TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financlal Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 including 3 Balance Sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMIN15fRATIVE DETAIIS Eglinton congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Ballysillan Road. Belfast 8T14 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104322} CHARTfY TRvsfEES The Charfty Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the dats of this report were David Cleland Douglas Crowe LOaIne Dalzell Yvonne Dunn Janet Kerr Elizabeth Moore Gary Moore Peter Moore Naomi Morrison Nicola Morrison James Mccalmont Rachael Newburn David Phillips Barbara Thompson Colin Thompson Amanda Willis Kathryn Wonnacott PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Colin Morrison Douglas Crowe Rosie Phillips INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Roy Eakin Presbytery Finance Committee Member 18 Fami Lodge Road Greenisland, BT38 8XH 16th February 2022 BANKERS Ulster Bank City Office (B) Branch PO Box 232 11-16 Donegall Square East Belfast BT15UB
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) The Klrk Session 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 Ire13nd, the Klrk 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 contrlbution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk Sessions has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation induding administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Klrksession are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Klrk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregatlons. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator. the ministers in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetlngs of the Kirk session are normally held in January. February. March. Mayfft June, September, October and November. To be chosen for the Offi of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the offlce can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two- thirds of the votes casL Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of govemance the corpordte oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superlntends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. Eglinton PSbYterlan Church has been assigned to the Presbytery of North Belfast of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregation5 assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Klrk Session of each congregation.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representlng in one body the whole Church and acting as Its supreme legislative, admlnistration and judlcial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted during the first week in June forworship and to conduct its business. At the end of business it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kit* Sesslon of each congregatlon. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitsble purpose of the congregation is the advancement of rellgion. Eglinton congregation of the Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ is grounded in the SCriptuS. and exists to love and honour God through faith In His Son and by the power of Hi5 Spirit. and to enable her members to play their part in fulfjlling God's mission to our world. The conqregation's misslon purposes are osAollows.' Recognising the mission heart of God who so loved the people of this world that he gave his onlyson to die on the Cross that oursin might beforgiven asfollowers of Christ and members of Eglinton Presbyterion Church, we commit ourselves afresh to the priority of mission in the Jocol community andfurther afield The congregation aims "to know Jesus andmake Him known" through Christ centred vibrant worshlp A commitmentto evangelism in the local community not least through sharing faith'at home, at work and at plal. Engaging wlth the local community as the opportunity arises Prloritlzlng time, finance and personnel in worship, discipleship, fellowship. and ministry so as to resource mlnistry properly Supportlng needs in the wlder church at home and overseas by receiving information, praying and giving as we are able As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, we believe 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 teache5 on key matters of Christian faith and prdctice
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd AcnvmESAND OBJEcfivES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to Join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is obsenfed on 8 occasions durlng the year and those who have been baptised and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lords Supper upon presenting themselves to Kirk Session following appropriate preparation. The congregation has regular (mainly fortnightlyl small group meetings for bible study and prayer and has a wide range of organisations comprlsing: Sunday School and Creche Eg Academy Boys Brigade Glr15 Brlgade Youth Fellowship Parent and Toddlers group Indoor Bowling Club Women's Mlnlstry events Men's Ministry events Senior Citlzens Club Men's Drop In ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation nornially meets for worship each Sunday at 11.00 am and occasionally at 7.IX) p.m. During the week Bible Study groups provTde an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and pray. As well as our regular services during the year we admitted O infants to the Sacrament of Baptism and conducted 4 marriage servIs. 5 persons were received into communicant membership. As at 31 Dember 2022 there were 146 communicant members and 175 families (L>nnected with Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are vlsited on a regular basis by the minister, elders or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitors. We seek to provide help and comfort at times of bereavement, including the church buildlng and the minister nonnally being available for funerals upon request. Members of the congregation who are in hospitsl are visited at least weekly, usually by the minister. Those in residential or nursing care are normally visited at least quarterly again usually by the minister. Mission and outreach As well as conducting its mission as listed under "activities and objeCtIve as above, the congregation normally:
holds a series of services or events in the week preceding Easter each year. for the spirStual encouragement and upbuilding of members and all who attend supports the work of the local Youth For Christ'drop in- centre is a signlficant contributor to the local foodbank jointly runs a Christians Against Poverty ICAPI centre wlth a neighbouring Presbyterian church In 2022 held. in conjunction with a local community group, erected a Christmas tree in the church ground5 and had a -li8htin8" ceremony attended by over 300 people of all ages from the community In 2022 organised and carried out a 5-day Christmas Tree Festival with all profits (voluntary donations) going to the aforementloned Youth for Christ centre Takes opportunities to regularly conduct assemblies in local schools were curtailed due to covid19 In the past year the congregation has contributed to outside mission and charitable work as follows: The Presbyterian Childrerfs Society The Royal British Legion World Development Appeal Moderators Appeal Student Bursary 607.00 188.00 1,755.00 2,425.00 687.00 The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission {£8.346.(Ki) which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Thisfund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denominational 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 congregation5 With the deployment of locally based staff, enables church plantlng. provides grant supportfor the upkeep of church premises, assist with the running costs of Unlon Theological College, the Church's training college for ministry students, and financially supports congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship. global misslon. outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also contributes to the denominations annual World Development Appeal, Sunday School project and other emergency appeals as they arise. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and one of the elders. This provides an Important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church.
Genernl Assembly The mlnister attended the annual meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildin85, Belfast in June 2022. Property Property repairs and maintenance were carried out as necessary. Repairswere also carried out to the Manse. where the minister and his family reside. Organlsatlons {N8 Allorganlsrtlons ore open to member5 oAthe communlty. Numbers attendlnq regularly are in brackets at the endojeach bulktpoint ') Sunday School (age 4-11) meets along wlth creche Ifor u. 4's) during morning service (15-20} 'Eg Academv for school years 8/9110 (meets during morning service) (41 Boys Brfgade- lage 5-18) meets on Monday arbd Wednesday night with Bible Class on Sunday morning and arranges camps at Easter (wlth GB) and in the summer and plans other outings on 3 regular basis through0 the year (70} Girls Brigade- (age >18) meets on Thursday night and arranges camps at Easter (with BB) and in the summer and plan5 Other outing5 on a regular basis throughout the year (150) Youth Fellowship- {age 11-18) meet5 on Sunday night and arranges a week-end away each year (20) Parent and Toddlers group- meets on Wednesday morning during the school terms and arrange5 occasional outin85 (20 chlldren115 adults) Indoor Bowling aub~ practices on Mondays, matches on Wednesdays (12) Women's Mlnlstry events- which during the year arranges outings, craft (and other hobby) afternoons {30) Senior Citizens Club- fortnightly programme on Tuesdays of speakers. outings and shopping trips (20) Men's Drop In- Meets weekly on Friday mornings, for pool, table tennls. darts, tea, coffee. food and chat. Occasional outings and meals out (18) Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by seNing on comtnittees and helping with organisations and other church artivities.
TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) PUBUCBENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requlrement by providing benefit to its members and the general public by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advanment of lIgIOn. The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understandlng in Christian beliefs a5 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 rnoral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expressions of Christian beliefs and standards in the local community such as through the care of those in need (including the sick. disabled and bereaved). Generalty the above benefits are deli9vered locally by COnggatIOnS 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 advertisement websltes, and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated throu8h regular evaluatlon of the services and infonnal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There a no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their families other individuals that the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland is in dlrect and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral services are provided and other communities throughout Northem Ireland. the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our engagement with and support for both Christlan and other secular organisations. charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commlssions public benefit requirement ststutory guidance.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The Trustees agreed that as the total income of the congregation in the financial year 2022 did not exceed £250,000 that the congregation, in accordan with the provisions in Section 6413) of the Charitie5 Act (Northern Ireland) 21X)8. prepa a Receipts and Payments Account and a Statement of Assets and Llabilities. The congregation's main source of income is memberg contributlons through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 174 contributors durlng the year (173 in previous year, 20211 donating a total of £86,5511£88 538 in prevlous year, 2021} Total Income of the congregation during the year was £2CK),OOQ. compared to £227.153 in the previous year. Total Expenditure for 2022 is £161,871 compared to £147,643 in 2021. RESPONSIBIUTIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANaAL STATEMENTS The Trustees are responslble for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance wlth applicable law and United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accounting Practi. The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the congregations and the financial activlties for that year. In pParing the financial statements the Trustees 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 will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose with 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 Practice"Accounting and Reporting by Charlties (l January 2015).. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUALREPORT For the year ended 31 Dernber 2021 GOING CONCERN The activities of the congregation are dependent on ongolng contributions from Its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregatlon has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these finanaal ststements to meet commltments which will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and subjectto the continuing SUPPOrtfrom members to fund on an ongoin8 basls the congregation's current activitles arml other finanaal commitments. RESERVES POUCY The Trustees have considered the level of unrestrfrted reserves that It is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It Is the policy of the Trustees where possible to hold at least 3 month's normal expenditure. At the year end unrestricted reserves were £12,645. RISK REVIEW A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principal risks are in relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expectation of ongoing financial support from member& These risks are mitlgated by the Trustees, and the Congregatlonal Committee. regularly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members In their regular giving. Approved by the Klrk Session at a meeting on 28 February 2023 and signed on Its behalf by 28 February 2023 Charity Commission Misslon Purpose