## **Trustees' Annual Report for the period** ## **From** Period start date **To** Period end date 01 Jan 2021 31 Dec 2021 Section A Reference and administration details **Page 1** ## **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 **Page 2** ## 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)** **Page 3** 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 **Page 4** Pradeep Cherian General Body 6 Babu Parakudiyil General Body 7 BASIL JOHN General Body 8 SIRIL KURIAN General Body Sujoy Abraham General Body 9 **Page 5** 10 Mrs. Simi C. Yohannan General Body 11 Vinu Paul General Body 12 George Pottackal General Body 13 Uthup Abraham General Body **Page 6** 14 15 16 17 18 Page 7 19 20 **Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)** **Name Dates acted if not for whole year** **Page 8** ## **Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Type of adviser Name Address** ## **NName of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)** **Page 9** ## **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. **Page 10** 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. To Relieve poverty and sickness in Greater London and India. 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)** **Page 11** You **may choose** to include further statements, where relevant, about: - policy on grant making; - policy programme related investment; - Contribution made by volunteers. ## Section D Achievements and performance **Page 12** ## 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 3[rd] and 4[th] , our Church celebrated the feast day of St Thomas which was blessed by a Perunnal message from HG Mathew Mor Antheemos, Gospel retreat by Rev. Fr. Joshy Vettikattil and Rev. Fr. Philip Thomas. The special Holy Mass was conducted with Rev Fr Jebin Iype as main Celebrant and Vicar: Fr Raju C Abraham and Rev.Fr. Philip Thomas. 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:** - **Charity Food Pantry; community charity food distribution and deliveries in Romford community on every 4[th] Sundays.** - **Garden of Love veg. Green 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.** **Page 13** ## **Section E Financial review** The Church reserves are held to fund its current and future **Brief statement of the** activities. **charity’s policy on reserves** **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 Bank for repaying the loan. - sources of funds (including any The Church is run by volunteers who are not entitled to any fundraising); 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. - 6) Voluntary and Charity activities to relieve poverty and sickness in Greater London and India. ## **Section G Declaration** ## **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** **Page 14** **Signature(s)** **Full name(s)** Poulose Kakkassery **Position (Secretary)** Secretary **Date** 13.10.2022 **Page 15** **Charity Name No (if any) ST THOMAS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH** 1177726 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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 1/1/2021 12/31/2021
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 33,646 - 33,646
OFFERINGS 13,150 979 - 14,129
DONATIONS 20,134 - 20,134
BUILDING FUND 1,200 - 1,200
INTEREST 3 3
GIFT AID 49,729 49,729
116,662 2,179 - 118,841
Sub total (Gross income for AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total - - - -
Total receipts 116,662 2,179 - 118,841
A3 Payments
RENT FOR CHURCH /HALL HIRE - -
ACCOUNTANCY FEES 720 720
PAYMENTS TO VICAR 14,900 - 14,900
VISITING BISHOPS/PRIESTS/SPEAKERS 600 - 600
MISSION OF CONGREGATION 5,254 - 5,254
INSURANCE -
CHARITY CONTRIBUTION 1,225 - 1,225
FOOD & REFRESHMENT 894 - 894
MSOC CONTRIBUTION 350 350
LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL 4,210 4,210
CHURCH LOAN REPAYMENT 20,779 20,779
LOAN INTEREST PAYMENT -
CHURCH UTILTIES 2,773 2,773
NEW CHURCH BUILDING + EXPENSES CA 1,448 1,448
MAINTANANCE 101 101
BANK CHARGES 11 - 11
Sub total [ 53,266 ] - - 53,266
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - -
Total payments 53,266 - - 53,266
Net of receipts/(payments) 63,396 2,179 - 65,575
A5 Transfers between funds - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 117,138 18,309 - 135,447
Cash funds this year end 180,534 20,488 - 201,022
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**Section B Statement**|**of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**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 £**
**149,308**
**31,226**
**-**
**-**
**180,534**|**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**20,488**
**20,488**| ||(agree balances|with receipts and payments
account(s))|OK|OK| ||||**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||631,387
**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 )||307,737
**liability relates**|**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**(optional)**| |Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees|Signature||Print|Name| ||||Mr. Poulose Kakkassery|| ||||Mr. Biju Jacob|| **----- Start of picture text -----**
CC16a
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Last year** **to the nearest £** **27,249 21,964 25,121 1,100 16 32,403 107,853** **107,853** **300 1,440 9,375 650 14,113 - 8,871 3,326 1,118 - 18,777 - 2,562 1,908 207 62,648 - 62,648 45,205 -** 90242 **135,447** ## **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 the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of ST THOMAS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH On accounts tor the year ended 31st DECEMBER 2021 Chariiy no lif any} 1177726 Set out on pages Respective The charity's trustees are responsible lor the preparation ol the accounts. The responsibilities of charity's Iruslees consider that an audit is not required lor this year under secilon trustees and examiner 144121 ol the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe 2011 Acll and that an independent examination is needed. It Is my responsibility lo= examine the accounts under seolion 145 01 the 2011 Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. and to slate whether particular mallers have come lo my allenlion. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Oireclions given by the examiner's statement Charity Commission. An examination includes a Teview of the accounting records kept by the charity and a ¢ofnparison ol the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration ot any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations Irom the Iruslees concerning any such mallers. The procedures underlak6n do not provide all the evidence Ihal would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as lo whether the accounts present a 'Irue and lair, view and the report is limited lo those matters sel out in the slalemenl below. Independent In connection with my examination, no matter has Corne to my attention loiher than examiner's statement that disclosed below ') 1. which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in, any material respect, the requirements.. lo keep accounting records in accordance with secllon 130 01 the 2011 Act., and lo prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements ol the 2011 Act have not been met . or 2. to which, in my opinion, allenlion should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding ol the accounts lo be reached. Please delete the words in the braGkels if they do not apply. Signed: Dale: 1211012022 Name: Sebastian Machukattu Devasia Relevant professional qualificationlsl or body (if any): Association ot Chartered Certified Accountants Address: 17 NEALS CORNER, BATH ROAD, HOUNSLO MIDDLESEX 'lied NG TW3 3HJ (Kefe klouoslow, TeL. ese% IER Sectlon B Disclosure Only cornplete if the examiner needs lo highlight material problems. Give here brief details of any ilems that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER