TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR ACTON PARISH CHURCH .
YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021.
The purpose of the church is 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 is fundamental to the practical delivery of the tenets of Christianity. As a result of activity in pursuit of the advancement of the Christian religion, the Parish has custody of a large body of records, materials and artefacts of significance to the cultural heritage, the maintenance of which is undertaken by the Parish as a secondary charitable purpose.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The expression of the precepts of the Christian religion through engagement with the general public, and in particular with the disadvantaged, the sick, the elderly and the young is a public benefit. This can be measured and evidenced through increased social integration and pastoral care delivered at the point of need. The direct benefit of participation in church life includes the enjoyment of public worship and the giving and receiving of pastoral ministry and community cohesion.
The beneficiaries are the general public, and the public valuation of the benefits can be evidenced through attendance at public worship, participation in church governance and willingness to support through contributions the continuing witness of the Church. Any private benefit arising out of the fulfilment of our Christian ministry or to lay staff is essential to the fulfilment of the purpose of the advancement of religion. No Trustee receives remuneration, reward or other private benefit for carrying out their Trustee responsibility.
All the functions of the parish relate to the advancement of religion through holding regular worship and communicating with and caring for parishioners and others in our community
During the year in question, public services were held each Sunday morning and on alternate Wednesdays, the latter being services of Holy Communion with prayers for the sick. During Holy Week, services were held each evening alternately with our sister parish, St. Mary’s, Drumbanagher. We also held a Remembrance Service, and a service for the Royal British Legion. All of these services are open to the whole community.
Our Sunday School is available each Sunday during term-time to all children for bible study and religious education.
The Incumbent made pastoral visits to elderly and housebound parishioners, and to those in nursing homes or in hospital; marriage guidance, weddings, funerals and baptisms were carried out as needed.
What we have achieved is the fostering of faith in both children and adults; the provision of fellowship for all our people; comfort for the sick and dying; leadership and example within our community.
The benefits are a stable, cohesive community and the provision of sanctity and support for all.
In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity’s purpose and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries. There has been no private benefit to any trustee.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Barbara Best. Hon. Treasurer.