Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees, Annual Report Year ended 31 December 2022 The trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended ) l December 2022. Referenee and adm inistrative details Registered charity name Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Charity registration number NIC105010 Principal office Greencastle Street Kilkeel Co Down BT34 4BH The trustees Rev William Bingham Archie Alderdice Ivan Annett Ronald Annett Stanley Annett William Annett David BaiTd Doreen Bartholomew Robert Bennett Gary Bin(rham Jackie Blue Jim Chestnutt Edward Forsythe Gary Glenny W A Grills Roy Hanna J W Hanna R J Hanna James Henderson Rodney McBride Sidney McKee Joseph McKibbin Martin McKee Raymond McKee David Morris James Morris Eric Niblock Gregory Nicholson Robert Patterson Thomas Patterson Alan Skillen Maurice Skillen Eric Skillen Jatnes Stevenson James Stevenson Brian Townley William Turner
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees, Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Reference alld administrative details Registered charity name Mourne Congregation Of The Presbjterian Church In Ireland Charity registration number NIC105010 Principal 0]ee Greencastl¢ Street Kilkeel Co Down BT34 4BH Principal Olee Bearers Minister Clerk of Session Hon. Treasurer Hon. Secretary Rev William Bingham William A Grills William Turner David Morris Auditor UHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited 27-29 Gordon Street Mews Gordon Stre¢t Belfast BTI 2LG Bankers Danske Bank 58 HTII Street Newry BT34 IBD Solicitors Fisher & Fisher l Newry St Rathfriland Co Down BT34 SPY Structure? governance and managemen¢ 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 oovernment of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and promote the spiritual interest of the congr¢gation and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds. It ensures p&storal care is in place in the congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witne55 and service in the local community- The Kirk Session has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the ongregation including adrninistering all funds and property belongino to the congregation. Mernber5 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 congregation5. All mernbers are entitled to propose. speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator and the ministers in active duty in the congregation, have no delib¢rative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held at least three times in each year or as appropriate. Exceptional meeting5 were held during the year to deal with issues around church activities and Covid 19 restrictions. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congrecration 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 by vote either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of the vote.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report {continuedJ Year ended 31 December 2022 Structure? governance and management (conlinued) Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland forn] of governance, the corporate oversight of a congr¢gation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which Superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congrecrations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Mourne Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Presbytery of Newry within Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assioned to it by the General Assernbly, ministers 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 th¢ whole Church and acting as its supreme legislattve, administrative and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is nornially 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 ministers and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. Description and Purpose Mourne Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in ITeland, as a Refornied 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 purposes are by the grace of God, to help people of all ages become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our vision is, by the grace of God. to be an inclusive, welcoming community of ChTiSt's people of all ages, which.. is increasingly 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 congregation airns 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 ComTnunity: 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.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees, Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Objectives and activities 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 and prayer meetings and has a wide range of organisations including. Sunday School Bible Classes Midweek fellowship Group Crèches Children's Church Sunday Knight Kids Youth Fellowship Groups Small Group Meetings Boys Brioade Girls Brigade Presbyterian Women Men's Fellowship Badminton Club Youth Club Mothers and Toddlers Walking Group covering all spiritual and operational matters. 2022 saw a return to nonnal services of worship and organisational activities following Covid 19 restrictions in 2021. Achievements and performanee Worship and prayer The congregation met for worship each Sunday at I1.30am and 7.00pm. During the week the Bible sdY provlded an opportunity for meTnber5 to meet for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a tirne of prayer. Live Broadcast services on Sunday mornings and evenin5 were available online with an average online viewing of 1.500 for the morning and 1.000 for the evening services. The Trustees acknowledge and thank the Media Team for their dedication and expertise in providing this service. The midweek prayer meeting and bible study was held on Thursday evenings with an average atteT2dance of 70 people. Full members classes were held in the Spring. 16 people were admitted to The Lord's Table for the fLrst time and 3 persons were received on transfer from other congregations. There were 13 infant baptisms, 7 adult baptisms, 17 weddings and 23 funeral services. At 31 December 2022 there were 585 communicant members and 997 families connected with the congreoation. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was served at evening worship in January and morning worship in May and November. The average weekly attendance at worship was 750 in the moming and 350 in ihe evening. The Trustees are very grateful to the 180 Band, organist, musicians and choir who led worship throughout the year. Many have been blessed through their rninistry. Monthly services also took place in Brackney Hall except for the summer months.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Achievements and performance (eontinued) Pastor21 care Member5 of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age were visited by the minister, elders or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitors. Mission 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 th¢ 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 grdnt support for the upkeep of church premises, assists with the running costs of Union Theological College, the Church's training college for ministy students, and financially supports congregations in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also supports the work of the Student Christian Organisation of Malawi and various projects relating to the work of The David Gordon Memorial Hospital in Livingstonii Malawi. with a particular focus on supporting the very poor and vulnerable members of the area. The congregation supports various local charitie5 including The Fi5hern]en's Mission, The Southern Area Hospice, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Mourne Stirnulus, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Belfast City Mission, Arab World Ministries, Prison Fellowship, The Royal British Legion, The RNLI and The Presbyterian Children's Society. The congregation also supports, both financially and prayerfully, members of our fellowship who decide to do short or long-tem] service with mission focused organisations. Members who undertake study to prepare them for service both at home and overseas also receive support from the congregation. Presbytery The congregation was represented at meetings of Presbytery by our minister and one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider strnctures 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. The General A55embly of 2022 was held in June. Property During 20?2 there was no significant work done to the property. General maintenance was provided. Organisations Sunday School and Bible Classes met on Sunday mornings with an average attendance of over 280. Sunday Knight Kids met monthly with an average attendance of 35. Baby and Children's Crèche were held each Sunday rnorning. Attendance varied. The Youth Fellowship groups met in the halls each Sunday evening with a combined average attendance of 95. The Youth Fellowship also organised a holiday in England with over 80 young people and leaders attending. The Girls, Brigade met on Tuesday evenings with a varied programme of garnes, crafts, cookino and Bible Study. No parents, evening was held this year. There are around 200 members plus officers and helpers. The Mother and Toddler Group met on Wednesday mornings from 9.30am to I I.00am. Over 70 children are registered as members from throughout the community. The Boys Brigade met on Wednesday evenings with a varied programme of sports, crafts games and bible study. No Parents evening was held March. There are around 190 members plus leaders and helpers.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees, Annual Report {continuedJ Year ended 31 December 2022 Aehievements and performance (continued) The Badminton Club met on Wednesday evenin(ys. The Presbyterian Women's Group rnet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month and held a Presbyterian Women's Service in March 2022. The Men's Fellowship Met two times each month. No English Classes for people from other countries living in OUT community were held this year. The Saturday Club met from Jan to March and Sept to December. Small group Bible SdieS were held in the church halls throughout the year. The Walking Club organised several walks this year. The TSteeS wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their tirne by serving on cornmittees and helping with ortsanisations and other church activities. They also thank our caretakers for the excellent work in cleaning and maintaining the church properties. 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. With the added uncertainties and stresses of the Covid19 Pandemic the message of hope and confjdence in God's providence, sovereignty, love and grace was a comfort and blessing to even more people. 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 Lartser 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). A team of volunteers was also established to do messages for those living in isolation during the period of Lockdown. 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 advertisemenl websites, and social media or in other way5. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and via infonnal, ad-hoc feedback from members, their familie5, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionarie5, 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, oth¢r individuals that the PreSberlan Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral services are provided and other communities throutshout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our engagement with and support for both Christian and other secular organisations, chartties and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commi55ions public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2022 Financial review The congregation's main source of income is rnernbers, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 703 (2021- 979) contributors during the year. donating a total of £239.462 (2021- £222,336). Total income during the year amounted to £567,881, compared to £451,630 in the previous year. The rernoval of government Covid 19 restrictions allowed Church activity to return to pre pandemic levels. Total expenditure for the year amounted to £498,650 (2021 £327,945). The increase in costs was due to the increase in org3nisational and gen¢ral activity. Going Concern The activities of the congregation are dependent on ongoing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the Congregation has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these financial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support from rnembers to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation's current activities and other financial commitments. Reserves Poliey The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that is appropriate to hold, taking account of current and ongoing cotnmitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least three month's nornial expenditure. At the year-end unrestricted reserves were £785,420 (2021 £765,292) which represents a higher level of reserves. The Trustees however, consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of its PTesent activities is dependent on the ongoing fanCIal support of members. Risk Review review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systerns 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 rnembers. These risks ar¢ mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring of the various activities of the congre(yation ai stated m¢etings and by encouraging members in their regular giving. Trustees, responsibilities statement The trnstees are responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity. and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to- select suitable accounting policie5 and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP. make judgrnents and accounting ¢stimates that are reasonable and prudent- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. prepare th¢ financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the harity will Continue in businc55.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report (continuedj Year ended 31 December 2022 The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial stateTnents comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees, annual report was approved on .............................. and signed on behalf of the board of trust¢¢s by.. Rev William Bingham Trustee William Turner Trustee