St. Mark's Parish Church Annual report and financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2022 Charities Number: 103350
St. Mark's Parish Church Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 Dember 2022 Contents Pa Legal and Administrative Details Trustees, Annual Report Independent Exarninerfs Report to the Trustees 10 Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 12 Notes to the Financial Ststements 1>20
St. Mark's Parish Church Annual report and financial sL*ements for the year ended 31 Dernber 2022 Legal and Admlnlstrati¥e Details Charlty Narne: St. Mark's Parh Church Down & Dromore, Church of Ireland Charity Number. 103350 Contact Address: Pari%h Office Church Street Newtownards BT23 4AN Trustees: Rev Canon Chris Matchett MrTSm Reid Rev Peter Hilton Mr Paul Hawkins Rev Stephen Doherty Mrs Elizabeth Mcmullan Mrs Gillian Morrison Mr5 Cathy Allen Mrs Debble Phillips Mr Paul Pierce Mrossie Bambe Mr Matthew Momson Mrs Alison Cochrane Mr Michael O'Brien MrTom Quinn Mr William Mccrossan Mr5 Beth Campbell Mrs Doris Thompson Mrs Hilary Stephens Mrs Anne Drysdale Mrs Loryaine Rts)ney Principle Offi¢e Bearers: aerw. Rev &non C Matchett Rev P HIOn Rev S Ooherty Mrs D Phillips Mrs E Mcmullan Church Treasurer. Church Secretsry: Independent Examiner Guardran Chartered Accountants 2 William Street Newtownards BT23 4AH Bankers: Darke Bank Belfast Business Centre PO Box 183 Donegal Square West Belfast BTI 6JS
St. Mark's Parish Church Trustees, annual report for the year ended 31 Dernber 2022 The trustees presenttheir annual report and financial 5tatementsforthe yearended 31 December 2022. Princi al Ob'ective5 and Activities The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancernent of religio The princlpal funrtion of St. Mark's Parish Church is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promotin& through the work of the Parish. the whole mission of the Church. pastoral, evangelisti4 social and ecumenical. Being open to and engaging with society a5 a whole and offering support for those needing help are fundamentsl to the practical delivery of the benefits of Christianity. functions of the Parish relate to the advancement of religion through holding regular worship ond communicating with and caring for parishioners and others in the communty. As i result of the activity in the pursuit of the advancement of the Christian reltgion. St. Mark'5 Parish Church has custody of property and of records, materials and artefacts of $4gnificance to the cultural and religious heritage and maintenante of which is undertaken by the Selert Vestry of St. Mark's Parh Church. ifies and Public Bènefft St. Mark's Parish Church seeks to provide a variety of opportunities for worship and prayer that are open to all sections of the community. We offer morning and evening worship on Sundays and a mid-week service on Wednesdays. The church building is open every day for private prayer and reflection. One of our diocesan readers continues to assist wtth church seThices. baptisms and funerals In the Ardkeen Partsh Church. In St Marks weekly worship takes place on a Sunday at 9am. 11am and 6pm. There is a recording made and shared on YouTube. Recordings are made of the main church service and CD5 a delivered to those who are housebound or have been unable to return to church. Tea and coffee is provided after the morning church serrfice in the Parish Centre. This helps relieve the social isolation suffered by some parishioners. Pastoral care is a major part of our charitable actNities. There are regular visits by the clergy and church members to the elderlv and the sick, èt home and in hospitals and nursing home& Vlsits are made and preparation time for those who brin8 children for baptism or for those who come as adulis for baptism. Wedding preparation is provided by the dergy. Funeral Services are conducted in the church or at an altematNe venue as requested by family. A catering group made up of church mernbers willingfy provide and serve refreshments when requested by families following a funeral or after a weddin& with food donated by other church members. The curattrassistant enables strategic outreach to younger parishioners and their families and is helping the church achieve our aims. The Jig Saw (Sunday School) meet on Sunday mornings wilh 3 groups meeting with drfferent age groups. We are seeing a growth in young children and theirfèmilies coming to church. None of this could be done without our volunteers. The YoLrth Fellowship foryoung people aged Primary 6 to year 10. rneet Sunday evenings 6.304pm with an epilogue. games. food, and special social activities. All assirted with volunteers who are ableto take the lead. Members of the church congregation regularly help in the leading of the church services: we have a Diocesan Reader and 2 Diocesan Evangelists in trainin& ènd 2 commissioned Parish Readers. The further devetopment of the lay people continues to be very evident.
Reaching Out to the Communty IROCI is a food bank Whe dry and tinned foodmrffs are donated by church members and local residents. Food parcels are delivered monthfyl to identffied families in the Glen Ward area and wider community. We have seen an increased need for help from the foodbank and morrthly deliveries in person help us to build relationships in the community. In providing pastoral care we abo seek to respond to situations of need through practical support and where financial support is needed, a small donation of money has been provided ènd attounted for. We continually seek to extend our outreach to all age groups Within parish boundary which tskes in most of the west end of Newtownards, including the town centre. St Mark's Church and Parish Centre provide a venue for a range of community groups to meet, including the Health and Social Care Trust. A range of groups from the kouting and Girl Guiding Associations are associated with St Mark's and meet in the Parish Centre to provide associated benefft to children and young people. These groups are abo involved in church worship. There is a range of groups and activities run by the church including: a weekly group for pre-school children and their carers . midweek opportunity for parishioners. friends and members of the public, especially those who INe alone or are isolated, to enjoy a cup of tea. food and a chat: Mothers. Union; Chest Heart and Stroke; Senior Cltizens, Club: Bowls Club. These are open to the whole communty. We have a soclal media presence IFacely)oK YouTubel and a website. The weekty service sheet indudes detalls on church services for the following week. Where necessary mall shots are sent to keep parishioners advised of vthat is happenln8 In the church and communlty. St Mark's Parlsh Church offers activrties foryouth and young people. carried out under the requirements of the Church of Ireland's Child Safeguarding Policy. Thère is a weekly drop-in group for adults wtth learning difficulties to attend in the Parish Centre. resourced by church members, under the guidance of Social Services and Menrap. This group is welrnmed by the members and their families. We are indebted to those who volunteer and help. We have Strong links With local schools and appoint Transferor Representstive Governors to severdl Boards. There they take an active part in the running of the xhool communrty thus f05tering links between the school and church communities. Several schools hold their annual carol services in St Mark's thurch, bringing parents, families and members of the school communitles Into church as well as being an important feature of the lffe of these schools. St Mark's also supports Christian Mi55ion through individual agenaes working at home and oversea5. In some instances, support is given where possible on an ecumenical basis e.g. through Nevrtownards Christian Aid Committee, and the knnk Famity & Communlty Centre. The St Mark's Christian Aid leaders assist with volunters from St Marks with annual collections in the town and host a yearty quiz to raise much needed fund5. The yearfy self-denial Lenten lunch. hosted by the St Mark's prayer meeting attendees, is a time for people to get together and share a light meal with monies raised go to an identified charirty and this year this was donated to Christians Against Proverty ICAPI. Fund raising continues ènd we have been able to hire a stall at the local Saturday market and had 3 successful cake sales. We are grateful to those who baked and attended the stall. This gave us the opportunty to be seen in the communtty and copies of John'5 gospel were given out. In November we had a Christmas Fair which wa5 well supported by the local community and money raised was shared with the church and the Bishop's Appeal for Ukraine. St Mark's is a member of Ards Churches Together which organises a number of joint prayer and worship events, including an annual Good Friday 5ervio in the town centre. St Mark'5 Parish Church holds a special place in the tocal community as a building of historical interest with links to the Londonderry family. Normally. visitors are encouraged and a Lx)oklet on the history of the church is provided free of charge. The church building is a venue for history walks and participates in the annual European Heritage Open Days.
The church pn)vides attess to archive records Ibirths. deaths and marriages) for genealogical research. We believe that our actTvities have been instrumentsl in maintsining and developing the lives of our members to the benefit of the communtyofwhich wearea part. St Mark's Parish Church Newtownards would not be able to delNerthe quality of welcome and fellowship without the many hours of voluntsry service given by many volunteers in all aspects of church lrfe. In order to strategically develop our outreach artivitie5 in Newtownards. the congregation of St Mark's has two planted churches. These two church plants seThe two of the three largest social housing eststes in the town. The Glen estate has approximately 500 households and the West Winds some 12W households. with each estate remaining within the tr>p ICK) small pockets of deprNation in Northern Ireland INI Census 20211. Glen Community Church IGCCI was launched in 2014 and is lead by an evangelist-in-trdin8 under the supervision of an Ordained Local Minister, funded by the Down and Dromre Church Plant Fund and the generous gNing from those engaging wf(h the community church. West Winds Community Church {W¢ICCI is led by our Ordained Local Minister and was launched during the summerof 2021. Busy Sunday morning5 in both church plants witness a growing gathering of local people coming tO8ether in their respertive ommunty centres for a time of informal worship and a wam welcome over refreshments, allowing time for fellowoship. GCC hold their Bible study group on a Sunday evening whilst WWCC has two groups meeting on a Thvrsday evening. In the Glen. a midweek focus turns towards two well-attended Chidren's groups Wlth the maln youth programme held in the town's Youth Centre. In both church plants, the intentional approach of youth ministry is tsrgeted towards young people at risk, offering programmes aimed at dNerslonary activities. These ministries are enabled with thanks to a signlficant financial grant from the Down and Dromore/Connor Orphans and Children's Fund and the C of I Priorities. In both the Glen and West Winds, two 8rowing 8roups aimed at bringing men tether are in fvll thrust, fvnded in the West Winds by a C of l Mind Matters Grant whilst local women are engaged through two groups creating safe and supportive spaces for both men and women. The communlty Associations in each estste are very supportlve in offerfng facilities and funding in many instances and the church staff are developing c105er relationships with the Neighbourhood Police. Athlevements and perfOrnnCe ' Outreach into the community of Newtownards ' Cross Community Events Giving to Mi55ion5 and other charities * Continual development of the Glen Community Church. * Select Vestry (Trustees) continue to meet monthly. ' The old rectory was 501d and a newer house purchased. This necessitsted tskin8 Out a loan. * Ongoing building work and repairs in the church and parish centre. * Christian resources are now available in the parish centre foyer for people to take with them. Much work ha5 gone into ensuring that as an 0rganati0nwe are environmentslty aware. so we rerycle and reuse. In the parish centre. LED lights are in place and timer switches used in areas well used. Holiday Bible Club in August 2022. • Bible study groups offered on Zoom but now are in person. Mind Matters- research suggests that the most effectNe contribution that the Church can make in promoting Positive mentsl health is by concentrating. in the first instance, on four key areas= Reducing stigma Promoting connections Providing clergy wtth additional training and support * Exploring additional faith-based supports for mental health Regular meetings take place to di5CUSS POSttNe ments5 health and how we can promote this further within our church and the local community.
oin Matter of Concern During the year 2022, an independent Commission of Enquiry was formed. This Commission was set up bythe Bishop of Down and Dromore to examine a query with the accounts in prioryears. We ask that you continue to hold the matter and all involved in your prayers. Financial Review The following paragraphs provide a summary of the financial position presented in these statements which have been prepared in accordance wwth the requirements for charlties. The Cht7rities (Accounts and Reports) Regulotions (Northern Ireland) 2015 relating to charity accounting and reporting which commenced on l January 2016. As our Parish income for the year was more than £250,) but less than £5rx).CMX) we must: Prepare accounts on the accnjals basis," Have our accounts independently examined in compliance with Section 65(4) of the Charities Act Nl: Complete a trusteeg annual report that also portS on how our charty has met the public benefft reqU1Ment. and Completean annual monrtoring retum. ritted Funds Unrestricted fL¢nds comprise of the Parish General Fund. Property Fund and Investment Property Fund. Overall unrestricted Parish income w7s £10,246 le55 than expenditure thi5 year with a totsl of £31XI.961of income against £311.207 of expenditure. General Fund Income General fund income was £3.961. up £60.437 from £240.524 in 2021. Thls Income was from the following sources: General giving increased from £213,354 last year to £263.232 thi5 year. Property related income was £6.439 compared to £6.509 last year. General Parish income from sources such as hall rentsl. magazine donatlons. events was up from £14.559 list year to £29,397 this year. Investment income earned was £1.893 this year compared to £1.883 last year. General Fund Expendityre Overall expenditure increased from £256.114 in 2021 to É311.207 for 2022. an increase of £55.093. The main area5 of expenditure were: Clerbry and stsffing costs Increased from £150.865 in 2021 to £171.267 thi5 year1£20,4021. Dlocesan costs decreased slightly from £40.575 in 2021 to £39,3941£1.1811. General Par15h expenses e4. consumables, postage and printing increased from £17.635 in 2021 to £19,997 for 2022 1£2,3621. Glen CC general expenses forthe year increased from £2,657 last year to £12.899 for 20221£10.2421. West Winds CC general expenses were £7.084 for the year, last year £nil. Financial fees increased from £3.614 in 2021 to £11.7571£8.1431 due to estste agents fees on the sale of the old rertory and loan interest payable. Restrirted Funds Restrirted funds comprise of the Building Fund, IU Coulter Trust, The Stsined Glass Window Fund. EA Youth Grant Fund, Children5 & Orphans Funds. Priortties Fund and the Mind Matters Fund. Restrirted fund income for the year wa5 £56,558 wtth expenditure of E12.031 cornpared to income of £70.939 and expenditure of £5.934 last year. Restrirted Fund Income This income was from the following main sources: Collections. donation5 etc £22,558 (last year £20.8791. Children & Orphans Fund £20.COJ I£IO.IJl) to Glen CC and £IO.LW to West Winds CCI. Priorities Fund £lO.OtKI to West Winds CC. Mind Matters Fund £3.8CK) to West Winds CC.
Restrirted Fund Expenditure Expenditure during the year comprised £2.1KK) from the Stained Glass Window fund, £1.483 from West Winds CC Priorfcies fund arbd a decrease in the valuation of the Rl Coulter Deceased of £8,454 . Reserves Poli It is the policy of the chartty that unre5trirted funds which have not been designated for a specrfic use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six mortths expenditure.The Trustees considerthat reserves at this level will ensure that in the event of a significant drop in fundin& they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional fvnds may be raised. Based on 2022 expenditure of £323.238 the target level of reserves 15 £80.810 to £161.620. Free re5erve5 as at 31 December 2022 are £202.121. The Trustees are 5ati5fied that relevant level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. Goin Concern The trustees have reviewed the budgets for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are adequate funds in place to ensure that the Parish can continue its actNtties and the financial statements for the year ended 2021 can be signed off as a 80in8 concern. Structure G¢)vernan and Mana ement Goveming Docurnent and Constitution ofthe Charlty Chapter111 of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland governs Parishes and Parochial Organisations. The Selett Vestry members are the Charity Trustees. Recruitment and Appolntment of Select Vestry (frnstees) All members of the Church of Ireland. who are ¢)verthe age of 18 and are er(her 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 rtand for election to the Select Vestry. Meetings of the General Vestry are held at least once a year. The Selert Vestry is elected as part of this General Vestry meeting. The Selert Vestry will hold their posr¢ions for a period of one year. 5elett Vestry members may be re*lected annualty and there Is no limit on the number of ternis which may be ser¥ed. Organisational Structurn The Select Vestry is responsible for the day to day management of the Parish. The Select Vestry consists of the members of the clergy serving in the Parish, two church warden5. two glebe warden5, and 12 other members lone of which is the Honorary Secretary and another the Honorary Treasurer) of the General Vestry elected at the General Vestry. The Select Vestry is chaired by the Incumbent. Select Vestry members are responsible for making detisions on matters of generdl concern and importance to the Parish including deciding how Parish Funds a 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. In 2022 the Select Vestry met 5 times during the year. Compliance with Public eenefft The Parish has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northem IlandS guidance on public benefrt to ensure that the active5 entered into during the year have helped to achieve the Parish's objectives and activities, as well as providing public benefit Statement of Tet$. Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trusteg Report and the financial ststements in accordance in accordance with applicable law and Unrted Kingdom Accounting Stsndards (United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in Northern 1laftd requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair wew of the state of affairs of the Parish and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Parish for that year.
In preparing these financial statements. the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently: observe the methods and principals in the Chartties Ststement of Recommended Prattice: make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent: stste whether applicable accounting stsndards have been followed. subjectto any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. and prepare financial statements on the going COnM basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting reconts that are sufficient to show and exptain the Parish's transartions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial posttion of the Parish and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Art (Northern Ireland) 2CrfJ8. the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Irelandl 2008 and the provision of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Parish and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detertion of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustess on 20 April 2023. Rev Peter Hilton D Phillips Trustee