Registered Charity Number - 1198548
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR END 31 March 2024
Bristol Pentecostal Church 20A Pen Park Road
Bristol
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
TRUSTEES' REPORT....................................................................................................................................................... 3 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT..................................................................................................................... 12 RECEIPT AND PAYMENT............................................................................................................................................ 10 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ........................................................................................................... 12 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ............................................................................................................ 13
2
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH UK
UK Charity Number: 1198548
WORK REPORT
Eph. 1:11- In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.
The Biennial work report of the Bristol Pentecostal Church is seen in this document classified under the relevant headings.
2023
For this year the AGM convened on 22.01.23 and began in prayer. Following this the finance report for 01.01.2023-31.03.2024 was read and submitted by Treasurer Br. Bipin Varghese. The report was passed by Br. Thomas John and seconded by Pr. Ajay Koshy John. Then the election of the new year coordinators began. Starting with the Sunday School In charge. Sr. Mercy Saji was requested to continue her good work for another year by the AGM and she accepted. This also extended to all the teachers in the Sunday School also. For the sister’s coordinator, Lalu Nibu was appointed and there was an opinion to have an assistant coordinator. The AGM was in approval and therefore Sr. Mercy Saji would be assistant coordinator. For the Youth coordinator Sr. Sherin Robin was proposed by Lalu Nibu and, this was seconded by Br. Bipin Varghese. For assistant coordinator Sr. Susan Nixon was proposed by Sr. Mercy Saji and seconded by Sr. Sheba Ajay. The AGM asked Br. Bipin Varghese to be the Quizmaster for the Youth Event, and he accepted. Following this Pr. Ajay Koshy John ended the meeting thanking God for his work asking God to guide the church faithfully for another year.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AGM AND COUNCIL MEETING
In the duration of the past 24 months the church council has convened a total of 15 times. As required all decisions made in the council were made known to the congregation for approval.
3
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
WORSHIP
Psalm 100:9 - Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Bristol Pentecostal church worship services are held every Sunday at Kingsholm Church from 3pm-5pm. On the first Sunday of every month the lord's table is held in remembrance of the suffering and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Malayalam service is led by Pr. Saji Samuel and in his absence associate Pr. Ajay Koshy John. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to both Pr. Saji Samuel and Pr. Ajay Koshy for their dedication.
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
On every Wednesday and Saturday 7 pm -9 pm we gather as a congregation via zoom. We pray together for many different issues and requests. This includes those who are sick or unwell, different countries especially where there is no freedom of religion, for new people of all races to join, those who are persecuted for their faith, the UK in which we are living, relatives that have not yet come to the faith, also our local community and city of Bristol. These meetings are led by Pr. Saji Samuel and Pr. Ajay Koshy John. We as a church have been able to see God's work through our prayers and I take this time to thank all of you who were involved in earnestly praying, participating and leading this meeting.
FASTING PRAYER
The first Saturday of every month we hold our fasting prayer in two sessions, one in the morning beginning at 10:30am to 12:30pm and one in the evening at 6pm to 8pm. This meeting is led by Pr Saji Samuel and Pr Ajay Koshy John. On certain occasions we received word from visiting Pastors and pastors online via zoom. I want to thank the pastors and those involved in the fasting prayer for all the scripture we have received and for our spiritual growth.
I want to take this opportunity again to thank them all for giving and uplifting us through the word especially during these times and God bless them abundantly.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Proverbs 22:6- Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it
Children are God’s gift to us and therefore we should educate them about what God has done for us and what the scripture says. Sunday School is arranged every Sunday at 2pm-3pm except the first Sunday of the month. There are a total of 16 children currently in the Sunday school split into 3 classes. We would like to thank Sister Mercy Saji for leading the Sunday School and also thank the teachers including Sr. Sibi Bipin, Sr. Daisy Saji, Sr. Karen Nibu, Sr. Susan Nixon, Sr. Sherin Robin, Sr. Galdis Thomas, Miss. Annette Manamel and Sr. Linta Thomas. The ministry you are doing is a great asset to the church and the Kingdom of God may God bless you abundantly.
SISTERS MEETING
The Sisters of the Bristol Pentecostal Church hold their meeting on the third week of every month. They pray sincerely for many issues and requests that are placed in their hearts. This prayer is a pillar for our church and we have seen God's work being fulfilled through them and their prayers. God bless you all for the effort you provide
4
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
for fasting and prayer. Especially we thank Sr. Linta Thomas in 2022 and Sr. Lalu Nibu assisted by Sr. Mercy Saji in 2023 for coordinating this meeting. I also thank all the sisters for participating.
YOUTH EVENT
Timothy 4:12- Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Bristol Pentecostal Church’ Youth event takes place on the last Sunday of each month. In this session the youths but also adults are encouraged to exhibit their God-given talents such as reciting Bible chapters, singing and speaking from the word of God. This year in 2023 Sr. Sherin Robin and Sr. Susan Nixon were Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator. I would like to thank you both for your efforts in the past year and God Bless you abundantly. Additionally, I would like to thank the quiz masters over the two years Sr. Lalu Nibu (2022) and Br. Bipin Varghese (2023) for your work in leading the bible quiz, God bless you both also.
BAPTISM CLASS AND BAPTISM
Galatians 3:27- for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Over these years we had the privilege of once again organising a baptism class on 26[th] October 2022 to encourage our youth that were waiting to be baptised and those who accepted Christ as their personal saviour.
The class was online via zoom and Pr. Thomas Samuel ministered in this class. He highlighted the importance of this command, and this class was very beneficial.
ANNUAL FASTING PRAYER
2023
Once again, we were able to conduct an Annual Fasting Prayer, but this time in Kingsholm Church. It was on 26[th] to 28[th] October 2023 (3 day) with an evening section for Thursday and Friday. Saturday had both a morning and evening section. Pr. Joby Varghese and Pr. Varghese Chacko spoke to us over the days. I thank them both for their wisdom and bless them in their ministries.
NEW MEMBERS
In the past 24 months we welcomed several families to the congregation. By God’s grace and love we now have a total of 16 families. They now worship the lord together with us and I want to welcome you again, God bless you all abundantly.
BIBLE STUDY
Revelation 1:3- Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
It was a blessed time as we got to once again strengthened our faith with the word. We thank all those who helped to organise these meetings and especially Pr. Jose Abraham for his messages. God bless him and his ministries.
5
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
LOCAL CHARITY
Proverbs 19:17 -Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
Over the years once again we have been able to support our local charities in Bristol. We know that due to the cost of living crisis many people are still struggling with their everyday lives around us. We have donated a total of £1000 in 2023 to organisations mentioned below:
2023 Bible Society UK - £200 Barnabas Fund - £200 One25 Charity- £200 St Peter’s Hospice- £200 Macmillan Cancer Support- £200
TRACT DISTRIBUTION
Mark 16:15 -And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
God enabled us this year to distribute tracts to our local community. I especially want to thank Br. Bipin Varghese for his work in taking the lead with this ministry. I also want to thank all who participated and helped to spread the word of God ,may his blessings be upon you.
CHURCH OUTING
This year in 2023 we stayed closer to home and went to Hebron Hall near Cardiff for another 3 day trip from 28[th ] to 30[th] august 2023. Once again we were able to organise a blessed time for both Kids and Adults, getting to know each other and enjoying a change of surroundings. Various activities were planned and everyone participated and had a good time.
For those who worked behind the scenes to make these outings a successful time including Br. Bipin Varghese, Br. Thomas Manamel I thank you and additionally Br. Nibu John for coordinating the food preparations. I sincerely thank you all once again.
INDIAN CHARITY
God enabled our church to provide financial assistance to charities and people in India who are struggling and in need. We have been able to see our help and God work in the Christian communities of India.
INDIAN EVANGELISATION
Separate from charities we were able to support evangelisation missions in India specifically in Bihar. Through India Mission, a charity, we received word of a mission in need of support. We provide 5000 Indian rupees every month to a mission work since 2022 and also helped them to purchase a bicycle. Additionally due to problems
6
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
with a place to worship, we decided to send an extra £25 every month to help with rent in 2023 and to continue working with them for another year.
Another instance we helped a worker with his financial struggles by sending £100 to help him.
To help poor children with their education in Bihar we provided £300. This allowed them to buy essential books and uniform for their studies.
Our second venture centres around Pr. S A who we decided to help for one year through Church of God UK. He has started a new church and is ministering there in Bihar. Every month we send 5000 Indian rupees for support.
FAMILY SEMINAR
On the 15[th] of July 2023 we conducted a family seminar where the guest pastor, Pr. John George told us about the importance of living in a Christian family and having Christ be the head. I thank the pastor from Rajasthan for speaking to us and all who attended.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Bristol Pentecostal Church organised two special offerings to give people emergency help. I thank all who donated for this and may God Bless you abundantly and I thank you for showing the love of Christ.
ONE DAY VBS
For the first time God enabled us to organise a meeting centred around the children and for them to learn the word and worship God. We were able to invite children from our local areas. Thank you all for participating and helping this VBS to be successful, especially the children, volunteers, Sunday School teachers and youth coordinators. God Bless you all.
COMBINED MEETING WITH COG
Bristol Pentecostal Church combined with COG UK, this blessed meeting was conducted on May 20[th] 2023 in Kingsholm Church with COG Overseer Pr. Joe Kurian as guest speaker. Various other pastors within COG: Pr. Shaji, Pr. Shinu, Pr. Saji Mathew, Pr. Reji Sam and Pr. Raju attended and supported. His powerful messages were inspiring for us. Thank you to all who ministered, attended and prayed for this meeting.
CHURCHES TOGETHER
We were able to conduct an open-air meeting in our local community of Southmead together with Kingsholm Church once each year. We shared the gospel as well as sang songs of praise. We also handed out tracts to the public. Thank you to Kingsholm Church and its leaders for inviting and organising these meetings as well as all who attended and prayed. Let us continually pray for our community and conduct more of these blessed meetings.
ANNIVERSARY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL, YOUTH AND SISTERS PRAYER GROUP
As in previous years, we were able to celebrate the Sunday school, Youth and Sister’s Anniversary 2023. They were both joyous meetings. In 2023 once again we conducted a day to remember. Many entertaining songs, skits and programmes were performed, and the guest pastor was Pr. Sibin Kurian. He expressed to us that we should enlarge our territories and have a vision for our church’s future Prizes and gifts for Sunday School Students and
7
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
youth programme winners were distributed in both years. We thank the guest pastors, church council, Sunday school teachers and youth/sisters’ coordinators for their hard work to make these days a blessing. God bless you all.
CONCLUSION
Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope
In the past two years, through God's grace, we have achieved significant milestones as a congregation. I want to express my sincere thanks to every individual in our midst for your unwavering support, be it through prayers, dedicated efforts, or financial contributions. It is your collective commitment that has brought forth the blessings and success we've experienced. A special appreciation goes to the Leaders of Kingsholm Church for generously allowing us to worship in their sacred space. Your hospitality has played a crucial role in our spiritual growth, and we are truly grateful. I also acknowledge and thank the Church Council members for their diligent work in governing and guiding our congregation. Your leadership has been important in shaping the course of our church, and we pray for God's continued blessings on your efforts. Moving forward, let us stay united in every aspect and decision we make. The strength of our unity will contribute to the ongoing fellowship and love within our church, bearing fruits that reflect the kingdom of God on earth.
Our journey so far has been guided by the hand of the Lord, and I am confident that He will continue to lead us in the future. Let us give thanks to God and offer Him all the glory, honour, and praise for the wonderful achievements and blessings we have experienced as a church community.
8
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
We report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner:
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to examine the accounts (under section 43(3)(a) of the 1993 Act), to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 43(7)(b) of the Act), and to state whether matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report:
Our 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 charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from 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 statements below.
Independent examiner’s statement:
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
which gives us reasonable cause to believe that, in any material aspect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act; and to prepare accounts which record with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting records of the 1193 Act have not been met; or to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Jaison Varghese Zachariah
Vectra Management Consultancy
9
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
RECEIPT AND PAYMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
| Categories Receipts Donation and gifts Offering Other Tithe Sub total(Gross income for AR) Asset and investment sales Other Sub total Total receipts Payments Rent Refreshments Software & IT Honorarium to Guest Pastors Events Donations Printing and stationery Other Expenditure Accountant’s fees Sub total |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Last year 50.00 - - 50.00 3,691.04 11,084.19 - - 11,084.19 6,613.37 4,799.00 - - 4,799.00 - 9,978.00 - - 9,978.00 8,485.76 25,911.19 - - 25,911.19 18,790.17 - - - - 596.02 - - - - 596.02 |
|---|---|
| 25,911.19 - - 25,911.19 19,386.19 |
|
| 2,347.00 - - 2,347.00 2,050.00 2,904.26 - - 2,904.26 2,514.62 324.69 - - 324.69 143.88 2,873.15 - - 2,873.15 2,876.00 700.00 - - 700.00 583.66 4,910.65 - - 4,910.65 4,290.76 300.22 - - 300.22 61.44 2,804.64 - - 2,804.64 287.33 250.00 - - 250.00 300.00 17,414.61 - - 17,414.61 13,107.69 |
10
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
RECEIPT AND PAYMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
| Total Payments Net of receipts/(payments) Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
17,414.61 - - 17,414.61 13,107.69 |
|---|---|
| 8,496.58 - - 8,496.58 6,278.50 26,595.42 - - 26,595.42 35,092.00 - - 35,092.00 6,278.50 |
11
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
| Categories | Details | Unrestricted funds |
Restricted income funds |
Endowment funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | ||||
| funds | ||||
| Bristol Pentecostal Church Community Account |
35,423.06 | - | - | |
| Total Cash Funds | 35,423.06 | - | - |
The financial statements were approved by the Board on 14-Nov-2024 and signed on its behalf by:
| Saji Samuel | Thomas Varghese Manamel |
|---|---|
| Chair | Trustee |
12
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
1 Accounting Policies
1.1 Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Charity, which is a public benefit entity, in the preparation of the accounts are as follows.
1.2 Basis of preparation
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the inclusion of charitable properties and fixed asset investments and investment properties at valuation.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
These accounts are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.
1.3 Going concern
The Trustees have prepared financial projections, taking into consideration the current economic conditions and have, at the time of approving these accounts, a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
2 Income from Donations and Legacies
| Analysis Donation and gifts Offering Other Tithe |
Unrestricted funds £ 50.00 11,084.19 4,799.00 9,978.00 25,911.19 |
Total funds 2024 £ 50.00 11,084.19 4,799.00 9,978.00 25,911.19 |
|---|---|---|
13
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
| 3 Other Income Analysis Other 4 Expenditure on Charitable Activities Analysis Honorarium to Guest Pastors Events Donations Printing and stationery Support Costs 5 Support Costs Analysis Governance Costs Rent Accountant’s fees 6 Other Expenditure Analysis Refreshments Software & IT Other Expenditure |
Unrestricted funds £ 2,904.26 324.69 2,804.64 6,033.59 |
Total funds 2024 £ - - Total funds 2024 £ 2,873.15 700.00 4,910.65 300.22 2,597.00 11,381.02 Total funds 2024 £ 2,347.00 250.00 2,597.00 Total funds 2024 £ 2,904.26 324.69 2,804.64 6,033.59 |
|---|---|---|
14
BRISTOL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024
7 Cash at bank and in hand
| Bristol Pentecostal Church Community Account | Total funds 2024 £ 35,423.06 35,423.06 |
|---|---|
8 Charity funds
8.1 Details of material funds held and movements during the CURRENT reporting period
| Fund names Unrestricted funds General Fund Total |
Fund balances brought forward Income Expenditure Transfers Gains and losses Fund balances carried forward £ £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| 26,926.44 25,911.19 (17,414.61) - - 35,423.02 26,926.44 25,911.19 (17,414.61) - - 35,423.02 |
8.2 Transfers between funds This Year
Between unrestricted and restricted funds Between endowment and restricted funds Between endowment and unrestricted funds
Amount £ - - -
15