St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 ## **ST THOMAS CSI CHURCH BELFAST, UNITED KINGDOM** Trustees Annual Report for the Year ended 31[st] December 2022 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) Trustees Report Page 1 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 St. Thomas CSI Church Belfast, United Kingdom **Charity Name: -** St Thomas CSI Church Belfast **Charity Number: -** NIC107503 **Worship Address:-** Drumbeg Parish Church Hall, The Church of St Patrick's Drumbeg Upper malone Road Belfast, BT17 9LE, United Kingdom **Correspondence Address: -** 41 Beattie Park Central, Dunmurry, Belfast, BT17 9BE,United Kingdom ## **Board of** _**Trustees/Office bearers**_ The Charity Trustees in this report year:Rev Viji Varghese Eapen (Retired May 22 ) Trustee position Vacant Mrs. Sosamma Kurian Mr. Joby Philip Thomas Mr. Markson Abraham Mr. Sunil Philip ## **Independent Auditor: -** Mrs. Joshy Jose Address: 74 Olympia Drive Belfast, BT12 6NH, United Kingdom ## _**Church Committee**_ The Church Committee members of this report year:Mrs. Sosamma Kurian - Committee member & Church Warden Mr. Joby Philip Thomas - Committee member & Secretary Mr. Markson Abraham - Committee member & Joint Secretary Mr. Sunil Philip - Committee member & Treasurer Mr. Vincent P M - Committee member Mrs. Ashamol Mathew - Committee member & Hospitality coordinator Ms. Kesiya Justin - Committee member & Prayer coordinator Mrs. Smitha P Thomas - Committee member Trustees Report Page 2 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 ## **Choir** Choir Master **-** Mr. Joshy Jose Choir Secretary - Mr. Joby Philip Thomas **Fire Warden** - Mr. Joby Philip Thomas ## **First aiders** Mrs. Manju P Easow Mrs Sonia Jeslet Joshy ## **Hospitality Coordinators** Mr. Sunil Joseph Mrs. Meenu Sabu Maria Mrs. Tini Cherian Mrs. Ashamol Mathew ## **Organization Secretaries:-** The Organization secretaries of this report year:- Mrs. Manju P Easow - Women’s Fellowship Secretary Mr. Vincent PM - Men’s Fellowship secretary Miss. Kesiya Justin - Youth secretary ## **Sunday school Coordinators:-** Mrs. Prabha Philip Mrs. Tini Cherian Miss Rachel Philip (Supporting role) ## _**Authorised bank Signatories: -**_ Mr. Joby Philip Thomas (Secretary) Mr. Sunil Philip ( Treasurer) Mrs. Sosamma Kurian (Church Warden) ## **Bank Details: -** Account Name: - St. Thomas CSI Church Belfast Sort Code 20-62-27, Account number 50076678 Bank Address: - Barclays Bank, 17 Castle Place, Belfast, United Kingdom Trustees Report Page 3 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 ## **ST THOMAS CSI CHURCH 2022 ANNUAL REPORT** The Trustees present the annual report and the financial activities of the St Thomas CSI Church for the year ending 31[st] December 2022. ## **Governance and Structure:-** St Thomas CSI Church is governed by its constitution. The constitution was reviewed in 2016 and the revised document was adopted at the AGM on 8th February 2020. St Thomas CSI Church, Belfast is a recognised and licensed Congregation of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese, Kerala, India, in mission partnership with the Drumbeg Parish Church and under the diocese of Down & Dromore, Church of Ireland. Members of the St Thomas CSI Church Belfast and predominantly from the Madhya Kerala diocese of CSI Church in India and hence follows the liturgy, worship orders of the diocese and the guidance issued by the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese but jurisdictionally under the Church of Ireland Drumbeg Parish Church in the Diocese of Down & Dromore within the context of the wider Anglican Communion. Madhya Kerala diocese appoints the vicar for the congregation but the licensing and permission to officiate are officiated by the Drumbeg Parish Church and Down and Dromore diocese. Northern Ireland and United Kingdom laws are applicable to the Congregation in accordance with the above. At the congregation level it is managed by the trustees (office bearers) and by the Church committee chaired by the Vicar of the congregation appointed by the Madhya Kerala and Down & Dromore diocese. Trustees of the congregation will be Vicar, Church Warden, Secretary, treasurer and a chosen member from the Church committee whereas committee will have other positions for the smooth running of the congregation. The trustees & committee are elected every 2 years in the Annual general body meeting usually held on every March annually where all on full membership or associate membership are eligible to vote. The Trustees and committee are responsible for the day to day management and the maintenance of Finances. **Purpose:-** The purposes of this Church are: (i) To enhance the evangelistic and missionary zeal of its members and encourage them to remain as disciples of the Lord Jesus, creatively and actively engaging in God's mission. (ii) To serve as a common worship platform for the members of the Church of South India, as well as for those churches in communion with it, to witness Trustees Report Page 4 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 Christ among all men, women and children. (iii) To share the love of Jesus Christ with the people through proclamation of the good news of Jesus; through community/charity development projects for the marginalised and disadvantaged sections of the people. ## **Activities:-** - 1) St Thomas CSI church provides members a safe space to build and practise their faith by engaging in evangelical and missionary church activities - 2) Members of the St Thomas CSI Church are meeting for the worship activities. - 3) St Thomas CSI Church also hold other religious activities during every month. Through monthly prayer meetings, we support our members, our own churches and the community. - 4) St Thomas CSI Church organise and host meetings and events that promote our charitable purposes. ## **2022 Reflection:-** We are in the 14[th] year of existence as CSI Church in Belfast, United Kingdom. By looking back to those years, we have to thank our God for keeping as a Church to worship him in the CSI order of service. ## **Episcopal visit for Confirmation and Easter Celebration** The highlight of this term was the Episcopal visit of Rt. Rev. Dr Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese on 16[th] April 2022. Bishop led the confirmation service along Rt Revd David Alexander McClay, Rev Viji Varghese Eapen and Rev Willie Nixon. In the service held on April 16, Bishop of Madhya Kerala diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian launched our manuscript magazine “ _RHYTHM”._ It was indeed a great blessing to the congregation that bishop of Madhya Kerala diocese visit St Thomas Church Belfast. On behalf of the church committee, I would like to express our thanks to a) Rt. Rev. Dr Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian and Rt Revd David Alexander McClay for the Episcopal visit to Belfast Congregation . - b) Rev Viji Varghese Eapen, Vicar of St Thomas CSI Church Belfast for leading congregation until May 2022. Our Sincere thanks to Mrs. Susan George for all the support to the congregation. - c) Rev Sabi Mathew for the remote support provided as the interim acting Presbyter in charge for the congregation, during the vicar’s vacancy period as appointed by the Bishop of Madhya Kerala diocese. We appreciate the guidance given for the worship services and cottage prayers. - d) Rev Shaiju Kumar for the support during the vicar’s vacancy period for leading the congregation with the Holy communion service Trustees Report Page 5 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 - e) Rev Byju Eapen for the remote support for the congregation during the vacancy period. - f) Rev Dr Jacob Thomas for the support during the year 2022 by leading the congregation with the Holy Communion Services. Our Sincere thanks to Mrs. Emily Jacob for all the support to the congregation. - g) Rev Willie Nixon, Rector of Drumbeg Parish Church for the support to the congregation. - h) Church committee of the Drumbeg parish church for allowing us to use the church premises. - i) Mr. Hugh Crookshanks for continuously supporting us for our worship services. j) We are also extremely grateful to the Down & Dromore diocese and its officials for the support and guidance for the congregation. A special mention of our Church Warden Mrs. Sosamma Kurian for her leading role with advice, Chairing the meeting during vacancy and the direction for the church committee and within the congregational activities. We are also extremely grateful to our Treasurer Mr Sunil Philip for his commitment and hardwork for the Church even during his busy schedule. ## **Worship Schedule:-** During the calendar year congregation met for the worship services and fellowship gatherings in person and through the zoom virtual platform weekly. The following were the activities of the St Thomas CSI Church for the report year. |**Frequency**|**Activity**| |---|---| ||| |1st week of the Month|Chain Prayer at their homes| ||| |2nd week of the Month|Holy Communion Service /Zoom online Service| ||| |2nd week of the Month|Sunday school| ||| |3rd week of the Month|Women’s Fellowship| ||| |4th week of the Month|Fellowship Prayer Meeting| ||| |1stand 3rd Thursday of the Month|Men’s Fellowship| ||| Here are the individual reports of each of the worship and fellowship gatherings. ## **Holy Communion Services:-** We had 10 Holy communion Services during the report year. - 29[th] January 2022 –led by Rev Jacob Thomas. Trustees Report Page 6 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 - 12[th] February led by Rev Viji Varghese Eapen - 26[th] February led by Rev Viji Varghese Eapen- Men’s Fellowship Day - 12[th] March led by Rev Viji Varghese Eapen- Women’s Fellowship Day. Thanks to Kesia Justin for the sermon. - 16[th] April Confirmation Service led by Bishop Rt Rev Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian and Bishop Rt Rev James McClay - 30[th] April led by Rev Viji Varghese Eapen. - 14[th] May led by Rev Viji Varghese Eapen - 09[th] July led by Rev Shaiju Kumar - Theological Education Sunday. - 8[th] October - led by Rev Shaiju Kumar - Harvest Thanksgiving service. - 17[th] December led by Rev Shaiju Kumar - Carol Service. ## **Matin Service: -** We had 8 Matin services during this report year. - 8 January 2022 - 26[th] March 2022 - 28 May 2022 - 11 June 2022 - 25 June 2022 - 13 August 2022 - 17 September 2022 - 12 November 2022 ## **Ash Wednesday Service** We have hosted a special ash Wednesday service on 2[nd] March 2022 via Zoom led by Rev Viji Varghese Eapen. Thank you for all the other congregations who joined for the service. Trustees Report Page 7 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 ## **Baptism** Baptism of Sarah Sunson daughter of Sunson Stephenson and Mahima Mariam Johnson on 29[th] January 2022 led by Rev Jacob Thomas and Rev Willie Nixon. ## **Confirmation** Confirmation refers to the process of strengthening or deepening our relationship with God. Confirmation of Master Abel Sunil and Master Alan Kalarikal Bijo on 16[th] April 2022 was led by Bishop Rt Rev Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian and Bishop Rt Rev James McClay. Rev Willie Nixon, Drumbeg Church, and Rev Viji Varghese Eapen also attended the service. Members of the Dublin CSI congregation and Drumbeg Parish Church also attended the service. ## **Farewell:** Rev Viji Varghese Eapen and Mrs Susan George was given farewell by the church on 14[th] May 2022 who guided us over the last three years, particularly during the pandemic. Achen taught us to feel encouraged in our faith and to have the courage to encourage others. Achen has been a thoughtful friend and a source of profound strength to the congregation. We wish all the very best for his studies and the ministry. ## **Cottage Prayers: -** We used to gather on every 4th Saturday as Cottage prayer meetings during the report year. We had 3 cottage prayer during this report year. - 8[th] October - 22[nd] October - 26[th] November ## **Carol Rounds** It was a delight to have our carol rounds on 10[th] December 2022 after few years break. ## **Carol Service: -** - Our 2022 Carol Service was on 17th December 2022. Rev Shaiju Kumar led the service at Drumbeg Parish hall. Thanks to all the congregation members for their wider participation in the carol service. ## **Chain Prayer** As a church we continue to meet regularly from their homes on the 1st Saturday of every month as Chain Prayer and those attending find encouragement by meditating Trustees Report Page 8 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 through God’s word as they spend time alone or with the family. During this prayer event, readings and prayer points are forwarded to the members as we continue to spend time in praying for others and for our church needs. We had 10 chain prayers during the year 2022. 5[th] February 2022 5[th] March 2022 2[nd] April 2022 6[th] May 2022 2[nd] July 2022 6[th] August 2022 3[rd] September 2022 1st October 2022 5[th] November 2022 3[rd] December 2022 A sincere thanks to Mrs Tini Cherian and Ms. Kesiya Justin for coordinating the prayer chain events. ## **Sunday School** Sunday school report prepared by Mrs. Prabha Philip, Sunday School coordinator. All children from Primary1 to year 12 are invited to each Sunday School class which is happening on every second Saturday of the month at 10:40am before the Holy Communion Service. We used to follow the ‘Go Teach’ Bible study materials for children. At the start of the new Sunday School year since September 2022,We are doing Bible reading and reading Bible stories as a group and using the Printables that are materials based on the stories for different activities like colouring and crafts for children. We had given children a Christmas gift during the year of 2022. It is great to have Miss Rachel Philip as a teacher supporting in the Sunday School. In accordance with the Drumbeg Parish Church Child Protection Policy, both of our Sunday School teachers Mrs. Tini Cherian and Mrs. Prabha Philip are undergone the necessary training and Access NI checks. We ask God to bless the work ahead. A sincere thanks for all the Sunday school teachers and helpers. ## **Women’s Fellowship** Women Fellowship report prepared by Mrs. Manju Easow, Secretary and Joint Secretary Mrs Sonia Jeslet Joshy. ”Come to my children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the lord” Psalm 34:11 Trustees Report Page 9 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) Praise and thanks to God almighty for another blessed year in the life of the Women’s fellowship of St Thomas CSI Church Belfast. Women fellowship continued to meet regularly on the 3rd Saturday of every month under the leadership of Mrs. Susan George. Women fellowship met 10 times during the calendar year, members found these meeting encouraging and actively participated. Each of these meetings consists of songs, readings, Bible discussions, intercessory prayers and last but the least virtual interactions. Discussions on this year’s meeting was based on women’s characters within the Bible. All the meetings were conducted through the online zoom platform. A Women fellowship fund was started and contributed to the charitable causes. Much grateful to the support of church committee and congregation. May the Almighty God strengthens the fellowship to unite members in the prayer, witnessing and in the service of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. A sincere thanks to Mrs. Manju P Easow & Mrs. Sonia Jeslet for coordinating the fellowship events. ## “ **Men’s Fellowship** Men’s Fellowship report compiled by fellowship Secretary Mr. Vincent PM & Joint Secretary Mr. Bijo George . Psalms 1:1-6 - Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. “Men need encouragement, Godly wisdom, and hope today more than ever. While the world tends to tell men to hide their emotions and act tough, God has a special calling for men to be strong, courageous leaders, and His Scripture and fellowship with other men can provide the inspiration need to take daily steps towards His calling, a Godly men’s can lead family and a community, those men can build His Church with ease”. Men’s fellowship was gathering 1[st] and 3rd Thursday of every month on the zoom virtual platform for a short time of friendship. It was indeed a great platform for the Men’s to come together and to have a friendship chat, get to know each other, singing, pray, support each other by physical and emotional and help to plan and act for the wellbeing of every one and families.. Many of the newer members used this fellowship to get to know the life in Belfast while they settled their life here at the start and it also helped the older members to know the newer members. Praying that this fellowship will grow each day and help the men to grow in God’s understanding. Special welcome to new members Sathya Raj, Amith, Ranju. A sincere thanks to Mr Vincent PM & Mr. Bijo for coordinating the fellowship events. Trustees Report Page 10 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 ## **Youth Movement.** Youth movement report prepared by Miss. Kesiya Justin, Secretary, Youth movement. The first youth meeting of the year was held on March 18, 2022. In the meeting conducted through Zoom, Rev. Viji Varghese Eapan. We conducted the election of the Christian Youth Movement committee members. Kesiya Justin was elected as Secretary and Kurian S.T was elected as the Joint Secretary. Meenu Markson was elected as the youth co-ordinator. Markson Abraham was appointed as the Magazine editor. Rev. Viji Varghese Eapen named our magazine as "RHYTHM". It was officially announced on 7th April in the church's whatsapp group. In the service held on April 16, Bishop of Madhya Kerala diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian launched our manuscript magazine. Our Instagram account was officially opened by Irish Anglican Bishop David McClay. The next youth meeting which was conducted on 7th August 2022 conducted via zoom. The last youth meeting was held on 29.10.2022 via Zoom. I thank God for his presence in all our activities throughout this year. We are few in numbers but the Lord made us come this far. Thank you Jesus. A sincere thanks to Miss. Kesiya Justin for coordinating the Youth movement events. ## **Birthday and Wedding Anniversary Reminders:-** As a congregation we continued to send greetings on the birthday and wedding anniversaries using the What’s app closed platform for those who all are signed and agreed upon in align with the GDPR regulations. A sincere thanks to Mrs. Smitha P Thomas for sending the greetings. ## **Hospitality:-** As a congregation we continued to meet after the service and spend time together and enjoyed the fellowship. Thanks to all the congregation members for their willingness to sponsor the food or to prepare the food. A sincere thanks to all the Hospitality Coordinators for coordinating the events. ## **New members** : As a congregation we welcome all the new members who joined us in 2022. ## **Committee Meetings** Committee met on following dates. 23[rd] January- in Zoom 6[th] March- in Zoom 20[th ] March - in Zoom Trustees Report Page 11 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 13[th] April in Zoom - 11[th] June- in Church - 10[th] July- in Zoom - 24[th] September in Zoom - 29[th] October in Zoom ## **Diocese level updates:-** . Following the retirement of former moderator of the Church of South India and the Bishop of Madhya Kerala diocese Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, Rt. Rev. Sabu K Cherian installed on 18th January 2022 as the 13th bishop of Madhya Kerala diocese. St Thomas CSI Church has conveyed our congratulations and greetings to the Bishop. ## **Joint Committee** A joint committee has formed to discuss future employment of Vicar with CSI members in UK. Mrs. Sosamma Kurian, Mr. Sunil Philip and Mr. Joby Philip Thomas are representing our Trustees. ## **Financial Commitment & Review** The Congregation’s main source of income is members ’contribution through the bank transfers or at the offering plates during the service. I would like to report all that we continue to collect the voluntary donation throughout the year 2022. The donations will be paid based on a unique identification number allowing all the members the option to keep anonymous in their giving. I would like to encourage all the Church members to be part of this in support of our financial requirements to continue worship here in Belfast in our own language. I would like to thank all the congregation members for their contribution and other mission charity appeals during this report year. Our treasurer will provide more insight through his report, though as a small congregation it is very much encouraging to see the amount collected during this report year. ## **Annual General body meeting** Annual general body of the congregation for year 2021 took place on 12th March 2022 after Holy Communion service. Report and accounts for the year 2021 were presented and adopted by the congregation **.** A special GB with single agenda to get approval for procedures for fillong the vacancy took place on 12th Novemeber 2022 after Holy communion service chaired by Markson Abraham. Trustees Report Page 12 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) ## **Websites & Social Media** Our Church gets involved in the websites and social media sites during this digital age. We have a fully paid functional website and the events are published on the website which is widely used by many. Facebook is a very useful way to get information out quickly and to keep people in touch. Remember -anyone can post on Facebook so use it to promote our church and its events. Our Youth fellowship has an Instagram account to promote its events. At the minute WhatsApp is the most effective communication platform used among the Church members with regular updates on the worship services, fellowship prayer meetings, birthdays and anniversaries. ## **Data Protection** In order to align with the UK General data protection regulation (GDPR) requirements and to comply with the Drumbeg Parish Church requirements we are bound by law to secure our personal data of our members. Personal data relates to a living individual who can be identified from the data. Identification can be by the information alone or in conjunction with any other information in the data controller’s procession or likely to come into such possession. The processing of personal data is governed by the GDPR. Hence, we have continued to use the GDPR personal information guidelines which will be applicable to all members of the St Thomas CSI Church. This is a mandatory requirement; hence all members must sign to continue use their personal information within our Church and this is specifically for the birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Secretary will act as the data controller and sole custodian of the church data. ## **Responsibilities** The trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and statements of the congregation in accordance with the applicable law and the generally accepted accounting practice within United Kingdom. The trustees are also responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time in its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets and the personal information of the congregation members We are looking forward to: - Our prayer is that every member would be an effective witness enabled by the Holy Spirit to share and proclaim their faith within our wider community - That there would be a growing hunger to continue the discipleship - Our youths and children will continue to grow in their faith. - May the year ahead bring more activities to attract the younger generation. Trustees Report Page 13 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503) St. Thomas CSI Church Annual Report 2022 - That God would be glorified in the congregational life to continue work as a servant act according to our masters will. We look forward in faith to the year ahead in 2023 and pray that God will continue to bless us, and all that we do would be **only for his glory** . Let me quote the words Apostle Paul , “ _Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect._ " (Romans 12:2 )”. Let us move into the next year knowing God loves us and wants the best for us. Let's pray that in 2023, we will be focused on healing ourselves through repentance and renewing our minds. We were not meant to do life alone! We can bring the light of hope into our own hearts, home, and world. . ## **Date: - 4th March 2023** ## **Prepared by Secretary: - Joby Philip Thomas** Approved by the St Thomas CSI Church committee at a meeting held on 4th March 2023 and signed on behalf by Chairperson Secretary Trustees Report Page 14 of 14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC107503)