STRATFORD METHODIST CHURCH
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202312024
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER- 1127618
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FOR THE YEAR ENDING
ST
31 . AUGUST 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Introduction and Mission Statement
2. Stewards Report
3. Property Report
4. Sunday School Report
5. Chairperson Report
6. Annual Financial Review
7. Reserve Policy
8. Reference and Administrative information
10
9. Responsibilities of Trustees
10. Independent Examiners Report
11. Summary of Annual Accounts
12. Notes to accounts
12

STRATFORD METHODIST CHURCH
ANNUAL REPORT 202312024
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 Adult
committees.
This is the fifteen 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 transforming love, through the Holy Spirit
Receiving 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,
Becoming friends with people of different cultures and faiths
Caring for the earth
Building partnerships with other churches and other groups who share our
mission aims.
Specific aspects of mission at Stratford Methodist Church:
To enable our values to be realised through our community work, the provision
of services, i.e. for the elderly and parents and toddlers, the letting of rooms
for community and nursery use, providing volunteering opportunities and
pastoral care for local people, providing space for other churches to worship.
To offer support and friendship to the staff and volunteers
To support and become involved in the work of TELCO, which works towards
justice in East London
To provide a benevolent fund for people who are in particular need.
To be aware of world and local issues and respond with God's love
To build up our links with other churches in the neighbourhood
To encourage people to experience Methodist worship
To encourage church attendance and membership by example
REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
STEWARDS REPORT
There was no increase in the number of stewards this year. Our senior
steward is still out on long term illness and we continue to pray for his speedy
recovery.

Door stewards are reminded to adhere to the rota and should inform the senior
steward in advance if they are unable to fulfil their duty so that a replacement
could be found in good time.
The stewards will like to encourage the congregation to support visiting
preachers and continue to show their appreciation at the end of the service.
Many thanks to all stewards, for their selfless devotion and contributions to the
smooth running of the church.
PROPERTY REPORT
SMC PROPERTY REPORT SEPTEMBER 2023 - AUGUST 24
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..
Fire alarm, smoke detectors, emergency lighting have had their annual
inspection and safety certificates issued.
All boilers service and safety certificates issued.
All electrical items had their annual safety check (PAT - Testing).
All Fire extinguishers checked and service.
Replace the kitchen next to David Lapworth Hall (DLH)
Purchase a new trolley for churchlcommunity Centre.
Purchase a new computer for Community Centre office.
Change our broadband provider from XLN business to Sky business.
New fire alarm system installed.
FUTURE WORKS OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS
Carry out 5-year inspection of electricity (EICR) (Jan 25).

All boilers need to be serviced and safety certificates issued (Nov 24)
Look into replacing the boiler, that provide hot water for whole building
and the other 2 boilers that provide the heating for the main hall and the
hostel (Wesley House).
Replace carpet in the church.
Complete painting of the main hall- ceiling area.
Paint all areas of community Centre
Carry out general maintenance to all areas of Church & Community
Centre.
Upgrade stage lightings to LED lights.
Look into replacing church lights fittings - to allow easy access to the
lights when we need to change them.
Replace the noticeboard outside main entrance to the church.
Revisit Quinquennial (2021).
SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT- AUGUST 2024
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 seniice 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, Sermon 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.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
Be like the geese - encourage one anotherl
Recently, there have been swathes of geese flying across our local skies.
Have you noticed how they fly in a V formation in order to reduce the wind
resistance for those further back, and heard them as they honk encouraging
one another to persevere on their long journey .
Being a Christian is rather like that. We need to take up our'positions, in our
families, churches and communities, and encourage one another along what is
sometimes a perilous life journey.
By the Christian Gift.
As I was reading through some emails and books I received just a while back,
I came across the piece above and felt it is appropriate and fits in these days,
challenges that face Christians, Local Churches and our Circuit. I look back
and give sincere thanks to God Most High through Christ Jesus who has kept
me, my family and the Church members safe till now.
'Singing the Faith, Hymn 638 states..
Through All the Changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
my heart and tongue employ.
Of His deliverance I will boast,
Till all that are distressed
From my example comfort take,
And charm their griefs to rest.

O magnify the Lord with me,
With me exalt His name.
When in distress to Him I called
He to my rescue came.
O make but trial of His love,
Experience will decide
How blest are they, and only they,
Who in His truth confide?
Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then
Have nothing else to fear.
Make you His service your delight,
Your wants shall be His care.
When I reflect on the work that God enabled Stratford Methodist Church to do,
All I can say is 'glory be to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ Who Was and Is
and Is to come,
We await the return of Christ Jesus as Scripture tells us at any time.
In the past year, the Church has been represented in almost all the practical
and spiritual activities within the Newham Communities by some Church
members and the Minister
To name a few are: 'Transform Newham Faith Leaders Meetings,, praying at
8am- 9am almost weekly for the people and work of the Borough of Newham;
'Street Pastors use the Church as the 'Base' and went out in the night twice a
month on Fridays to help vulnerable people on the Street who find themselves
stranded and gave some toiletries to homeless people where possible. The
Church supports 'Faith in Schools, by taking active role in spreading the
Gospel of Christ Jesus to School children,. enacting the Christmas story of the
Birth of Jesus the Saviour of the world,. and the Easter stories,. we take part
sometimes in our Church premises activities run by the

Newham Council volunteers to promote Public Health Awareness through
Exercises and Dance club and also provides warm space for some people in
the community. The Church provides 'Lunches' to the Community to enable
people to come through our doors to socialise thereby reducing loneliness.
The Church hires out the premises for 'Community functions, and that bring
people together as a community to socialise as well as bring in some needed
funds for the day to day running of the Centre and the Church. Foodbank is
based on the premises and give food out to the community.
In Bryant Street, the Church members organised a Secret Santa get- together
which was opened to church members in the community and beyond. It was
such a night of fun and dancing to reduce isolation at Christmas time and
presented gifts to those who might not get any at Christmas.
Pastorally, the Church members and Minister support each other in times of
joy, sickness and bereavement through visits, phone calls and prayers for
families. The Minister continues to do visits to sick members in Hospitals and
homes to share prayers with their consents.
The minister is still involved with the Westfield Shopping Centre Inspire group
of Church volunteers to keep the Rest Space going. Shoppers and workers
are given supervised space to go and rest, pray and meditate if they wish.
By the Grace of God in Christ, our Church is slowly growing in numbers, and it
is my prayer that people will grow more spiritually in Christ.
We also organise 'Bible Study and Prayer, meetings two times a week in the
morning at 11am to 12. Noon and evening from 8 pm - 9 pm on Wednesdays
in Bryant Street to enhance our Christian Spiritual growth.
We thank God so much for His love, mercy and grace towards us and pray for
His continual strength to know and serve Him more in doing His will through
Christ Jesus our Redeemer.
A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTRUBUTED TO BUILD THE
METHODIST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN STRATFORD IN THE BOROUGH OF NEWHAM.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
REV'D ELIZABETH OSEI
Chairperson

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REVIEW
Full details of the results for the year are shown in the Statement 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 2024 was £207,900 and the total
expenditure was £149,875 resulting in surplus of £58,025
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
resources 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 reserve's requirement set by
the Stratford Methodist Church Trustees. 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 2024 the Church Council
acknowledged that free reserves were below:

At 31st August 2024, Stratford Methodist Church had total cash reserves of
£388,210
These funds were held in the following account:
Central Finance Board
Cash at Bank and in hand
£374,171
£ 14039
Total
£388 210
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 activities. 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 £450,000 for the Church and for the Community Centre. We
currently have about £388,210 in our total reserve and we need a further £61,790 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 are.followers of Jesu.1 C'hrisf, and Mye seek ic) enler inlo his ihinking abviil iiic(41ih il.s plaL'e in c)ur
life and aclions both individually and collec'lively.
Continually looking Ic) .Fee il'll 13 produLing Ihc .fruil of ihe ,gpiril ap7d ihe sign.s of ihe Kingdom. Haiying a
.sen3e ofgraliludL? Ici G()dfoY ihe rL'.sc)urc'e.i' enlrzi.fled io u.¥.
Applying wi.sdom heing good steii?ards o/'all re.sourceJ.
Deepening a .¥eF7se of trusl in Gnd .f ability lo pruvid¥.for (pur need.s. raihEr ihuk7 dLpLndingF upon our nw
seF7se of.finoncial securily.
Su3laining a spiril of miilual curL and ihe .s.haring o[re.Fources' Ii'iih one another.
Beip7g]uiih]ul in u.sing our i'e.fource.s in way.¥ Ihol i'elease nem.. PO.¥.¥ihilifies and care t.or those who Ininister
on our behalf."
Slewardsliip Nelwork Good Pracliee Guide, Clirislion Stewardship Nelwork

Reference and Administrative information
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER- 1127618
Officers:
Chairperson-Rev Elizabeth Owusu Osei
WEBSITE
w.bryantslreetmethodist.org.uk
E-mail-stratfordmethodistchurch@gmail.com
Treasurer-lsaac Ankomah
Secretary- Denise Sandra Walker
Managing Trustees:
Rev Asif Karam -
Rev Elizabeth Owusu Osei-
Rev Paul Regan-
Mr Isaac Ankomah-
Mrs Denise Sandra Wa5ker-
Mrs Tina Agyeman-Mensah-
Mrs Margaret Marfo-
Mr. Samuel Agyeman-Mensah-
Miss. Hong Nio Ho-
Mrs. Bernice Johnson-
Mr. Edmond Simpson-
Ms. Gloria Thomas -
Mr. Eric Walker-
Mr. Atto Saah -
Ms, Dorothy Duddy-
Mr. Jones Agyeman-
Appointed 1st September 2019
Appointed 1st September 2017
Appointed 1 st January 2009
Appointed 1 st January 2009
Appointed 1 st January 2009
Appointed 1st January 2009
Appointed 1 st January 2009
Appointed 1st January 2009
Appointed 1 st 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
Registered Address:
Stratford Methodist Church
Bryant Street
Stratford
London
E154RU
Custodian Trustees
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
Central Buildings
Oldham street
Manchester
M1 1JQ
Bankers:
HSBC
8 Victoria Street
Westminster
London
SW1H ONJ
Investment Managers
Central Finance Board of Methodist Church
9 Bonhill Street
London
EC2A 4PE
Independent Examiner
Glory Community Accounting Services
318 Barking Road
London
E138HL
-10-

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 hence 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)
Mrs Denise Sandra Walker (Secretary
.IH# I. I"1 Th)brt￿l

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 2024, 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 truslees 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; n to follow the procedures 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 Examiner's 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
JllhTk*i R••d
htow
IAon E13 8HL
Date. IL Iti6125
-12-

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
2024
2023
Tan
ible & Fixed Assets
Church Building
1,800,000
1,800.000
Current Assets
Cash al bank and in hand
388,210
329,885
Debtors and Pre-payment
Total Current Assets
7,000
395,210
336,885
Current Liabilities
Creditors and accruals {due in under 1
year}
1,900
1.600
Net Current Assets
393,310
335,285
Total Assets less Current liabilities
2 193 310
2 135 285
Total Net Assets I ILiabilities)
2,193.310
2 135 285
Funds and Reserves
Unrestricted Fund
2,193,310
2.135,285
Restricted Fund
2,193,310
2,135,285
Approved by the Management Committee and signed on its behalf by..
Rev Elizabeth Owusu Osei (Chairperson)
Isaac Ankomah (Treasurer)
Date....
- 06- Icjxg
-14-

Summary of Annual Accounts 202312024
These are summary accounts and may not contain sufficicnt infoiination for a full
Understandingi of the charity's financial affairs.
A copy of th¢ full ai)nual accounts is available froin our registered address on request
ststement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st August
2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Totsl
Income
Income from Charitable Activities121
Investment Income {Bank Interest}
190,873
17,027
190,873
17,027
182,251
9.394
Total Income
207,900
207,900
191,915
enditure
Expenditure on Charitable Activities
(3
149,875
149,875
124,398
Total Expènditure
149,875
149,875
124,398
Net Income l {Expendilure}
58,025
58,025
67,517
Total Funds Brought forward
2,135,285
2,135,285
2,067,768
Total Funds Carried fotward
2 193 310
2 193.310
2 135 285
-13-

Notes on the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet
for the year ended 31August 2024
l. Accounting Polieies
(a) Format of the Financial Statements
Accounting framework and aecounting polieies
1.1 Accounting framework
The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in accordance 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 11- in replacement for the
SORP'S 2005 version specified in its related 2008. Regulations and in accordan￿ 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 othewise 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
Strafford 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 Community
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 Consolidation
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 Receivables 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 Charitable
Activities
2024
2024
2024
2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Rostricted
Funds
Totsl
Total
Offering And Tax Recoverable
Lettings
35,025
155,848
35,025
155,848
36,548
145,973
Total
190 873
190,873
182,521
-16-

2024
2024
2024
2023
Unrestrlcted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
Circuit Assessment of Shares
Repairs and Maintenance
Insurance
37,320
30,620
4.110
28,798
13,757
13,270
22,000
37,320
30,620
4,110
28,798
13,757
13,270
22,000
30,600
51,755
3.453
21,697
6,818
10,075
Other Expenditure
Support & Governance Cost INote$ 41
Donation to Newham Circuit
Total
149 875
149 875
124 398
4. Support & Governance Cost
2024
2024
2024
2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Restrlcted
Funds
Total
Total
Staff Cost
Accountancy fee
11,970
1,300
11.970
1,300
9075
1,000
Total
13,270
13.270
10.075
5. Debtors and Prepayments
2024
2024
2024
2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Totsl
Total
Pre-payment to Methodist Circuit
7,000
7,000
7,000
Total
7,000
7,000
7,000
Creditor
2024
2024
2024
2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Total
Accountancy fee
Assessment
Total
1,300
600
1,300
600
1,000
600
1.900
-17-