## TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2021
BY TRUSTEES AT EDMONTON CHURCH OF CHRIST
Edmonton Church of Christ, London UK
## Trustees Annual Report of Edmonton Church of Christ 2021
## **Work of the Church as Set Out in Scriptures (Aims & Objectives)**
The aim of Edmonton Church of Christ is to worship God in truth and spirit and that is shown in the various ways the body of Christ at Edmonton is structured to ensure these goals are achieved to the glory of our Father in heaven. In order to achieve these goals, the church has deacons who lead in the areas of edification, evangelism and benevolence in addition to administration and finance to ensure members are actively engaged in charitable activities, spreading the gospel which saves mankind and also providing opportunities for members and visitors alike to worship God in the beauty of His Holiness.
In addition to the deacons who lead in the service areas, the elders have the oversight responsibility of all these deacons to ensure the best is done at every given opportunity. The elders are also to keep watch over both themselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers.
## **Administration and Finance**
Administration helps organise the Church in a manner that gives glory to God as well as achieving corporate social responsibilities. In doing so, periodic meetings are organised at different levels in the congregation to evaluate the progress of the Church in achieving its financial and administrative goals. To ensure that every concern of the members is dealt with in the spirit of God and complaints made receive their desired attention, there is periodic feedback to the church to ensure transparency and openness.
Communication from other congregations and individuals are received on behalf of the Church and where necessary responses are given on behalf of the Church. Men have been appointed to be responsible for making regular announcements to the congregation. The experiencing of covid-19 has brought about some changes in administration and finance. Contributions have been made mainly into the church’s account and other information have been shared electronically making the church compliance with mitigating measures for covid19.
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The deacon in charge is entrusted with the management of the financial resources of the Church, which are mainly from individual voluntary contributions. Part of the deacon’s duties is to ensure that the financial resources are best used in line with biblical principles. In light of this, the finance and administration section in conjunction with the other deacons work together to help prepare annual budgets so that all the ministries are properly funded for the purpose of carrying out their godly responsibilities.
The deacon in charge ensures that all money that are collected and spent is accounted for by providing the congregation with periodic financial reports and other financial information.
He also manages transportation needs of the church whether the church is going on a trip or making arrangement for brethren to be picked up for communal meetings for worship or other activities. The use of the transport services was minimal as many meetings were held online.
## **Evangelism and Visitation**
The aim for evangelism as an arm of the church is to encourage the congregation to be able to make disciples for our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who is the saviour and the Judge of the world and has entrusted us with this commission to bring salvation’s message unto each and every one to have the opportunity of deciding for themselves whether to accept the free message of salvation or not. In fact, God does not want anyone to perish but have everlasting life. In this vain the deacon serving in this capacity develops an annual evangelism plan, whereby the entire congregation have the opportunity, resources and skills needed to participate in this godly activity in line with the great commission set out in Mathew 28: 1920 which states ‘ _**Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’**_ .
The evangelism activity for the past year was reduced to using mainly social media platforms due to the covid-19 pandemic. Internet technology which has helped the whole world during this pandemic is not an exception for the church. Members have increased knowledge about meeting and sharing messages of salvation and hope through electronic media. As a result, the church is investing in radio broadcasting aside purchases of online communication tools like Zoom.
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## **Edification**
The deacon in charge of Edification oversees the smooth running of congregational worship activities. The plan for the last year included children below 7 and those of 7 years and above. The men and the women also had their specific sessions that enrich their spiritual health. These are carried out mainly through admonition, edification, singing, breaking of bread, workshops, lectures, bible teachings or preaching.
Edification operates to equip the families with daily bible studies resources that are useful in knitting the families together to make the church stronger as the church is largely made up of individual families. Again, various family links have been developed to ensure such smaller groups are given appropriate physical, spiritual and social platforms among others to integrate properly and have stronger bond among themselves to enhance their spiritual growth. Various family groups have studied different materials they deemed important for their growth during these difficult times.
The deacon also organises the church to have lectureships and workshops in conjunction with other sister Churches in England. This could take the form of an invitation from other churches or jointly planned sessions together with participating sister churches.
Throughout the year, fasting and prayer sessions were held as part of our commitment to intercede for members of the body of Christ, the community, the nation and the rest of the world. Another fasting and prayer session was held on every first Saturday of the year for similar needs and thanksgiving to God our Father.
Apart from meeting on every Sunday, the church also met on Saturdays mostly to study the word of God, fast and pray and also to sing to glorify our maker. Due to the meeting restrictions as per lockdown measures to mitigate the spread of the virus, our meetings were help online via zoom virtual platform.
## **Benevolence**
This is another major component of the church as it seeks to meet more of the physical needs of the members and those in the community. The serving deacon and other brothers and sisters working together make a thorough study of all needs for assistance in the church and in the community. Brethren work closely with other functional areas, and members of the Church in identifying and meeting those who have needs. They have been able to organise charity months where additional resources are obtained to add to their annual budget in
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meeting their aims. They make purchases of food items and give to families and individuals that have those needs. This particular benevolent act was increased due to the nature of difficulties some of our members encountered as a result of the covid-19 pandemic which brought in its wake lockdown, bereavement, sicknesses and loss of income to some members.
Those whose relatives pass away are given the necessary support, encouragement and also cash donations. Families who have new births are given token of items that are needed to support the upkeep of the child.
## **Youth**
In-person activities that are usually enjoyed by the youth by gathering together to take part in organised activities, did not happen as social distancing and lockdown measures prevented them from having their usual activities.
## **Financial Review of 2020**
Below are the screenshots of the financial statement for the year ending 31[st] December 2020.
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Financial Statement and Report For The
Year Ended- 31st December 2020
Opening Balance
2020
Church Collection
Total Income
£568.60
£33,991.03
£34,559.63
Total Expenditure
Closing Bal 2020
£31,859.63
£2,700
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
INCOME
EXPENDITURE £
Bal b/f (2020)
568.60
Church collection 33,991.03
Hall Rental
1,568.50
2,076.29
667.96
Transport
Edification
Evangelism
1,584.76
Benevolence
8,735.64
Administration
567.28
Building Transfer 16,659.20
Bal c/d (2021)
2,700
34,559.63
Total Income
34,559.63
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
£3,246.44
£2,250.00
£2,172.00
£3,003.00
£2,670.00
£1,470.00
£3,004.59
£3,735.00
£3,045.00
£4,200.00
£2,820.00
£2,375.00
EXPENDITURE
Hall Rental
£1,568.50
Transport
£2,076.29
Edification
£667.96
Evangelism
£1,584.76
Benevolence
£8,735.64
Administration
£567.28
Building Transfer
£16,659.20
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
£31,859.63
## **Explanation of the financial statement 2020**
Income:
The financial year began with a balance brought forward of £ **568.60** The main source of income which is members’ voluntary contribution accounted for £ **33,881.03** making the total income for the year is £ **34,559.63.**
Expenditures:
Our budgetary allocations made for the year saw total expenditures amounting to £ **£31,859.63**
The breakdown of the expenditure items is found in the account statement
Net Balance:
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As the church maintains a policy on reserve for contingency situations, the balance at the end of the year showed an excess income of £ **2,700** over our expenditure.
## **Structure of Edmonton Church of Christ**
## Church Members
**----- Start of picture text -----**
4 x Deacons
2 x Elders
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Edmonton Church of Christ**
I report on the accounts of the Edmonton Church of Christ for the year ended 31[st] December 2020, which are set out on pages 4-7 as per the screenshots.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is therefore my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
## **Basis of independent examiner’s report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. This 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 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 next statement.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- (1) which gives me 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 accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Thomas Obeng-Darkoh
175 Little Brays Harlow CM18 6EY
- 25[th ] August 2021
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