WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 Registered wlth the Charity Commi55ion for Northem Ireland NIC104899
an WHITEHEAD PRESBYfERIAN CONGREGATION OF THE PREsBERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements forthe year ended 31 December 2021 and a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DAls Whitehead congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 8 Kings Road. Whitehead, BT38 9PU. Registered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC104899) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were: Rev I Carton Mr A Grier Mrs R Bennett Mr5 W Grier Mrs C Cubitt Mr M J Crooks Dr G Farquhar Mrj Glenn MrDGHall Mr W Heggan Mr5 L Macdonald Mr C A Mccracken Mrs G McNeill Mr R Warburton MrA H Graham Mrs H Graham Mrs L Greenwood Mr T Greenwood Mr D Watson PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev I Carton (part yearl Mrs H Graham AH Graham INDEPENDENT &YAMINER Falconer Stewart BANKERS Danske Bank. High Street. Carrickfergus, BT38 7AN
WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Session The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of Fts 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. Ft 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 congregation. All members are entitled to propose. speak and exercise equal votes at meetings. except that the Moderator, the minister in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held at least six times in each year or as appropriate. To be chosen forthe office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selertion of those proposed to be called to the office can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected rfthey 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. Whitehead 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.
WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRES8ERlAN 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 nomially constituted duringthe first 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 active 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. Whitehead 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 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. The congregation's mission purpose is, by the grace of God, to help people of all ages become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 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 the love of God aTJd 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. In living out our Mission and Vision as a family of God's people: we are determined to present the Good News of the Gospel as directly and clearly as possible and in a manner that is er)gagin& relevant and genuinely helpful, and which allows people to ask questions wtthout risk of embarrassment or condemnation. we are committed to helping people of all age5, from the youngest to the oldest. to discover that faith in Christ is about whole life living and not just Sunday morning singing. we will strive to encourage a developing sense of individual responsibility for the growth of personal faith in people of all ages. we will encourage Christians to support and encourage each other in their faith life. we will promote a genuine determination among our members to embrace hospitality as a personal choice beyond corporate mechanisms. to reflect the welcome of the gospel and the heart of Christ from our members to one another and to Visitors. we promise to value. support. encourage, train and resource our leaders and help them to see their role as part of the larger team. we have chosen to play a key role in the communty of Whitehead as people who care about the things that matterto the people of Whitehead and to go out of ourwayto support individuals, families and groups in our communtty who are in need.
WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REpoKf (convd) we agree to work with the other churches in the town and local area to showthat our unity in Christ is more important than our differences while recognising that our unique identity is also worth maintaining and celebrating. AcrivrriES AND OBJEcllvES 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 during the 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. Home Groups meet regularly and are constantly updated with prayer needs and requests. The congregation has a wide range of organisations including- PW IPresbyterian Women) The Boys, Brigade Carer and Toddlers Group Messy Church Indoor Bowling Club Badminton Club Dad Time 5-a-side Football Men's Coffee Group Rambling Group ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer At the start of this yearthe congregation continued to meet online each Sunday for worship, however as Covid-19 restrictions were eased we began to meet in the church building for Sunday morning worship whilst continuing online services for those who still felt unable to meet in a crowd. One of the Homegroups, a prayer meeting and business meetings continued to be held online. In June we were saddened when our minister Rev lan Carton tendered his resignation, for personal reasons, to the Presbytery of Carrickfergus with effect from the 30 September. The commission of presbytery generously allowed lan to take leave with effect from 01 July and services were covered by other preachers. Rev Nathan Duddy was appointed by presbytery as Vacancy Convener with effect from 01 Ottober. We did not condutt any Sacrament of Baptism. One marriage service was conducted. We gave thanks for the lives of 8 members who had died through the year and sought to bring comfortto all those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2021there were 120 communicant members and 161 families connected with the congregation. The average week attendance at morning worship was 40.
WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE pREsBER1AN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVd} Pastoral care All members of the congregation received visits, on their doorsteps, by elders distributing copies of magazines produced in Spring and Winter to tryto keep everyone up to date with what was happening. The Minister or the Vacancy Convener also Visited families where there wa5 illness or a bereavement, a birth or a general pastoral care issue. MISSION AND OWREACH Following the easing of the lock-down, due to Covid-19, the congregation gradually began to reach out in various ways through some of our regular weekly attivities: the Rambling Group for fitter older people and the Coffee Men meeting in a local cafe allowing conversation among those who find it hardest to talk. Our minister and some members of our congregation continued to put services out online through YouTube, Facebook and by phone. This continued when the congregation was again allowed to gather in person at Sunday worship. We have continued to be enthusiastic members and supporters of the Whitehead Storehouse, our local foodbank, which has proved to be a vital lifeline to many members of our local community especially during lockdown. Our church's involvement in hosting local events was curtailed by the Covid Lockdown and subsequent cancellation of most. We are hopingto resume this when restrictions are lifted. The congregation supports the Untted 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 wtth the deployment of locally based staff. enables church plantin& provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assists With the running costs of Union Theological College {the Church's training college for ministry students). and financially supports congregations in the areas of worship. discipleship. global mission. outreach. leadership and pastoral care. The congregation contributes to the denomination's Moderatorfs Special Appeal and any other special appeals. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister/ Vacancy Convener and representative Elder. This provides an important link between the congregation and the wider structlsres of the church.
WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE PREsBERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Iconyd) General Assembly The meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland was held at Assembly Buildings, Belfast in October and attended by one of our elder5. nominated bythe Kirk Session. Property We are pleased to report that the property is generally in good order. Duringthe restrictions imposed due to Covid-19. regular checks were made to ensure that the premises were free from water ingress and suitably ventilated and maintained. ORGANISATIONS Presbyterian Women Usually met monthly from October to March, did not meet during 2021. Average attendance had been 16. Varied programme including worship, prayer. talks. craft demonstrations and fund-raising for mi55ionarie5. The Boys. Brigade Usually met monthly from Ottober to May duringthe year, did not meet during 2021. Average attendance 32. Bible Class. games. PE. marching skills and charity fund-raising. Circle of Friends Usually met weekly from Ottoberto May, other than Christmas and Easter holidays, did not meet at all in 2021. Average attendance had been 14. Varied programme including talks. games. crafts, music and occasional outings. Christmas gift were delivered to members in Dec 2020. Little Beacons Usually met weekly. Did not meet at all during 2021. Average attendance had been 15 carers and 20 toddlers. Met for play. snacks chat and singing. Messy Church Usually met monthly. did not meet at all in 2021. Average attendance had been Iofamilies with 16 babies and children up to 8 years old. Met for Bible stories, drama, crafts, lunch chat and singing.
Presbyter an WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) Indoor Bowling Club Usually met weekly from Octoberto May, otherthan school holidays and for competitions. Previous average attendance 20. Short mat indoor bowling. 'Following their sporvs national guidelines, this club did not meet in 2021. Badminton Club Usually met weeklyfrom October to May and for competitions. Only met in 2021 from September. Average attendance 16. Playing badminton. Dad fime Usually met monthly. Septemberto June. otherthan school holidays. Did not meet at all in 2021. Average attendance 8 adults with 12 children. For fathers and their children to find mutual support by enjoying a meal, fun and fellowship together in a Christian context. Coffee Men This group had been meetingfortea, coffee and chat on a weekly basis before lockdown and when restrictions were relaxed began meeting again during 2021. They would have an average of 12- 15 men- it is open to men outside our congregation. Fiv&a-side Football Club Usually met fortnightly- met from September to December 2021- average attendance was 8 adults-playin8 indoor football. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on commtttees and helping with organisations and other church activtties.
WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT IconVd} PUBUC BENEFITSTATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefft requirement by providing benefit to tts members and the general public by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christthrough the advancement of relIon. The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church 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) leadingto 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 asthrough 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 aSmost 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 seNices 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 benefft flowingfrom our purpose is related to Ministers. Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holdingoffice or employment. However. this is incidental and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefrts. 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 services 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, tharities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session ha5 had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefrt requirement statutory guidance.
WHITEHEAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is Member contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering IWFO). There were 103 contributors duringthe year {120 in 20201 donating a total of £67,662 (£68,518 in 20201. Total Income of the congregation during the year was £99.539, compared to £104,052 in the previous year. Total expendrcure of the congregation duringthe year was £92.748. compared to £117,486 in the previous year. srATEMEKf OF TRusfEE RESPONSIBIUTIES 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 prattice. As the congregation's total income does not exceed £250,0(K), the Trustees have elected under Section 64131 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 21L8 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabiltties. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transaction5 and disclose wrth 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. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 25 October 2022 and signed on its behalf by Rev N Duddy Helen Graham (Clerk of Session) Date: 10 Date: ZsJ,,Ii io