## **Annual Report for the year ended December 31[st] 2022** The Trustees of Glengormley Free Methodist Church are pleased to submit their report and accounts for the period January 1[st] , 2022 - 31st December 2022 This was the year for joy as we came out of Covid 19 Pandemic. As a team we managed the situation in a professional and impeccable manner and the result was everyone was kept safe and cared for. Pastor Robert was back to full time work and keen to get things up and running again on all fronts. Release Internationals representative visited us in February. An update was given on the persecuted church. A gift was given to him to pass on to the needs of those suffering as a result. In March the Northern Ireland Executive Finance meeting was hosted by our church. Pastors’ wife cooked a 3 course meal for all Pastors and attendees – 26 in total. The topic was church planting and Evangelism. The evening rally was taken by our national leader J Townley. It was a time of great encouragement and blessing. Men’s Retreat took place in Eire in April. Pastor and others travelled down. It was a time of teaching, fellowship, restoration and fun. Music change for church. Traditional hymns are sung in our worship services alongside some modern music. Sadly as a Board we felt it necessary to remove certain modern music. A big thank you to our musician for being able to make the change and learn new skills. Pastor and other revisit discussions about development of church land at the back again. An architect gave a full report on the land and possible development to see if it was possible. New legislation and planning laws would restrict significantly the number of dwellings that could be built on the land. It was agreed by all members for A Jackson to apply for outline planning permission. Once granted Full Planning permission to be sought. The cutting of grass was carried out by one of our church family which is greatly appreciated. This family member has faithfully served in this capacity for many years. ## Solicitor to advise if incumbent Board can become trustees. Alarm Maintenance undertaken by contractor. Pastor on site to approve work. Church Insurance renewed. CCLI License renewed. Minor church repairs carried out by Pastor and others. ## **Church Services** The Church meets weekly to hear bible-based teaching and to give God their sacrifice of praise. It is also a time of prayer, both public and silent. Hymns and modern songs are played by our pianist or guitarist. Pastor Robert is responsible for delivering the sermon and his wife gives a short children’s address. Sunday evenings are similar in format but followed by a tea/coffee supper. Everyone is invited. ## **Prayer Meeting** Our prayer meetings are held weekly and consist of a time of sharing, listening to Gods word the Bible, and praising God through the singing of hymns. Prayer is the main focus and many needs from those in the fellowship and community are central to the meeting. The persecuted church is remembered almost every week. ## **Ladies Meeting** It was not until March 2022 that the ladies eventually met together. One member offered her home for these meetings and outside visiting speakers were asked to visit from C.E.F on 2 occasions. A light lunch was enjoyed by all at the end and a great time of talking and laughter followed. In August Pastors wife organized a trip to the Honey Fair at Hillsborough castle. Those who had cars provided lifts for those without. The sun shone and a brilliant time was had by all. Pastors’ wife took the remaining 3 months of teaching on The Lord in the storms of life, Faith and God chasten those he loves. December concluded our term with a wonderful Christmas supper provided by the ladies. Pastors’ wife had organized a quiz and games night, helped by L Fulton. Our closing moments turned our thoughts to the true meaning of Christmas – The birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. ## **Youth Club** Our Youth club commenced in September, and it was great to be back. Our numbers had decreased after Covid 19 and some of the children had grown into young men on return. These later moved on to other venues suitable to their own age group. Although our group was smaller it was still a real blessing. Our program remained virtually the same, sports, team games, food, baking, crafts, bible stories etc. At the end of the summer term, we had our outing to Belfast. Mobile Team Adventures supplied kayaks and rafted canoes, team building with wood in the forest, learning to light fires with flint stones and then enjoying toasted marshmallows. These costs were met by the church for the children and leaders only. The parents of the children who also came really enjoyed the event and asked could they come again. It was a super way to end the youth club term. ## **Harvest** One of our outreach initiatives is supporting the Trussel Trust who oversee the administration and distribution of food for the needy at the local food bank. We have adopted this practice of bringing tinned foods, teabags, pasta rice etc as opposed to perishable foods, to our Sunday service. On Sunday evening the ladies’ bag up the food gifts for the Pastor to deliver. The day the distribution center is open, Pastor Robert and his wife pass on these gifts to the local coordinator at the Centre. ## **Missions** Yearly mission boxes are requested by those within the church family to provide much needed funds for those in need. These include International Childcare Ministries, Release International and others. Our church fellowship has a real heart for missions and give sacrificially. They are to be highly commended. In conclusion the Board would like to thank all church members and attendees for their love, support, time, gifts and wish to place on record their recognition of these contributions. Mrs L Cass p.p. E Anderson