Charity Commission Report 2022
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2022
The trustees present the annual report and accounts for St. John’s Church, Newcastle for the year ended 31[st] December 2022
Objectives and Activities The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion.
The principal function of St. John’s Church, Newcastle, is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting, through the work of the 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 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, St. John’s, Newcastle 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 St. John’s, Newcastle.
Achievements, Performance & Public Benefit
In 2022 we were delighted to restart the majority of our “in person” activities post covid. As well as three in person worship services every week we were able to run two Alpha courses and a Bible Study.
We were able to start a new Parent and Toddler Group which helped young families socialise again after the isolation of Covid. This group has been a great success in the community with over 90 families participating during the year. We have held several young family events which have helped build community.
We have worked diligently at maintaining and developing the connections we have in the community. We held Songs on the Lawn at the Rectory which involved some of the local schools and other community groups. This evening forged many good friendships in the community. We held an Open Day and Coffee Morning at the Rectory and raised valuable funds for The Pantry FoodBank. The elderly, lonely and vulnerable are regularly supported by visits, gifts, and phone calls. Our Craft and Chat group, Warm Place and the Mother’s Union are great groups who through their activities help to alleviate loneliness and social isolation. We have also worked with MYMY a local mental health charity to provide support for people in the community.
As a church community we support the work of the Pantry Food Bank through the work of volunteers and regular donations of food. We are actively involved in welcoming refugees and people seeking asylum in our locality. We have volunteers trained and helping in befriending, practical support and in English conversation classes. Throughout the year we have been able to support the work of various aid agencies at home and abroad through the generosity of our members.
We endeavoured to keep in contact with our children and young people and we delivered craft packs to all our young families for Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas.
St. John’s contributes to other charities and Mission Societies. We support link missionaries in Uganda.
The Parish has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities entered into during the year have helped to achieve the Parish’s objectives and activities, as well as providing public benefit.