an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 Reglstered Charlty In Northern Ireland {NIC105059}
an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OFTHE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Downshire Road congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Downshire Road, Newry BT34 IDX Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105059) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Mr Wllliam Cartmill Rev Brian Colvin Mr Raymond Copeland Mlss Elizabeth Cunnigham Mr David Cunnlngham Mrs Irene Faloon Mr Keith Faloon Dr Helen McDowell PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Secretary Treasurer Rev Brian Colvn Mr David Cunningham Dr Helen McDowell Mr Colin Whiteside INDEpENDEr EXAMINER Mr Colin R Berry• Chartered Accounts Ireland 2 Wlllow Close. Banbridge BT32 4RG BANKERS Danske Bank, 58 Hill Street, Newry BT34 IAR SOLicrtORS Fisher & Fisher Solicitors 9 John Mitchell Place, Newryp BT34 2DP
an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT The 1rk 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 conslsts 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 twice In 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 temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Downshire Road congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Newry 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, ministers who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.
an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) 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 ministers 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. Downshire Road 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 Is 'by the grace of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit to help people of all ages, nationalltles and backgrounds become fully devoted followers of Jesus Chrlst and fully committed to the life, fellowship and mission of our church, involving o A commitment to prayer A commitment to effective discipleship of all believers o A commitment to making Sunday worship serrfices attractive to all o A commitment to engaging more people in the study of God's Word A commitment to reaching out to our many members on the fringes of church life A commitment to children's and youth ministry o A commitment to personal and corporate evangelism ' A commitment to building relationships in our community and addressing real needs A commitment to mission beyond Newry A commitment partnering with others for the sake of the Gospel
an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Iconvd) ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lord's 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 on a Wednesday morning and Thursday evening and has a wide range of organisations including Sunday School Youth Club Mothers and Toddlers Bowing Club Badminton Club Presbyterian Women Good News Club (in partnership with Ryans Presbyterian Church) Holiday Bible Club (in partnership with Ryans Presbyterian Church) The congregation holds regular Joint evening services (usually twice per month from September to June) with Ryans Congregation with whom Downshire Road has been linked since May 2021. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11:30AM and twice monthly with Ryans. 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. We received two new communicant members, conducted two weddings but did not conduct any baptisms. We gave thanks for faithful service and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2012 there were 124 communicant members and 151 families connected with the congregation. The average week attendance at morning worship is 80 Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are V15ited on a regular basis by the minister and elders and when needed by representatives of PW to PW members; members of the congregation provide informal pastoral care to one another
an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) Mission and outreach The congregation supports fully the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider mi55ion 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 plantin& 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 generously supports the annual World Development Appeal of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and when asked, Moderatorfs Appeals. The Presbyterian Women's Group (PW) of the congregation generously donated to the PW Mission Fund which is centrally administered. The congregation through its Mission Fund supported the work of Abaana in Uganda. The congregatlon joined with Sandys St Presbyterian Church, St Patrick's Church of Ireland Church and St Mar¢s Church of Ireland Church to establish a Food Bank in premises owned by the four churches in the centre of Newry 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 The installation of video recording equipment in the meetinghouse was completed, thereby allowing us to record serrfices and upload them to You Tube for members who are unable to attend and for others to watch. Work to identify and repair leaks to the roof of our kitchen and extension continued through the year and into 2023
an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) Oiganisations With the ending of restrictions due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the congregation was able to run its organisations On a Monday morning, Mums and Toddlers meets in the church hall from 10:30AM to 12:00PM, providing a warm and welcoming environment for members of the congregation and the wider community to bring pre-school children. about 12-15 children with their parents/grandparents attend on a regular basis On a Monday evening, the Badminton Club meets this is attended by 6-8 folk from our congregation and wider community On a Tuesday evening {twice per month from October to Easter), the PW group meets, providing fellowship for ladies in the congregation; a visiting speaker is often presentl On a Wednesday mornln& a Bible study takes place, provlding an opportunity for members of the congregation and others to study the Bible and enjoy warm fellowshlp On a Wednesday evening, the Bowling Club meets and about 10 members and others gather to enjoy a 8ame of indoor bowls, and participate in competitions with other clubs. On a Thursday evening (twice monthly} a Bible Study takes place, provlding an opportunity for about 12-15 members to enjoy fellowship, to study God's Word and pray together On a Friday evening {once per month) a Good News Club for Primary Age school children took place in partnership with Ryans; about 12 children regularly attended and the evening consisted of games, bible teachin& quiz, memory verse and choruses 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 attivities.
an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN 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 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) leadin8 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, 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.
an DOWNSHIRE ROAD CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering together with Gift Aid claimed on those donations authorised by the contributors and investment income. There were 116 contributing families during the year [114 contributing families in previous year, 2011] donating a total of £59723 (£57928 in previous year, 2012) Total Income of the congregation during the year was £121258, compared to £104710 in the previous year. tThe main reason for the change was increased giving to FWO and Property and the increased activity of the congregation) Total expenditure was £105991 compared to £114,603 in 2021. The decrease is due in part to Ryans Presbyterian Church paying 25% of ministerial costs. (Add further details as necessary) 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 congregations total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64{3) of the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008 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. th Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on June 12 2023 and signed on its behalf by [Name] [Name] [Date] 121&612o za [Datel 12_0 6-23