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← Dundrod Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

2025-12-31-annual-report

DUNDROD

CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND

Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105003)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

TRUSTEES:

TRUSTEES: Mr. Gareth Bell Mr. Ivan Calvert Mr. Ian Craig Ms. Joanne Dunlop Mr. Robert Dunlop Mrs. Heather Gillen Mr. John Irvine Mrs. Muriel McCartney Mrs. Alison McClure Mr. William McClure Mr. Thomas McCullough Ms. Marguerite Ramsey Rev. Richard Kerr (Vacancy Convenor) CHARITY NUMBER: NIC105003 ADDRESS: 1 Leathemstown Road Dundrod Crumlin Co Antrim BT29 4HX

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Janet Jensen, ACMA,CGMA Ekstra Accounting Solutions Ltd 2 Beechill Park South Belfast Co Antrim BT8 6PB

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DUNDROD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

CONTENTS Page Number
Trustee Annual Report 3
Statement of Trustee Responsibilities 13
Independent Examiners Report 14
Statement of Financial Activities 16
Balance Sheet 17
Notes to the accounts 18

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DUNDROD 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 2025 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Dundrod Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

1 Leathemstown Road

Dundrod, Crumlin, Co Antrim BT29 4HU

Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105003)

CHARITY TRUSTEES

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

Alison McClure Gareth Bell Robert Dunlop William McClure Ivan Calvert Heather Gillen Ian Craig John Irvine Thomas McCullough Marguerite Ramsey Joanne Dunlop Muriel McCartney Richard Kerr (Vacancy Convenor)

PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS

Minister (Vacancy Convenor) Clerk of Session Treasurer Secretary

Richard Kerr William McClure – from April 2025, Alison McClure Eleanor Blane & Sandra Belshaw Alison Irvine

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Janet Jensen ACMA, CGMA Ekstra Accounting Solutions Ltd 2 Beechill Park South Belfast, Co Antrim BT8 6PB

BANKERS

Ulster Bank Ltd., 18 Bow Street, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1BN

SOLICITORS

W.G Maginess & Son 68 Bow Street, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1AL

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DUNDROD 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 congregation. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except the Moderator who is the minister in active duty in the congregation. They have no deliberative input but only a casting vote.

Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held usually bi-monthly.

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 twothirds 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.

Dundrod 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 congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.

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DUNDROD 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.

Dundrod congregation of the Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ is grounded in the Scriptures, and exists to love and honor 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 purposes are Reaching out for Christ, Leading people to Christ, and Growing deeper in Christ.

Our Vision is to be a warm, welcoming, worshipping fellowship, which is Christ centered, obedient to and fed by God’s word, led by the Holy Spirit, open to all and loving to one another, transforming lives and communities in Dundrod and beyond for Christ.

The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by being:

A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another

An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ.

An Outward looking Community: where we want the blessings of God that belong to us in the gospel to become blessings for others beyond the bounds of our community.

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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DUNDROD 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 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 11:30am. There are various evening services for special occasions throughout the year such as the Easter, Harvest and Christmas Carol Services. During the week the Wednesday Bible Study provides an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer.

As well as our regular services during the year we had 1 Sacrament of Baptism, 1 wedding and gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year in 6 funeral services.

At 31 December 2025 there were 198 communicant members and 196 families connected with the congregation.

The average week attendance at morning worship is 127

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DUNDROD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)

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 elders in this time of vacancy, supported by our Stated Supply Minister.

Mission and outreach

Special services were held at Easter, Harvest and Christmas to reach out and encourage the members and wider community. Informal family friendly evening services are held 3 times a year, led by the praise band reaching out to families especially teenagers.

In June, we gave Bibles to the P7 children leaving McKinney Primary School, with which we enjoy a good relationship and a strong community connection.

We make a significant donation of the required goods to the local Food bank at harvest time.

In September there is an annual Vintage Day. It is an opportunity to involve the community and meet and chat especially to people from farming and other backgrounds who may not be active in other areas of community or church life. It was a successful day, this year raising £ 2,156 for the Church Fund.

Shine events ran during February, Easter holidays and October for children aged 4-11 with training available for young leaders aged 12-18. Approx 50 children attend each event.

Community events ran at Easter (Joyfest) and October (Glowfest). A range of activities for children of all ages are available. Approx 200 attend.

Christmas tree light switching on event took place, which was open to all the community including 2 local primary schools (McKinney Primary and Ballymacward controlled Primary School). The event included a stilt walker, who switched on the lights and a visit from Santa. A grant of £1000 was obtained from the afore-mentioned council to buy and erect the tree and provide for the activities and refreshments. About 120 people were in attendance.

A Community Christmas dinner was held at the end of November - again open to people from all sides of the community. About 98 people were in attendance.

Both local housing developments were visited delivering Christmas greetings with invitations to the Christmas events at the Church.

Guided Points of Prayer are issued every month to guide the prayer life of the congregation.

£7,504 was donated to Missions and Charities.

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

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DUNDROD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)

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 financially supports congregations in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care.

The congregation also contributes to the denomination's annual World Development Appeal, and other special appeals.

In March, we hosted the Ubuntu Dream Tour raising money for the African Children's Choir. Our Brass group held a praise night in the Autumn again raising money for the African Children's choir.

We were able to respond to a request from our Malawi contacts when they asked for urgent aid for the elderly suffering from the extreme weather which caused food shortages and wrecked homes.

Presbytery

The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our Vacancy Convenor and one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregation 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, and this year the Special Assembly in December.

Property

Church property consists of the church, the manse, the manse farm and Dundrod and Ballyhill old schools. The property is in good repair with maintenance and repairs carried out as required.

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DUNDROD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)

Organisations

Bowling Club meets Tuesday evenings for practice and club night and then often has matches on Wednesday evenings. Again, the club reaches beyond simply the church membership and crosses age and other barriers. Around 21 would attend each week.

Boys Brigade meets on Monday Evenings from 6:45 - 9:00pm. This is split into different age groups from 4-18. Around 60 boys and 12 leaders meet each week. Additional sporting and fun events and competitions are held throughout the year and an Awards evening at the end of March.

Brass Group meets on Monday nights for practice (twice monthly) and plays in Church one Sunday the Month. The group has around 18 members. It is also a social occasion and attracts members from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages. Playing music has also been very therapeutic to members as they cope with various difficulties in life. Others have joined the group because they have found this helps.

Chat ‘n’ Play (Carer & Child Group) meets on Tuesday mornings. Helpers and members are drawn from different sections of the local community and this provides a beneficial service to all looking after young children. Around 16 children plus 14 carers attend and 2 leaders and 2 helpers.

Choir meets when needed on Tuesday nights and then most Sundays. Membership would be between 8-16.

Craft Club meets every other Monday morning. 12-14 ladies meet for craft, tea and chat.

Creche and Kingdom Kids activities took place most Sunday mornings. This caters for over 33 children from infants to teenagers.

Friday Night Young People takes place the last Friday each month. 5 leaders and 18-20 young people between 11-19 years old meet for a range of activities, nights out, praise nights and youth rallies.

Girls' Brigade meets on Thursday Evenings from 6:30-9:00pm. This is split into different age groups from 3-18. Around 90 girls and leaders meet each week. Additional sporting and fun events and competitions are held throughout the year and an awards evening in April.

Good News Club is an after-school club which meets on 4 Wednesdays in May, in the church hall. This includes games, songs, stories, and quizzes and would have about 30 children in attendance and 4 leaders.

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DUNDROD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)

Holiday Bible Club hosts events in the spring, summer and autumn breaks for 51, 74 and 46 children respectively from the local community, sharing Gospel truths in a child friendly manner. It runs for a week finishing with a Church Service on Sunday.

House Group Bible Study, 10 members meet fortnightly in a private home, and follows an agreed programme of study, building relationships and sharing in prayer and support for each other.

Ladies Badminton Group for ladies meets on Wednesday mornings. 8-12 ladies attend each week for sport, fitness and tea and chat.

Men’s Group meets quarterly for fellowship & discussion with the aim of strengthening faith and community ties. The group organises social events and serves as a key form of outreach to men with no other firm connection to the church. Typically 35 men attend a range of events and one third of attendees are not members of the church.

Mid-Week Bible Study takes place on Wednesday evenings with a range of age groups of around 18 people attending covering various books or people of the Bible throughout the year.

Prayer Ministry Team – ministering weekly at close of worship.

Presbyterian Women meet monthly with approximately 20 females attending. Members of the congregation and outside speakers come and deliver a presentation or demonstration with a biblical message at the core of each night.

Youth Bible Class meet fortnightly with 6-7 young people from 11-14 years and 2 leaders. The group work through the New Testament using the Lectio Devina approach of Bible study along with enjoying food and fellowship together.

Walking Group meets once a month for a scheduled walk and a meal together to foster social connections with the opportunity of outreach along with the trying to improve mental and physical wellbeing through fellowship and Biblical Thought for the Day. Weather permitting 15-20 attend.

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. None of the above - mentioned activities could take place without such dedicated service.

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DUNDROD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)

PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and to 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 charitable purpose of the advancement of religion 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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DUNDROD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The congregation's main source of income is members' contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering.

There were 164 contributors in 2025 (154 in 2024) donating a total of £100,354 (£85,523 in 2024)

Total Income of the congregation in 2025 was £171,538, compared to £153,814 in 2024.

Total expenditure increased from £86,899 in 2024 to £102,034 in 2025.

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DUNDROD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)

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.

Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 14[h] April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

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