Charity registration number 1209235 (England and Wales)
HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 |
| Receipts and payments account | 4 |
| Statement of balances | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 - 11 |
HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".
Objectives and activities
Hull and Lincolnshire Mar Thoma Congregation has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Rev: Abu Cherian in promoting the pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical mission.
The Congregation is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship as a congregation. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer, scripture, music and sacraments. This provides an opportunity for the Expat Mar Thoma Community scattered in and around the Hull, Scarborough, Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Lincoln areas to live out their faith as part of the congregation through worship and prayer meetings: Learning about the gospel and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.
The Congregation also provides pastoral care for the Congregation members, and is involved in charity works in the UK and abroad.
Memberships
Number of memberships as at 31 March 2025: 32.
Achievements and performance
Worship and Prayer meetings:
Holy Communion services were held in church in Hull, Scunthorpe, Scarborough and Grimsby once a month and usually the first Saturdays from April 2024 to March 2025 with the exception of July, November and January where we had to move to the 3rd Saturday due to diocesan events falling on 1st Sundays.
Birthdays and wedding anniversaries of members were felicitated through Thanksgiving and prayer during Holy
Communion services.
Prayer meetings were held every 3rd Friday of the month on a hybrid arrangement on the Zoom platform and faceto-face basis due to the challenge of members being many miles apart. This was rotated between prayer groups (Hull, Grimsby & Lincoln/Scunthorpe/Scarborough). Each month members gathered in the host cottage in that area and the other groups and Vicar participated on a virtual basis.
All through Lent, daily evening online prayer service for 40 days on Zoom platform was conducted along with Carmel Mar Thoma Church Liverpool and Newcastle Prayer Fellowship.
Events
Vacation Bible School (VBS):
On 4 May 2024 a vibrant VBS was held on the theme GoPro (Growing in faith and prayer) led by Nikhil and Sumi from Sinai Church, London. This session provided the opportunity for the children to learn about faith through singing and various other activities.
First holy Communion:
On 1 June 2024, a First Holy Communion celebration was conducted for two children at St. Lukes Church, Scarborough.
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Sunday School Exams:
In the month of July, the Sunday School students of the congregation took the annual Sunday School exams conducted by the diocese.
Weddings:
On 16 July, a wedding ceremony of one of the congregation members was conducted.
Students and Teachers Dedication:
Sunday School Students and Teacher Dedication service and prayers for the academic year 2024 - 2025 were held during the Holy Communion service on 8 September at old Brumby Methodist Church, Scunthorpe.
Onam and Harvest Celebrations:
On 8 September the congregation celebrated Onam, a traditional festival of people from South india along with the Harvest Festival celebration.
Family Sunday:
Family Sunday was celebrated on 5 October 2024 at St. Martins Church Hull with Holy Communion service with special prayers and family communion.
Christmas:
Christmas carols service as celebrated at St. Martins Church Hull on 7 December with various programmes for children.
Organisations and Activities Sunday School:
Sunday School is lead by the Sunday School headmistress. Various classes are lead by volunteer teachers. Classes are held online every week.
Sunday School children had the opportunity to attend the World Sunday School celebrations organised by Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Liverpool.
Sevika Sangham:
This is a group of the ladies belonging to the congregation. The members took part in Sevika Sangham Day celebrations held at Carmel Mar Thoma Church on 24 August and also participated in the quiz competition.
Choir:
Choir is developing under the leadership of Dr. Allen George. The choir provides support during Holy Communion services. The choir members took part in the wedding of a congregation member making the occasion memorable for the family.
The choir also organised the singing during the Christmas carol service.
Yuvajana Sakhyom:
This is the youth wing of the congregation. This organisation provides opportunity for the young members to grow in faith and to develop the talents by actively participating in the various activities of the congregation.
Volunteers:
We would like to express thanks and gratitude to all volunteers who work hard to make the congregation a lively and vibrant community.
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Financial review
The financial report for the year 2024/2025 was presented during the annual general body meeting and was approved by the general body.
Total income for the year was £30,774, mainly from donations and subscriptions. Expenditure amounted to £19,879.
The charity ended the year with a closing balance of £10,895, ensuring funds for the coming year.
Charity donations
A charitable donation of £220 was given towards Waynad Flood Relief in Kerala State through the Council of Mar Thoma Parishes in Europe.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is an incorporated organisation registered with Companies House.
Charity Registration Number: 1209235 Trustees: Mr. Santhosh George John (appointed 22 July 2024) Dr. Shanti Varghese (appointed 22 July 2024) Registered Office: 4 Larkspur Avenue, Healing, Grimsby, DN41 7JD Independent Examiners: Thomson.Cooper,.3.Castle.Court,.Carnegie.Campus, Dunfermline,.KY11 8PB Administrative Information: President: Rev. Abu Cherian Vice President Dr. Rajeev Thomas Maliyil Secretary: Dr. Preetha Thomas Finance Trustee: Dr. Shanti Varghese Accounts Trustee: Mr. Santhosh George John Lay Leader 1: Mr. Santhosh Varghese Lay Leader 2: Mr. Sannel Sunny Sunday School Headteacher: Mrs. Susan Santhosh Sevika Sangham Leader: Mrs. Elizabeth Mathew Choir Leader: Dr. Allen George Youth Leader: Mr. Abin Varkey Varghese
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The method of appointment of the office bearers for the financial year is as per the rules specified in the Constitution of the Mar Thoma Church. The appointments of various positions are done during the annual general body meetings led by the Vicar who is also the president of the meeting.
The appointed members are responsible for making decisions on matters of general concerns and importance to the congregation including on how the funds of the congregation are to be spent.
The appointed office bearers meet periodically on an online platform or face-to-face when possible to discuss any new needs, which after approval will be cascaded down to the members.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that 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 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the governing document. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
.............................. Mr S John Trustee
29-12-25 Date: .............................................
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Hull & Lincolnshire Mar Thoma Congregation (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Fiona Haro CA Thomson Cooper 3 Castle Court Carnegie Campus Dunfermline KY11 8PB
29-12-25 Date: ............................
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 2 29,116 - Charitable activities 3 1,331 - Other trading activities 4 25 302 Total receipts 30,472 302 Payments: Charitable activities 5 19,879 - Net Receipts/(Payments) 10,593 302 |
Total 2025 £ 29,116 1,331 327 |
|---|---|
| 30,774 | |
| 19,879 | |
| 10,895 |
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
Statement of Balances
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Bank and deposit balances Payments in year 10,593 302 Bank and deposit balances carried forward 10,593 302 Liabilities Expenses (600) - The Accounts were approved by the trustees on ......................... Signed for and on behalf of the trustees 29-12-25 |
Total 2025 10,895 10,895 (600) |
|---|---|
.............................. Mr S John Treasurer
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Hull & Lincolnshire Mar Thoma Congregation is a charity registered at 4 Larkspur Avenue, Healing, Grimsby, DN41 7JD.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next 12 months. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| funds | |
| 2025 | |
| £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 24,483 |
| Other | 4,633 |
| 29,116 |
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3 Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| funds | |
| 2025 | |
| £ | |
| Income from church activities | 1,331 |
4 Income from other trading activities
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Fundraising events 25 302 5 Expenditure on charitable activities Direct costs Honourarium Church programmes Rent Printing, postage and stationery Insurance Disaster relief Diocese and zonal Sundry Share of support and governance costs (see note 6) Governance 6 Governance costs allocated to activities Accountancy fees |
Total 2025 327 |
|---|---|
| 2025 £ 8,749 3,508 1,025 305 580 220 2,975 927 |
|
| 18,289 1,590 |
|
| 19,879 | |
| 2025 £ 1,590 |
7 Trustees
During the year, 4 trustees were reimbursed a total of £3,063 in relation to general expenses of the charity.
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HULL & LINCOLNSHIRE MAR THOMA CONGREGATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 600 |
10 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At | 1 | April | Incoming | Resources | At | 31 | March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | resources | expended | 2025 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Home for the Homeless | - | 302 | - | 302 |
11 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used.
| At | 1 | April | Incoming | Resources | At | 31 | March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | resources | expended | 2025 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| General funds | - | 30,472 | (19,879) | 10,593 |
12 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year.
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