FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
NON-SUBSCRIBING
BANBRIDGE
ANNUAL REPORT
2022
Charity Ivo. NIC 100336

ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Minister: Rev Brian Moodie
Session:
Mr S Agnew (Clerk)
Mr IU Russell; Mr D Stevenson
Mr R Mcclean; Mrs C McAlister
Mrs K Bushby
Hon Secretary: Mrs C McAlister
Hon Treasurer: Mrs E Hutton
Committee: Mr T Shields; Mrs L Shields; Mrs V Mecullough
Mr D Little; Mrs C Brown
Stipend Treasurer: Mr IU Russell
Sunday Collection: Mrs E Hutton
Charity Collection: Mr R Mcclean
Magazine Correspondent: Mrs K Bushby
Organists: Mr Stephen Thompson; Mrs Julie Black
Trustees: Mr IU Russell; Mr T Shields;
Mr D Stevenson; Mr R Mcclean
Sunday School Superintendent: Mrs C McAlister
Child Protection Officer: Mrs D Whan
Building Maintenance Officer: Mr D little
Church Supervisor: Mr D Little

Flrst Presb
erfan Church Banbrfd
e Non-subscribin
Mlnlster's Re
ort for the Year 2022
Dear Friends
2022 was the first year that marked a return to full normality after the Covid-19
pandemic. It continued to be an encouraging year for us in Banbridge. as our
numbers remain steady vrfith a high percentage of attendance of our
membership on an average Sunday morning and some very encouraging
larger services at Easter. Harvest. Remembrance Day, as well as our
Advent/Christmas period. It also rnarked another good financial year in which
our members once again gave generously through their weekly Free Will
Offering contributions, as well as their generous support of the monthly
charities.
Sunday Worship Hlghllghts
The year began in January with the celebration of Rev. Lena Cockcroft's 40th
anniversary since her ordination on the 9th January 1982. It was therefore a
privilege to have her preaching at Banbridge on this, her anniversary year, also
in her capacity as Moderator of the NSPCI.
Holy Week was marked with a few online reflections culminating in our Easter
Sunday Service on the 171h April at which we were privileged to have a solo
from Ruby Bushby.
On the Ist May we shared in Communion. although still using the pre-
packaged communion cups and wafers.
2022 was a poignant year as we not only remembered and celebrated Queen
Elizabeth Il's Platinum Jubilee. but also remembered her in her passing in a
service led by Rev. Robert McKee. while I was away on leave, as well as two
services when l arrived back in the middle of September.
We had a successful Harvest service on the morning of 2nd October and are
grateful for all the efforts that were made to decorate the Meeting House so
beautifully.
On 6th November we returned to our normal Communion Service for the first
time since November 2019. This was special for me as minister because it was
the first time for me to participate in this old Presbyterian format of Communion
with everyone seated at tables at the front of the Meeting House.
We had a very successful December period with the Christmas Nativity Puppet
Show on the I Ith December, put together by Wendy and rnyself, featuring

Sheeny and Beanie. This was followed on the 18th December with our Carol
service, which took place at l Oam. featuring the beautiful singing of Ellen and
Sarah Forsythe, as well as the participation by a number of readers. Both of
these services were well attended.
The year ended with our Christmas Service which took place this year on the
last Sunday of the year and which drew a significant number of members.
extended family and a few visitors as well. It was wonderful to have Lynda and
Tom's grandchildren from Dublin, with Charlotte. Bella and Freddie Shields
helping to make the service special with their musical items.
Preaching Series and Topics Covered in our Sunday Worship in 2022:
Jan/Feb - Exploring the Five Languages of Love {Physical Touch: Giving
Gifts; Acts of Service; Affirming Words; Quality fime}
June- Return of the Prodigal Son - 7 weeks
Jun/July/Oct - Historical Series:
The History of Banbridge NSP
What is the Westminster Confession and why don't we subscribe
to it?
Why were we called Unitarians?
What does it mean for us to be Presbyterian?
How did the NSPCI come into existenceP
The History and Significance of the Burning Bush for Presbyterians
other Topics:
Is this Really how God Acts in the Worldg Wrestling with the fall of
Jerusalem 598BC
Mother's Day- Granny is Like God {Reflecting on God as 'Mother').
I do not condemn you either - Reflection on John 8.108
Horses. Donkeys, Strength & Vulnerability- Palm Sunday Reflection
The Resurrection Mystery- Easter Sunday
Resurrection Stuckness Reflection on John 20.19-31
Do you love me? Sharing Bread- Communion Sunday l May
Queen Elizabeth11- A Reflection on her Life
In Life & In Death - Reflecting on the Faith of Queen Elizabeth11
Harvest - Cain & Abel and the 'First Harvest, {disaster)
Becoming a Living Temple of God- Reflecting on Haggai & Zacchaeus
The Art of Deep Listening Matt 13:13ff & Proverbs I .1-7
What is True Religion? (James l .26-27)
New Light on Communion- a symbol of allegiance to Christ
Missing- A Remembrance Sunday Reflection
What kind of a King is this? {A reflection on the Sunday of Christ the King)
Advent I . Plant a Sapling then Meet the Messiah

Gratitude needs to be expressed to all those who have helped to make our
Sunday worship meaningful over the year: For all those who have assisted in
providing flowers every Sunday and have given so generously of their time and
creativity in decorating the Church for special services. most particularly for
Harvest and the Advent/Christmas period. Gratitude also should be expressed
to those members, who so faithfully open up and close on a Sunday and
prepare the Meeting House for us all before we arrive. as well as to our
organists, Julie Black and Stephen Thompson, for blessing us with beautiful
music every Sunday. A very big thank you also needs to be expressed to Paul
Mccabe, and my father. Tony Moodie for preaching and filling the pulpit in my
absence. both of whom gave freely of their time, both in preparation and on
a Sunday, not wishing to receive remuneration for their ministry amongst us.
From a pastoral perspective. we were privileged to celebrate the Baptism of
Poppy Cruikshanks (daughter of Peter and Diane) on the 8th May.
While there were no deaths amongst our own members, we remember those
of our members who lost family members during the year. Most especially, we
remember Anna McGatry in the loss of her husband, Maurie, who would have
been a not infrequent visitor with us.
Lastly. a very big thank you to everyone who has served in the Committee.
both elders and non-elders. attending meetings so faithfully in helping to
manage the life of our church with care and wisdom. A very special thank you
to Elaine Hutton for so diligently looking after the finances of our church and
Carol McAlister for both guiding and recording our meetings as Honorary Clerk.
Sincerely
Rev. Brian Moodie

Honora
Secreta
'sRe
ort 2022
2022 saw the Church and life in general get back to some sort of
normality again. Although Covid is very much still with us, we are
learning to live vrfith it. The wearing of face masks is no longer
deemed mandatory. social distancing restrictions have been
lifted and serrfices have more or less retumed to normal.
We are grateful to the members of the Congregation for their
continued support. Attendances have been faidy regular throughout the year
with some very good attendances at the special services such as Mothering
Sunday. Easter, the Family Service in June. the Harvest. Remembrance Sunday,
the Nativity Puppet Show and the Carol Service.
The Congregation were deeply saddened to leam of the death in July of Mr
Maurice McGary. Although, Maurice was a member of the Church of Ireland.
following his marriage to Anna he regularly attended our Church with her and
for a number of years laid the vlreath at our Remembrance Day Service.
Maurice always enjoyed a chat and made many friends within the Church.
Sympathy is also extended to all the members of the congregation who have
been bereaved throughout the year.
Baptlsm
Poppy Emily Cruikshanks, daughter of Peter and Diane and granddaughter of
Noel and Sylvia, was baptised on Sunday 8th May.
Congratulations to Mrs Edna Agnew on the birth of a granddaughter in
December.
Thanks are extended to:
Rev Moodie for continuing to provide an online sermon for those members of
the Congregation unable to attend Church and for maintaining the Church's
Internet site:
Mrs Karen Bushby for maintaining the Church's Facebook page and for her
articles in the denominational magazine and local papers:
Mr Stephen Thompson and Mrs Julie Black for playing the organ for us:
those members of the Congregation who supplied flowers for the pulpit
throughout the year, and
Mr John Cunningham, a new member of the Congregation, for his donation of
a Bible which is proudly open and on display at the front of the pulpit.

REVIEW OF EVENTS 2022
January
We welcomed Mr Paul Mccabe who led our service on Sunday 2r￿ January as
Rev Moodie was taking the services at Clough and Ballee. There was a good
attendance on Sunday 91h January when our Service was taken by Rev Lena
Cockroft. Rev Lena was celebrating the 40th anniversary of her ordination as a
Non Subscribing Minister and being the first female to be ordained in the
Denomination. Mrs Vera Mccullough and Mrs Colette Brown both led us in
prayer during the seprfice.
February
Congratulations were extended to Peter and Diane Cruikshanks on the birth of
their daughter. Poppy. The service on Sunday 27th February was conducted
by Mr Sam Agnew.
March
Mrs Sylvia Cruikshanks took part in the World Day of Prayer which was held in
the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Friday 4th March. As Rev Moodie had
Covid. the services on Sunday 6th and 13th March were conducted by Rev
Alister Bell and Mr Sam Agnew respectively. There was a good attendance on
Mothering Sunday 27th March and it was lovely to see baby Poppy Cruikshanks
out with her mum and dad.
April
There was a good attendance at the service on Easter Sunday 17th April at
which Ruby sang the solo 'Death was arrested, Thanks to Elaine Hutton for
giving out creme eggs to everyone.
May
Communion Service was held on Sunday Ist May. again using the prefilled
cups. There was a good attendance on Sunday 81h May for the baptism of
Poppy Emily Cruikshanks. On Sunday 15th May the Congregation agreed
unanimously to move from the Antrim Presbytery back to the Presbytery of
Bangor. On Sunday 29th May it was good to have Mr Jock Houston out visiting
us again from Scotland. On Sunday afternoon there was a visitation from the
Antrim Presbytery. The service was conducted by the Moderator of the Antrim
Presbytery, Rev Paul Reid assisted by Rev Dr John Nelson. Rev Colin Campbell
and student for the Ministry Mr David Mccord. Thanks are extended to the
ladies for providing tea/coffee after the service.
June/July
There was a very good attendance at the Family Sepiice on Sunday 19th June,
when books were given to the young children and the older children each
received a Platinum Jubilee Bible. inscribed by Mr Tom Shields, in
commemoration of the Queen's 70th Jubilee. During the serrfice, Heidi and
Luke Hansen led the prayers.. Noah Hansen, Mia Richardson and Erin

Mccluskey read poems: Matthew Little read the lesson.. and Sarah and Ellen
Forsythe sang, 'Here l am. Lord,. The serrfice on Sunday 26th June was
conducted by Rev Alister Bell. The service on Sunday 3rd ju￿ was taken by Rev
Moodie's father, Tony.
August
On Sunday 71h August. it was pleasing to have Brenda Francis, a previous
Church organist, out with our organist for the day, Philip Beattie. During Rev
Moodie's holiday. services on 14th 21 st and 28th.August 2022 were led Mr Tony
Moodie. As part of the year's celebration of NSPCI women, Mrs Colette Brown,
Mrs Diana Whan and Mrs Karen Bushby represented the Church when they
joined other ladies from the Denomination for a walk at the Montalto Estate on
Saturday 20th August.
September
As Rev Moodie was on holiday, the services on 4th and I Ilh September were
led by the Moderator Rt Rev Lena Cockroft and the Very Rev Robert McKee
respectively. There was a good attendance on Sunday 18th September, when
Rev Moodie held a Memorial Seprfice for the Queen, follovrfing her death on 8th
September.
October
The Church, as amiays, was beautifully decorated for our Harvest Service on
Sunday 2nd October 2022. Thanks are extended to Mrs Eltzabeth Stevenson,
Mrs Sylvia Cruikshanks and Mrs Vera Mccullough for all their hard work. Rev
Moodie took the service, during which. Sarah and Ellen Forsythe sang 'Amazing
Grace,. A large number of non-perishable food items were donated by the
Congregation and these were later delivered by Rev Moodie and his wife,
Wendy, to the Storehouse Banbridge Community Foodbank.
November
On Sunday 6th November. for the first time since the Pandemic, we held our
Communion Service in the traditional way sitting around the tables at the front
of the Church. Mr Sam Agnew and Mrs Karen Busby assisted Rev Moodie in the
serving of the wine and bread. Thanks were extended to Mrs Sylvia Cruikshanks
for baking the shortbread. There was a good attendance at the
Remembrance Day Serrfice on Sunday131h November, when the wreath at the
war memorial was laid by Mrs Sharon Hansen and Binyon's words were read
by Mr Alfie Hazley. The Last Post and Reveille were played by Mr Stephen
Thompson on the organ. Thanks are extended to Mrs Elizabeth Stevenson for
her usual beautiful poppy displays. A Family Service was held on Sunday 20th
November. when the lesson was read by Heidi Hansen.
December
The Church was again beautifully decorated throughout the Christmas period
and thanks go to Mrs Sylvia Crvikshanks and her daughter, Karen, for the
various displays on the windov*S and throughout the Church. Thanks also go

to David Little for putting up and decorating the Christmas tree and to Mrs
Edna Agnew and Sam for providing the Advent vrfreath. On Sunday I Ith
December, the Congregation were treated by Rev Moodie and his wife,
Wendy, to a Nativity Puppet Show, which was thoroughly enjoyed by young
and old present. There was a very good attendance at the Carol Service,
which was held on Sunday 18th December. Ellen and Sarah Forsythe sang '0
Holy Night, and the readers were Sarah and Ellen Forsythe, Ruby Bushby, Alison
Mccluskey. Colette Brown. John Cunningham and Wendy Moodie. At the end
of the service, all the children received a selection box. Thanks to everyone
who brought gifts of toiletries for Barnardos. There was also a good attendance
on Christmas morning. when it was great to have Mr Martin Shields. his wife
Francesca and their seven children join us from Dublin and take part in the
service. Charlotte sang '0 Holy Night,. Bella played the guitar and together,
with her brother Freddie. sang 'Silent Night,.
Carol McAlister

Sunda
School Re
ort 2022
Unfortunately, Sunday School has not yet resumed. However, it was good to
have the children participate in a few services during the year.
June
There was a very good attendance at the Family Serrfice on Sunday 19th June
when books were given to the young children and the older children each
received a Platinum Jubilee Bible. inscribed by Mr Tom Shields, in
commemoration of the Queen's 701h Jubilee. During the service, Heidi and
Luke Hansen led the prayers. Noah Hansen. Mia Richardson and Erin
Mccluskey read poems, Matthew Little read the lesson and Sarah and Ellen
Forsythe sang 'Here l am, Lord,.
November
A Family Service was held on Sunday 20th Novemberwhen the lesson was read
by Heidi Hansen.
December
There was a very good attendance at the Carol Service which was held on
Sunday18th December. Ellen and Sarah Forsythe sang '0 Holy Night, and the
readers included Sarah and Ellen Forsythe and Ruby Bushby. At the end of the
service all the children received a selection box.
Carol McAlister

Honora
Treasurer's Re
ort 2022
Our thanks must go to our church members for their generosity
throughout 2022. While we have seen a 23% decline in our ordinary
collection, our total stipend collection {envelope and regular
monthly bank transfers) for the year has increased by 3.33% from
last year. Our donations we make to the various charity collections each
month amounted to £935 and as a small congregation we should be proud of
this. Our chosen charities are always grateful for the donations they receive
from us.
A number of members are now opting to pay stipends directly into our church
bank account and if any other church member needs further details about
how to do this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Our church income was again boosted this year by payment of Gift Aid claims
made for 2021, which amounted to £3462.72 Thank you to everyone. who has
already signed up to the Gift Aid scheme. The scheme allows the church to
claim 25 pence for every pound that you have already given to the church,
providing that you are a taxpayer. It is a very simple process and forms are
available for anyone, who has not yet signed up to Gift Aid and would like to
do so.
Our main outlays during 2022 were for the usual church insurance, graveyard
maintenance and heating oil.
I would like to thank the other members of the congregation, who have helped
me during the year - Mr Jim Russell for his work as Stipend Treasurer. Mr Bertie
Mcclean for collecting the weekly charity donations and Mrs Carol McAlister
for her help & advice throughout the year. Thanks also to Mrs Jocelyn Girvan
for independently verifying our accounts for 2022.1 om grateful to you all.
Once again. many thanks to all the members of our church- your continued
support is greatly appreciated. I hope and pray that 2023 will be an even
better year for our church and for us all.
ANNUAL REVIEW
Sff
en
ollectlon
£13.145
Ordlna
Collectlon
£516
2018
2019
£11.946
£224
2020
£11,225
2021
£7 4.383
£223
2022
£14.862
£170
Elaine Hutton - February 2023
io

STIPEND FOR YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2022
STIPEND
£555.
GIFf AID 2021
£L50
£1￿50.00
£3(K).
£293.75
£77.50
£265.
£1,070.
£280.Th)
£111.25
£600.
£150.
io
£75.
18
£620.00
£166.25
21
£280.IXI
£63.75
22
£730.
£192.50
£255.LXI
£65.00
Z6
£405.IM)
£76.25
27
£470.IJ)
£155.00
28
30
33
£150.00
£36.25
£530.(MJ
£465.IXI
£250.
£106.25
£52.50
35
£245.IXI
£52.50
36
38
£142.50
£￿25
39
£107.(Kl
£320.CrfI
£57.50
£142.50
51
£520.LM)
£10.
52
93
951105
£550.Tr)
£155.00
£836.
£21&00
£270.(LI
£560.
ioi
£135.00
106
£112.IM)
£28.50
107
£111
£28.50
£52.50
£52.50
119
£170.IXI
£170.00
120
121
122
£2Tr).00
£67.50
£520.QI
£125.00
132
£105.00
£90.1X)
£15.IKI
137
£360.
£60.￿)
Interest
£10.22
TOTALS
£14Aa
£3A61n
Charity No.NIC100336
Stipend Treasurer: Mr RJ. Russell
Auditor: Mrs. J. Girvan
li

No. l Account- Year Endin
RECEIPTS
Balance @ bank Jan 01
Stipend (envelopes}
Annual Stipend (via bank)
Ordinary Collection
Rent-silver Band
Wayleave
Sustentation Fund
Ground Rents
Gift Aid 2021
Ministry Expenses No.4 Acc
Dividends
Commonwealth War Graves
31 December 2022
PAYMENTS
£57,794.95 Minister's Salary
£12,272.00
including HMRC & Pension
£2,590.00 Vints - Payroll Services
£170.35 Pulpit Supplies
£150.00 Church Cleaning
£6.32 Organist & Relief
£150.00 Electricity
£210.00 Oil
£3,462.72 Organ Maintenance
£1,000.00 MG Fire Services
£2,086.22 5. School Platinum Bibles
£15.00 S. School Gifts (selection boxes)
Rep Elder Synod Travel/Lunch
Benevolent Fund
Insurance
Annual Postage Expenses
N.1. Water/Sewerage Charges
Communion Pre-filled Cups
Weedkiller
Antrim Pres Fees
Antrim Pres Student Fund
Printing Costs
£10,102.79
£402.60
£460.00
£720.00
£1,975.00
£69.85
£1,297.00
£131.90
£96.00
£105.30
£21.00
£30.00
£ioo.00
£2,014.46
£95.35
£162.88
£19.50
£159.00
£40.00
£50.00
£1.28
Charity Collections
Southern Area Hospice
Alzheimers
Kidney Research
Children's Hospice
Orphan Fund
Graveyard
B Positive
Poppy Appeal
£160.00
£180.00
£ioo.00
£iio.00
£80.00
£120.00
£ioo.00
£85.00
£935.00 Denominational Funds
Joint Inc & Mod Fund
Sunday School Fund
Sustentation Fund
Rem. Synod
Trustee Co. Fund
Bodel Mackenzie
Ministers. Widows, Fund
Orphan Society
Porter Fund
£50.00 students & Ministers
£199.00
£74.00
£430.00
£45.00
£10.00
£10.00
£ioo.00
£ioo.00
£30.00
£50.00
Donatlons
Graveyard Donations:
D Bryans
£1,048.00
Harvest Donatlons:
Mr & Mrs Mccarrison
Charity Collectlons
£50.LXI Southern Area Hospice
Alzheimer's Society
Nl Kidney Research
Nl Children's Hospi
B Positive
Poppy Appeal
£160.00
£180.00
£100.00
£iio.00
£ioo.00
£85.00
£735.00
Balan￿ @ bank Dec 31
£61,105.65
£80,942.56
£80.942.56
Charity No. NIC100336 - Treasurer: MTS. E. Hutton; Independent Examiner: Mrs. J. Girvan

No. 2 Account - Ben Dickson Fund - Year Endin
Jan l Balance @ Bank
£171.18
31 December 2022
Dec 31 Balance @ Bank
£171.18
£171.18
£171.18
No. 3 Account- Renovation
Jan l Balance @ Bank
Rent Dunbar School
Dunbar School - Year Endin
31 December 2022
£46,742.75
Grass cutting at graveyard
£800.00
£8,750.04
Plumbing Repairs
£50.00
Dec 31 Balance @ Bank
£54.642.79
£55,492.79
£55,492.79
No. 4 Account- Manse - Year Endin
31 December 2022
Jan l Balance @ Bank
£40,598.88
Ministry Expenses
Dividends
£3,531.68
Interest
£8.72
£44,139.28
£1,000.00
Dec 31 Balance @ Bank
£43,139.28
£44,139.28
Dunbar Fund- Year Endin
31 December 2022
£1,891.74
Bank fees
£1.91
£93.66
£1,987.31
Jan l Balance @ Bank
Interest
Dividends
£30.10
Dec 31 Balance @ Bank
£1,957.21
£1,987.31
Charity No.NIC100336
Treasurer:
Independent Examiner:
Mrs. E. Hutton
Mrs J. Girvan
13

FIRST PRESBYfERIAN (NON SUBSCRIBING) CHURCH
BANBRIDGE
Annual General Meeting - Thursday 9 March 2023 at 7.30 p.m.
AGENDA
Welcome & Opening Prayer
Apologies
Correspondence
Minutes of last AGM - March 2022
Matters Arising
Report of Hon. Seeretary
Report of Hon. Treasurer
Sunday School Report
Election of Offieers
Election of Presbytery & Synod Representative
Any other business