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2023-12-31-accounts

FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

FIRST ANTRIM CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND

Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104951)

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 including a Balance Sheet as at that date.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

First Antrim congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Church Street, Antrim BT41 4BA

Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104951)

CHARITY TRUSTEES

The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were

J.A. Alexander T. R. H. Latimer K.A. Alexander Rev. S. J. Lockington BA BD J.N Allison H. McC. Matchett A. Brownlee W.H.McFadden A.A. Chestnutt R.P. McKibbin R.P. Clarke Mrs N. McKnight D.C. Clyde D. W. McMahon L.T. Creighton J. Orme A. McM. Cuthbert B.A. Simpson D.K.Elliott D.A.Thompson M.R. Finlay P. McFetridge I. Hamill R. McKeown M.W. Herbison S.McCormick R. Kirkpatrick

PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS

Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer

Rev. S. J. Lockington BA BD T.R.H. Latimer G.Ferguson

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Hopper & Co 6 Doagh Road Ballyclare BT39 9BG

BANKERS

Ulster Bank 8 Market Square Antrim BT41 4AT

SOLICITORS Anderson Gillan Barr 32 Church Street Antrim BT41 4BA

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

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 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 congregations. 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 on a monthly basis between September and June.

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 Kirk Session. Members are elected if they 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. First Antrim Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Templepatrick Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

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

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 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

First Antrim 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 congregations mission purpose is for the fame of Christ, to be disciples and make disciples in Antrim and beyond.

Jesus offers this promise in John 10:10

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”

This promise is full of meaning. ‘Full Life’ in Jesus is the greatest need of all who don’t believe in Him and the ultimate purpose of all who do.

OUR VALUES AND MISSION

  1. Prayer and the Word of God are central to the life of our Church.

  2. Our Worship should be God honouring, joyful and uplifting.

  3. We value togetherness, developing community in our Church family. We strive to be a friendly Church.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

  1. We long to see each member equipped to be an everyday disciple. 5. Evangelism at home and abroad is integral to who we are.

  2. We seek to communicate the Gospel clearly and creatively to contemporary society.

  3. We seek to show practical concern for all in need.

  4. We are strategically placed in Antrim Town centre and need to maximise the opportunity to engage with the community. This will require us to reimagine our building strategy and our mission.

  5. We need to be future focused. Whilst we learn from the past we do not dwell there. We lean and are led forward to the years ahead.

  6. We will focus our resources on our mission to be disciples and to make disciples.

ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES

The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. 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 bible study meetings and has a wide range of organisations including

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Worship and prayer

The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 10.30am and 6.30pm. During the week the Small Group Ministry provides an opportunity for members to meet together

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. Alongside these, regular prayer meetings are held throughout the week on a range of subjects.

As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God’s gift of new life at 5 Sacraments of Baptism, we conducted 0 marriage services and gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year.

At 31 December 2023 there were 285 (2022:295) communicant members and 384 (2022:395) families connected with the congregation.

The average week attendance at morning worship is 196 (2022:176).

Pastoral care

Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are visited on a regular basis by the minister, elders or by members of the congregation.

Mission and outreach

At a local level the congregation engages in local evangelism through a range of organisations including the following:

Boys’ Brigade Girls’ Brigade Christians Against Poverty Chat ‘N Chew Youth Club Annual Holiday Bible Club Men’s Ministry Presbyterian Women Regular community outreach meals Shared outreach events with other Antrim Churches Bible Study Groups School Uniform Bank Little Legends (Mums & Tots Group)

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

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 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

The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and / or one of the elders. 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, in June.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

Organisations

Organisation Summary of Activity Regular Attendance
Level
Boy’s Brigade Meets weekly on a Monday night. We work with boys
between the ages of 4 and 18. We have a varied
programme of activities to fulfil our object of advancing
Christ’s Kingdom amongst boys and promoting habits of
obedience,reverence,discipline and self-respect.		 36
Girl’s Brigade Meets weekly on a Wednesday night. We carry out a
wide range of activities to help girls develop spiritually,
physically and emotionally, learn new skills and make
new friends.		 50 girls aged 3 yrs –
18 from a variety of
backgrounds
Youth Club Meets weekly on a Friday night. We provide a safe
environment for secondary aged students to socialise
and play sports. Each week there is a short epilogue led
byaguest speaker.		 20 regulars
PW Meets monthly on a Tuesday night, 7 times per year.
Each meeting is led by a special speaker and supper is
provided. Ladies increasinglyenjoybeingtogether.		 40-70 ladies,
breakfast 100 +
Elevation A group for young people of secondary school age,
meeting on Sunday evenings. We develop friendships
amongst young people and give them the opportunity
to learn from the Bible in a relaxed environment.		 Between 15 + 25
young people
Friends of God
Club (Sunday
School)		 A group for 4 to 11 year olds meeting during Sunday
School to learn and develop individual relationships
with God		 20
Craft Class Ladies from different surrounding towns come to learn
various crafts. We provide companionship to the senior
ladies and aim to spread the Gospel of Jesus		 18 ladies
Friendship
Group		 Meets on a Tuesday, once a month from 1:45-3:30pm.
The aim is to provide friendship and fellowship,
promoting interaction for the benefit of people in the
town. We have a short time of worship, have a guest
speaker covering various topics, and enjoy afternoon
tea. One or two outings are planned each year which
members enjoy.		 70+, aged 50+
Monday
morning Bible
Study		 Ladies meet for 1 ½ hours to study the bible, have
refreshments and enjoy being together. Creche is also
provided for the ladies who have small children. We
meet for 6 weeks before Christmas and 12 weeks after.		 15-30 attend

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Tuesday
morning Bible
Study		 Ladies meet for 1 ½ hours to study the Bible, have
refreshments and enjoy being together, we meet for 6
weeks before Christmas and 12 weeks after.		 15-30 attend
Wednesday
Bible Study		 Gentlemen meet for 1 ½ hours in two groups, one in
the morning and two in the afternoon to study the
Bible and enjoy being together		 AM 10-15 attend
PM 25-30 attend
Little Legends
(Mums & Tots
Group )		 Meet on Wednesday mornings for 1 ½ hours, for
children to pre-school age to get together and have fun
while the parents chat and enjoy fellowship		 20

Volunteers

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 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, printed material, press 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.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

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.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The congregation’s main source of income is members’ contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 208 contributors during the year (2022: 234) donating a total of £146,493 (2022: £134,290).

Total Income of the congregation during the year was £421,609, compared to £499,287 in the previous year, mainly due to decreases in donations/gifts.

Total expenditure in the year was £389,570 (2022: £998,561). The major part of this decrease relates to the extensive refurbishment of the Church and halls in the prior year.

A decision taken by Session at a meeting on 23[rd] March 2021 has resulted in the balance of the PMS investment now being written off as irrecoverable. A small balance held in the Missionary and Student Fund has since been identified and written off this year.

An amount of £13,655 previously believed to have been donations has now been reclassified as interest free loans in this year’s accounts. This is reflected in the SOFA as a prior year adjustment and included in Balance Sheet creditors at 31[st] December 2023.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees review the financial position of the Charity on a monthly basis. A report submitted by the Treasurer to each stated meeting provides up to date financial data. This allows income and expenditure to be compared against the figures at the equivalent point in the previous Church year.

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 current policy of the Trustees to hold at least 6 months normal expenditure. At the year-end unrestricted reserves were £146,591 (excluding fixed assets) which represents a fair level of reserves when compared to the six-monthly expenditure of around £85,000 [Excluding any one-off building work]. The Trustees consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of its present activities is dependent of the ongoing financial support of members.

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 are in relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expectation of ongoing financial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members in their regular giving.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the congregation and the financial activities for that year. In preparing the financial statements the Trustees are required to:

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the congregations and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities (1 January 2015)”.

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 on 26[th] May 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Harry Latimer

Clerk of Session

Rev.Stephen Lockington Minister

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

I report on the financial statements of First Antrim Presbyterian Church for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are contained within the 2023 Annual Report.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner

First Antrim Presbyterian Church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required under section 65(2) (audit) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 for the year and that an independent examination under section 64(1) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 is required. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out under Section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Church and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.

Independent examiner's statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep proper accounting records in accordance with Section 63 of the charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, and to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records in accordance with Section 64 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 have not been met or which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Michael Hopper FCA,

Partner, Hopper & Co, Chartered Accountants. 27[th] May 2024

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Notes Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022
£ £ £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 180738 233624 414362 491420
Charitable activities 3 1357
 520 1877 3318
Other 4 4845 525 5370 5249
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total 186940 234669 421609 499987
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 605 605 1210 1300
Charitable activities 6 165902 222458 388360 997261
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total 166507 223063 389570 998561
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net gains/(losses) on investments 10 - -361 -361
-
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net Income / (expenditure) 20433 11245 31678 -498574
Transfers between funds -6471 6471 - -
Prior year adjustment -13655 -13655
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net movement in funds 307 17716 18023 -498574
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 631567 159000 790567 1289141
---------- --------- ------------ ------------
Total funds carried forward 631874 176716 808590 790567
====== ====== ======= =======

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

BALANCE SHEET
As at 31 December 2023
Notes Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets 9 485283 - 485283 501777
Heritage assets 9 - - - -
Investments 10 - - - 164
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total fixed assets 485283 - 485283 501941
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Current assets
Debtors 11 35082 14849 49931 62025
Current Investments - - - -
Cash at bank and in hand 12 170844 161867 332711 283467
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total current assets 205926 176716 382642 345492
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within 13 12978 12978 12978
one year
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net current assets or liabilities 192948 176716 369664 332514
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due after 46357 - 46357 43888
more than one year
Provisions for liabilities - - - -
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total net assets or liabilities 631874 176716 808590 790567
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 December 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
£ £ £ £
Funds of the charity
Restricted income funds 14 176716 176716 159000
Unrestricted funds 14 631874 631874 631567
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total charity funds 631874 176716 808590 790567
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022
----- End of picture text -----

Approved by the Kirk Session on 26[th] May 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Rev.Stephen Lockington Minister

Harry Latimer Clerk of Session

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the congregation is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

FUND ACCOUNTING

Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific congregational activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.

Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the congregation’s general purposes. Designated funds are general funds set aside by the congregation for use in the future.

.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

INCOMING RESOURCES

(i) Recognition of incoming resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

(ii) Incoming resources with related expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.

(iii) Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the congregation has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

(iv) Tax reclaims on donations and gifts

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

(v) Contractual income and performance related grants

This is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(vi) Donated services and facilities

These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

(vii) Volunteer help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.

(viii) Investment income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

(ix) Investment gains and losses

This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

(x) Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the congregation to pay out resources.

(xi) Governance costs

These are shown within charitable activities and include the costs of preparation and examination of accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

(xii) Grants with performance conditions

Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SoFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(xiii) Grants payable without performance conditions

These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity.

ASSETS

(xiv) Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets for use by charity are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £2,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

Depreciation is recorded on all tangible fixed assets other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write of the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life as follows

Buildings: - over 50 years
Fixtures, fittings and equipment - over 10 years
Motor Vehicles - over 4 years
Computers, software and technical equipment - over 4 years

(xv) Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees’ best estimate of market value.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Recorded giving: 146493 21957 168450 165972
Loose collections 6251 - 6251 3512
Donations and gifts 335 173765 174100 242754
Gift Aid 27659 32836 60495 78682
Legacies and bequest - 5066 5066 500
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
180738 233624 414362 491420
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Income from charitable
activities
Fees from weddings and - 520 520 2105
funerals
Sale of magazines and books 1297 - 1297 683
Fundraising events - - - 530
Photocopier receipts 60 - 60 -
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
1357 520 1877 3318
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

4. OTHER INCOME

Unrestricted Funds Restricted Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Miscellaneous receipts - 525 525 2970
Rental income received 1750 - 1750 750
Council grants received 3095 - 3095 1529
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
4845 525 5370 5249
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
. RAISING FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
FWO envelopes 605 605 1210 1300
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
605 605 1210 1300
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

5. RAISING FUNDS

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
General Assembly Assessments 30953 - 30953 29056
Presbytery fees 1386 - 1386 1386
Ministry and support staff costs 98036 - 98036 98108
Congregational running 33957 37979 71936 50142
expenses
Donations to Missions and - 143440 143440 174177
charities
Church refurbishment - 41039 41039 642790
Governance costs 1570 - 1570 1602
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
165902 222458 388360 997261
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

7. EMPLOYEES

Employment Costs

Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022
£ £
Wages and Salaries 70945 73280
Social Security Costs 10033 10280
Pension contributions 11761 11180
--------- ---------
92739 94741
--------- ---------
umber of Employees
he average number of employees, including the minister of the congregation, during the
ear was
Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022
Average number of employees 4 4
--------- ---------

Number of Employees

The average number of employees, including the minister of the congregation, during the year was

There were no employees in receipt of employee benefits in excess of £60,000.

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FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

8. PENSION COSTS

The minister of the congregation is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme (2009). This is a scheme operated by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a separate registered charity. The congregation pays an assessment to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland equivalent to the employer’s pension contribution for the Scheme and based on the stipend paid to the minister. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme (2009) is a funded Scheme of the defined benefit type, providing defined benefits based on career average revalued salary. The Scheme has assets held in a separately administered fund managed by a board of trustees. The Presbyterian Church and the Scheme Trustees have agreed a funding plan to ensure the Scheme is sufficiently funded to meet current and future obligations. A formal schedule of contributions was drawn up on 25 November 2015 whereby the Presbyterian Church agreed to pay from 31 December 2015 contributions of 24% of pensionable salaries to cover the accrual of benefits for future service, expenses, the cost of insuring death in service benefits and funding the scheme deficit.

The contributions made by the congregation during the year were

Contributions

£ £ 10664 10156 -----------------

The congregation operates a defined pension contribution policy for its employees. The scheme and its assets are held by an independent scheme manager. The pension charge represents the contributions due from the congregation during the year

£ £ Contributions 1097 1025 -----------------

26

FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Land &
Buildings		 Fixtures and Fittings Vehicles Total
£ £ £ £
Cost or valuation
At start of year 746166 7650 11500 765316
Additions 3420 3420
Disposals
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At end of year 746166 11070 11500 768736
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Depreciation
At start of year 249177 5737 8625 263539
Provision for year 14271 2768 2875 19914
Disposals
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At end of year 263448 8505 11500 283453
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net Book Value
At start of year 496989 1913 2875 501777
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At end of year 482718 2565 - 485283
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

The main Church dates from 1834 and is a listed building. The historical, fully depreciated, cost was £3,000. The Church, halls, manse and sexton’s dwelling are fully insured for total rebuilding costs of £9,036,602, including VAT and fees, as at 31[st] October 2023.

27

FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

10. INVESTMENTS

2023 2022
Presbyterian Mutual Society - -
Consolidated Stock - 164
--------- ---------
- 164
====== ======
2023 2022
Value at start of year 164 164
Transfer in from Missionary & 197
Student Fund
Disposals
Impairment, full write off -361 -
Gains / (Losses on revaluation)
---------- ----------
Value at end of year - 164
====== ======

Presbyterian Mutual Society (formerly in Administration 2008 to 2013). At a meeting of Church Session held on 23[rd] March 2021 it was proposed, seconded and approved by Session that the balance remaining with PMS be written off as all available information indicates that no further distributions will be forthcoming. Since then a further small balance has been identified in the Missionary & Student Fund and has been written off this year.

A small amount of War Stock held as an investment for many years no longer has an encashable value and is written off in the current year

28

FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

11. DEBTORS

2023 2022
Gift Aid Recoverable 49931 62025
VAT Reclaim due - -
--------- ---------
49931 62025
====== ======

12. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

2023 2022
Ulster Bank current accounts 332711 283647
---------- ----------
332711 283647
====== ======

13. CREDITORS: amount falling due within one year

2023 2022
Interest free loans received - -
Church build term loan 12978 12978
--------- ---------
12978
12978
====== ======

29

FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

14. FUND BALANCES AND RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Fund Balance Income Expend. Gains/ Transfer Balance
at start Losses at end
£ £ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted Funds
General fund 129790 186940 146593 -13655 -9891 146591
Buildings fund 496989 14271 482718
General assets fund 4788 5643 3420 2565
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
631567 186940 166507 -13655 -6471 631874
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Restricted Funds
United Appeal - 23191 23611 420 -
Specified Donations - 72980 76202 4323 1101
Property fund 12553 40034 32680 43 19950
Outreach fund 1746 74 1088 299 1031
Benevolent fund 2305 623 -178 2750
Organ fund 677 677
Interest Free Loans 8457 8457
Bequests fund 71176 5000 -164 178 76190
Church Build fund 27969 29159 21831 386 35683
Organisations funds 23644 13386 14836 22194
Manobo Tribe Support 2977 4557 5775 1000 2759
Missionary and Student 7496 45665 47040 -197 5924
fund
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
159000 234669 223063 -361 6471 176716
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

30

FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d) 31 December 2023

15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

One of the Trustees, the minister of the congregation received remuneration of £42,318 and expenses of £304 for acting in that capacity. Pension contributions of £10,156 were paid by the congregation in respect of the minister to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme (2009). None of the other trustees received any remuneration.

During the year the congregation contributed the following amounts to Funds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland a separate charity

£30,953 for congregational assessments £23,611 towards the United Appeal £2,964 toward the World Development Appeal etc.

The congregation contributed £1,386 towards Presbytery Assessments during the year

There were no other related party transactions.

31