## **TRUSTEE REPORT St. Patricks Church Armoy 2023** St Patricks Church is part of a group of parishes that also comprises of All Saints Loughguile and Drumtullagh. ## **Structure, governance and management** The method of appointment of Select Vestry (SV) members is set out in the Constitution of The Church of Ireland. All SV members are Trustees. ## **Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees** All Lay members of the Church of Ireland who are over 18 years of age and are accustomed or resident members of the congregation and have been identifiable contributors to Parish funds, can register to be members of the General Vestry. This allows them to attend and vote at the General Vestry. A meeting of the General Vestry is held once each year. Lay members are elected at the General Vestry to be members of the Select Vestry. The Select Vestry members become the Trustees. The term of office is one year but members can be re-elected. There is no limit to the number of terms which can be served. ## **Public Benefit** The charity Trustees have complied with their duties in line with the Commissions Public Benefit statutory guidance. Regular worship and reaching out into our community as well as other social and spiritual activities have been carried out throughout the year to fulfil our statement of public benefit. ## **Aim and purposes** Armoy Church Select Vestry (SV) is responsible for co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church; spiritual, pastoral, evangelistic and social. All the functions of the Parish relate to the advancement of religion through holding regular worship and communicating with and caring for parishioners of all ages especially the sick, elderly and others in our community. ## **Objectives and Activities** When planning our activities, due consideration is given to the charity commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular guidance relating to charities whose aim is the advancement of religion. We try to enable people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through: Worship; Prayer; Sacrament; Teaching; The provision of pastoral care; Opportunities for service; Missionary and outreach work; Social activities To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the buildings belonging to the parish. ## **Achievements and Performance** The Church continues to offer as many opportunities as possible on a weekly basis for people to explore their faith, and express their faith through worship and engagement with the local community. The Mid Week fellowship has begun again with more attending than in previous years. Sunday Service attendance has increased slightly on the previous year. Sunday School has moved from being twice a month to being every Sunday. This has been because of an increase in people willing to be teachers. It has still not been possible to restart The Round Tower Group because of a lack of leaders. Three people have trained as Parish Readers and One as a Diocesan Reader. **Finance.** Our income has remained healthy. Parishioners have continued their generous support. ## **Worship Prayer and Sacrament** There are a variety of regular Church Services available each month, including Holy Communion, Morning Prayer, Family Service and Healing Services. There are also various additional seasonal and occasional services. There are opportunities for people to leave requests for prayer and a Prayer Ministry Team who will pray with and for anyone requesting prayer. Prayer for the sick is also available at our regular Healing Services. ## **Teaching** Teaching about the Christian Faith takes place at all Sunday Services, the Mid Week Bible Study, Sunday School, Healing Services, Confirmation Classes and various training events. The clergy also take school assemblies in the local Primary School, where the children are taught aspects of the Christian faith. ## **Pastoral Care** The clergy of the parish regularly visit church members in their homes, in hospital and in care facilities. They are constantly on call and generally available in a time of crisis at short notice. Holy Communion is made available to the sick and elderly in their homes if requested. There are a number of Wedding, Funeral and Baptismal Services each year. The number varies from year to year. ## **Opportunities for service** We recognize that the Church is a Body made up of many members with different gifts and abilities. We encourage all members to find a way to serve through the ministries and structures of the church. ## **Mission and Outreach** We reach out to the local community through work in the local Primary School, Holiday Bible Clubs, The Alpha Course, Mothers Union, Healing Services, Special Seasonal Services, The Boys Brigade and Carol Singing. Our interest in overseas mission is chiefly through our relationship with Fields of Life. We also support local missions as detailed in our statement of accounts. We have a strong link with a local Food Bank. ## **Social Activities** All of our organizations include an element of social activity. In addition to these there have been a number of other events which have in the past included, BBQ’s, Treasure Hunt, breakfasts, craft classes, days out, quiz nights, holiday kidz club, senior citizens diner, carol singing, harvest supper etc. ## **OBSERVATIONS** **Boys Brigade.** The Boys Brigade is operational. Although small in numbers compared to some BB’s, the Officers are very dedicated and the boys benefit from a wide range of activities. **The Link with our Ugandan child through Fields of Life** continues. Regular support to fund their education is sent via Fields of Life. We are currently seeking to raise funds to drill a water well for an isolated community in East Africa. **New Mums Ministry.** As an outreach that demonstrates Christ - like love and generosity, we plan to continue to give every new mum a gift comprising of various useful baby items. It builds connections with people and it demonstrates faith. It is hoped to revive this ministry after a lull during the pandemic. **GDPR:** The parish has a Data Protection Policy. ## **Volunteers** We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is. ## **Child Protection** The parish operates the Church of Ireland Child Protection Policy “ Safeguarding Trust.”