an FIRST RATHFRILAND PRESBYfERIAN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NICIO5054)
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE pRE5BERIAN 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 consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregation5. All rnembers 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 a5 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 ordinance5. 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 temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General A55ernbly 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 assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Sesston of the congregation.
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'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 play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregations mission purposes 15 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 gr(7ce of God. to be on inclusive, welcoming community of Christ's people of all oges. The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by being.. A Covenant Community.. where our relotionships ore rooted in the promises of God by livingfoithfully toward him ond toward one another An Intergenerationol Community." where adults intentionally take the leod to engage with, encouroge 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 others beyond the bounds of our community. A5 a congregation of the Presbyterit7n Church in Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme authority over oll we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, olong with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of ChristiL7n faith and practice]
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE pREsBER1AN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) AcfiviTIES AND OBJECTIVE5 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's 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 durTng the year we acknowledged God's gift of new life at I Sacrament of Baptism, we conducted no marriage services, and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year of which there were14 At 31 December 2024 there were 167 communicant members and 208 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 congregatlon's pastoral visitors. Mission and outreach At 3 local level the congregation gave £8,902 to United Appeal and approx. £3,500 to local charities.
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE pREsBER1AN CHURCH IN IRELAND 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 congreEation 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. 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 FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE pREsBER1AN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Iconyd) PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and the Beneral 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 opportunitie5 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 benefit5 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. website5, and Social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and informal and ad-ho 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 benefwt requirement Statutory guidance.
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRE5BERIAN 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 175 contributors during the year [170 in previous year, 2023] donating a total of £79,729.1£71,021 in previous year, 20231 Total Income of the congregation during the year was £171,585 compared to £154,041 in the previous vear. Total expenditure during the year was £146,412 compared to £130.580 in the previous year. 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. A5 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 it5 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. th Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 10 March 2025 and signed on its behalf by Minister Treasurer
an INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE pRE5BERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND I report on the accounts of the charity forthe year ended 31st December 2024 which are set out on pages 10 to 16. Respertive responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts 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 Eeneral Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 6519}Ibl of the Charities Act; and • state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and rny 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 comparison 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 Charwties Act 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
an Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters111 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. Magennis FCCA FCA For and behalf of S.M. Vint & Co Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors 8 Newry Road Banbridge BT32 3HN 14 May 2025
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE pREsBER1AN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL A1VITy (Receipts and Payments Account) for the year ended 31 December 2024 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Receipts Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other tradi ng activities Investment Income Other 95.097 4,390 870 776 540 50.911 18,408 146,008 22.798 870 1,157 753 129,016 20,569 1,390 2,038 1,028 381 213 101,673 69,913 171,586 154,041 Sale of Investments Sale of fixed assets Loans Received 265,000 30,000 Total Receipts 101,673 69,913 171.586 449,041 Payment5 Raising funds Charitable activities Investment costs Other 106,219 40,193 146,412 130,580 106,219 40,193 146,412 130,580 Purchase of Investments Purchase of fixed assets Loan Repayments 394,500 10,544 10,544 Total Payments 106.219 50,737 156.956 525,080 Net receipts / (payments) Transfers between funds 14.546) 19,176 14,630 {76,0391 Net movement in funds Funds brought forward {4,5461 7,831 19,176 23,773 14,630 31,604 {76,039) 107,643 Funds carried forward 12 3.285 42,949 46,234 31,604 io
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRE5BYtERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 31 December 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Funds Reconciliation Bank and Cash at Start of year Net movement in funds 7,831 (4,546) 23,773 19,176 31,604 14,630 107,643 176,0391 Bank and Cash at end of year 3,285 42,949 46,234 31,604 Bank & Cash Balances Bank Deposit Accounts Bank Current Accounts Cash in Hand 46,234 31,604 46,233 31,604 Other Assets Fixed Assets- Note 10 Buildings- value insured Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment Vehicles Investments- Note 11 Gift Aid receivable on donation5 3,726,468 3,432,800 32,604 31,132 3.759,072 3,463,932 Liabilities Loans No other known liabilities 120,0001 130,000} 3,785,306 3,465,536 Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 10th March 2025 and signed on its behalf bv 11
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As the total income of the congregation is le55 than £250,OOOthe 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 la} income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and {b} revenue donations or grants for a specific congregational activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment 15 apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance ba5iS. 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. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Funds Restrirted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Recorded giving: Loose collections Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacies and bequest 293 79,729 15.075 312 37,947 2,650 10.002 605 117,676 17,725 10,002 567 108,580 19,869 95.097 50,911 146,008 129,016 12
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE pRE5BERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 CHARITABLE A1VITIEs Unrestricted Funds Restrirted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income from charitable activities Fees from weddings and funerals Fundraising events Membership fees Grants 3,905 485 2.925 3,544 4,797 7,142 6,830 4,029 4,797 7,142 950 1,556 5,963 12,100 4,390 18,408 22,798 20,569 OTHER TRADING A1VITIEs Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Letting of premises Trading income 870 870 1,390 870 870 1,390 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Dep051t interest General Investment Fund Wayleave Other investment income 164 217 169 988 iio 1,928 771 776 381 1,157 2,038 13
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE pRE5BERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2024 OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Insurance claims Other income 540 403 943 1,028 540 403 943 1,028 RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 FWO envelopes Fundraising events CHARITABLE AcrivrriES Unrestrirted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 General Assembly Assessments Presbytery fees Ministry and support staff costs Congregational running expenses Donations to Missions and charities Governance costs 19.093 422 56,625 28.379 19,093 432 60,167 45,287 19,733 11.698 916 42,661 50,417 23,385 io 3,542 16,908 19.733 1,700 1,700 1,503 106.219 40.193 146,412 130,580 14
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBITERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {conVd) 31 December 2024 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestrirted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 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 £3,726,468. 11. INVESTMENTS The congregation has the followinE investments. Amounts are shown at market valuation. 2024 2023 General Investment Fund Property Other investments 32,604 31,132 32,604 31,132 15
an FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PREsBERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2024 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at start Receipts Payment Surplus / Transfer (Deficit) Balance at end Unrestricted Funds General Fund 7,831 101,673 106.219 (4.546) 3,285 7,831 101,673 106.219 {4.546) 3,285 Restricted Funds Building Fund Cong. Organisational Funds Mission and Charities Fund General Fund 7,080 16,693 30,298 23.627 12,446 3,542 13,472 21,471 12.252 3,542 16.826 2,156 194 {4,000} {4001 19,906 18,449 194 4,400 4,400 23.773 69.913 50,737 19,176 42,949 Endowment Funds IName of Fundl Total 31,604 171,586 156,956 14,630 46,234 16