an l)Rl.:SlsYTPIIIAN C.141 IRC.11 Newmllls Presbyterlan (Iveagh): CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Reglstered Charlty In Northern Ireland (NIC104921)
an Newmllls Presbyterian Ilveagh) 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 2023 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Newmills Presbyterian (Iveagh) congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 70 Moss Bank Road, Portadown, CRAIGAVON, BT63 5NP Re8iStered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC104921) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who sep4ed during the year or who were Trustees at the date of thls report were: Mr Andrew Philip Beattie Mr Stephen Joseph Beattie Rev Gordon Edwin Best Mr Albert Boyle Mr Gordon Brown Mr Stuart James Campbell Mr Trevor James Campbell Mr Neville Mervyn Doake Mr Winston Frederick Gulney Mr Hugh Gordon Forsythe Mr Jim Freeburn Mr Peter William Martin Mr Ezekiel Mccleary Mr lan Irwin Mcconaghy Mr William Francis David Mccullough Mr Malcolm Samuel Joseph McKeown Mr Dale Nesbitt Dr Stephen William Sharpe Mr John Turkington Mr William Henry Webb Mr Albert George Wilson
an PRESBITERIAN fHIIRCH PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev. Gordon Edwin Best Dr Stephen William Sharpe Mr lan Mcconaghy INDEPENDENT EXAMINER MTS Chartered Accountants, l Lanyon Quay, Belfast BTI 3LG BANKERS Danske Bank, 45-48 High Street, Portadown, Crai8avon BT62 ILB SOLICITORS Thompson Mitchell Sollctors, 12-14 Mandeville St, Portadown, Cral8avon BT62 3NZ
an Newmllls Presbyterlan (Iveagh) CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN 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 congregatlon'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 con8re8ation 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 servlce in the local community. The Kirk Session has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation Includin8 administerin8 all funds and property belonging to the con8re8ation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officlo members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the rulin8 elders of the congregatlons. All member5 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 four times in each year. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and regular attendant on its ordinances. The selectlon 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 at least one-third 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 assi8ned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Newmills (Iveaghl con8re8ation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Iveagh 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 each congregation. The General Assembly
an 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 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 mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congre8ation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation Is the advancement of religion. Newmills Presbyterian (Ivea8hl 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, 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. Our vision is, by the grace of God, to be an inclusive, welcomlng 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's OseS are five-fold: Enjoy worshipping God Encourage fellowship amongst its members Enable its members to be effective followers of Christ through Bible teaching and prayer Enhance member's gifts and skills in ministry Engage relevantly in mission locally and beyond. The congregation aims to live out its vision and purposes 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 An IIiLèi eiiei diiulidl LUITifTlUllity: wkiere adults Intentlona Ily take 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 our bounds. ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday during the year, and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed on four 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 in accordance with the teachings and standards of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The congre8ation holds a regular Midweek Meeting for Bible study and prayer on Wednesday evenings and has a wide range of organisations including: Sunday School (Kids Zone) Creche Chlldren's Church Youth Fellowshlp Youth Club (NYPD) Campaigners Nl Friendship Hour (Senior Citizens) Connect (Ladies Ministry) Men's Fellowship Bowling Club Click n Mix (20's & 30's) Under the supervision of Kirk Session, 3 Task Teams oversee Important aspects of congregational life. They are: The Prayer Action Team The Church Family Team The Mission Team A number of rota teams operate throu8hout the year, including: Car park security, Welcome and door duty, Musicians, Sound and screen operators, Creche Rota, Flower Rota
an ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11.30am and 6.30pm. Durlng the week, the Midweek Gatherin8 provides an opportunity for members to meet together for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Informal prayer groups meet on an ad hoc basis at various times throughout each month. There is a prayer time before each Sunday service and prayer ministry is made available after each service to anyone who requests it. As well as our regular services during the year we, in 2023 we have celebrated 6 Infant Baptisms and 2 Adult Baptisms. We conducted I marriage service and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2023, there were 228 communicant members, and 304 families connected with the congregation. The avera8e week attendance at morning worship is 260. Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to slckness or age are vislted (or telephoned) on a regular basis by the Minister, assistant minister, elders, and/or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitors. The Church Family Task Team fulfils a role in ensuring that all pastoral care needs are met. Mission and outreach Through the Mission Task Team, the con8regation in 2023 supported 16 Mission agencies and personnel, with whom we have had a long-standing assoclation, both prayerfully and financially. Some members participated In locally based outreach events. In addition, retlring or loose offerings were taken up for 11 mission appeals outside the Church, during the course of the year at special services. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which 15 a central fund of the Presby(erian 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 for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the running 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. Presbytery
an Ttrie Lungre¥ation wa5 represented at the regular meetlngs of Presbytery by our minlster and one of the elders, Mr. Malcolm McKeown. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland met in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June. Property Renovation and upgrading projects were carried out during the year to lift repairs and to painting the Church Bungalow. Total expenditure amounted to £6935.00. Organlsatlons The following table provldes a brief summary of the organisations, their purpose, average attendances, and where appropriate, some additional information. NAME OF ORGANISATION MEETING5 PURPOSE ArrENDANCE (APPROX NOS.) 45 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Sunday School (Kidzonel & Children's Church Once a week (Sunday mornings) To teach primary aged children the Scriptures at an age-appropriate level To supervise babies and toddlers during the mornln8 service To disciple youn8 people of secondary school a8e To provide an outreach to youn8 people In the church and local community through recreationallsport activities and epllogue To cater for the physical, social, educational and spiritual development of children and youn8 people in the church and wider community Creche Once a week (Sunday mornings} Youth Fellowship & Young People's Bible Study Once a week (Sunday evenin851 io Youth Club Once a week IFriday evenings) 120 Variou5 OUtln8s are held during the year. Campaigners Each week (Tuesday evenings) 35 This meets under the auspices of Campaigners Nl, an independent youth organisation for ages 4- 18. It is a uniformed or8anisation. Newmills Is l of 21 Campaigner group5 meeting across Nl There are 2
an subgroups which meet each week: Eagles.. 4-6 yrs Jun05= 7-11 yrs Each subgroup plan5 various outings during the year An outin8 Is planned for May of each year Friendship Hour Once a month (Tuesday afternoons) To provide a forum of fellowship, friendship and encoura8ement for the elderly in the church and local community To facilitate women's fellowship, minlstry and discipleship 26 Connect Once a month (Wednesdav evenings) 60 An outin8 is planned each year and occasionally the ladies attend selected women's conferences The men usually attend the annual Irlsh Men's Convention Various away matches are played durlng the vear and the club hosts visitlng clubs by arrangement Men's Fellowshlp Once a month Iwednesday evenin sl Once a week (Thursday evenings) To facilltate men's fellowshlp. ministry and dlsclpleshi To provide fellowship and recreation for those with an Interest in the game of Bowls To provide fellowshlp and friendship for the 20's and 30's age group 40 Bowling Club 28 Click 'n Mix Once a month (Saturday evenings) 15 A few outings/actlvlties are arranged for each year Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees, task teams, rota teams and helping with or8anisations and other church activities.
an 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 teachin8. 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, prlnted material, press advertlsement, websites, soclal media or In other ways. The benefits are demonstrated throu8h regular evaluation of the services and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their familles, 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 Presbyterlan Church in Ireland Is in direct and indirect contact with, the community In whlch pastoral services are provided and other communlties throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our enga8ement with and support for both Christian and other secular or8anisations, charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance. 10
an Newmllls Presbyterlan (Iveagh) CONGREGATION OF THE PRES8YfERIAN 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. There were 216 contributors during the year (223 in 2022) donating totals as shown below to the main funds to which church members and attendees contribute: Offerlng Freewill Offerings Loose Offerings Renovation Fund Missions Appeal United Appeal Harvest Appeal 2023 Amount (£) 166,186.00 15,765.00 6,105,00 7,293.00 12,900.00 13,175.00 2021 Amount {£) 120,092.00 3,555.00 6,650.00 5,220.00 11,820.00 9,557.00 2022 Amount (£) 133,568.00 8,791.00 5,880.00 8,119.00 12,685.00 8.810.00 Overall 8iving has increased signiflcantly from the prevlous year. This has been facllitated through the particular generosity of the congregation in establlshing regular payments by standin8 order or delivering payments directlv. Total expenditure in increased from £211,133 in 2022 to £274,894 in 2023. Total net income increased to £376,252 compared with £259,924 in 2022. 11
an RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPEcf OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the finonciol statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The Trustees are required to prepare financial Statements for each financial yeGr which give a true and fair view of the state of (7ffairs of the congregations and thefinancial activities for that year. In preparing the finoncial statements the Trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Funds will continue in operation The Trustees are responsible for keeplng adequate Gccountlng records that are sufficient to show and explain thefunds trGnsactions and disclose with reosonoble occurocy at any time the financlal position of the congregations and enable them to ensure thot the financial statements comply wlth the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charlties {1 Jonu(Jry 2015)" They ore also responsible for safeguarding the t7ssets of the congregation and hence for tt7king reasonable stepsfor the prevention and detection offraud and other irregularities. GOING CONCERN The octivities of the congregation are dependent on ongoing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation hos sufficient resources at the date of approval of theseflnanclal statements to meet commitments which wlll arlse in the yearfrom the date of signing thls report and subject to the continuing supportfrom members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation's current activities and otherfinancial commitments. RESERVES POLICY The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold taking account of current and on80ing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least 3 month's normal expenditure. At the year end, unrestricted reserves in the General Account were £260,517.83. 12
an RISK REVIEW A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principal risks ore in relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expectation of ongoingfinonciul supportfrom members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the various octivities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members in their regular giving. Approved by Kirk Session & Church Committee at a meeting on 20th February 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Dr Stephen Sharpe (Clerk of Se55ion) Mr lan Mcconaghy (Hon Treasurer) 13
an QUALIFIED INDEPENDEKf EXAMINERS OR AUDrroRS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF Newmills Presbyterian (Iveagh) CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND 14