an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present thelr Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. REFERENCE AND ADMINisfRATIVE DETAILS First Donegore congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 30 Main Street Parkgate Ballyclare Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC104851) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Mrs Susan Fletcher Mr Ivor Fletcher Mrs Marlanne Howle Mrs Carolyn Mairs Mrjohn Mulholland Mr Chris Mcclenaghan Mrs Grace McCullaEh Mr John Mccullagh Mr Michael McKinstry Mr Alan Mcwhirter M rs Edith Nesbitt Mrsam Pollock Rev Stephen Simpson PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Mln13ter Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev Stephen Slmpson Mr John Mccullagh Mr Michael McKinstry INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Simon Hopper FCA Hopper & Co 6 Doagh Road Ballyclare BT39 98G
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) BANKERS Danske Bank Limited 18 The Square Ballyclare BT39 9BB SOLICITOR5 Boal Anderson 56 High Street Ballymena BT43 6UH STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT The Klrk Sesslon The charity trustees of the congregation are the member5 of its Kirk Session. Under the congregation's governlng document, The Code, the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and prornote 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 eongregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and sendice in the local community. The Kirk Sessions has delegated to its Con8regational 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 rnembers 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 exercisé equal votes at meetings. except that the Moderator, the rninisters in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting Vote, Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held bi-monthly and are normally held in-person. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting rnember and regular attendant at 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.
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) 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 con8re8ations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The congregation of First Donegore has been assigned to the Templepatrick Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists rnainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retlred from actlve duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation, The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its suprerne legislative, admlnistration and judicial authority, in deallng wlth all matters brought before It. The General Assembly Is normally constltuted durlng the flrst week in June for worship and to conduct its business, At the end of business, it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the actlve ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Klrk Session of each con8re8ation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congre8ation1s the advancement of religion. First Donegore is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church In Ireland. as a Reformed Church wlthin the wider body of Christ Is 8round•d in thè Scriptures and exlsts to love and honor God through faith 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. First Donegore exists to replicate the Scripture model of Church to be a people and place that shares Jesus Christ and shows grace.
an This aim, fuels 7 priority areas of Church life, work and witness l. The Worshlp of Flrst Donegore exists to enable people to 8lorify God by meetin8 Him as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Worship Services of differing type and content brin8 people of all ages to meet the Llving God. 2. The Prayer life of Flrst Donegore exists to create a variety of opportunitles for the members of our church family to en8age with God for our world, our district and our church, 3. The Pastoral Care of First Donegore exists to provide pastoral care for the whole person (spiritual, physical, mental and emotional). We wish to see this delivered through the work of The Minister, Asslstant Minister, Elders, Pastoral Care Group and its members. 4. The Mlnlstry of Flrst Donegore exists to extend the Kingdom of God by makin8 Chrlst known, and by equipping, enablin8 and encouraglng mernbers to live out the values of God's Kin8dom where they live, work, volunteer and worship 5. The Dlsclpleshlp of Flrst Donegore exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ, who make disciples of Jesus Christ. 6. The Evangellsm of Flrst Donegore exlsts to share the Gospel of Jesus and show His love with the prayer that people will come to and grow in a personal relationshlp with Him. 7. The Servlce of Flrst Donegore to the district beyond our gates Is expressed through pastoral care; prayer for district, businesses, schools and rural community; friendship - seasonal gifts from church, delivering Comrnunity events,. and meeting social needs of all ages AcfiviTIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregatlon rneets for worship in person every Sunday and visitors are welcorne to joln. In addltion, the congregation shares its services both via live stream and on demand via the congregation's YouTube channel, to support those unable to attend in person. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on several occasions durlng the year and all those who have been baptised and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are adrnitted to the Lord's Supper. The congregation holds regular bible study meetings as well as providing regular opportunities to meet for prayer. The congregation has a range of organisations, which minister to all ages including; Bible Class; Donegore Kids (Sunday School); Donegore Tots {Crèche); Indoor Bowling Club; Community Friendship Club; Community Drop-ln, Presbyterian Women; Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade.
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) In addition, the congregation has commenced some other activities on a less regular monthly or quarterly basis, aimed at developin8 fellowship within the congregation, such as Games & Craft evenings and in supporting Outreach to the wider community such as Youth Alive. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregation meets for worship every Sunday at 11am. As part of the weekly schedule of services organised across the year, the congregation dedicates specific services to highlight its support for mission, both home and overseas, and to the highlight the work of rnlssion partners such as Christian Aid and Kids4school. In addition, First Done8ore seeks to brin8 comfort to famllies who have been bereaved by holding special services of thanksgiving for loved ones, A bi-monthly Divine Healing Service, normally organised by the Congregation for the district and wider Templepatrick Presbytery, was Suspended during COVID however it is hoped to restart these seD/ices in the coming year. A Men and Ladies Bible Study forms an integral part of a weekly programrne of activities within the Church Buildings together with Prayer time on a Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening, These prayer times provide opportunitles for members to rneet to pray for the world, district, church and for indivlduals as requested. At 31 December 2023 there were 106 communicant members and 180 families connected with the congregations, The average weekly attendance at mornlng worship either in-person or viewing on-line is estlmated to be around 150. Pastoral care The con8re8ation through the minister, elders and pastoral care team provide support to members and others through personal visitation and prayer. Many church members also provide invaluable informal care and support, When members face particularly testing times, the level of pastoral care is increased further through hospital, nursing home or home visitation.
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) Mlssion and outreach First Donegore 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 denornination 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 horne and overseas, asslsts congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the runnin8 Costs of Union Theological College, the Church's tralnin8 college for minlstry 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, the Presbyterian Children's Society and during 2023 organised a coffee morning to support the work of the International Meeting Point. At a local level Flrst Donegore has continued during the year to develop Its mlsslonal partnerships with Klds4School, Chrlstian Ald and JAM Randalstown as well as supporting the charitable volunteering amon8St its members more 8enerally. During 2023 the congregation raised an incredible £16,600 to support Kids4School's housèbuilding activity in Tanzania by running a spectacular quilting event and by making a specific appeal for funds. The congregation declded to nomlnate collectlons taken at Hanrfest this year to support its various rn155ion and outreach activities, both at home and overseas In the past year, the congregation has used such funds to organise various community event5 both independently and in partnership with the local community association to celebrate events such the coronation of King Charles and the annual Christmas Tree Switch on and to support our senior citizens through a special dinner at Christrnas. The congregation also serves the local community through the activities undertaken by its various organisations and through the giftin8 of the use of its premises to organisations such as the Jon-jo Bright Foundation to support rehabilitatlon of people injured through serious accident,. to local families to support birthday and other celebrations and to the local community association and indoor bowlin8 league to facilitate regular meetings.
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery through its minister and one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The mlnister and one of its elders are nomlnated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast. Property Alongslde the normal routlne annual inspections of fire, electrical and mechanical equipment durlng the year the con8re8ation undertook some more si8nificant maintenance projects to repalr and enhance church bulldlngs, most notablyfurther work in refurbi5hin8 the church sanctuary, replacement windows in its halls, and necessary malntenance work wlthln Its grounds, The congregational commlttee, appointed to organize such works is currently undertaking a more strategic review of church building5 In light of current and expected future needs of the Congregation. Organlsatlons Church Property Is used actively throughout the week by it5 Qrganisations, with the majority of those attendin8 drawn from the local cornmunity and not directly from withln the congregation itself, Around 70 children attend Boys Brigade & Glrls Brigade on a regular basis and enjoy a full programme of events. The girls organised a range of aetivities during the year in support of badgework endSn8 the year with the return of its hlghly Successful Christrnas Craft Fair which had to be curtailed during Covid. Whilst the boys organised a full range of activities linked to the demands of its hls own badgework pro8ramme and has planned a carnp in early 2024. The congregation also seeks to engage with its young people in support the growth in their faith in Jesus Christ through Bible Class, Donegore Kids and Donegore Tots, which run alongside the church service each week. First Donegore established a new Youth Leaders Forum in recent years with the aim of coordinating and developin8 activities across all its Youth organisations. This Forum has established a new quarterly Youth Alive event aimed at young people in year 8 to 14 both from within existing organisations and beyond.
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Presbyterian Women ('PW') meet monthly on a Tuesday providing a forum for the women In the congregation to meet for fellowship and also to support of the wider missional aspects of our Church, donating £750 to such work during the year. The Community Friendship Club which creates an environment for the slightly older members of the church and local eommunity to come together in a relaxed soclal environment, reconvened its activities once again in the latter part of 2023, having had to cease them during Covid. The Bowllng Club provldes a soclal envlronment for those with speciflc sporting interests in the local community. The Bowling club competes regularly in a local league as well cup competitions. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciatlon of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organisations and other church activities. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providin8 benefit to its members and the general public by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancernent of religion. The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understanding in Christian bellefs 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 opportunlties for response to Bible teaching. In turn, thls framework leads to practical expressions of Christian bellef5 and standards in the local communlty such as through the care of those in need (including the sick, persons with disabilities and bereaved). Generally, the above benefits are delivered locally by congregations and their members or are facilitated through presbyteries or organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by use of central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known uslng noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the serrfices and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, theirfamilies, and members of the public.
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowlng from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits because of holding office or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their farnilies, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral sen4ices are provided and other cornrnunities throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our en8agement 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 Publlc benefit requirement statutory guidance. FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation'5 main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Offering. There were 125 families recorded as contributing durlng the year (128 in previous year, 2022) donating total of £75,801 (£78,580 in previous year, 2022). Total Income of the congregation during the year was £166,467 compared to £138,463 in the previous year, with donations benefittin8 from a significant fundraising initiative for others lrnost notably Kids4school) during the year. Total expendlture Increased to £182,850 in 2023 compared to £155,329 in 2022, with outgoings to others, most notably kids4school (as highlighted above), inflationary pressures on costs particularly energy costs, greater levels of activity, both at a congregational within the local community, and an increase in development and maintenance work on church property contributing to the rise in c05t5 during 2023. RESERVES POLICY The policy of the trustees is not to accumulate reserves but to use reserves in the promotlon of the Charitvs objects and maintain a balance on unrestricted funds that equates to at least six months. unrestricted payments £54,567 to cover unforeseen situations that may arise from tirne to time. Considering the maln rlsks facing the Charity the trustees consider the current level of resenrfe5 £459,410 and their use (as required) is above this target. The trustees continue to monitor their reserves levels on a periodic basis. 10
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) FUTURE PLANS With the con8re8ation now returned to norrnal levels of activity durin8 2023, costs have been impacted accordingly. The church committee have also been able to progress some of the maintenance and enhancement projects on church property which had to be deferred during the height of the pandemic. A wider review of church resources, both operatlng and capital, is currently being considered by the church session and committee to determine a potential way ahead in forthcorning year. srATEMENT OF TRusfEE 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 a consequence of the income of the congregation exceedlng £250,000 during the prior year thereby requiring the 2018 account5 to be prepared on an accruals basis, the trustees have decided to continue to prepare accounts on this basis subsequently. The Trustees are responsible for keeplng adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregatlon's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time it5 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 irregularities. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meetin8 on 23rd May 2024 and signed on its behalf by.. Narne: John Mcculla Name: Michael McKinstry Date: 23rd May 2024 Date: 23rd May 2024
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND StATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTY for the year ended 31 December 2023 Note Unrestrlcted Funds Restritted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Income from: Donations and legacies Cha ritable activities Other trading actlvities Investment Income Other 93,588 60,773 5,155 2,154 1,986 154,361 5,155 2,548 4,084 319 132,231 4,064 1,025 428 715 394 2,098 319 Total Income 96,399 70,068 IS6,467 138,463 Expendlture on: Raisln8 funds Charitable activities Other (544) (100,3911 (8,198) (5441 {544) (174,108) (146,587) (8,198) (8,198) (73,717) Total Expendlture (109,133) 173,717) (182,850) (155,3291 Net Income / (Expenditure) Transfers between funds {12,734) (3,6491 (16,383) (16,8861 116 (116} Net movement in funds Funds brought forward (12,618) 472,028 {3,765) 164,854 (16,383) (16,886) 645,221 662,087 8,339 Funds carried forward 16 459,410 161,089 8,339 628,838 645,221 13
an FIRST DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2023 Note 2023 2022 Flxed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets Total fixed assets 12 249,248 249,248 257,446 257,446 Current Assets Debtors Cash and cash equlvalents Total current assets 13 14 43,543 339,197 382,741 36,952 352,348 389,300 Credltors- amounts falllng due wlthln one year Accruals Total credltors 15 3,150 3,150 1,525 1,525 Net Current A$5ets 379,591 387,775 Total net Assets 628,839 645,221 Funds of the charlty Unrestrlrted funds General funds Total unrestrlcted funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 16 459,408 459,408 161,092 8,339 472,028 472,028 164,854 8.339 16 16 Total charlty funds 628,839 645,221 The flnancial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting bycharities., Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021- (Charlties SORP IFR5 1021). They have been approved by th Kir&eSsion on (enter datel and signed on its behalf b Joh Mccullagh Michael McKinstry 23, May 2024 23" May 2024 14