an 2nd KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104920)
an nd 2 KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 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 ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS 2nd Keady congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 21 Davis Street Keady Co. Armagh BT60 3RS Re815tered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC1049201 CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Mr David Coulter Mrs Hazel Mccullagh Mr Mark Elder PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister: Clerk of Session: Treasurer: Rev Alan Marsh Mr David Coulter Mr Marl( Elder INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mr David Menary IFCPA}, Certified Public Accountant 50 Deans Walk, Richhill, Co. Armagh, BT619LD BANKERS Danske Bank, PO Box 183, Donegal Square East, Belfast, BTI 6JS SOLICITORS Gordon Wallace & Co, 17 College Street, Armagh, BT619BT
an 2. KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) 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 its 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 Sessions 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 at least twice in each year or as appropriate. 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 Kirl( Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery- Armagh 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. 2nd Keady congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Armagh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.
an 2. KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) 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 normally 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 l<irk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. 2nd Keady 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 Chrlst 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 p.lay their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregations mission purposes are a desire to see believers grow and mature in their faith and to see the lost won for Christ; 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 characterlsed 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 con8regation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by bein8: 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 maturity 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.
an 2nd KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday at 10:30am and visitors are welcomed, and encouraged to join in Worship. The Sacrament of the Lords 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 fellowship meetings, including for Bible Study and Prayer to encourage personal discipleship. We also those in mission and discipleship thought has a wide range of organisations including: Sunday School Iweeklyl Youth Fellowship Ibi-monthlyl Youth Club Ibi-monthly) Sunshine Corner (weekly) Hope Café {weeklyl Presbyterian Women IPW) (monthly) Men's Fellowship (monthly) Holiday Bible Clubs (twice a yearl ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 10,30am. During the week, times of fellowship allow an opportunity for members to meet together to encourage one another, to study the scriptures and to pray. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledge God's gift of new life as we celebrated the Sacrament of Baptlsm, and the Lords Supper. We also gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year At 31 December 2022 there were 30 communicant members regularly receiving communion and 40 families connected with the congregation. The average wee1< attendance at morning worship is between 25 to 35 people. Pastoral care Members of the congregation unable to join on a Sunday due to sickness or age are visited on a regular basis by minister, elders and by other members of the Church Family. Pastoral care is also encouraged between members as we seek to'bear one another's burdens, (Galatians 6v2)
an nd 2 KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Mission and outreach God calls us to mission as witne55es to Christ through both evangelism and social witness challenging the values of the world in which we live, with the values of God's kingdom and winning men and women for Jesus. We do this though seeking ways that we can love our neighbours, and witness for Christ in our family, work, and friendship circles. We are proactive in seeking new ways to share the reason for the hope that is ours, in Christ11 Peter 3v15) 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 planting, provides grant support forthe upkeep of church premises, assist with the runnlng costs 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 denominations annual World Development Appeal, Presbyterian Children's Society and any other special appeals. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our Minister, one of the elders and a Presbyterian Women representative. 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 Buildings, Belfast. Property The church property includes a meeting house, church hall and manse. As well as routine service and maintenance carried out on the Church Property, in this past year the meeting house was repainted.
an 2nd KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd) Organisations Youth Fellowship (YF) st YF meet on the l and 3rd Sunday night of each month for the advancement of God's Kingdom among the teenagers in the congregation, as well as those from our sister church, Drumhillery and other local congregations. We believe that this work is crucially important in the life of the congregation. Youth Fellowship provides opportunities for our young people to engage with the Gospel, and discover how faith impacts their whole lives. There 15 a wide welcome to all, and an invitation to discover a personal faith, and to 'Grow in the Grace, and Knowledge of Jesus'12 Peter 3v18). YF is a place where there is a freedom offered, to confront anxieties, concerns and pressures common to all teens, grounded in a place of mercy and Grace Meetin8 numbers range from 10-15 attendees. Youth Club During 2022, we began a Youth Club in Keady on a Friday Evenings. This has been a helpful way to engage with teenagers, as well as providing them an avenue to express themselves safely, with friends, giving them an opportunity to invite friends along. Presbyterian Women (PW) Presbyterian Women meet monthly alongside those in Drumhillery, to encourage women to grow and mature as Disciples of Christ. Presbyterlan Women aims to highllght the need for: l. Love and unity 2. Obedience to God 3. Christian living and spiritual maturity 4. Service using gifts, time and money 5. Local and global mission Men's Fellowship In 2022, a Men's Fellowship was initiated by the Elders, for the purpose of encouraging men, following the principal of Proverbs 27v17'1ron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another,. During the year, the Men met monthly, for social meet ups, as well as welcoming guest speakers to share how the Gospel transforms how we are to live as Men. Hope Cafe This year we also started a new venture, in the centre of Keady Town on a Thursday Morning. 'Hope Café, is designed to be an all age community, that provides a place of 'Hope'. Duringthe year, we have welcomed many, who may never have entered a Presbyterian Church previously. This has provided an opportunity, to share the reason for the Hope that is ours, in Christ. {1 Peter 3v151
an 2nd KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Sunshine Corner Sunshine Corner meets on Friday evenings and has 4 main leaders, accompanied by adult helpers with 20- 30 primary school age children from the congregation and the local community. The aim of Sunshine Corner is for the advancement of God's Kingdom among the primary school age children. Family Gatherings During 2022, we refocused our'midweek, time, to encourage a pattern adopted by the 'Early Church, in Acts 2v42, as we devote time to sharing together, Bible Study, and Prayer. We have adjusted time5 and locations, to encourage'all age, participation, especially welcoming families with Children. Attendance at these'Family Gatherings, fluctuate, dependant on the night and location, from 10-40 people. Easter Holiday Bible Club We led an Easter Holiday Bible Club 'Truth Detectives, during'Holy Week, in 2022, as a joint venture with our sister church, Drumhillery Presbyterian. This was open to all primary school children. Meetings attracted over 40 children and took the form of various game activities, singing, Bible teaching, memory verses, quiz and snacks. Summer Holiday Bible Club As a Church, we also partlcipated, and served in a Summer Holiday Bible Club, 'Brave Adventurers, as a joint venture with our slster church, Drumhillery Presbyterian, in June 2022. This was also a very successful week and once again, welcomed in many families unconnected to the Church. Sunday School Sunday school meets each Sunday morning at 09:45 in the main meeting house prior to Sunday worship. The Sunday school has 3 teachers and 11 children on the roll and meet to advance understanding of the Bible and importance of Christ in our lives. Meetings are informal and gives the children an opportunity to ask questions and explore the Bible.
an 2nd KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) SERVICE The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation 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 providing benefit to its members and the general public by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion. 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) leading to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practlcal expressions of Christian bellefs 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 materiali pre55 advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services 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 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 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 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, charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
an 2. KEADY CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering IFWO). The contributors to the church during the year donated a total of £23,854.48 (£29,016.22 in 2021} this includes FWO envelopes, loose collection and gift aid. Gift Aid was claimed for the year 2020. Gift Aid on FWO contributions- £2,765.87 Gift Aid was also claimed for the Children's Society - £80.79, Harvest Collection £253.74, United Appeal £272.81, World Development Appeal- £46.96, Building Fund- £527.43, Tuesday Fellowship- £10.91 and Youth Fellowshlp- £23.99. Total Income of the congregation during the year was £39445.52, compared to £46,935.59 in the previous year. Total expenditure increased from £38,979.23 to £56,539.66 an increase of £17,560.43. During 2022 the Meeting House was re-painted at a cost of £15,630.00 which included plastering work and this accounted for the bulk of this increase in expenditure. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the flnancial statements of the congregation In accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. As the congregations total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64{3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabilities. 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. Approved by the l<irk Session at a meeting on 12th June 2023 and signed on its behalf by: Mrs Hazel Mccullagh Mr David Coulter OL*'icI 12th June 2023 th 12 June 2023