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
Re￿Iving 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 re￿ntlY 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 Se￿ICe$ 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 li￿nse 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 aC￿sS 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 reSoUr￿S 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 prO￿dureS 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 su￿1Clent 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-

3. 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
4. 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
5. 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-