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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN
CHURCH IN IRELAND
Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023
Reglstered Charfty In Northern Ireland INIC104311)

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PREsBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEESANNUALREPORT
The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31
December 2023 including a Statement of A55ets and Liabilities as at that date.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS
Cooke Centenary congregation of the PresbY(erian Church in Ireland
216 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2FY
Reglstered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104311)
CHARITY TRUSTEES
The Charity Trustees who served durlng the year or who were trustees at the date of this
report were -
Mrs A Allen
Mrs S 8ennis
Mrs H 8runt
Mrs P Emerson
Mr H Glenn
Mrs J Glenn
Rev D Grav
Dr C Hetherington
Mrs E MacNelll
Miss J McKnight
Mr D Mcwilliams
Mrs P Mcwilliams
Mrs C Reynolds
Mr M Riddel
Mr K Savage
Mrs C Smith
Mrs B Taylor
Mr A Wllson
Mr5 M Wisoner
PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS
Minister
Clerk of Sesslon
Treasurer
Rev David Gray
Mrs Elalne MacNelll
Mr Kelth Savage
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Mr Mark McGlnley
80 Upper Dunmurry Lane
Belfast BT17 OPS
BANKERS
U15ter Bank
365-369 Ormeau Road
Belfast. Co Antrfm. BT7 3GP

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd
SOLICITORS
Klng & Gowdy
298 Upper Newtownards Rd,
Belfast BT4 3EJ
STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT
The Klrk Sesslon
The charlty trustees of the congregatlon are the members of its Klrk Session. Under the
con8re8ation's 8overning document, The Code, the book of the constltutlon and
government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and
promote the 5pirltual Interest of the congregation and of persons not connected wlth any
congregatlon who are wlthln Its bounds. It ensures pastoral care Is In place In the
con8re8atlon and seeks to further the contrlbutlon of the Church to Chrlstian wltness and
servlce In the local communlty. The Klrk Sesslons has delegated to Its Congregatlonal
Commlttee the temporal affair5 of the con8regatlon Includlng admlnlsterlng all funds and
property belonglng to the congregatlon. Members of the Klrk Sesslon are ex-offlclo
members of the Con8re8atlonal Committee.
The Klrk Sesslon conslsts of the ordalned mlnlster and the rullng elders of the con8re8atlon.
All members are entltled to propose, speak and exerclse equal votes at meetings, except
that the Moderator, the mlnlsters In active duty In the congre8atlon, has no deliberatlve but
only a castln8 Vote.
Nlne stated meetlngs of the Klrk sesslon and 6 stated meetln85 of the Congregational
Commlttee were held durlng 2023. There wa5 also I meetln8 of Votlng members of the
Congregatlon.
To be chosen for the offlce of the eldershlp in the congregatlon a person must be a voting
member and a regular attendant on Its ordlnances. The selectlon of those proposed to be
called to the office can be elther by the congregation or by the Klrk Sesslon. Members are
elected If they obtaln two-thirds of those who vote.
Presbytery
Under the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate overslght of a
congregatlon is the responsibility of a Presbytery whlch superintends generally the spiritual

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assernbly of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Cooke Centenary congregation of the Presbyterian Church
has been assigned to the South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations
assigned to it by the General Assembly, mlnsters who have retired from artive duty and an
elder appolnted by the Klrk Session of the congregation.
The General Assemblv
The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representln8 in one body the
whole Church and actlng as Its supreme le8islatlve, administratlon and Judlclal authorlty, In
dealln8 With all matters brought before It. The General Assembly is normally constltuted
durln8 the flrst week In June for worshlp and to conduct Its buslness. At the end of business
It Is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly conslsts mainly of the actlve
mlnlsters of each congregatlon, retlred mlnsters and a representatlve elder appointed by
the Klrk Session of each congregatlon.
DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE
The charltable purpose of the congregation Is the advancement of rellglon.
Cooke Centenary congregation of the Presbyterian Church Ss a congregation of the
Presbyterian Church In Ireland. The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland, as a Reformed Church
within the wider body of Christ Is grounded In the Scriptures, and exlst5 to love and honour
God through faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to
play their part In fulfillin8 God's mlssion to our world.
The congregation's mission purposes Is by the groce of God to help people of all ages
becomefully devotedfollowers of Jesus Chrfst and to show God's love to the community of
Ballynofeigh.
Our vlslon Is, by the groce of God, to sustaln and extend the Christlan wltness of Cooke In thls
community which Is home to peoplefrom a diverse range of Christian denominations, other
Religions, and those with no octive faith, and to be an inclusive, welcoming community of
Chrisvs people of all ages, which..
Is increasingly chorGCterised by lovefor God, and love and concern for others,.
Is committed to the historic Chrlstlan gospel os revealed in the Bible,.
is relevant to people of thls tlme and place.

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
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ACTIVITIES AND 08JEcnvES
The congregatlon normally meets for worshlp every Sunday and v151tors are welcome to
Join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on several occasions durin8 the year
and all those who have been baptised and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lord's Supper. The congregation has a wide range of
or8anisations including:
Little Cooke's & Bible class
Presby(erlan Women
Model Railway Club
Worshlp Group
EPIC Kld's Club
Genesis Youth Club
Crochet Club
Tot5, Café
Prayer Meetln8S
Blble Study Groups
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Worshlp and prayer
The con8re8atlon normally meets for worshlp each Sunday at 11.00am. Worshlp Is led by
muslcians and 51n8ers who prepare music to lead Sunday mornlng worshlp and other speclal
servlces throughout the year. Servlces are available onllne.
Mornin8 worshlp Is followed by an opportunlty for the church family to enjoy fellowshlp
together over refreshment5 and allows time to mlnlster and pray wfth indivlduals,
Little Cookes, where children meet to learn of God's love for them In age-approprlate
settings, continued each week during mornin8 worship. Little Cooke's is led by a rota of
leaders and teenage helpers.
A Blble Class wlth an average of 14 young people meet wlth the Mlnlster & other leaders In
the Church Manse each Sunday mornlng at 10am.
The Genesis youth group with an average of 12 young people meet each Sunday evening for
a pro8ramme of activities, discussion, and prayer.
Two opportunlties for congregational prayer are avallable each week, a virtual meeting is
held each Tuesday evenin& and an in-person group meet each Thursday mornin8.
A "Prayer Walklng" Inltlatlve was launched In March 2023 whlch encouraged members from
Cooke, and the other churches In Ballynafeigh, to pray blesslngs on the work of the many
businesses, café's, schools, communlty centres etc that are based In the BallynafeS8h area.

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
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Two Groups meet fortnightly for Bible study on Sunday & Wednesday evening5.
Short, fortnl8htly servlces of worshlp were held wlth the residents of a local Nurslng Home.
At 31 December 2023 there were 148 communicant members and 228 families connected
with the con8re8ation. The average weekly attendance at mornin8 worship was 100.
Pastoral care
We sought to comfort those who had been bereaved durlng 14 funeral servlces In 2023.
A Griefshare Course was held between March - June 2023 to provide support and
encouragement to anyone touched by bereavement.
Members of the con8regatlon who are unable to attend church due to slckness or age
recelve vlslts on a re8ular basis by the mlnister, elders, or a member of the con8re8atlonal
commlttee.
Flowers are delIve￿d each Sunday* and gifts are also delivered at Christmas and Harvest
tlme to members of the congregation who are ill or goin8 throu8h a dlfficult personal
experience, as an expression of the care of their church family.
Quarterly Church magazlnes are dellvered to all members to keep everyone updated wlth
Information about church activities.
Mlsslon and outreach
The congregation has several local mlssion and outreach activities through which the
congregation strives to meet Some of the needs whlch have been identified in Ballynafei8h.
Cooke works with care provlders, voluntary groups, and neighbouring congregation5 to
support those most In need of help through the provlslon of food parcels from the Cooke
Foodstore. Flnanclal donatlons, and donatlons of food Item5, are provided by members of
local congregations. Each food parcel will provide a famlly wlth sufficlent provislons for
several days until a source of regular income Is achieved.
Durlng 2023, an average of 10 parcels were prepared each week wlth donatlons also being
8iven to support the International Meeting Point, Starling Collective and Women's Ald.
Approxlmately 550 food parcels were provided during the year.
A new Inltiatlve was the availabillty of additional ambient and fresh food produce which was
donated each Monday evening by several local large stores. This was displayed and freely

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd)
avallable to anyone each Tuesday morning from a "Big Blessin￿ Table which was positioned
just outside Cooke Church on the front of the Ormeau Road. The "Blg Blessing" Table has
been well received by local residents and ivs visibility, has resulted in additional donations
to the Foodstore Initiative.
The congregation is actlvely involved In the work and witness of the 8allynafei8h Clergy
Fellowship and Ormeau Churche5 Together (ocr). The Walk of Wltness, which Is an ocr
Inltlatlve, Is held each year on Good Frlday. A servlce wa5 held at the gates of the Ormeau
Park whlch was well attended by many from the churches in 8allynafeigh and the wider
area. Those attendin8 processed back to Cooke Church for a servlce of readlngs, prayers and
a time to reflect on the slgnlficance of Easter. Refreshments after the service were provided
by OCT.
The Church rallings were used to dlsplay the Easter message and 3 crosses were illumlnated
from a wlndow In the church steeple to effectively convey an Image of events on Good
Frlday to those passlng on the Ormeau Road.
The annual Belfast City Marathon provided an opportunity for Cooke members to take part
In thls community event by serving refreshments on the Ormeau Road to those who Ilned
the route to support the runners. The church bulldlng was avallable to provlde tollet
facllltles or somewhere to rest or take shelter If requlred.
In Au8USt 2023 durlng a week-lon8 "Summer Mlssion" we welcomed 96 primary school age
children from the local communlty who had registered to attend. This was a very posltive
week with games, stories and craft activities which had no char8e for attendance and which
was enjoyed by all. Some families are now attending Other church activities,
Tot's Café each Tuesday morning provlded a warm and welcomlng space for babies and pre-
school chlldren and thelr carer5. Numbers of those attendlng Increased each week and we
were pleased that they have now returned to pre-covld level5.
The "EPIC" kid's group, for primary school aged chlldren contlnued throughout 2023. Adult
leadershlp Is supported by a team of youth from the con8re8atlon. An average of 20
chlldren from the community, with no Cooke connection, attended each week to play
games, hear a Bible story, do craftwork and enjoy a weekly tuck shop.
The Churches and other community venues in Ballynafeigh continued to work together to
provide a warm space each day during the wlnter months where members of the
community could come, have lunch, and enjoy meeting together. Cooke CosyHub was open
each Tuesday between 12.30pm and 2pm and provided warm meals for between 30- 45
between ottober & March 2024.

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
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In December 2023 Women's Ald were partlcularly appreclatlve of the toys and glfts whlch
were provlded by the congregation to share our love and care for the families that they
support.
The annual Carol servlce was augmented by a brass band and was well attended by
members from the local community who enjoyed the festive refreshments.
Addltional Chrlstmas concerts by the "Ormeau Communlty Choirf,, the 'Big Belfast Chol
and "Celtlsh" were also well attended and many from the communlty were welcomed Into
the church bulldlng to enjoy these evenings of Christmas muslc.
The annual church pantomlrne provides an opportunity for family entertalnment, and we
were pleased that thls could be resumed after a 2 year break because of Coronavlrus
re5trlrtlon5. The 2023 Cooke productlon of "Anthony & Cleopatra" was enjoyed and well
supported by the congregatlon and local communlty,
The congregation supports the Unlted Appeal for Mlssion which Is a central fund of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables con8re8ations to support the wider
mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denominatlonal basis
beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides
financial support for mission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregations with
the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant SUPPOrt for
the upkeep of church premlses, asslst with the runnln8 Costs of Union Theologlcal College,
the Church's trainlng colle8e for mlnistry students, and financlally supports congregation In
the areas of worship, discipleshlp. global misslon. outreach, leadershlp and pastoral care.
The congregation also contributes to the denomlnations annual World Development Appeal
and any other special appeals. A retlrlng offerlng on Remembrance Sunday benefited the
work of the Royal Brltlsh Legion and a pancake breakfast was held in February 2023 to raise
funds to support the appeal for the Turkey / Syria Earthquake. The congregation also
provided financial support to 2 youth members who volunteered on overseas mission
opportunities.
Presbytery
The con8re8ation was represented at the re8ular meetin8s of Presbytery by our minister
and one of the elders. Thls provides an important link between the congre8ation and the
wider structures of the church.
General Assembly

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
The mlnister and one of our elders are nominated to attend the meetlng of the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held In Assembly Buildings, Belfast, In June
each year.
Property
Routine serviclng and maintenance of the Ilft, fire extinguishers, flre alarm and electrical
appllances continued, and other items of repair and replacement were undertaken.
Purpose bullt lockable cupboards were fltted In a room wlthin the Church Hall to provlde
approprlate storage for ambient donatlons to the Cooke Foodstore.
The Church rallings which border the Ormeau Road were sanded and repalnted by a team of
church members over the summer months.
Extensive work was requlred to expose and replace a 5pIIt sewer at the back of the church
buildin8.
A room wlthln the Church bulldlng received modernisatlon and the addltion of soft
furnlshlngs to provlde a comfortable meetln8 space for Small groups.
The Entertalnments Llcence for the Church Hall was renewed.
Following the decision at the 2021 General Assembly that Presbytery Education Boards
should cease to act as Holding Trustees for congregational properties, a congregational
meeting was held and it was agreed, that the PresbY(erian Church in Ireland Holding Trustee
Company should be appointed as the new Trustee for all properties belon8ing to Cooke
Centenary Church.
Organlsatlons
In addition to the actlvitles of the Organisatlons already detailed, the Cooke Crochet Group.
Presbyterian Women, the Model Railway Group and "Brownies", a Guidlng Organlsatlon,
continued to meet regularly in 2023.
Volunteers
The Trustees wish to acknowledge thelr deep appreciatlon of those who give freely of their
tlme by servlng on committees and helplng wlth organisatlons and other church actlvlties.
PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT

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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conYd)
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing
beneflt to its members and the general public by makin8 known the Christian Gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion.
The dlrect beneflts which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gainlng of an
understanding in Chrlstian bellefs as set out in the Bible and In the Church's subordinate
standards (the Westminster Confesslon of Falth and the Shorter and Larger Catechlsms)
leadin8 to splrltual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible
teachlng. In turn, thls framework leads to practlcal expresslons of Chrlstlan bellefs and
standards in the local community such as throu8h the care of those in need (including the
slck, dlsabled and bereaved).
Generallyi the above beneflts are delivered locally by con8regatlons and their members, or
are facllitated through presbyterles or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery
Is facllltated by central resources In almost all cases. Public access Is made known through
the use of noticeboardsi printed material, press advertisement, websltes, and social media
or In other ways,
The beneflts are demonstrated through regular evaluatlon of the servlces and Informal and
ad-hoc feedback from members, their familles, and members of the publlc. The purpose
does not lead to harm. The only prlvate benefit flowing from our purpose is related to
Min15ters, Mis5ionarles, Deaconesses, Irlsh Misslon workers and Lay Agents who recelve
benefits as a result of their holding office or employment.
However, this is Incidental and necessary In order to further our charltable purpose. There
are no other private beneflts. The beneflciarles of this purpose are members, thelr famllles,
other Indlvlduals that the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland Is In direct and Indlrect contact
with, the communlty in whlch pastoral servlces are provlded and other communltles
throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwlde whlch beneflt from our
engagement with, and support for, both Christian and other secular organisations, charities
and individual members of the public.
The Klrk Sesslon has had regard to the Charlty Commlssions Publlc beneflt requlrement
statutory guidance.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly
Freewlll Offering, the Property Fund and the Mission Fund together with Gift Aid receipts on
contributlons. There were 125 contributors during the year. (134 in previous year 2022)
donating a total of £122,207 {£109,596 in previous year 2022)

Presbyter
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COOKE CENTENARY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVd}
Additional income Is generated through various fund-raislng actlvitles, and from the
payment of licence fees by groups who meet in our premises.
Total Income of the congregation during the year was £237,709 compared to £175,489 in
the previous year 2022.
Total expendlture increased from £177,166 In 2022 to £210,318 In 2023.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements of
the congregation In accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accountin8
practice.
As the con8regatlon'5 total Income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected
under Section 64(3) of the Charlties Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to prepare a recelpts and
payment account and a statement of a55ets and liabilities.
The Trustees are responslble for keeping adequate accountin8 records that are sufflclent to
show and explain the congregation's transactions and disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at
any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the
congregatlon and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of
fraud and other irre8ularities.
Approved by the Klrk Sesslon at a meetlng on Ph October 2024 and 518ned on Its behalf by
f6T- N£Ji
Elalne MacNelll
Keith
Vage
2Ph October 2024
27th Oct
er
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