## NEWLIFE CHURCH SUNDERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
## ANNUAL CHURCH REPORT 2024
"As we reflect on the past year 2024, we are reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness and unrelenting love. Despite challenges, our church has experienced growth, transformation and renewed passion for His kingdom. This report highlights our journey, celebrating victories, learning from setbacks and looking forward to the future with hope and expectation."
Warm welcome to everyone presents here in the matchless name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. It is my honor to present this brief report of spiritual, mental and physical growth of NewLife Church, Sunderland, for the year 2024.
## Church Services:
Throughout the year God's grace led our church marvelously and miraculously. Under the guidance of Holy Spirit and leadership of Pastor Prince Mathew, NewLife Church, Sunderland has experienced spiritual and physical growth.
We have added 2 additional ministry teams to the existing teams, and we have 15 teams serving with Choir and Worship, Ladies Ministry, Sunday school, Youth Ministry, Young Professionals and Students Ministry, Bible Study, Fasting and Intercessory Prayer, Prayer cell, Hospitality, Building committee, Media and PR team, Transportation, PA system operation, Legal and Administration, Hall Management and Church Trip.
As proposed by the members, we shifted church service hours to morning this year. On Sundays, our church offered English worship service for our youngsters followed by second and fourth Sunday at 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
This year, we witnessed tremendous physical growth in our church members. According to our latest membership forms we have 120 members, including from 31 families and 22 bachelors. Our members attend our church services from various parts of Northeast England covering Durham, Sunderland, Birtley, Chester-Le-Street, Gateshead, Washington and Newcastle.
Our sermons in Malayalam were translated to English by Dr. Cecil Cherian Lukose, Br Rooble Varghese, Sis. Joffy Bestin and Sis Bincy Jithin for the benefit of our young generation.
## Our General Church Records are as follows:
## Baptisms
We had one baptism this year on 07th September 2024. Pr. Prince Mathew conducted the ceremony at Emmanuel Church, Sunderland.
## Birth
Six of our families were blessed with newborn babies last year. Br Jithin and Sis Bincy were blessed with a baby girl Abiah Liz Mathew, Br Thomas and Sis Sherin were blessed with a baby girl Precious Helna Thomas, Br Rejoy and Sis Jeksy were blessed with a baby girl and baby boy Theodore Jekz Rejoy and Hosannah Jekz Rejoy, Br Sobin and Sis Sumi blessed with baby boy Austin John Sobin, Br Rijo and Sis Blessy were blessed baby boy Amadeo Varghese Rijo and Br Blesson and Sis Anitha blessed with baby boy Mateus Varghese Blesson.
## Death
By God’s grace and protection, we did not have to encounter any death in our church. However, our church members have gone through bereavement of their near and dear ones and church as family was able to offer comfort and condolences.
## Membership
We are keeping up with the Assemblies of God membership which needs to be renewed on a yearly basis with £50/month donation. Our Pastor is enrolled in MIT course with AOG.
Our members were always free to bring any concerns, questions, or uncertainties to the attention of the church committee without any hesitation. All those concerns were handled professionally and resolved in accordance with God's word.
## Ladies Ministry
Ladies Ministry was Coordinated by Sis Gloria Cecil in a blessed way. A ladies meeting was conducted every alternative Wednesday on zoom platform. They spent time praying for various prayer request of the church and every week a member was chosen to share from the word of God, giving a chance for them to grow spiritually. On 12[th] April 2024 the sisters conducted a fundraising fair and raised £1200. They held a blessed one-day conference on 18[th] May 2024, and the theme was “fearfully and wonderfully made-women of God” and was a blessing. This year, the ladies contributed to a collection, from which they donated Rs. 1,00,000 for educational support. In addition, they organized a prayer walk and an in-person gathering on November 23, 2024, in Sunderland.
## Sunday School Ministry:
Last year, we had a blessed Sunday School Ministry. Sis. Lucy Prince is continuing as headmistress. We had a great line up of teachers Br. Rejoy Varghese and Sis. Elgiva Ajish, Sis. Jeffy Jobin and Sis. Steffy Saji, Sis. Aksa Merlin and Sis. Jen Rooble, Sis. Blessy Rijo and Sis. Teena Kevin and Sis.Jinu Elwin and Sis.Sini Sijo. We also had Sis. Deepa Andrews and Sis. Sneha Shinu as standby teachers to cover the absence. By the end of the year, we have 22 students divided into 5 different classes according to their age. We have conducted Mid Term Examination in July 2024 and Final Examination at the end of year 2024. Sis. Bincy Jithin is helping the group by leading worship and teaching the children action songs. Sunday School also maintains an attendance record of all students. We had our Vacation Bible School (VBS) conducted in collaboration with Timothy Institute on 26[th] and 27[th] July
2024. The event was coordinated by Bro Elwin Daniel, Sis. Teena Kevin and Sis. Aksa Merlin. The team organized a wonderful two-day event that was truly a blessing, followed by a rally through the streets of Sunderland, which the young people found very engaging.
As a part of the Sunday Ministry, we have established a Library on 27th October 2024 and Saira Mathews act as a Librarian. This initiative aims to encourage children to read spiritual books and make a habit of reading. We reward those who read the most. Br. Rooble Varghese has begun a special class for the Sunday school children, focusing on their salvation, baptism, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. A notable highlight of our ministry last year has been a counselling service named ENRICH conducted for students and young professionals on 07 th December 2024 by Pr Ajith George and Sis Pheba Ajith George.
Sis. Lucy Prince also serves as our Health and Safety officer, keeping a general information file for each student. This file includes details such as allergies, emergency contact information, consent for hospital visits in case of an emergency, and incident reports. She takes appropriate action to prevent future occurrences of any incidents. In case of fire emergency, Sis Lucy Prince is also trained to be the official fire marshal and will lead the evacuation procedures.
## Youth Ministry
Last year, we had a blessed Youth Ministry led by Sis Anitta Kuriakose. The Youth Ministry team organized excellent talent meetings with very interesting and unique programs presented by our youngsters and elders alike.
This past year has been a blessing to our church community. We are grateful for the opportunities to serve and minister to one another. One of the highlights of our church calendar was the Family gathering on 26th December at Whitburn parish hall organized by Br Joel Rajan and Sis Sini Mathew. This event was a great blessing to our members, providing a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, fun and spiritual growth.
## Choir and Worship Ministry
Pastor Prince leads our choir team with a great passion and dedication towards Lord and encourages everyone to participate in the worship. We put in place a Rota- based structure to lead the Malayalam worship and for the musicians. Br. Rejoy Varghese leads the English worship. The choir sets a divine atmosphere to experience the presence of the Lord and feel the power of the Holy Spirit.
## Young Professional and Students Ministry
We have a service dedicated to our young professionals and university students where they can open and discuss various issues and engage in intercessory prayers. This team was coordinated by Br Athans Babu and after his resignation Br Robin Varghese and then Br. Elwin Daniel was appointed as coordinator in this place from September 2024. This team conducted a one-day youth event FOCUS on 30[th] March 2024 and was a blessing to all.
## Bible Study
Every Saturday, Pastor Prince Mathew, leads an in-depth bible study on the zoom platform and cottage meeting covering various topics in depth. These meetings, giving a chance for members to gather in each other’s house and enjoy fellowship together with bible study. To
facilitate cottage meetings, the church family is divided into 4 areas such as Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland 1 and Sunderland 2 and one family from each area hosts cottage meeting each week.
## Fasting and Intercessory Prayer
Our church organizes an hour of intercessory prayer on zoom platform on alternate Wednesday from 7:00pm.
We have chain fasting prayer every day. Beyond that, the first weekend of every month, the church organizes a 3 day fasting prayer and members participates in these meetings with great spiritual hunger. Guest pastors are invited for these fasting meetings, and they offered blessed sessions sharing from the word of God.
The Sunday following fasting prayer, Lord’s Supper is held, providing and opportunity for people to come closer to God by remembering on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
## Evangelism and Outreach Ministry
We were able to do evangelism and outreach services in public. Br Rijo Varghese and Br Joel Abraham led excellently and conducted evangelism across various parts of North East including Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle. The main encouragement is to witness the participation of kids and youngsters who were really excited about sharing their faith without hesitation. We are continuing doing evangelical tracts distribution directly to homes in the immediate area of the church and surrounding areas. We held many blessed outreach programs and seasonal events like Christmas with live music and preaching in various locations last year.
## Prayer Cell
Intercessory chain prayer conducted on the Saturday morning is the main spiritual support behind all our events and church services. Sis Merlin Mohan led an amazing ministry, diligently collecting prayer request and sharing to church group.
## Hospitality
Hospitality and love feast is another ministry which everyone enjoyed last year right across the age group. Sis Preetha Sunny, Sis Blessy Rijo and Sis Deepa Andrews coordinated the love feast with different members of church and this coordination was much more effective after fasting prayer for preparation of Kanji and Payar.
## Building Committee/Hall Management
We dissolved the building committee and established a new committee called 'Hall Management,' coordinated by Br. Jithin Mathew. The responsibility for handling venue rentals and searching for a larger church hall for long-term hire or purchase. Additionally, three groups have been formed to manage the venue arrangements for Sunday services and to clean up afterward.
We also conducted an anonymous vote to determine the preferred timeslot for Sunday service, offering two options: morning or afternoon. Based on the result, it was decided to change the Sunday service to Morning (Sunday School 9.30am-10:30am, Sunday service 10:30am-1pm and it can extend to 1.30pm in the occasion of Holy Communion).
## Blessings
God has blessed our church members with the ability to purchase homes in this land. Additionally, some of the young people got married this year.
## Media and PR team
We have an excellent team for Media and PR coordination lead by Sis. Elgiva Daniel. Br. Elwin Daniel, Br. Abraham Prince are helping the team in creating posters and other social media activities. Their creativity and expertise helped us to share God’s love and improve our social media presence last year.
## Transportation
Bro Vino Lukose leads our Transportation team in a blessed way. This has been a blessing to students and members of our church.
Last year we organized a one-day church trip to Lake District on 24th August 2024 and the event was coordinated by Bro Rejoy Varghese. The trip was a great success and gave a good opportunity to strengthen out brotherly bond with various events.
## PA system Operations
Our public systems operation team is Led by Br. Kevin Abraham. Br Binny Thomas, Br Abraham Prince are helping this team, and they performed a great service during every meeting.
We added another sub-group named ‘Volunteers’ to help our PA and Media team for setting up the PA system and controlling the sound mixer and song projection and wrapping up the PA system at the end. We have added a battery powered speaker this year for outreach meetings and other live events.
## Special awards and appreciations
Last year, we honored everyone who did exceedingly well in their studies, professional and cocurricular lives. We presented mementos to all our students who graduated from their university courses. We also presented Saira Mathews a memento for having her writing chosen for school publication. We also presented a special memento to Dr Cecil Cherian Lukose for his Chartered Engineer achievement from the Engineering council. By God's grace, Sis. Lucy Prince wrote a devotional song, which was sung by Sis. Sneha Shinu and officially released at the church on October 24, 2024. And finally, we have our prize distribution and appreciation for students and participants of Sunday school examination and talent test program.
## Mission Support
God given an opportunity to support missionaries in various states in India.
## Counselling
We have conducted pre- marital counselling to those who getting married. On November 9, 2024, they also held a special class on topic biblical womanhood for young ladies by Sis Lucy Prince & Sis Latha Viju.
## Core Committee
Last year God enabled Pastor Prince Mathew to lead the church as director along with Dr Cecil Cherian Lukose as church secretary and Bro Shinu Yohannan as church treasurer until February 2024.
We conducted an election in February 2024. Br Thomas Mathunny Rachel and Br Feby Thomas were selected as Church secretary and Treasurer respectively. Now Executive committee consist of following members
Pr. Prince Mathew (President)
Br. Thomas Mathunny Rachel (Secretary)
Br.Feby Thomas (Treasurer)
Br. Jobin Mathew (Assistant Secretary)
Br. Sunny George (Committee member)
## Advisory Board
We are blessed to have an advisory board comprising dedicated individuals who provide guidance and support to our church's mission. The board includes:
- Pastor Prince Mathew
- Dr. Cecil Cherian Lukose
- Br. Shinu Nedumgottu Yohannan
The committee held monthly meetings throughout the year to discuss various church matters, and the minutes from these meetings will be stored in an online database for future reference. After final approval, this report, along with other meeting minutes and the detailed treasurer’s report for the year, will also be added to the same database.
## Financial Overview
Our financial stewardship remains transparent and accountable. Detailed financial statements and annual returns are available for review, reflecting our commitment to integrity in managing the resources entrusted to us.
## Looking Ahead
Relying on God’s guidance, we look forward to 2025 with excitement as we continue advancing our Mission and Vision. Our plan to introduce new programs aimed at deepening faith, expanding our outreach, and strengthening our community bonds.
## Conclusion
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all members, volunteers, and supporters of NewLife Church Sunderland. Your unwavering dedication and faith have been the cornerstone of our success in 2024. Together, we look forward to a future filled with hope, growth, and spiritual fulfillment, to reap the ripe crop, let us cooperate in our Master's Field.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." — Proverbs 16:3
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NewLife Church Sunderland 1178817
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
For the period
from 1/1/2024 To 31/12/2024
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Endowment
funds Restricted funds funds Total funds Last year
to the nearest
£ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Tithes 33,513 - - 33,513 33,802
Offerings 11,902 - - 11,902 9,201
Gift Aid Claim 4,126 - - 4,126 8,865
Mission Support - 1,060 - 1,060
Ladies Fund - 3,330 - 3,330 1,061
Other Income 334 - - 334 1,013
Interest Free Loan 8,750 - - 8,750 11,200
Other Donations 7,278 - - 7,278
VBS Donations - 1,330 - 1,330 2,740
Church Building Donations - 14,805 - 14,805 1,178
Vehicle Donations - 620 - 620 775
Sunday School Offerings 31 - - 31 289
Live Music Event 2,381
270
Sub total (Gross income for AR) 65,934 21,145 - 87,079 72,775
A2 Asset and investment sales
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 65,934 21,145 - 87,079 72,775
A3 Payments
Building Rent 6,079 - - 6,079 4,727
Guest Pastor Gift 3,298 - - 3,298 4,595
Support & Charity 9,536 - 9,536 4,995
Audio / Visual Equipment & Licenses 3,802 - - 3,802 4,281
Books & Stationary 1,962 - - 1,962 2,521
Provisions 2,701 - - 2,701 4,976
Gifts 1,023 1,023 2,123
Vehicle Expenses - 3,558 - 3,558 3,085
Mission Support - 2,915 - 2,915
Ladies Fund - 2,463 - 2,463 300
VBS Expenses - 2,452 - 2,452 3,816
Membership Interest Free Loan 17,500 17,500 11,200
AoG 1,660 1,660 825
Evangelism 107 107 1,829
Food 2,563 2,563
Legal 1,025 - 1,025 963
Live Music Event 4,386
Bank Charges 61
Church Building Refund 500
Sub total 51,256 11,388 - 62,644 55,183
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
- - - - -
- - -
Sub total - - - -
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Total payments 51,256 11,388 - 62,644 55,183
Net of receipts/(payments) 14,678 9,757 - 24,435 17,592
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 46,211 6,882 - 53,093 35,499
Cash funds this year end 60,889 16,639 - 77,528 53,091
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Categories Details funds funds funds
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|**Section B Statement of as**|**sets and liabilities at t**|**he end of the period**|||
|**Categories**|**Details**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
|**B1 Cash funds**|Bank Account|60889|**-**
**16,639-**|**-**
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|**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B3 Investment assets**
**B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use**
**B5 Liabilities**
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees|**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
**Details**|**-**
**60,889-**|**-**
**16,639-**|**-**
**--**|
|||OK|OK|OK|
|||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
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||**Details**|**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**|**Cost (optional)**|**Current value**
**(optional)**|
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||**Details**|**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**|**Cost (optional)**|**Current value**
**(optional)**|
||Sound System|Unrestricted|**-**
**2,700-**|**-**
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||Minibus van|Unrestricted|**-**
**14,600-**|**-**
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||**Details**|**Fund to which**
**liability relates**|**Amount due**
**(optional)**|**When due**
**(optional)**|
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||Signature|Print Name||Date of
approval|
|||Prince Mathew||17/03/2025|
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## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts**
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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||**Section A Independent Examiner’s Report**|||||
||**Report to the trustees/**
**members of**
**On accounts for the year**
**ended**
**Set out on pages**
**Responsibilities and**
**basis of report**
**Independent**
**examiner's statement**
**Signed:**
**Name:**|||||
|||||||
|||Charity Name
NewLife Church Sunderland||||
|||||||
|||31/12/2024|**Charity no**
**(if any)**||1178817|
|||||||
|||1 to 2
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)||||
|||I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended**31 / 12 / 2024**.
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation
of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act
2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I
have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with
the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material
respect:
● accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of
the Act or
● the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection
with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable
a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
*_Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply._
**Date:**
17/03/2025||||
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||||||17/03/2025|
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|||ProBooks Accounting||||
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1
**October 2018**
**IER**
**Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):**
**Address:** 8 Hollinside Square Sunderland SR4 8AU
## **Section B Disclosure**
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
2
**October 2018**
**IER**
**Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** .
3
**October 2018**
**IER**