BELFAST/Belfast/St Bartholomew/St Bartholomew/Connor/Church of Ire- land Stranmillis Parish, St Bartholomew's Church Trustees, Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2022 "In the community, for the community" Charity Registration Number: NIC 101979 St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 1
Stranmillis Parish, St Bartholomew's Church Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 Contents References and administrative details of the Charity Pages2-4 Trustees, report Pages 5- 10 St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 2
References and administrative details Charity Name: St Bartholomew's Church Charity Registration Number: NIC 101979 Contact Address: St Bartholomew's Church 183 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AJ Trustees Reverend Canon Kevin Graham DL Rector Reverend Stephen Green Curate Assitant Irwin McFarland Rector's Churchwarden June McDern]ott People's Churchwarden (from 18 April 2023) Ian Beryman Rector's Glebewarden David Dennison People's Glebewarden (from 18 April 2023) Lisa Henderson Honorary Secretary Florence Boyd (from 18 April 2023) Jennifer Ebbage David Olver David Sansom Elizabeth Sansom Renee Wilson (from 18 April 2023) (from 18 April 2023) (resigned as Hon Treasurer 18 April 2023 remains a trustee) (resigned 18 April 202J) (resigned 18 Apri12023) Roy Allen Kenneth James The Trustees named above are all of the members of the Select Vestry who are also the current charity trustees. Having served during the year ending 31 December 2022 at the Amiual General li Vestry meeting on 18th April 2023 the following Trustees stood down, Roy Allen and Kenneth Jaines. The following were elected as Trustees on the saiTAe date, Florence Boyd, David Sansom and Elizabeth Sansom. Principal Office-bearers Clergy: Reverend Canon Kevin Graham DL Incumbent and Chair of Trustees Reverend Stephen Green Curate Assistant Parish Treasurer: fvfrs Clodagh Dalzell (non-trustee) Parish Secretary: Mrs Lisa Henderson St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 3
Independent Examiner: Myles McKeown McKeown Consultancy Ltd N1676300 61 Rogan Manor Newtownabbey BT36 4BD Bankers: UIster Bank Business Direct Belfast Ground Floor Danesfort Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 SUB St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 4
Trustees'Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 The Trustees present the Annual Report and Statements of Receipts and Payments and Assets and Liabilities for St Bartholomew's Church for the year ended 31 De- cember 2022. Objectives and Activities The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion. The principal function of St Bartholomew's Church of Ireland Stranmillis Parish is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting, through the work of St Bartholoinew's the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Being open to and engaging with society, as a whole and offering sup- port 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 Bartholomew's has custody of propety and of records, materials and artefacts of sig- nificance to the cultural and religious heritage and maintenance of which is undertak- en by the Select Vestry of St Bartholomew's. Achievements, Performance & Public Benefit St. Bartholomew's has been serving the area of Stranmillis since 1913. As a church, we believe that one of our primary callings is to share the love of Christ with the people of this area and further afield. Over the past year, we have done this through a wide range of activities as follows= 1) Following the removal of all Covid restrictions during the course of the year church services returned to nonnal whilst we also continued to livestream our services for those unable to attend. 2) General information was also posted on Facebook. 3) Pastoral support returned to normal during the year whilst caution was exercised when appropriate, such as wearing masks if visiting anyone particularly vulner- able. The Rector continued to ensure that Hospital Chaplains were infornied of any parishioners as inpatients and they received spiritual support this way, as well as visiting hospitals and care homes in person again. 4) A paper newsletter with a letter from the Rector and the daily prayers and read- ings continued to be delivered to the homes of those Parishioners not online by the Rector and other volunteers. This was valued by many parishioners who ex- pressed their thanks and how it let them know that the Church was thinking of St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 5
them and including them in church life and fellowship. Ivhilst all regulations were removed during 2022 this means of communication remained operational throughout and will continue to do so for those unable to attend church. Copies are also made available for those who received them during the pandemic but now colIect them in church for themselves. 5) Thankfully due to the removal of regulations we were able to have the complete set of activities and worship services over Christmas 2022. This included a Christmas Fair, A Seniors, Christmas lunch, a children's Christmas party, the making of Christmas Swags, a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, Midnight li Communion, Christmas Day Services and a Nativity Play. 6) Sunday worship (at 9:00am, 10.30ain and 6.30pm) is at the heart of all we do and infornis all our other activities. Whilst there was a core group of about l 00 regu- lar worshippers, nevertheless it is open to all regardless of gender, sexual orien- tation, ethnic background age or disability. Many comments have been received about the quality of the worship at St Bartholomew's and how it enables en- gageinent with the Divine. We also have special worship services engaging with the wider community, namely opening of the academic year service for Stran- millis Universit! College, Stranmillis University College Carol Service, Advent and Christmas Cai'oI Services, Holy Week and Easter Services. We also have midweek services which offer a space for reflection and prayers for those ill in the wider community. After major acts of worship, refreshments are available to reinforce the sense of community. This was all possible agin with the removal of restrictions associated with coronavirus. 7) During Sunday moming worship services in terni time we have usuaIly hold weekly Sunday School and Tots, Church where our children, from 20 months up to age twelve, learn more about our purposes as a church and through activities and stories, they learn in a fun way about the Christian Faith. Those attending continued to grow during 2022. Our children's ministy is a vital part of what we 8) WhÉlst we recommenced our Tots, group during 2022 with the cost of heating the hall growing and with a lack of adult volunteers to run the group it was decided to end the provision of this service during 2022, so after Easter 2022 it did not restart. 9) Bart Players, an external amateur dramatic group meet twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00pm) and put on several shows a year which draws in people from the wider community. The group is well known in the area and through their perforniances contribute to the finances of the parish. 10) We have two women groups, Ladies Guild and Mother's Union. The Ladies Guild is an opportunity to meet monthly and share fellowship together over a St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 6
cup of tea and a bun. The Mother's Union organises monthly meetings open to all with invited speakers. They support families and family life in the parish and provide catering on many occasions. They also carry out housebound visitations and contribute to the funds of St Bartholomew's. Meetings have now resumed with the removal of restrictions. I l) On the fourth Saturday of the month, except December, July and August the Men's Breakfast meets with a cooked breakfast available and an opportunity for those present to join in discussion and support. It is open to all men. Men's breakfast recommenced during the last quarter of 2021 and continued through 2022 to provide a safe space to discuss our experiences during several lock- downs and the restrictions we all lived with. 12) St Bartholomew's was a founding inember of South Belfast Foodbank and con- tinues to contribute to the work of the Foodbank by prayer, volunteers from the parish, food donations and financial assistance. 13) In October 2022 the Parish received a small seed funding grant forn] Benefact Trust and CoIMindMatters to start a Soup and Sandwich Club in a bid to tackle social isolation, particularly after Covid, and improve mental health. Since Oc- tober a dozen or some parishioners meet each Thursday to share soup, sand- wiches and conversation. During the meetings we have also had extemal speak- ers including the PSNt and a Bishop. As a church, we also offer pastoral support to all in the community, regardless of whether they have any contact with St. Bartholomew's. This takes the forni of visit- ing the sick, elderly and bereaved wherever they are located. The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's statu- tory guidance on public benefit when relevant to ensure that the activities entered into during the year have helped to achieve the Parish's objectives and activities, as well as providing public benefit. St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 7
Financial Review Our church building was completed in 1930 and will require some works in the mid to long term. Our church halls were completed in 1963 and require soine modei"nisa- tion. We continue to monitor finances closely and applying for other grants where ap- propriate. Coronavirus Pandemic The Trustees continue to assess the impact of the pandemic on fundraising, activities, uncertainty over future plans, going concern and financial impact and review the risk register regularly. As regulations ease the Trustees hope to return to a more nonnal pattern of fundraising. Debts An appeal for financial support was made to Parishioners during 2019 for repairs and maintenance and in particular for the costs of the boiler replacement and several loans from Parishioners were made to the Parish and a number of gifts were received. These loans have not been repaid as yet. The Parish has secured an overdraft facility as a safeguard. Reserves Policy The trustees review the availability of any unrestricted reserves at each select vesty meeting. The trustees keep a tight control of costs. Given the size and activities of the charity the trustees have been unable to build up any significant reserves and income is expended during the financial year. Some necessary and preventative refurbish- ment of the church was carried out 2022 and some are planned for 2023. There are no other major works planned. There is a reserve amount in an NS&I account which is in a restricted fund. St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 8
Investment Policy In keeping with common practice our endowments are invested with Representative Church Body and Church of Ireland Trustees. Going Concern We have reviewed the budget for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are ad- equate funds in place to ensure that the Parish can continue its activities and the fin- ancial statements for the year end 31 December 2022 can be signed off as a going concern. St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 9
Trustees'Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 Struetllre, Governance and Management Governing Document and Constitution of the Charity Chapter III of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland govems Parishes and Parochial Organisation. The Select Vestry members are the Charity Trustees Recruitment 2nd Appointment of Select Vestry (Trustees) All members of the Church of Ireland who are over the age of 18 and are either resi- dent within the Parish or live elsewhere but have been accustomed members of the congregation for at least three months and subscribe to the parish by a means for which a receipt may be issued may register as members of the General Vestry of the parish allowing them to attend and vote at meetings of the General Vestry and to stand for election to the Select Vesty. Meetings of the General Vestry are held at least once a year. The Select Vestry is elected as part of this General Vesty meeting. The Select Vesty will hold their positions for a period of approximately one year. Select Vestry members may be re-elected annually and there is no limit on the number of tern]s which may be served. Pay and remuneration The Incumbent of the Parish, the Rector, is entitled to a stipend that is paid dii"ectly by the Parish, which is in accordance with figures approved by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland and office and locomotory allowances and pension contribu- tions (as is seen by examination of the accounts). The Rector is a Trustee and Chair of the Select Vesty. The organist provides his services under a contract for services and other trustees provide professional services on occasion. Expenses are payable to re- imburse costs incurred on a vouched basis. Organisational Structllre The Select Vesty is responsible for the day-to-day managernent of the parish. The Select Vesty consists of the member of the clergy serving in the parish, the Rector, the churchwardens, the glebe wardens and generally not more than twelve other members of the General Vestry elected at the Annual General Vesty. The incumbent or other member of the clergy officiating in the parish chairs the Se- lect Vestry. Select Vesty members are responsible for making decisions on matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding how parish funds are to be applied. St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page 10
The Select Vesty meets at times fixed by the members. Special meetings may be li convened at any time by the chairperson or the churchwardens. In 2022 the Select vestry met nine times with a quorum present each time. Compliance with Pllblic Benefit The trustees have considered the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's statutory guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities entered into during the year have furthered the Parish's objectives, for the public benefit. Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the statement of receipts and payments and statement of assets and liabilities in accordance with ap- plicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland with Income of less than £250,000 requires the trustees to prepare a statement of receipts and payments and a statement of assets and liabilities for each financial year. The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that are sufficient 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 safe- guarding the assets of the Parish and hence for taking reasonable steps for the preven- tion and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Signed on Behalf of the Trustees Trustee I ". Trustee 2.. Date: 2&1iolii St Bartholomew's NIC 101979 Page11