**Registered Charity No 1136866** **- ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2020 21** **A Parish of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of UK & Europe Zone Member of the Churches Together in England Member of the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland** **A Registered Parish Church with the Diocese of London, Church of England,** **Willesden Diocesan Number: 2402A** **Registered Office: Worshipping at:** 15 Hampden Road All Saints’ Harrow Weald Harrow, HA3 5PP Middlesex, HA3 6DQ **Telephone** : 020 3674 9964 / 07976 781890 www.sinaimarthomachurch.org.uk Pages 1-22 ## **Annual Report for year ended 31[st] March 2021** ## **Introduction** We are now living through an unprecedented time of Corona pandemic and its aftermath. World community has faced an unimaginable threat to our existence from a Nano virus. For the Sinai parish family, it was a challenging time, when we were not able to gather together for worship or fellowship of any kind. All this year we have conducted our worship online. Last time we have gathered for Holy Communion was on Sunday 15[th] March 2020. We have covered two Passion Week services and one Christmas season during this pandemic. We are not able to understand or fathom the loss we have suffered as a faith community. We are all gripped under fear or trauma of great proportion. Neither the leaders of the nations or the scientific community are not able to provide us with any answers or solutions. A large number of our members work in the medical field and were in the forefront of this Nations fight against the pandemic. We are thankful to them for their sacrificial work. We are also proud of their services to this nation and the humanity and NHS played a key role in fighting the virus and also vaccinating the population in a systematic manner to avoid further spread. We offer thanksgiving to God for protecting us and all our families during this stressful time. We praise God for giving us healing and strength throughout this year. With much gratitude to God for all the blessings showered upon the Sinai Mar Thoma Church North London, the Executive Committee presents the Annual Report for the year 2020-21 ## **Church History & Present** Mar Thoma Church traces her origin to the missionary work of St Thomas the Apostle, who came to India in AD 52. We are called Saint Thomas Christians or Mar Thoma Christians. The Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar is at present blessed by the able leadership of 9 Bishops and is headed by the Most Rev. Dr Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan. The Church is served by 1176 Clergy through 13 dioceses. The headquarters is located at SCS Campus, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India. Sinai Mar Thoma Church comes under UK and Europe Zone which falls within the Diocese of North America and Europe Diocese and the Rt Rev Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa is the Diocesan Bishop. In the UK, the Mar Thoma community began their worship in 1957. Sinai Mar Thoma Church came into being on 15[th] April 2010 and the Most Rev. Dr Joseph Mar Thoma conducted a thanksgiving and dedication service on 18[th] April 2010. Sinai Mar Thoma Church UK (MTC) is a registered charity in United Kingdom (Charity Reg. No. 1136866) with its registered office at 15 Hampden Road, Harrow, HA3 5PP, UK. The Church of England (COE) considers Sinai Mar Thoma Church as a part of its institution and the Church of England, Willesden Diocesan number for Sinai MTC is 2402A. We appreciate the fellowship and support given by the Bishop Pete Broadbent of the Diocese of Willesden. We gather for worship at the All Saints Church at Harrow Weald. We appreciate the partnership with the All Saints community, especially for the collegiality and support of the Vicar Rev. John Barker, the Church Wardens and office staff. Pages 2-22 **Demise of the Metropolitan Dr Joseph Mar Thoma** The Most Rev. Dr Joseph Mar Thoma was called to eternal rest on 18[th] October 2020 at the age of 89 years. His Grace was buried at SCS Thiruvalla. Joseph Mar Thoma succeeded Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan as the XXI Mar Thoma. His Grace was consecrated as a Bishop in 1975 and elevated as the Metropolitan in 2007. Sinai joined the Funeral service by offering floral tributes to our Beloved Metropolitan. **Management Committee Members:** Rev Dr P G George Vicar/President Mr. V M Abraham Vice President Mr. Daniel Papachan Hon. Secretary Mr. Abraham Jacob Trustee Finance Mr. Thomas Alexander Trustee Accounts ## **Executive Committee Members** |Mr. Sajimon Samuel
|Lay Ministrant (Malayalam)| |---|---| |Mr. Cherian Mathew
|Lay Ministrant (English)| |Dr Jacob Kurien
|Assembly Member| |Dr Zac Varghese
|Mandalam Member| |Mr. Thomas P. Mathew
|Edavaka Mission Representative| |Mrs. Mary George
|Sevika Sangham Representative| |Mr. Justin James
|Youth Representative| |Mrs. Diana Agnelo Fernandes|Sunday School Representative| |Ms. Tanya Abraham|Choir Representative| |Mrs. Valsa Kurien
|Barnet – Area Prayer Group Representative| |Mr. Alex Kalakkudiyil Oommen Harrow & Slough – Area Prayer Group Representative|| |Mr. Leon Thomas
|Watford – Area Prayer Group Representative| |Mr. Sam Varghese
|Northampton & Milton Keynes – Area Prayer Group| ||Representative| |**Non-Executive Committee Members**|| |Mrs. Anna Justin|Young Couples Fellowship| |Mr. Abraham Mathews|Senior Citizens Fellowship| |**Independent Examiners**|| |Mr. George Abraham|Independent Examiner| |Mr. Rohith Christopher
|Independent Examiner| ## **Membership** Sinai Mar Thoma Church UK maintains a parish register. All persons aged above 18 years and who have their names in the Parish Register and receive Holy Communion in the parish and all persons whose parish membership has not been barred are entitled to be Edavaka Sangham members (General Body of the parish). Our membership as of 31[st] March 2021 is 115 families with a total of 348 members including children. 3 new families joined the parish. We welcome the new members and look forward to their total participation and fellowship. New members have moved into this area, but due to the pandemic, they did not join the service and have not taken church membership. Pages 3-22 ## **Vicar** Rev Dr P. G. George served as the Vicar during the year by residing at the Parsonage at 15 Hampden Road, Harrow HA3 5PP. Achen served as a member of the UK Europe Zonal Council of the Mar Thoma Church. Achen also served as the Ecumenical Officer of the UK Europe Zone and represent the Mar Thoma Church in the Churches Together in England (CET) and Churches Together in Great Britain & Ireland. Achen served as the President of the UK Europe Zonal Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists Association and gave leadership to the Zonal Events and Zonal Intercessory prayer. Achen regularly sent Devotional materials to all members to organize and conduct regular Family prayer. It was called “Sinai Mar Thoma House Churches Corona Time Daily Family Prayer Devotions.” This was spiritually enlightening and mentally uplifting experience during the pandemic lockdown. Rev. Dr P. G. George received the permission from the Church of England under the Overseas and other Clergy under the Diocese of Willesden area in the Diocese of London to officiate in the Diocese of London. Achen also received the DBS clearance and took the necessary Safeguarding training from the Diocese of London. ## **Baptism:** One Baptism took place in the Parish under Covid-19 restrictions, the service was conducted at the St John’s Church in Hounslow. We happily welcome Jeremy Philip Riju to the fellowship of the Sinai Parish church. ## **Marriage:** One wedding of Ajay George and Helena Varghese was held on 11[th] March 2021 under Covid-19 restrictions. We offer congratulations to the newlywed couple. _Desakuri_ and No Objection Certificates were given for marriages in India. ## **Obituary:** Mr. T. Cherian Mathew of 81 Colin Crescent, Colindale was called to his eternal home on 3rd September 2020. Funeral service was held on 15th September 2020 at the All Saints Church. He is survived by his wife Mrs. Annamma Mathew (Leelamma). May God bless the family with hope and peace. He was one of the founding members of the Mar Thoma Church in the United Kingdom and of the Sinai Mar Thoma Parish. Mr Doug Garrett, one of the Church Wardens of All Saints, was called to eternity. We mark our deepest condolences for his family and the All Saints family. We appreciate his cooperation and goodwill in our joint meetings and programs. ## **Meetings:** ## � **General Body Meetings** - i. Annual General Body Meeting was held on Sunday 15[th] November 2020 online via Zoom. - ii. General Body Meeting to elect the office bearers of the parish for the year 2021-22 was held on Sunday, 21[st] March 2021. ## � **Committee Meetings** Two Online Committee meetings were held during this reporting year. Pages 4-22 ## **Sunday Worship & other services** This year owing to the lockdown due to the Corona Pandemic the worship gatherings were suspended and we did not have any Holy Communion service. Online Sunday Worship services were held first on YouTube and then through Zoom in English on 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays and Malayalam on 2[nd] and 4[th] Sundays. Online Vmix program was purchased and used to telecast the services from the Parsonage. Special thanks to Mr. Daniel Papachan for the technical support and Mr. Dileep Cherian for assistance during the service. Hymns and songs were sung by different families and lessons were read on line. Thanks to all who supported them to make the services a blessing. Traditionally, Holy Communion services in English on 1[st] & 3[rd] Sundays and in Malayalam on 2nd & 4th Sundays were held every month. On fifth Sundays there were UK centre meetings of various organisations at different locations and there was divine service on those Sundays if Achen was not present. If Achen was available, Holy Communion service in English was held. Holy Communion service were held in Milton Keynes/Northampton on 2nd Saturdays. Special services were held during the year to celebrate Sevika Sangham Day, Youth Sunday, Choir Sunday, Senior Citizens Day, Family Sunday, World Sunday School Day, Parish Day and Lent & Holy Week. ## **Sacraments/Services** ## (i) **Holy Communion Services** - All Saints’ Harrow Weald: None - Northampton/Milton Keynes: None - Joint Service with All Saints: None - Holy Communion services and other public gatherings were suspended due to Corona Pandemic from Sunday15[th] March 2020. ## (ii) **Lent and Holy Week Services** This year, during the Great Lent evening services using the Liturgy for Lent ( _Sandhya Namaskaram_ ) was conducted via online the Parsonage. A few families attended them before the introduction of ‘safe distancing’ due to the Corona pandemic. Good Friday service was held online on 10[th] April 2020. Messages were given by the Rev Jijo Varghese, Trivandrum and Mr. Blessen Varghese, Maharashtra Mission, Mumbai. ## **Area Prayer Meetings** The four main area prayer groups are _**Harrow-Slough Area, Watford Area, Barnet Area and Northampton/Milton Keynes Area**_ as agreed in the Annual General Body 2018-19. The prayer meetings in all the four areas may be planned by the Area Prayer Group leaders and were conducted according to the convenience of the members. ## a. _**Northampton/Milton Keynes Area**_ Northampton- Milton Keynes Area Prayer meetings were held regularly every Saturday evening at 7.30 pm on Zoom platform. Liturgy of Evening Prayer was used with reading of Lessons from the Old Testament and the New Testament and also Psalms. Recitation of the Memory verses Pages 5-22 was done every Saturday and children actively participate in this exercise. Several children would recite a few Psalms in full. Occasionally there are guest speakers like Evangelist Babu Upadesi, Evangelist Sajeev Daniel or Mrs. Annie Koshy Kochamma. An average of 15 families attended the sessions. Special ‘Wisdom Classes’ were taken for the children by Mrs. Annie Koshy Kochamma. Mr. Sam Varghese served as the Area Representative. ## b. _**Watford Area**_ Watford Area Prayer meetings were held online regularly every Saturday evening at 6 pm. Liturgy of Evening Prayer was used with reading of Lessons from the Old Testament and the New Testament and also Psalms. Recitation of the Memory verses was done every Saturday and children actively participate in this exercise. Occasionally there were some special guests like Evangelist Sajeev Daniel, Mr. Lalu Mathew and Mrs. Annie Koshy Kochamma. An average of 5-6 families attended the meetings. Mr. Leon David Thomas served as the Area Representative. Harrow-Slough Area and Barnet Area prayer meetings were not held due to the pandemic situation. Some of the members from these areas participated in the above area prayer meetings. ## **Organisations:** ## � **Sunday School** During the Pandemic Sunday School classes were held online from 5[th] April 2020. The number of students increased from 50 to 71 during this year. There are 14 children from Northampton/ Milton Keynes, because of the online classes. We have 8 teachers and 4 teaching assistants. Following are the special events during the current year: 1. On 22 March 2020, we had an online chain prayer done by all classes from 10:30am -12:00pm 2. Online Easter session was conducted on 12 April 2020 at 5pm. All classes participated. 3. Sunday school participated in the online International Nurses’ Day programme held on 13[th] May 2020. Message was given by Mrs Jency Sharlay. Senior children gave their testimonies and a few children recited Psalm 91. 4. Sunday School exam was held online on 5[th] July 2020. Participation Certificate given to all children. 5. Sinai VBS was conducted online on Sundays from 12[th] July – 30[th] August 2020. Final day VBS video presentation was shown on 6[th] September after the online church service. 6. Memory verse recital videos of students from all classes were shown on every Sundays of August after the church service. 7. Sinai Teachers attended a one day online Zonal teachers retreat led by Rev Aji John Achen on 17[th] and 19[th] September 2020. 8. New term and dedication of teachers and students was held on Sunday 27[th] September 2020 during the online worship service. 9. Zonal online 3-day VBS was led by Rev Noble Abraham Achen was on the 29[th] to 31[st] October 2020. Pages 6-22 Sinai teachers and children participated in this event. 10. Sinai Sunday school participated in the Online World Sunday school day programme which was held on 1[st] November 2020, from 4 to 6 pm. 11. Sunday school teachers arranged a special Christmas presentation from all classes. This was shown as an online presentation on 25[th] December 2020. 12. New Year’s Eve Sunday school fellowship meeting with Achen was held online on 31[st] December 2020 from 6 – 7 pm. 13. A Common fellowship session of all classes with Achen was held online on 21[st] February 2021 at 4pm. Theme was “Faith” which was led by Senior class. 14. Another Common fellowship session with Achen was held online on 28 March 2021 at 4pm led by Nursery & KG class. Theme was “Hosanna.” Special thanks to all Sunday School teachers and all other volunteers who took active role in spiritually developing our children rooted in the Word of God and in the values of the Kingdom of God. We appreciate the initiative and interest taken by the parents to do online sessions during this pandemic time. Mrs. Jeny Joy served as the Head Teacher and Mrs. Diana Agnelo Fernandes served as the representative. ## � **Edavaka Mission:** Sinai Parish Edavaka Mission actively participated in the UK Europe Zonal Voluntary Evangelists Association programs including the Family Enrichment Convention. Rev Dr P G George served as the President of the Zonal Edavaka Mission. Mr Thomas P Mathew served as the representative of Edavaka Mission. ## � **Sevika Sangham:** Sevika Sangham meetings were held online every Friday at 8 pm. Weekly Bible Study series on these Friday meetings have attracted women members of the Sinai parish to learn the Word of God and develop their leadership skills. There was good participation from the Sinai church members week after week. The women called themselves “Daughters of the King.” Topics: 1. Women of the Bible, 2. Study of the Book of Philippians 3. Miracles of Jesus 4. The Book of Revelation Women volunteered to take up leadership each Friday and the studies were very informative and spiritually enriching. Each session had a time of sharing and discussion which was greatly rewarding. These sessions were learning times and opportunities to develop women’s leadership in the church. We give special thanks to the leadership of Mrs. Annie Koshy Kochamma who made herself available for us during her lockdown in Manchester. We have invited Guest Speakers from other Mar Thoma Parishes including a few Kochammas. We have opened up the sessions to members of other parishes both from UK and also from Canada & USA. We thank God for the leadership of the Rev P G George Achen during these Bible Study sessions. Sevika Sangham Day was celebrated on 13[th] September 2020 and Mrs. Jeny Joy delivered the message during the online service. Due to Covid lockdown Sinai Sevika Sangham could not do any fundraising activities for charity purposes as in the previous years. Pages 7-22 Sevika Sangham took part in the Zonal Christmas event in December and took an active part in the Zonal meetings and intercessory prayers which were held every two weeks. Guests: 1. Mrs Susan Vijayan, Canada 2. Mrs. Meena Jobi Kochamma 3. Mrs Rashmi Kochamma 4. Dr Sneha Varghese, Liverpool Mrs Mary George served as the Sevika Sangham Representative. ## � **Sinai Choir:** The Sinai Choir's main focus was the 2020 Christmas Carol service. With stringent restrictions in place due to Covid-19, in-person practices were no longer viable so the choir adapted by learning and practicing the songs via online calls and meetings. A huge amount of effort by all members went into the production and practices and with God's grace, together we were able to pull together and sing a range of English and Malayalam songs which was streamed on YouTube. Sinai Choir participated in the UK Europe Zonal Carol service. In addition, many members have contributed by singing songs during the online Sunday services over the past year. Ms Tanya Abraham served as the Choir Representative. ## � **Youth Fellowship:** Due to the lockdown restrictions, all youth meetings were conducted virtually using Zoom every Thursday at 8 pm under the leadership of Rev. P G George Achen as well as the support of the Sinai youth leadership team of Jessy, Natasha, Tanya and Anna. The following programs were held during the year. Alpha Course On 15[th] June 2020 we began our weekly youth meetings with the Alpha Course, an online videobased course consisting of about 13-15 weekly sessions discussing various fundamentals of Christian faith such as Jesus, faith, Bible, prayer, the Cross, worship and Church. On an average, there were around 12 to 15 Sinai youths regularly participated in these weekly sessions. One Day Retreat As part of the Alpha course, we also conducted a one day online retreat on 8[th] August 2020. After the youth Alpha series, we continued our weekly sessions with various discussion series on various issues of importance to youths: Mental Health We did a three-part series on Mental health with presentations and group discussions on various aspects of mental health and how we can include it as part of our church activities. Racism As racism is a pressing issue of our time, we had a four-part video and discussion series on the types of racism and the role of Christian youth at a community-level to tackle the issue. Online Socials We also conducted an online Socials for Sinai youth with games and prizes in the last week of October 2020. Relationships Series Pages 8-22 After the Christmas break, we started our Thursday youth meeting once again in the New Year and this time we decided to open up our discussion series to the youth at the zonal level as well. In a seven-part series, we discussed various aspects of relationships such as our relationship with God, singleness and celibacy, finding secure identity, friendship, dealing with conflict and the power of committed community. Addictions Series Next, we also had a four-part series on different types of addiction where we had Jency Jacob, a member from our Sinai church who works as a Specialist Surgical Nurse Practitioner talked to us about substance abuse and Rev. Anil Alexander who has worked with youth in India and is now based in Scotland talked about addiction to pornography. We had around 10-12 active participants across the zonal level. We offer a special thanks to Rev. P G George Achen for encouraging the youth and guiding the discussions, as well as to Jessy George, Tanya Abraham, Nathasha Abraham and Anna Justin for all their efforts to make the youth sessions enriching and beneficial to all the Youths. We also thank all the Sinai youths for their active participation. Youth Sunday was celebrated on 18[th] October, 2020 online. Mrs Shiny Mathew gave the message. Mr Justin James served as the Youth Fellowship Representative. - **Young Couples Fellowship:** Young couples of the Parish have been actively involved with various activities of the Church. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there were no meetings held this year. Young families are joining the parish as members. Look forward to their active presence and participation in the coming days. - **Senior Citizens Fellowship:** Senior Citizens are of great strength to the parish. Senior Citizens Sunday was celebrated online on 20[th] September 2020. Dr Zac Varghese gave the message. Prayer meetings were not conducted this year due to pandemic. Thanks to all members of the Senior Citizens’ Fellowship for their prayerful support for the ministry of the parish during the pandemic. Mr. Abraham Mathews served as the Senior Citizens’ representative. ## **Parish Activities:** ## **Worship Lounge:** Worship Longue prayer meetings were not held this year due to pandemic. Mrs Jessy George has introduced Worship Lounge for parents every Sunday from 11am to 11:50 am at Blackwell Hall during the time of Sunday School. It was a time of singing, testimony and prayer. ## **Support Group:** Sinai Church members have created a volunteer support group under the initiative and leadership of Mr. Ashley Challackal, to help our members who might need support during the Corona Virus Pandemic. This group include members covering various areas across greater London. ## **Onam Celebration:** There were no Onam celebrations with special food and cultural program this year due to pandemic. Pages 9-22 ## **Relationship with All Saints’:** There were no programmes this year including joint services due to Covid restriction where we could join with them as a parish community. We look forward to new opportunities in the coming year. There were Quarterly Joint meetings held between the All Saints Church representatives and Sinai Church office bearers to discuss the activities of the Church. This is also an opportunity to discuss things which are going well as well as a forum to raise any issues from both sides. This year no such meetings were held due to Covid restrictions. The contract with All Saints has expired this year and the same was renewed for another ten years under the same provisions. We appreciate this noble gesture of ecumenical cooperation and goodwill. ## **Christmas Carol Rounds:** Christmas carol rounds could not take place due to restrictions of the pandemic. We appreciate the generous contributions of a few of our members as Christmas collection. ## **Christmas Carol Service:** An online Christmas Carol Service was held on the evening of 25th December 2020. The Rev Sam T. Koshy from Switzerland delivered the Christmas message. Our choir presented some melodious songs in English and Malayalam. We thank Ms Tanya Abraham for her efforts in teaching the songs for the Carol Service. There was a special Sunday school Christmas presentation from all classes, and it was shown as an online presentation. ## **Chain Prayer:** Fasting prayer was held voluntarily every Friday by members and a few members contributed an amount to the Parish as Fasting prayer offertory. We appreciate the leadership of Mr. Abraham Jacob. ## **Fusion Fest 2020:** Due to Covid restrictions we were not able to conduct Fusion Fest this year. It was conducted annually to raise funds for charity. ## **Harvest Festival:** Sinai Harvest festival was held every year and this year we were not able to organize one due to restrictions of the pandemic. All the church members were requested to bring small items for auction and the Funds collected on that day was earmarked for Church Development Fund. A fellowship meal was provided to all members after the Holy Communion Service. ## **UK & Europe Family Conference/Convention:** Due to the Pandemic this year the UK & Europe Family Conference was not conducted, but an Online Zonal Convention was held from 28[th] to 30[th] August 2020. A Zonal worship was held on Sunday 30[th] August 2020 under the leadership of the Rt Rev Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa. ## **Zonal Youth Camp:** The Zonal Youth Camp was planned for Switzerland, but due to the pandemic, it was cancelled. An online three days Youth Conference was held based on the theme, “Rooted in Christ.” There was a great participation from our Youth Members. Pages 10-22 ## **Churches Together in Wealdstone and Harrow Weald and Harrow Interfaith:** Mr Abraham Mathews represented Sinai MTC at Churches Together in Wealdstone and Harrow Weald. The activities of the local CTE were done online this year due to the restrictions of the pandemic. Sinai Mar Thoma Church has been a member of Harrow Interfaith and has had the active role as Membership Secretary on the Executive Board for the last 8 years to date. Harrow has the maximum diverse Faith Communities in UK where Harrow Interfaith ensures harmony and peaceful co-existence, respecting and acknowledging the different Faiths in the Borough. Harrow Interfaith meetings were not held this year due to pandemic. Holocaust Memorial meeting held every year at the end of January was also cancelled. It was conducted online with different faith representatives lighting a candle as a sign of solidarity to condemn the atrocities of the past. Mr. Abraham Mathews lit the candle representing the Christian community in Harrow. ## **Feeding the Homeless in Harrow** This year we could not undertake this mission of feeding the homeless in Harrow as in the previous year. All Saints Church is allotted three days to give food to the homeless in the Harrow area. Out of these they give us one day to help the homeless in our neighbourhood. We look forward to future years to serve the local community in need. ## **Tenth Anniversary Celebration** Thank God for keeping us as a community of faith in this land with the name Sinai Mar Thoma for the last ten years. Decision was made to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of the Sinai Mar Thoma Church with different projects and programmes. Bishop John Fenwick was invited to be the Chief Guest of the Inauguration of the Tenth Anniversary. It was postponed due to the pandemic for a convenient time. A 10[th] Anniversary Celebration programme was planned to be held on 2[nd] May 2020 at Westfield Academy Hall. However due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this had to be cancelled. ## **Guests and Visitors:** 1. Rev. Fr. John Barker, Vicar of All Saints 2. Evang. Babu Daniel Chacko Upadesi 3. Evang. Sajeev Daniel 4. Mrs Annie Koshy Kochamma 5. We thank all visitors including parents of our members and international students from time to time added goodness and beauty to the Sinai Family fellowship. Pages 11-22 ## **Conclusion** God has kept us all safe during this pandemic time. We never expected this menace to last this long and to deny us the privilege and opportunity to gather for worship and share in the Lord’s Table. Many of us were tested positive and have gone through some anxious moments, thank God that we all came out for those difficulties with God’s grace and help. Sinai Mar Thoma Church started from a humble beginning ten years ago, but we are growing from strength to strength by God’s grace. Our members have financially supported the parish and encouraged each other in prayer and virtual fellowship. Appreciation and gratitude are recorded to Rev. Dr P G George, office bearers and all members of the Sinai family for their contributions of time and talents in making our Parish grow confidently in strength, love, and fellowship. We maintain an extremely good relationship with All Saints Church, Harrow Weald, and we sincerely thank Rev. John Barker and the All Saints Church committee members for all the support and help given to us. We also record our thanks to the Bishop of the Diocese of Willesden, the Rt Rev Pete Broadbent and the Bishop’s Secretary Ms. Nikki Court for their help and support. We thank the Diocesan Episcopa, the Rt. Rev Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos and the UK Europe Zonal Officers for their support and guidance in the development of the Sinai parish and the faith community. For and on behalf of the Executive committee 2020-21, Signed Signed Rev Dr P G George Daniel Papachan Vicar/President Hon. Secretary Pages 12-22 ## **Trustees Report for year ended 31.3.2021** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charity’s governing document and the Charities Act 2011 ## **Reference and administrative information:** **Charity Name:** Sinai Mar Thoma Church North London, UK **Registered Address:** 15 Hampden Road, Harrow HA3 5PP ## **Charity Registration Number:** 1136866 ## **Management Committee Members:** Rev Dr P G George Vicar/President Mr. V M Abraham Vice President Mr. Daniel Papachan Hon. Secretary Mr. Abraham Jacob Trustee Finance Mr. Thomas Alexander Trustee Accounts ## **Executive Committee Members** Mr. Sajimon Samuel Lay Ministrant (Malayalam) Mr. Cherian Mathew Lay Ministrant (English) Dr Jacob Kurien Assembly Member Dr Zac Varghese Mandalam Member Mr. Thomas P. Mathew Edavaka Mission Representative Mrs. Mary George Sevika Sangham Representative Mr. Justin James Youth Representative Mrs. Diana Agnelo Fernandes Sunday School Representative Ms. Tanya Abraham Choir Representative Mrs. Valsa Kurien Barnet – Area Prayer Group Representative Mr. Alex Kalakudiyil Oommen Harrow & Slough – Area Prayer Group Representative Mr. Leon Thomas Watford – Area Prayer Group Representative Mr. Sam Varghese Northampton & Milton Keynes – Area Prayer Group Representative **Non-Executive Committee Members** Mrs. Anna Justin Young Couples Fellowship Mr. Abraham Mathews Senior Citizens Fellowship ## **Bankers** Barclays Bank Plc, Station Road, Edgware, Middlesex. ## **Independent Examiners** Mr. George Abraham Mr. Rohit Christopher **Governing Document** Sinai Mar Thoma Church is governed by the constitution submitted to the Charity Commission and by the constitution of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar. Pages 13-22 ## **GDPR Compliance Statement** The trustees have implemented procedures and policies to notify donors and members of the information held by the charity and also implemented opt-in/opt-out processes. ## **Safeguarding Statement:** The charity has safeguarding policy and Child Protection Policy which is also displayed on the church’s notice board. This is reviewed periodically. ## **Risk Assessment and Management:** The trustees have examined the major strategic and operational risks which the charity is likely to face and confirmed that processes and procedures have been established to enable regular reporting so that the necessary and timely action can be taken to reduce those risks. Risk assessment, risk management policies and insurances are regularly reviewed. The financial controls and reporting are considered to be adequate. ## **Organisational Structure:** The trustees meet regularly, whilst the day-to-day management of the charity is delegated to the management committee. ## **Appointment of Trustees:** The trustees and other office bearers are elected for each financial year before the commencement of the new financial year. They are elected by the General Body or by the members of the bodies whom they represent. All the appointments are made as per the constitution of the Mar Thoma Church. ## **Plans for the Future:** We are planning to work more closely with the All Saints Church to ensure that we can carry on this partnership well into the future for the mutual benefits of both. Various shared activities including spiritual and social activities are planned along this line. We also aim to further develop our activities for the Edavaka Mission, youth fellowship, Sevika Sangham and the Sunday school. ## **Mission & Objectives:** The objective of Sinai Mar Thoma Church is to promote the Christian religion, provide its members with regular Christian worship services, in accordance with the traditions of the Mar Thoma Church; provide pastoral care and organise activities to enhance the spiritual life of the members; enhance the ecumenical relationship within the local community and churches; and make voluntary contributions to evangelistic and charitable work in the United Kingdom and abroad. ## **Reserve Policy:** The reserves held are considered to be the prudent to ensure that the work of the charity continues unhindered for at least 2 months, even when donations may fluctuate. The trustees aim to increase the reserves in future years. Pages 14-22 ## **Principal Sources of Funding:** The majority of funding comes through subscriptions, offertory and other voluntary donations by the members. ## **Volunteers:** A substantial contribution to the activities of the church is in the form of voluntary services by members. ## **Investment Policy:** The trustees have the authority to make any investments which they think are appropriate, prudent and beneficial for the work of the charity subject to prior approval by the membership body. However, at present the church has no significant surplus funds to make any investment and none have been made till date. ## **Trustees Induction & Training:** All trustees were reminded of their fiduciary responsibilities. They regularly review income, expenditure and assets held by the charity, meet regularly to delegate tasks and formulate strategy and policies in achieving its objectives and were also made aware that they are ultimately responsible for the activities of the charity. ## **Financial Review:** The Trustees regularly met to review the various operations of the charity. The trustees are mindful of the reserves policy and ensure that expenditure are only incurred when required to carry out the activities of the charity and are controlled. ## **Trustees Responsibilities:** The trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing the financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and: - a. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently - b. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent - c. State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. - d. Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which discloses with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity, which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law and regulations. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Pages 15-22 **Post year end events:** - The unsecured loan outstanding at year end for the purchase of the parsonage has been repaid in full. - Our application to the local council for council tax rebate was approved and - The lease with All Saints Church has been extended for a further period of ten years. ## **Declaration of serious incidents:** To the best of our knowledge we are not aware of any serious incidents or other matters affecting the administration, finance and accounting practice of the charity during the current financial year ended 31[st] March 2021. ## **For and on behalf of the managing committee,** Signed **Daniel Papachan** **Hon. Secretary** Signed Signed **Abraham Jacob Thomas Alexander** **Hon. Trustee -Finance Hon. Trustee - Accounts** **1** 5 **th October 2021** Pages 16-22 **SINAI MAR THOMA CHURCH NORTH LONDON** **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees and Members of Sinai Mar Thoma Church North London (Charity reg no. 1136866)** We report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2021, which are set out on pages to 18-22 ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and the independent examiners.** The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and they consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is required. It is our responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act. - to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the 2011 Act, and - to state whether particular matters have come to our attention. ## **Basis of independent examiner’s statement.** Our examination was carried out in accordance with general Direction given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention - (1) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and - to prepare accounts which agree with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act - have not been met ; or - (2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. **Mr George Abraham ( Hon. Independent Examiner) _________________** Signed **Mr Rohit Christopher ( Hon. Independent Examiner) _________________** Signed **Dated: 10[th] October 2021** Pages 17-22 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Sinai Mar Thoma Church North London
Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31st March 2021
Fig in £ £ £ £
Total Funds Total Funds
Notes Unrestricted Restricted 31st March 31st March
Funds Funds 2021 2020
Income
Subscription 2 39,203 0 39,203 35,893
Offertory 3 3,249 400 3,649 18,060
Harvest festival 350 0 350 4,727
Christmas donation 1,200 0 1,200 2,356
Tax Refund 0 0 0 18,382
Other Receipts 4 3,289 2,049 5,338 13,175
Donation for Parsonage and Church development 5 0 8,935 8,935 2,255
Profit on sale of motor vehicle 2,200 0 2,200 0
Total Income 49,491 11,384 60,875 94,848
Total Funds Total Funds
Notes Unrestricted Restricted 31st March 31st March
Expenditure Funds Funds 2021 2020
Staff Cost 15,411 15,411 16,342
Parsonage Expenses 6 3,201 3,201 9,734
Vehicle Expenses 196 196 1,431
Vicar's Transfer Cost 7 4,000 4,000 4,000
Rent 8 7,200 7,200 7,200
Diocesan Contribution 9 3,640 3,640 3,050
Sabha Office Payments 0 0 250
Visiting Bishops & Clergy 0 0 300
Insurance 1,183 1,183 753
Printing, Postage, Stationery 154 154 427
Telephone & Internet 1,679 1,679 1,080
Altar Expenses 0 0 550
Online hosting cost 701 701 0
Fusion Fest Expenses 0 0 330
Professional Fees 0 0 1,040
Donations 10 300 300 2,639
Church Activity Expenses 11 1,069 1,069 6,172
Centre Meeting - Expenditure 0 0 100
Sundry Expenses 12 0 0 65
Depreciation 13 0 0 3,268
Total Expenditure 38,734 0 38,734 58,732
Net Surplus for the Year 10,757 11,384 22,141 36,116
The attached notes 1 - 20 form part of the accounts.
**----- End of picture text -----**
Pages 18-22 ## **SINAI MAR THOMA CHURCH NORTH LONDON** ## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH 2021** |**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible fixed assets
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
Cash at Bank and in hand
**LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
Creditors and Accruals
Due within one year
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
Less
Unsecured Loan
Provision for Vicar's relocation cost
**NET ASSETS**
Represented by:
Designated Funds (ear marked)
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds|**Notes**
£
£
13
300,878
14
685
81,151
81,836
15
5,291
76,545
377,423
16
10,000
7
8,927
18
**358,496**
17
19,350
17
314,128
17
25,018
**358,496**
**31st March 2021**|£
£
300,878
926
51,138
52,064
1,660
50,404
351,282
10,000
4,927
**336,355**
15,150
307,571
13,634
**336,355**
**31st March 2020**| |---|---|---| The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 17th October 2021 and were signed on its behalf by : Rev Dr P G George President ______________________Signed Mr Abraham Jacob Trustee - Treasurer ________________________Signed Mr Thomas Alexander Trustee - Accounts ________________________Signed Pages 19-22 ## **Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2021** ## 1 **ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements** ## **a. General** The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. ## **Income** All incomes are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when received. ## **Expenditure** Expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category.Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular heading, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. **b. Depreciation** Depreciation is provided on fixed assets on straight line basis using the following rates: Free hold property nil ( provided at 1% in earlier years) Computer and office equipment 25% on cost Furniture and fittings 25% on cost Motor Vehicles 20% on cost **c. Gift aid** Gift aid recovered on gift aid donations are recognised as income in the period actually received. 2 **SUBSCRIPTION** This consist of voluntary contribution by members by monthly standing order in most cases. |**3**
**OFFERTORY**
Offertory
Birthday Offertory
Wedding Anniversary offertory
Baptism & marriage offertory
Fasting Offertory**
Thanks Giving Etc.
** Restricted Funds
**4**
**OTHER RECEIPTS**
Donation
Sevika Sangam
Sevika Sangam**
Family Conf **
Donations received for ASSH project**
Donation for Zonal contribution
Donation for Sunday School **
Donation for Youth Fund
Sunday School Books etc
Fusion Fest - Refund (prior year)
Donation for Rev Peter Ward- All Saints Church
Interest received
** Restricted Funds
**5**
**Donation for Church**
Donation for Church Development Fund **
Parsonage Purchase **
** Restricted Funds
**6**
**PARSONAGE EXPENSES**
Repair & Maintenance
Heating, Lighting & Water
Television Licence Fee
Council Tax
**7**
**PROVISION FOR VICAR'S TRANSFER COST**
Balance brought forward 1st April 2020
Provision made in the year
Less: Utilised Fund During the Year
Balance carried fwd. 31st March 2021|**2021**
**2020**
£
£
639
10215
1,825
4750
655
1580
130
200
400
900
0
415
**3,649**
**18,060**
**2021**
**2020**
£
£
0
7,246
0
1,054
0
500
2,049
3,390
2,250
0
0
194
0
750
400
0
330
0
300
0
9
41
**5,338**
**13,175**
**2021**
**2020**
£
£
8,935
755
0
1,500
**8,935**
**2,255**
**2021**
**2020**
£
£
95
5,348
1,094
2,448
157
155
1,855
1,785
**3,201**
**9,734**
**2021**
**2020**
£
£
4,927
7,991
4,000
4,000
0
-7,064
**8,927**
**4,927**| |---|---| Pages 20-22 **----- Start of picture text -----**
2021 2020
8 RENT £ £
Rent (Church) 7,200 7,200
7,200 7,200
2021 2020
9 Diocesan Contributions £ £
Zonal contributions 2,250 1,610
Diocesan contributions 1,390 1,390
Sevikasangham payment for Dialysis** 0 50
** Restricted Funds 3,640 3,050
2021 2020
10 Donations £ £
Nursing Students** 0 909
KIDS** 0 610
Harrow Food Bank** 0 200
St. Luke's Hospice** 0 200
Rev V T John - Farewell gift 0 630
All Saints Church- Rev Peter Ward Farewell gift 300 0
KIDS 0 90
** Restricted Funds 300 2,639
2021 2020
£ £
11 CHURCH ACTIVITY EXPENSES
Sunday School Books etc 410 2,093
Church Activity Expenses 123 1,336
Special Occasion Catering 0 2,428
Choir Expenses 0 217
VISA Sponsorship licence fee 536 0
Youth Activity 0 98
1,069 6,172
** Restricted Funds
2021 2020
£ £
12 SUNDRY EXPENSES
Clergy Conference 0 100
Prior year adjustment 0 -35
Bank Charges & Other Incidental Expenses 0 0
0 65
13 FIXED ASSETS
Office Furniture Motor Freehold
Equipment & Fitting Vehicle Property Total
£ £ £ £ £
Cost
At 01/4/2020 2,688 8,670 9,454 326,797 347,610
Additions 0 0 0 0 0
Disposal 0 0 -9,454 0 -9,454
0 0 0 0 0
At 31/03/2021 2,688 8,670 0 326,797 338,156
Less: Depreciation
At 01/4/2020 2,688 8,670 9,454 25,920 46,732
Charge for the year 0 0 -9,454 0 -9,454
2,688 8,670 0 25,920 37,278
Net Book Value
At 01/4/2020 0 0 0 300,878 300,878
At 31/03/2021 0 0 0 300,878 300,878
31st March 2021 31st March 2020
14 DEBTORS £ £
Prepayments (Insurance) 685 926
685 926
31st March 2021 31st March 2020
£ £
15 CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS
Creditors (Students sponsorship - 2018-19/2019-2020) 982 982
Due to HMRC 669 0
Accruals 3,640 678
5,291 1,660
31st March 2021 31st March 2020
16 UNSECURED LOAN FOR PARSONAGE PURCHASE
Interest Free Loan £ £
Repayable within ten Years from Jan 2013-Dec2023 10,000 30,000
10,000 30,000
Total Unsecured Loan Before Repayment A 10,000 30,000
Less Repaid During the Year
Interest free Loan repayable in ten years from Jan 2013-Dec2023 0 20,000
B 0 20,000
Total Unsecured Loan Balance After Repayment A-B 10,000 10,000
**----- End of picture text -----**
Pages 21-22 **----- Start of picture text -----**
17 FUNDS MOVEMENT
General Designated Restricted Total
Fund * Fund Fund Fund
£ £ £ £
As at 1st April 2020 307,571 15,150 13,634 336,355
Net Surplus for the yearj ( ) 10,757 0 11,384 22,141
Transferred to Vehicle fund -2,000 2,000 0
Profit from sale of motor vehicle -2,200 2,200 0
As at 31st March 2021 314,128 19,350 25,018 358,496
* Unrestricted Funds
DESIGNATED FUNDS £ £ £ £
Other
Vehicle Vicar's Transfer Designated Total
Fund cost Fund Funds Fund
As at 1st April 2020 12,000 4,927 3150 20,077
Profit from sale of motor vehicle 2,200 0 0 2,200
Transfer from General Funds 2,000 4,000 0 6,000
As at 31st March 2021 16,200 8,927 3,150 28,277
18 NET ASSETS ALLOCATION BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted Restricted Total
£ £ £
Tangible Fixed Assets 300,878 300,878
Current Assets 56,818 25,018 81,836
Current Liabilities -5,291 -5,291
Unsecured Loan -10,000 -10,000
Provisions for Vicar's relocation -8,927 -8,927
333,478 25,018 358,496
Movement in Designated Funds and Restricted Funds in the year
As at 1.4.2020 During the period 1.4.2020 to 31.3.2021
FUNDS Balance Allocation/Receipts Payments Balance
Motor Vehicle Fund £12,000.00 £4,200.00 £0.00 £16,200.00
Youth Fund £750.00 £0.00 £0.00 £750.00
Family Conference £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1,000.00
Centre Meeting £1,400.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1,400.00
Designated funds Total £15,150.00 £4,200.00 £0.00 £19,350.00
Fasting Offertory*** £934.00 £400.00 £0.00 £1,334.00
Sevika Sangham*** £555.00 £0.00 £0.00 £555.00
ASSH-Fund*** £9,696.00 £2,049.00 £0.00 £11,745.00
Sunday School*** £194.00 £0.00 £0.00 £194.00
Parsonage purchase*** £1,500.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1,500.00
Church Development Fund*** £755.00 £8,935.00 £0.00 £9,690.00
Restricted Fund Total £13,634.00 £11,384.00 £0.00 £25,018.00
Total £28,784.00 £15,584.00 £0.00 £44,368.00
*** Restricted Funds
19 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
No remuneration was paid or payable directly or indirectly out of the funds of the church during the year ,to any trustees or to
any persons known to be connected with the church except the Vicar of the church.The Vicar's remuneration was paid in
accordance with the terms of his appointment and accomodation was also provided.All actual expenses incurred by the Vicar
for pastorial and for carrying out his duties were reimbursed to him.
20 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions during the year ended 31st March 2021.
**----- End of picture text -----**
Pages 22-22