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2023-09-30-accounts

Strangers Rest Mission Report and Accounts Year ended 30 September 2023

STRANGERS REST MISSION

CHARITY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Trustees

Mr Mark Mullins Rev Roland Brown Rev John Thackway (resigned 29 April 2023) Mr Keith Burden

Rev Peter Ratcliff (appointed 6 January 2023)

Secretary Mr Keith Burden Management Committee Mark Mullins (Minister) Ernie Amurao (Assistant Minister) Governing Document Trust Deed dated 5th October 1917

Trust Deed dated 5th October 1917

Scheme dated 18th September 1995, 19th December 2019 and 3rd October 2020 Charity Registration Number 209117 Principal Office 131 The Highway, London, E1W 9BP Independent Examiner Neville Reid, 19 Mills Grove, London, E14 0RH Bankers National Westminster Bank

CONTENTS

Page
Charity Information 1
Trustees’ Report 2–4
Independent Examiner’s Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Accounts 8–11

1

STRANGERS REST MISSION

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and 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).

Objectives of the charity

The Trustees have considered these objectives and believe that the Charity is fulfilling these objectives in its actions and activities.

The Trustees confirm that they have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and are of the opinion that this is achieved through the advancement of religion.

Governance

From 1st October 2022 to 29th April 2023 the trust was governed by Mr Mark Mullins (Chairman), Mr Roland Brown (Treasurer), Mr Keith Burden (Secretary) and Rev. Peter Ratcliff. On 29th April 2023, Rev. John Thackway resigned. On 21st August 2023, Mr Roland Brown resigned following which Mr Keith Burden became Treasurer.

The policy decisions of the charity rest with the Trustees. The Chairman of the trust is the Minister at Strangers Rest Evangelical Church. The Secretary/Treasurer's children attend meetings most weeks, and he keeps in close contact with the Church Administrator, Angela Baker. The trustees meet three times a year.

Review of Activities

The church's objects are to glorify God through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of Shadwell and wider afield, and to build up those who are believers so that they may grow to maturity in their understanding and obedience to the Word of God. The church also supports missionaries working overseas and gives assistance to those who are in financial hardship. The policies adopted in furtherance of

2

these objects are to preach the Word of God, to pray, and to encourage believers to build each other up. There has been no change in these objects during the year.

During the year the church continued to hold services of worship on Sunday mornings and evenings, pre-service prayer meetings on Sunday morning and evening, a Kids Club on Friday evenings during the school term time, prayer meetings on Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and Bible studies on Wednesday evenings. A Wednesday morning ladies' prayer meeting was begun during the reporting period.

Zoom and YouTube have continued to allow flexibility for those unable to attend the Church in person and to promote the work wider afield.

In person meetings for the Kids Club took place both in person and by Zoom. Sunday School from 4-5pm was online throughout the year.

Preaching on Sunday mornings has continued to be through books of the Bible: continuing John’s Gospel with a break in July 2023 in order to study the book of Haggai. At the beginning of the period there was no set pattern to passages preached in the evening with the preacher taking as his text whatever scripture was on his heart. However, during the period the Minister began preaching through Proverbs.

During the year the Bible Study the examination of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was concluded and a study of Bible versions and the case for the Received text begun. Church worship continued to be exclusive Psalm singing. Numbers attending services in person were fairly steady, with attendance fluctuation between about 15 and 25 in the morning meetings and on average 9–10 in the evening.

Edward Malcolm spoke at the Anniversary Service which was held in person on 27th May 2023.

Throughout the year evangelism took place once a month in partnership with the London City Mission in the local area. We also maintained links with a nursing home in Stepney and held an Advent evangelistic service there in December.

Volunteers continue to make an important contribution cleaning the church, providing refreshments, helping with the children and taking services.

Church Flat

The church flat was occupied throughout the period with rent being paid.

Financial Review

Income from donations and gifts was £53,981 lower than the preceding year, because the total in 2022 included substantial gifts from a trust. In addition, two legacies were received in 2023, totalling £30.400. The total level of expenditure was £12,700 higher than the previous year. The overall result for the year was a surplus of income over expenditure of £25,811. There was a net increase on the General Fund of £27,892, after gains in value of investments, leading to a closing balance of £273,761.

Reserves Policy

The Charity holds significant financial reserves. It aims to maintain general reserves of at least £140,000 to meet future capital needs.

Risk Statement

The charity is not exposed to any major financial risk. The most significant area of uncertainty relates to the downward trend of reserves over recent years, but the legacies

3

received in recent years replenished reserves sufficiently to cover foreseeable deficits that might arise in the next few years.

Responsibilities of the Trustees

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ annual report and 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 charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each 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 period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements.

Approval

This report was approved by the Trustees on 12 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Mark Mullins Chairman of Trustees

Type text here

4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF STRANGERS REST MISSION

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 30 September 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that, in any material respect:

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 accounts to be reached.

Neville Reid ACA

19 Mills Grove Poplar London E14 0RH

12 July 2024

5

STRANGERS REST MISSION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
Investments
Total income and endowments
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
4
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
before investment gains
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2023
2022
£
£
55,145
78,726
12,737
4,931
5,735
4,880
73,617
88,537
47,806
35,106
47,806
35,106
25,811
53,431
2,081
(14,540)
27,892
38,891
245,869
206,978
273,761
245,869

Movements on reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above.

The notes on pages 8–11 form part of these accounts.

6

STRANGERS REST MISSION

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL NET ASSETS
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
General funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 2023
2022
£
£
11,779
16,294
3,827
5,001
159,174
157,093
101,712
70,282
264,713
232,376
(2,731)
(2,801)
261,982
229,575
273,761
245,869
273,761
245,869
273,761
245,869

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 12 July 2024 by:

Mark Mullins Chair of the Trustees

Charity number: 209117

The notes on pages 8–11 form part of these accounts.

7

STRANGERS REST MISSION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

1 Basis of Accounting

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the 2019 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP (FRS 102)), and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. The most significant area of uncertainty relates to the downward trend of reserves over recent years; this is addressed in the Trustees’ report.

2 Accounting policies

The following are the accounting policies which have been applied in dealing with material items.

a) Recognition of income:

Donations and legacies are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

b) Tax reclaimed on donations and gifts:

Gift Aid receivable is included in income at the same time as the cash donations to which they relate, when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be unrestricted income unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

c) Settlement of insurance claims:

Insurance claims are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met, and are included as an item of other income in the SoFA.

d) Volunteer help:

The value of voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the Trustees’ report.

e) Investment gains or losses:

This includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

f) Liability recognition:

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources, and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

g) Governance costs:

This includes the costs of preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings, and any cost of legal advice to Trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

8

STRANGERS REST MISSION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

h) Church property:

In so far as consecrated property is excluded from the statutory definition of “charity” by section 10(2)(c) of the Charities Act 2011, such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements. All expenditure on the building is charged to the SoFA in the year in which it is incurred. The church flat is included as it is integral to the building and designated for the minister when he requires accommodation in London.

i) Fixed assets and depreciation:

Fixed assets acquired for use by the charity are capitalised and depreciated over their estimated useful life unless they cost less than £2,000 when they are written off on purchase.

Depreciation periods are as follows:

Kitchen fittings & equipment 7 years Office equipment 3 years

j) Funds:

Unrestricted funds are donations and other income received or generated for the objects of the charity without specified purpose, and are available for purposes as directed by the trustees. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are amounts received where the donor has specified the purpose for which they should be used.

SRM currently has no designated or restricted funds. In previous years an amount had been set aside as the Reserve Fund, an unrestricted fund designated by the Trustees to allow for future expenditure on any emergency or capital need that might arise. That designation is no longer relevant or useful, so in these accounts for former Reserve Fund with a balance brought forward of £13,421 has been merged into the General Fund.

3 Analysis of income

Donations and legacies:
Donations and gifts
Gift Aid tax refunds
Legacies
Charitable activities:
Rent and parking income
Printing income
Income from investments:
Interest and other investment income
Total income		 2023
2022
£
£
20,901
76,307
3,844
2,419
30,400
-
55,145
78,726
12,737
4,881
-
50
12,737
4,931
5,735
4,880
5,735
4,880
73,617
88,537

In addition to the above, there were gains and losses on the market value of investments. These are shown separately in the Statement of Financial Activities.

9

STRANGERS REST MISSION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

4
Analysis of expenditure
a
Direct Charitable Costs
Staff costs
Building maintenance
Catering
Church car
Church flat
Cleaning
Evangelism
External Ministry Conferences
Gas, electricity & water
Travel
Youth & children's work
Grants payable
Note 8
b
Support & Administration
Governance costs
Insurance
IT support
Telephone & internet
Other administration costs
Total expenditure on charitable activities
5
Fees for examination of the accounts
6
Staff costs
Salaries and wages
Pension costs (defined contribution scheme)
Total staff costs
Independent examiner’s fees		 2023
2022
£
£
9,320
8,856
14,461
9,416
594
259
2,492
3,418
3,255
1,327
652
883
-
150
245
-
6,435
3,378
728
-
157
166
3,143
435
41,482
28,288
1,000
900
1,737
1,515
1,575
1,017
608
568
1,404
2,818
6,324
6,818
47,806
35,106
2023
2022
£
£
1,000
900
2023
2022
£
£
8,834
8,533
486
323
9,320
8,856

In 2023 the charity had 2 permanent members of staff (2022: 2).

The Charities SORP requires disclosure of the number of employees with remuneration above £60,000. No employees were paid more than this amount.

Under their contracts of employment, the permanent members of staff are entitled to employer contributions to an occupational pension at 5.5%.

10

STRANGERS REST MISSION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

7 Trustees

The trustees received no payment or benefit from the charity in the year (2022: £nil).

The charity paid no remuneration to any Board member of the Trustee during the year, nor to any person connected to them; nor were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2022: £nil).

The Charities SORP requires disclosure of the aggregate amount of donations received from Trustees. Material donations were received from one of the Trustees, but the Trustees do not consider it necessary or desirable to disclose this amount.

8 Grants

Analysis of grants:
Gifts to visiting speakers and missionaries
Gifts to other ministries
Analysis of grants – Previous year:
Gifts to visiting speakers and missionaries		 Grants to
Grants to
Total
Institutions
Individuals
£
£
£
50
2,045
2,095
440
608
1,048
490
2,653
3,143
100
335
435

The institutional grants in 2023 were £290 to London City Mission (2022: £100) and £200 to the Protestant Alliance.

9 Tangible Fixed Assets

Fittings and equipment
At 1 October 2021
Additions
Depreciation charge for the year
At 30 September 2022
Depreciation charge for the year
At 30 September 2023
10
Debtors and prepayments
Tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued income
11
Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Accruals		 Cost
£
28,122
3,295
-		 Accumulated
Net
depreciation
book value
£
£
(9,467)
18,655
-
3,295
(5,656)
(5,656)
31,417
-		 (15,123)
16,294
(4,515)
(4,515)
31,417 (19,638)
11,779
2023
2022
£
£
812
2,616
3,015
2,385
3,827
5,001
2023
2022
£
£
656
979
2,075
1,822
2,731
2,801

11