Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report Year ended 31 December 2023 The trustees present their report and th¢ financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. Reference and 2dministrattve details Registered eharity 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 Williarn Bingham Archie Alderdice Ivan Annett Ronald Annett William Annett David Baird Doreen Bartholomew Gary Bingham Jackie Blue Jim Chestnutt Edward Forsythe W A Grills Roy Hanna J W Hanna R J Hanna James Henderson Rodney McBride Sidney McKee Joseph McKibbin Martin McKee David Morris James Morris Eric Niblock Gregory Nicholson Robert Patterson Thornas Patterson Alan Skillen Eric Skillen James Stevenson Brian Townley William Turner Stanley Annett Gary Glenny Raymond McKee Maurice Skillen James Stevenson Company secretary William Turner
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Auditor UHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited Chartered accountants & StatOry auditor 27-29 Gordon Street Mews Gordon Str¢¢t Belfast BTI 2LG Bankers Danske Bank 58 Hill Street NEWRY Co Down BTi4 IAR Solicitors FisheT & Fisher l Newry St Rathfriland, Newry Co Down BT34 SPY Structurej governance and management The Kirk Sesstoll The charity trustee5 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 KiTk Session seeks to watch over and piomote the spiritual interest of the ConegatIon 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 Con<yregational 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 ¢qual votes at Meetings, except that the Moderator and the ministers in active duty in the congregation. have no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk sesslon are held at least three times in each year or as appropriate. Exceptional meetings 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 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 by vote either by the ongregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of the vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland forn] of governance, the COTporate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintend5 generally the 5pÈritual and temporal affairs of the congregation5 assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Mourne Presbyterian Church has been assigned to tbe Presbytery of Newry within Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, Ministers who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees, Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Structure* governance and management (continued) The Gener31 Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislatlve, administrative and judicial authority. in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is nonnally constiNted 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 appoint¢d 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 Ireland, 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 gra¢e of God, to be an inclusive, welcoming community of Christ'5 people of all ages, which: - is increasingly chardcterised by love for God, and love and concern for others; is committed to the historic Christian gospel &5 revealed in the Bible. is relevant to people of this time and place. The congr¢gation 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 Intergenerdtional 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.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 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 wbo 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 Knioht Kids Youth Fellowship Groups - Small Group Meetings Boys Brigade Gir15 Brigade - Presbyterian Women Mens Fellowship Badminton Club - Youth Club - Mothers and Toddlers - Walking Group Ladies Bible Study Group covering all spiritual and operational Fnatters. Acbievements and performance Worship and prayer The congregation met for worship each Sunday at I1.30am and 7.00pm. DuTing the week the Bible Study provided an oppormnity for members to Eneet for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of PTayer. Live Broadcast services on Sunday mornings and evenings were available online with an average onEine viewing of 1,750 for the morning and 800 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 attendance of 70 people. Full members classes were held in the Spring 24 people were admitted to The Lord's Table for the first time and 4 persons were received on transfer from other congregations. There were 15 infant baptisms and infant dedications. 5 adult baptisrns, 10 wedding5 and 34 fimeral services. At 31 December 2023 there were 595 communicant Members and 1,004 families connected with the congregation. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supp¢r was s¢rved at evening worship in January and morning worship in May and Novernber. The av¢rage weekly attendance at worship was 770 in the morning and 370 in the evening. The Trustees are very grateful to the 180 Band, Organisl Praise Band, musicians and choir who led Worship throughout the year. Many have been blessed through their ministy. Monthly services a150 took place in Brackney Hall except for the summer months.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report (¢ontinued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Achievements and performance (continued) Pastoral eare Members 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. Mr Ellis Hanna joined us as a Student Assistant part tim¢. Mission 2nd outreach The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Chutch in Ireland. This fimd 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 fmancial support for mission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregations with the deployment of locally b&sed 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 ministy students, and financially supports congregations in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and p&storal 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 Mernorial Hospital in Livingstoni4 Malawi. with a particulat focus on supporting the very poor and vulnerable members of the ar¢a. The congregation supports various local charities including The Fishernien's Mission, The Southern Area Hospice, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Moume Stimulus, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Belfast City Mission, Prison Fellowship, The Royal British Legion, The RNLI and The Presbyterian Children's Society. The congregation also supports, both fmancially and prayerfully, mernber5 of our fellowship who decide to do short or long-term service with mission focused organisations. Members who undertake study to prepare them for service both at home and overseas also receiv¢ support from the cOngatIon. Presbytery The coThgregation was represented at meetings of Presbytery by our minister and two of the ¢lders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The minister and two of our elders were notninated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The General Assembly of 202) was held in June. Property During 2023 the inside of the Meeting House was painted and g¢neTal maintenance was piovided. Organisation$ - Sunday School and Bible Classes met on Sunday Mornings with an average attendance of over 250. Sunday Knigbt Kids m¢t monthly with an average attendan¢¢ of 30. Baby and Children's Crèche were held each Sunday morning. Attendance varied. The Youth Fellowship groups met in the halls each Sunday evening with a combined average attendance of 120. The Girls, Brigade met on Tuesday evenings with a varied programme of games, crafts, cooking and Bible Study. No parents, evening was held this year but the GB organised a Christmas concert for parents. 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 75 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 200 members plus leaders and helpers.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Aebievements and performanee fcondnued) The Badminton Club m¢t on Wednesday evenings. The Presbyterian Women's Group met on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month and held a Presbyterian Women's Service in March. The Men's Fellowship met two times each month from September to May. English Cl&sses for people from other countries living in our community were held this year on a Monday evening. The Saturday Club met from January to March and September to December. Small group Bible studies were held in the church halls throughout the year. The Wall(ing Club organised a several walks this year. 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. They also thank OUT 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. The direct benefits which flow from the purpose5 of the Church include the gaining of an understanding in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and in the Chwch's subordinate standards (the Westminster Confe55ion of Faith and the Shorter and Larg¢r 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 &s 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 ate 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 advertis¢men¢ websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and via infornial, ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harni. The only private benefit flowing from our putpose is related to Ministers, Missionaries. Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receiv¢ benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. However. this is incidental and necessary in order to further our Charitable PuOse. There are no other private benefits. Th¢ benefjciaries of this purpose are members, their families, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church Rn Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community ID which p&stordl 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, chariti¢s and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Financi81 review The congregation's main source of income is mernbers, contributions through the W¢¢kly Fr¢ewill Offering. There were 701 (2022 - 703) contributors during the year, donatlng a total of £259,198 (2022- £2i9,462). Total tncome during the year was £569.271. compared to £567,881 in the previous year. Total expenditure for the year amounted to £533,604 (2022 - £498,650). The increase in wsts was due to the increase in organisational and general activity. Net income recorded totalled £37,230 (2022 - £66,487). Going Concern The activities of the congregation are dependent on onooing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these fmancial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation's current activities and other financial commitments. Reserves Policy The TTUStees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that is appropriate to hold, taking account of cuent and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least three month's norn]al expenditure. At the year-end unrestricted reserves were £841,673 (2022 - £785,420) which represents a higher level of reserves. The Truste¢s however, consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level as th¢ funding of its present activities is dependent on the ongoing fmancial support of m¢mbeTS. Risk Review A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Twstees and systems 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 onooing fmancial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring of the various activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members in their regular giving. Trustees, responsibilities statement The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the fmancial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdon] Generdlly Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applRcable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which gtve a tsve 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 fmancial statements. the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently- observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP; make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in tbe fmancial statements.
Mourne Congregation Of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees. Annual Report {contlnued) Year ended 31 December 2023 prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. 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 tirne the fmancial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements 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 irretrularities. The trnstees, annual report was approved on .. . and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: Rev William BghaM Trnstee William Turner Trustee