St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
Trustees, Annual Report
COLERAINEIBallyrashane & Kildollaghl St John the Baptist,
Ballyrashanel Connorl Church of Ireland
(also known as Ballyrashane Parish Church
and St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Nl Charities Number: 102907

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
COLERAINEIBallyrashane & Kildollaghl St John the Baptist, Ballyrashanel Connorl Church
of Ireland
(also known as Ballyrashane Parish Church
and St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane)
Annual report and financial ststements for the year ended 31 December 2023
Contents
Page
References and administrative details of the Charity
Trustees, Report
4-11
Appendix A
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
Receipts and payments account
Statement of assets and liabilities
Notes on financial statements

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
References and administrative details
Charity name:
COLERAINEIBallyrashane & Kildollaghl St John the Baptist,
Ballyrashanel Connorl Church of Ireland
(also known as Ballyrashane Parish Church and St John the Baptist,
Ballyrashane)
Nl Charity Registration Number: 102907
Contact Address:
Ballyrashane Parish Office
The Rectory
9 Sandelwood Avenue
Coleraine
BT52 1JW
Trustees
The Reverend A E Adams, Mr A W Anderson, Mrs O Hemphill, Mr William Anderson,
Mrs M E Anderson, Mr F Hunter, Mrs F Hunter, Mr J Alexander, Miss L Kearney, Miss L McNabb ,
Mrs P Mcmullan, (elected 18 April 2023), Mr W Mcmullan, Mr J Selfridge, Mr K Stirling, Mrs M
Stirlin9, Mr J Quinn, Mrs M Quinn,.
Principal Offlce Bearers
Clergy..
Hon. Secretary
Hon. Treasurer:
Church Warden - Clergy..
Church Warden - People..
The Reverend A. E. Adams
Mr F. Hunter
Mrs M.E. Anderson
Mr A.W. Anderson
Mrs O Hemphill
Independent Examiner
Ms Wendy Baird MIATI
2 Vermont Avenue
Newtownards
BT23 7PR
Bankers
Danske Bank
The Diamond
Coleraine

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
Trustees, Annual Report
for the Period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
Aim and Purposes
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advan￿ment of religion. The principal
function of St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane, (also known as Ballyrashane Parish Church) is to
support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting, through the work of Ballyrashane
Parish, 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 is
fundamental to the practical delivery of the benefits of Christianity.
As a result of its activities and in pursuit of the advancement of Christian religion, Ballyrashane
Parish has custody of property and of records, materials and artefacts of significance to the cultural
and religious heritage of the community, the maintenance of which is undertaken by the Parish as
secondary charitable purpose.
Objectives and Activities
All the functions of the parish relate to the advancement of religion through holding regular worship
and communication with and caring for parishioners and others in our community and in the wider
world.
The expression of the precepts of the Christian religion through engagement with the general
public and in particular with the disadvantaged, the sick, the elderly and the young is a public
benefit. We are committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church, to
experience increased social interaction and to give and receive pastoral care delivered at the point
of need. There is a direct benefit of participating in church life including enhanced spiritual and
mental wellbeing through participation in public worship,. engaging in religious education; positive
social interaction. giving and receiving pastoral ministry and from the communication of values
aimed at encouraging community life and cohesion. These activities provide a bridge between
diverse groups as well as improved educational outcomes through the church's ministry of
teaching and direct involvement in secular education.
In short, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community
through:
1. Worship and prayer,. learning about and through the Bible and developing their knowledge
of and trust in Jesus.
2. Pastoral care provided for people living in the parish and its hinterland.
3. Faith nurture and education which includes support for children and young people through
the provision of religious education and participation in statutory bodies with a responsibility
for the provision of education in Northern Ireland.
4. Missionary and outreach work.
To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of Ballyrashane Parish Church and
Glebe Hall. We provide a further benefit to the public through access to and enjoyment of cultural
and historic buildings which house artefacts such as church plate, furnishings and materials as well
as historic records. The church building and grounds also provide a space for quiet contemplation
and prayer and are open to public access. Not only does the maintenance of the church fabric
enable the public to engage with a longstanding Christian heritage but also enables individuals to
research historic records for genealogical purposes. Requests for such infomiation are received
from all over the world. Access to parish records complies with GDPR regulations.

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
Outside the times of public worship and occasional services the church was also open to the public
for restricted periods when volunteer supervision is available. The church grounds are open to
public access at all times.
No harm arises from the activities and purposes of the church and the beneficiaries are the general
public.
In the course of conservation and maintenance of parish buildings and to make these accessible to
the public, the engagement of professional staff and services is essential, bul incidental to the
fulfilment of the parish's aims and objectives.
Achievements, Performance and Public Benefit
l. Worship and Prayer..
The Select Vestry, as trustees, seeks to offer a range of services over the course of the year that
our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. These serviGes are designed to engage
and encourage the participation of all attendees regardless of age or church affiliation. Our aim is
to make everyone feel welcome and experience the love of Christ through the expression of our
worship.
We not only provide regular Sunday services but also services related to the principal Christian
festivals. These services, which are offered in a range of liturgical styles, have attracted members
of the general public and visitors to the Church. Our provision of worship at Christmas, Easter and
Harvest has evidenced particular benefit to the public. Particular emphasis was placed on
encouraging people to re-engage in in-person worship. During 2023 Audio Visual equipment was
added to the church to make participation in worship easier for all ages. Care was taken to ensure
that the new equipment does not detract from the architectural charm or integrity of the building but
does increase the capacity of the church building to cater for all worship styles.
We have also continued to meet the spiritual needs of those encountering major life events such
as marriage or dealh and, in addition to parishioners, the parish has supported a number of
families with no church affiliation through death and bereavement. Pastoral support extends long
after the funeral and is determined exclusively by the needs of Ihe individual or family. Public
baptisms resumed during 2023.
The Parish also provided support for the community through its prayer ministry. During 2023
prayers for the sick and those in need in the community were said each Sunday in church this
corporate prayer ministry is augmented by that of the Parish Craft group. In general, prayer
ministry provided by the church is very much appreciated.
All are welcome to attend our regular services with a substantial proportion of those attending the
church living outside the geographical boundaries of the parish. We aim to meet the needs of
disabled worshippers. All public health guidelines have been adhered to in respect of in-church
worship. .In addition, spiritual comfort was also provided to the housebound and those resident in
care homes or hospitals through personal visits and, where requested, through the provision of
Holy Communion by the Rector.
The spiritual needs of children and young people were addressed, through the provision of
altemative forms of worship, the establishment of a youth fellowship called 'Gathered' and the
provision of children's ministry, along with direct engagement with children and young people in
schools. This work was greatly enhanced by the parish's continuing provision of an internship for a
volunteer Student Youth Worker. The Parishes sponsor the intern's training to gain a degree and
recognised Youth Work qualification. The Parishes provide faith-based practice experience and
supervisory support as well as other training opportunities. Not only does the student benefit but
the initiative has enabled the Parishes to partner with other churches and the DI0￿Se to increase
the effectiveness of its outreach among young people in the community. 2023 saw the completio

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
of the student intem's second year and Commen￿Ment of his final year. A series of multi-church
events were held during the year including contemporary worship seniices with a direct focus on
meeting the spiritual needs of young people. The Gathered Youth Fellowship has attracted a
number of young people from outside the parish and provides Bible Study, worship and an
opportunity for young people to engage in various social and creative activities.
2. Pastoral Care
Particular emphasis is placed on providing pastoral care for those living alone or who are otherwise
isolated through illness. age or other circUmstan￿s. Parish volunteers assisted the Rector in
maintaining regular contact with the sick and elderly. Sickness included both physical and mental
illnesses. Pastoral care needs have increased significantly over the past year both in terms of the
numbers of individuals in need and the chronic nature of those needs.
In addition the members of the Mothers, Union continued to provide a ministry of hospitality and
charitable support. The members provided knitted clothes for premature babies along with toiletry
and essentials packs for emergency admissions to hospital. The members also provided essential
personal care items to the Coleraine Woman's Aid and other shelters. The members continued to
support the work of the Mothers, Union in Ibba South Sudan. Aside from this focussed support the
Branch also donated funds to support the general mission work of the Mothers, Union.
The Mother's Union Branch comprises both Ballyrashane and Kildollagh Parishes and reaches out
to other similar groups in the local area to enhan￿ community cohesion. During the year the
Mothers, Union worked with the Gathered Fellowship to engage with young people and share
cooking skills. There were a number of events designed to encourage the growth of positive inter-
generational relationships within a multi-generational context and these were very successful.
Parish Craft Group, run in partnership with Klldollagh Parish Church, continued its varied activities,
This cross community group engages in prayer ministry as well as providing a forum for fellowship
and creativity. The Craft group worked together to provide knitted and crocheted decorations for
church services and also provided several dozen items for use by the mission agency Samaritan's
Purse in its Christmas Shoebox appeal. The Craft group also engaged with the members of the
Gathered Youth fellowship to share creative skills.
Pastoral care was provided by the Rector for young families and those in need. All pastoral care
provided was confidential and covered a range of social and life issues.
The cost of living crisis has raised particular challenges in the local community. The Parish
responded by supporting the Foodbank in Coleraine with donations of food and by providing
Christmas food hampers and care packs to elderly parishioners and those living in care homes.
3. Faith Nurture and Education
The church provides leaming and worship opportunities for children and young people so that they
may grow in their knowledge of the Christian faith, their sense of community and in the values
shown by Jesus for the benefit of all people. At the appropriate point in their development young
people are offered the opportunity to engage in further faith study and preparation to enable them
to confirm their Baptismal promises with understanding and commitment and thus to become
communicant members of the church. This opportunity is also offered to those over 18 years of
age. In 2023 the Grouped Parishes worked in partnership with other local parishes to provide a
completely new interactive faith development course which combined faith study with opportunities
for community service and other activities utilising the natural environment. Ten young people and
orie adult were confirmed and plans are in pla￿ to expand the programme next year.
A Rural Youth Ministries Project established in 2022 was expanded to include two more parishes
who were keen to join the partnership in order to develop their children's and youth ministry. In

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
addition to financial support provided by the Grouped Parishes of Ballyrashane and Kildollagh the
project also received additional funding from the Church of Ireland Priorities Fund. A grant was
also received from the Church of Ireland Youth Department towards the Youth intern and other
youth leaders, expenses.
During 2023 in addition to faith nurture being provided through Sunday Club (primary school aged
children) and Gathered (post-primary young people) several youth and all age events were held
which involved the Grouped Parishes of Ballyrashane and Kildollagh as well as our partner
parishes, namely Ballintoy, Dunseverick with Rathlin Island and St Patricks and St Andrews
Coleraine. The major events included taking groups of young people from the North Coast to faith
based residentials such as Summer Madness and Connor Takes the Castle where they had the
opportunity to develop their faith in the company of hundreds of other young people from across
the country or Diocese. In addition, Ballyrashane and Kildollagh worked with our partner parishes
and the Diocese to host a Street Reach Event which saw over 40 young people come together
from aGross the Diocese to explore their faith in a practical way through a range of faith and
community service activities such as running a kids, club and prayer ministry and helping to
building an outdoor children's play area and run a family fun event which was open to the public.
The underlying focus of the Parish Partnership is to encourage fellowship and a sense of
community in circumstances where there is often a lack of youth provision because, unlike urban
settings where young people are concentrated in larger numbers, rural communities are scattered
and numbers of young people are smaller. Working in partnership addresses these challenges
and helps the young people to feel part of a community that can be invisible to them outside of a
school context. The Project enables young people to access opportunities which would not be
viable to run on an individual parish basis. Partnership working has by necessity extended beyond
the young people themselves to include their families.
Ballyrashane Parish prioritises the safety of the children and young people in our care and strictly
adheres to the child protection requirements of Safeguarding Trust to ensure that all those working
with children and young people and vulnerable adults are fully checked through Access Nl, trained
and supervised. The Parish's operation of Safeguarding Trust is subject to an annual independent
scrutiny and examination by the Diocese. Training in First Aid and Food Handling (Level 2) was
also provided for volunteers.
Ballyrashane Parish also reaches out through the Rector and Youth Intem to provide collective
worship in local schools bolh primary and post primary.
Through her role as the Church of Ireland representative on the Board of the Education Authority of
Northem Ireland, the Rector is directly involved in helping to deliver and improve the educational
provision for all children and young people across the Province in pursuance of the statutory
requirement placed on the Education Authority to contribute to Ihe spiritual, moral, cultural.
intellectual and physical development of children and young people to meet the needs of the
community and she has been particularly active in promoting Shared Education aimed at improving
educational provision and addressing societal divisions. The Rector is also a member of the
Church of Ireland Board of Education and the Transferors, Representative Council which includes
the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches and represents the interests of the Reformed churches
in Education. At a local level the Rector is the Chair of the Board of Governors of 1 Primary School
and on the Board of Governors of 1 other Primary and 1 Post Primary School and has been active
in encouraging other suitably qualified members of the church to become Transferor Governors on
school boards of management.
This direct partnership working with the non-governmental agency responsible for educational
provision across the Province is encouraged by the Diocesan Strategy for community engagement
and is fully supported and facilitated by the Parish as it provides important benefits for all children
and offers a way to reach out to the wider community.

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
4. Mission and Outreach
Ballyrashane Parish has continued to work in partnership with the people of Ibba in South Sudan.
We are in the eleventh year of our Partnership Agreement with the DI0￿Se of Ibba confirming our
long term commitment to partnership working with this severely underdeveloped and war torn
region of Africa.
In addition to our focused support for Ibba, the Parish also supports the work of the Church
Missionary SoGiety of Ireland and various other charities in helping to share the love of Christ
abroad.
Locally the Youth Intern has continued to mentor young people who are struggling to engage with
school. The school in which he provides this service expanded his role to include more pupils in
the new academic year. In addition the Youlh intern provides sports coaching in 2 post- primary
schools and a P7 transition course in three rural primary schools to help tackle the anxiety felt by
P7 children transitioning to post-primary education. The fact that the Youth Intern works in all of
the post-primary schools in Coleraine and Ballymoney means that the young people have an
additional point of contact and reassurance.
During the year the Parish, in partnership with Kildollagh Parish, continued its Parish Watch
scheme in collaboration with Causeway Coast and Glens Council (Policing and Community Safety
Partnership) to help improve community safety- this is a practical form of outreach which benefits
the whole community. During the year scam alerts were issued online and personal security
advice communicated via the quarterly Parish Link magazine and a newsletter.
The Parish Link Magazine was produced regularly to keep parishioners and others informed of
important matters relating to church and also provided useful public service information and
updates on our partnership with Ibba. Furthemiore, this magazine provides articles of a spiritual
nature and prayers so that it too supports our aim of Christian nurture. General communications
regarding parish activities and services are also communicated to parishioners and the public via
the parish Facebook page.
5. Heritage Development
In addition to maintaining the church buildings, the trustees also maintain the historic graveyard
which, due to its layout and topography requires considerable expenditure for grass cutting and
regular review and maintenance to ensure safe access. Where possible, this maintenance is
completed on a voluntary basis by church members but grass cutting and tree maintenance
requires the engagement of specialist contractors who carry the required level of insurance.
During the year the Select Vestry continued its ambitious programme of refurbishment in the
church. This work involved the installation of low energy lighting, the provision of pew cushions
and new carpeting throughout as well as decorative work and the provision of a new fire-proof safe
to secure and protect parish records and plate. In total the Select Vestry, supported by generous
donations from individual members, has worked to improve the comfort of those using the church,
increase its accessibility, and lower the building's carbon footprint.
In order to improve and enhance the heritage benefit to the public Ballyrashane Parish, in
collaboration with Kildollagh, established a Heritage Committee. This group is engaged in the
research and collation of a history of the church and Christian worship in the area. This work will
include updating the asset and graveyard records which will benefit those engaged in genealogical
research. The Heritage Group is undertaking the same work for Kildollagh Parish.

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
Financial Review
An account of the activities, governan￿ and management of the parish provided annually by the
Select Vestry (the Trustees) to the General Vestry and a written Statement of Accounts is provided
for all parishioners.
During the year the parish finances are reported on by the Honorary Treasurer and monitored by
the Select Vestry at regular intervals. The parish accounts are subject to scrutiny by the Select
Vestry, an Independent Examiner and the Diocese to ensure that the parish is meeting its
obligations efficiently and effectively, for the glory of God and the benefit of those it serves.
The parish accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 show that the income for the year was
£54,898.97 while expenditure was £52,054.31 resulting in a surplus of £2,844.66. The Trustees
consider that this surplus reflects the prudent management of church finances in financially
challenging times which have been exacerbated by the effects of the cost of living crisis. At the
end of the year current cash assets total £136,350.44. The Trustees review the cash assets on a
regular basis, taking into account available interest rates and projected cash requirements and
assess investment opportunities accordingly. Part of the cash assets are currently held on deposit.
The Church building, grounds and Rectory are all vested in the Representative Church Body.
Whilst these assets do not belong to the Parish, the Select Vestry remains responsible for their
maintenance and upkeep.
Going Concern
The Trustees have reviewed the budg8ts 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 2023 can be signed off as a going concem.
The trustees wish to express their gratitude to all who supported the work of the Ballyrashane
Parish during 2023.
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document and Constitution of the Charity
In all structures, governance and management, Ballyrashane Parish complies with the
requirements of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland which governs Parishes and Parochial
organisation. The Parish also complies with the Diocesan Rules and Regulations for Connor
Diocese which are derived from the Constitution of the Church of Ireland and govern local practice.
The Select Vestry members are the Charity Trustees.
Recruitment and Appointment of Select Vestry (Trustees)
All members of the church who are aged 18 years or over, subscribe to the parish funds in a way
that is identifiable and are either resident within the parish or live elsewhere but have been
accustomed members of the congregation for at least 3 months are encouraged to register as
members of the General Vestry of the parish. The registered members of the General Vestry
annually elect the persons to serve as members of the Select Vestry. With the exception of the
clergy serving in the parish, the Select Vestry hold their positions for a period of one year. Select
Vestry members may be re-nominated or re-elected annually and there is no limit to the number of
temis which may be served. The date of the annual election of the Select Vestry must fall within a
period not earlier than twenty days before and not later than twenty days after Easter Day.
The Select Vestry consists of the incumbent, the Church Wardens, (one nominated by the
incumbent and one elected by registered members of the General Vestry) the Glebe Wardens
(one nominated by the incumbent and one elected by the registered members of the General

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
Vestry) and not more than twelve other persons elected by the registered members of the General
Vestry).
Quorum
For each meeting of the Select Vestry to proceed to business it must be established from the chair
that there is a quorum of not less than half of the voting membership of the Select Vestry.
Pay and Remuneration
With the ex￿ptIOn of the Rector, no private benefit is received by trustees in fulfilling their trustee
responsibilities in respect of the aims and purposes of the church. The Rector re￿iVeS from the
parish the level of stipend approved and set by the Diocese together with expenses payable under
the regulations of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland in respect of the duties that she is
required to fulfil as incumbent.
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Gross Stipend
Locomotory Expenses
Office Expenses
£ 18165 less £ 1525 (Employee contribution to Clergy Pension Scheme..)
£ 3500
£ 462
The Rector is enrolled in the Clergy Defined Contribution Pension Scheme for the Church of
Ireland. The Clergy portion of the pension contributions are deducted from her Gross Stipend prior
to payment as shown above.
The Rector is required by the Constitution of the Church of Ireland to be resident in the Rectory so
that she may be contacted at any time and fulfil the pastoral, teaching, preparation and
administrative duties of her office. The Rectory is also used for parish meetings, as the parish
office and as a repository of parish supplies and records.
The Rector pays, without reimbursement from the parish, all heating, lighting and telecoms bills in
full. All furniture, fixtures and fittings in the Rectory (with the exception of the carpets and cooker)
and all office equipment (with the exception of the photocopier and the church laptops), were
supplied by the Rector and remain her sole property. One church laptop is used by the Rector
and parishioners as the need arises such as running the audio visual services in church. A second
church laptop is used by the parish administrator exclusively for church business. If any private
benefit arises from the Rector's residence it is fully accounted for as required by HMRC with any
liability being met by the Rector. Consequently any private benefit arising to the Rector is incidental
and contributes directly and essentially to the parish in achieving its charitable aims and purposes.
Organisational Structure
The Select Vestry is responsible for the day to day management of the Parish. The Select Vestry,
elected at the General Vestry, consists of the Rector, Ihe Churchwardens, the Glebe wardens and
generally not more than 12 other members of the General Vestry.
The Select Vestry is chaired by the Rector (Incumbent). Select Vestry members are responsible
for making decisions on matters of general con￿rn and importance to the Parish including how
parish funds will be applied.
The Select Vestry meets at times fixed by the members or by the Diocesan Synod. Special
meetings may be convened at any time by the Chairperson or Churchwardens. The Church
Wardens, Glebe Wardens and Select Vestry Members are elected annually at the General Easter
Vestry meeting and senie as the Trustees of the charity.

St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane
Safeguarding Trust
The Rector and Select Vestry ensure that a properly constituted panel comprising the Rector and
two other unrelated individuals who have been trained and oversee the operation of the Child
Safeguarding Trust Policy. This Panel, a sub-commtttee of the Select Vestry, reports to the Select
Vestry on all matters relating to child safeguarding. The Select Vestry is responsible for ensuring
that the Parish complies with the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults Policy and that volunteers and
clergy are trained appropriately.
All volunteers and clergy and Parish Panel members receive regular training in relation to Child
Safeguarding as required by the policy
The Select Vestry is required to cary out an annual audit and report of Safeguarding compliance
and submit it to the Diocese for examination. There were no Safeguarding issues of concern to
report and the Select Vestry remains committed to regular scrutiny of its procedures.
The Select Vestry also ensure that church premises are kept clean and in good repair for the
benefit of all users.
General Data Protection Regulations
The Select Vestry has ensured strict compliance with the General Dala Protection Regulations.
There were no data breaches.
Compliance with Public BenefiL
In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year, the Trustees have given careful
consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit to
ensure that the activities undertaken have helped to achieve the charity's purposes and provide a
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 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 re￿iptS and payments along with 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 safeguarding the assets of the Parish and
hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Select Vestry and signed on their behalf by
Trustee 1 .
Trustee 2:
Date: