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2023-12-31-accounts

Registered Charity No - 1179133

Celestial Church of Christ Oasis of Grace (Christ Church)

Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

CONTENTS PAGE
Legal and Administrative Details 2
Trustees' Report 3
Independent Examiners’ Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Accounts 10

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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Trustees

  1. Mr Solomon Alao

  2. Ms Patricia Isaacs 3. Ms Mary Laniyan

  3. Ms Natalia Blagrove 5. Mr Ayo Ijidakinro 6. Ms Elizabeth Abe

  4. Ms Victoria Olatunde

Charity registered Number

1179133

Date of charitable registration 10 July 2018 Principal office Unit 20 Bellingham Trading Estate Franthorne Way, Catford, London SE6 3BX Secretary Mr Solomon Alao Independent examiners Accounting Assist Ltd - C/O Good to Give Ltd Bankers Barclays Bank

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TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Board of Trustees, who are the trustees for charity law purposes, submit their annual report and the financial statements of Celestial Church of Christ Oasis of Grace (Christ Church) for the year ended 31 December 2023. The Board of Trustees confirms that the annual report and financial statements of the Charity comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities (revised 2005)'.

Structure, governance and management

The 7 Trustees are:

Mr Solomon Alao Ms Patricia Isaacs Ms Mary Laniyan Ms Natalia Blagrove Mr Ayo Ijidakinro Ms Elizabeth Abe Ms Victoria Olatunde

The Trustees play a primary role in ensuring good governance and functioning of the foundation. The Board’s role, functions and responsibilities are quite clearly defined.

The Charity currently has a dedicated team of Advisory board members in the UK who have helped to secure financial support and contribute to the future planning of the organisation.

Governing document:

Celestial Church of Christ Oasis of Grace (Christ Church) is Charitable incorporated organisation which was registered on 10 July 2018. The charity is governed by its Constitution which is dated 6 July 2018.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees:

The members of the General Trustee Board are trustees for the purposes of charity law. New trustees may be appointed by resolution of a meeting of the trustees.

Much of the charity's work focuses upon the promotion of the Christian religion and the running and maintenance of its place of worship and the support of the less needy within the community, in and around South and Central London, in conjunction with other charities.

The General Trustee Board seeks to ensure that the needs of this group are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body. To enhance the potential pool of trustees, the charity has, through networking with voluntary organizations active in the sector, sought to identify those who would be willing to become members of the charity and use their own experience to assist the charity.

Risk Management:

We are committed to a policy of identifying, monitoring and managing the risks that might adversely affect the activities in which we are involved. In this context, risk is defined as the potential to fail to achieve charity objectives and for loss, financial and reputational, inherent in the environment in which we operate in the nature of the transactions undertaken.

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TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The principal risk of the charity has been its dependence on voluntary income. Trustees have initiated various processes to mitigate such risk, so that the charity has sufficient reserve in the event of adverse condition(s).

The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have taken steps to mitigate the significant risks.

Public Benefit:

The Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 and have paid due regard to public benefit when preparing this report. The benefit provided to the public is consistent with the aims of the charity in UK.

Objectives and activities:

1.1 To advance the Christian faith for the benefit of the public in accordance with the statement of beliefs in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom as the trustees from time to time may think fit including promoting an understanding of equal treatment of all.

1.2 The relief of poverty and improved health care of the general public specifically in the local community of Deptford and St Mongo’s -New Cross. This has also extended to other local areas such a Rushey Green and Central London, by providing goods and food to individuals in need,

2023 has been a challenging year due to the worldwide pandemic. The Charity has had to reinvent itself, in keeping with government guidelines; the last service was held at the church premises on 22[nd] March 2020. Trustees recognised that there is a continuing need to provide spiritual and moral support to the community and therefore online services were introduced via zoom. The prayer line which was introduced during the lent period was extended to provide daily contact for the parishioners seeking comfort and support during these difficult times. Members of the Trustee and pastoral team were always at hand. Prayers are held online twice per day (6.00am and 10.00pm) 7 days per week. In addition, uplifting messages and prayers are accessible via Face Book and Instagram, providing opportunity to those who may be unable to attend the church in person.

The 10[th] Juvenile Harvest week commenced on 29[th] May 2023, concluding with the thanksgiving service on 4[th] June 2023. The week commenced with a visit to St Mongo’s New Cross and Deptford High St, providing hot meals, drinks and non-perishable goods to the homeless.

On Sat 3[rd] June the children’s fun day was held at a local sports ground, followed by the thanksgiving service on Sunday 4[th] June. The entire Sunday service was conducted by the children including the sermon which was delivered by a 16-year-old teenager.

The 10[th] Adult thanksgiving service attracted members from near and far. The trustees and members of the charity committee focused on feeding the community in conjunction with the other organisations such as Salem International Christian Centre, who put on entertainment and provide food for those in and around Griffin Square Deptford where there is a large population of homeless people.

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TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Providing support to the community has continued throughout 2023 on a much smaller scale. The locals have become accustomed to the regular monthly support and the Trustees are looking at ways of expanding this but were severely hampered by the pandemic.

1.3 The trustees must use the income and may use the capital of the church in promoting the objects.

Financial review:

The largest contribution to the charity for the year came from general offerings. The charity has begun its charitable activities from March 2014 and continues to do so.

The Charity currently aims to designate the total fund received less expenses for the main objective of the charity.

Plans for future periods:

The Charity plans to develop various fundraising strategy to include mass marketing. Besides mass marketing and events, the charity is aiming to achieve its targets through securing donations from willing individuals. A development board may be created to help include other avenues of fundraising to be included in the yearly programme.

Statement of Board of Trustees’ responsibilities

The Board of Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Charity law applicable to charities in England/Wales requires the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the surplus or deficit of the Charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Board of Trustees have:

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for ensuring that the Charity has an appropriate system of controls, financial and otherwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the detection and prevention of fraud and other irregularities.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Statement of disclosure of information to independent examiner

We, as the Trustees of the Charity who held office at the date of approval of these financial statements as set out on page 2 each confirm, so far as we are aware, that:

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TRLSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR EIIDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 There is no relevant inforniation of which the ch￿l￿S independent examiner are unaware" and we have taken all the steps that we ought to have tsken as Tnjsiees in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant inforniation and to estsblish thai the chariWs independent exatniner is aware of that inforniation. Independent Examiner: The Charity's indep¢nd¢nl examiner. Accounting Assist Ltd- Clo Go(Ml to Giv¢ Ltd, has indicated Iheir willingness io offer themselves for app)intment. This report was approved by th¢ Tru51¢¢s on and sigmryj on their behalfby: Tsa£LcS Signed: Date:

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER`S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST OASIS OF GRACE (CHRIST CHURCH)

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet with associate notes.

This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my examination work.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER

The charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements, and they consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Group/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 as 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:

have not been met; or

Signed: Dated: 24/10/2024

Anum Hassan, FCCA

On behalf of Accounting Assist Ltd

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Incorporating income and expenditure account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total Funds
Total Funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Incoming resources
General offerings
26,065
1,210
27,275
69,558
Other
37,552
-
37,552
6,586
Gift Aid
1,520
-
1,520
Total Incoming resources
01
65,137
1,210
66,347
76,144
Resources expended
Direct charitable expenditure
02
65,663
-
65,663
74,942
Governance costs
03
1,205
-
1,205
864
Total Resources expended
66,867
0
66,867
75,806
Movement in total fund for the year-
Net income / (expenditure) For the
year
-1,731
1,210
-521
337
Fund balance brought forward
24,416
9,330
33,746
33,408
Fund balance carried forward
22,685
10,540
33,225
33,745		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total Funds
Total Funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Incoming resources
General offerings
26,065
1,210
27,275
69,558
Other
37,552
-
37,552
6,586
Gift Aid
1,520
-
1,520
Total Incoming resources
01
65,137
1,210
66,347
76,144
Resources expended
Direct charitable expenditure
02
65,663
-
65,663
74,942
Governance costs
03
1,205
-
1,205
864
Total Resources expended
66,867
0
66,867
75,806
Movement in total fund for the year-
Net income / (expenditure) For the
year
-1,731
1,210
-521
337
Fund balance brought forward
24,416
9,330
33,746
33,408
Fund balance carried forward
22,685
10,540
33,225
33,745		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total Funds
Total Funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Incoming resources
General offerings
26,065
1,210
27,275
69,558
Other
37,552
-
37,552
6,586
Gift Aid
1,520
-
1,520
Total Incoming resources
01
65,137
1,210
66,347
76,144
Resources expended
Direct charitable expenditure
02
65,663
-
65,663
74,942
Governance costs
03
1,205
-
1,205
864
Total Resources expended
66,867
0
66,867
75,806
Movement in total fund for the year-
Net income / (expenditure) For the
year
-1,731
1,210
-521
337
Fund balance brought forward
24,416
9,330
33,746
33,408
Fund balance carried forward
22,685
10,540
33,225
33,745
Notes
Incoming resources
General offerings
Other
Gift Aid
Total Incoming resources
01
Resources expended
Direct charitable expenditure
02
Governance costs
03
Total Resources expended
Movement in total fund for the year-
Net income / (expenditure) For the
year
Fund balance brought forward
Fund balance carried forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total Funds
Total Funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
26,065
1,210
27,275
69,558
37,552
-
37,552
6,586
1,520
-
1,520
65,137
1,210
66,347
76,144
65,663
-
65,663
74,942
1,205
-
1,205
864
66,867
0
66,867
75,806
-1,731
1,210
-521
337
24,416
9,330
33,746
33,408
22,685
10,540
33,225
33,745

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BALAP4CE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 21123 2022 2022 FIXED ASSETS Notes Building Impruvements CURRENT ASSETS 9J22 liJ68 D¢biors 10563 14546 9J42 13.035 C&sh ai bank 25.108 23J77 CREDrroiLS: anM>unts fa]ling dts¥ within one year 07 12115 NET CURRENT ASSETS 22J77 NET ASSETS 33225 33.746 CHARITY FUNDS UnTestrict¢d funds 22,685 iOp40 24.416 gJ30 BUildIn￿Welfare Fund5 TOTAL FUNDS 33.225 33,745 The financial statements were approved by the T￿￿tt$ on and signed on their behalf. by.. ISCLCLLS D*te: The notes on pages 10 to 12 fonn part of these financial 5tstements

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' published in March 2005 and applicable accounting standards.

1.2

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.3 Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of financial activities when the charity has entitlement to the funds, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Donated services or facilities, which comprise donated services, are included in income at a valuation which is an estimate of the financial cost borne by the donor where such a cost is quantifiable and measurable. No income is recognised where there is no financial cost borne by a third party.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.4 Resources expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities, they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.

Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the yearend are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. VOLUNTARY INCOME

Donations from individuals
Donations to building and
welfare funds
Rent
Gift Aid
Interest
Total Income		 2023
£
26,065
1,210
37,494
1,520
58
66,347		 2022
£
66,398
5,055
4,691
-
-
76,144

2. SUPPORT COSTS

Rent
Rates
Donations
Events
Insurance
Storage
Equipment
Waste Services
Light & Heat
Telephone
Marketing
Priest Expenses
Depreciation
Sundry Expences		 2023
£
44,515
2,845
3,569
-
4,922
-
-
1,362
2,750
809
179
2,118
2,406
546
65,663		 2022
£
50,275
-
1,520
7,505
-
787
2,507
-
-
1,148
-
8,250
2,496
455
74,942

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3. GOVERNANCE COSTS

----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2022
£ £
Support costs – Governance 840 864
----- End of picture text -----

1. TRUSTEE EXPENSES

There were no trustee expenses for the year ending 2023 or 2022.

2. BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2022
Cost 11,368 13,864
Depreciation 2,046 2,496
Net book value 9,322 11,368
----- End of picture text -----

3. DEBTORS:

----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2022
Loans - -
Rent Deposit 10,563 9,342
----- End of picture text -----

4. CREDITORS:

Amounts falling due within one year

2023 2022 Accruals 0 0

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