2020-12-31-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report for the period

From

Period start date

To

Period end date

01 Jan 2020 31 Dec 2020

Section A Reference and administration details

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Charity name

ST THOMAS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH LONDON

Other names charity is known by

ST THOMAS JSOC LONDON

Registered charity number (if any)

1177726

Charity's principal address

2A Taunton road

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Harold hill,

Romford

Post code

RM3 7ST

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)

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1

Fr. Raju C Abraham (Vicar) Chair Person

General Body

2

POULOSE KAKKASSERY Secretary General Body

3

BIJU JACOB Treasurer General Body

4

Aji Paul Joint Secretary General Body

5

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Pradeep Cherian

General Body

6

Babu Parakudiyil General Body BASIL JOHN General Body

7

8

SIRIL KURIAN General Body Sujoy Abraham General Body

9

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Mrs. Simi C. Yohannan General Body Vinu Paul General Body George Pottackal General Body Uthup Abraham General Body

11 12 13

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14 15 16 17 18 TAR July 2021

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20

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

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Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Type of adviser Name Address

NName of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

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Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution)

The Church's governing document is the Constitution that has been submitted to the Charity Commission.

How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company)

CIO

Trustee selection methods

(eg. appointed by, elected by)

Elected by General Body

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

• policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;

• the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;

• relationship with any related parties;

• trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

Our Church St Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church is an integral part of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church led by Mor lgnatius Aphrem ll who is the Patriarch and Supreme Head of Antioch and all the East, reigning on the Apostolic Throne of St Peter. The Church also owes its allegiance to his Beautitude Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas l, the Catholicos of the East (Malankara) and His successors. The Patriarchal Vicar (Metropolitan in charge of the UK) in consultation with the Patriarch, governs and guides our Church in the matters of faith.

The Vicar is appointed by the Patriarch through the Patriarchal Vicar. The Annual General Body elects the Church office bearers including the Secretary, the Joint Secretary, the Treasurer, an internal auditor and the other Managing Committee members/Trustees. All administrative and financial affairs of the church are managed and administered by the Managing Committee. The tenure of the elected managing committee is usually two years.

The Managing Committee meets at least once in a month on an average, to deliberate and make decisions regarding the day to day affairs of the Church, including the approval of new applications to the membership of the church. A half yearly general body meeting is convened every six months. AII the income and expenditure is budgeted at the beginning of the church financial year and approved by the general body. Spending is regulated and misuse of funds is safeguarded by the strict adherence to the rules set out by the Trustees

Accounts and procedures are internally audited at least twice a year by an internal auditor elected at the Annual General Body Meeting (AGM). An independent examination or external scrutiny is also carried out by an independent examiner appointed by the Trustees.

Section C Objectives and activities

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

The prime objective of the church is to promote the Christian faith and spread the Good word.

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To conduct the Holy Eucharist, Sacraments and Services according to the faith, traditions and customs of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.

To provide the Holy Sacrament to all its faithful members.

To establish charitable institutions for the welfare of the members of the church and to support these and other charitable institutions to be able to provide for the poor and the needy in a wider society.

Other charitable purposes for the benefit of the public and the Development of the community.

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)

The Holy Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday of the year at St Thomas JSO Church, Romford, London, RM3 7ST, where, on an average, more than 200 people attend the Holy Mass and other religious discourses. The service starts at 0930 hrs with morning prayers and the Holy Mass begins at 10.00 hrs. An additional Holy Qurbana used to conduct from this church at St. Mary’s and St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox church Coulsdon on every 4[th] Saturdays’ of the month mainly for the convenience of Members of St. Mary’s Kudumba unit and believers from south London. However due to Covid 19 pandemic and unavailability of the above venue or a suitable place this service is temporarily suspended.

The church strongly feels that the children of the church are the foundation of the future society and this church and hence a great deal of emphasis has been given to provide them with proper spiritual guidance in the Christian faith. We conduct Sunday School for the children for these very reasons and we instil belief, teachings of the Lord, traditions of our church and the positive moral and social values that will develop in these children. We follow a structured curriculum for these teachings which are provided by our organisations (MJSSC) based in Kerala, India in coordination with MJSSA UK. More than 85 children have registered as students of the Sunday School and regularly attend these Sunday School classes which are held currently online after the Holy Mass. The curriculum focuses on teachings from the Bible.

A Youth Association is active in our church as altar boys, choir singers and leaders in many other groups. Their goal is to leam and practices the Lord's teachings, to grow together in the faith and to build on the strong moral values and develop a social conscience as a result. They also organise various cultural, community and charity activities.

A Women's forum has been set up and very active in the Church. The main purpose is to grow spiritually in Christ through prayers, devotional songs of worship and Bible study sessions.

Four fellowship units have been created based on the geographical spread of the member's residences. Regular prayer meetings are held in each unit once every month. Such meetings give the families a nice opportunity to come together, interact and worship together and strengthen the fellowship.

Christmas Carol services are held in the traditional way where a group of singers including ladies, children, the Vicar and Santa Claus visit member's residences singing and proclaiming the glorious news of the Saviour's birth and the everlasting hope offered to mankind.

We believe that one of the important benefits of attending the Holy services on a regular basis is that it changes people. lt purifies the soul and gives a finer perspective on life and brings out the best in each individual. lt prompts us to consider others' needs as equally important as ours.

Helping the poor and the needy forms an important part of our Worship to God. We also believe that helping the poor is one of the ways of contributing towards building a better world. A portion of our income is spent each year to provide financial assistance to sick patients, disabled and the poor.

Grants are given to the eligible applicants, only after proper verification of the genuineness and their existing financial status and this is discussed in detail in the committee meetings of the Trustees. lt is also here that the amount to be given is decided and this is sent directly to the beneficiary with no third parties involved.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: TAR 11

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• policy on grantmaking;

• policy programme related investment;

• Contribution made by volunteers.

Section D Achievements and performance

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Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

Our Church is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with effect from 27th Mar 2018. Our new Charity Registration Number is 1177726.

St Thomas Day: On 4[th] and 5[th] , our Church celebrated the feast day of St Thomas which was blessed by a Perunnal message from HG Mathew Mor Antheemos and special Holy Mass was conducted by parish priest Rev Fr Gee Varghese Thandayath and Vicar: Fr Raju C Abraham and Rev. Abin Markose.

Youth Association: With the theme Spiritual nourishment and personality development, many activities such as Food for community charity food distributions, meet and greet, Youth retreat and Holy Mass in English are successfully undertaken this year.

Other community and charity activities undertaken during the year 2019:

• Food bank aid; community food deliveries in Romford commun ity on every 4[th] Sundays.

• Garden of Love veg. garden project and tree planting within the church compound.

• Regularly support by providing food items to needy neighbourhood area, Abercrombie house and local sheltered homes at Harold hill.

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Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

The Church reserves are held to fund its current and future activities.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

There are no funds in deficit.

Further financial review details (Optional information)

The principal source of income is voluntary donations and monthly subscription fees from our members.

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

The major expenditure is the mortgage being paid to Charity Bank for repaying the loan.

• the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);

The Church is run by volunteers who are not entitled to any remuneration, except the Vicar's allowances being paid to the Priest for pastoral services.

• how expenditure has supported the key Other expenses are in proportion to the needs of the

• objectives of the charity; congregation.

• investment policy and objectives including any The Church does not have sufficient funds currently to invest in ethical investment policy long term investments. Funds available are held as cash in a adopted. mainstream bank,

Public Benefit:

The Trustees have considered the guidance produced by the Charity Commission on the provision of the l

public benefit and they confirm that the public benefit has been provided by:

• 1) Promoting the whole mission of the church through activities for individuals, parents and toddlers.

• 2) Providing regular Christian Worship open to all.

• 3) Teaching Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.

• 4) Instituting Christian values in children.

• 5) Extending the charity works of the Church to other communities around us.

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

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Signature(s)

Full name(s)

Poulose Kakkassery

Position (Secretary)

Secretary

Date

29/07/2021

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Charity Name No (if any) ST THOMAS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 1177726

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Charity Name No (if any)
ST THOMAS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 1177726
Receipts and payments accounts
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 1/1/2020 12/31/2020
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds
funds funds funds
to the nearest
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A1 Receipts
SUBCRIPTIONS 27,249 - 27,249
OFFERINGS 21,964 - 21,964
DONATIONS 25,121 - 25,121
BUILDING FUND 1,100 - 1,100
INTEREST 16 16
GIFT AID 32,403 32,403
106,753 1,100 - 107,853
Sub total (Gross income for AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total - - - -
Total receipts 106,753 1,100 - 107,853
A3 Payments
RENT FOR CHURCH /HALL HIRE 300 - 300
ACCOUNTANCY FEES 1,440 1,440
PAYMENTS TO VICAR 9,375 - 9,375
VISITING BISHOPS/PRIESTS/SPEAKERS 650 - 650
MISSION OF CONGREGATION 14,113 - 14,113
INSURANCE -
CHARITY CONTRIBUTION 8,871 - 8,871
FOOD & REFRESHMENT 3,326 - 3,326
MSOC CONTRIBUTION 1,118 1,118
LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL -
CHURCH LOAN REPAYMENT 18,777 18,777
LOAN INTEREST PAYMENT -
CHURCH UTILTIES 2,562 2,562
NEW CHURCH BUILDING + EXPENSES CA 1,908 1,908
MAINTANANCE 207 - 207
Sub total [ 62,648 ] - - 62,648
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - -
Total payments 62,648 - - 62,648
Net of receipts/(payments) 44,105 1,100 - 45,205
A5 Transfers between funds - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 73,033 17,209 - 90,242
Cash funds this year end 117,138 18,309 - 135,447
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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

			Unrestricted	Restricted
Categories	Details		funds	funds
B1 Cash funds	CURRENT SAVING PETTY CASH BUILDING FUND	Total cash funds	to nearest £ 86,886 31,223 - - 118,109	to nearest £ - - 17,338 17,338
	(agree balances	with receipts and payments account(s))	Agreement Error	Agreement Error
			Unrestricted	Restricted
			funds	funds
B2 Other monetary assets	Details		to nearest £ - - - - - -	to nearest £ - - - - - -
B3 Investment assets	Details		Fund to which asset belongs	Cost (optional) - -
B4 Assets retained for the	Details CHURCH BUILDING		629,939 Fund to which asset belongs	Cost (optional) -
charity’s own use				- - - - - - - -
			Fund to which	Amount due
B5 Liabilities	Details BANK LOAN ( THE CHARITY BANK LTD )		319,416 liability relates	- - - - - (optional)
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees	Signature		Print	Name
			Mr. Santhosh Alexander Mr. Biju Jacob

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CC16a
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Last year

to the nearest £ 23,535 21,253 43,326 16,191 62 22,264 126,631

126,631

3,200 1,440 14,650 2,550 8,432 848 3,925 8,552 3,355 257 8,469 13,712 4,027 272 10,115 83,805

83,805 42,826 - 47416 90,242

Endowment funds

to nearest £ - - - -

OK

Endowment funds

to nearest £

-

Current value (optional)

-

Current value (optional)

When due (optional)

Date of approval

Independent examiner's report on Ihe accounts Seclion A Independenl Examiner's Report Report lo the Irusleesl members of ST THOMAS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH On accounts for the year ended 31st DEGEMBER 2020 Charity no lif any) 1177726 Set oul on pages Respective The charity's trustees are responsible lor th8 preparation ol the accounts. The responsibilities of charity's trustees consider Ihat an audit is not r8quirèd lor this year under section trustees and examiner 144121 ol Ihe Charities Act 2011 Ilhe 2011 Acll and that an independent examinailon is needed. It is my responsibility lo= examine the accounls under section 145 01 the 2011 Act, lo follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions givén by Ihe Charity Commission (under section 1451Sllbl ol the 2011 Act, and lo slate whether particular mallers have come to ffly attention. Basis of independent My èxamination was carried out in accordance with general DIr￿110nS given by the examiner's statement Charity Commigsion. An examination includes a review ol the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison ol the accounts presented with those records. 11 also includes considèration ol any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such mallers. The procedures undertaken do not provide all Ihe evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as io whether the accounts present a 'Irue and lair, view and the report is limited to those matters sel out in Ihe statement below. Independent In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention lolher than examiner's statement that disclosed below ') 1. which gives rne reasonable caus8 lo believe that in, any material respect. the requirements.. lo kèep accounting records in accordance with section 130 01 the 2011 Act., and to Prepare aceaunls which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements ol ihe 2011 Act have not been mel or 2. to which, in my opinion, allenlion should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understancsing ol the accounts lo be reached. Please delete th8 words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: 1310712021 Name". Sebaslian Machukattu Devasia Relevant professional qualificalion{s) or body (if any): Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Address: 17 NEALS CORNER, BATH MIDDLESEX Daug Chartered ie TW3 3HJ Middlesex TW3 3HJ TEL.. [phone] IER

Sectlon B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs lo highlight material problems. Glve here briel details of any items that Ihe examiner wishes lo disclose. IER