BELLVILLE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31 December 2022 Registered Charlty In Northern Ireland (NIC104958) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Bellville congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 130 Derrytrasna Road, Lurgan, Co. Armagh. BT66 6QP Registered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC1049581 CHARrrY TRUSTEES The charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were. Rev. Fronk Gibson Mr. Thomosjohn Parks Mr. Mervyn King PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Rev. Frank Gibson Treasurer/ Clerk of Session Mr. Mervyn King INDEPENDENT EXAMINER BANKERS ....... (new ¢7ddress due to Lurgan branch closure ) SOLiaTORS McCleary& Company Ltd. Danske Bank Ltd. Walker McDonald Quaker Buildings 45 - 48 High Street 2- 6 Edward street High Street Portadown Portadown Lurgan Co. Armagh Co. Armagh BT66 8BB BT62 ILB BT62 3LX
STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Session The charitytrustees of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Session. Under the congregation'5 governing document, The Code. the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeksto watch over and promotethe spiritual interest of the congregation and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds. tt ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witnes5 and Servi 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 eXffici0 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 act¢ve duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held 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 bythe Kirk Session. Members are elerted 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 generallythe spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it bythe General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Bellville 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 artive duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk 5e5sion of the congregation. The General Assemblv 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 irt June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of bu5ine5S, It is dissolved. The rnembership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active mini5ter5 of each congregation. retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the lfjrk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Bellville congregation of the Presbyterian church is a congregation ot the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland. as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ is grounded in the Scripture5 and exists to love and honour God through fatth in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregation's mission purpose is by the grace of God. to help people of all ages become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our vlsion is. by the grace of God, to be an inclusive, welcoming cornmunity of Christ's people of all ages, whlch.. 5$ increasingly characterised by love for God. and love and concern for others, Is commttted to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Bible and is relevant to people of this time and place. The congregation aims to Ilve out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by being: A Covenunt Community. where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another. An Intergenerotionol Community.. where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to rnaturity in Christ. An Outward looking Community: where we want the blessings of God that belong to us in the gospel to become bles5inES for others beyond the bounds ofourcommunity. As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. we believe that the Bible is the supreme authorty 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 chrlstian faith and practice.
A1VITIEs AND OBJEcfivES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and vi51tors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on two 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 and prayer meetlngs and has re-commenced Sunday school after the removal of covid restrictions. We also avail of other outreach opportunities including: Quiz nights Local Historical Lectures Gospel Musical Evenings Other one-off events as agreed with session and committee. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 10.30am. During the week the Bible Study provides an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship. to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. At 31 December 2022 there were 19 communicant members and 17 families connetted with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship was 13. Pastoral care All members of the congregation, including those who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are visited on a regular basis by the minister or elders. Those who are in care / residential homes also receive regular pastoral visits. Misslon and outreach 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 basi5 beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial 5UPPOrt 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 mlnistry students, and financially supports congregation in the areas of worship. discipleship, global mission, outreach. leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also donates to other mission and emergency appeals whenever they arise. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and l or one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregation5 and the wider structures of the church. Property As all unused pmperty has now been sold. the Church and grounds including the cemetery are now in the care of the trustees ie.. The Education Board of Armagh Presbytery. Organisatlons Every Sabbath we have oursunday school from 11am in the adjoining Church Hall. Our alm isto help our young people to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and to equip them spiritually forthe challenges which life will bring. Our attendance figures have sadly declined during the covid pandemic but are slowly rising again and it is hoped to get back to pre-pandemic levels in the near future. Volunteers The Tru5tee5 wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by seThing on committees and helping with organisations and other church artivities.
PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian church in Ireland meets the publlc 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 reliElOn. 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 opportunitles 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 case5. Public access is made known through the use of noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites. and social media or in other way5. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their famllies, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefft flowing from our purpose 15 related to Ministers. Missionarie5, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. However, thi5 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 indirert contact with, the community in which pastoral services are provided and other communities throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefitfrom our engagement with and support for both Christian and other secular organlsations. charities and individual members of the publ1¢. 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 22 contributors during the year (a decrease of 2 on the previous yearl donating a total of £9,8991£9.465 in previous year, 2021) Total Income of the congregation during the year was £16,696 compared to £16,252 in the previous year. Total expenditure increased to £16,041 from £14,009. As in previous years, standard income and expenditure streams remain steady. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBIUTIES The Trustees are responsible for preparingthe annual report and the finandal statements of the congregation in accordance with applitable law and generally accepted accounting prartice. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accountlng records that are sufficient to Show and explain the congregation's transartion5 and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguardingthe asset5 of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable step5 for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved bythe Kirk Session at a meeting on .IS.:..4....13 and signed on it5 behalf by -eLL_I &-
INDEPENDETrtr EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF BELLVILLE CONGREGATION OF THE PRE5BYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAD I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 set out on pages 6 to 9. Respettive responsibllities of trustee5 and examiner The charitys trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 It is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts under Section 65 of the Charities Act To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given bythe Charity Commission (under Section 6519llbl of the Charities Act),. and To state whether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Basls of the independent examlners report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and our examlnation was Carried out in accordance with the general dirertions given by the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland under section 6519llbl of the Charities Act. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept bythe charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. tt also included consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation5 from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any materi31 matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe.. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Att. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the charities Act. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respett of the matters111 to141 listed above and in connettion with following the Dirertion5 0 the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland,- I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. John McCleary FCA McCleary& Company Ltd Chartered Accountants Garvey Studios 14 Longstone street Li5burn Co. Antrirn BT28 ITP Date
Settion 2 - Statement of Financial Activlty (2022) BASIS OF FINANCIALSTATEMENTS As the total income of the congregation is less than £250,000 the congregation have elected in accordance with the provisions in The charities Accounts and Reports Regulation5 (Northern Ireland) 2015 to prepare its accounts on a receipts and payrnents basis. Unrestricted Fijnds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2022 Total 2021 Receipts Donations 14,689 1,770 16,459 16,017 Interest io 227 237 235 Transfers 182 45 -227 14,881 1,815 16,696 16,252 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2022 Total 2021 Payments Charitable Activities 14,352 1,689 16,041 14,009 14,352 1,689 16,041 14,009 Net Rec's/Pay's 529 126 655 2,243 Net movement 529 126 655 2,243 Funds brought forward 9,822 581 10,403 8,160 Closing Balance 10,351 707 11,058 10,403 Bank and Cash Balances General Account 10,351 9,822 Repair Fund 545 521 Herald Subscriptions 72 15 United Appeal Bell Bequest IBIO bl 90 45 11,058 10,403 Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on and signed on it5 behalf by
Section 3 - Statement of Assets and Liabilities (2022) FIXED ASSErs The Church premises situated at 130 Derrytrasna Road. Lurgan, Co. Armagh, BT66 6QP and the associated fixtures, fittings, p13nt and machinery are held in trust for the congregation by the Education Board of Presbytery under the terms of the Education Endowment Art of 1885. These have an insurance value of £252,788 at the last renewal date of 26 December 2022. LIA81UTIES There are no liabilities at the end of this financial year.
Section 4 - Notes to the Accounts INCOME FIGURES FOR 2022 General Fund Income unrestricted Freewill Offering 9,899.00 Sabbath offering (Loosel 502.00 Harvest Offering 510.00 Donations lunspecified usel 140.00 GiftAid 3,637.38 Bell Bequest dividends- BIO-A 181.80 Interest 10.21 14,880.39 Income Irestrictedl United Appeal 620.00 Belfast City Mission Appeal 525.00 Gift Aid 327.50 Gift Aid- Repair Fund 150.00 Bank Interest- Repair Fund 0.41 Herald Subscriptions 147.00 BELL Bequest dividends - BIO-B 45.45 1815.36 Total receipts for year 2022 16.695.75
EXPENDITURE FIGURES FOR 2022 General Fund Ex enditure unrestrrcted Stated Supply 5,850.00 Travelling Expenses 1,725.00 Pulpit Supply 425.00 Insurance Premlum + Tax + Service Charge 865.25 Audio Visual System (supply and installation) 4,260.00 Accountancy Fees 409.20 Assessments 236.00 Presbytery Fees 118.15 N.1. Water 88.95 Power N.1. 63.18 Gifts 25.00 Donation5 in Memorium 50.00 Catering 180.00 Bank Fee5 56.17 14,351.90 Ex enditure restricted United Appeal 845.00 Belfast City Mission 627.50 Repair Fund- maintenance to vestry radiator 96.00 Repair Fund- Bank charges 30.41 Presbyterian Herald 90.00 1,688.91 Total expenditure for year 2022 16.040.81