Charity Number 1165032
Christ Church Newham URC
Annual Report and Accounts For the year ended 31[st] December 2022.
Christ Church Newham URC
Legal and Administrative Information 2022
Pastor:
Mr. Reuben A. S. John
Current Elders / Trustees:
Mr. Blaise Dias (Church Secretary) Mr. Carey Peter Noel Mr. Raj Kiran Padala Mrs. Ann Obatomi Mr. Flavien Mankulu Mr. Charles Kwabaah Acheampong Ms. Temitope Alegbeleye Mrs. Bola Mosuro Mrs. Jemima Mukankusi Nkusi Mr. Mark Freeman
Correspondence Address Christ Church Newham – URC 663 Barking Road Plaistow London E13 9EX Independent examiner Brian Dexter ACMA 172 Sandford Road East Ham London E6 3PX
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION:
Christ Church Newham – URC is a local church of the United Reformed Church in London, Great Britain, and is a member church of North Thames Synod of the Church. It was registered on 4[th] January 2016 as Charity Number 1165032.
Christ Church Newham is situated at Christ Church Newham, 663 Barking Road, London, E13 9EX.
The members of the Elders’ Meeting for the time being are recognised as the charity trustees.
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Christ Church Newham URC
Elders’ Report 2022
The Elders present their report and accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the SORP (FRS102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" effective from 1st January 2019.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT:
The activities of Christ Church Newham – URC are overseen by the Elders’ Meeting of the Church in accordance with the provisions of The Structure of the United Reformed Church determined by the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church and supplemented by the rules of Christ Church Newham – URC.
The Elders’ Meeting is responsible for the financial administration of the Church, and the care and maintenance of Church premises and the manse. The Church Meeting (of all members wishing to attend) gives general guidance on the life and work of the Church. The members of the Elders Meeting are the minister in pastoral charge Mr. Reuben John and up to 10 members of Christ Church Newham – URC nominated and elected by the members of the said Church in the Church Meeting. Elders serve for 03 years, retire by rotation and are eligible for reelection. There is no limit on the number of consecutive periods of service. The members of the Elders’ Meeting are the trustees of the registered charity during their period of service as elders. The Elders’ Meeting met 23 times during the year and the Church Meeting met twice.
Risk
The Elders, who are the Trustees have given due consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied those systems, policies and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES:
As a local congregation of the United Reformed Church, Christ Church Newham seeks to advance in Christianity through its activities and the facilities offered to the community by its building and described more specifically in its mission statement as The Elders’ Meeting is aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in "The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit" and has regard to it in the administration of the Church.
The Elders’ Meeting believes that the Church provides benefit to the public by:
• Providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for the congregation and for anyone else who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers.
• Promoting Christian values and service by members of the congregation to the community for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
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REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
Elders report and activities for the year 2022 was packed with a lot of discussion and planning as we were gathering at Lenwood Hall on Coronation Road on temporary basis due to our old building being reconstructed. Now we have moved on to the new build along with one other user group.
As 2021 was drawing to a close we sensed 2022 had so much in store for the Church. Our recovery has been progressing well since Covid started. 2022 has been a mixed year so far for the congregation; We thank God for protecting us and others during the difficult Covid. We have had Church members who have lost friends and family members due to various causes. We have remained steadfast all through 2021 to 2022.
The church moved from Lenwood Hall to the new building on 17th April 2022. The London Black Women’s Project, who has their office next door, uses the rooms in the church for their staff trainings, conferences and counselling sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We have two churches renting the main church hall on Sunday afternoon and evening for church services: Bethesda Christian fellowship and Igreta Baptista, a Portuguese speaking church. Their services are from 3:30pm - 5:30pm and 6pm to 9pm respectively.
Attendance: Overall, elders attended most of the meetings apart from few falling sick or nonavailability due to work commitments. Year 2022 was quite successful in the end as most of our thoughts were discussed, planned and actioned to achieve brilliant resulting in where we stand today.
Focus for the year : And God blessed them, and God said unto them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moved upon the earth.” Elders championed to the theme affirming that the Lord will help us to flourish and add to our number. Teamwork and unity has been our prime objective.
We are witnessing people embracing new opportunities and using their gifts and talents to serve God and people around us. God is doing a new thing amongst us.
We baptised few early on this year. This was followed up with others that we baptised in the name of God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit. We are a diverse Church community from many nations, with more than 30 different nationalities, the cornerstone and foundation of the Church being Jesus Christ our solid rock. The Word of God instructs all that we do for His Kingdom. We seek to carry out our mission statement from Matthew 28:18-19 with Jesus instructing the Church to make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Sunday School : Sunday school moved to f2f at 11am in church from zoom sessions online. We have our Children services and a great Sunday school team who lead the sessions with distinction. The commitment from the children and parents was clear to witness, with up to 20 children attending every week. The children have grown spiritually and in their knowledge of the holy bible. The Sunday school was asked to lead the Sunday Service on several occasions during the year; all the children ranging from age 5 to 11 participated in the service, praying,
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reading from the bible and leading praise and worship. The Sunday school and the Youth Ministry work very closely together.
Youth Ministry: The Youth Ministry operates via zoom every Monday with nine youth in attendance. And on Wednesday evenings we have around eight young adults joining in. Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Our dynamic youth services and some of our youth and children are leading our praise and worship services. The Church is seeking to empower everyone to use their talents to build God’s Kingdom and impact people’s lives positively.
Preach Plan : The elders worked on a preach plan for the year and shared their availability, this was spearheaded by the church leader Ps. Reuben John. The preach plan is a Rota of elders working on a schedule to ensure that the church is looked after in a spiritual manner. There were few last-minute changes but was well covered.
Fasting Prayer : The elders embarked on a fasting prayer plan and communicated to all members of Christ church for participation. The response was positive and was welcomed by all. This was spread over 7days or 14days. Different types of fasts were observed, there was great feedback from the public and we were encouraged to conduct more of these sessions.
Bible Study & Prayers : Christ Church families are all encouraged to attend our weekly Bible studies. To be a healthy Church family, prayer and studying God’s Word is what will help lead to revival and a great expansion of God’s Kingdom here on earth.
We have a growing team of Evangelist’s already witnessing the love of Jesus in our communities. Christ Church is a house of prayer. Praying to God helps us keep going. We have prayer meetings 6 days a week, with people meeting virtually and on a Hybrid basis. We are witnessing steady growth. We have been blessed with dynamic preaching, teaching and a great fellowship time.
Bible study prayer meetings were held either 6 or 7 times a week online via zoom. On an average we had around 20 members attending which includes visitors. The weekly prayer meetings were embedded with the Lent prayer meetings. People who can’t make it to the meeting are requested to send their prayer request via text or email to the Pastor.
Lenwood hall : Lenwood hall is under offer and final transactions are ongoing.
Safeguarding : All elders/trustees had their DBS clearance updated or applied for. All DBS was cleared for all staff and trustees.
Financial Shortfall : Our church is still looking out for funds to complete our AV systems and the church gallery.
Holy week services : Prayer and fasting was observed for the holy week services. It took some time for people to entrust over safety and hygiene issues post covid.
Online Safety : Elders discussed online safety via zoom for Sunday services, weekly prayer meetings, Sunday school for children and youth sessions. Children, senior citizens and all other members were cautioned and trained about the advantages and disadvantages of online safety and regulations.
Church Building Project : As the contractual works were progressing, there were site visits by the contractors. The PA system is incomplete, and we look forward to funds that will help us
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with new technologies and wireless systems with cutting edge audio visuals. We held meetings online to pray about this matter.
The huge part of our fundraising is towards the PA system which involves a bigger amount.
End of year festive season : Christ church Newham has worked hard to achieve the results of a fruitful Christian place of worship. Moving further it plans to establish a powerful vision and mission to pave the way for people and the local community through faith.
We have a growing IT Team helping us adjust to a digital world. Our vision is to be a beacon of light in Newham, London and the entire globe and to serve our purpose us a Church.
We have celebrated people’s birthday with some outstanding state of the art decorations and excellent food dishes. We have had a marriage blessing celebration and you have guessed right again with some lovely dishes on the menu. We celebrate our diversity and oneness in Christ.
Financial Review: The Charity's financial transactions during the year and the financial situation at the end of the year are set out in the following accounts. The trustees consider the financial position to be satisfactory.
Reserves policy: The Elders’ policy on reserves is to hold sufficient free reserves to cover six months projected operating costs. (£35,100). The total reserves as of 31st December 2022 are £72,981 of which £27,810 are restricted funds leaving unrestricted fund balances of £45,171.
Of this £18,482 is held in the book value of fixed assets funded by general funds, leaving free reserves at £ 26,689.
Elders note that reserves now cover 4.5 months of operating costs which is just below the target level. Elders note the improvement on the previous year and consider this progress to be satisfactory and will monitor reserves closely to ensure they return to the required level.
Christ Church Newham URC
Signed: Blaise Dias
Date: 31/10/2023
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Independent Examiner’s Report 2022
To the Trustees.
I report on the accounts of the Fellowship for the year ended 31st December 2022, which are set out in the following pages.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The 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.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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i) Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act.
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ii) 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
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iii) 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. 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 you 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 matter has come to my attention:
(a) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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a. To keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the companies Act 2006; and
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b. To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the SORP (FRS102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" effective from 1[st] January 2019
have not been met; or
- (b) To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Brian Dexter Chartered Management Accountant 172 Sandford Road East Ham London E6 3PX
Dated: 31/10/2023
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Christ Church Newham URC
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022:
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Note Funds Funds 2022 Income and endowments from Donations and legacies 3a £ 52,015 £ - £ 52,015 Income from Charitable Activities 3b £ 47,356 £ - £ 16,170 Investment Income 3c £ 50 £ - £ 50 Other Incoming Resources 3d £ 2,605 £ - £ 2,605 Total Incoming Resources £ 102,026 £- £ 63,584 Expenditure on Raising funds £ - £ - £ - Charitable activities Church activities 11a £ 78,670 £ 2,190 £ 80,860 Total cost of Charitable activities £ 78,670 £ 2,190 £ 80,860 Other costs 11b £ 6,694 £ - £ 6,694 Total resources expended £ 85,364 £ 2,190£ 87,554 Net surplus/(defcit) for the year £ 16,662 £ (2,190) £ 14,472 Transfers between funds9 £ - £ - £ - Net movement in funds £ 16,662 £ (2,190) £ 14,472 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances 1stJanuary 2022 £ 28,509 £ 30,000 £ 58,509 Fund balances 31st December 2022 £ 45,171 £ 27,810 £ 58,509 |
Total 2021 £ 45.076 £ 47,356 £ 36 £ 2,302 £ 102,026 £ - £ 110,648 £ 110,648 £ 4,578 £ 115,226 £ (51,642) £ - £ (51,642) |
|
|---|---|---|
£ 110,151 £ 72,981 |
This statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. All of the organisation’s operations are classed as continuing.
Christ Church Newham URC
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BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022:
| Note Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets 2 Current Assets Debtors 7 Cash at bank and in hand 6 Liabilities: Creditors: amounts due within One year 8 Net Current Assets Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year. Total Net Assets The Funds of the charity: Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total Funds |
2022 £ 32,596 £ 1,811 £ 45,470 £ 47,281 £ 6,896 £ 40,385 £- £ 72,981 £ 27,810 £ 45,171 £ 72,981 |
2021 £ 16,234 £ 141 £ 48,461 £ 48,602 £ 6,327 £ 42,275 £- |
|---|---|---|
| £ 58,509 £ 30,000 £ 28,509 £ 58,509 |
Trustee Responsibilities
The Charities Act 2011 requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the trust for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the trust will continue to exist.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the trust. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the trust and taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. The accounts were approved by the Trustees on
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Christ Church Newham URC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2022.
1 Accounting Policies
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a. Basis of preparation:
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The accounts have been prepared under the historic cost convention. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued March 2015 and the Charities Act 2011.
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b. Incoming Resources:
Incoming resources are credited in the accounts when they are received, except that:
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Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources, receipt is probable, and the value is known with certainty.
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Performance related Grant income is only included in the SOFA once the related goods and services has been delivered.
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Volunteer Help is not included in the accounts as its value cannot be measured with sufficient reliability, but it is described in the trustees’ annual report.
c. Resources expended:
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Liabilities are recognised in the accounts at the time when a commitment to make payment is incurred.
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d. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation:
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the costs less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Fixtures, fittings, and equipment 10% p.a. on reducing balance. General Equipment 25% p.a. on reducing balance. Music Equipment 25% p.a. on reducing balance. Building Improvements 0%
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Christ Church Newham URC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2022.
| 2. Tangible Fixed Assets Total Cost As of 1stJanuary 2022. 98,401 Additions Disposals - As of 31st December 2022. £118,440 Accumulated Depreciation As of 1stJanuary 2022, 82,167 Charge for year 3,677 On disposals - As of 31st December 2022, Net Book Value As of 31st December 2022. As of 31st December 2021. 16,234 |
Fixtures Building Ofce Music & Fittings Improvements Equipment Equipment £ 12,409 £ 12,509 £ 51,954 £21,529 £ £ 12,565 £ - £ 3,739 £ 3,735 £ 20,039 £- £- £- £-£ |
|---|---|
| £ 24,974 £ 12,509 £ 55,693 £25,264 £ 9,884 £ - £ 51,572 £ 20,711 £ £ 1,509 £ - £ 1,030 £ 1,138 £ £- £- £- £-£ £ 11,393 £-£ 52,602 £ 21,849 £ 85,844 |
|
£ 13,581 £ 12,509 £ 3,091 £ 3,415 £ 32,596 £ 2,525 £ 12,509 £ 382 £ 818 £ |
Of the Net book value as of 31 December 2022 (£32,596), £14,114 is funded from restricted reserves and £18,482 from unrestricted funds.
3. Income and Endowments
| ncome and Endowments | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| This Year | 2022 | ||||||||
| a) Donations and Legacies | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | 2021 | |||||
| Ofering Income | £ 44,212 | £ | - | £ | 44,212 | ||||
| £37,516 | |||||||||
| Buy a brick | £ | - | £ | - | £ | - | £ | ||
| 1,020 | |||||||||
| Grants | £ | - | £ | - | £ | - | £ - | ||
| Gift Aid Recoverable | £ | 7,803 | £ | - | £ 7,803 | £ 6,540 | |||
| Total | £ 52,015 | £ | - | £ 52,015 | £ 45,076 | ||||
| b) Income from Charitable Activities | |||||||||
| Rents and Room Lettings | £ 47,356 | £ | - | £ 47,356 | £ 16,170 | ||||
| Total | £ 47,356 | £ | - | £ 47,356 | £ 16,170 | ||||
| c) Investment Income | |||||||||
| Interest receivable | £ | 50 | £ | - | £ | 50 | £ | 36 | |
| Total | £ | 50 | £ | - | £ | 50 | £ | 36 |
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d) Other Incoming Resources
Sundry Income £ 2,605 £ - £ 2,605 £ 2,302 Refunds £ - £ - £ - £ - . Total £ 2,605 £ - £ 2,605 £ 2,302
Christ Church Newham URC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2022.
3.Income and Endowments
| .Income and Endowments | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prior Year | 2021 | |||||||
| a) Donations and Legacies | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | 2020 | ||||
| Ofering Income | £ 37,516 | £ | - | £ 37,516 | ||||
| £34,384 | ||||||||
| Buy a brick | £ | - | £ 1,020 | £ 1,020 | £ 3,209 | |||
| Grants | £ | - | £ | - | £ | - | £30,000 | |
| Gift Aid Recoverable | £ | 6,540 | £ | - | £ 6,540 | £ | 4,738 | |
| Total | £ 44,056 | £ 1,020 | £ 45,076 | £ 72,331 | ||||
| b) Income from Charitable Activities | ||||||||
| Rents and Room Lettings | £ 16,170 | £ | - | £ 16,170 | £ 25,260 | |||
| Total | £ 16,170 | £ | - | £ 16,170 | £ 25,260 | |||
| c) Investment Income | ||||||||
| Interest receivable | £ | 36 | £ | - | £ | 36 | £ | 113 |
| Total | £ | 36 | £ | - | £ | 36 | £ | 113 |
| d) Other Incoming Resources | ||||||||
| Sundry Income | £ | 2,302 | £ | - | £ 2,302 | £ | ||
| 2,314 | ||||||||
| Refunds | £ | - | £ | - | £- | £ | 485 | |
| Total | £ | 2,302 | £ | - | £ 2,302 | £ | 2,799 |
4. Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year 2022 (2021: nil). Small reimbursements of normal church expenses were made to them.
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Christ Church Newham URC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2022.
5. Employees
The number of employees at the end of the year was 2 (2021: 3). The monthly average during the year was 3 (2021: 3). The employment costs for the year were: Wages and Salaries £36,542 (2021: £ 34,008) NIC £2,605 (2021: £ 2,302), pension costs, £765 (2021: £765). The £ 2,605 of NIC cost was recovered from HMRC by way of the Employers annual allowance, to which the church was entitled.
6. Cash at Bank and In Hand
| 6. Cash at Bank and In Hand Business Premium Account URC Group account Christ Church ministries account Total 7. Debtors and Prepayments Accounts Receivable Accrued Income and prepayments Total 8. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Barclays current account Independent Examiner’s Fee Accrued Utility bills Pension contributions due PAYE/NIC due to HMRC Total |
31-Dec-2022 £ 43,938 £ 302 £ 1,230 £ 45,470 31-Dec-2022 £ 1,811 £- £ 1,811 31-Dec-2022 £ 963 £ 600 £ 3,387 £ 149 £ 1,797 £ 6,896 |
31-Dec-2021 £ 47,231 £ - £ 1,230 £ 48,461 31-Dec-2021 £ 141 £- £ 141 31-Dec-2021 £ 1,424 £ 600 £ 2,356 £ 298 £ 1,649 £ 6,327 |
|---|---|---|
9. Restricted Funds.
The Restricted funds relate to gifts, grants and donations raised for the building fund. In 2021 £49,761 was transferred to this fund from General reserves. This sum relates to a legacy received in 2017, two grants received in 2018 and the funds transferred from Latimer Christian Fellowship in 2019.
10. Capital commitments.
On 31st December 2022 the Charity had no capital commitments (2021: Nil).
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Christ Church Newham URC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2022.
11. Detail breakdown of Resources Expended.
| a) b) |
Cost of Charitable Activities Wages and Salaries Employer’s NIC Pension Contributions Costs Donations to Christian Missions Contribution to URC central Funds Licences and Subscriptions Ministry Expenses Ofce Costs Repairs and Maintenance Cleaning and Waste Management Removal expenses Telephone Costs Utilities Depreciation Total General Fund Charitable Activities cost Restricted Fund cost of Charitable activities Depreciation URC North Thames (Building Fund) Total Cost of Charitable Activities Other Costs Governance: Independent Examination Bank Charges Insurance Costs Legal & Professional Fees Total |
2022 £ 36,542 £ 2,605 £ 765 £ 5,127 £ 4,000 £ 1,656 £ 1,735 £ 872 £ 2,405 £ 11,035 £ 155 £ 832 £ 9,454 £ 1,487 £ 78,670 £ 2,190 £ - £ 80,860 £ 600 £ 436 £ 5,058 £ 600 £ 6,694 |
2021 £ 34,008 £ 2,302 £ 765 £ 4,602 £ 4,000 £ 1,054 £ 886 £ 583 £ 411 £ 2,056 £ - £ 752 £ 4,048 £ 681 £ 56,148 £ - £ 54,500 £ 110,648 £ 600 £ 319 £ 2.503 £ 1,156 £ 4,578 |
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Dated: 31/12/2023
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