Presbyter an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 includlng a balance sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS First Presbyterlan Church Portadown a Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 3 Lynden Gate Park, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT63 5YJ Reglstered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC104957) CHARITY TRUSTEES The charity trustees who served during the year or who We trustees as at 31 December 2023 were'.- Rev Robin Brown Mr John Crozier Mr Robert Dowe Mr Samuel Gamble Mr Eric Hammond Mr Stephen Hunter MrGa Kenned Mr Kenneth Mawhinney (resigned 20 February 20231 MrNi el Mcclelland Mr James McKittrick Mr Wllllam Ruddell Mr Geor e Russell Mr Noel Brownlee Dr Gilbert Carson Mr Brian Dawson Mr John Flnlav Mr Gareth Gleer Mr David Hunter Mr Robert Irwin Mr Mark Kent (resi8ned I September 2023) Mr W J Mccave Mr Brian McGuire Mr Mark Neale Mc Phillip Patterson PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Mlni5ter Clerk of Session Church Secretary Treasurer Rev Robin Brown Mr Robert Dowev Mr Jonathan Graham Mr Ni8el Jameson
an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd) AUDITORS Ruddell & Companv Chartered Accountants & Reglstered Auditors 16 Church Street Dungannon Co Tyrone BT716AB BANKERS Bank of Ireland 13 Market Street Lurgan Co Armagh BT66 6AR
an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (convd) STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Sesslon The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of it5 Kirk Session. Under the con8re8ation's 8overnlng document, The Code, the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterlan 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 boLJnds. It ensures pastoral care is In place in the congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the church to Chfistian wttness and service in the local community. The Kirk Session has delegated to its Congregational Commlttee the temporal affairs of the congregation includin8 admlnlstering all funds and Property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are member5 of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained mlnister and the rullng elders of the congregatlon. 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 role but only a casting vote. stated meetlngs of the Klrk Session are held at lea51 twice in each year. To be chosen for the offlce of the eldership In the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selectlon of those proposed to be alled to the off ice can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Presbytery of Armagh Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight of congregation Is the responslbility 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 Presbyterian Church Portadown has been assigned to the Armagh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery conslsts malnlv of the active mlnisters of congre83tlon% assl8npd to It by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Sosslon of each congregation.
an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) The General Assembly The General Assembly Is the supreme court of the church, repre5entin8 in one body the whose church and acting as its supreme leglslatlve, admlnlstr3tlon and Judlclal authorlty, In dealin8 with all matters brought before it. The General A55embly in 2023 was constituted from 21, to 24th June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business, it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly con5iSts mainly of the active mini5tefS of each congregation, retired minsters and a representatlve elder appolnted by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE First Presbyterlan Church Portadown Is a congre8ation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a5 a reforffled church within the wider body of Christ IS 8rounded in the scriptures and exlsts to love and honour God throu8h faith in His Son and by the power of HIS Splrit, and to enable her members to play their part In fulfSllln8 God's mission to our world. The congregation's mlsslon purposes are by the grace of God, to help people of all ages become fully devoted follower5 of Jesus Christ. Our vision is, by the grace of God, to be an inclusive, welcomin8 community of Christ's people of all ages, which: Is increaslngly 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 congrpgation aims to live out its mission and vision as 3 family of God's people by being: a covenant community: where our relationshlps are rooted in the promises of God by Ilvlng faithfully toward hlm and toward one another; an interKenerational community: where adults intentionally take the lead to en8a8e with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ. an outward looking communlty.. whpre we want the blessln85 of God that belon8 to us in the 8ospel to become blesslngs for others beyond the bounds of our community. As a con8regatlon of the Pre5byterlan Church In Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westmln5ter Confession of Falth, along with the Lar8er and Shorter CatechSsms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christian faith and practice.
an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday morning and evening and visitors are welcome. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed on several occasions during the vear and all those who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lord's Supper. The congregation holds regular Blble study meetlngs and has a wlde range of organisations Including CLICK Iministry to children each Sunday) Youth Fellowship Edenderry C.E. Senlor C.E. Fellowshlp "Chatterbox" for mothers and toddlers Presbyterian Women Edenderry Fellowshlp and Luncheon Club ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11..00am and 6..30pm. During the week a Bible Study provides an opportunity for members to meet for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God'5 gift of 2 new live5 at the sacrament of Baptlsm. We also gave thanks for faithful services and 50U8ht to comfort those who had been bereaved durin8 the year. At 31 December 2023 there were 426 communicant member5 and 493 familie5 connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship is 3f)O and at evening worship 130. Pastoral care Meiiiber5 uf the congregaiion who are unable 10 attend church due to slckness or age are visited on a regular basis by the minister, elders or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitor5.
an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) Mission and outrearh At 3 local level the con8re83tion pro-active in seekin8 to be obedient to the con8re8ation's misslon statement which is "Passion for Christ, Compassion for People". This mission is delivered through the faithf ul preaching of God's Word each Lord's Day, pastoral visitation and a varied programme of weekly events and teachinE through church organisations and occasion31 "one off, outreach events. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Misslon which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables on8re8ations 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, a5SiSts congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assists with the running costs of Union Theological College, the church's tralnin8 college for ministry students. and financially 5UPPQrt5 consregations in the areas of worshlp, dlscipleshipi 8lobal mi55ion, outreach, leadershlp and pastoral care. Presbytery of Armagh Tl)e congregation was represented at the regular meeting5 of Presbytery by our mlni5ter and an elder. This provides an Important link between the congregation and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The mlnlster and one of our elders were nomlnated to attend the meetin8 of the General Assembly of the Pre5byterlan Church In Ireland held In Assembly Bulldin85, Belfast, In June. Organlsatlons The church has a Bible Clas5 teaching programme each Sunday mornin& and a Youth Fellowshlp on alternate Sunday evenings after church. During the week there is a Boys, Brigade Company, a new group called Eden Girls, Edenderry C.E. on Saturday ni8ht, a Senlor Chrlstian Endeavour, a monthly senior citizens, meeting and several prayer meetings. These organisations cover the full range of ages and include Bible teaching and a time of prayer. On Wednesday mornings our maln hall is used by our mother5. and to¢Jdler5' 8roup. Many children and thelr carers are regular attenders.
an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Volunteers The trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organisatlons and other church activities. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and the general public by making known the ChrlstianBospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion. The dlrect benefit5 which flow from the purposes of the church include the 8aining of an understanding in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and in the church's subordlnate standards (the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leading to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response toBible teachin8. In turn, thi5 framework leads to practical expressions of Christian beliefs and standards in the local community such as throu8h the care of those in need lincluding the sick. disabled and bereaved). Generally, the above benefits are delivered locally by congregations and their members or are facilitated throu8h Presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facllltated by central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known usin8 noticeboards, prtnted material, press advertisement. websites. and social medla or In other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and infom)al and ad-hoc feedback from members, thelr famllles, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only prfvate benefit flowing from our purpose 15 related to ministers, missionaries, deaconesses. Irish Mission workers and lay agents who receive benefits a.s 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 indmduals 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 Northem Ireland. the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefrt frorn our engagement with and 5UPPOrt for both Christian and other secularorganisations, charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commlssion's public benefft fequtrernerrt statutory guidance.
an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The principal source of Income of First Presbyterian Church Portadown continues to be from donations and plate collections. The principal expense of First Presbyterian Church Portadown is in respect of payments regarding congregational running expenses and donations to missions and charlties. First Presbyterlan Church Portadown had a net gain of £229,141.10 for the year ended 310ecember 2023. First Presbyterian Church Portadown continues to be in a healthy financial state as at 31 December 2023 with total cash funds of £567,45S.81. Flrst Presbyterian Church Portadown aims to retain sufficient rèserves to meet Its expected future expendlture requirements as well as potential future capital projects. RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The trustees are responslble for preparlng the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kin8dom Generally Accepted Accountin8 Practi. The trustees are required to prepare flnanclal statements for each financlal year which give a true and falr vlew 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: select suitable accountlng pollcles and then apply them consistently make Judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent prepare the financial statements on the going concern basi5 unless it is inappropriate to presume that the funds will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accountin8 records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds, transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any tlme the fliiani1431 po)ItloTr of Llie cuii¥ie¥aLluii diid eiidble ilieiii iv viisuiE Ilidl (he Iliidwicldl statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice"Accounting and Reporting by Charities11 January 2015)" They are also responsible for safe8uardin8 the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable Steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
an TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) GOING CONCERN The activltles of the congregation are dependent on ongoln8 contributions frorn its members. The trustees are of the opinion that the con8re8ation has sufflcient resources at the date of approval of these flnancial statements to meet commitments whlch w511 arise In the year from the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support from members to fund on an on80in8 basis the congre8ation's current artivities and other financial commitments. RESEF(VES POLICY The trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the trustees to hold reserves equivalent to between 3 and 6 months. normal expenditure. At the year-end unrestrlcted reserves were £162,045.28 whlch represents a higher level of reserves. The trustees however, conslder it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of its present activlties Is dependent of the on8oln8 financial support of members. RISK REVIEW A revlew of major risks has been undertaken by the trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identlfied rlsks. The prlnclpal risks are In relation to the likellhood of reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expecL3tion of ongoin8 financial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the varlous activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging member5 in their regular 8iving. Approved by the Kirk Session at a Meeting on 28 May 2024 and signed on its behalf by Mr owey William J McKittrick 28 May 2024 28 May 2024