BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC104716)
BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINisfRATIVE DEfAILS Ballylinney congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Ballylinney Road Ballyclare Co. Antrim BT39 9PB Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC104716) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Ch3rityTrustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Rev Emerson McDowell Dr Michael McBrien Mr David Williamson Mr Walter Lambe M.B.E. Mr Fred Teeney Miss Margaret McNeill Miss Amanda McGhee Miss Libby Weatherup Mrs Dorothy Magee Dr Sam Kennedy Mr Wilson Dunlop Mr John Mann Mr Norman Smyth MrTony Hacking Mr Ashley Wasson Mr Martin Wi150n PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev Emerson McDowell Dr Michael McBrien MrTony Hacking
Pres BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Simon Hopper FCA Hopper & Co Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors 6 Doagh Road Ballyclare Co Antrim BT39 9BG BANKERS Danske Bank 18 The Square Ballyclare Co Antrim BT39 9BB SOLICITORS J.W. McNinch & Son 5 The Square Ballyclare Co Antrim BT39 9BB
BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IREiAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk 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 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 tts 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 Kirk Session has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregations. 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 Meetings of the Kirk session are held bimonthly. To be chosen for the office 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 office can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Ballylinney congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Carrickfergus Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it bythe General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.
Presb BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative. administration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is nomally constituted during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business, it 15 dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists fnainly of the attive ministers of each congregation. retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Ballylinney 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 Scriptures, and exists to love and honour God through faFth in His Son and by the power of His Spirit. and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregation's mission purpose is." We are a people aimingto be a dynamic church dedicated to building up disciples and presenting the love of Jesus Christ to our community and the wider world. Our vision is. by the grace of God, to be an inclusive, welcoming community of Christ's people of all ages, which: is increasingly characterised by love for God, and love and concern for others: is committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Bible; is relevant to people of this time and place. The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Wision as a family of God's people by being: A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionallytake the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturtty 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 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 teaches on key matters of Christian faith and practice.
BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (tonyd) ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed on several occasions duringthe 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 holds regular bible study meetings ar)d has a wide range of organisations including Glow {Sunday School) Christian Endeavour Crèche Ignite (Youth Sunday School) Youth Fellowship Women Together Friendship Group Boys, Brigade Girls, Brigade Small Groups Men's Football Coffee and chat Ministry Group Missionary Group Munchkins Catering Group ACHIEVEMENTSAND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11am. During the week the Prayer Meeting on Wednesday at 7.30pm provides an opportunity for member5 to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. As well as our regular serviS duringthe year we acknowledged God's gift of new life at 2 administrations of Sacrament of Baptism- in addition, we conducted 4 marriage service5 and gave thanks for faithful service and sought to comfort thDse who had been bereaved duringthe year. At 31 December 2022 there were 18 people admitted to the Lord's Table forthe first time bringingthe total of communicant members to 202, with 275 families connected with the congregation. The average week attendance at morning worship is 120. The average number of views online of our church services is between 300400, with often more than one person watching each viewing.
BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are visited on a regular basis bythe minister, elders or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitors. Mission and outreach The Church is located in 3 largely rural settin& it has an excellent Suite of building5 to facilitate outreach initiatives and a core of dedicated people seekingto serve Christ. It is comprised of families with a lifelong connettion with the church and new families that have joined over the years. There is a strong sense of community within the congregation. We enjoy a close connection with the local Primary School Thompson Primary in Ballyrobert {includes monthly participation in Assemblies and representation on the Board of Governors). We have an increasing presence in the Mill Road, Templepatrick Road and Hillhead Road (New Developments) regularly distributing invites to the various activities offered by the Church. The employment of a full-time youth worker allows us to continue to tske Scripture Union sessions in local primary schools and local secondary level schools. We have developed a close relationship with the Greater Ballyclare Youth For Christ- partneringthem with volunteers and financial support reaching out to young people in Ballyclare town who have no church connection. Three members volunteer with the Ballyclare Branch of the Nevrtownabbey Foodbank and four members volunteer with Newtownabbey Street Pastors. During 2022 the following local, national and international missionary projetts have been supported £4,000 £2,81JO £1,3(J) £3,800 £2.5CM) £1,320 £1,300 £2,300 £480 £411 £300 £500 £300 Greater Ballyclare Youth for Christ Scripture Union E3 Project Agape Europe Latin Link Mugari Family- Serving in Zimbabwe Eastern Europe For Christ Interserve Release International UCCF Compassion UK Tear Fund Mercy Ships Christians in Sport Hope 365 UCA £1,500
Presb t BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRuEEs ANNUAL REPORT (convd) The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund 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 congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church plantin& provides grant support forthe upkeep of church premises. assists with the running cost5 of Union Theological College, the Church's training college for ministry students, and financially supports congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission. outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also contributes to the denomination's annual World Development Appeal and any other special appeals. 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. General Assembly The minister and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Busldings. Belfast, in June. Property The Congregation continues to maintain the Church Sanctuary, Halls and Car Parks to a high standard. All statutory Health and Safety requirements are met including those necessary for the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council to issue an occasional Entertainment LInCe for the Church Halls. The latter facilitates Women Together Outreach events, BB & GB Displays. Organisations The following activities and organisations meet during the year as follows: Crèche During moming services, we offer friendly and pleasant Crihe facilities for children from birth to pre- school tn the church halls. This allows the children a Safe environment to play together while parents or carers are in church.
Pres BALLYUNNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Glow Glow is our Sunday School. Glow takes place every Sunday in the year except for our Children's Day in June and Back to School Sunday in September. Our kids are present in thurch for the first part of the Sunday morning service, and then leave for separate programmes for PI-P3 and P4-P7, with songs, stories, craft and discussion times. Two adult teachers are with each group at all times. Our teachers aim to make the Bible relevant and applicable to the lives and issues fad by our children. Christian Endeavour Christian Endeavour is an organisation which trains and equips young people to be tomorrov/s church leaders. It takes place on 2 Sundays per month for children in P5-P7. CE encourages commitment to Christ and the local church, the reading of the Bible and prayer, active involvement of children in the planning of and participation in meetings. and the development of gifts and talents for use in Christian service in the church and the world. Bo s, Bri ade We have a well developed BB and are continuing to grow every year. We run a fun and well rounded programme for all sections. covering all ages from 4 to 19. We meet on a Thursday evening in our Church halls throughout term time. Ballylinney BB is also pleased to offer opportunities for Company Section boys to complete the Queen's Award qualifications. Girls, Bri ade Our Girls, Brigade Company meets every Monday night in Ballylinney from September to March. We are a strong and growing Company with over 40 years of experience. GB is a fun and interartive environment where the girls can leam about Christianity through a programme of scripture. craft, PE. dance, choir. bakin& games and much more. Ballylinney GB is also pleased to offer opportunities for Company Section girls to complete both the Duke of Edinburgh (Bronze, Sliver & Gold) and Queen's Award qualifications. Ignite is our Sunday morning Youth Programme, designed to challenge the thinking of our youth in Years 8 to 10 and enable them to explore the Bible with friends. We meet in the Youth Room during the second half of the church serdice for late breakfast, chat and bible study.
BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) Youth Fellowshi Youth Fellowship meets weekly on Sunday evenings at 7pm at Ballylinney and our programme is different each week as we look at the bible and many different topics. Our focus is to learn more about Jesus, how He impacted many lives and how we, through Him, can have our lives changed and also impact the lives of others. Women To ether Meets on the second Wednesday night of each month from Septto April at 8pm to enjoy community, conversation and commission. Attendee5 include women from all walks of lrfe and ages enjoying our varied programme of speakers and demonstrations. Small Grou Small groups commence each September and meet on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month. Our 5 groups consist of church members meetingfor fellowship, Bible study and prayer. Groups offer seniice to others either within our church or in our community. Friendshi Club The Friendship Club is a gathering of all interested within the church family and others. It 15 open to all, not just the over 6(Ys or those attached to the church. We meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 2pm from Octoberto June in the church halls, finishing around 4pm. The programme is varied; we have Christian guest speakers from all walks of life, craft afternoons, games and other activities, followed by a cup of tea and eats. We finish the yearfs programme with a coach outing in the spring. io
BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVd} Minist Grou The Ministry Group in Ballylinney has 3 number of roles: To arrange meetings for the Friendship Club. To keep in touch with our senior members including sending birthday and anniversary cards. The distribution of harvest flowers and vegetables. Organisation of the Ministry Group Annual Sunday Serdice. Missiona Grou We meet regularly to assign financial support to the various missionary projects our church supports and to plan events and services to raise awareness of mission in the congregation. Munchkins Each Friday 10am - 11.15am we run a baby and toddler group for local p3rents/grandparents/ childminders. This has proved very popular with the majority of those who attend having no other connection with the congregation. Caterin Grou The Catering Group's role in the church is primarily to cater for any functions held. Additionally, the group caters for outside gatherings, e.g. funerals etc. the remuneration for which is used in charitable donations and to contribute to the fabric of the church. Coffee and Chat Meets on the second Monday of each month at 8pm in the church halls for a time of fellowship forthe younger women in our congregation. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping w¥th organisations and other church activities. li
BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conYd} PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and the general public by making known the Chrwstian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion. The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of the Churth include the gaining 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 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}. 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 advertisement, websites. and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the sepdices and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families. and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefrt flowing from our purpose is related to Ministers, Mi5STonaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefrts as a result of their holding office or employment. However. this is incidental and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their families, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral seriices are provided and other communities throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland. and worldwide which benefit from our engagement with and support for both Christian and other secular organisations. charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance. 12
Pres BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 198 contributors during the year (193 in previous year, 2021) donating a total of £119,098 {£109,603 in previous year, 2021) Total Income of the congregation during the year was £218,743, compared to £185.865 in the previous year. Total expenditure increased from £166.328 to £199,271. RESERVES POLICY The policy Df the trustees is not to accumulate reserves but to use reserves in the promotion of the Charitrfs objects, and maintain a balance on unrestricted funds that equates to at least six month unrestricted payments, approx £70k to cover unforeseen sttuations that may arise from time to time. In light of the main risks facing the Charity the trustees consider the current level of reserve5 £119,737 and their use (as required) is sufficiently above this target. The trustees continue to monitor their reserves levels on a periodic basis. FUTURE PLANS In March 2020 the church took steps (in line with government advice) to help contain the outbreak of COVID-19. This included the temporary suspension of all physical Eatherings and the church has had to curtail, or change, how it operates: the church has been able to continue some of its activities using online media. The trustees are monitoring income and expenditure and, if it becomes necessary, will take measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the church's free reserves. 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 accounting practice. As the congregation's total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 6413) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland} 208 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabilities. 13
Pres BALLYLINNEY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conYd) The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. 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 irregulaTities. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 8 June 2022 and signed on its behalf by Moderator Clerk 12/6/2023 121612023 14