an FIRST RATHFRILAND PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered Charlty in Northern Ireland INIC105054)
FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT STRucfuRE 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 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 ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consist5 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 active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held at least five times each year or 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 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 ternporal affairs of the congregations a55igned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. First Rathfriland congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Iveagh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations a55igned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk session of the congregation.
Presbyter an 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. First Rathfriland 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 honour God through faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to playtheir part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregations mission purposes is - Committed to the weekly worship of the Lord. Dedicated to learning and obeying the Word of God. Motivated to witness to our community by word and action that Jesus is the only way to Salvation. Encouraging support and prayer for mission in our world. Our vision is, by the grace of God, to be on inclusive, welcoming community of Christ's people of all ages. The congregation aims to live out its Mission ond Vision as o family of God's people by being.. A CovenGnt Community.. where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by livingfaithfully toward him and toward one another An Intergenerational Community.. where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage ond nurture younger members to maturity in Christ. An Outword looking Community.. where we want the blessings of God that belong to us in the gospel to become blessings for other5 beyond the bounds of our community. As a congregation of the Presbyteriun Church in Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme outhority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along with the LGrger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key motters of Christian faith and practice]
Presbyter an 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 Sunday School Young Fellowship Boys Brigade Girls Brigade Presbyterian Women Men'5 Fellowship Thursday Fellowship ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11.30am and 7.00pm. 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. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God's gift of new life at 2 Sacrament of Baptism's, we conducted 2 marriage services and gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2023 there were 202 cornmunicant members and 235 families connected with the congregations. The average weekly attendance at morning worship is 125. 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. Mlsslon and outreach At a local level the congregation gave £9,029 to United Appeal and approx. £4,000 to local charities.
an TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) 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, assist with the running costs of Union Theological College, the Church's training college for ministry Students, and financially supports congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also contributes to the denominations annual World Development Appeal, Sunday School project and any other special appeals. 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 were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June. Property During our vacancy the Congregation sold the manse (£265,000) and purchased a new one at 6 Finnard Road, Rathfriland1£394,500). Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organizations and other church activities.
an TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) 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, 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, 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.
an Flrst Rathfrlland CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) HNANCthL REVIEW The congregatlon's rnain Sour of Income is members, contributlons throu8h the Weekly Freewlll Offerlng. There were 170 contributors durlng the year1168 in previous year. 20221 donating a total of £71,021. {£70S96 In previous year. 2022) Total Income of the congregatSon during the year was £154.041 compared to £146,277 In the previous year. Total expendlture during the year was £130.580 compared to £128,418 In the previous year. STATEMEt4T OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financlal statements of the congregation in accordance wlth applicable law and generally accepted accounting practbce. As the con8regation's totsl Income does not exceed £250,0(Kl. the Trustees have elerted under Section 6413) of the Charltle5 Act (Northem Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and pawnent account and a statement of assets and liabilitie& The Trustees are responslble for keepln8 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transactions and rfisdose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeBuardlnE the assets of the congregatlon and hen for takln8 reasonable steps for the preventlon and detectlon of fraud and other irregularitles. Approved by the Kirk Sesslon at a meeting on 19th February 2024 and signed on its behalf by Mlnister Treasurer
an INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND I report on the accounts of the charity forthe year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on pages 10 to 16. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the account5 in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is my responsibility to: • examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act; • follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given bythe Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b} of the Charities Act. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a compari50n of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records 3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Presbyter an Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (l) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. B. Magenn FCCA FCA For and behalf of S.M. Wint & Co Chartered Certlfled Accountants & Reglstered Auditors 8 Newry Road Banbridge BT32 3HN 27th March 2024
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTY (Receipts and Payments Account) for the year ended 31 December 2023 Note Unrestrlcted Funds Restrlcted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Receipts Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment Income Other 89,723 100 1,390 611 39,293 20,469 129,016 20,569 1,390 2,038 1,028 122,540 20,715 1,120 1,222 680 1,427 1,028 91.824 62,217 154,041 146,277 Sale of Investments Sale of fixed assets Loans Received 265,000 30,000 265,000 30,000 Total RecelptS 91,824 357,217 449,041 146,277 Payments Raising funds Charitable activities Investment costs Other 79,905 50,675 130,580 128,418 79,905 50,675 130,580 128,418 Purchase of Investments Purchase of fixed assets Loan Repayments 394,500 394,500 Total Payments 79,905 445,175 525,080 128,418 Net receipts / (payments) Transfers between funds 11919 (70,000) {87,958) 70,000 (76,039) 17,859 Net movement in funds Funds brought fonvard (58,081) 65,912 117,958) 41.731 (76,039) 107,643 17,859 89,784 Fund5 carried forward 12 7,831 23,773 31,604 107,643 10
Presbyter FIRsf RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND srATEMENf OF ASSET5 AND UABIUTIES As at 31 December 2023 Unrestrlcted Restrkted Endowment Funds Funits Funds Total Fund5 2023 T¢)t81 Funds 2022 Funds Recondllatlon Bank and Cash at start of year Net movement in funds 65.912 (58,081) 41,731 {17.958) 107,643 (76,039) 89.784 17,859 Bank and Cash at end of year 7.831 23,773 31,604 107,643 Bank & Cash Balances Bank Deposit Accounts Bank Current Accounts Cash in Hand 31,604 107,643 31,604 107,643 Fixed Assets- Note 10 Buildings- value insured Fixtures. Fittings & Equipment Vehldes 1nveStnnts- Note 11 Gfft Aid receivable on donattons 3,432 3.303.300 31.132 18,513 3,463.932 3.321,813 Loans No other known Ilabilitie5 130.000} 3,46S,536 3321.813 Approved by the Klrk Sesslon at a meeting on 27th March 2024 and s18ned on Its behalf by ady (- 11 ly (-
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS 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 Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 to prepare its accounts on a receipts and payments basis. FUND ACCOUNTING Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the congregation's discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place. Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and Ib) revenue donations or grants for a Specific congregational activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the congregation's general purposes. Designated funds are general funds set aside by the congregation for use in the future. DONATIONSAND LEGACIES Unrestrirted Funds Restrirted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Recorded giving: Loose collections Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacies and bequest 567 71,744 17.412 567 108,580 19.869 649 104,429 17,462 36,836 2,457 89,723 39,293 129,016 122,540 12
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2023 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestrirted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Income from charitable activities Fees from weddings and funerals Fundraising events Membership fees Grants 950 1,456 5,963 12,100 950 1,556 5,963 12,100 100 1,367 4,461 14,887 100 20,469 20,569 20,715 4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Fund5 Restrlcted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Letting of premises Trading income 1.390 1,390 1,120 1,390 1,390 1,120 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestrirted Fund5 Restrirted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Deposit interest General Investment Fund Wayleave Other investment income 106 1,321 110 1,928 18 1,204 607 611 1.427 2,038 1,222 13
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2023 OTHER INCOME Unrestrirted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Insurance claims Other income 1,028 1,028 680 1,028 1,028 680 RAISING FUNDS Unrestrlcted Funds Restrlcted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 FWO envelopes Fundraising events CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestrirted Fund5 Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 General Assembly Assessments Presbytery fees Ministry and support staff costs Congregational running expenses Donations to Missions and charities Governance costs 11,698 916 34,161 27,963 3,664 11,698 916 42,661 50,417 23,385 8,616 654 30,223 66,287 21,116 8,500 22,454 19,721 1,503 1,503 1,522 79,905 50,675 130,580 128,418 14
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (convd) 31 December 2023 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Other 10. FIXED ASSETS The congregation owns the church premises with adjacent graveyard situated at Newry St, the hall at Newry Street and the manse at 6 Finnard Road, together with the associated fixtures, fittings, plant and machinery. These have a value of £3,432,800. 11. INVESTMENTS The congregation has the following investments. Amounts are shown at market valuation. 2023 2022 General Investment Fund Property Other investments 31,132 18,513 31,132 18,513 15
FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2023 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at start Receipts Payment Surplus / Transfer {Deflcit) Balance at end Unrestrlcted Funds General Fund 65,912 91.824 79,905 11,919 (70,000) 7,831 65,912 91,824 79,905 11,919 7,831 Restricted Funds Building Fund Cong. Organisational Funds Mission and Charities Fund 24,275 17,320 136 312,033 19,851 25,333 399,228 20,478 25,469 {87,195) {627) {136) 70,000 7,080 16,693 41,731 357,217 445,175 (87,958) 70,000 23,773 Endowment Funds [Name of Fund] Total 107,643 449,041 525,080 {76,039) 31,604 16