2023-12-31-annual-return - Ballycraigy Congregational Church

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Ballycraigy Congregational Church

Trustees’ Report and Annual Financial Statements 218[th] Year ended 31[st] December 2023

Services & Organisations

Sunday
	Prayer Meeting		10:30
	Bible Class	Mr & Mrs Colin Barr	10:30
	Morning Service		11:30
	Crèche	Mrs Janice Quinn	11:30
	Kid’s Church	Mrs Jayne Morton	11:50
	Evening Service		18:30
	Youth Fellowship	Mrs Aileen Humphreys	20:00
Monday
	Women @ Ballycraigy (2nd Monday)	Mrs Helen Morton	8.00
Tuesday
	Lunchtime hour (1stTuesday)	Mr Adrian Magowan	12:00
	Girls Brigade	Captain-Mrs Deborah Robinson	19:00
	Fellowship Groups (Ballyclare & Mallusk)		19.30
	(Every 3rdweek)
Wednesday
	Tots Time	Mrs Janice Quinn	10:00
	Bible Study & Prayer		20.00
	Fellowship Groups (Parkgate, Straid		19.30
	Glengormley, Church) (Every 3rdweek)
Thursday
	Boys Brigade	Captain-Mr Glenn Goodman	20:00
		Company Section
	Anchor Boys & Juniors		18:45
	Coffee Morning (3rdThursday)	Mr Adrian Magowan	10.00
Friday
	Friday Bible Club	Mr Peter Hamilton	18.45
	Youth Club	Mr Andrew Goodman	20.15
	Boys Bible Study (1st Friday)	Mr Richard Harris	20.00
	Girls Bible Study (1st Friday)	Mrs Cynthia Reid &	20.00
		Mrs Janice Quinn
Saturday
	Junior Youth Club (1stSaturday)	Mrs Alison Ritchie	17:30
	Young Adults (As Announced)	Mr Josh Patterson

Ballycraigy Congregational Church References and Administrative Details

Name	Ballycraigy Congregational Church
Address	Ballycraigy Road
	Newtownabbey
	Co. Antrim
	BT36 4TB
Website	www.ballycraigy.org.uk
Charity Registration Number	NIC 101413
Trustees	Mr Adrian Magowan
	Mr Peter Hamilton
	Mr Colin Barr
Deacons	Mr Sam Beattie
	Mr Adrian Magowan
	Mr Peter Hamilton
	Mr Robert Ashcroft
	Mr Stephen McLoughlin
	Dr Gareth Morton
	Mr Philip McLain
Minister / Pastor	Rev Andrew Quinn
Pastor in Training	Mr Josh Patterson
Church Visitors	Mr Adrian Magowan
	Mrs Valerie Magowan
	Mrs Janice Quinn
Secretary	Mr Sam Beattie
Treasurer	Mr Adrian Magowan
Bankers	Danske Bank Ltd
Independent Examiner	Mr J.L Grant FCCA

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Pastor’s Letter

Dear Ballycraigy Church,

Psalm 81 begins with these lines “ Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!

It then goes on to remind God’s people that it was, “the Lord who relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket.” The burden was labouring as slaves for Pharaoh in Egypt, carrying baskets of materials to make bricks and baskets of bricks for the building projects. Their Exodus from Egypt taught God’s people that they would only be saved by God’s power. Again, on their journey through the wilderness, they learned to rely on God for food and water. It should be obvious that only in God’s strength are we saved, only by God’s strength do we live - we cannot survive, we cannot do anything on our own. God our strength! However, the famous and recurring narrative with God’s ancient people Israel was that they forgot this. God speaks in the psalm to rebuke them, saying, “I hear a language I had not known…” “There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.” They had lapsed, looking elsewhere for their provision other than to the Lord. If so, as was too often the case, God had to withhold His grace and send his wrath that they might discover the consequences of going away from God, or even relaxing in their sense of dependence on Him. As we read “I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. " Then, from the place of need, they would hear God’s promise heralded: “ Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes. He would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

We too have learned to rely on God. Personally, everybody that ever becomes a Christian must forsake independence, self-sufficiency to totally rely on God. Further, the Christian life is a process of learning to rely on God, suffering and insurmountable things being given to us that we might lean in to Him and remember how much we need His strength. Yet still we forget and look elsewhere for help and enjoyment.

As a church, we have learned many times that God is our strength. Even during this past year as we have stepped out to take on a big outreach event in our Tent Mission, as we weekly seek to carry on a busy programme in church life, and as we rely on God to deal with our outstanding debt we have demonstrated that God is our strength and we have learned that we couldn’t do what we’ve done in our strength.

Thus, keeping the output of this short word simple, I encourage you to remember that God is our strength, without Him we can do nothing. In our personal lives as we manage relationships, finance, care-loads (looking after the young or the elderly), making decisions, employment, etc. - remember that that God is our strength. Seek to consciously present your life and need to God in prayer to avail of his wisdom and help. Resist the temptation to be self-supporting, the essence of a Christian is that we have learned and are learning to depend on God and find protection, provision and delight through Him. Listen to Him, walk in His ways and He will feed you with the finest of wheat.

Similarly, as a church we must never forget that God is our strength. We have not arrived at a destination, a place where we can twiddle our thumbs or rest in past accomplishments. In every sector of church life, we must press on. As a leadership we continually monitor what we are doing in evangelism, growth, training and mission and seek to keep developing and pushing the boundaries of what we can attempt for the kingdom. God is our strength - we must continue to pray and look to Him.

God has been so good to us financially as you will read in this report, but the need with our outstanding debt and ongoing cost is significant and certainly beyond us without the help of the Lord. As a church, God is our strength, please join us weekly on Wednesday evenings or Sunday mornings to pray as we demonstrate our reliance on God and enjoy Him.

I am so thankful for our Diaconate, a team of men, committed and united in the task of building God’s kingdom. We rejoice in the two years we had with Nathanael as our Ministry Apprentice and Josh, our Pastor in Training continues to be a blessing to us, serving and learning in various aspects of church

life. Every week I realise afresh a gratitude for the Pastoral Care team and I trust you too know the uplift that they provide for us as a family.

I also wish to state my sincere thanks for all the work that has gone into writing this report with input from all the church organisations and those who serve in various finance and administration roles within the church.

In 2024, God is our strength, let us never lose the focus, listen to Him, open your mouth wide and God will fill it.

In Christ,

Andrew Quinn Pastor

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Ballycraigy Congregational Church (the church) is an independent autonomous fellowship of Christians, who having declared personal faith in Jesus Christ, agreeing to be banded together as a New Testament church with Jesus Christ as its sole head.

The church has accepted the designation of Congregationalism as a denomination. Within Congregationalism the administration and regulation of the church is self-contained, each church being a separate and distinct entity.

The church has a published Constitution including a Covenant and Code of Doctrine that all members are expected wholeheartedly to adhere to. Copies of the Constitution are available on request. As a charity and as required by legislation the church is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Meetings for fellowship and worship are held in the church premises situated at Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey. From time to time meetings for worship or fellowship may be held outside of these premises. The church only meets for properly constituted business meetings at its premises.

Leadership: The deacons, with the Pastor / Minister are the leaders of the church.

The church leadership is responsible for the oversight and administration of the congregation, for this purpose regular meetings of the diaconate are convened.

Deacons are appointed by the membership of the church at Members Meetings/AGM’s for a term of 3 years and on retirement are eligible for re-election. All males who have reached the age of 18, have been members of the church for at least one year and, possess the necessary gifts and qualifications of a deacon as detailed in scripture are eligible for consideration for service on the Diaconate. Further requirements for the role are as detailed in the Constitution.

At the 2023 AGM held on 16[th] March 2023, Mr Peter Hamilton, Mr Adrian Magowan and Mr Robert Ashcroft were unanimously re-appointed as deacons, for a term of three years. The current deacons and dates for their re-election are as follows;

AGM 2024 AGM 2025 AGM 2026 S. McLoughlin S. Beattie P. Hamilton G. Morton P. McLain A. Magowan R. Ashcroft

The deacons are responsible for appointing appropriate persons from within their number to be the Church Treasurer and Secretary and also to assist and oversee the activities of each organisation connected with the church. The leadership has a clear and acknowledged responsibility before God and the membership of the church for ensuring each organisation or group encompassing all aspects of voluntary service and activities of the church, act firstly in accordance to principles and precepts of the Bible, then in accordance with the Constitution.

All leadership appointments within the uniformed and non-uniformed organisations and activities of the congregation are to be notified to the diaconate. All appointments are subject to the individual receiving clearance through the governing statutory Child Protection authorities and in accordance with the church’s child protection policy.

The Pastor is appointed to lead the church in spiritual worship, to teach from the whole Bible and to provide pastoral care. The spiritual gifts and abilities necessary for this role are as detailed in the Bible with additional requirements for appointment being detailed within the Constitution.

Trustees: Trustees are appointed by the congregation from within the membership of the church at Members Meetings/AGM’s. No Trustee or Deacons of the church receives remuneration for their role as trustees or deacons, these duties being fulfilled in a wholly voluntary capacity. Adrian Magowan (Trustee and Deacon) receives remuneration in his capacity as a Church Visitor. Valerie

Magowan, wife of Adrian Magowan and Janice Quinn, wife of Andrew Quinn, also receive remuneration in their roles as Church Visitors. All appointments were unanimously agreed and endorsed by the vote of Church Members.

Membership: Church members are those Christians’ who, having regard to the requirements of the Constitution and further, having undertaken appropriate prayerful contemplation, accept the principles and precepts of membership as laid out in the Constitution. Those persons having been proposed, interviewed for and accepted unto church membership at a Members Meeting or AGM will be recorded as church members and accordingly are permitted to vote at the church business meetings and AGM. The definition of a Christian and a member of the church, as understood by the membership of the church are specified within the Constitution and relevant texts of Holy Scripture contained within the Word of God (The Bible). No other documentary material, reference or text has any bearing on the church’s definition.

The membership of the church acknowledges the fellowship of all true believers in Christ and that the church community at Ballycraigy is made up of members and non-members (adherents). Adherents have no voting rights in the church business meetings or the AGM. The worship and activities of the congregation of the church is further attended by persons who are non-Christian, meaning those persons outside of personal faith in Jesus Christ, such persons also have no voting rights in the church business meetings or the AGM.

Charitable Purposes: The charitable purpose of the church is the advancement of religion. This is carried out by the church thorough the faithful preaching, teaching and proclamation of the full panoply of the Gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ. By providing pastoral care to members, their families and adherents. Through church activities that are intended to reach out to the church and the wider Newtownabbey community with the Gospel and an understanding of Christian doctrine and its application to living.

Objects: The objects of the church are:

To promote and advance the message of the Christian Gospel, proclaiming the way of salvation through personal faith in Jesus Christ, displaying Christian charity in accordance with the New Testament principles and with regard to our Statement of Faith.
To disseminate by appropriate means, the intrinsic message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all mankind. “Mankind” encompasses all persons regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexuality or locality.
To provide a focal point for all members of the community who wish to engage in services of holy worship and praise under the auspices of the church.

Activities: At the heart of Ballycraigy Congregational Church are a people whose desire is to glorify God, to serve him, to manifest his unfailing love and to share it with all mankind. Throughout 2023 the church at Ballycraigy remained a vibrant and living community reaching out to the local people through a broad range of activities held in the church buildings, in the local community and further afield.

Achievements: Ballycraigy Congregational Church has in 2023 demonstrated very clearly that it has delivered on its charitable purpose of “the advancement of religion”. The aim of the church is to worship God and to present to all people the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the way of Salvation and to pray, support and comfort those in spiritual, physical and social need. Through systematic biblical teaching all who attend are encouraged to embrace not only God’s Plan of Salvation but also to follow the teachings of the Bible for a spirit filled life.

The church buildings are a constant hub of activity. The church halls are in use virtually every night of the week and often during the day, providing significant public benefit to the local community. It offers friendship and understanding within the community and encourages respect, tolerance and an acceptance of the need to provide spiritually and physically for those less fortunate.

The church has clearly shown that it is a great benefit to the local community by reaching out spiritually to those in need and through its individual and collective witness in advancing the word and work of God.

Mission and Evangelism : The church has a very strong heart and vision for local Evangelism, World Mission and supporting the work of secular charities involved in activities which resonate with the church community. During 2023 the church incurred expenditure of £27,460 in support of Mission and local evangelism. During May 2023 a two-week Tent Mission was also held where each evening the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was faithfully preached, knowing and believing the promise of Isaiah 55 v 11 “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it”. The Deacons wish to place on record their sincere thanks to the many people who were involved in the planning and in delivering the Mission.

In 2022 the church sponsored and financially, physically and prayerfully supported a family from the Ukraine to relocate and settle in Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, the family arriving in early December 2022. Having settled well into the local community the family felt strong and independent enough by mid-2023 to financially support themselves, as a result the financial and support commitment from the church ceased. A total of £10,779 was spent by the church in support of the family, we wish the family much happiness and God’s richest blessing in the years ahead.

A total of was £2,132 was provided to a number of secular charities and organisations.

In 2023 a total of £40,385, nearly 15% of total church income, was spent in support of Mission, Outreach and charitable activities.

Volunteering: The church could not and would not exist without the goodwill and volunteering of so many people who as an act of worship freely give their time, talents and gifts to ensure that the church continues in all aspects of ministry to glorify and serve God. The trustees wish to formally acknowledge everyone involved for their contribution and commitment throughout 2023. It is not possible to place a monetary value on the contribution made by volunteers to church life.

Policies, Procedures and Protocols: The trustees have put in place a series of policies to ensure the application of good and proper governance. These policies, processes and protocols cover all aspects of church life including finance, IT, Data Protection, child and vulnerable adult protection aimed at preventing potential harm to anyone participating in church activities, these policies are under the control of the designated deacons.

Reporting: As a charity, registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, the church is required to be wholly transparent in all that it does and be fully accountable for the money it receives and spends. The church has a legal responsibility to submit this Annual Report and Financial Statements to the Charity Commission, seeing and acknowledging that this reporting is an important part of its witness.

Annually, the church prepares a Trustee’s Report and Financial Report detailing the activities for the prior calendar year. These Reports are required to be presented within three months of the year end at an AGM of church members. This 218[th] Annual Report for the year ending 31[st] December 2023 outlines in detail the financial performance, the activities of the church and how its charitable Purpose and Objects were delivered during the year. The Report encompasses the Trustees’ Report and Minister’s / Pastor’s letter, consolidated Financial Statements and, individual Reports and Income and Expenditure Statements from organisations within the church.

Financial Review: During 2023, God continued to meet all of the church’s financial needs in and through His son Jesus Christ. The trustees and deacons are thankful to everyone associated with the church, both members and adherents, for their sacrificial giving, without whom the church could not continue to daily proclaim the Gospel to both young and old and to maintain its everyday running. All income of the church is given freely by the congregation at regular church services or other church gatherings. Personal gifts for the work of the church and missionaries are also received. No subscription, trading or fundraising activities are permitted in accordance with the Constitution.

In 2023 total income exceeded costs by an excellent £64,102. Total income from all sources was £277,444 (2022 - £256,875) an increase of £20,569 (8%) above last year. Free Will, Loose and Building Fund offerings at £203,365 were an excellent £12,432 (6.5%) above the £190,933 received in 2022. As a direct result, Gift Aid received from HMRC at £44,536 was 6.8%, £2,833 above the £41,703 received in 2022. Total expenditure was £213,342 an increase of £37,396 (21%) compared to £175,946 in 2022. The ministerial team payroll and associated visitation costs, increased by £12,685 (18%) from £69,023 to £81,708 due to the appointment of Josh (Pastor in Training) and Janice and Valerie as Church Visitors part way through 2022.

Costs in relation to Mission, Outreach and Teaching and fellowship was £61,274 and increase of £15,214 (28%) compared to 2022.

The costs of running the church and church buildings at £50,408 increased by £8,127 (19%) compared to the cost in 2022 of £42,281. The most significant cost variance relating to the cost of Heat, Light and Power which increased from £15,003 to £19,540 an increase of £4,537 or 30%!

Since 1992 the church has developed and built a new sanctuary (opened in March 1992) a manse (built in 2004) and a suite of halls, meeting rooms and supporting facilities (opened in September 2009) The total expenditure incurred on these buildings was £1.83m. The facilities were financed through sacrificial giving by the congregation, interest free loans repayable on demand and a variable rate term loan from Danske Bank. The interest free loans have now been fully repaid. During 2023, interest of £15,463 and a capital repayment of £44,811, a total repayment of £60,274, was made to Danske Bank. At the 31[st] December 2023 a total of £209,412 (2022 - £254,223) remains payable. The current loan has a further 4 years to run before completion. The loan, capital and interest repayments in 2024 are projected at £60,000 of which £10,000 relates to interest and £50,000 to capital repayments.

At the end of 2023 the church finds itself in a good financial position with a surplus in its General Fund of £33,262 (2022- £53,148) Total cash and current account bank balances at 31[st] December 2023 amount to £121,802 (2022-£102,204) an increase of £19,598 on the start of the year.

Total net assets are stated at £1,026,535 (2021 - £998,814) an increase of £27,721 on the start of the year. The net asset total includes the cost of the church, halls and manse at a value of £1,109,258, being their historic cost less straight - line annual depreciation at 2% per annum.

Financial Administration and Governance: All bank accounts are held in the name of the church or the relevant organisation and not in the name of any individual member or adherent. Current cheque signatories are two of the deacons. All cheques must be signed by two signatories. The same principle applies to online banking activity.

Segregation of duties is a key governance control of the church. All financial matters are under the responsibility of the Church Treasurer, Mr Adrian Magowan. Specific financial and accounting responsibilities have been assigned to individual members of the congregation.

It is appropriate to thank our finance team, which undertakes a significant amount of work, mostly unseen. Regular accounts work is looked after by Myrtle McLoughlin. Thank you also to all in our organisations who look after their finances and write reports included in this Annual Report.

Reserve Policy: It is policy to maintain a balance on the General Fund Account equating to three months payments of circa £35,000.

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities: The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee’s Report and the Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the church’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the assets and liabilities of the church. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the church and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland wrth income of more than £250,000 and with assets less than £3.26m, requires the charity's to prepare accrual based accounts, which must be independently examined by an individual who is a member of a body approved by the Charity Commission. In accordan with this requirement. the financial statements of the church have been examined and reported upon by Mr Lowry Grant FCCA who has On again provided an Independent Report on our 2023 Accounts. The Trustees wish to express their sincere thanks to Mr Grant for the examination performed by him and their appreciation that the examination was undertaken by Mr Grant on a pro bono basis. Signed on behalf of the Trustees Mr. Adrian Magowan Mr. Sam Beattie Trustee and Treasurer 27th March 2024 Secretary 10

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Statement of Financial Activities For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023

Free General Fund £ 98,087 26,009 1,620 3,695 542	Designated Mission Organis ations Building £ £ £ 25,643 3,181 76,454 18,527 5,326 500 1,716 15,882 27 235	Designated Mission Organis ations Building £ £ £ 25,643 3,181 76,454 18,527 5,326 500 1,716 15,882 27 235	Designated Mission Organis ations Building £ £ £ 25,643 3,181 76,454 18,527 5,326 500 1,716 15,882 27 235	Total 2023 £ 203,365 44,536 7,446 1,716 19,577 804	Total 2022 £ 190,933 41,703 12,694 320 11,068 157
129,953	32,685	19,590	95,216	277,444	256,875
71,892 9,816 8,516 4,807 50,408 4,007 392	- 30,429	- 1,440 16,082 90	- 15,463	71,892 9,816 40,385 20,889 50,408 4,007 15,945	59,135 9,888 30,775 15,285 42,281 3,725 14,857
149,838	30,429	17,612	15,463	213,342	175,946

(19,885)	2,256	1,978	79,753	64,102	80,929
			36,381	36,381	36,381

(19,885)	2,256	1,978	43,372	27,721	44,548
53,147 -	1,824 -	8,988	934,855 -	998,814 -	954,266 -
33,262	4,080	10,966	978,227	1,026,535	998,814

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Balance Sheet As at 31" December 2023 Free General Mission Fund Designated Organis Building ations Total 2023 Total 2022 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 11 1,109,258 1109,258 1145 639 Current Assets Debtors Bank & cash on hand Total Current Assets 12 13 6,916 30,296 4,926 76,460 11,842 121,802 10,406 102,204 112 610 4,080 10.966 Current Liabilities Creditors & accruals other creditors Loans payable wilhin one year Totsl Current Liabilities 14 14 15 3,005 3,005 3,950 47,500 2,732 2,480 45,000 3.950 47,500 3,950 50,505 54,455 50,212 Net Current Assets (Liabilities) 33,262 4,080 10,966 30,881 79,189 62,398 Less: Bank loans payable after one year Total Net Assets 15 161,912 161,912 209,223 33,262 4,080 10,966 978,227 1,026,535 998,814 Reserves Free reserves Designated reserves Total Reserves 16.1 16.3 33,262 33,262 993 273 1026 535 53,147 945,667 998 814 4,080 10,966 10,966 978,227 978 227 Source and Application of Funds Free General Mission Fund Designated Organisa Buildlng tions Totsl 2023 Total 2022 Net incoming {outgoing) Movement in working capital Capital repaid on loan (Oufflow) I Inflow of Funds 19,885 671 (364) 44.811 34,578 307 44,811 (241) 19,214 1,978 7,903 Bank and Cash Balances As at 318t December 2022 (Outflow) I Inflow of Funds As at 31 st December 2023 1,824 2,256 8,988 1,978 10,966 41,882 34,578 102 204 19,598 121802 19.214 30,296 7,903 102,204 APPROVED by the Church Meeting held on 27th March 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Mr Sam Beattie Church Secretary 27th March 2024 12

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year ended 31[st] December 2023

1 Accounting Policies

1a Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The accruals basis of accounting has been adopted and the principal accounting policies set out below are applied consistently.

1b Fund Accounting

Free (unrestricted) funds are available for use at the discretion of the church in furtherance of its charitable objects. Designated funds have been raised and expended for a specific purpose.

1c Tangible Fixed Assets

Freehold property : The Trustees hold the church and manse buildings upon trust for purposes connected with Ballycraigy Congregational Church. Repair and maintenance expenditure on the church and manse is written off in the year which it is incurred. The cost of constructing the church, manse and halls has been capitalised and is being depreciated at a rate of 2% (over 50 years) on a straight-line basis.

Equipment: Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates calculated to write off the assets over their estimated useful life.

Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment: 25% straight line (over 4 years)
Motor Vehicles: 20% straight line (over 5 years)

1d Incoming Resources

All voluntary giving is included in the financial statements for the period in which it is received. Receipts received through Gift Aid are accounted for on a receipt and receivable basis. All other income including legacies and gifts are generally accounted for when received .

1e Resources Expended

Resources expended are recognised in the period to which they are incurred and include VAT which cannot be recovered. They are allocated to the particular activity to which they relate. As most of the activity and management of the church is carried out by volunteers, this intangible cost is not included in the financial statements as this voluntary contribution to the life of the church is incalculable.

1f Taxation

As a Church, the church is an exempt charity within the meaning of the Taxes Acts. Accordingly, it is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income and capital gains received to the extent that such income or gains are applied to exclusive charitable purposes. No provision for taxation has been made in these financial statements.

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Notes to the Financial Statement For the Year ended 31[st] December 2023

Free General Fund £ 89,687 8,400	Designated Funds Mission Organis ations Building £ £ £ 17,643 76,454 8,000 3,181	Designated Funds Mission Organis ations Building £ £ £ 17,643 76,454 8,000 3,181	Designated Funds Mission Organis ations Building £ £ £ 17,643 76,454 8,000 3,181	Total 2023 £ 183,784 19,581	Total 2022 £ 173,583 17,350
98,087	25,643	3,181	76,454	203,365	190,933

26,009	-	-	18,527	44,536	41,703
120 1,500	4,080 614 632	500		120 1,500 4,080 614 1,132 - - - -	- - 115 1,339 - 2,089 3,025 3,455 2,671
1,620	5,326	500	-	7,446	12,694

-	1,716	-	-	1,716	320
1,500 1,373 813 9		15,882		1,500 1,373 813 9 15,882	- 537 475 7 10,049
3,695		15,882	-	19,577	11,068

542	-	27	235	804	157

129,953	32,685	19,590	95,216	277,444	256,875

71,892	-	-	-	71,892	59,135
1,245 4,495 193 3,883				- 1,245 4,495 193 3,883	1,280 611 4,417 910 2,670
9,816	-	-	-	9,816	9,888

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Notes to the Financial Statement For the Year ended 31[st] December 2023

General Fund £ 463 4,921 2,132 632 1,000	Mission £ 25,020 5,409 -	Organis ations £ 700 740	Building £	Total 2023 £ 463 4,921 1,500 632 25,720 5,409 740 1,000 - -	Total 2022 £ 832 - - 2,189 13,900 5,370 1,339 - 3,025 4,120
8,516	30,429	1,440	-	40,385	30,775
£ 1,830 1,055 1,500 422	£	£ 1,298 13,635 1,149	£	£ 1,830 2,353 1,500 13,635 1,149 422	£ 1,810 1,964 - 9,365 223 1,923
4,807	-	16,082	-	20,889	15,285
£ 19,540 3,709 13,671 2,617 1,901 6,116 1,524 450 880 -	£	£	£	£ 19,540 3,709 13,671 2,617 1,901 6,116 1,524 450 880 -	£ 15,003 4,111 12,122 2,606 1,520 4,185 1,373 285 1,020 56
50,408	-	-	-	50,408	42,281
3,347 660				3,347 660	3,120 605
4,007	-	-	-	4,007	3,725
392		90	15,463	482 15,463	538 14,319
392	-	90	15,463	15,945	14,857

149,838	30,429	17,612	15,463	213,342	175,946

-	-	-	36,381	36,381	36,381

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Notes to the Financial Statement For the Year ended 31[st] December 2023

General Fund Building Fund Minibus Halls Church Manse £ £ £ £	General Fund Building Fund Minibus Halls Church Manse £ £ £ £	General Fund Building Fund Minibus Halls Church Manse £ £ £ £	General Fund Building Fund Minibus Halls Church Manse £ £ £ £	General Fund Building Fund Minibus Halls Church Manse £ £ £ £	FF&E £	Total £
17,566		1,062,084	500,000	256,941	13,660	1,850,251

17,566		1,062,084	500,000	256,941	13,660	1,850,251

17,566		276,024	310,000	87,362	13,660	704,612
	21,242 10,000 5,139				- -	- 36,381
17,566		297,266	320,000	92,501	-	740,993

-		786,060	190,000	169,579	-	1,145,639
-		764,818	180,000	164,440	-	1,109,258
Free Funds General £ 6,916	Designated Funds Mission Organis ations Building £ £ £ 4,926				Total 2023 £ 11,842	Total 2022 £ 10,406
6,118		-	-	4,289	11,842	10,406
2,817 27,479	4,080		10,966	17,950 58,510	35,813 85,989	58,136 44,068
30,296		4,080	10,966	76,460	121,802	102,204
3,238 712				3,005	3,238 712 3,005	2,480 - 2,773
3,950		-	-	3,005	6,955	5,253

-	-		-	209,412	209,412	254,223
					48,500 160,912	45,000 209,223
					209,412	254,223

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Notes to the Financial Statement For the Year ended 31[st] December 2023

16 Designated Funds

16.1

In addition to the General Fund the Church operates two” Designated Funds”

Missionary Fund - This fund receives income directly from the church as and when required to meet its commitments. It also receives funding directly by way of individual donations and gifts from various organisations associated with the church. The money in the Mission Fund is used to make payments to members of the church involved in the Christian ministry and students preparing for Mission. Support is also provided to Christian Missionary Organisations and secular charities undertaking evangelism, emergency and relief works which the church wishes to support.

Ministry Funds - This fund provides funding for the Child, Youth and Adult organisations operated by the Church. The Fund receives transfers from the General Fund on a needs basis as well as income from a range of other sources including donations, gifts, fees and grants. Monies are held in separate bank accounts by the individual organisations, a designated member of each organisation is responsible for its administration, control and accountability.

Movements on the General and Designated Funds during the year were :

Free General Designated Funds Mission Ministry Total 2023 Total 2022 £ £ £ £ £	Free General Designated Funds Mission Ministry Total 2023 Total 2022 £ £ £ £ £	Free General Designated Funds Mission Ministry Total 2023 Total 2022 £ £ £ £ £	Free General Designated Funds Mission Ministry Total 2023 Total 2022 £ £ £ £ £	Free General Designated Funds Mission Ministry Total 2023 Total 2022 £ £ £ £ £
53,147	1,824	8,988	63,959	72,555
(19,885) 2,256 1,978 (15,651) (8,596) - - - - -
33,262	4,080	10,966	48,308	63,959

16.2 Designated Funds

The church accounts include a Building Fund Account, were the monies can only be used for the specific purpose for which they were entrusted to the church. These monies are not at the disposal of the church for any other purpose other than the development and maintenance of the church, including the church building, its halls and manse. The Fund receives transfers from the General Fund as well as directly from designated FWO, gifts and legacies etc.

16.3 Movements on the Building Fund during the year was as follows:

Halls £	Church £	Manse £	Total 2023 £	Total 2022 £
575,276	190,000	169,579	934,855	881,711
79,753 (21,242)	(10,000)	(5,139)	79,753 (36,381)	89,525 (36,381)
633,787	180,000	164,440	978,227	934,855

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Independent Examiner's Report to the Members of Ballycraigy Congregational Church

Year Ended 31 December 2023

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 11 to 17.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 65 (1) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied ourselves that the charity is not subject to audit under charity law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is our responsibility to:

(i) examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act;

follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity (ii) Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act; (iii) to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.

BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presents with those records. It also included a consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.

My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:

That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008;
That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records;
That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 68 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and with the methods and principles of the 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;
That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

I can confirm that I am a qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with the following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.

Lowry Grant, FCCA Date: 1[st] March 2024

Ballycraigy Congregational Church Free Will Offering (FWO) and Building Fund Envelopes in 2023

The following contributed through FWO and Building Fund Envelopes in 2023

The following contributed through FWO and Building Fund Envelopes in 2023	The following contributed through FWO and Building Fund Envelopes in 2023	The following contributed through FWO and Building Fund Envelopes in 2023
Mr W Agnew	Miss R Hunter	Mr & Mrs T McNaul
Mr D Agnew	Mr R Ireland	Mr & Mrs J Millar
Mr & Mrs R Anderson	Mr & Mrs S Irvine	Mr R Moore
Mr & Mrs R Ashcroft	Mrs L Jackson	Mr & Mrs D Morton
Mr & Mrs C Barr	Mr & Mrs P Johnston	Mr & Mrs G Morton
Mr & Mrs S Beattie	Mr & Mrs A Jones	Mr & Mrs V McDougall
Mr & Mrs H Bingham	Mrs S Kelso-Robb	Mrs M Noonan
Mr J Bradley	Miss M Kennedy	Mr & Mrs O O'Connor
Mr & Mrs J Brown	Mr & Mrs G Kirk	Mr & Mrs J Patterson
Mr & Mrs F Bryson	Mr & Mrs C Lennox	Mr & Mrs C Pearse
Mrs K Carlise	Mr & Mrs A Magowan	Mr & Mrs G Quigley
Mr & Mrs T Cinnamond	Mr & Mrs S Magowan	Mr & Mrs A Quinn
Mr & Mrs Wm Coates	Mrs C Martin	Mr & Mrs S Reid
Miss S Coates	Mr R Martin	Mr D Ritchie
Mr & Mrs D Connor	Mr & Mrs V Martin	Mr & Mrs A Ritchie
Mr Derek Connor	Mrs F McBride	Mr & Mrs G Ritchie
Mr J Cowan	Mrs N McCammond	Mrs D Robinson
Mr E Croft(Deceased)	Mr & Mrs N McCausland	Mrs J Ross
Mrs D Cushley	Mrs E McClean	Mr & Mrs A Shannon
Mr & Mrs J Duncan	Mrs M McCombe	Mr & Mrs J Sheridan
Mrs P Fenton	Mr & Mrs E McConnaughie	Mr & Mrs F Smyth
Mr & Mrs P Fleck	Mrs D McCormick	Mrs R Smyth
Mrs M Fletcher	Mrs R McCullough	Miss L Smyth
Mr & Mrs G Goodman	Miss A McCullough	Mrs H Thompson
Mr & Mrs A Goodman	Mr & Mrs C McFarland	Mr S Thompson
Mr & Mrs D Graham	Mrs S McFarlane	Mrs M Todd
Mr G Hagan	Mr & Mrs R McKendry	Mrs R Watts(Deceased)
Mr & Mrs P Hamilton	Mr & Mrs J McKnight	Mrs P Wilson
Mr & Mrs S Harper	Mr & Mrs P McLain	Mr & Mrs D Wilson
Mr R Harris	Mr & Mrs S McLoughlin	Mr & Mrs W Wylie
Mr & Mrs A Henry	Miss M McMullan

ENV NO	FWO	B/FUND	TOTAL	ENV NO	FWO	B/FUND	TOTAL
1	270.00	460.00	730.00	59	995.00	2,390.00	3,385.00
2	88.00	104.00	192.00	60	40.00	0.00	40.00
3	910.00	2,870.00	3,780.00	62	92.00	10.00	102.00
4	890.00	555.00	1,445.00	63		2,000.00	2,000.00
5	260.00	715.00	975.00	101	1,700.00	720.00	2,420.00
6	235.00	20.00	255.00	102	480.00	480.00	960.00
7	866.00	630.00	1,496.00	103	200.00	50.00	250.00
8	1,450.00	2,100.00	3,550.00	104	1,560.00		1,560.00
9	770.00	50.00	820.00	105	2,000.00	5,600.00	7,600.00
10	970.00	100.00	1070.00	106	1,800.00		1,800.00
11	940.00	100.00	1040.00	107	2,580.00	1,350.00	3,930.00
12	50.00	60.00	110.00	108	1,000.00		1,000.00
13	435.00	60.00	495.00	109	6,740.00	1,200.00	7,940.00
14	510.00	515.00	1,025.00	111	2,600.00	800.00	3,400.00
15	840.00	200.00	1,040.00	112	4,635.00	1,000.00	5,635.00
16	935.00	1,280.00	2,215.00	113	2,700.00	1,500.00	4,200.00
17	230.00	285.00	515.00	114	1,200.00		1,200.00
18	200.00	3,140.00	3,340.00	115		2,100.00	2,100.00
19	1,400.00	1,650.00	3,050.00	116	960.00		960.00
20	2,150.00	2,050.00	4,200.00	117	1,080.00	420.00	1,500.00
21	900.00	80.00	980.00	118	600.00	600.00	1,200.00
22	300.00		300.00	119	840.00		840.00
23	60.00	645.00	705.00	120		4,320.00	4,320.00
24	740.00	80.00	820.00	121	1,500.00	1,500.00	3,000.00
25	42.00	20.00	62.00	122	3,300.00	700.00	4,000.00
26	225.00	245.00	470.00	123	1,200.00	1,600.00	2,800.00
27	1,100.00	125.00	1,225.00	124	1,200.00		1,200.00
28	4,400.00	3,035.00	7,435.00	125	1,200.00		1,200.00
29	560.00	1,050.00	1,610.00	126	1,705.00	1,520.00	3,225.00
30	230.00	290.00	520.00	127		3,200.00	3,200.00
31	305.00	60.00	365.00	128	1,020.00	900.00	1,920.00
32	335.00	40.00	375.00	129		400.00	400.00
33	405.00	40.00	445.00	130	1,240.36		1,240.36
34	6,150.00	700.00	6,850.00	131	1,590.00	1,280.00	2,870.00
35	920.00	1120.00	2,040.00	132	6,350.00		6,350.00
38	2,210.00	250.00	2,460.00	133	1,420.00	520.00	1,940.00
39	2,140.00	4,180.00	6,320.00	134	360.00		360.00
40	430.00	50.00	480.00	136		3,320.00	3,320.00
41	1,060.00	400.00	1,460.00	137	240.00	240.00	480.00
42	170.00	170.00	340.00	138	285.00	30.00	315.00
43	480.00	195.00	675.00	139	1,170.00	700.00	1,870.00
45	42.00	44.80	86.80	140	2,050.00	160.00	2,210.00
47	1,850.00	2,190.00	4,040.00	141	960.00		960.00
49	60.00	65.00	125.00	142		540.00	540.00
50	140.00	65.00	205.00	143	2,070.00		2,070.00
51	75.00	675.00	750.00	145	900.00		900.00
53	285.00	45.00	330.00	146	350.00	60.00	410.00
54	2,025.00	400.00	2,425.00	147	500.00		500.00
56	880.00	2,040.00	2,920.00

Church Organisations Annual Reports and Accounts for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023

Ballycraigy Missionary and Outreach Activity 2023

Missionary Family

Andrew & Grace Morton Working as “Church Planters” in Earlesfield Estate Grantham, Lincolnshire, England. Contact details: 24 Kestrel Court Grantham, England NG31 7RN Email Address: andrew@earlesfield.org	Brian & Hazel Parker Working with the Faith Mission in Co. Cavan & Monaghan Contact details: 17 Bellamont View Cootehill, Co. Cavan, H16 ER86. Email Address: tbparker@hotmail.co.uk	Henry & Beth Montgomery Working as Irish Reps and Women’s Ministries for AsiaLink Contact details: Asia Link 31a Main St, Ballyclare BT39 9AA Email Addresses: henry@asialink.org

The Church Missionary Committee has the responsibility to increase the missionary focus and global missionary vision of the church as well as overseeing the funding provided for missionary activity and acting as a link between the church and its missionary families.

Throughout 2023 Andrew and Grace Morton continued to work in a church planting and building capacity in the Earlesfield Estate, Grantham, England, a work they commenced back in 2013. We give praise to God for the ongoing work of evangelism and the building up of the church in the estate.

Brian and Hazel Parker continue to work with the Faith Mission in Ireland as Area Workers for Counties Monaghan and Cavan.

Henry and Beth Montgomery continue to work with Asia Link, encouraging and challenging the churches in Ireland to have a prayerful and giving heart for the people of Asia. We wish them much blessing in the work and safety in their many travels as the traverse the roads of Ireland and journey further afield into some of the remotest and inhospitable parts of Asia.

In addition to the financial support provided through the auspices of the Missionary Committee, further financial support for our Missionary Family, other Missionary organisations and, charities involved in humanitarian work, which the church chooses to support. In 2023 the total income received for Mission was £32,685 and the total amount distributed was £30,429, representing nearly 15% of total church expenditure.

We wish all of our Missionary Family much blessing, encouragement and fruitful service as they faithfully labour in the field in which God has placed. We also give thanks to God for the faithful giving and prayers of His people in support of the work. Total Mission income and expenditure for 2023 was as follows:

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance	1,824.01	Andrew & Grace Morton	10,840.00
Income from Church	25,643.00	Brian & Hazel Parker	6,290.00
Missionary Boxes	1,715.70	Henry & Beth Montgomery / Asia Link	6,290.00
Anon Gifts for Own Missionaries	4,080.00	Rev Ronnie McCracken / Eschol Trust	300.00
Retiring Offerings and Gifts	1,246.00	Alan & Mary McBride	300.00
		Gemma Montgomery	300.00
		Earlesfield Estate Camp	700.00
		Ukraine Family	5,409.00
		Closing Balance	4,079.71
Total	34,508.71	Total	34,508.71
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	4,079.71

Peter Hamilton, (Chair) Lorraine Ashcroft (Secretary) Nancy McCammond, Ramsay Moore, Gareth Kirk (Treasurer)

The Girl’s Brigade 53[rd] Ballycraigy Congregational Church Girls Brigade

We thank God for His help to our GB Company, Officers and Girls during 2023. In September we were delighted to have 37 girls register, including three new explorers. We praise God for all the girls but especially for the fifteen older Seniors and Brigadiers, and thank God for keeping these girls in GB despite pressures of schoolwork, jobs and other distractions.

We were sorry to lose our officer Corona and thank her for her dedication over the past years, but we are so thankful to have Ruth McLain join us as a helper, and Emma McCormick stay on as a trainee SubOfficer. I am also so thankful for the faithful dedication of our officers Denise, Gillian, Hannah, Suzie and Victoria.

Each week in GB, we start the evening with a short Bible lesson led by an Officer, before starting into badgework. Some badgework items this year have included Scripture, marching, dancing, choral speaking, Ulster Scots history, baking, crafts and First Aid.

We appreciate the support from the parents and church members and ask for your continued prayers that in the short time the girls may attend GB, that God will bless our time together, and while they are still young, by His Spirit speak to the girls so that they will Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance	2,757.52
E.A. Grant	1,400.00	Leaders Training	40.00
District Service Collection	486.50	Church Heat & Light	200.00
Registration Fees & Uniform	400.00	GB Registration Fees	634.30
Enrolment Collection	100.00	GB Coronation Coins	190.00
Display Collection	369.71	GB Competition Fees	19.00
GB Week 2023	708.50	GB Scripture Books	85.30
Gift	500.00	Gift (A &G Morton)	500.00
Bank Interest	20.64	Visits	100.00
		Stationery	49.00
		Uniform and Badges	112.60
		Display expenses	252.05
		Badgework,crafts & equip	357.92
		Snacks / Food	372.10
		Gifts/Badged NT’s (GfE)	95.00
		Bank Fees	35.48
		Cash in Hand	3.24
		Balance in Current A/C	1,966.85
		Balance in Deposit A/C	1,730.03
Total	6,742.87	Total	6,742.87
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	3,700.12

Thank you all for your support and prayers.

Deborah Robinson (Captain)

1[st] Ballycraigy Boys’ Brigade Report for 2023

Our Annual display saw us saying farewell to four of our young men who took their final salute. As with previous years it was a sad occasion as we said goodbye to Joel Barr, David Gillespie, Matthew Logan and Jack Reid. We wish the boys every success and trust they will hold on to what they have learnt in their time with us in 1[st] Ballycraigy.

Starting back in September we held our Camp in the Newport HQ at Hillsborough for the Company Section boys. September was also the start of BBNI, as we officially said farewell to the BB UK and ROI. Rest assured that our objectives have not changed and we will continue operate on the two pillars of Faith and Discipline. We want to praise God for the boys in the sections that started and have stuck with us this session, we have 9 Anchor Boys, 7 Junior Section and 25 Company Section boys.

Rebekah Pearce completed her Officers training and is now a Lieutenant in our Company. Thanks to Josh Patterson for his help and in sharing the devotions with me, please remember this in prayer, that the boys will continue to be challenged and grow in their Christian walk.

One of our needs this session was to purchase new Football nets for the halls. As the Lord had provided last year for the Crashmats etc, His blessings just keep coming and we were given a gift of £1,000 to purchase these nets and other items.

Our Anchor Boys and Junior Section enjoyed another trip across to a local dairy farm, thanks to Hilary and family for facilitating this for us and especially for the food she laid on for the boys. The boys, in all sections, enjoyed a night of football coaching which was led by an ex Irish Premier footballer. Our Company Boys enjoyed a few nights learning about house alarms and even got to rig up an alarm, thanks to David for taking this class for us. Company Section boys took on woodwork and with the help of Freddie and Heather they created small wood houses with a slate roof, including lighting to take home.

Once again, we hosted the Newtownabbey Group “Building Your Skills”; this is a one-day course that all Boys wishing to gain their Presidents Award must attend. We had 32 boys from the Belfast and Down Battalions attending including 1 from our own Company. We currently have two young men due to complete their Queens badge this April, two young men in their first year of the Queens badge and another three to start the award in April 2024.

We would ask for your continued prayers for our Company. Pray for the all the Boys that they will know God’s Blessing in their life’s. Please remember all the officers and helpers in your prayers as we seek God’s Blessing in our Company and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom amongst our boys.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	2,609.19	Bank Fees	55.02
EA Grant	1,600.00	EA Refund (Underspend)	159.57
Dues	995.00	Dues	1,080.00
Enrolment	100.00	Church Heat and Electric	250.00
Gifts	1,135.00	Officer Training	15.00
Camp	485.00	Camp including Food	976.91
Display	410.00	Display	588.54
BB Week	464.80	Competitions including Food	62.44
		Stationary	56.18
		Sports Equipment	650.08
		Gifts	100.00
		Crafts Material	71.17
		Boy Training	402.50
		Christmas	55.11
		Cash in Hand	73.47
		Closing Balance C/F	3,203.00
Total	7,798.99	Total	7,798.99
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	3,276.47

Women @ Ballycraigy

We continue to meet on the second Monday of each month from September through to Easter and it has been wonderful to see around fifty women of all ages fill the room each month, eager to know more from God’s word.

2023 started with some of our own ladies telling us how they have been encouraged on their journeys followed in February by each of our missionary families sharing how they are reaching out on their journeys and how we can also reach out on our journeys.

One of the highlights of the year was our outreach Afternoon Tea when one hundred ladies gathered to enjoy time together and to listen to Catherine Campbell as she related her journey and how God has ministered to her.

The session finished as we celebrated ‘Joy in the Journey’ with some of the Praise Group leading us in an evening of worship, with hymns chosen by our own ladies.

An informal get-together in June for a walk, natter and ice-cream at Antrim Castle gardens helped to keep us connected.

The new session commenced in September with our theme of ‘Knowing God’ in various scenarios and we were truly blessed over three months by the ministry of Pamela Murphy as she talked about knowing God through changing times, through struggles and through blessings.

Another first for us this year was our outreach breakfast in December when Josh Patterson shared how we could know God as we celebrate Christmas.

We are thankful to all who have attended each month and we trust that you will continue to meet with us in 2024. If you haven’t yet attended any of our sessions you would be more than welcome to join us and be part of ‘Women@Ballycraigy’.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	645.00
Offerings	749.50	Speaker Gifts	438.00
		Gift to Missions	200.00
		Afternoon tea Costs	294.77
		Christmas Breakfast	30.00
		Closing Balance C/F	431.73
Total	1,394.50	Total	1,394.50
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	431.73

Take care and stay safe, - Women@Ballycraigy Committee

Lunch Time Hour

Lunch Time Hour, meets on the first Tuesday of each month and we enjoy fellowship and learning from God’s word. This year we had our first outing for quite a while. Taking nearly 50 people to Mount Stewart and then on to a lovely lunch at Harrisons followed by a relaxing afternoon in Newtownards. If you are free on the first Tuesday please come along and bring a friend. The coffee morning happens on the third Thursday every month, come along and enjoy a scone or our ever-popular sausage rolls and a chat with friends.

A big thanks to all who help make each meeting possible and to all our speakers who come each Tuesday. God bless from all the Lunch Time Hour Team

Adrian Magowan

Kid’s Church

We give thanks to God for another year of Kids Church where we are able to spend time alongside a fantastic bunch of kids sharing the Gospel with them. We also are thankful to the church for the ongoing prayerful and practical support towards Kids Church. As leaders we are so encouraged for the great attendance each week, as well as so many new faces coming to join us.

In the 2023 session we continued teaching through the mustard seeds curriculum starting with the ‘Church on a Mission’, then moving on to ‘Beginnings’ followed by the life of Abraham and finishing the session off with Job, in June.

In June we had Children’s Day where the children did a great job putting on a play to relay all that they had learned, demonstrating the importance of reaching out to their friends and neighbours with the Gospel. Also, in June, we had a day trip to Carnfunnock Country Park where the children and leaders enjoyed time together playing games, doing a treasure hunt and having a picnic lunch.

We are thankful to all the volunteers who gave their time to help keep Kids Church running over the summer. It is so appreciated by both the leaders and children that you put so much effort into helping.

September saw us resume our syllabus learning about Parables, Moses and the Exodus, and then the Christmas Story. As we move into 2024 we would appreciate continued prayer for our children as well as the leaders as they continue to prepare and teach the word of God, getting alongside the children week after week. “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” – Psalm 78:4

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	30.68	Christmas Gifts	189.00
Donations	170.00	Closing Balance C/F	11.68
Total	200.68	Total	200.68
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	11.68

Jayne Morton, Susan Coates, Heather Coates, Susan Beattie, Rozzi Patterson, Rebekah Pearce, Nathanael Barr and Jenna Goodman

Tots Time

We have enjoyed another good year of Tots Time. It is always a busy, fun filled time with good conversations with parents, grandparents and careers. We could have up to 30 children on a Wednesday morning and are so thankful for each one coming through the door. We end our morning with a couple of nursery rhymes/ songs and then a kid’s bible song. At Christmas each child was given a gift of a book about the real Christmas story. A good number of our Tots Time families also attended Messy Church.

Nathanael left our team June 2023. We are so thankful for the 2 years he served with us. Ruth Hunter and William Coates joined our team September 2022 and we are very thankful for what they bring to our team. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for Tots Time.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	407.91	Catering Expenses	353.54
Donations	1,111.43	Missionaries	150.00
		Tent Mission	300.00
		Bibles / New testaments	90.00
		Toys / Games / Books etc.	225.99
		Easter Eggs	35.00
		Christmas Wreaths	46.50
		Closing Balance C/F	318.31
Total	1,519.34	Total	1519.34
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	318.31
Tiny Tots Team

Youth Fellowship Report

We've enjoyed a great year in YF, journeying together in discipleship as young people and leaders. If you joined us on a usual night in YF, you'd see up to 60 young people worshipping together, studying God's Word and deepening friendships. This year, we've studied the book of Philippians in our main teaching nights and once a month in small groups, we've looked at topics including the Old Testament names of God and some of the parables.

In May, we took YF down the road to our tent mission. We loved having the opportunity to be a part of these weeks of evangelism and to host a youth praise night and a board game cafe. Many of our young people took up the challenge of inviting friends along for the first time.

In October, we headed to Newcastle for our YF weekend. We were so thankful for Andrew McNabb's teaching, and how he took such an interest in getting to know our young people and to get stuck into silly challenges.

As the year has progressed, we've come to know lots of new faces, and we'd ask for prayer that all of our young people would feel a sense of belonging within YF. We hope you might also pray for us as leaders, that God would give us wisdom and passion to serve our young people well.

As Christians, we often pray for young people to grow in maturity, and it's common to hear them spoken of as 'the church of tomorrow', but we praise God for how purposefully they serve Christ's church today! On so many occasions in YF, we find out hearts strengthened by the sincere and beautiful love that these young people have for their Saviour. We've been encouraged by how they are stepping out in faith: some giving their testimonies for the first time, using their musical talents, witnessing to friends and family through baptism and making an offering of their time in summer missions. We count it a real blessing to be a part of what God is doing in their lives, and to be blessed by them in return.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	1,057.43
Gifts received	1,723.13	Let’s Go Hydro	621.00
Let’s Go Hydro	621.00	Y.F. Weekend	4,306.66
Y.F. Weekend	3,377.50	All Nighter–materials	226.11
Hoodies and Tee Shirts	935.00	YF Party	47.04
Miscellaneous events and Merchandise	600.00	Speaker Gift	100.00
		Hoodies and Tee Shirts	1,482.50
		Tent Mission–Youth Night	203.13
		Youth Sunday	70.43
		Closing Balance C/F	1,257.19

Total	8,314.06	Total	8,314.06
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	1,257.19

YF Team:

Adam Dodds, Aileen Humphreys, Gemma Montgomery, Josh Patterson, Laura Beattie, Robert Reid, Ryan Ritchie

The Friday Bible Club

The team at FBC have been greatly encouraged over this past year. We have finished the year with 37 children on our role. We have had another enjoyable year at FBC and we are thankful for God’s help over the past year. The children coming along have enjoyed our varied programme from the craft times to the games in the hall enabling energy to be burnt off before we settle to look at our various Biblical and missionary characters. We started the year looking at the story of Nehemiah and his part in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. How this was a massive task for him and his helpers and how God enabled them to complete the task despite the opposition that he faced in the process. We also have had a couple of DVD nights over the course of the year which are firm favourites for both the kids and leaders. These nights also see a generous handout of treats for all.

At our family night this year we were pleased to have Hazel Parker from the Faith Mission along to speak with the children and the guests who had gathered. This year we were sorry to lose Nathanael Barr from our leadership team and we have valued his contribution over the last 2 years. Our Parents night also marked the leaving of our P7’s and we trust that they continue to attend other church organisations and seek out God’s will and plan for their lives in the future.

In September we started our new term looking at the Mission Impossible story based on the Jim Elliot life story and his mission to reach the Auca Indians with the Gospel. The mission turned out of course into mission possible as God used the lives of Jim and his four friends to reach the Auca tribe. This year we also had the privilege to have Beth Montgomery along to speak about the work of AsiaLink in Mongolia. We are also supporting the work there to buy story booklets for kids in Mongolia which go out with Winter kits for poorer families. Adam Dodds also came along to speak about his travels and reaching out with Bibles into Asian countries over the summer. This enabled the children to meet real life missionaries and to understand that it is still important today to reach out with the gospel.

We are indebted to the parents who send the children along each week and we trust that these Friday nights will impact their lives for the future. We are thankful for the willing and faithful helpers that we have along each week. We do continue to value prayer for FBC.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	22.26	Hazel Parker–Faith Mission	100.00
Collections & Gifts	194.11	Asia Link–Mongolia Project	100.00
		Closing Balance C/F	16.73
Total	216.37		216.73
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	16.73

The Friday Bible Club Team

Boys Bible Study

We still meet on the first Friday of each month in the Church Halls. As well as studying the Bible the evenings are filled with Football, Food and Fellowship. The group is now mostly Year 8-11 lads and we have somewhere between 14-20 most times we meet.

We have finished the Book of Romans and have started going through the Book of Hebrews. We are still learning by heart the books of the Bible – and it’s good to report some progress has been made!

We have a new slot each month called ‘Ask Josh Anything’. The lads write questions and post them in a Question Box and then Josh Patterson seeks to answer them. He hasn’t been stumped yet but there is still time … !

At our Mini Bible Conference just after Easter Ronnie McCracken was our special guest speaker. He took us through the Passover and we had a great time with him around God’s Word. Another one is planned this year for Saturday morning 6[th] April. This time Simon Guillebaud from Great Lakes Outreach in Burundi is coming along as our special guest speaker. This event is hosted by the Lads but open to everyone and we hope you can get along.

The Boys Bible Study (with help from the Girls Bible Study) also helped out at the Kids Church Christmas Special night just before Christmas.

Boys Bible Study is for those in Year 8 and above and a warm welcome awaits other Lads who would like to come along and join us.

Richard Harris

Girls Bible Study

In Girls Bible Study we have been looking at the life of Joseph and will continue to do so through the first half of this year. We are thankful for up to 12 girls who join us the first Friday night of the month. The first half of the evening we study the Bible, and the second half we do a variety of different activities such as craft, football or games.

We pray for these girls to build strong friendships, support each other and to grow spiritually.

Thank you so much for your prayers

Cynthia Reid & Janice Quinn

Youth Club

Every night, we see around 25-30 young people coming together, thoroughly enjoying a mix of games and competitions. Pickle Ball has been a real hit this year! Our Christmas outing to the Air-Tastic escape rooms was a success, with everyone making it out and grabbing some well-deserved McDonalds on the journey home. It’s been lovely to see a solid group of Year 8’s joining the Youth Club this year too. Please keep us in your prayers, that our team continues to work well together, connect with the young people, and for the epilogue delivered each week by one of the leaders.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	1,098.18	Crafts	97.34
Donation	100.00	Games and Equipment	97.96
Income received	196.57	Air-Tastic	18.00
		Closing Balance C/F	1,181.45
Total	1,394.75	Total	1,394.75
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	1,181.45

Andrew Goodman

Junior Youth Club

September saw the recommencement of another session of Junior Youth Club. Here the children are able to come and play with their friends a Christian environment. The children love the freedom of Junior Youth Club, and the tuck shop is very popular, even with the leaders. As leaders, we love to see the children and share the gospel with them. The theme of the lessons for 2023 was kings of the Bible, appropriate given the coronation of King Charles. We just pray that the children learnt from the lessons taught.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	359.22
Tuck shop income	231.00	Tuck shop	198.49
Youth Club dues	104.30	Cookeryingredients	13.84
Bank interest	6.56	Gifts	45.88
		Craft materials/resources	188.92
		Closing Balance C/F	253.95
Total	701.08	Total	701.08
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	253.95

Alison Ritchie

Young Adults

Young Adults was started at the end of September 2023, aimed at people in our church aged 18+. Its purpose is to provide an environment where people of ‘young adult’ age can get together, share a meal or activity, build relationships and encourage one another.

From September to December, we ran a meal after the Sunday morning service on the second Sunday of the month. Dinner was provided by a range of volunteers from the church over this period and we greatly appreciate all who took on this challenge. Thank You. Numbers varied from 25-50 with great conversation and fellowship at each one.

A Laser quest night which was great fun and a board games night were also held, with both events revealing a competitive side in some people. From January to June, the Sunday lunches took place every other month, and on the months where there was no lunch, we ran another event/activity. We praise God for the number of people taking Young Adults to heart and using it for its intended purposes. It’s also been a great opportunity for evangelism with a number of non-church people attending.

We look forward to what God will do in the future.

Income	£	Expenditure	£
Opening Balance B/F	-
Donations (Oct)	55.00	Laser quest	114.45
Laser quest	114.00	Catering (Nov)	108.41
Donations (Nov)	70.00	Catering (Dec)	163.65
Donations (Dec)	216.00	Closing Balance C/F	68.49
Total	455.00	Total	455.00
Opening Balance 01/01/2024	68.49

Daniel Hamilton, Aileen Humphreys, Ryan Ritchie, Andrew Quinn, Rozzi and Josh Patterson

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