## **MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH** ## **REFERENCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** Charity Name: **Mount Merrion Parish Church** Registration Number: **NIC 102093** Contact Address: **122 Mount Merrion Avenue, Belfast, BT6 0FS** ## **Trustees who acted during 2025 and until approval of the Report and Financial Statements on 18 March 2026** The incumbent (Rev. Lucy Burden) is Chair of the Trustees. Other trustees are appointed annually for a term of one year. Elections to appoint for 2025/2026 were held on 3 April 2025. - Sharon Stinson - Sharon Brown - Phyllis Jackson - Yvonne Summerville - Jim Garland - Danny Graham - Ella Blakely - Heather Graham - Alison Moore - Anne Ringland - Joanne Stewart - Matt Blair - Erin Galway - Jackie Moates - Joe Green (from 3 April 2025) - Sam Green (from 3 April 2025) - Jim Moore (until 3 April 2025) - Brenda Smith (until 3 April 2025) ## **PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS** Clergy and Chair: Rev. Lucy Burden Hon. Treasurer: Sharon Brown Hon. Secretary: Sharon Stinson Rector s Church Warden: Phyllis Jackson People s Church Warden: Yvonne Summerville ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER** Nicola Robinson ACA 31 Jellicoe Avenue, BT15 3GA ## **BANKERS** Danske Bank, P.O. Box 183 Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JS Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 2 # **for the year ended 31 December 2025** ## **1. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion. The principal function of Mount Merrion Parish Church is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting, through the work of Mount Merrion Parish Church, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Being open to 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, Mount Merrion Parish Church 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 Select Vestry of Mount Merrion Parish Church. ## **2. ACHIEVEMENTS, PERFORMANCE & PUBLIC BENEFIT** This section summarises the main activities undertaken during 2025 to deliver the charitable purpose and objectives of Mount Merrion Parish Church, what has been achieved and the ensuing benefits to church members, the local community and others. ## **2.1 Values** All that we do as Mount Merrion Parish Church is underpinned by our values (redefined in 2025) that reflect not only our spiritual priorities but also our desire to serve and impact our local community in a meaningful way: - _Authentic Community:_ We cultivate real relationships marked by honesty, encouragement and mutual care - where people can be themselves and grow together - _Welcoming:_ We desire to be a place where all are welcomed and valued, and where each one is invited and challenged to grow in - _Every Generation:_ We are committed to reaching, equipping and inspiring people of all ages because faith is for today, tomorrow and every generation to come - _Spirit Led:_ Spirit and allowing Him to shape our decisions, actions and vision - _Generous Living:_ We live with open hand and hearts, sharing our time, resources and gifts to bless - _Intentional Discipleship:_ We pursue growth in Christ on purpose, helping each other follow Jesus daily and make Him know in our communities Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 3 ## **2.2 Worship and Prayer** During 2025, the church continued to see growth in attendance and the level/depth of engagement with church activities signalling a church that is not only increasing in numbers but also thriving in relationships and maturing spiritually. Attendance at our main Sunday morning worship service averaged 81 and it was encouraging to see every generation represented. Kids and tots church, that runs alongside our Sunday morning service, had 36 children registered in 2025. Our periodic Sunday evening SOAK sessions, a time dedicated to praise, worship and soaking in the presence of God, attracted both church members and many from outside our church congregation. Prayer fuels all that we do as a church so the launch of a monthly prayer event called CONTEND in February 2025 was an exciting development and a highlight of church life throughout 2025. At CONTEND we come together in worship and prayer to contend guidance, strength and breakthrough. We pray together weekly before our Sunday morning service and prayer is woven into various church activities that take place throughout the week including the Bible Study and TABLES (Lifegroups). ## **2.3 Discipleship** Discipleship seeks to help individuals grow in their faith and become more effective followers and witnesses for Christ. Discipleship activities within the church during 2025 included: - TABLES (Lifegroups), the weekly Monday Bible Study - Short courses - One-to-one intentional discipleship, drawing alongside individuals to support and encourage them to grow in their walk with God Lifegroups were relaunched in Autumn 2025 with the name changed to TABLES, the number of groups increased to eight and 52 people initially placed at TABLES. TABLES are not just another church programme or midweek meeting they are the heart of our church community, where we do life together. They are a place where discipleship deepens as we delve where we celebrate the joys of life, where we walk with one another in times of pain, where we speak hope and build one another up. Over 60% of our regular adult church congregation participate in TABLES. Each year the church runs at least one Alpha course. Six people attended the course held in January March 2025 that was deliberately aimed at those who had never attended Alpha before. Alpha was followed in May 2025 by a 4 -week discipleship course (Life with Jesus) attended by seven people, most of whom had recently come to faith. As a response to a desire expressed by some church members to better understand the Bible, the church ran The Bible Course (from the Bible Society) in Autumn 2025. This course uses a video/discussion format to provide an overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation over eight weeks and was attended by 25 people. As well as improving Bible knowledge the discussion times helped to build community as people got to know each other better. Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 4 ## **2.4 Pastoral Care and Practical Support** At Mount Merrion, our heart is to serve God by serving people. As well as caring for church members, we believe in being a visible, caring presence in the local community offering prayer, practical support and hope in everyday life and significant moments. ## **2.4.1 Pastoral Care** Pastoral care is ongoing, responding to needs as they arise, being shaped by compassion and a desire to walk alongside people through all seasons of life. This includes: - Conducting baptisms, weddings and funerals and providing support before and after these significant life events. - Being present in times of illness, loss, personal difficulty, or unexpected change - Visting those who may be experiencing isolation including the elderly and housebound Celebrating with people in good times, recognising that laughter and love are part of spiritual care too During 2025, we had the joy of celebrating two weddings of church members and the baptism of two adults who had recently come to faith. ## **2.4.2 Door to Door** As part of the outworking of our desire as a church to be a visible, caring presence in the local community, in September 2025 a trained team of church members started door-to-door within the Cregagh Estate. The team sought to let people know that the church is there for them, to issue a warm invitation to church events, to speak words of hope and to offer prayer. We were encouraged by the reception the team received at the doors and in the streets and by seeing some of those whom the team met subsequently attending events in the church. ## **2.4.3 Practical Support** During 2025, the church continued to partner with both the South Belfast and East Belfast Trussell Trust Foodbanks. As a referring agency for both Foodbanks, we issue food vouchers to individuals in need. This approach not only addresses the immediate concerns of food poverty but also aims to tackle the root causes of poverty by connecting individuals with the comprehensive services they need. The ministry within the church was relaunched as Meal Train in 2025 with 20 volunteers signing up to provide meals on a rota basis when needed. The Meal Train was activated 5 times in 2025 to provide meals after hospital stays and following the birth of a new baby. Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 5 ## **2.5 Giving to Others** As a church we tithe 10% of our regular giving by church members to mission. We seek to spread our support across charities that have a global, national and local reach. In 2025, we supported the work of Open Doors, Casa Reom, the Bishops Appeal (paid 2026), the National Churches Trust, Christians Against Poverty (local branch), New Wine Ireland, Team Dot and our own local outreach activities. During the harvest service, the church collected food and household products to support the Trussell Trust Foodbanks. The Foodbank estimated that the 218kg food donated would provide 535 meals. At Christmas, church members donated Toys and Gift vouchers to a local charity Team Dot for onward distribution to needy families in the area. We also assisted Team Dot to organise their food storage facilities and helped distribute food hampers to people in need in the community. One of our church members also produced a promotional video for Team Dot. ## **2.6 Community Engagement** The church is physically located at the heart of the Cregagh estate with a significant number of church members drawn from the local area. As a church we are committed to engaging with and serving the local community as an expression of the love of Jesus. ## **2.6.1 Regular activities** Regular activities open to and attended by the wider community include: Mount Merrion Tots on Tuesdays, ladies craft class on Wednesdays, a community drop-in on Thursdays, and fitness classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. ## **2.6.2 Special events** Easter and Christmas are important seasons for the church and special efforts are made around these times to encourage the wider community to join with us through personal invitation, distribution of calendar of event cards and social media promotion. During Holy Week, we held a series of events within the church including: 12 hours of prayer with an invitation to come and go, sit in a quiet space and pray (Wednesday), a Last Supper community meal (Thursday) and a reflective Around the Cross service on Good Friday. On Easter Saturday we left the church for the local Greenway shops where we gave away Easter eggs, sweets and booklets. In December we hosted a Christmas market with 20 craft stalls and refreshments available that was attended by over 200 people. We also held a Christmas wreath-making evening which provided an opportunity for fun and fellowship around a practical activity. At Christmas we were back at the local Greenway shops carol-singing while Santa and his helpers gave away books and selection boxes to those that passed by. This joyful activity brought together members of our church, Team Dot and others from the wider community. Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 6 ## **2.6.3 Children and Families** Children are important to us as a church and our heart is to provide a range of opportunities for families to come together both within and outside the church buildings. Our work with children and families is headed up by our part-time Children and Families Worker supported by a team of around 20 volunteers. Mount Merrion Tots is held weekly and is attended by both church families and families from the wider community. A total of 49 parents and 56 children were registered during 2025. The leaders are committed to providing a warm, welcoming environment where children and parents feel safe and valued. While the tots engage in fun and stimulating activities, parents can connect with each other, share experiences and foster friendships. One of the most well attended family events in 2025 was our Light Party (alternative Halloween party) which saw over 100 people come in to enjoy this free event which included arts and crafts, games, facepainting, songs, glowsticks and food. This event served not only as a fun gathering but also as a meaningful opportunity to reach beyond our church walls and engage with the community. Another highlight was the Summer Holiday Bible Club in August with 39 children attending over the course of 3 days. This was held in the local community centre as it was recognized that families who were unfamiliar with church might feel more comfortable sending their children into this environment. The community centre also offers more outdoor space and this allowed us to end the Holiday Bible Club with a joyful, fun-filled colour run. ## **2.6.4 School Links** The church enjoys a positive and mutually supportive relationship with the local primacy school, Cregagh Primary. Our Rector sits on the board of governors and takes part in school assemblies. In June 2025, the church hosted the P7 Prizegiving Assembly and, at Christmas, the Key Stage 1 Nativity was held in the church. As well as hosting these events, the church staff provided support to teachers as they instructed the pupils on how to use microphones and project their voices. One of our church Ambassador, supporting teachers and inspiring children in STEM subjects through attendance at school technical events. He also heads up the Connect with Tech initiative, launched in 2021 through funding from The Allchurches Trust. During 2025 this project provided coding lessons to P7 classes and trained P6 children in camera and production skills culminating in these children producing the video recording of the P7 Prizegiving Assembly and the Key Stage 1 Nativity. In May 2025 Cregagh Primary School underwent a school inspection and Connect with Tech was invited to participate in classes to demonstrate to the inspectors how the school s collaboration with Connect with Tech supports the learning objectives. The effectiveness of the collaboration was commented upon in the ensuing inspection report. It has been reported, through local school support clusters, that local secondary schools are actively considering how to address the higher attainment level of those pupils entering post-primary education who have benefitted from the Connect with Tech initiative. Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 7 ## **2.6.5 Fitness Hub** Mo Fitness Hub is part of the East Belfast community health initiative and registered as such on a community app. During 2025, the Fitness Hub offered Zumba and new Mums and Babies fitness classes. In total there were 76 classes with an average attendance of 10 in each class. The friendly informal nature of the classes is preferred by many of the participants over a traditional gym environment as the classes not only provide physical fitness benefits but also a space for social interaction where friendships can be formed. ## **2.6.6 Partnerships** Mount Merrion recognises the value of partnership working in enabling the church to extend its reach and impact. Links have been made with statutory agencies and charities working within the local area including two Trussell Trust Foodbanks and with Team Dot, a well-known local family-based charity that provides grass roots support to those in need within the community. The church has regular contact with other local churches with mutual support for activities/ events hosted by other churches in the area. During 2025, church members attended the monthly event initiated by the local Presbyterian church and held in the local primary school. The church also has links with local businesses and are thankful for the funding and other support provided by these businesses for special events and community outreach activities. ## **2.7 Resources** ## **2.7.1 Staff and Volunteers** The church has two paid staff, the Rector and a part-time Children and Families Worker. The staff are supported by a volunteer team of over 45 church members who work in many different roles to ensure that Sunday services, regular church and community activities, and special events are not only a reality but also a reflection of our values. Development of our staff and volunteer team continued in 2025 through on-the-job training and attendance at courses which included: - Safeguarding training - Parish Safeguarding Panel training - Door to Door Evangelism training - Diocesan training : Parish Return and the Contact Management System - Diocesan training : Building the Future - Catering training for church volunteers - Charity Technical Training: Building Cyber Resilience - BST Theology Seminars: AI, Friend or Foe - Volunteering in SEND Settings Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 8 ## **2.7.2 Facilities** During 2025, the church continued to follow its Maintenance Plan to ensure routine and periodic tasks are completed at appropriate points in the year. This included professional inspection, servicing and testing of the gas boilers, fire alarm system, fire extinguishers and the emergency lights. The stage carpet in the main sanctuary was replaced (cost £1.8k) and new chairs purchased for the church hall at a cost of over £4.5k. £4.5k was also spent on fencing and ground works for the Rectory garden. The Audio Visual and computer cabling was renewed in the church upgrading older systems to provide more future-proof connectivity. A live video feed was installed in the hall and an area set up to allow parents with young children to participate in services when needing to leave the main church. The internet connection for the church was upgraded to full fibre and the IT systems re-configured to provide greater resilience and higher capacity. Fundraising continued throughout 2025 for our Renew Refresh Revive project that aims to make important improvements to our church building including installation of roof insulation and essential upgrades to the heating system. By the end of the year nearly 50% of the estimated project cost of £208k had been raised or pledged which enabled us to start approaching external funders. The projected start date for the Renew Refresh Revive project building work is May 2026 (subject to all funds needed being secured). ## **2.8 Social Media and Promoting Access** The church maintains a presence across all our social media platforms recognising that many people today rely on social media to connect and access information. Our Facebook and Instagram pages are updated regularly keeping everyone informed about ongoing activities and special events. We continue to upload sermons to our YouTube channel, allowing people to stay connected and giving those who missed Sunday services the chance to catch up later in the week. We are also able to offer live streaming of weddings and funerals, should that be requested by family members. Most activities of the church are free of charge. Where there are charges, these are kept to a minimum with the aim of ensuring that cost is not a barrier to access. ## **2.9 Safeguarding and Mitigating Harm** The Select Vestry has sought to mitigate any potential harm arising from its activities by adhering to the Church of Ireland s child protection policy, Safeguarding Trust, and the Church of Ireland s Adult Safeguarding policy. Access to the church is restricted to named key holders. Adequate insurance is maintained, and health and safety and fire risk assessments are undertaken at regular intervals. Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 9 Following an inspection in 2025, the church has retained the top Food Hygiene rating of five, awarded by . was updated to the latest version provided by the Food Standards Agency and all staff involved in cooking food for church events were trained on the new system. ## **2.10 Public Benefit** The Parish has given careful objectives and activities, as well as providing public benefit. ## **3. FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **3.1 Review of 2025** Financial Reports are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Select Vestry (Trustees) and on completion of the Annual Accounts. Over the year ended 31 December 2025, total receipts (£161,919) exceeded total payments (£102,377) by £59,542 increasing the total cash funds held from £68,280 (31 December 2024) to £127,822 (31 December 2025). This is the strongest financial position that the church has been in for many years reflecting both an increase in regular donors but also a growing sense of ownership and commitment amongst church members. This financial position enables us to invest more confidently in ongoing church and community outreach activities as well as progress the Renew Refresh Revive building project (subject to sufficient external funding being secured). At a Fund level: - The General Fund (unrestricted monies) increased by £9,226 from £22,521 (31 December 2024) to £31,747 (31 December 2025) with monthly giving throughout 2025 - The Building Fund (restricted/designated) increased by £54,523 from £29,030 (31 December 2024) to £83,553 (31 December 2025) being donations received and fundraising for the Renew Refresh Revive building project - The Outreach Fund (restricted/designated) decreased by £3,035 from £15,557 (31 December 2024) to £12,522 (31 December 2025) while the remaining funds of £1,172 in the Music Fund were fully spent Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 10 ## **3.2 Reserves** In March 2021, the Select Vestry adopted a reserves policy which set a four year target to achieve a position where free reserves in the General Fund (unrestricted fund) equated to approximately two General Fund expenditure. The free reserves in the General Fund (unrestricted fund) at 31 December 2025 were £31,747 which represents about 3.5 months normal General Fund expenditure. The reserves policy will be reviewed again in 2026. ## **4. GOING CONCERN** The Trustees have reviewed the anticipated receipts and payments for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are adequate funds in place to ensure that the Church can continue its activities and that the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 can be signed off as a going concern. ## **5. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **5.1 Governing Document and Constitution** Chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland governs parishes and parochial organisations. The Select Vestry members are the Charity Trustees. ## **5.2 Recruitment and Appointment of Select Vestry (Trustees)** All members of the Church of Ireland who are over the age of 18 and are either resident within the Parish or live elsewhere but have been accustomed members of the congregation for at least three months, 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 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 terms which may be served. ## **5.3 Pay and Remuneration** The incumbent of the Parish is paid directly by the Parish and receives a stipend (salary) in accordance with the figures approved annually by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland. In addition, Locomotory Expenses Allowance, Pension Contributions and Office Allowance are paid at the approved rates issued by the Representative Church Body (R.C.B.) (see Note 4 to the Financial Statements). Other staff are paid at rates linked to the National Joint Council (NJC) pay scales. Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 11 ## **5.4 Organisational Structure** The Select Vestry is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Parish. The Select Vestry consists of the incumbent serving in the Parish, the church wardens. the glebe wardens and generally not more than twelve other members of the General Vestry elected at the General Vestry Meeting/Easter Vestry. 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 including deciding how Parish funds are to be applied. The Select Vestry meets at times fixed by the members or the Diocesan Synod. Special meetings may be convened at any time by the chairperson or the church wardens. The Select Vestry met 6 times during 2025, with an average attendance of 82%. ## **5.5** The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the Statements of Receipts and Payments and Assets and Liabilities in accordance with applicable 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 an d 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 irregularities. **Signed on behalf of the Trustees:** **Date:** 18 March 2026 Belfast: Mount Merrion/The Church of The Pentecost/ Down & Dromore / Church of Ireland **-** NIC102093 12