ST. MARK'S CHURCH
PARISH OF BALLYMACASH
Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Charities Number: NIC 101583

ST. MARK'S CHURCH, PARISH OF BALLYMACASH
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
CONTENT
Pages
References and administrative details of the Charity
Trustees, report
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees
Receipts and payments account
Statement of assets and liabilities
Notes to the financial statements
10- l2

PAIUSH OF BALLYMACASH
References and Administrative details
Charity Name:
St. Mark's Church, Parish of Ballymacash
Charity Registration Number:
NIC 101583
Conlact Address:
98 Ballymacash Road
Lisburn
BT28 3EZ
Trustees - 2023124 Vestry
Mr Ken Annett, Rev. Lynne Gibson, Mr Eric Hanna, Mr lan Hayden, Mr Noel Irwin, Mrs
Gillian Larniour, Mrs Caroline Robinson, Mrs Valerie MacKay, Mrs Frances Moreland, Ms
Jean Orr, Mr Noman Spence, Mr lan Stewart, Mrs Paula Wilson, Mr lan Wood, Mr Glenn
Wilson, Jonathan Elliott.
Trustees - 2024 125 Vestry
Mr Ken Annett, Rev. Lynne Gibson, Mr Noel Irwin. Mrs Valerie MacKay, Mrs Frances
Moreland, Ms Jean Orr, Mrs Claire Allison, Miss Trina Somerville, Mrs Caroline Robinson,
Ms Keri Cassidy-Taylor, Mrs Gail Cooke, Ms Zoe Cree, Mr Mark Glover, Mr Nonnan Spcncc,
Mr lan Stewart, Mr Ian Wood. Mr Jonathan Elliott.
Principal Office-bearers
Clergy: Rev. Lynne Gibson, (2023 - 24 and 2024-2025)
Church Secretary: Mr Nonnan Spence (2023-24 and 2024-25)
Church Treasurer: Mr Noel Irwin {2023 -24 and 2024-25)
Church Warden - Clergy: Mrs Caroline Robinson (2023-24 and 2024-25)
Church Warden - People; Ms Jean Orr (2024-23 and 2024-25)
Independent Examiner
Johnston Kennedy DFK I O Pilots View, Heron Road, Belf&sL BT3 9LE
Bankers
Danske Bank, 62-66 Bow Street, Lisburn BT28 1 YS

Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
The Trustees present the annual report and statements of Receipts and Payments and Assets
and Liabilities for St. Mark's Church, Ballymacash for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Objectlves and Activities (the wording supplied for Charitable Objectives and Activities was
approved by General Synod in 2015.)
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion.
The principal function of St. Mark's, Ballymac&sh is to support the advancement of the
Christian ￿ligIOn by promoting, through the work of St. Mark's, the whole mission of th¢
Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Being open lo and engaging with society
as a whole and offering support for those needing help are fundamental to the practical delivery
of the benefits of Christianity.
As a result of activity in the pursuit of the advancement of the Christian religion, St. Mark's,
Ballymacash has custody of property and of records. materials and artefacts of significance to
the cultural and religious heritage and maintenance of which is undertaken by the Sclect Vesty
of St, Mark's.
Achievements, Performance & Public Benefit
St, Mark's is at the heart of the Ballymacashl North Lisburn community with the present
Church having been opened in 1975.
Through a varied programme of worship, pastoral care and a diverse range of activities we
endeavour to reach out to all ages within our community.
During 2024, each Sunday would nonnally saw two regular in - church services, comprising
Holy Communion and Morning Worship. Evening worship would normally take place on
special occasions only. The style of worship at Morning and Evening Services alternates
between the traditional and the contemporary. Additional services are held at the main
Christian Festivals of Holy Week, Easter, Harvest and Christmas. Church attendance, including
the nUm￿r of communicants, has continued to grow from 2016.
In addition to the regular Church Services, as set out above, we remain committed to providing
opportunities for people of all ages to deepen their understanding of faith through Bible study,
teaching and fellowship. Assistance in achieving these objectives was the provision of classes,
held during 2024 using a variety of resources. These take the form of a weekly zoom bible
studies throughout the year, and in person and in mid-week services in Advent and Lent. A
high priority is given to ministy among children and young people and to their involvement in
worship.

Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
Fellowship, leadership and facilities are provided for church run or supported organisations
such as Youth Group, St Mark's Kids Club, Tuesday Crafters Club, Mothers, Union, Bowling
Club, Tuesday Afternoon Club, Squirrels, Beaver5, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts. We are
passionate about encouraging and supporting children and young people and our objective is
to continue Éo support such groups. During 2024 meeiings of both the Tuesday Afternoon and
Tuesday Craficrs Clubs offered additional opportunities for the elderly to meet in fellowship.
The numbers involved in the Kids Club, Youth Group and Suzuki Music Classes along with all
the Sections of the Scout Group remain at a high level with some Sections running membership
waiting lists. Most of the Groups run both indoor and outdoor programmes. Numbers in both
the Kids Club and Youth Group continued to grow during 2024.
The Trustees accept their responsibility in relation to the ministry to children and use the
procedures outlined in 'Safeguarding Trust: Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice for
Ministry with Children,. We have a Safeguarding Trust panel, comprising three members of
the laity and chaired by the Rector, to oversee these matters. Trust¢cs have an opportunity to
discuss any issues relating to Safeguarding Trust at all Select Vestry meetings.
During 2024, our premises continued to be made available for use by the Mothers Union and
Bowling Club as Parish organisations and the wider community for the Ballymacash Flower
Club and Scottish Dancing Classes. We feel that this range of activities is beneficial to the
local community and complementary to our role as a church striving 10 Serve the community
of Lisburn and further afield. We continue to provide facilities for occasional use by local
organisation5 for meetings, local primary schools for Christmas Carol Services, Church parades
and charity events. The premises were also used as Polling Station for the 2024 General
Eleclion.
In addition, as part of the 50 anniversary celebralions of the decision to move our existing
site. we held a very successful Christmas Tree Festival from Friday 29 November to Sunday
st
l December 2024.
Our suite of buildings includes a Church I worship area, two halls one of which can be set up
to house service overtlows, a Parish OITice and spacious kitchen. Our premises meet current
health and safety and food hygiene legalisation and provision for use by the able and non-abled
bodied including easy access to toilet facilities. It is our objective to ensure our premises
continue to meet all regulatory and statutory obligations and io continue to make them available
to the wid¢r community in the North Lisburn area
Pastoral ministry and support to the sicL the lonely, the elderly and those who are bereaved is
provided by the Rector, both at home and in hospital. Private home Communion was also
providel as appropriate. During 2024 this was supported by regular phone calls, cards and
letters to the housebound. Contact is also provided by parish visitors calling and delivering our
bi-monthly parish magazine free of charge to all parishioner5. Additionally, all Church events
are advertised through social media.

Trustees, Annu21 Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
We are actively involved in the management of four local schools where we have parish
representatives on the respective Board of Governors. As part of our outreach to local children,
our Rector had the opportunity to talk to local schoolchildren at School assemblies and event5.
We aim to maintain and develop our charitable giving and financial support to charities which
operate at both local and national level. During the 2023124 Church Years, we donated monies
to Air Ambulance, Alzheimer's Society, Arthritis Nl, Bible Society for Northern Ireland, COI
Chaplaincy (Queens University),Charlene's Project. Church's Ministy for Healing,
Corrymeela, Emerge Counselling Services, Marie Curie Nl, Mission to Seafarers, Nl Chest
Heart and Stroke. NI Children Hospice, Parkinsons NI, PIPS, Scripture Union Nl, Samaritans,
Sea Cadets and Shelter.
During 2024, we supported the Lisburn Food Bank, the Baby Basics Project and the Hygiene
Bank and made monetary donations to Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland and CMSI. The
Parish continues to consider the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public
benefit to ensure that the activities entered during the year have helped to achieve the Parish's
objectives and activities, as well as providing public benefit.
Financial Review
The main source of income to the Parish's general account is Freewill Offering. with around
150 contributors registered for Gift Aid and 90 giving by Standing Order. Freewill Offering,
together with the Cash Plate collection, amounted to £84,995, a increase of170/0 on 2023.
The general fund deficit for the year after transfers was £5,590 leaving a general fund
balance surplus of £2,664 at the end of the year.
The building fund had a deficit in the year of £21 O, leaving a balance at the year-end of
£4,022.
Going Coneern
The Trustees have reviewed the budgets for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are
adequate funds in place to ensure that the Parish can continue its activities and the financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 can be signed off as a going concern.

Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
Structure, Governance and Management
Goveriiiiig Documenl and Coiislilulion of lhe Cliarity
Chapter Ill of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland governs Parishe5 and Parochial
Organisation. The Select Vestry members are the Charity Trustees.
Recriiilmenl aiidAppoiiilmeii¢ ofSelecÉ Vestry (Triislees)
All members of the Church of Ireland who are over the age of18 and are either resident within
the parish or live elsewhere but are members of the congregation for at least three months, may
register as members of the General Vestry of the parish provided that they have paid into parish
nds in an identifiable manner. This enables them to attend and vote at meetings of the General
Vestry and to stand for election to Ihe Select Vestry. Meetings of the General Vestry are held
at least once a year.
The Select Vestry is elected as part of this General Vestry meeting. The Select Vestry will hold
their positions for a period of one year. Select Vestry members may be re-elected annually and
there is no limit on the number of tenns which may be served.
Pay and remuneration
The Incumbent receives a Stipend in accordance with figures approved by the General Synod
of the Church of Ireland, Expenses of Office and Locomotory allowances and the clergy
contribution to the Pension Fund.
There are currently no Parish employees. Two organists operate via a rota on a per service
basis. None are in receipt of or have requested to join a pension scheme.
Organisational Structure
The Select Vestry is responsible for the day-to-day management of the parish. The Select
Vestry consists of ihe Rector serving in the parish, the Churchwardens, the Glebe Wardens and
generally not more than twelve other members of the General Vesty elected at the meeting of
the General Vesty.
The Select Vestry is chaired by the Incumbent or other member of the clergy officiating in the
parish. Select Vestry members are responsible for making decisions on matters of general
concern and importance to the parish relating to matters of fabric, finance and furniture,
including deciding how parish funds are to be di5penscd.
The Select Vestry meets at times fixed by the members or by the Diocesan Synod and as
necessary special meetings may be convened at any time by the Chairperson or the
Churchwardens.

Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
Ih
During 2024, the Select Vestry met in person on Ihe 23rd January, 27 February, 14 March
Ih
,30 April, 23, May, 3rd June, I I September, 22. October and 19 November with an
average attendance 75 %. Our 2024 Easter General Vestry Meeting took place on the 14 April
2024.
Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that are sutTicient to show and
explain the Parish's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the assets
and liabilities of the Parish. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Parish
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
Slgned on Behalf of the Trustees
Trustee I
Trustee 2

Independent ExamiTher5 Report to the Trustees of St. Mark'5 Church, Parish of
Ballymacash
si
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set
out on pages 8 to 12.
Re5peetive responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance
with the Charities Act (Northem Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act;
Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity
Commission for Northem Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. and
Slate whether particular matlers have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Chariiies Act and
my examination was carried out in accordance with the gcneral Directions given by the Charity
Commission for Northern Ireland under Section 65(9){b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as charity
trustees concernins any such matters,
My role is to slate whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to
believe:
l. That accounting records are not kept in accordance with section 63 of Charities Act
2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
3. That the accounts do not comply wilh the accounling requirements of the Charities Act
4. Thai there is further infornialion needed for the proper understanding of the accounts
to be reached.
Independent exominer's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (l) to (4)
listed above and, in connection with following the directions of the Charity CommissÉon for
Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your retention.
Gage FCA
Johnston Kennedy DFK
ChArtered Accountants & Registered Auditors
10 Pilots View
Heron Road
Belfast
BT3 9LE
Date: ?4

Receipts And Payment Account for the year ending 31 December 2024
Unrestricted
Fund5
2024
Kestricted
Funds
2024
Total
2024
Total
2023
Recclpts
Donations and plate colleclion5
Proceeds from Fund Raising events
Legacies
Bank & Deposit Interest
Tax recovered on Donations
Rental of Premise5
Other Receipts
Grdnt income
Total Receipts
76,770
9.552
31,786
196
80
108,556
9.748
80
53
15,956
8,008
3,002
1,666
147,069
91,989
2,042
5.810
64
16,501
7,519
3,457
1,666
129.048
53
12,485
8.008
3,002
3,471
1,666
37,199
109,870
Pgyments
Wages and Salarie5
Diocesan Costs / Assessment
Church/Parish Centre - Running Costs
Repair Costs
66,809
11,843
19,995
66,809
11,843
26,882
22,21?
3,851
10.163
4,652
2,149
1,057
149,619
6?.456
12,567
35,162
4,262
7,209
,537
7.081
157
6,887
Glebe Costs
Administration Costs
Charitable Donations
Fundraising ¢xpcnses
Parish Organisations, Payments
Tolal Payments
2,555
10,163
1,800
2,149
1,296
2,852
1,057
34,304
115,315
137,431
Excess of Recelpts ovcr Paymcnts for the
year before transfers
(5,445)
2,895
(2,550)
{8 J83)
Transfers
145)
145
Excess of Receipts over Payments for the
year
(5,590)
3,040
(2A50)
(8J83)
On behaifof the Trustees
Trustee I
Tru5tcc 2
lo￿ J
Dated:_

Statement of assets and liabilities as At 31 December 2024
Unrestrlcted
Funds
2024
Reslrieted
Funds
2024
Totsl
2024
Totul
2023
Fixed assets
Inveslment Property
Glebe House
Total fixed assels
145,000
375,000
520,000
145,000
375,000
520,000
145,000
375,000
5?0.000
Cgsh funds
Current Accounts
Total currcnt llssets
2,664
2,664
16,651
16,651
19.316
19.316
21,866
21,866
Total Assets at Yelr End
522,664
16,651
539J16
541,866
On behaifof the Trustees
Trustce J
Trustee 2
Daled:_

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
l. Accounting policies
Set out below are the principal accounting policies which have been adopted in the compilation
of the Receipts and Payments Account and the Statement of As5¢ts and Liabilities
(a) Receipts and Payment5 Account
All items of income and expenditurc included within the Receipts and Payments
Account have been accounted for on a cash receipts basis.
(b) Statement of Assets and Liabilities
{1) Assels relaiiiedlor the Parisli 's oivii use
The assets of the Parish, retained for its own use Comprise:.
Church Building
Parish Centre
Glebe House
The Chureh Bullding is deemed to be a Heritage asset as defined by the Charities SORP
(FRSI 02).
This Heritage asset is not included in the statement of assets and liabilities as infom)ation
on the cost or valualion is not available and such infonnation cannot be obtained at a cost
commensurate with the benefit to the users of the accounts and to the parish.
The Parlsh Centre is physically attachcd to the church and is not separable a5 an individual
asset. As such, it is deemed to be a Heritage a5sel and no value is &scribed to it in the
statement of assets and liabilities.
The Glebe House is recognised at cost / deemed cost, being the estimated fair value of the
property at 14.03.17.
ii) Investment5
The Curatage is currently held as an investment property at a reasonable estimate of market
value, based on the assessed capital value for rating purposes.
l()

Notes to the finAncial slatements for the year ended 31 D¢¢en)ber 2024
2. Reconclllotlon of Cash Funds
Tothl Cash Funds at beginning of the year
21,866
Rrf¢ipL% for thg year
147,069
Payments for the }ear
149.619
Toial C￿h funds llt end ofthe year
19J16
3. Movements In Fund5
At I JAn.
2024
Incom5ng
Resources
Outgolng
ResOUfC
At31 De¢.
2024
Transfers
Endowment Funds
The Maihers Bequest
Bonrd of Educalion Endoiymenl
324
80
404
4,463
1.666
(? 175}
(2.1751
3.954
4,788
1.745
4,3511
Restrlcled Fulld5
The Building Mfjinl¢non¢¢ Fund
Spccial Colleclions
Youth Club Fund
4,232
1,010
13,113
,947
13,323
?,852
4,02?
14J
250
Salurdoy Club Fund
Lcgocies
Soih Annivcrsarylchurch Roof Fund
Other funds
1,057
1,057
3,500
3,500
4,183
338
20,137
15,954
82
256
8.8?4
35.453
34.304
2,320
12293
Unrtstrl¢t¢d Funds
Genernl Fund
109.870
15,315
1145)
2.664
Totsl Funds
21.866
147,069
149,619
19J16
Purposu of Endowmeot Funds
Haifihe income from the Mathers Bequest is ￿ be used for the Sunday School ond ihe remainder for genernl purposes.
Th¢ Board of Educotion Endoivment is to be used io support thc religious educDtion of children
Purposes of Restricted Fund5
The Building Mainienance Fund: This is a fund lo provide for mojor rnainl¢nAncpJdevelopment ivork.
Other funds: This is a lund for smoll miscellanous resiricled balances

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 Deeember 2024 (continued)
2024
2023
4. Collections for Third PArties
C.M.S Ireland
235
4,292
75
Christian Aid
Lepr05y Mission
Harvest Appeal- Lisburn Foodbank
Bishops Appeal
British Legion
TotAI
865
323
1,135
283
595
215
22
2,852
5,188
The above receipts have been included in Receipts for the Year under'Donations' and in Payments for the year
under 'Charitable Donations,. The amount paid to the Bishops Appeal included £70 from unrestricted parish
funds.
5. Trgn$a¢tlons wlth Ihe Trustees
The following Truslees received remuneration or reimbursement of expenses durlng the year.
Rev. LM Gibson
Stipend
Pension contribution
46.046
Expenses and Allowances
7,925
6. Related PArties
No Tru51ee or a person related to a Trustee had any personal interest in any Contract or transaclion entered
into by the charity during the year.
7. Governance Costs
Governance costs of £1,518 including VAT were incurred during the year. These relate to fees paid lo the
independent examiner. Governance costs are included within Adminislration costs in ihe Receipts and
Payments Accounts.
12