St. Andrews Presbyterian Church a congregation of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023
Reglstered wlth the Charlty Commlsslon for Northern Ireland N1104324

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31
December 2023 Including a Balance Sheet as at that date.
REFERENCE AND ADMINisfRATIVE DEfAILS
St. Andrew's congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Rosetta Road Belfast BT6 OFG
Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104324)
CHARITY TRusfEES
The Charlty Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this
report were
Rev. R.S. Aicken
Mr. K. Brown
Mr. A. Hunter
Mr. A. Kllpatrick
Mrs. E. Mccallum
Mr. J. Mccallum
Mrs. L. McGarrell
Mrs. S. McLearnon
Dr. R. Scott
PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS
Minister
Clerk of Sesslon
Treasurer
Rev. R.S. Aicken
Mrs. E. Mccallum
Mr. K. Brown
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Mrs. J. Sloan
BANKERS
Danske Bank
Forestslde Belfast
SOLICITORS
None

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd)
STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT
The Klrk Sesslon
The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Session. Under the
congregation's governing document, The Code, the book of the constitution and
government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and
promote the spiritual interest of the congregation and of persons not connected with any
congregation who are within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place In the
congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and
service in the local community. The Klrk Session has delegated to its Congregational
Committee the temporal affairs of the congre8ation including administering all funds and
property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Klrk Session are ex-officio
members of the Congregatlonal Committee.
The Klrk Sesslon consists of the ordained minlster and the ruling elders of the congregation,
All members are entitled to propose, speak and exerclse equal votes at meetings, except
that the Moderator, the minlster in artSve duty in the congregatlon, has no deliberative but
only a castlng vote.
Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held once a month, or as appropriate.
To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregatlon a person must be a voting
member and a regular attendant on Its ordlnances. The selection of those proposed to be
called to the office can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are
elected If they obtain two-thlrds of those who vote.
Presbytery
Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate overslght of a
congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual
and temporal affairs of the congregations asslgned to It by the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland. St Andrew's Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the
East 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 active duty and an elder appolnted by
the Kirk Session of each congregation.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conYd)
The General Assembty
The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the
whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, admlnlstration and judicial authority, in
dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted
during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business,
it 15 dissolved. The membershlp of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active
ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representstive elder appointed by
the Klrk Sesslon of each congregation.
DESCRivfioN AND PURPOSE
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ is
grounded in the Scriptures, and exists 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 fulfllling God's
mission to our world.
The congregatlon's mlsslon purpose is by the 8race of God, to help people of all ages
become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our vlslon is, by the grace of God, to be an
incluslve, welcoming communlty of Christ's people of all a8es, which:
Is increasingly characterlsed by love for God, and love and concern for others;
is committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Blble;
Ss relevant to people of this tlme and place.
The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vlsion as a family of God's people bv
belng:
A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by
livlng falthfully toward him and toward one another.
An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to engage
with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity In Christ.
An Outward looking Community: where we want the blessings of God that belong to us
in the gospel to become blessings for others beyond the bounds of our community.
As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland, we belleve that the Bible is the
supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along
with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches
on key matters of Christian faith and practice.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
AcfiviTIES AND OBJECTIVES
The con8re8ation normally meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to
join. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed approximately every six weeks, 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. We were able to share the sacrament together on
SIX occasions this year. The congregation holds re8ular bible study meetings and has a wide
range of organisations including
Sunday School (SMASH)
Bible Class
Pastoral Care Team
Knit & Natter
Badminton
Tuesday Men's Bible Study and Prayer
Tuesday Work Team
pw
Small group bible studies14, meeting Wednesday and Thursday)
Coffee & Cralc
Smash Club (Thursday)
Teens Hangout
Tots @ St Andrev/s
Come Dine With Us
Men'5 Ministry
Summer Walkin8 Group
Care and Share project
ACHIEVEMENTSAND PERFORMANCE
Worshlp and prayer
The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11.00am, for prayer on the
first Sunday of each month at 7.00pm, and for teaching at our Deeper sessions on the third
Sunday of the month at 7.00pm.
On Sunday mornlngs we have been studylng Genesls, Arts, Psalms and Mark, and durlng the
Christmas season we explored how Isaiah points us towards the promised Messiah.
Teams of volunteers ser4e coffee after the morning service each week, which is an
opportunity for people to catch up with each other. Donations go to the PCI Sunday School
project.
We normally have about 20 people attending our monthly prayer meetings, when we pray
for the work and needs of our congregation. We launched our winter session in September

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd)
wlth a special prayer and praise evening, when we had an overview of many of our church
activities and were able to pray for them.
Our Deeper series once a month on Sunday evenings, which encourages us to go deeper
into the Word, explored Tracing the Major Theme5 of Scripture, Am l a Christian, Who is the
Holy Spirit, God and Sufferin& and What Happens When l Die.
We held membership classes in March, and were delighted to welcome 6 new members into
our church family in April. Our Kirk Session are encouraged to see the Spirit at work,
drawing into membership a mix of people new to faith, and those who have been believers
for some time.
Session spent some tlme revlewlng our Vision Plan, and revising how It was operating in the
con8re8ation, and in May we combined our AGM with a Vision Night, when we presented
the revised Vision Plan to our members. Our focus is on worshipping God, and making and
growing disciples of Jesus. Members had an opportunlty to look back over the past year and
discuss the year ahead, and we finished the evening with coffee and cake.
At 31 December 2023 there were 111 communlcant members and 125 families connetted
with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worshSp was 90, wlth
others watchlng onllne.
Pastoral care
Members of the congregatlon, including those who are unable to attend church due to
sickness or age, are normally vlsSted on a re8ular basls by the mlnlster and asslstant
minister, the elders, or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitors. For those
housebound members without internet access, a distribution team contlnue to dellver
copy of the sermon each week, alon8 With Blble reading notes and a copy of the weekly
bulletin. In the run-up to Easter, our members were encouraged to take a copy of the book
"Is Easter Unbelievable by Rebecca McLaughlin, to read and then pass on to a frlend. We
also delivered copies of the book to homes in the Wynchurch area, wlth a flyer inviting
people to our Easter services. At Chrlstmas, the mlnlstry team and other volunteers vi51ted
those who are unable to attend re8ularly with a Christmas card and a gift from the church.
Our Food Ministry continues to provide meals for people facing particular challenges, for
example those who are ill, have suffered a bereavement. have had a new baby etc. The
Pastoral Care Team meets with the minister every week, to ensure pastoral needs are being
followed up. This year we set up and trained a new group of Pastoral Visitors who

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVd}
undertake to make regular visits to our housebound members. The Kirk Session watched
some videos on pastoral care, with helpful advlce on praying and preparation before the
visit, suggestions on using the Psalms, and listening more than speaking. The minister, along
with some of the elders. arranged home communion services for a number of our members
who can no longer get to church, and these were very much appreciated.
At Session meetings, our Kirk Session regularly pray through our congregational list, praying
for each of our members by name.
Tralnlng
We were delighted that Stephen Mccombe was accepted as a student for the minlstry at
Union Theological College. The congregation presented him with a gift, and our church will
make an annual grant towards books to help hlm In hls studies. Stephen enjoyed the
opportunltie5 to preach and take part in the service most weeks, whlch helped him
appreciate that all parts of the sep4ice are part of our worship, so we are aimin8 for
excellence In everything. We will miss his input to our church life. but he and Courtney will
continue to worship with us in the meantime, and we are thankful that we have been able
to Invest In Stephen. We look forward to seeing how God will use him through college, and
feel privileged to have been part of h55 journey,
Session appointed Dylan Conway as Ministry Apprentice, starting in September. Dylan 15
from Monaghan, and took up his new role of shadowing Robln whlle he contlnues wlth hls
studies, and generally gains experience in how church functions.
Andrew Frazer, our Assistant Minister, continues to support Robin by playing a full part in
leadlng servlces, preachin& vlslting, and helping develop our men's minlstry.
We encoura8e the congregatlon to develop their readin8 habit5, and make devotlonal books
available at Easter and Christmas. The elders have set aside some tlme In Sesslon meetings
for training- in some meetings we watched and discussed PCI Pastoral Life Videos to help
us be more aware of how to pastor people with mental health issues. At our monthly
congregational prayer meetings we have been using the "Five Things to Pray for...
series of
books, and occasionally have a guest along to tell us more about a partlcular project we are
praying for. Many of us read 'Pride- Identity and the Worship of Self by Matthew Roberts
and we had a useful Book Club discussion on this topical issue at the end of August.
Several of our congregation attended the annual East Belfast Presbytery MlssSon Service in
Stormont Presbyterian, on the theme of New Beginnings. Rev David Moore spoke on his
calling to set up a church plant in West Belfast, and Rev Richard Mcllhatton spoke about the
revitalisation project at Tullycarnet.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
Deiniol Williams, minister of Trlnity Church, Chester, led our annual Summer Bible
Conference In June, on the theme of the Gospel in Four Words. It was good to spend some
time with Delniol as we have been praying for him and his family, and following his progress
in Trinity. A book stsll was provided by the Covenanter Bookshop.
In October we had a morning conference hosted by Mel Lacey from Growing Young
Disciples, which focussed on how to raise Christian children in todavs world, and was aimed
primarily at parents, grandparents and leaders concerned about raising the next generation
for Jesus.
In November our Klrk Session attended a PCI conference 'Refresh: Renewing your CaSllng as
an Elderf in Assembly Buildin8s. It was an encouraging evening, with practical 5U88e5tions to
be refreshed In our calling- seeking to fall into step with God, looking for where he is at
work, and praying to him for fresh strength and encouragement. Most of us were able to
meet for dinner beforehand, and it was good to be able to spend time together over a meal.
Elders also attended a Northern Ireland Envisionin8 Conference in March, which highlighted
the need to equip and support our volunteers- we have included disclpleship and training
as priorities In our vlslon statement.
Mlsslon and outreach
Andrew has been developing a men's mlnlstry, including some discipleship get togethers to
discu55 themes around frlendshlp and relatlonshlps, and some 50clal gatherings including
axe throwin8 and bowlin8. Stephen got us all together for an excltlng SIX Natlons rugby
tournament when we watched the matches together and enjoyed plzza in the minor hall.
Our St Andre￿$ Nlght get together for our whole church family was an opportunity to have
some fun, and be entertained by several talented people in our con8re8ation, with poetry
readlngs, music and songs, and some sketches. Robin brought us a closlng message, and we
are Indebted to those who provided the sumptuous supperl
Our congregation regularly supports Tearfund, an evangelical Christian relief and
development charity, working with partners to tackle the causes and effetts of poverty,
brlnging Jesus Chrisys good news to the poor in over 100 countries around the world. As
part of our harvest gifts, shoeboxes were made up by members in support of Operatlon
Chrlstmas Chlld through Samaritans Purse Internatlonal. Our Christmas copper collettion
is donated to Tearfund, and we also support Chrlstian Ald.
We maintain our strong links with Cre8agh Prlmary School, and at Chrlstmas we delivered
gifts for every child in the school on behalf of our church. Robin is a representative on the
school's Board of Governors, and one of our members is the current Chair of the Board.
Cregagh Primary School held their senior school Carol Service in St Andrew's -our praise

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
band accompanied the singing, and our members hosted supper aftenvards. The school
Prlncipal and teachers are very appreciative of this strong Ilnk with our church.
We are involved in the Cregagh Community Assoclatlon, with two representatives
attending their meeting5. We help at the monthly community pensioners, lunche5 by
transporting people, serving, clearing up, and chatting to those who attend. St Andrew's
pralse band played carols outside lan's Bakery one Saturday mornin8 before Chrlstmas, and
on Christma5 Eve we sang carols to some of our older member5 at their homes.
The Exodus Belfast Centre has become well established in our premises, and we were
happy to have some of their Summer Teams hold coffee mornings on our premises as
fundraisers for their trips. We are pleased to be able to partner with Exodus In facilitatlng
preparatlon for Summer Teams meeting weekly from mld February until June, plus Saturdav
evening hangouts for young people, and it Is a bonus to have Exodus helping staff our Light
the Night event In Ottober. We also partnered with some of the Exodus teams to hold
Summer Pop-ups in our church grounds for Year 8 up, when we had activities In a fun and
inclusive environment, with drinks and snacks. Some good connections were made with the
young folk who came. St Andrew's were allocated another Exodu5 Team this year for a
week in July. The team stayed on our premises, and whlle they were here they did children's
work, visited some of our housebound folk, did outreach in the community, and practlcal
work around the church and neighbourhood.
In October we held Llght the Nlght, with numbers In the grounds limited to 500 through
online booklng. In addltlon to our own volunteers, we had a team from Exodus who helped
wlth stewarding. We distributed evangelical Ilterature to all the famllies who came, and the
children were able to enjoy the activities without too much queuin8. The fireworks were
spectacular as usuall This is an opportunity for familles to enjoy quality time together in a
safe and welcoming environment.
We continue to facllitate L'Arche Belfast in giving their core-members more opportunities
to socialise outside of their homes through cookery and art therapy. Dalsles and Buttercup5
{pre-school and after-school groups) meet throughout the year in the Courtney Hall, and
make occaslonal use of the main hall and our extensive grounds to run off steam. We were
also able to offer space to Mount Orlel Cllnlc to continue their flu vaccination and Covid
booster programme. Our facilities are the regular meeting place for Cregagh Cactus Club
and the Ulster Guldes Slnglng Clrcle. We are pleased that the Ralnbows, Brownles, Gulde5
and Ran8ers continue to have good numbers and excellent leadership, as they make use of
our halls on Friday evenings.we continue to partner with Trlnlty Chester, an International
Presbyterian Church project, and are supporting them financially and in prayer as they
establish this church plant, build on their connection with students. We appreciate the
reciprocal encouragement which enriches both congregations

TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
The congregatlon supports the Unlted Appeal for Mlsslon which is a central fund of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider
mlsslon of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denominational basls
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 8rant support for
the upkeep of church premises, a55iSts with the running costs of Union Theological College
(the Church's training colle8e for ministry students), and financially supports congregations
in the areas of worship, dlscipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care.
St Andrew's as a congregation maintains a strong interest in overseas mlsslon, and
contlnues to support a number of personnel and projects throughout Latln Amerlca, Afrlca,
Asla and the UK.
Overseas Mlsslon Support -2023
During the past year, our congregation has continued to financlally, prattically and
prayerfully support the work of a number of overseas workers. This work is overseen by the
Missionary Committee within the Church which seeks to keep members of the congregatlon
updated on our Mlsslonary Interests through the provision of quarterly prayer bulletins,
videos, guest speaker events and deslgnated prayer meetln85.
The Rlvero Famllyi Pucallpa, Peru
We were pleased to welcome the Rlvero famlly back to Nl for a perlod of home leave from
Aprll to August 2023 and to be able to provide accommodation for them in a property
adjacent to the Church. On theSr return to Peru, the Riveros took the declslon to step down
from their roles in the Orchard Children's Home wlth Klds Allve and to explore new
opportunities through Latin Link. Before finishing their assignment with Kid's Alive, they
facilltated trauma based training for the staff team in the home and ran a sports outreach
event for local children.
FONICTrust, Nepal
Throughout the year, FONIC Trust continued to support a number of Nepali families on
regular basls with direct financial support to enable them to have adequate shelter, clothes,
food and medlcation as well as paying the school fees of 5 children and providing financial
support to two children's homes in Kathmandu. FONIC, as the primary partner, also helped
establish a wheelchair repair centre in Kathmandu. The Project was able to dlstribute 100
reconditioned wheelchairs which they hope to continue to do on an annual basis. FONIC
provided the necessary financial support for two local men, both of whom are themselves
disabled, to undertake technical training In India.
io

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd)
FONIC also continued to offer financial supportto 25 rural Christian pastors most of whom
work in the far west of Nepal which is known for Éts extreme poverty, poor education and
healthcare. These pastors often have no other source of income.
FONIC continued to provide part funding to support medical trainlng of 11 young people
undertaking both medical and nursing training as well as to support 4 additional students
undertaking a Diploma in Pharmacy Pro8ramme. The Majority of these healthcare students
come from disadvantaged rural areas where they would not have been able to finance any
level of medical training through their own resources. It is encouraging to note that in the
main, they have returned to Serve withln thelr native communities.
One of the indlgenous workers continues to run eye and dentsl camps across several
regions of Nepal uslng his contacts In local hospitals and schools.
During November, Philip and Deborah Mcmillan were able to travel to Nepal to visit the
projects FONIC support5 and meet wlth staff on the ground.
We were pleased to be able to host our annual Christmas craft sale in aid of FONIC Trust in
December and to receive an up to date report from the Mcmillan's on their recent visit.
Dave and Helen Smlthers, SIM, Manchester
Dave and Helen live and work In Manchester where their minlstry Involves supportlng a
local Church plant a5 well as provlding a neighbourhood outreach to the Muslim communlty
where they Ilve. Dave provides sports coaching at a local inner clty school where many of
the children come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and experlence behavloural
Issues and low self-esteem. During the past year, Helen successfully completed a counselling
quallflcation and took up a post with Home Start provlding practical and emotional support
to families in need.
Ruth McKee, Arequlpa. Peru
Ruth who is a quallfied physiotheraplst works in the Shalom Centre In Arequipa which offers
a range of therapeutic and educational support to dlsabled children and young people as
well as outreach to thelr famllles. Ruth also runs a physio group at her local church. The
Shalom Centre celebrated its twentieth anniversary this year whlch was marked by a
celebratory event for the students and their families. The Centre also ran a camp in July for
the student5, their parents and siblings wlth 54 people in attendance. Ruth is due to return
to Nl for a period of home leave in January 2024.
Gary and Mary Reld, Kenya
The Reids continue to minister to the the Maasai people in the Olkinyei area of Kenya as
Project Co-ordinators with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. Gary 15 involved dlrectly in
11

TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
ministry and teaching at two local Churches as well as providing support to pastors,
evangelists and worship leaders. Durlng the year, Gary has also been involved in providing
computer lessons to members of local churches which wlll hopefully equip them to be more
self-sufficient in developing resources for use in worship. The Mission also supports the
provision of clean water through the installation of rainwater catchment tanks and the
digging of trenches. It has helped build and furnish a nursery classroom in the hills of Siana
which can accommodate 25 children as well as install a playground at Isintin Primary School.
Work to develop a further nursery site at Empiris is also undenvay. The Reid5 hosted a visit
from the Moderator of the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland and his wlfe in the latter part of
the year which was a source of great encouragement both to them and to the Maasai
people they met In the local churches. The Reids are on a period of home leave In the flrst
quarter of 2024.
Presbytery
The congregation was represented at the regular meetlngs of Presbytery by our minister
and one of the elders. This provldes an Important link between the congregation and the
wider structures of the church.
General Assembly
The mlnlster and one of our elders were nomlnated to attend the meetlng of the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly 8uildin85, Belfast, in June.
Property
The Committee met on four occaslons durln8 2023 as well as once on an ad-hoc basis to
address urgent items of business.
A signiflcant programme of work was undertaken during the year both to maintain and
refurbish our premises as well as to ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety
regulations.
While It has been very encouraging to see the increasing number of babies and toddlers
within our congregation, it has been challen8in8 to flnd a suitable venue within our 5Ulte of
buildings to host the crèche on Sunday mornings. A room formally used by Session was
Identified as the most appropriate location and this was cleared of existing furnlture,
redecorated and appropriate safety measures such as radiator grills installed. The provision
of portable and stackable tables and chalrs has rendered thls room multl-purpose allowlng It
to be used by a number of groups such as the Tuesday Men's Group and L'Arche.
Wall mounted floodlights were installed on the patio area at the front of the church offering
permanent lighting for outside events such as Light the Night. This solution is less hazardous
than the towers and cables previously used to better illuminate this area. Internal and
external tamper proof sockets were also installed at the basement door.
A number of identified faults in relation to electrics within the white buildings and Main Hall
were resolved enabling us to obtain the necessary ￿rtificate of compliance.
12

TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd)
Further electrical work will be required to be undertaken within the Courtney Hall to render
it safer and more efficient.
Some repainting of the white buildings was undertaken during the summer months. This
greatly improved the outward appearance of the Bannagh Corner side of the building. There
are plans to repaint the carpark side of the church in the Spring,
The windows, emergency and exit doors on the Bannagh Corner side of the church along
with the doors to the crypt and patio areas have also been replaced. The replacement of the
doors will render us compliant with health and safety requirements. Additional emergency
lighting has been installed around the exit points of the church buildings and existing lights
replaced with LED lights.
An upgrade to our flre alarm system was also undertaken. New hardware was Installed wlth
Control Zone options and an accompanying maintenance plan. First responders have been
identified and trained.
We replaced the offlce photocopler durlng the year.
In line with a direttive issued by the General Assembly in relation to identification of use of
reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, the Committee has engaged the services of an
independent expert to inspect our premises to identify if our buildings contain RAAC.
As a result of the standing down of the East Belfast Presbytery as the holdin8 Trustee for our
property deeds, the Committee proposed the transfer of our deeds to the General Assembly
Holdlng Trust Company. Thls declsion was ratifled at a congregatlonal meetlng In October
2023.
Members of Committee partlclpated In a sub-group established by Session to conslder the
future use of our buildin8s in line with our Five Year Plan and tenure status. The
recommendatlons made remaln under conslderatlon.
Organlsatlons
SMASH, our Sunday School, runs on Sunday mornlngs alongside our church service for all
chlldren of prlmary school age. It Is open for both children whose parents are attending the
church servlce, and those who want to come independently. There are 12 children on the
register, with an average attendance of 6 each week. We join in for the be8innin8 of the
church service, and after a children's address leave to follow our own programme. Last year
we began a new curriculum which will take us through the Bible over three years. Towards
the end of last year, an exciting addition was made as we invited the creche children to joln
U5 for a short time at the beginning of our lesson, when we have been learning new songs,
and having a simple recap of stories. We look forward to welcoming them to join us fully in
20241
Our Blble Class which caters for post-primary young people, ran every Sunday before the
church service with 5 young people in total, and an average attendance of 2 each week.
After consultation, we have decided to change our meeting time to Sunday evenings, and
hope to see an increase in numbers which will help build our young people together as a
group in 2024.
13

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd)
Our Thursday Smash Club runs on Thursday evenings from 6.15 to 7pm for all children of
primary school age. This has a games based format, with a variety of games and crafts. The
evening finishes with a Bible story and memory verse. This year we have been looking at
words describing God, and have worked our way through to R so far! The children are
amazingly creative at coming UP with great descriptive words, and the idea is that the
following week they hear a Bible passage which illustrates this description. There are 25
children registered, with an average attendance of 16 each week. We are dellghted to have
so many children there on a Thursday evenin& and very glad to have Thomas and Anna who
have stayed on to help with games and the younger members.
Together with Sunday Smash and the creche we enjoyed two events in 2023. In June we
went on a trip to the zoo, which was a fun trip out and enjoyed by all. In December we
organised a Christmas party, attended by around 40 children, as we invited Sunday Smash,
Thursday Smash Club, Bible Classneens members, and also the creche children. The
morning was dlvlded for games and crafts, as it covered such a wide age range, but all came
together for our party lunch and visit from Santa. It was great to see so many get together
for this event.
In September we launched a new Initiative on Thursday evenings for Teens from Year 8 to
th
Upper 6 , as a follow-on from the Thursday Smash Club, and are looklng forward to this
becomlng established In the future as a means of making and growlng dlsciples among our
young people.
Our Knlt and Natter 8roup meets on Monday evenlngs. There are usually about 15 people
of all ages knitting and natterln& pausing for tea and a short devotlonal tlme led by various
members. The members are very supportive of the Care and Share project, and have
knitted countless baby cardigans, children's jumpers, and blankets which have been added
to the groceries and tolletries donated by members of the congregatlon to the Care and
Share trolley every week. They also make up glft basket5 ft)r new bables.
The Tuesday Work Team has reached out to about a dozen men who meet for an hour of
Bible study and prayer on Tuesdays before the core work team does malntenance work
around the church property. They make the most of the skills and abilltles of members to
keep our premises in good order, identifying problems and arranging appropriate
tradespeople to deal with them where necessary. They are a point of contatt for others
who are using the propertyi or who require access.
Coffee and Cralc meets once a fortnight on a Wednesday for an hour and a half, and
provides a warm welcoming space for people to come and chat. We have found people are
glad of an opportunity to come and discuss issues worrying them, and we try as a church to
14

TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (cony)
support in whatever way we can. We provide very simple refreshments of wheaten bread.
cheese, scones, toast, and occasional baked treats. We feel our time is best spent chatting
with everyone as people open up more with a cuppa in their hand. In the summer time we
went for several morning outings to Coleman's Garden Centre at Templepatrick. These
were very popular as everyone enjoyed a morning browsing around the shops and having
refreshments. Cregagh Primary School choir came at Christmas time to sing to us, and this
has become an annual event that we all look forward to.
Tots @ St Andrev/s continued to meet on Friday mornings, wlth an average of 40 children
and 25-30 adults each week. Feedback has been that we are very friendly, with a great
selection of toys, and some mums have been really appreclatlve that it15 free, especially In
the current economSc cllmate. Unfortunately due to chan8es in leadership, we were unable
to open again after Easter.
Our Summer Walklng Group enjoyed Thursday evening walks at Stormont, Marlno and
Purdysburn. We explored Belfast across some of the brldges, enjoyed the twirlin8 trees in
Coronation Gardens at Hazelbank, and had a tour of L'Arche Village in the Castlereagh Hills,
which gave us a further insight into the valuable work they are doing among vulnerable
adults. This is another opportunity to invite frlends to joln with us for a walk and a chat over
supper afterwards in the minor hall.
PW started the year with an evening in the company of the wives of the mlnlsterial team -
Janice, Jenny and Courtney- who chatted about their Chrlstlan journey. We heard about
the work of Nl Pr150n Fellow5hipi who were celebrating 40 years of offering hope and a new
beginnln8 to prisoners and their famllles. Caroline Yeomans spoke to us about her
challenging role In PCI as Head of Special Services. developing services for people with
Intellectual disability, and those suffering from trauma and addlttion. Her department alms
to help people feel valued and that they matter to God. In April we had a dinner of
Shepherd's Pie and Lemon Drizzle Cake, with proceeds going to our PW projects. Our
October meeting was just ourselves sharing favourite songs and Bible passages (followed by
puddin81), and It was inspiring to hear other people's personal experiences on their Chrisian
Journey. Stephen Knox spoke at our last meeting of the year about his work with Youth for
Christ in Moldova, where two buslnessmen from Northern Ireland have establlshed a
residentlal home in the capital for youn8 women at rlsk of being trafflcked. In addltlon to
supporting the PW Mission Projects, we were also able to make donations to the Nl Prison
Fellowshipfft Youth for Christ Moldova, and Exodus, to help with their work. The PW
Committee attended the PW Forum in February which encouraged them in their leadershlp
roles, and they were able to pick up some useful ideas shared by other PW groups. As
always, Jackie provided superb suppers to round off our meetings, which create such an
important opportunlty for people to stay and chat with one another
15

TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (conv)
Come Dlne Wlth Us has been going since 2012, at the very affordable subscription of £5 per
person. Because of other commitments we were only able to host one event this year. The
menu was homely comfort food- roast beef followed by apple tart and ice cream. This
creates an opportunity for members to socialise together, develop friendships, and invite
friends who may have little church connection. Most people stayed to chat over tea and
coffee (and goodlesl) afterwards, and seemed to really enjoy the evenlng. We catered for
40 people and just about broke even. We have reluctantly decided that we will have to
suggest an increased donation of £7.50 per person, and plan to have more regular dinners
next year.
Voluntsers
The Trustees wlsh to acknowledge thelr deep appreciation of those who glve freely of thelr
tlme by serving on committees and helplng with organlsations and other church attivltles,
We believe that the key to a healthy church is more than activities, programmes or events-
though these have their place- the key is the gospel, and we aim to support all our
volunteers in keeping the gospel at the front and centre of everything we do as a church.
16

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
PUBUC BENEFIT STATEMENT
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing
benefit to its members and the general public by maklng known the Christlan Gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion.
The dlrect benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gainlng of an
understanding in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and in the Church's subordinate
standards (the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms)
leading to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible
teachlng. In turn, this framework leads to practical expressions of Chrlstlan beliefs and
Standards In the local community such as through the care of those in need {Includlng the
slck, disabled and bereaved).
Generally the above benefits are delivered locally by congregations and their members, or
are facilitated through presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery
is facilitated by central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known through
the use of noticeboards, printed material, press advertlsement, websltes, and social media
or in other ways.
The beneflts are demonstrated through regular evaluatlon of the seryices and Informal and
ad-hoc feedback from members, thelr families, and members of the publlc.
The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose Is
related to Mlnlsters, Mlsslonarles, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who
receive beneflts as a result of their holdlng offlce or employment. However, this 55 Incldental
and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private
benefits. The beneficiarles of thls purpose are members, their families, other individuals
that the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland Is In direct and indirect contact with, the community
in which pastoral servlces are provided and other communltles throughout Northern
Ireland, the Republlc of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our engagement with
and support for both Christian and other secular or8anisations, charitles and individual
members of the public.
The Kirk Sesslon has had regard to the Charity Commissions public benefit requirement
statutory guidance.
17

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The congregation's main source of income is member< contributions through the Weekly
Freewill Offering. There were 84 contributors during the year, {85 in the previous year,
2022) donating a total of £104,422 (£ 96,727 in previous year, 2022)
Total Income of the congregation during the year was £189,748 compared to £170,497 in
the previous year.
Total expenditure Increased to £ 249.880 from £212,559, this included £43,148 on property
repairs and maintenance.
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements
in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accountin8
Practice.
The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each flnanclal year which give
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the congregatlons and the flnanclal actlvltles for
that year. In preparing the financial statement5 the Tru5tee5 are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
make Judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the Funds wlll continue in operatlon.
The Trustees are responslble for keeplng adequate accountlng records that are sufficient to
show and explain the funds transactlons and dlsclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time
the financial position of the congregations and enable them to ensure that the financial
statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practlce "Accountlng and
Reporting by Charities (l January 20151". They are also responsSble for safeguarding the
assets of the congregation and hence for taklng reasonable steps for the preventlon and
detection of fraud and other Irregularitles.
18

St. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A Congregatlon of The Presbyterlan Church in Ireland
For the ￿ar ended 31 December 2023
GOING CONCERN
The activitles of the congregation are dependent on ongoing contribution5 from Its
members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation has sufficient resources at
the date of approval of these flnancial statements to meet commitments whlch will arlse in
the year from the date of slgnin8 this report and Subject to the continuing support from
members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregatlon's current activities and other
financial commitments.
RESERVES POUCY
The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold
takin8 account of current and ongoin8 commltments. It Is the policy of the Trustees to hold
at least 4 month's normal expenditure. At the year-end unrestricted reserves were £73,172
whlch represents a hlgher level of reserves. The Trustees, however, conslder it prudent to
hold reserves at this level as the funding of Its present activities is dependent on the
ongolng financial support of members.
RISK REVIEW
A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures
implemented to manage Identlfled risks. The principal risks are In relation to the likelihood
of reputational damage and financlal risks associated with the expectation of ongoing
flnancial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustee5, and the
congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at
stated meetin85 and by encouraging members in thelr regular giving
Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 27th February 2024
and signed on Its behalf by
Rev. R.S. Aicken
Mr. K. Brown
27th February 2024
27th February 2024
19