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2022-12-31-annual-report

Cairncastle Presbyterian Church

CHARITY NUMBER 104873

Trustees’ Annual Report

for the year ending

31st December 2022

Cairncastle Presbyterian Church 1
AIM AND PURPOSE 2
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES 2
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE 3
Worship and prayer 3
Pastoral care 3
Mission and Evangelism 3
Cooperation with others 4
FINANCIAL REVIEW 4
Property 5
Reserves Policy 5
Going concern 5
Risk Review 5
VOLUNTEERS 5
STRUCTURE, GOVERNMENT AND MANAGEMENT 6
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 7
CHARITY TRUSTEES 7
RESPONSIBILITY OF CHARITY TRUSTEES 8

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AIM AND PURPOSE

History records how a community and society can benefit when people share belief in a Creator and respect for His laws. Equality and diversity, justice and care of the environment, all flourish on such a foundation. Modern research also indicates people who attend church regularly are generally happier, better citizens and less likely to self-harm!

Such affirmation gives the charity confidence in its delight in the realistic yet uplifting Biblical message of redemption from all sorts of bondage, healing of the hurts and brokenness of life and hope that triumphs over despair through God's grace and love in Jesus Christ.

The charity is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland who worship God and work for Him amidst the beauty of His creation in the rural setting of Cairncastle. Its purpose is the advancement of the Christian religion for the benefit of the community it serves.

The charity aims to achieve this purpose through motivating its members and providing opportunities through setting appropriate objectives and providing appropriate activities.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees note that the charity has given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance on the advancement of the religion.

The charity fulfils its objectives by providing benefit to its members and the general public by enabling ordinary people to live out their Christian faith as part of our local community through:

The charity undertakes numerous activities to further its purposes. Information regarding these is publicly displayed on the church premises, on the church website and on Facebook and when appropriate in the local Community Hall All, of appropriate age and gender, are welcome to access any of these, without regard to whether they are part of our congregation. Further information is provided on the next page under the heading Mission and Evangelism.

To facilitate this work it is important that the Trustees maintain the fabric of the Church and halls on the Drumnagreagh Road.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Worship and prayer

The Trustees offer a range of services during the week and over the course of the year that we hope our participants find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling.

We are grateful that the CoVid pandemic is now behind us and that the life of the worshipping community has returned to normal. This coming together of the congregation on Sunday mornings at 11am for worship is important, for worship nurtures and expresses faith through praise and prayer, scripture and sermon, music and sacrament. In this way people learn about the Gospel, develop their knowledge of and trust in God whom we worship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and those attending are encouraged to live out their faith in the local community. During Sunday Worship, our Sunday School and Bible Class meet on a twice monthly basis for the Christian education of our young people.

As well as our regular services, we support our community in celebrating and thanking God at the milestones of the journey of life. Through Christian baptism we thank God for the gift of new life, in Christian marriage we unite a man and a woman in holy matrimony as they exchange their vows in public and seek God's blessing on their union, and through funeral services, we share with family and friends in their grief, bringing comfort and thanksgiving for the life which is now complete in this world and commend the person into God's keeping.

With 190 families (205 in 2021) and 380 (410) persons on the Church Roll, the average attendance at Sunday worship was 70 (55). Though 0 (0) new members joined through profession of faith, others joining through transfer means the Communicants' Roll now stands at 130 (125). There were 18 (30) young people enrolled in our Sunday School and Bible Class.

The sacrament of Holy Communion was celebrated 5 (3) times during the year; 68 attended at least once, with an average attendance of 40 (43). The sacrament of Holy Baptism was celebrated on 3 (2) occasions. In addition, 1 (1) weddings and 2 (7) funerals were conducted.

Pastoral care

Some of the congregation were unable to attend church due to sickness or age and were visited on a regular basis by the minister, elders, whether at home or in care homes or in hospital.

Provision is made for disabled access to church and halls for any wheelchairs users.

The congregation also complies with the General Assembly's Taking Care child protection policy to ensure a safe environment for children, young people and leaders.

Mission and Evangelism

Sharing the Christian faith and helping those in need are an important demonstration of the charity's Christian faith.

Our Sunday services and the minister's weekly devotional talks are broadcast on Social Media and enable the charity to maintain its witness to a larger audience. This has been

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appreciated by many both near and far, especially those unable to attend in person through age and infirmity.

During the year the minister ran a video based discussional Bible Study, which was appreciated by those attending.

The charity facilitates a number of organisations that provide an opportunity for interaction between the congregation and the local community:

The Saturday Youth Club failed to resume after the Covid outbreak, however, it is hoped that the Youth Club will resume in the following year.

In addition, the charity supports financially the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's United Appeal, World Development Appeal, Sunday School Project and the Moderator's Appeal.

The charity also supports the work of Christian Aid, the Larne Foodbank, The Salvation Army Christmas gift appeal, the Christmas Shoebox appeal and other charities listed in the accounts.

Cooperation with others

The charity enjoys good relationships with its Christian neighbours and cooperates with them whenever possible, particularly during the Easter celebrations. Our minister is cochair of the management committee of the Dixon Hall in Drains Bay, currently the venue of the local Sea Cadets and of summer activities for young people. He and three members are are on the Board of Governors of Cairncastle Primary School.

The church hall facilitates the community's annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

The Ulster-Scots Society holds its annual Gospel Concert in the church hall.

The charity also participates in community activities run by the Mid and East Antrim Council.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The charity is funded principally through voluntary donations, bequests and gifts from the congregation. The Trustees note the continuing generosity of those who supported financially the work of the congregation.

The day to day running of the congregation was financed through its General Fund mainly through its 149 (151) recorded contributors. The total income of the General Fund saw a small increase to £68,908 (£62,185), including Gift Aid of £10,147. However, expenditure also increased to £76,496 (£73,769) giving a deficit of £11,638 (£11,584). The main

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reason for the continuing deficit despite a modest increase in giving is the continuing increase in costs makes it difficult for the income to overtake the deficit in the short term.

The Total Income of all funds of the Congregation, was £82,777 (£82,309). Total expenditure was £95,178 (£87,099).

Included in these figures is the giving of £10,183 (£19,272) to Missions and Charities as listed in the accounts.

Property

The congregation maintains the church and halls at 4 Drumnagreagh Road, Cairncastle, Larne, Co. Antrim, BT40 2RN, with an insured value of £2,434,044, and owns a manse at 5 Cairnhill Crescent, Ballygally, Larne, Co Antrim, BY40 2QT, with an insured value of £304,645.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least 12 month's normal expenditure from unrestricted funds, currently in the region of £76,000. At the year end unrestricted reserves were £98,000 which represents an adequate level of reserves. The Trustees, however, consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level conscious that the funding of its present activities is dependent on the ongoing financial support of members.

Going concern

The activities of the congregation are dependent on ongoing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these financial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year ahead, subject to the continuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation's current activities and other financial commitments.

Risk Review

A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The Trustees are concerned at the long term implications of the continuing deficit in the General Fund. The Trustees endeavour to mitigate these risks by regularly monitoring the activities and finances of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members in their regular giving and voluntary support.

VOLUNTEERS

The Trustees thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church a lively and vibrant community. In particular we thank our finance team who have helped us all to understand the church's finances and their financial obligations, and all the other members whose valuable contribution enables the church and its activities to keep running.

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNMENT AND MANAGEMENT

The charity, namely, Cairncastle Presbyterian Church, is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, which is part of the worldwide Christian Church. The PCI is Trinitarian in its theology, Reformed in its doctrine and Presbyterian in its government. Its governing document is "The Constitution and Government of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland," otherwise known as "The Code." (available at www.presbyterianireland.org/Resources/ Categories/General-Assembly.aspx).

The congregation is answerable to the General Assembly through the Carrickfergus Presbytery and participates in both church courts through its minister and representative elder.

The congregation has two bodies that are responsible for managing the congregation, alongside our minister, and are elected by the congregation in accordance with The Code, Section XII:

The Trustees met 12 times during the year with an average attendance of 9. At their meetings, all aspects of the work of the congregation are discussed and reflected on and proposals made. The Trustees report to the congregation at an Annual General Meeting held in the spring.

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ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Charity Name: Cairncastle Presbyterian Church.

Charity Address: 4 Drumnagreagh Road, Cairncastle, Larne, Co. Antrim, BT40 2RN Charity Registration Number: NIC104873

Charity Contact: Mr Robert Stewart.

Social media: http://cairncastlepresbyterian.org @cairncastlepresbyterian.church

Bank: DANSKE BANK

Independent Examiner: MBS Chartered Accountants, 3 High Street, Larne, BT40 1JN

CHARITY TRUSTEES

The Kirk Session

Those who served during the year or who were trustees at 31st December 2022:

Rev Andrew Watson Mr Cowper Lynas Mrs Jennifer Bindley Mrs Valerie Moore Mr Mark Gilbert Mr John Robinson Mr David Holden Mrs Helen Stewart Mr William Hunter Mr Robert Stewart Mrs Jean Hunter

Principal Officers

Minister Rev Andrew Watson Clerk of Session Mr Robert Stewart Committee Secretary Mrs Jennifer Bindley Treasurer Mr Mark Gilbert

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RESPONSIBILITY OF CHARITY TRUSTEES

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 64(3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to prepare a receipts and payments account and a statement of assets and liabilities and to have the accounts examined by an external examiner.

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 irregularities.

This Report and Financial Statement were approved by the Trustees at the meeting of the Kirk Session and signed on its behalf by:

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Rev Andrew Watson Mr Robert Stewart
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Clerk of Session. Minister Date of Meeting of Kirk Session:

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