## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period** **From** 25 March 2024 **To** 31 December 2024 **Charity name:** BETHEL LIVING STONE CHURCH **Charity registration number:** 1207589 ## **Objectives and Activities** Bethel Living Stone Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation established to advance the Christian faith for public benefit in accordance with the Basis of Faith set out in the constitution. This is achieved by conducting prayer meetings, lectures, public celebration of Christian holidays and producing or distributing Christian literature. The charity began informal worship meetings a few weeks prior to formal registration on 25 March 2024. Regular activities include: - Sunday evening worship sessions (4pm–6pm) at Memorial Hall - Wednesday online Bible study focused on scripture learning and fellowship - Sunday school for children combining educational activities with spiritual teaching ## **Achievements and Performance** During the year, the charity organised several special events and community outreach programs, including: 1. 16-17 March: Special service on subject: “Blessings and Curses” The church held a special service exploring biblical teachings on blessings and curses from the Bible based on Deutronomy 28, providing spiritual guidance and encouraging attendees to embrace God’s promises of blessing. This helped the community reflect on their lives, offering hope and moral direction to live aligned with Christian values, which strengthens personal well-being and societal harmony. ## 2. 31 March: Easter Sunday Special Service The Easter service celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the foundation of Christian faith. It brought the community together to experience renewal, hope, and the promise of eternal life. This event served both believers and newcomers, fostering unity, spiritual growth, and emotional healing within the wider public. ## 3. 25 May: PRAISE Christian Concert Through worship and music, the concert engaged the local community, creating an inclusive space for joyful praise and spiritual upliftment. Music served as a powerful medium to connect people emotionally and spiritually, fostering fellowship and offering a positive cultural experience accessible to all, including those unfamiliar with church life. ## 4. 11 June: Special Service - 'REVIVE 2024' This revival service aimed to renew faith and inspire spiritual rejuvenation, encouraging participants to deepen their commitment to Christian living. ## 5. 23 November: Christian Worship Night The Worship Night provided a space for collective worship and prayer, nurturing mental and emotional well-being through spiritual encouragement. It created a sense of belonging and offered solace to those facing personal challenges, benefiting both individuals and the wider community. 6. 22 December: Christmas Special Service, including a children’s Christmas drama and songs The Christmas service celebrated the birth of Jesus with a children’s drama that engaged families and taught Christian teachings in an accessible way. This event enhanced community ties, upheld cultural traditions, and provided joy and hope, especially for families and young people, enriching public life. 7. Monthly outreach programs, typically on the third Saturday of the month, with Christian music and gospel messages performed on the Rainbow stage in Hemel Hempstead Monthly outreach initiatives brought Christian music and messages of hope directly to the public in a welcoming, open-air setting. These programs reached diverse audiences, breaking down social barriers, fostering inclusivity, and providing encouragement through the message of Jesus’ love and salvation, thus fostering a compassionate and connected community. These efforts have fostered spiritual growth and community cohesion, extending the charity's message of hope and faith beyond the church walls. ## **Financial Review** The charity’s income for the period was less than £16,000. Due to the income level, no independent examination of accounts was required. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** Bethel Living Stone Church is governed under its constitution (adopted December 2023) as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The trustees who served during the period were: - Arun Joseph, Pastor - Geevarghese Babu Mathai, Church Secretary - Anushya Jacob, Treasurer - Nikhil Antony Joseph, Elder (resigned 8th December 2024) Trustees are appointed and operate in accordance with the constitution, overseeing the charity's affairs and ensuring compliance with charity law and governance best practices. ## **Reference and Administrative details** Charity Name: Bethel Living Stone Church Other name the charity uses: Not Applicable Registered charity number: 1207589 Charity’s principal address: BETHEL LIVING STONE CHURCH, CAREY BAPTIST CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, MARLOWES, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HP1 1LD Names of the charity trustees who manage the chartty Tru•t•• nar lJffle• Ill*ny) D•t•x act•d 11 not lorwhol• Name of person lor body) •ntlll•d to appolnt trust•• Ilf Arun Joseph Geevarghese Babu Mathai Anushya Jacob Nikhil Antony Joseph Pastor Church Secretary Treasurer Elder 25 March - 8 December Declarations The truslo08 doclarn that they have approved th• trusts•s' r•port al)ov•. Slgnod on behalf of th• charlty's tru•t¢e• Slgnatur•l•) Full namel•) Po8ltlon (•g S•cr•tary. Chalr. •tc) rA%TDR Date .I&Da5 ## **Bethel Living Stone Church - Receipts and Payments Account** ## **For the period 25 March 2024 to 31 December 2024** |**Receipts**|**Amount (£)**| |---|---| |Oferings|4453.86| |Tithes|10997.50| |**Total Receipts**|**15,451.36**| |**Payments**|**Amount (£)**| |Rent|3,082.00| |Other Expenses|1,880.06| |**Total Payments**|**4,962.06**| |**Balances**|**Amount (£)**| |Opening balance at 25 March 2024|0.00| |Closing balance at 31 December 2024|10,489.30| ## **Notes:** - The bank account was opened in April 2024, so the opening balance was zero. - Receipts comprise offerings, tithes, and other direct incomes. - Payments include rent and other necessary expenses for the charity's operations. - The closing balance represents the available cash funds at the end of the period.