## **SECOND DONEGORE 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 (NIC104996)**
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## **SECOND DONEGORE 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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
2nd Donegore congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 88 Connor Rd, Parkgate, Ballyclare, County Antrim, BT39 0DU Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 104996)
## **CHARITY TRUSTEES**
The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were
Rev Ben Johnston Robert Duff Samuel Gawn Thomas J Gawn
## **PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS**
Minister Ben Johnston Clerk of Session Samuel Gawn Treasurer Thomas J Gawn
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER**
Hopper & Co 6 Doagh Road, Ballyclare BT399BG
## **BANKERS**
Danske Bank, 18 The Square, Ballyclare BT39 9BB
## **SOLICITORS**
Macaulay & Ritchie, Cathedral Chambers, 11 Talbot Street, Belfast. BT12LD
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**SECOND DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)**
## **STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **The Kirk Session**
The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Session. Under the congregation’s governing document, The Code, the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and promote the spiritual interest of the congregation and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk 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 normally held each month [September to June].
To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant of its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the office can be nominated 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. 2[nd] Donegore Congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Templepatrick Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of its congregations, ministers who retired from active duty, and an elder have appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation.
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## **SECOND DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)**
## **The General Assembly**
The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, administration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted 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**
The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion.
2[nd] Donegore 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 congregation’s mission purpose is to be:
- a congregation proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ pointing people to him as their personal Saviour.
- a fellowship building up God’s people in their faith and equipping them for Christian life and service.
- a body of caring people seeking to show Christ’s love to each other, the parish and beyond.
_The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God’s people by being:_
- _increasingly characterised by love for God, and love and concern for others;_
- _committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Bible;_
- _relevant to people of this time and place._
- We aim to grow and develop under God and in the power of the Holy Spirit, seeking to be open and obedient to God's calling, led by the Holy Spirit in accordance with his Word.
- _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._
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## **SECOND DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)**
## **ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES**
The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is observed on several occasions during the year and those who have been baptised and who have made a credible 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
- Sunday School
- Bible Class
- Junior Christian Endeavour
- -Presbyterian Women
- Bowling Club
- Holiday Bible Club
- Friendship Hour
- -Catechism Club
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Worship and prayer**
The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11.30am and at 6:30pm on the first and third Sunday of each month as well as occasionally on other special occasions such as Harvest and Communion. 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.We gave thanks for faithful service and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year.
At 31 December 2023 there were 101 communicant members and 140 families connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship was 65.
## **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 one of the congregation’s pastoral visitors.
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## **SECOND DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)**
## **Mission and outreach**
In July we had our Holiday Bible club outreach with around 95 young people from 4 – 15 yrs.
The congregation supported the following mission agencies
Donations from the General Account: -
|•|Belfast City Mission|£1,000|
|---|---|---|
|•|Scripture Union Schools Worker|£1,000|
Donations from Mission Support:-
|•|Rev Alister Torrens|£2,000|
|---|---|---|
|•|Middle East Reformed Fellowship|£2,000|
During the year collections were made for the following charitable appeals:-
|•|Turkey/Syria Appeal
|£390.00|
|---|---|---|
|•|Christian Aid|
£240.00|
|•|Tear Fund|
£200.00|
|•|Pres. Children’s Society|
£600.00|
Members of the congregation also supported Belfast City Mission through Christmas gifts as well as the Samaritans purse shoebox appeal.
The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denominational basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assists with the running costs of Union Theological College, the Church’s training college for ministry students, and supports congregations in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care.
The collection in aid of Tear Fund was chosen instead of the Presbyterian Church’s World Development as the Spar Food Chain were donating a similar amount to that given by our church. Monies given to World Development are distributed by Christian Aid and Tear Fund.
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## **SECOND DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)**
## **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 attended the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June.
## **Property**
There was no major work carried out during the year.
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## **SECOND DONEGORE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont’d)**
## **Organisations**
## **Session Report**
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path. Proverbs ch. 3 v 5-6
Each week Rev. Ben Johnston conducted our worship and preached faithfully from God’s word. We were glad to have Claire and family at church with us each week and give thanks to Claire for her involvement and hosting regular events at the manse.
Our mid week meeting for prayer and bible study was led by the minister and elders with missionary speakers whom we support invited from time to time.
- Rev Alister Torrens shared about his work in Ukraine, training pastors for their own war torn country.
- Rev Ian McClean shared with us about the work carried out by The Middle East Reformed Fellowship.
- Mr. Phil Dunn shared about the work of European Missionary Fellowship.
- Rebekah Armstrong from Scripture Union shared with us about her work in the local schools.
We enjoyed a walk in the castle grounds at the end of the mid week season.
During the year Rev. Johnston had extra duties as vacancy convener of Crumlin church. He preached there one Sunday each month and he always supplied us with able speakers in his absence. There are 101 people on the communion roll with 66 attending at least one communion. The session encourages all communicants to attend the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and we pray that the Holy Spirit will draw us to this special celebration.
Our sympathy goes out to all who have lost loved ones and we remember those who are sick and those who care for them.
A catechism club for the children continued on the second Sunday afternoon each month at the manse. This was a time of fun and learning from God’s word through the catechism.
Special services and events included
- Newcomer’s lunch.
- Easter dawn service at 6.30 am on Easter Sunday followed by a light breakfast.
- Sunday school and Bible class receiving their prizes
- Special breakfast prior to morning service
- Holiday Bible Club took place from 4[th] to 7[th] July when 95 young people attended.
- Harvest supper when the Sunday school children and Bible class took part and the Lowe brothers from Carryduff sang and brought the evening to a close with a short epilogue.
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- Harvest services with Rev. Ben Johnston in the morning and with a visiting speaker Mr. Glen McBride in the evening.
- Joint evening service with Connor Presbyterian church when the speaker was Rev. Dr Tim Ward.
- Christmas concert with Benjamin Amos.
- Christmas Eve service at 11.30pm with refreshments at 11.15pm.
- Meeting with delegates from the mission strategy panel to discuss various statistics of our church.
We were glad to be able to circulate another Dunamuggy News bringing us up to date. Thanks to Moira and all those who contributed or helped in any way,
A special word of thanks and encouragement to our minister, the session, committee, all leaders, teachers, those involved in sound and power point, care and share , distribution of magazines, flower rota, cleaning duties and to Evena and Stacey who lead our praise each week. We also remember all who use their talents in many different ways where they see a need and most important to those who support the work of our church in prayer.
At the end of the year we were disappointed to learn that our minister Rev. Ben Johnston had received and accepted a call from Gardenmore in Larne. We thank him for his work with us for almost three years and wish him God’s blessing in his new charge and pray that Claire and the family settle in quickly.
Sam Gawn
(Session Clerk)
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## **Church Committee Report**
A special thanks to all the sub-committees for all their work during 2023.
Committee met bi-monthly during 2023. All meetings were well attended. A few items that committee progressed during the year were: -
- Electrical upgrades completed in 58 Hollybank Road
- Consumer unit in kitchen replaced. Heating controls in hall replaced.
- 10 new childrens chairs & 2 high chairs were purchased.
- Storm glazing completed in 2 church windows.
- New shelves installed in cloakroom.
- Attic cleared out.
- Cleaning Rota was set up.
- Entertainments Licence was renewed.
- Stay and Play commenced use of the hall in November.
The following donations were given from the General Account: -
- Belfast City Mission £1,000
- Scripture Union Schools Worker £1,000
The Mission Support Group donated the following:-
- Rev Alister Torrens £2,000
- • Middle East Reformed Fellowship £2,000
During the year collections were made for the following charitable appeals:-
- Turkey & Syria Earthquake £390
- • Christian Aid £240 • Tearfund £200 • Presbyterian Children’s Society £600
The committee thanks the congregation for all the support that has been provided and welcome any suggestions from any member for discussion by Committee.
Sharon McIlveen
(Congregational Secretary)
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## **Treasurer’s Report**
Donations to the Freewill Offering (FWO) rose from £51,670.30 in 2022 to £58,319.50 for 2023. This is a substantial increase and reflects an optimism to have our church self-supporting. The closing balance for the current General Account (No 1) was £43,574.08 and £30,000.00 was also invested in a one-year fixed term deposit account.
The Renovation Account (No 2) began the year with a balance of £5205.67. Direct givings to this account (Harvest Appeal) amounted to £5120.00. There were several large items of expenditure this year and so it was decided to transfer £5,000.00 from the General Account to this account in order to keep it in credit. Details of the items of expenditure can be seen in the financial statement for No 2 account.The closing balance was £3776.81.
The United Appeal target for 2023 was £5,534.00 and this was paid in full. Direct Givings to the United Appeal amounted to £3230.00. Gift Aid and interest from bequests came to £680.30 leaving a deficit of £1625.00 which was transferred from the General Account to make up the target amount.
On behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone for their contributions to the various funds of the church enabling Christian teaching and aid to be given both locally and abroad. The No. 1,2&3 accounts along with The Manse and Building Funds were checked by Hopper & Co, Ballyclare, and they also prepared the accounts for the Charity Commission.
Thomas J. Gawn
(Treasurer)
## **Sunday School and Bible Class Report**
Sunday School and Bible Class started 2023 with 10 children in Sunday School and 4 in Bible Class. Lessons on Abraham, Moses and the life of Jesus were taught throughout the year. Bible Class also finished lessons on the Christian Armour. In Bible Class we spend five or ten minutes at the end watching a DVD about the life of a well known Christian. At the beginning of the year we finished the DVD about Robert Sheffey, an American evangelist who lived in the 19th century. We then went on to hear the story of Fred Orr who had been a missionary with the Acre and after the summer break we watched the DVD of The Cross and the Switchblade.
As the Easter Break from school coincided with the Friendship Hour dinner this year, the Sunday School were able to perform a drama about the Resurrection and at the Harvest Dinner they were again able to sing a couple of items.
Our trip to Portrush in June was a bit of a wash out in the real sense of the word. Most of us travelled up by train and we managed to have our BBQ at the Antrim Gardens but when it came time for the games on the beach the rain started and we just had to abandon that idea.
Sunday School held their Christmas Party in the hall this year where eats were had and games were played. Parents and younger children were also made welcome. Bible Class went out for their Christmas event.
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We went to the Sportsbowl in Glengormley for some ten pin bowling and afterwards went for a McDonalds.
I would like to thank our faithful team of Sunday School teachers who thoroughly prepare and teach the lessons week by week and also those who accompany me at Bible Class each week under the Taking Care Regulations.
Pam Kirkpatrick (Sunday school superintendent)
## **FRIENDSHIP HOUR REPORT**
Dunamuggy Friendship Hour continued to meet on a monthly basis throughout 2023 with up to 50 folk enjoying home-made broth and yummy desserts. As tea is being served, a quiz is distributed to awaken the brain cells. There is often some musical entertainment/Gospel message afterwards – guests in 2023 included John Porter and Ballygelly Accordion Band. We continue to enjoy fellowship with some of the residents of Rylands Nursing Home who join us most months.
Our annual outing was held in June – we enjoyed a carvery lunch at Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena and took the opportunity to congratulate Sam and Sarah Gawn on their Golden wedding anniversary. For many years, Sam and Sarah have played a major role in ensuring the smooth running of the Friendship Hour, for which we give thanks.
In December, we welcomed many members and friends for our Christmas dinner, once again provided and served by Iris’ Farmhouse Cuisine. It was a most enjoyable occasion and everyone left with a small gift.
We plan to continue to meet monthly in 2024 on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at 12.00 in the church hall. Everyone will be made very welcome.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures for ever. Psalm 118 v1
Moira Hamilton
(Secretary)
## **Junior CE Report**
CE recommenced in the New Year with showings of “The Miracle Maker” Dvd. Over the following weeks we saw episodes from the life of Jesus taking us up to Easter and the Crucifixion story. After the summer break we learned about the Apostle Paul and his adventures. Each week the quiz on the Bible story causes a lot of excitement as well as reinforcing the teaching. We also learned Bible Verses throughout the year.
One of the aims of Christian Endeavour is to train our Juniors for service for Christ and His church by encouraging them to take part in the meetings. Unfortunately we were unable to do this when we
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recommenced after Covid lockdown as there would have been too much close interaction and when restrictions eased somewhat our children were of quite a young age. This year we were able to again have our Juniors lead the meeting and do the Bible Reading and we hope to increase their participation as the weeks go on.
In our craft time we made Tea Light Houses and Tea Light Nature Scenes, decorated egg cups for Easter Eggs and made Snow Globes at Christmas. When we weren't doing craft work at the end of the meeting we played some games.
During the year we also filled Christmas Shoe Boxes, made pancakes close to Shrove Tuesday and had our Christmas Party.
We ended the session at Easter with a trip to McDonalds which was thoroughly enjoyed by all and the Christmas session finished with our CE Party.
Thank you to Sarah and Stacey for their help each week and to the parents for bringing along the children.
Pam Kirkpatrick
## **Tardree Sunday School Report**
The Sunday School opened on the 14[th] May and twelve pupils were enrolled. We were pleased to have Joshua Kennedy joining our SundaySchool. The first special event was the Sports Evening which was held on Saturday 29[th] July. As there was heavy showers during the afternoon most of the activities took place inside. The evening began with eatables which were enjoyed by all. The children then took part in the games which included throwing the bean bag, the balloon race, potato and spoon and dribbling the ball. The races ended with the sprint for the different age groups and it was held outside. By this time the children were ready for refreshments and the coins they had received for their games were soon all spent.
The Harvest Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday 22[nd] October. The special speaker was the Rev. Ben Johnston and it was well supported. The praise was led by Evena and the Dunamuggy Choir. The pupils took part also and sang the following pieces: Refuge and Strength, Trust in the Lord, Tis so sweet and Greatest Commandment. At the close of the service their prizes were distributed by the Rev. Ben Johnston. In 2023 we sponsored two new pupils from Tanzania. Their names are Frank Senyegalo who is eight years old and VeisMchande who is nine. Once again there has been a generous donation totalling £120.00 which will be much appreciated.
In closing I would like to thank parents, teachers and children for their dedication and faithfulness. As we look forward to the coming season we ask for God’s guidance and blessing in all we do.
Thomas J. Gawn
(Superintendent)
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## **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.
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.
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## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES**
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice.
As the congregation’s total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64(3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabilities.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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