Ards Evangelical Church
Trustee's Annual Report
Year Ended 31 March 2023

Trustee's Annual Report
Year ended 31 March 2023
Contents
Page
Administrative Detai Is
Constitution and Governance
Purposes of the Charity
ststutory Guidance Statement
Fulfilment of Purposes
Activities and Achievements
Risk Management
10
Appendix:
Code of Doctrine
11-13

Administrative Details
Registration
Registered on 16 July 2018 with the Charity Conjmission for Northern Ireland:
NIC 100384.
Contact
Principal Address:
101 Bowtown Road,
NEwfowNARDS,
Co. Down
BT23 8SL
Website:
Trustees
Mr G Kennedy
Mr J Hamilton
Mr J Melvin
Mr R Stevenson
Mr B Hogg
Constitution and Governance
Ards Evangelical Church orAEC is an independent local church, which was formed
in 1995. The church is governed by a constitution document, which was agreed upon
at an extraordinary meeting of the church membership on 22 February 2018. This
constitution replaced any previous arrangement.
The Elders shall act as the trustees of the Church for the purposes of the Charities
Act (Northem Ireland) 2008 or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that
provision and any other relevant legislation. The trustees have legal responsibility for
the church and shall meet not less than 3 times a year. There are five elders and six
deacons who make up the leadership team for the church.

Purposes of the Charity
The church was set up to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, both in belief and faith
and to announce and act out the good news of the Christian faith as set out in the
Church's Statement of Belief by any exclusively charitable means the Elders see fit,
primarily but not exclusively in County Down.
Statutory Guidance Statement
The Trustees hereby confirm that this report has been prepared taking regard of
°The Charities (Accounts & Reports) Regulations, Northern Ireland 2015" and to the
Charity Commission's Public Benefit Requirement statutory guidance.
Fulfilment of Purposes
It is difficult to assess achievements when the church's purpose for existing is
spiritual, though the preaching and teaching from God's word is qualitative rather
than quantitative in nature, i.e. our role as a church is to share the good news of the
Gospel, it is the Holy Spirit who convicts a person of their need of Christ.
The number of people attending our services on a Sunday has started to increase
again after the Covid-19 pandemic, as has the numbers attending the various
activities that the church provides each week throughout the year. We would still
record and broadcast our seNices on the intemet for those who cannot attend for
whatever reason. These broadcasts are not restricted and can be viewed by anyone
who wishes to avail of them.

Activities and Achievements
The church runs many activities throughout the week to cater for all age groups and
abilities. We have a pastor. who is our only member of staff, but everyone else who
steps up to assist or lead an activity is a volunteer. Any adults involved in working
with children have been AccessNI checked prior to getting involved.
The Meet & Greet Team
Due to the guidan￿ given about Covid-19 it wasn't possible to provide this Servi￿ in
the way that we would want to and so, it is only recently that the new meet & greet
team have been functioning. We like to be known as a welcoming church with a
warm and friendly atmosphere and it is one of the things that those attending our
Sunday services comment on, whether regular church goers or visitors, The new
team has maintained this high standard, they arrive approximately 30 minutes before
the service is due to start to make sure that they are there for the early-comers and
remain in pla￿ until the service has started because it can be very embarrassing,
especially if you are a visitor and you get the start time wrong to be left to your own
devices and don't know where to go. A hug or a handshake can be very encouraging
and set the tone for the rest of the service.
Bible Class
The Bible Class takes place on a Sunday morning, the children leave the main
service just before the sermon commences and go down into one of the other church
rooms. The Bible Class consists of primary school children and they are taught
God's word through a variety of activities from Bible stories to craft and games. The
class is looked after by adult volunteers who are assisted by a number of teenage
helpers and this is carried out on a rota basis so that the leaders and teenagers do
not miss out every week on the main Sunday service. In the run up to Christmas the
children who attend the Bible Class will perform a nativity play to the whole church,
as part of the Sunday service.
Praise Team
Our Praise Team includes not only the musicians and singers that are on the
platform but also those operating the computer and sound desk at the back of the
sanctuary. We have a group of skilled musicians and singers who are prepared to
give up their time and use these gifts that God has given them to lead the church in
PTaise on a Sunday and at other times, if required. The team tries to ensure that all
songs are Biblically sound, God glorifying, suitable for corporate worship and
complement the message preached that day. At the moment we have 2 guitarists, 3
keyboard players, 1 drummer and 3 singers. Many of the team are multi-talented and
can fulfil more than one role. Again, they operate on a rota basis and they are always
on the lookout for more volunteers.

Campaigners
During this reporting period, Ards Evangelical Church was affiliated to the
Campaigners Movement. which was split into 3 different age-groups, Eagles, Junos
and Inters.
Eagles
This group caters for those in re￿ptIOn1pre-school up to P2 age and runs on a
Saturday morning from 10:30am to 12 noon. Any children in this age range are
welcome to attend.
The morning stsrts with some play time before the children settle down to share their
weekly news and listen to a short Bible themed message called a Clan C. The
themes would simply lead the children through the Bible from creation to Jesus, birth
(Christmas) and His life. They follow a Step Programme and all activities would tie in
with the message. Steps would include memory verses, first aid, light and darkness,
baking and helping others. Each morning finished with craft or a worksheet or
colouring in. Towards the end of the year the children take part in a parent's event at
the church and they all receive a trophy or medal. During the year they also had
outings, one in Autumn to Bangor Castle Gardens and the other at the end of Spring
to the Ark Farm.
There are 4 leaders involved with Eagles.
Junos & Inters
Junos caters for the P3 to P6 age group and Inters caters for P7 up to Year 9, both
groups meet on a Monday evening using different areas of the church building, Like
Eagles any children that are in these age ranges are welcome to come along and
join in.
Over the year there was an average of 24 children in attendance each Monday
evening. As part of their Clan C they looked at the Lord's Prayer and the Fruits of the
Spirit. They also participated in 4 new badges, missionary, party planner, home décor
and fitness & healthy eating and also enjoyed a variety of games. They also had two
outings, one to Indiana Land and the other to go 10-pin bowling.
There are 7 leaders shared between Junos and Inters assisted by a few other
volunteers.

Toddle-ln
Toddle-ln is the church's outreach to babies and toddlers along with their parents,
guardians or child-minders. It runs on a Tuesday morning and is open to anyone with
a baby or toddler.
A group of ladies from the church take the time to set up the sports hall with toys and
games for the toddlers and a seating area for the adults to enjoy a cup of tea or
coffee. The leaders would then split their time between getting to know the adults
and looking after the children. Usually, each week the children have time to play
before enjoying a snack followed by an activity such as craft, play-doh or nursery
rhymes. They also enjoyed a few themed momings such as a teddy bears picnic, a
Christmas morning, Easter and the Queen's Jubilee. They also held an evening for
the adults in the form of a craft night and one of the younger ladies from the church
came along and shared her story of how God came into her life and the differen
that it has made.
YouthQuake
YouthQuake takes place on a Friday evening and caters for children in the P4 to P7
age group, there are 45 names on the register, with an average of be￿een 25 and
35 each evening. It is an opportunity to provide a safe space for children to enjoy
themselves. Again, like our other activities this is open to any child that falls into the
respective age range.
It is a youth club with various activities from organised games, a Bible talk with time
for questions, tuck and some relaxing time. On arrival and departure, the children
and their parents are met by two of the volunteers as we seek to build up
relationships with not just the children but also their families, to let them put a face to
the name. Contact with the families via WhatsApp ensures that any belongings left
behind are easily reclaimed, clothes are not cheap. YouthQuake has 8 adult leaders,
2 younger leaders and 3 teenage helpers.
Youth Fellowship
The Youth Fellowship caters for teenagers and is an opportunity for them to enjoy a
bit of craic and learn more about God. It also runs on a Friday evening and would
consist of between 8 and 12 young people. It is open to any teenager who wants to
come along.
An evening would consist of games. a talk which looks for their input and
involvement and then food. Half of the current group would come to church
intermittently while the other half have no spiritual connection at all, which has led to
some interesting milestones in the group this year with some praying aloud for the
first time and others actually using a Bible for the first time. It's incredible that even in
Northem Ireland we have generations now so unfamiliar with God's word but with
God's help we aim to put some foundations down to build on going into next year.

Women in Prayer
This group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 9:15 to
10:15am to pray for all the families in the church and the issues that they face, for
the Pastor, the Church Elders and Deacons, the local schools and their teachers, the
church's children and youth work, other Christian workers and any visitors that come
along to the church servI￿s. They would encourage anyone that needs prayer to let
them know and they will pray for that issue or situation. You don't have to be too
specific as God knows who you are and what the need is. There are currently 6
ladies who meet but there is always room for more. Prayer is the powerhouse of any
church.
Ladies Breakfast & Bible Study
This group meets on the third Saturday of each month from September through to
June in the church. They enjoy a chat over breakfast from 8:30 to 9:00am followed
by a conversational Bible Study from 9..00 to 10:00am. Certain ladies in the group
will carry out the role of leading and then everyone else has the opportunity to add
their thoughts or ask questions or just sit and listen. The ladies agree on a study and
away they go. There are currently 12 ladies who meet but any lady is welcome to
join with them, whether you have been a Christian for a long time, are new to the
faith or are still seeking, you will be made very welcome.
Men's Breakfast & Bible Study
This group meets on the first Saturday of each month from September through to
June in the church. They enjoy a Ghat over food at 8.'OOam followed by a time of
Bible Study. Again, like the ladies it is a conversational study where certain men will
lead and then everyone else has the opportunity to add their thoughts or ask
questions or just sit and listen. This year the men ran a Christianity Explored course
on a monthly rather than a weekly basis. It is a great time of fellowship for the men
both young and old. It is an opportunity to share together and get a better
understanding of God's word. There are between 10 and 14 men coming along but
more are welcome.
Catering & Special Events Committee
This team would be involved in the provision of refreshments or meals as required
within the church including tealcoffee and biscuits before the Sunday morning
service through the cold winter months, provision of tealcoffee and sandwiches,
buns etc as a supper after our monthly evening services and church dinnerslBBQs
on specific occasions. If someone associated with the church is unwell or has just
gotten home from hospital the ladies will organise a rota of meals until the person is
back to reasonable health. The committee would also organise food drops for the
local foodbank or provide support to 'The Link, a local charity in Newtownards.

Mission
During the Summer months the church sent two teams to go out and assist Christian
outreach in Aberdeen, Scotland and Cairo, Egypt.
The Aberdeen team had 7 members. 3 men and 4 women, and they went over to
help with an outreach week in the fillydrone estate with Donside Community Church.
It was a week of wort(ing with babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, men and women
all from various backgrounds and countries who had set up home in the area. The
week was a great success and it was hoped that the local church would continue to
make a difference both spiritually and physically in the area.
The Egypt team had 3 members, all men and they journeyed out with bags of
clothing to assist Youth for Christ as they work with the local church, children's
camps and soccer academies sharing the gospel through sport while encouraging
local church workers. They also worked with a refugee community in Cairo.
Small Groups
The church decided to operate three small groups. two in Newtownards and one in
Ballywalter (to cater for those living down the Ards Peninsula). They operated every
other week on a Wednesday or Thursday depending on which group you attended,
the church prayer meetings were held on the intervening weeks on a Wednesday
night. The groups were hosted by couples in the church who were willing to open
their homes and they were started to encourage people to study God's word, pray
together in smaller groups and to fellowship together. All of the questions were based
on the sermon from the Sunday prior to the groups meeting. They have proved to be
very successful with around ￿e1ve people attending each group. More people are
welcome to join and we will source more hosts to accommodate them as and when
required.
Working with the Local School
We have been working closely with the local primary school in the village in various
ways, our Pastor would be invited to speak at the school assemblies to both children
and adults, the school would use our sports hall for some of their activities and they
would also use our main sanctuary, sound equipment etc to put on special parents.
events throughout the year, e.g. Harvest Service, Christmas Nativity, Presentations.
The children would also come along to our youth activities, especially YouthQuake.
Some of the teachers would also make use of the church car park. The school is just
a short walk away from the church and it has been good to see this bond of
friendship growing.
Outreach to the Local Village
Over the years we have sought to reach out to the local village and encourage them
to visit the church. We have run a BBQ and Fun Day as well as giving out gifts and
invitations to special services at Easter and Christmas. We are starting to see some
green shoots.

~, Cg's Lvai1rye..r￿a':
Risk Management
Financial
The Trustees are content with the financial results for the year, we have managed to
remain in a positive position despite the rise in costs for most things.
The church relies almost exclusively on income ￿ ceived from the freewill offerings
from the church family, given as an outworking of their faith to maintain the church
activities and the upkeep and general running of the p￿Mises, as well as supporting
those less fortunate than themselves. Generating income is not the main purpose of
the church. Any monies spent must have an invoice or receipt to provide a paper trail
of expenditure. The independent examiner did not raise any issues in relation to our
finan￿S and is always available to provide guidance to the church on financial
matters. Appropriate measures are in pla￿ regarding the handling of cash and the
use of the church accounts.
Reputational
A major part of the work carried out by the church is working with children and young
people and therefore, the church is committed to the nurturing, protection and safe-
keeping of all of those entrusted into our care.
On behalf of the church the elders are committed to supporting and training all those
who are working with children and young people. All those who are working in this
area are required to be cleared by AccessNI before they can get involved,
We have tsvo volunteers who have been designated to look after this area and who
provide the necessary courses as and when required.
Some of our volunteers have also undertaken a St. John's Ambulance First Aid
course to ty and ensure that in the event of an incident assistan￿ can be provided
whilst waiting for the relevant medical professional to arrive. Our aim is that at least
one volunteer has undertaken this training within each of our activities.
The Trustees of Ards Evangelical Church submit theirAnnual Report.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
(Brian Hogg)
io

Ards Evangelical Church 2023
Appendix
Ards Evangelical Church (AEC)
Code of Doctrine
What we believe.
1. God
There is one God who has always existed in three but distinct equal persons:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable in His holiness, power, justice,
wisdom and love. He is the almighty Creator, Saviour and Judge who sustains
and govems all things according to His sovereign will and for His glory.
(2 Cor. 13 v 14, 1 Pet. 1 v 2, 1 John 5 v 7, Is. 33 v5-6, Gen. Chaps. 1- 2)
2. The Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, bom of a virgin, and lived a sinless life of Obedien￿ to the Father. He
taught with authority and all His words are true. On the cross He died in the pla
of sinners, bearing God's punishment for their sin, redeeming those who trust in
His sacrifice by His blood. He rose from the dead and in His resurrection body
ascended into Heaven, where he is seated at God's right hand and intercedes for
His people in the presence of the Father.
(Matt. 1 v 18-25, Acts 2 v 22-36)
3. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has been sent from Heaven at Pentecost to glorify Christ and to
apply His work of salvation. He gives a true understanding of the Scriptures and
He indwells all believers. We believe that God the Holy Spirit must work in man
before he can enter into salvation. He leads the sinner to an awareness of his
sinfulness and brings him to repentan￿ and trust in Christ. The Holy Spirit
convicts and regenerates the sinner. It is the sinner's responsibility to yield to the
work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit also sanctifies, illuminates and comforts
those who believe in Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to develop in the
believer's life the fruits of love and holiness.
(Acts 2 v 1-21, John 16 v 7-15, Heb. 2 v 3)
4. The Bible
God has revealed Himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New
Testaments alone. The Scriptures do not merely contain the Word of God, but
every Word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible, as
originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in
fact and doctrine. The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always
sufficient for all matters of belief and practi￿.
(Matt.4v4,2Tim. 3v 16, 2Pet. 1 v20-21)
li

Ards Evangelical Church 2023
5. Satan
We believe that Satan exists as an evil spirit, that he is the originator of sin, the
arch enemy of God and man, the de￿1Ver and enslaver of mankind and is set on
the ultimate damnation of every person. We believe that Satsn and his angels will
be committed to the eternal lake of fire.
(Matt. 4 v 1-11, 2 Cor. 11 v 3, 14-15, Rev. 20 v 10)
6. The Human Race
We believe that God created man, perfect in His own image, but, being tempted
by the Devil, man, by his own free choi￿, disobeyed God and became a sinner,
guilty and totally depraved before God. Man's whole nature is now perverted by
sin and his fellowship with God is broken, thereby incurring physical, spiritual and
eternal death. Every person is therefore under the condemnation of God and
needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and
please Him.
(Gen. 3, Rom. 1 v 18-32, John 3 v 1-21)
7. Salvation
We believe that Salvation is by the Grace of God; God in His Grace forgives and
reconciles to Himself all who turn to Him in true repentance and who trust in
Christ's atoning death. Salvation is by faith alone in the all sufficient-sacrifice of
our Lord Jesus Christ. God imputes the righteousness of Christ Himself to
believers and adopts us as His own children.
(Eph. 2 v 8-9. Rom. 3 v 25, Rom. 4 v 5-8, Rom. 8 v 15-16)
a. The One Church
We believe that all who have been redeemed with the precious blood of
Christ, and upon whom God has bestowed His righteousness as a free gift,
belong to Christ. They alone are rightly called Christians. They alone are
members of the one universal and eternal Church of Christ.
(Eph. 1 v 7, Acts 11 v 26)
b. The Local Church
We believe that each local Church is a fellowship of believers, called out from
the world, separated unto the Lord Jesus Christ, voluntarily associated for the
ministry of God's Word, the mutual edification of its members, the propagation
of the Gospel and the administration of the ordinances. We believe it is an
independent body, exercising its own divinely awarded gifts, precepts and
principles under the Lordship of Christ, the great Head of the Church. True
fellowship between churches exists only where they are faithful to the Gospel.
The local Church has no need of, nor should it acknowledge. any other
authority than that of Christ. We believe in the entire separation of Church and
state.
(1 Cor. 12 v 4-11, 27-31, 1 Cor. 14 v 3, 2 Cor. 6 v 14-18, Eph. 4 v 11-15)
12

Ards Evangelical Church 2023
a. Baptism
Baptism is an outward symbol of the inward change that has been effected in
the life of believers having trusted Christ as Saviour. Christ commanded the
act of Baptism. It also symbolises dying with Christ and rising with Christ to a
new life. It does not produce any spiritual change in the one baptised. We
believe that those being baptised should be believers and the method used
should be total immersion, never sprinkling. Anyone wishing to be baptised
should make it known to an Elder or Deacon. They will be given a copy of the
leaflet "Baptism Explained"
(Matt. 28 v19-20, Rom. 6 v 34)
b. Infant Dedication
Infant dedication is a simple service of thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of
the child and for safe arrival. At this seprfice the parents and the congregation
are charged publicly to be faithful in the caring for the child's spiritual welfare
as well as hislher physical welfare. The dedication does nothing for the child
spiritually or eternally but is an open acknowledgement to God for His
unending goodness. Anyone wishing to have a child dedicated should inform
an Elder or Deacon.
10.The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is the commemoration of Christ's sacrifice offered once for all.
We at AEC celebrate communion every Sunday. As believers we are commanded
to remember the Lord's death until He comes. Christians are exhorted to examine
themselves, so that all known sin should be previously confessed, and any
animosity or ill-feeling between individuals be put right and a proper relationship
restored. This enables us to partake of the emblems in a right attitude and
responsible manner. Our Conscien￿ should not condemn us at the Lord's table.
(1 Cor. 11 v 23-31, 1 John 3 v 20-21)
11.The Future
The Lord Jesus Christ will return in the air for His Church. Christians are
instructed to look for His appearing not for the grave, and live holy lives in
anticipation of His coming. There are many other prophetic events, and the
Scriptures further reveal that there will be resurrections of the just and the unjust.
The unjust will be sent to etemal punishment (Hell) and the just will be welcomed
into a life of eternal joy (Heaven) in fellowship with God.
(1 Thess. 4 v 13-18, 1 Pet. 1 v 13-15, John 5 v 25. 28-29)
12.AEC Core Values
Prayer
Bible-centred Preaching l Teaching
Evangelism
Discipleship
Fellowship
Godly Leadership
13