Ballynahinch Congregational Church Church Report 2024
Minister
Rev Victor Neill
Church Diaconate
Harry Bowles, Trevor Crothers, Sammy Graham George McCoubrey, Jimmy McClenaghan
Interim Church Committee
Wilson Hamilton, Isobel Hamilton, Trevor Crothers (Chairman) Barbara Neill, Rev Victor Neill, George McCoubrey, Jimmy McClenaghan, Betty Mc Kee, Linda Vance, David Vance, Tom Williamson (Secretary)
Trustees
Jim Magowan (Chairman), George McCoubrey (Secretary) Jimmy McClenaghan Samuel Smyth,Albert McKee, Trevor Crothers Samuel Graham Jackie Peacock
Treasurer
David Vance , Jimmy McClenaghan (FWO Secretary)
Ladies Fellowship
President – Barbara Neill
Joyce Bell (Secretary)Elsie Crothers , (Treasurer)
Committee - Betty McKee , Isobel Hamilton, Lilian Mawhinney, Pauline Johnston
Parent and Toddlers
Betty McKee, Barbara Neill, Daisy McCoubrey, Isobel Hamilton, Sally Hamilton, Emily Douglas, Pauline Johnston, Evelyn Spiers Joyce Bell, Wendy Bell
Missionary Committee
Chairman Rev. Victor Neill, Bookings – Trevor Crothers,
Elsie Crothers, Richard Payne, Vera McKee, Nan Bell
Organists
Emily Douglas Elsie Crothers
Cemetery Committee
(Convenor) Harry Bowles
Child Protection Oficer
Sammy Graham
Health and Safety Oficer and GDPR Oficer
Tom Williamson
G D P R Number ZA460445
Church Web-site
David McCoubrey
Church Web Address; www.ballynahinchcongregational.com
Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 100648
Deaths
Beth Magowan 28th January Joan Rea 11th February Bobby Herron 10th February Austin Mc Dowell 3rd March Peggy Caughey 5th April Jean Stokes 21st June Marie Calvert 12th July Ivan Watson 17th Sept Rbt. Mc Clements 15th Oct Mrs Bertie Dowell 2nd Nov
Minister’s Report 2024
Another year has slipped into eternity and so the Psalmist advice remains ever applicable ‘ So teach us to number our days ‘ ( Ps 90 v 12 )
Again, we bless God for His continued goodness and faithfulness to us as a Church and as individuals- despite the difficulties that have confronted us . We thank Him too for the evidence of the stirring of His Spirit within the lives of individuals, but long for a mighty outpouring of His Holy Spirit in our Church and in our community in these day of great spiritual need. As a congregation the only way for us is forward in the purposes of God and that requires
Commitment and dedication ! I acknowledge with thankfulness that strong commitment that is given by some to the work and witness of the Church, however, there are others who could give a greater commitment, which will not only benefit the work and witness of the Church but also be a blessing to them. The Scriptures remind us
I am conscious that 2024 for some has been a difficult and trying year as they have suffered the pain of bereavement or experienced illness . Be assured that you are not forgotten about by the Church family and certainly the Lord has not forgotten about you. So let us as a Church look out for each other and support one another, but most importantly
‘ Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith ‘ ( Heb 12 v 2 )
MIDWEEK MEETING AND MISSIONARY REPORT
During this year we had a faithful group of supporters and good fellowship was enjoyed in our Wednesday night meetings as Victor lead us through our Bible study, researching the meanings of various names and titles given to Christ. Many prayers have been answered during the year. We challenge you to come along and join in fellowship with us in Bible Study and prayer.
FEBRUARY. Woody Price from STAUROS updated us on the ongoing work amongst addicts. This is a difficult work and involves much one-to-one contact, talking, advising and encouraging, giving practical help and spiritual guidance. A new centre is under construction at Aldergrove which will enable Stauros to offer residential rehabilitation. MARCH . We had a return visit from Colin Tinsley
HOPE FOR YOUTH MINISTRIES. He gave us a brief update on the ongoing work in Ukraine and then shared with us his work in schools in the Provence. Many children now have no knowledge of the scriptures, and it was wonderful to hear of young people responding to the gospel and being interested in biblical stories. By the end of June 2024 Colin will have taken about 240 classes.
MAY. Sam Cowan renewed our interest in SEAFARERS CHRISTIAN FRIEND SOCIETY. It was mindboggling to learn of the millions of personnel on sea voyages around our world. Sam has the opportunity to go on board when many cruise ships and cargo ships dock in Belfast and has often been asked for Bibles in various
languages. These were taken secretly; He has encouraged many to continue in their Christian faith.
JUNE . LEPROSY MISSION. Rep Stephen McCartney through Audio visual updated us on all aspects of the work amongst those affected by leprosy. Advancement has been made with early diagnosis and family screening. The mission hospitals offer surgery and rehabilitation training. Many of those affected respond to the gospel
because of the love and care shown to them in their terrible situation.
OCTOBER. REV.RONNIE McCRACKEN. ESCHOL MINISTRIES briefly recounted his meeting some years ago with Gipsy King Billy Welch at the Appleby Horse Fair. Billy gave him permission to preach the gospel in any of the gipsy camps. Billy himself later became a Christian and has since accompanied Ronnie and the team to the gipsy camps in Algarve Portugal In December they distributed over 1000 Christmas shoe boxes. They also buy food there and make up food parcels to distribute, along with gospel literature. They open a restaurant and serve a hot meal to the very poor. NOVEMBER . GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE (Formally The Gideons).
This was a very interesting meeting with Paul Laverty, his wife Joy and 3 other team members who each took part and gave a different slant on the work. The placing of scriptures in hospitals, hotels and other public buildings has somewhat diminished but permission to leave leaflets with the scan code gives many the opportunity to access scripture literature and helps. There has been a renewed interested in schools for copies of the scripture for the students.
MISSIONARY PAYOUT.
We were able to distribute £300. To ten missionary causes, these are listed in the financial report.
Thanks to all who contributed to our F.W.O. Missionary envelopes and to all who gave sacrificially to all our missionary offerings.
We want to thank you especially for your response to the Henna Singson car appeal. We were able to gift Henna £3000. He has bought a White Suzuki Swift and is most appreciative of this generous gift.
Trevor Crothers. (Missionary Secretary)
Ladies Fellowship
As I review our Ladies Fellowship over the past year, may I express my appreciation to those ladies who have faithfully supported the meetings each month. This encourages me not only personally, but also those guest speakers who come along either to share ministry , testimony or a practical demonstration with us.
Our Guests were : Dr. Nigel Campbell in January, who shared about his visit to Uganda to work with orphans/ disadvantaged children etc. One of our dear members Sally, was able to pass on blankets and garments which she had knitted , which were able to wing their way to Uganda within a few months and were greatly appreciated. Catherine Millar gave a Floral Demonstration in February, based on ‘ The Greatest Love Story ‘ Marion Reid ministered and shared her testimony at our March meeting , she also brought along a selection of books which she has written and many were purchased. Carolyn Bennett gave a card making demonstration or rather she supervised us as we ladies tried our hand at this craft ! She also shared her testimony with us at our October meeting. In November Isabella Purdy shared her experience of serving the Lord as a missionary in South Korea for 13 years. We all enjoyed a lovely Christmas Dinner in the Mulberry Tree Restaurant , I organised a quiz and gave a short epilogue on the Christmas message.
Sadly , two of our faithful members have been’ called home’ over the past year . We thank God for every remembrance of our sisters Lily English and Rachel Walsh. The respective families appreciated all the assistance of our Ladies in providing and serving the Funeral Teas. May I invite any Ladies who do not as yet come to the meetings to join with us on the 2nd Mon of each month October to March .
Yours in Christ Barbara Neill
CHOIR REPORT
In looking back over the past year I must commend the members of the choir for their faithfulness and dedication throughout a busy year.
January saw us responsible for the Christmas Dinner musical programme on Saturday 27th evening. Although our Men’s Group have greatly depleted they are still willing to take part. We had a good time of fellowship as we all joined in a sing song of old and not so old hymns. Trevor brought the evening to a close with a short epilogue on the word S.I.N.G.
February was the start of Easter practices for Good Friday and Easter Sunday at the end of March. Not much time to relax as we were invited to lead the worship and sing at the District Orange Service on 7th July. After a few weeks of no practices, it was back to the music and preparation for Harvest Services in October.
Now Christmas is coming fast... and we were requested to sing a Christmas piece at both morning and evening services during December, also a short programme for the afternoon Carol Service and there were 5 Sundays in December!!!!
I would again thank Emily for her willingness in helping when and as required.
It is a privilege to lead the praise, and we trust that our congregation is blessed with the messages in song each week.
Psalm 113 verses 1 – 4.
Elsie Crothers
PARENTS AND TODDLERS GROUP
The Parent and Toddlers Group meet on Wednesday mornings between 10.30 and Noon during the school terms.
My thanks to all those who set out the chairs, tables, toys and equipment before the children arrive and then put them away again after they have gone. My gratitude also to the ladies who supervise the
children and to those who prepare and give out the toast, juice, tea and coffee.
Although the number of children attending has declined slightly there is still a lot of noise generated in the hall.
Invitations were given out to the Parents and Guardians to attend the Harvest Service and Christmas Carol Service. It was heartening to see a young mother attend the Harvest Service and several attended the Carol Service, Santa paid us a visit just before Christmas to round off the year.
Isobell Hamilton.
Summary of the main areas of income and expenditure for the Church Current Account
Total Income £81,225.72 Total Expenditure £81,193.41
Freewill Offering Envelopes in 2024 totalled £50,794.75 showing a decrease from £52,070.50 in 2023. Loose offerings were up in 2024 to £2,266.35 from 2023 figure of £2,252.85
Salaries and Employer's/Employee's NIC/PAYE accounted for £29,216.68 Oil and Electricity costs have reduced to £14,218.05 from £24,588.00 in 2023. Other expenditure is as outlined elsewhere in this report.
Investments:
£53,826 has been invested along with other monies into an £85,000 ISA
£85,000 has been moved into another account to provide financial protection
Missionary/Charitable Giving Midweek Fellowship £ 2,050.00 Missionary Account £ 9,900.00 Ladies Fellowship £ 365.00 Total £12,315.00
Closing Balance for 2024 £58,816.15 is and is credited as follows.
Church £31,078.94 Mission £ 6,406.01 Midweek Fellowship £11,470.99 Ladies Fellowship £ 7,718.02 Parent &Toddler £ 2,142.19
Only organisations that submitted their accounts for auditing have been included in this report.
The following Organisations failed to produce accounts for this report.
Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Missionary Board, WINGS, YC4U
All other books of accounts and supporting documentation have been subject to external audit by Nelson Accountancy Services, and a report submitted to the Trustees.
Income
Balance 1/1/24 Church £158,035.23 Balance 1/1/24 Missionary Acc £6,178.90 Balance 1/1/24 Midweek Fellowship £9,958.14 Balance 1/1/24 Ladies Fellowship £4,718.02 Balance 1/1/24 Parent&Toddlers £1,566.03 Balance 1/1/24 Thursday Fellowship £177.70 Balance 1/1/24 Jeremiah Fund -£247.02 Balance 1/1/24 Investment £53,826.54 Balance 1/1/24 Bowling Club £298.00 Balance 1/1/24 Sunday School £305.04 Freewill offerings £50,794.75 Sunday cash collections £2,266.35 Missionary Envelopes £3,160.00 Missionary Collections £6,967.11 Midweek Fellowship £3,562.85 Sundries £7,349.48 Cemetry Fees £3,100.00 Parents & Toddlers £576.16 Ladies Fellowship £3,500.00 Jeremiah fund Xfer from church account £247.02
£316,340.30
Expenditure
Rev Victor Neill £24,790.00 Mrs Joan Hunter Sexton £1,289.68 Employer's/Employee's NIC/PAYE £3,137.00 Rates Church/Manse/Gate Lodge £1,765.43 Insurance Church/Manse/Gate Lodge £3,739.22 Printing/Stationary/Publishing £662.85 Oil £5,244.05 Electricity £8,974.00 Property Maintainance £17,944.24 Speakers/Singers/etc £1,380.00 Church phones £881.86 Bank Charges £306.67 Mission £9,900.00 Sundries £4,178.41 Wednesday Fellowship £2,050.00 £500.00 Ladies Fellowship (float) Thursday Fellowship (xfer to Mission Acc) £177.70 Bowling Club (xfer to Church Acc) £298.00 Sunday School (xfer to Church acc) £305.04
Money Transfered to Savings Account investment transferred to savings account Money Transfered to 2nd Savings Account
£31,173.46 £53,826.54 £85,000.00
Balance 31/12/24 Church Balance 31/12/24 Missionary Acc Balance 31/12/24 Midweek Fellowship Balance 31/12/24 Ladies Fellowship Balance 31/12/24 Parent&Toddlers
£31,078.94 £6,406.01 £11,470.99 £7,718.02 £2,142.19
£316,340.30
SwinzsAccounts oney from Church iny Account N1 £85 000.00 oney frorn Church nvestme nt rnoney Iny Accounl N2 £31,173.46 £53,826.g4 otal 02 4 M155ionar Account ank Balance 111124 £6,178.90 Che sVHeart&stroke (From 20231 He nna IS510nary enknElopes enna £3,160,00 £90 0.00 £2.794 0 £3,00 0.00 £3,00 0.00 £30 0.00 m mLnion adies Fellowshlp ood Friday collection allinnasloe enna m on* returned £59.0 He nna Car £177, 70 Ronnie mCcrken £93.50 United Grace Mission £30 D.00 1,075,00 £2,767,91 Revival Movement £30 0, 00 CEF £30 0, 00 sialink £30 0.00 Slarfic Gospe l Mission 4cre Gospel Mission Norrnan Fox Mis%onary Cause £30 0.00 £30 0.00 £30 0.00 £30 0.00 £30 0.00 Mwnard Love TCFDT ank Balae 31/11124 £6,406I11 £16 306.01 £16 306.01
024 Midwed< Fellowship ank Balance 111124 £9958.14 eekly collec05 £1,658, 85 stauros Foundab"on Hope for Youth Ministries £400.0 issionary Collectr'or £1.904 0 £400.0 Sam Covan Mission for Seafare rs £300.0 stevan Mc Cartney Leprow Mission E51hol Ministries £300.0 £350.0 GSdeons £300.0 PAn& Balance 3V12D4 É11.470.9 E13 520.99 t13 520.99 2024Thursday Fellowship Income ExpenditurE Transferto church account Cash Balance 1-1-24 no meetings £177.70 £177.70 Cash Balance 31-12-24 £177.7) £177. 70
FèrernEard Todoler52¢ In(llme penditLre Czh Baaic 1-1-24 Bank Baance 1-1-24 £269. £l566.03 ub5CriPtiDn5 rèfréshmènts £140.00 £32724 r+froshrnnL suppl45 £.66 £.0 ££.00 Outirss CIDsinBC&h Ealantr 3>1¥24 CIDsingBank Balats 31-1&24 £0.00 £llq2.19 £2,a1325 £1303.85 dies fellowship IIU24 Church Bank Account Cashin Hand £4.718.02 £0.12 Offèrin £fJ)2.40 Elain8 Edrnonds FuneraLT&a Donations ,5,00 Beth McntgomeryAsia tink Keith , ndsayACRE Isob1 sa usage rotis 2 Funèrals IHerrcnlReal Isob&l sa usag@ rotts Ca u8h@yfrJn8rn1 Angd3 McKee QEF. Isobdl >a usage rotis Watson neraL Catherine Campbe Ficna Storar Cancèr cha riti o. £200. £48. 4.( £200.( £24. £.0) £ioo.th) Ca5hlnHènd 1112124 Church E• nk Acc 2176.32 £7,718.02
UndSchoD1 name penditure ank Palar l_lQ4 £>)s ourt Clo2d ra75fertll ChurchkcllLhlt £3C6D4 105ir¥ PankiEl6TrR31-12-24 £3)S £3)5 EREMIAH BJND Inrne EKpenditwe Ballr• 1-1-24 2471J2 TrarsfÈrfrCAMchchatt0 £247_02 Bal6rKe31-12-24 £ooJ £0 llwlin aub Inarne salar& 111124 Eypenthtwe £8. Iolrt Clo2d Tranjfertll Church Accllunt £2* Closirg BalarG(tglD2f24 £38.m £8.
Income sundries 120 donation towards church dinne r £120.00 ank Ints rest n lieu of Flowers B Herron £286.45 £219 18 e nna Congregation a Mtg plate onon IG Gille5ple1 £5000 eiret Garde n £630 dJu5trne nt to de pogt on 22no oppy Appeal £205 onation Ivan watson £30.00 £5,000.00 £630.00 £0.30 £210 56 £250.00 rènsferfrorn SISchool r3t)sferfrorn Ing aub £305.04 £298.00 otal É7 349.48 2024 EJEpenditure Sunthies ulbe rry Tree church dinner ip for cate ring statf pawells piano tunnin g loor plan frames CLI £1.462.0C, £S0.DC. £280.00 £24.5C, £259.OQ ssoc church acc £12.5C. re dit Card DPRfee £612.3Q £35.OQ e Ison Accountan £600.0C. tephe n Wilson bugular hristrn as zifr s C Electri15 He e rs £25 OC, £585 01, £36.DQ o Jere rniah fund to close £247.0
2024 EJEpenditure Sunthies ulbe rry Tre e church dinner ip for cate ring stalf pawells piano tunnin g loor plan frames CLI £1.462.0C, £S0.DC. £280.00 £24.5C, £259.OQ ssoc church acc £12.5C. re dit Card DPRfee £612.3G £35.OQ e Ison Accountan £600.0C. tephe n Wilson Bugular hristrn as zifrs C Electri15 He *e rs £25 OC, £585 OCI £36.DQ o Jere rniah fund to close £247.0
£440. £520.1)) .00 60.( £1,0.00 £150. £0.00 £0.00 £139.0) £0.00 £280.( 9).00 5& .00 o.( io £235.( ).00 li 20. 9).00 12 £0.00 £D.00 13 £0.[ &D.00 14 £0.00 9).00 15 £520.(N) £0.00 16 £425.( £D.00 17 £0.00 9).00 18 .00 £0.00 19 £0.00 £D.00 £1,5EKI.00 60.0) 9).00 21 .00 £520.(N) £0.00 £135.( £0.00 24 £0.00 25 £0.00
£5.00 27 £1.8.00 £0, 28 £3)0, £1,040.00 5, 21 £0.00 o, £J)o, £0.00 £0.00 £490, 37 £115, £520, £1,040.00 £1.2.00 £240, £120, 41 £1,280.00 £120. £420, £0.00 £100, £1,680.00 47 £480, £92 £0, £260,
51 L65.( 0).00 E5.( 9).00 o. 9).00 £760.( 9).00 .00 9).00 £17&( 9).00 57 £0.00 9).00 £515.( 55.( 9).00 61 £510.(N) £D.00 L65.( 9).00 £0.[ 9).00 £1.605.00 £124.45 £D.00 L60.( 9).00 £159.( 9).00 £0.00 £0.00 £1,0.00 £1,3.00 £125. 71 £1,5W.00 £1.2.00 io. £110. ),00 74 .00 9).00 75 £510. 9).00
£0.[ 0).00 .00 9).00 78 £110. £330.( 9).00 o. 9).00 81 £520.( 9).00 £io&( £0.00 £104.( 9).00 £1,052.00 50.( 9).00 £1.8.00 £120. 87 £780.( £120.Th1 80.( £115.lJl 70.( 9).00 £190.( £D.00 91 £0.00 9).00 o.( 9).00 £120.(N) £0.00 £Tro.( 9).00 £1,0.00 9).00 70.( £130. £1.705.00 £110. L60.( ),00 £480.( £10. 9).00
Number FWOEnveio e5 Mis5na Emieio ioi £245. i(0 £450.O) £10, £460.( 9).00 9).00 £700.( 9).00 1(6 £1.7.00 £799 £155.Th1 107 9).00 9).00 £0.( £80. 9),00 £0.00 iio iii £0.00 £D.00 112 £0.00 Tolais