St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane Trustees, Annual Report COLERAINEIBallyrashane & Kildollaghl St John the Baptis( Ballyrashanel Connorl Church of Ireland (also known as Ballyrashane Parish Church and St John the Baptlst, Ballyrashane) For the Year Ended 31 December 2025 Nl Charities Number: 102907
St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane COLERAINEIBallyrashane & Kildollaghl St John the 8aptlsL Ballyrashanel Connorl Church of Ireland (also known as Ballyrashane Parlsh Church and St John the BaptisL Ballyrashane) Annual report and financial statsments for the year ended 31 December 2025 Contents Page ReferenS and administrative details of the Charity Trustees, Report 4-11 Independent Examinerfs Report to Ihe Trustees 12 Appendix A Receipts and payments account Statement of assets and liabilities Notes on financial ststements
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, 8allyrashane) Nl Charlty Reglstratlon Number: 102907 Contact Address: Ballyrashane Parish Office The Reclory 9 Sandelwood Avenue Coleraine BT52 1JW Trusteea The Reverend Canon A E Adams. MrA W Anderson. Mrs O Hemphill, Mrs M E Anderson, Mr F Hunter, Mrs F Hunter, Mr J Alexander, Miss L Keamey {¢eased 7 May 2025). Miss L McNabb , Mrs P MGMullan, Mr W Mcmullan, Mr J Seth'dge, Mr K Sliding, Mrs M Stirling. Mr D Stirling (from 7 May 2025}, Mr J Quinn, Mrs M Quinn,. Prlnclpal Offlce Bearers Clergy.. Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer.. Church Warden - Clergy.. Church Warden - People.. The Reverend Canon A. E. Adams Mr F. Hunter Mrs M.E. Anderson Mr A.W. Anderson Mrs O Hem*bill Independent Examln•r Ms Wendy Baird MIATI 2 Vernont Avenue Newtownards BT23 7PR Bankers Danske Bank The Diamond Coleraine
St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane Trustees, Annual Report for the Period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 Aim and Purposes The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion. The principal function of St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane, (also kni)wn as Ballyrashane Parish Church) is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoti. through the work of Ballyrashane Parish, the whole mission of the Church. pasloral. evangelistic, social. and ecumenical. Being open to and engaging with society as a vthole and offenng support for those needing help is fundamental to the practical deSivery of the benefrts of Christianty. As a result of its activrties and in pursuit of the advanrnent of Christian religion. Ballyrashane Parish has custody of property and of records, materials and artefa¢ts of signrficance to the cultural and religious heritage of the community, the maintenance of which is undertaken by the Pansh as a secondary charitable purpose. Objectlves and Activltles All the functions of the parish relate to the advanoment of religion through holding regular worship and communication W•ryth and caring for parishioners and others in our community and in the wider world. The expression of the precepts of the Christian ligIon through engagement wrlh the general public and in particular wth the disadvantaged, the sick. the eldedy and the young is a public benefit. We are committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship in our chUh, to experience increased soaal interaction and lo give and receive pastoral care delivered at the point of need. There is a direct benefrt of participating in church lrfe including enhanced spiritual and mental wellbeing through participation in public Vrship. engaging in relKJious edu¢alion. positive social interaction,. giving and receiving pastoral ministry and from the communication of values aimed at encouraging community lrfe and cohesion. These actsvrties provide a bridge betW8en diverse groups as well as improved educational outcomes through the thurch's ministry of teaching and direct involvement In secular education. In short, we ty to enable ordinary people lo live out their faith as part of our parish communty through.. 1. Worship and prayer, leaming about and through the Bible and developing their knobvledge of and trust in Jesus. 2. Pastoral care provided for people living in the parish and its hintertand. 3. Faith nurture and education which inciudes support for children and young people through the provision of religious ethjcation, collective VrshiP in schools and participation in statLrtory bodies with a responsibility for the provision of educatson in Northem Ireland. 4. Missionary and outreach Yrk. To facilitate this work it is important that v* maintain the fabric of Ballyrashane Parish Church and Glebe Hall. We provide a further benefrt to the public through access to and enjoyment of cuftural and historic buildings which house artefacts such as church plate. fumishings and matenals as well as historiG records. The church building and grounds also provKJe a space for quiet contemplation and prayer and are open to publi¢ ass. Not only does the maintenance of the church fabric enable the public to engage with a longstanding Christian herrt&Je but also enables individuals to research historic record5 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 Outsid8 the times of wblic vrshIp and occasional services the chur¢h is also open to the public for restricted penods when volunteer supervision is available. The Ghurch 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 acssibLe to the public, the engagement of professional staff and services is essential, but incidental to the fuifilment of th8 parish's aims and objectives. Achievements, Performance and Public Benefit l. Worshlp and Prayer.. The Select Vestry, as trustees, seeks to offer a rang8 of services over the Course of th8 year that our community find both beneficial and spirrtually fuilling. These serrfices are designed to engage and encourage the participation of all attendees regardless of age, race, gender or church affiliation. Our aim is to make everyone feel welcome and eXpeen the love of Christ through the expression of our worship. We not only provide regular Sunday services but also sen11$ related to the principal Christian festivals. These services. which are offered in a range of liturgical styles, have attrarted members of the general public and visitors to the Church. Our provision of worship at Christmas, Easter and Harvest has evidenced particular benefil to the public Emphasis is placed on encouraging peoplè to r8a8ngage wilh in-person worship as a means of tackling isolation and improving mental health. Audio Visual equipment bvhich has been sensitively installed so that rt does not detract from the architectural Chami or integrity of the building further enhances the capacity of the church building to cater for all worship styles. A loop system is also used to assist those with a hearing impairment and the Church 18 bvheelchair accessible. We contlnue to strive to meet Ihe Spiritual needs of those encountering major lrfe events such as birth, marriage or death. 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 the Individual or family. Public baptisms were also celebrated in the church. The Parish also provides support for the communty through its prayer ministry. During 2025 prayers for the sick and those in need in the communty were said each Sunday in church. This corporate prayer ministry is augmented by that of the Pansh Craft group. In general, prayer ministry provided by the church is very much appreciated. All are vRlcome to attend our regular services yth a substantial proportion of those attending the church living outside the geographical boundanes of the parish. We aim to meet the needs of disabled worshippers. All public heah guidelines have been adhered to in respect of in-church worship. In addrtion, spiritual comfort is 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 alternative fomis of worship. the establishment of a youth fellowship called 'Gathered' and the provision of children's minislry. along with direct engagement Vth children and young people in schools. This work was greatly enhanced through Ihe parish's partnership with six other Church of Ireland parishes. This partnership ministry called Gathered Ministries seeks to reach those ¥Mth
St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane lrttle or no church connection through a range of ath"vrties including contemporary worship services with a direct focus on meeting the spiritual needs of young people. Gathered Ministnes also provides Bible Study and opportunrties for young people to explore their faith and engage in various social and creative activ.es. 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 circumstances. Sickness includes bjth 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, Ihe members of the Mothers, Union continued to provide a ministry of hospitality and chanlable support. The members provided knitted clothes for premature babies along th toiletry and essentials packs for emergency admissions to hospitsl. The members also provided essential personal care items lo the Coleraine Woman's Aid and other shelters. The members continued to 8UPPOrt 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 lo¢al area to enhan community cohesion. Dunng the year the Mothers, Union worked with th8 Gathered Ministries to engage wrth young people and share cooking Skills. There were a number of events designed to encourage the growth of positlV8 inter- generational relationships within a Mu1-generatiOnal contexl and these Vre very successful. Parish Craft Group. run in partnership wth Klldollagh Pansh Church, continued its varied activitie8. This cross C¢)mmunity group meets weekly and engages in prayer ministry as well as providing forum for fellowship and crealiwty. The Craft group worked together to provide knitted and crocheted decorations for church services and al80 made grfts for the housebound and those in hospital. Pastoral Care was provided by the Rector on an ongoing basis wrth over 500 home and hospital visits made during the year. Al pastoral care provided wa8 confidential and covered a wide range of social and lrfe issues. The cost of living crisis has raised particular challenges in the lo¢al community The Parish responded by supporting the Foodbank in Ballymoney wrth donations of food and by providing Christmas food hampers and care packs to elderly parishioners and those living in care homes. 3. Faith Nurturo and Educatlon The church provides leaming and worship opportuntlies for chIldn and young people so that they may 9row in their knowledge of the Christian faith, their sense of communty and in the values shown by Jesus for the benefrt of all people. At the appropnate Foint in their developmenl young people are offered the opportunty to engage in further faith study and preparation to enable them to confim their Baptismal promises with understanding and commrtment and thu5 to become communicant members of the church. This opportunrty is also i)ffered to those over 18 years of age. During 2025 six adults from across the Partnership Parishes came forward for Confimation or reaffirrnation with up to 12 young people commencing their joumey towards Confirmation. During 2025 in addition to faith nurture being Fffovided through Sunday Club (primary school aged children) and Gathered Ministries also enabled a number of young people to participate in 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 counlry or Diocese. In addition, Gathered Ministries provided a Holiday Bible club in July which attracted over 100 primary schod age thildren and gave young people over 16 years of age
St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane opportunities to develop leadership skills under the supervision of a tearn of experienced adult youth leaders. In October 2025 various aCtivrtS for children were also provided during the week long half-term break. These Vre open lo all members of the community and had over 140 participants. In September 2025 the Gathered Partnership Ministry was officially recognised as a Pioneer Ministry in the Church of Ireland which has provided grant funding for the next 5 years to help towards the cost of employing and training a Pioneer Minister. As one of the principal aims of Gathered Ministries is to encourage fellov•Bhip and a sense of communty one of the Partner Parishes has provided a building in the Main Street of Colerain8 for use by Gath8red as a drop in centre for young people and a safe space for young people lo meet and expenence the Gocm News of Jesus through fell0vhip. hospitality and a range of actiVes. The building required some renovation and it is hoped that rt wll be ready to open in the Spring of 2026. Further youth provision is being planned for Bushmills. The two hubs wll fonn bases of outreach to young people and their families in rural areas surrounding these towns. Gathered Ministries has proved that parishes working together can achieve greater benefrts for those they serve. Ballyrashane Parish prioritises the safety of the thildr8n and young peop18 in our care and stridly adheres to the Child protection requiremerrts of Safeguarding Trust to ensure that all those working with children and young people and vulnerable adults are fully checked through A¢cess Nl, train8d and supervised. The Parish's operation of Safeguarding Tnjsl is subject to scrutiny and examination by the Diocesan Compliance Team. Training in First Aid and Food Handling (Level 2) 18 also provided for volunteers. Ballyrashane Parish also reaches Out to provide lleCtIVe worship in local Schools. The Rector was the Chur¢h of IrelarKI representative on the Board of the Education Authority of Northern Ireland, which has a statutory obligation to provide for the spintual and moral development of young people as well as their academic and physical development. At the end of March 2025 she had completed 10 years in this role vthich was the maximum allowed by regulation and was extended by 2 years at the request of the Education Authority in recognition of the expertise and skill whi¢h the Rector had brought to the Board. The Rector has taIned a keen involvement in edu¢alion at a local level as the Chair of the Board of Govemors of 1 Primary School and on the Board of Governors of 1 other Pnmary and 1 Post Primary School. In addition to the Rector's wrk, the Pioneer Minister has worked wrth 3 local primary schools lo provide a P7 transition course in rural primary schools to help tackle the anxiety felt by P7 children transitioning to posl-pnmary education. These have been very well received and have been requested next year as v11. The contribution the church to the advancement of education is seen as an important prionty and expression of Christian seryice. Furthemore, such work with schools and those responsible for education is encouraged by the Diocesan Strategy for communty engagement and is fully supported and facilitated by the Pansh as rt provides important beneffts for all Ghildren and offers a way to reach out to the wider communty. Durlng the year the Rector was also app)inted by the Bishop to the role of Di0san Warden of Readers. This wrpose of this role is to encourage and faalrtat6 th8 Spiritual vocation of lay persons across the Diocese. During 2025 2 persons commenced training for lay preaching ministry and a further 6 were Commissioned to assist wrth leading worship in their parishes. Ballyrashane Parish contributed to this work through lis support and encouragement of the Rector. 4. Mission and Outreach Ballyrashane Parish has continued to work in partnership wtih the people of Ibba in South Sudan. We are in the thirteenth year of our Partnership Agreement with the Di0e of Ibba confim)ing our
St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane long term commFtsnent to partnership working wth this severely underdeveloped and war lom region of Africa. In September 2Q25 Ballyrashane and Kildollagh Parishes hosted the Ryht Reverend Bishop Wilson Kamani who is the Bishop of Ibba Di0Se and continued its prayer support of his Pea and reconciliation Vrk which has brought about a SatIOn of Violen in Ibba. In addition to our focuse(I support for Ibba, the Parish also supports the work of the Church Missionary Society of Ireland and various other charities in heln9 to share the lov8 of Christ abroad. During the year the Parish. in partnership wtth Kildollagh Parish. continued its Parish Watch scheme in collaboralion with Causeway Coast and Glens Council (Policing and Community Safety Partnership) to help improve community safety- this is a practical fom of outreach which benefits the whole ¢ommunity. Scam alerts were issued online and personal security advice communicated via the quarterty Parish Link magazine and a Community Policing Partnership newsletter. Road safety awareness material was also issued and hhlIghted during a church service. The Parish Link Magazine was produced regularly to keep parishioners and others infomied of important matters relaling to church and also provided useful public service information arKJ updates on our partnership wilh Ibba. Furthemore. this magazine provides articles of a spiritual nature and prayers so that rt too supports our aim of Chnstian nurture. General communications regarding pansh activrties and seTvices are also communicaled to parishioners and the public via the parish Facebook page. S. Herltage Development In addrtion to maintaining the church buildings. the trustees also maintain the historic graveyard which, due to rts layout and topography requires considerable expendrture 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 bLrt grass cutting and tree maintenance requires Ihe engagement of specialist ¢ontractors who carry the required level of insurance. During ihe year the Select Vestry continued to worked through year 2 of its 5 year building maintenance programme to ensure that the property in its care is cared for appropn'ately. In order to improve and enhance Ihe hentage benefrt 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 ¢hurch and Chrislian worship in the area. This work will include updating the asset and graveyard records which wll benefit those engaged in genealogical research. The Heritage Group is undertaking the same work for Kildollagh Parish. Financial Review An account of the activities, govemance and managemenl of the parish is 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 tt)e Honorary Treasurer and monitored by the Select Vestry at regular intervals. The parish accounts are sut¥"ect to scrutiny by the Select Vestry, an Independent Examiner and the DI0Se to ensure that the pansh is meeting its obligations efficiently and effectively. for the glory of God and the benefrt of those it serves. The parish accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 show that the income for the year was £50,024.40 while expenditure was £45.449.44 resulting in a surplus of £4,574.96. H¢)wever, at the end of the year Ballyrashane Parish owed Kildollagh Parish £5,892.90 but was due Gift Aid of £6,611 which rf it had been received Yuld have resulted in a surplus of £5,293 06. The
St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane Trustees consider that this surplus (adjusted for liabiltties and anticipated income) still reflects the prudent management of church fInanS in finanaally challengir.g times which have been exacerbated by the effects of the cost of living crisis and the fact thal Ballyrashane is a small rural parish with little growth potential. At the end of the year current cash assets total £181,100.20 less £821.71 held on behalf of Ballyk Mothers. Union. The Trustees review the cash assets on a regular basis, taking into account available interest rates and wojected cash requirements and assess investment opportunities accordingly. Part of the cash assets are currently held on deposit. Th8 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. Golng Concern The Trustees have revievthl the budgets for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are adequate funds in place to ensure that the Parish can continue its activit5 and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 can b8 signed off as a going concern. The truste88 wish to express their gratitude to all who supported the work of the Ballyrashane Parish dunng 2025. Structure, governance and management Governing Document and Constitutlon of the Charlty In all structures, govemance and management. Ballyrashane Parish complies with the requirem8nls of the Constrtution of the Church of Ireland which govems 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 govem local practlce. The Select Vestry members are the Charity Trustees. Rocrultmonl and Appolntment of S•le¢t Vestry (Truste} All members of Ihe church who are aged 18 years or over, subscribe to the parish funds in a way that is identrfiable and are either resident within the parish or INe elsewhere bLrt hav8 been accustomed member5 of the congregion for at least 3 months are encouraged to register as members of the General Vestry of Ihe parish. The registered members of the General Vestry annually elect the Fersons 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. Selact Vestry members may be re-nominated or reolected annually and there is no limit to the number of t8mi$ which may be served. The date of the annual election of the Select V8Stry must fall bwthin period not eartier than tEnty 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 incumbenl 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 Vestry) and not more than twelve other Fersons elected by the registered members of the General Vestry). Quorum For each meeting of the Select Vestry to woceed 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.
St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane Pay and Remuneratlon Wrth the exception of the Rector. no private benefit is reiVed by trustees in fulfilling their trustee responsibilities in rèspect of the aims and purposes of the church. The Rector reiVeS from the parish the level of stipend approved and set by the DI0Se 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 lo fulfil as incumberrt. For the Yoar Ended 31 December 2025 Gross Stipend Locomotory Expenses offi Expenses £ 19,203 less £1,646 (Employee contribution to Clergy Pension Sch8me..I £ 3500 £ 462 The Rector is enrolled in the Clergy D8fined Contribution Pension Scheme for thé Church of Ireland. The Clergy portion of the pension contributions are deduded from her Gross Stipend prior to payment as shown above. The Rector is required by the Constrtution 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 reposrtory of parish supplies and records. The Rector pays. wlhout reimbursement from the parish, all heatiNJ, lighting and telecoms bills in full. All fumrture, fixtures and frttirvJs in the Re¢Xory {wrth the exception of the carpets and cooker) and all office equipment {with the exception of Ihe photocopier and the church laptops). were supplied by the Rector and remain her sole property On8 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 Rectorfs Siden rt is fully accounted for as required by HMRC with any liabilty being met by the Rector. Consequently any private benefft arising to the Re¢tor is incidental and contnbLrtes directly and essentially to the parish in achieifjng its charitable aims and purpose8. Oryanl$alionl StNcture The Select Vestry is responsible for the day to day management of the Parish. The Selec Vestry, elected at the General Vestry, consists of the Rector. the 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 concem 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 meetirvJ and serve as the TFustees of the charity. Safeguarding Trust The Redor arKI Select Vestry ensure that a propwly constituted panel comprising the Rector and other unrelated individuals have been trained to oversee the operation of the Child Safeguarding Trust Policy. This Panel, a sulTrcommrttee 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 wtlh the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adums Policy and that volunteers and clergy are trained appropriately. io
St John the Baptist, Ballyrashane All volunteers. dergy aTrJ Parish Panel members r1ve 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 complian and submit rt to the Diocese for examination. There were no Safeguarding issues of concern to report and the Select Vestry remains Committed to regular sctutiny of its procedures. The Select Vestry also ensure that thurth premw are kept clean and in good repair for the benefrt of all users. General Data Protectlon Regulatlons The Select Vestry has ensured strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations. There were no data breaches. Compliance with Publlc BenefiL In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year, the Truslees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland's guidance on public benefit lo ensure that the activrties undertaken have helped to achieve the charty's purposes and provide a public knefit. Slatoment ol Truste88' Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the statement of receipts and payment$ and statement of a&8ets and liabilities in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to ¢hariti88 in Northem IrelaTrJ with income of less than £250,000 requires the Trustees to prepare a statement of receipts and payments along wrth 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 Twstee 1: Trustee 2.. Date..