REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 801342
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
for
Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Williams & Co Epsom LLP Chartered Accountants 8-10 South Street Epsom Surrey KT18 7PF
Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 7 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 | to | 13 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 14 |
Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charity's objects are set out in the charity's Declaration of Trust and are for the benefit of the public generally
(a) the advancement of the Christian faith,
(b) the relief of persons in conditions of need, hardship or distress, or who are elderly or ill, and
- (c) the advancement of education on the basis of Christian principles.
Significant activities
The main ways in which the church seeks to fulfil its charitable purposes for the public benefit are as follows:
The church provides Sunday morning worship services for the entire family with special provisions for children. During the week there are prayer meetings, Bible studies and a women's group meeting once a month. The church also supports the "Prayer for Israel" initiative by hosting online prayer meetings. The aims of the teaching, preaching and training within these services and other events include equipping those who come to apply the teaching of Christ in their family, community, work or school environment. By so doing they are able to enrich the lives and often improve the lifestyle of those with whom they spend much of their time.
Mission and relief work in the UK and abroad is supported through sending teams and individuals, as well as through financial contributions. In the UK local individuals and families in need are offered help.
The trustees would particularly like to note the substantial contribution volunteers make to the work of the charity. From a financial point of view, the input from the volunteers is adding work to the charity which it could not afford to pay for. Without our invaluable volunteers, the charity would be greatly disadvantaged in the work that it does; the trustees therefore pass on their grateful and eternal thanks to every single volunteer who brings their love and talents to the work of the charity in reaching out with God's love to the church congregation and wider community.
Public benefit
The charity carries out a wide range of activities in pursuance of its charitable aims. The trustees consider that these activities, summarised below, provide benefit not only to those who worship at Commonwealth Church but also the wider communities of London, the UK and throughout the world via monetary and prayer support, together with various media opportunities. These activities aim to bring Christian encouragement to all people as valued members of society.
In compliance with section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act, when planning the charity's activities for the year consideration has been given to the Charity Commission's general and specific guidance on public benefit as it relates to the charity.
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
We are pleased to say that the church is alive and well.
The end of 2025 was difficult to navigate as one of our senior pastors passed away and her husband relocated to be with family in the US. This had, however, been prepared for by the leadership which has been strengthened over the past two years by appointments of new trustees and regular meetings between elders, trustees, administration and the worship pastor.
We continue to hold our meetings at Thames Christian School in Clapham Junction.We started services there in 2022. The facilities are modern as the school building was constructed in 2022. We have use of the library, foyer and social room. Although the library will be outgrown at some point in the future, it suffices for the present. Transport links are close by which is convenient for the congregation who come from across London.
We continue to financially support missions work in Israel, Kenya and the Philippines, as well as supporting members and individuals in our wider community through our Kingdom Exchange food bank initiative.
As needs have been brought to our attention, we have been able to assist individuals meet housing cost needs, sharing the love of the Gospel in the most practical of ways.
During the Christmas season it is our joy to engage with the local community, sharing love and literature we have produced, and we hope to build on this in years to come.
We're trusting to be able to reinstitute our weekly children's services, which is vitally important to us, which are currently offered twice a month.
All in all, we feel the fellowship is growing stronger, and producing more and more fruit in the lives of people, which is our primary purpose.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
The Statement of Financial Activities for the year is set out on page 6. Our voluntary Income increased from 2024 due to a large one-off donation received from one of the members of the congregation, which also resulted in a net surplus for the year. Additionally, our expenditure also decreased compared to 2024.
The Balance Sheet at 5 April 2025 is set out on page 7. This reflects the increase in the restricted building fund in the year and shows the increase in the unrestricted general fund balance due to the surplus in the year.
The general fund represents the reserves held by the charity to support the day-to-day work of the church such as salaries and venue hire charges, equipment purchases, etc. The level of funds is monitored by the trustees to ensure the continuation of the charity's activities through periods of fluctuating incoming resources.
The building fund income is held towards our desire to purchase our own meeting venue and any necessary refurbishments, when possible.
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Investment policy and objectives
The trustees' investment powers are laid down in the charity's Declaration of Trust and restrictions contained therein. These powers are also subject to conditions imposed by law.
Reserves policy
The charity operates an unrestricted general fund and a restricted building fund which reflect its main activities. The trustees have reviewed the financial needs of the charity and consider that they should aim to have sufficient unrestricted funds on hand or on call to meet three months' overhead expenditure. At 5 April 2025 the reserves amounted to £176,345 for the unrestricted general fund.
The level of reserves is regularly monitored and reviewed by the trustees. The unrestricted bank and cash balances at the year-end have met the target level of three month's budgeted recurrent expenditure and the trustees continue to manage the charity in order to maintain the bank and cash balances. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant reduction 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.
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The church was registered with the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales on 24 April 1989 and is governed by a Declaration of Trust dated 20 March 1989.
Organisational structure
The charity trustees are responsible for the administration of Commonwealth Christian Fellowship. The trustees meet regularly and give their time freely, receiving no remuneration for their role as. The charity is an unincorporated organisation and a public benefit entity.
Induction and training of new trustees
The existing trustees and elders of the church are responsible for the appointment, induction and training of new trustees, who will be respected members of the Christian faith and community. New trustees will be given copies of the trust deed and relevant Charity Commission publications.
Recruitment of new trustees is from among those who have an active involvement and interest in the church. Candidates will have demonstrated the skills necessary for their intended role. Appointments are made by the elders.
In extending invitations to new trustees, account is taken of the skills present and needed. All trustees must be at least 18 years of age, a member of the fellowship, fully accept the doctrines set out in the trust deed and be capable of managing his or her own affairs. The number of trustees should not fall below three.
New trustees are briefed on their legal obligations and responsibilities under charity law. They are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the charity's constitution and publications from the Charity Commission. As part of the induction process, new trustees will meet and work alongside other trustees.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
801342
Principal address
6 Calais Street London SE5 9LP
Trustees
D W Adkins Mrs P E C Fraser Mrs N C Sylvester O Okedeji
Independent Examiner
Williams & Co Epsom LLP Chartered Accountants 8-10 South Street Epsom Surrey KT18 7PF
EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR
Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements.
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 19 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
D W Adkins - Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Commonwealth Christian Fellowship (the Trust) for the year ended 5 April 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts 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 accounts to be reached.
Paul M Smith FCA
Williams & Co Epsom LLP Chartered Accountants 8-10 South Street Epsom Surrey KT18 7PF
19 January 2026
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
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2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
fund funds funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Voluntary income 198,433 325 198,758 158,483
Investment income 2 6 989 995 888
Total 198,439 1,314 199,753 159,371
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
-
Raising donations and legacies 144,079 144,079 164,013
-
144,079 144,079 164,013
Charitable activities
Charitable activities 23,750 - 23,750 14,104
Other - - - 7,644
Total 167,829 - 167,829 185,761
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 30,610 1,314 31,924 (26,390)
Transfers between funds 9 (11,670) 11,670 - -
Net movement in funds 18,940 12,984 31,924 (26,390)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 84,357 60,064 144,421 170,811
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 103,297 73,048 176,345 144,421
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The notes form part of these financial statements
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Balance Sheet 5 April 2025
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2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
fund funds funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 6 2,898 - 2,898 3,392
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 7 821 - 821 2,201
Cash at bank 116,271 73,048 189,319 156,660
117,092 73,048 190,140 158,861
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 8 (16,693) - (16,693) (17,832)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 100,399 73,048 173,447 141,029
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 103,297 73,048 176,345 144,421
NET ASSETS 103,297 73,048 176,345 144,421
FUNDS 9
Unrestricted funds 103,297 84,357
Restricted funds 73,048 60,064
TOTAL FUNDS 176,345 144,421
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The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 19 January 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
D W Adkins - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings - Straight line over 3 years Motor vehicles - 20% on reducing balance
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
2025 2024 £ £ 995 888
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 5 April 2025 nor for the year ended 5 April 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 5 April 2025 nor for the year ended 5 April 2024.
4. STAFF COSTS
5.
| Wages and salaries Included within staff costs is pastoral staff member costs of £nil (2024: 4,316). The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Employees No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Voluntary income 157,732 Investment income - Total 157,732 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds Raising donations and legacies 164,013 164,013 Charitable activities Charitable activities 14,104 Other 7,644 Total 185,761 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (28,029) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 112,386 |
2025 £ 36,485 36,485 2025 6 Restricted funds £ 751 888 1,639 - - - - - 1,639 58,425 |
2024 £ 44,653 44,653 2024 6 Total funds £ 158,483 888 159,371 164,013 164,013 14,104 7,644 185,761 (26,390) 170,811 |
|---|---|---|
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
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5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted Restricted Total
fund funds funds
£ £ £
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 84,357 60,064 144,421
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and Motor
fittings vehicles Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 6 April 2024 61,575 8,940 70,515
Additions 1,078 - 1,078
At 5 April 2025 62,653 8,940 71,593
DEPRECIATION
At 6 April 2024 59,365 7,758 67,123
Charge for year 1,336 236 1,572
At 5 April 2025 60,701 7,994 68,695
NET BOOK VALUE
At 5 April 2025 1,952 946 2,898
At 5 April 2024 2,210 1,182 3,392
7. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
£ £
Other debtors - 1,336
Prepayments and accrued income 821 865
821 2,201
8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
£ £
Trade creditors 986 259
Taxation and social security 8,310 11,868
Other creditors 7,397 5,705
16,693 17,832
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
At 6.4.24 £ 84,357 60,064 144,421 follows: |
Net movement in funds £ 30,610 1,314 31,924 Incoming resources £ 198,439 1,314 199,753 At 6.4.23 £ 112,386 58,425 170,811 |
Transfers between At funds 5.4.25 £ £ (11,670) 103,297 11,670 73,048 - 176,345 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (167,829) 30,610 - 1,314 (167,829) 31,924 Net movement At in funds 5.4.24 £ £ (28,029) 84,357 1,639 60,064 (26,390) 144,421 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 157,732 Restricted funds Restricted funds 1,639 TOTAL FUNDS 159,371 A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: Net movement At 6.4.23 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 112,386 2,581 Restricted funds Restricted funds 58,425 2,953 TOTAL FUNDS 170,811 5,534 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (185,761) (28,029) - 1,639 (185,761) (26,390) Transfers between At funds 5.4.25 £ £ (11,670) 103,297 11,670 73,048 - 176,345 |
|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 356,171 2,953 359,124 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (353,590) 2,581 - 2,953 (353,590) 5,534 |
|---|---|---|
Included in the total funds is a restricted building fund established to make provision for the future acquisition of premises, including cost of alterations. The income represents donations specifically received for this purpose.
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Rev Rod Anderson, trustee, received support for his ministry as Pastor of the church. His wife July Anderson received a salary for her pastoral work. Their son, Jamie's company has provided specific consultancy services in relation to website construction and maintenance during the year. These transactions were proved by other trustees and are in accordance with the Declaration of Trust dated 20 March 1989.
| Unrestricted funds | Unrestricted funds | |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry support and gifts - Rev Rod Anderson Salary costs - Julie Anderson Rental costs of property - Rev Rod Anderson and Julie Anderson Rental costs of church office - Rev Rod Anderson Purchase of books - Rev Rod Anderson Consultancy fees paid - Jamie Anderson's company |
2025 £ 44,860 - 12,000 - - 1,614 60,499 |
2024 £ 48,480 4,316 12,000 8,400 150 1,614 76,984 |
| The following amounts are due to the charity at the year end: | 2024 £ 1,336 |
|
| 2025 | ||
| Rev Rod Anderson | £ (189) |
11. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
Rev Rod Anderson left the church in May 2025 to return to the USA. The church later made a payment to him in the sum of £16,510.
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Commonwealth Christian Fellowship
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
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2025 2024
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Voluntary income
Tithes 153,611 134,348
Gifts and offerings 44,452 22,215
Building income 325 750
Benevolent income 190 1,100
Sundry income 180 70
198,758 158,483
Investment income
Deposit account interest 995 888
Total incoming resources 199,753 159,371
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Wages 36,485 44,653
Ministry costs 44,860 48,480
Room hire & office rent costs 17,547 23,550
Rent - Pastor's accommodation 12,000 12,000
Insurance 4,527 3,004
Light and heat 919 805
Telephone 265 283
Equipment hire & storage costs 12,288 18,130
Sundries 12,003 10,055
IT & website costs 1,614 1,614
Fixtures and fittings 1,335 1,144
Motor vehicles 236 295
144,079 164,013
Charitable activities
Missons 7,800 6,600
Gifts and donations 2,915 5,587
10,715 12,187
Support costs
Finance
Bank charges 1,787 1,917
Governance costs
Accountancy and legal fees 11,248 7,644
Total resources expended 167,829 185,761
Net income/(expenditure) 31,924 (26,390)
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This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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