ministry, The Church of Pentecost and the Light House Church who began using the premises this year. Grace Communion International Church Has ceased worshiping at the centre. We are eager to obtain volunteers to assist at the community ntre during the day (weekdays or weekends) as this helps the ntre immensely. Ongoing task at present includes the following., We require volunteers to help Dorothy and Amy for the Thursday lunch club. As well as for our monthly table top sales. Changing the church carpet with the donation obtained I deep cleaning of the carpet as well as obtaining a new lectern is yet to be implemented.
We continue to seek volunteers for the centre as well as long term volunteering opportunities. Continue to review insurances, safe guarding policy and personal by all users. Medium to long term 12- 46 months Maximising the usage of our building for the purpose of what it is intended, Seeking feasibility to develop the upper part of the main hall and replacing the roof On a feasibility studies in place. Review our utility services, systems and update our heating systems accordingly particularly the hall as well as the Kitchen untts. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Thanks be to God for another year of the Church. After the effect of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Church has seen a gradual growth in Church attendants of members lately. We participate in activities of the Churches in Newham known as Transform Newham to see to the wellbeing of the Borough. These meetings comprise of Leaders of the various Churches meeting together to share experiences, pray for God's wisdom and revelation to Christ Body- the Church and having our Christian presence felt in the Borough. In addition to being part of the Newham Churches, we Stratford Methodist Church hire out our premises to various groups to enable them operate and help members of the Community e.g. The Alcoholic Anonymous Group, Karate., various Evangelical Churches and some language Groups, to name a few. The Church has embarked on training Volunteers to work with Vulnerable women and the youth to signpost people to where to aCsS help and turn their lives round for support when needed. Again, we run Bible Studies in both mornings at 11 am to 12pm and Evenings on Zoom at members, convenien. These are done on top of our regular Sunday SeNices in the morning at 11am to 12:30pm latest. School Children are also invited into the Church to learn about the Christian Religion especially the Christmas story and the use of some Christian artefacts. There is Thursday Lunch Club every Thursday for the Community after their Dance Exercise Class
to meet over cooked HOT food to socialise at an affordable price. Furthermore, volunteers provide Chinese lunch On a month for the Chinese group to gather and socialise to redu isolation among the Chinese community. From that Lunch group has come another 'Chinese Nurses group, to bring together many of the old time Nurses who have served the Country immensely since coming over to the United Kingdom. Food bank is also carried on in the premises by volunteers on Mondays and Wednesday from 1 pm to 3pm which help members of the Community and well attended. The Church is again a Vitamin D Distribution Centre under Newham Council where people from the community come to get their supply. As one Poli lady described to me, "are you from the Church that always has people with lots activities going on?" Yes, indeed we are a Christian Charity that supports, and enable members of the Community to fulfil their potential by God's grace and mercy through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. May God give us the strength and the zeal to continue serving Him and neighbours around. Rev. Elizabeth Osei Chairperson Trustses of Stratford Methodist Church Stratford Methodist Church
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REVIEW Full details of the results for the year are shown in the Ststement of Financial Activities on page 13 and Balance Sheet 14, and they are further analysed on pages 15and 17. The total income for the year ended 31 August 2023 was £191,909 and the total expenditure was £124,398 resulting in surplus of £67,511 RESERVES POLICY We submit our annual report in accordance with the requirements of the Methodist Conference and the Charity Commission guidance in CC19. The trustees have established their mission aims taking into account all of the reSoUrS available in terms of people, property and money Mission initiativeslprojects have been costed or estimates made of projected future costs, which take into account the needs of the buildings and the requirements of the Quinquennial Inspection Reportls. We have agreed a Reserves Policy, which is set out below and recorded in the trustees, minutes and our Annual Report We recognise the need to be accountable as charity trustees for all the money, which comes into our hands and will provide further information as required by the Church Council A structure for the risk based assessment of the free reserves requirement set by the Stratford Methodist Church Council. This sets the target free reserves of £400,000. This level was calculated taking into account the amount considered to be needed to enable the charity to fulfil its existing financial obligations and to future financial obligations, arising from the loss of tenants or indeterminate risks could be met. In this report for the year ended 31 August 2022 the Church Council acknowledged that free reserves were below.. At 31st August 2023, Stratford Methodist Church had total cash reserves of £330,184 These funds were held in the following account: Central Finance Board Cash at Bank and in hand £316,684 £ 13200 Total £330 184
General Church Funds from the Church and the Community Centre are for paying annual assessments to Newham Methodist Circuit of (£40,000 per annum} and to pay maintenance and repair costs of a large building complex which is heavily used for community aetivities. Community Centre pays for expenses of running the Community Centre and unexpected loss of income from user groups. We aim to have a cash reserve of £400.000 for the Church and for the Community Cent. We currently have about £330,184 in our total reserve and we need a further £69,816 to achieve our target of reserve. The reserve will cover the six months operating expense and start working through projects which have been approved by the Church Council. 'We arefollowers ofjesus Christ, and we seek to enter into his thip7king aboul wealth aF7d ils place in our life and actions both Individually ap7d colleclEvely. Continually looknng to see if it is producing rhe fruit of the Spirit aF7d the signs of the Kingdom. Having a sense ofgratiftlde lo Godfor the resources enlrusted to us. Applying wisdom in being good stewards ofall resources. Deepening a sense of trusl in God's ability lo provide for our needs rather than depending upon our OWFZ sense offip7ancial security. St4slaining a spirit ofmutual care and the sharing ofresourees with one anoiher. Beingfaiihfyl in Msing our resources in ways that release new possibilities and care for those who minister on our behalf." Slewardship Nelwork GoodPractice Guide, Christian Stewardship Nehvork
Reference and Administrative information CHAIUTY REGISTRATION NUMBER- 1127618 Officers: Chairperson-Rev Elizabeth Owusu Osei WEBSITE www.bryantstreetmethodist.org.uk E-mail-stratfordmethodist¢hurch@gmail.com Tr8asurer-Isaac Ankomah Secretary- Denise Sandra Walker Managing Trustses: Rev Asif Karam Rev Elizabeth Owusu Osei- Rev Paul Regan Mr Isaac Ankomah Mrs Denise Sandra Walker Mrs Tina Agyeman-mensah Mrs Margaret Marfo Mr. Samuel Agyeman-mensah Miss. Hong Nio Ho Mr. Solomon Oluwafemi ljiehin Mrs. Bernice Johnson Mr. Edmond Simpson Ms. Gloria Thomas Mr. Eric Walker Mr. Atto Saah Ms, Dorothy Duddy Mr. Jones Agyeman Mr David Mensah Mrs Barbara Spencer-Devonish Appointed 1st September 2019 Appointed 1st September 2017 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 1st January 2009 Appointed 16th June 2017 Appointed 13 August 2017 Appointed 1st May 2019 Appointed 6th August 2023 Appointed 6th August 2023 Registsred Address.. Stratford Methodist Church Bryant Street Strafford London E154RU Bankers: HSBC 8 Victoria Street Westminster London SW1 H ONJ Independent Examiner Glory Community Accounting Services 318 Barking Road London E13 8HL -io-
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees have responsibilities to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees should follow best practice and.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent ' and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity Law. Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by.. Rev Elizabeth Owusu Osei (Chairperson) Isaac Ankomah (Treasurer) Date.. Date. P:E................. Mrs Denise Sandra Walker (Secretary tlb Izq........
Inde endent Examiners Re ort to the Trustees of Stratford Methodist Church I report on the attached Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2023, which are set on pages 13 to 17 and have been prepared on an accrual basis. Respective responsibilities of Management Committee 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 needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,. Li to follow the prOdureS laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5){b) of the Charities Act , and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Statement.. My examination 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 material matters have come to my attention, which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Hasina Jahan (M Com, DFT, MAAT, MBA) Glory Community Accounting Services 318 Barking Road London E13 8HL Glory Commlllty Ac¢ouRting S¢rvi¢ 318 BarkiDg Ro Pl4istow lffjndon E13 8HL Date: i¥ -12-
Summxry of Annual Accounts 202212023 These are summary accounts and may not contain su1Clent infonnation for a full Understanding of the charity's financial affairs. A copy of the full atmual accounts is available from our registered address on request ststemttrjt of Fittxntial Attivities for the Year Elldtd 31st Augu$t 2023 2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Totsl IDcorne tncome from Charitable Activities12) Investtnent Illcome (Batd( Interest} 182,521 9,394 182,521 9,394 167,226 935 Total Illtome 191915 191915 168 161 Ex Dditure Expenditure on Charitable Aciiviues (3) 124.398 124.398 79.140 Total Expenditure 124,398 124.398 79.140 Net Income / (Expenditure) 67.517 67,517 89,021 Total Funds Brought forward 2,067,768 2,067,768 1978,747 Total Funds Carried forward 2,135,285 2 135 285 2 067 768 -13-
Balanee Sheet as at 31°, August 2022 2023 2022 Tan 'ble & Fixed Assets Church Building 1,800,000 1,800,000 Current A Cash at bank and in hand Debtors and Pre-payment Total CvrreDt Assets 329,885 7,000 336,885 262,368 7,000 269,368 Current Liabilities Creditors and accruals (due in under l year) 1,600 1,600 Net Current Assets 335285 267,768 Total Assets less Current liabilities 2 067 768 Total Nel Assets l (Liabilities) 2 135,285 2,067 768 Fund$ and Reseryes Unrestricted Fund 2.135285 2,067,768 Restricted Fund 2,135385 2,067,768 Approved by the Management Committee and signed on its behalf by: Rev Elizabeth Owusu Osei {Chairperson) Isaac Ankomah (Treasurer) Date.. $../og/. -14-
Notes on the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31August 2023 l. Accounting Policies (a) Format of the Financiydl Statements Accounting framework and accounting policies 1.1 Accountlng framework The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in accordan with the 2014 version of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective from 1 January 2019) (the Charities SORP (FRS 102} as amended by Update Bulletin 1) - in replacement for the SORP'S 2005 version specified in its related 2008. Regulations and in accordance with the 'True and fair override" provision contained therein. 1.2 Public benefit entity The Stratford Methodist Church definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless othemise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s) below. 1.3 Basis These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost to show a true and fair view of the Stratford Methodist Church financial position and activities. 1.4 Content The financial information presented is relevant, reliable, comparable and complete. The accounts were expressed in £ Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound. 1.5 Going concern Based on the monetary assets and human resources available and the trustees believe that the Church is a going concern. 1.6 Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted funds are income from Sunday Collection, lettings from Just Homes and CommLJnity Centre, donations and other activities 1.7 Restricted Funds Restricted funds are grant for specific purposes which are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year received. -15-
1.8 Con801idation The Church oversees the work of Community Centre and for this reason, the financial statements of the Church is the consolidation of the Church, Community Centre and the income from Just Homes. 1.9 Income recognition Income is brought into account when it is more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will accrue. Income is generated from offerings tax recoverable, donations, contributions for use of the premisf and from Just Homes 1.10 Expenditure This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, that results in the paymer being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the district to pay out resources. Expenditure is recognised in the year in which liabilities are incurred. 1.11 Recelvables and Payables; Bank and Cash Debtors are stated at the amounts pre-paid Newham Circuit as part of our assessment and Creditor is the fee for the independent account's examiner. The liquid funds of bank balances and deposit accounts balance with CFB. 1.12 Tangible Fixed Assets This year a value for the church premises remains the same as the previous year. There has not been any depreciation provided or revaluation done. The figure is based on the insured value of the buildings 2. Income from Cbaritable Activitmes 2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted Restrleted Funds Funds Total Total Offering And Tax Recoverable Lettings 36,543 145,973 36,548 145,973 39,662 127,564 Total 182 516 182521 167 26 -16-
- Expendlture on Ch#riÉable ActÉvities 2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted Restricted Fullds Fullds Total Total Circuit Assessment of Shares Repairs and Maintenance Insurance Utilities Other Expenditure Support & Governance Cost (Notes 4) 30,600 51,755 3.453 21,697 6.818 10.075 30,600 51,755 3,453 21,697 6,818 10,075 30,600 19,654 3,077 7,028 7,206 11,575 Total 124 98 124J98
- Support & Governance Co81 2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted Funds Restrieted Fundg Totsl Total Staff Cost Accounton¢y fee 9,075 1,000 9.075 1,000 10,575 1,000 Tot%1 10,075 li 75
- Debtors and Prepaymeuts 2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted Funds Restrieted Funds Tot81 Total Pre-payment to Methodist Circuit 7.000 7.000 7.000 Totsl 7,000 7,000 Credilor 2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestrieted R¢5tricted Fund5 Funds Total Total 1,000 600 Accountsncy fee As5essmeTht 1,000 600 1,000 600 Total -17-