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2022-12-31-annual-report

ANNUAL REPORT 1[ST] JANUARY 2022 - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022

STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

Contents

1.0 Annual Report

1.1 Mission Statement 2
1.2 Church Organisations and Events 3
1.3 Challenges and Future Vision 3
1.4 Target Areas 4
1.5 Minister’s Report 5
1.6 Church Committee Report 5
1.7 Serious Incident Reporting 6
1.8 Public Benefit Statement 6

2.0 Financial Report

2.1 Financial Review 7
2.2 Receipts & Payments Accounts 8
2.3 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 9
2.4 Notes to the Accounts 10

3.0 Reference and Administrative Details

3.1 Charity Details 11
3.2 Governance and Staffing 11
3.3 Related Organisations 12

STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

1.0 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2O22

The trustees of Strean Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland are pleased to submit their report for the period 1[st] January 2022 to 31[st] December 2022.

1.1 Mission Statement

“To know Jesus Christ and to let His Light shine.”

That our Father in heaven might be glorified (Matt. 5:16)

Our Values

We believe:

Mission Plan

Over the five years from 2019 to 2024 we propose to:

In order to put this plan into action we will:

The strapline to incorporate all aspects of our mission statement is, “Let His Light Shine”. Page 2 of 12

STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

1.2 Church Organisations and Events

We have various and complementary groups and organisations catering for the varied and complete range of our congregation and needs. Some organisations continued with restrictions due to the covid pandemic until Easter 2022 but we were delighted to be able to return to a full programme of activities in the autumn. In April, forty of our young people plus leaders went on a residential activity weekend at Delamont Outdoor Learning Centre, 20 miles away. We were also able to have a Holiday Bible Club, which took place over 4 evenings in July with 70 children attending.

We started a new drop-in on a Thursday afternoon, in July. This was in response to the increasing cost of living crisis and to prevent isolation and loneliness. It is open to the community and also members of our congregation.

Average numbers attending each organisation is in parenthesis:

1.3 Challenges and Future Vision

The Trustees have worked hard to provide a Church and an organisation which is working as it should in an efficient and effective manner. Session approved the 2021 Accounts at a Session meeting on 3[rd] April 2022 and they were adopted at the A.G.M. on 6[th] April 2022. Our main desire is for the Church to grow and for our Bible knowledge, discipling and mentoring of the congregation, particularly with new converts, to be the main thrust of the way ahead.

A decision was made by Session in 2022 that external users of our halls would be charities working in our local community, and not businesses. In addition to the Child Contact Centre that meets weekly to allow estranged families supervised contact, the North Down & Ards Women’s Aid group started a weekly support programme in April in our halls for victims of domestic abuse.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

Our weekly activities continued to grow in numbers. We were also able to have our Antiques & Collectables Fairs in May and October, and our Christmas Sale in December. We had a “Sausage Sizzle” and display of memorabilia for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 70[th] Jubilee in June and a Family Fun Night in September.

In June we provided a lunch for a group of refugees from Ukraine who attend English speaking classes in a Community Centre a few minutes’ walk from Strean Presbyterian Church. After discussion with the English class teacher, who is also responsible for Community Programme Planning, a need was identified for the newly arrived Ukrainians to meet each other to share their experiences.

As mentioned in section 1.2, the Welcome Area is open on a Thursday afternoon as a warm space with hot drinks, free Wi-Fi, books, newspapers and board games, and friendly volunteers are available to chat. We are registered as a “Warm Welcome Space” and in July we also signed up with FareShare Go to provide free short-dated food. Unfortunately, the supply of the food from our local supermarket was not reliable and after a trial period we made the decision not to continue with the FareShare programme.

1.4 Target Areas

The following are some “Target Areas” for our immediate focus of both the challenges and opportunities that lie before us. These were developed and agreed by our governing body, the Kirk Session, in the first year of Rev. Jeff McWatters’ tenure with the congregation in 2017. These areas were reviewed on an ongoing basis by Session throughout 2021: -

Prayer

Preaching

Pastoral

Mission Outreach

Youth

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

1.5 Minister’s Report – Rev. Jeff McWatters

For Strean as a church 2022 was a time to start and reconnect after the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of our folks were very nervous about meeting together in person and so the livestream of our Sunday services continued to be very important. From a minister’s point of view, I would compare it to starting in a new charge, with lots of people to get to know and new ministries to be explored. Being able to run our children’s and youth activities in the summer was such a blessing. These ministries had really been missed by our young people.

Being able to worship together in our building on a Sunday was emotional for a number of our members. Loved ones had passed away in the previous months and we had been unable to gather and give thanks as we normally would have. Friends had missed being together. But through all of the challenges that had been faced, we knew that God was with us and we continued to reach out into the community around us at every opportunity. Our Session made a very definite decision about our social witness and supporting those charities working with those who are vulnerable. Jesus helped people in very practical ways and we are to model our behaviour on Christ’s.

We continue to be a group of people, committed to sharing God’s love with the community that we are in.

1.6 Church Committee Report – Mr Brian Nixon

We were delighted that during 2022 the restrictions due to the covid pandemic were gradually eased, allowing a full programme of activities and events to resume. The Sausage Sizzle in June, to commemorate the 70th Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ‘s reign, was a great success. In addition to our other weekly activities, a new drop-in on a Thursday afternoon was started in July. This was in response to the increasing cost of living crisis and to prevent isolation and loneliness. It is open to the community and also members of our congregation. Although numbers are low it is supported by some regular visitors who are very appreciative of the opportunity to meet with others in a relaxing, warm and welcoming safe space.

The congregational subcommittees continued to fulfil their roles throughout the year, and effectively ensured the continued running of church services and activities. Significant repairs were carried out to the Adgey Hall floor in August. Several broken boards were removed and replaced with new maple wood to match the remaining floorboards. All were then sanded and finished before application of new badminton and football lines. The other major work carried out in 2022 was the installation of the Electricity Substation in our West Street car park. The works took approximately 8 weeks to complete, during which time there was significant disruption to the West Street car park. The final stage to reseal the car park will take place shortly as the weather is now dryer and warmer.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

1.7 Serious Incident Reporting

During the year to December 2022, no serious Child Protection incidents were reported to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Social Witness Department, which is responsible for safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults.

No reports were made to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

1.8 Public Benefit Statement

The trustees of Strean Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 17 (5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and that the public benefit requirement has informed the activities of the Society in the year to 31[st] December 2022. In evaluating public benefit, the trustees note that communicant membership of Strean Presbyterian Church is open to all who have a personal faith in God as Creator and Saviour. Whilst we would encourage those with personal faith to join our congregation we also serve God within our community and offer a warm welcome to everyone who comes in to attend services or other activities, irrespective of their personal faith.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

2.0 Finance Report

2.1 Financial Review

General Account (No. 1 Account)

This is our housekeeping account, out of which all expenses relating to the everyday running of the church e.g. salaries, heat, light, insurance, offices costs and all payments to Church House, PCI are made. Income during the year from Free Will Offering amounted to £77,074 (a 9% increase on the previous year), and Gift Aid claimed from HMRC for 2021/22 tax year generated £14,889. Gift Aid from previous years that was claimed and received in 2022 added an additional £14,701 to the income. Income from the Thomas Strean bequest investment was significantly higher than in 2021, but more similar to previous years. We were able to meet our financial commitments including the Church House assessments and Presbytery Fees of £65,489.

Property funds

The Property account is used to upkeep our church, Halls and the manse. Income of £11,372 was received into this account from congregational giving (monthly envelopes and online giving), which is similar to 2021. Other income was received from 50% of the income from the Harvest Gift Day, split with the Mission Fund. In terms of both the Missions and Property accounts, we were delighted to be able to hold the normal two Antique Fairs and the Christmas Sale in 2022, as covid restrictions eased. The Fundraising Committee was able to transfer the sum of £2,250 to the Property account.

The major expenditure in 2022 was to repair and resurface the Adgey Hall floor at a cost of almost £5,000.

Missions

Mission outreach from Strean congregation is funded from this account. Income is obtained from a number of sources, chiefly monthly envelopes and online donations (raised £9,515). With the return of Sunday services and weekly activities the monthly drop off days are no longer as necessary. 50% income comes from the Harvest Gift Day envelopes, and from the Antiques Fairs and Christmas Sale as mentioned above. A total of £18,417 was allocated to cover the wide range of mission and charitable causes supported by Strean, including our requirement for the PCI United Appeal of £8,643. Five of the 2021 allocations were delayed and paid in the first four months of 2022, amounting to £2,525. The Fundraising Committee was able to transfer the sum of £1,250 to the Missions account.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

2.2 Accounts for the Year ended 31[st] December 2022

Receipts & Payments Account

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL
RECEIPTS Funds Funds Funds 2022
Freewill/ Envelopes & Gift Aid £104,636 £33,558
Bequests/
£3,388 £1,339 £29,038
Investment Income
Special Collections £8,766
Loose collections £2,213
Fundraising £3,500
Organisation Income £1,700 £1,089
Income from external users £3,120 £18
Grants £650
Other income £2,120 £24
TOTAL RECEIPTS £117,177 £48,944 £29,038 £195,159
PAYMENTS Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL
Funds Funds Funds 2020
Staff Costs £56,895
General Assembly & Presbytery
£20,998
Costs
Church, Halls & Grounds £10,716
United Appeal £8,643
£13,595
Donations to Missions/ Projects
£36,404 £75
Other expenses
TOTAL PAYMENTS £114,297 £33,029 £0 £147,326
----- End of picture text -----

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

2.3 Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Assets

Investments £1,082,321
Current Assets
Bank and Cash Balances £ 133,336
Total Current Assets
 £1,215,657
Liabilities
Bank Overdrafts £ 0
Non-bank Loans £ 0
Total Current Liabilities £ 0
Net Assets £1,215,657
Fund Balances
Unrestricted Funds £ 82,436
Restricted Funds £ 50,900
Endowment Funds £1,034,547
Total Fund Balances £1,215,657
Name of Bank Account
Danske Bank No 1 A/C (General Account) £ 82,436
Danske Bank No 3 A/C (Property) £ 43,268
Danske Bank No 4 A/C (Mission) £ 7,632
Balances from Organisations
 £ 16,549
Total
 £ 149,885

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

2.4 Notes to the Accounts

Trustees' Expenses

No expenses were paid to any of the Trustees during the year except to reimburse them for purchases made on behalf of the charity.

Accounting Policies

Section 133 of the Charities Act 2011 permits a charity to prepare a receipts and payments account and a statement of assets and liabilities where gross income in the financial year does not exceed £250,000, therefore receipts and payments accounts and a statement of assets and liabilities has been prepared and presented for the year ended 31[st] December 2022.

All Income, including grants and investment income is recorded when received. All Expenditure is recorded when paid.

Gift aid reclaimable on donations is included in the amounts of income once received.

Independent Scrutiny

The Accounts were audited by Stanley Woods & Co, Registered Auditors and Accountants and a copy of the “Statement of Income and Expenditure and Independent Examiners Report” is included in the accounts.

Cheques not cleared at bank at 31[st] December 2022

There were a small number of cheques issued by the church which had not cleared at the bank by 31[st] December 2022, but they were all cleared by 31[st] January 2023 and included in the 2022 Accounts.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

3.0 Reference and Administrative Details

3.1 Charity Details

Charity Name: Strean Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Charity Number: Registered Charity in Northern Ireland, NIC 105064

Principal Address: West Street, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 4EN

Trustees as of December 31[st] 2022:

Rev. Jeff McWatters (Chairman) Mr Brian Nixon (Church Secretary) Mr John Black Mr Stephen Boyle Mr Alan Frazer Ms Janet Johnston Mrs Roberta Wilson

Mr Wallace McKee (Clerk of Session) Mr Stuart Faloon (Deputy Clerk) Mrs Fiona Boyle Mr Philip Causby Dr Carl Harris Mr John Scott Mr Samuel Young

Bank: Danske Bank, High Street, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 7HS

Auditors & Accountants: Stanley Woods & Co., Alexander House, 49/51 Church Street, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 4AN

Insurance Broker: TL Dallas (NI) Ltd., 63 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6SA

3.2 Governance and Staffing

On 31[st] December 2022 the Kirk Session consisted of 14 Ruling Elders, each having been previously voted for by the eligible voting members of Strean Congregation. Each Ruling Elder is also a charity trustee of Strean Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. In November 2022, the Clerk of Session, Mrs Fiona Boyle, resigned after serving for 5 years, and Mr. Wallace McKee was elected as Clerk of Session. Mr Stuart Faloon was elected as Deputy Clerk in December 2022.

The Kirk Session is responsible for the spiritual welfare and pastoral care of members of the congregation. They hold scheduled business meetings approximately five times a year. Following the promotion of three elders to Elder Emeritus in 2021, two elders were elected by the congregation in November 2022. It was decided at this stage to postpone the training, installation and ordination of the two new elders until a second election could be held in 2023 to elect an additional six elders.

The Church Committee is responsible for the practical affairs of the church and works through seven subcommittees: finance, reception, property (manse and church), hospitality, audio-visual and information technology, publicity and communications and fundraising. The committee of 13 members who were elected in June 2021 continued to serve as committee members throughout 2022.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

3.3 Related Organisations

Strean, a congregation in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission NI (Charity Number NIC 105064); the contact person for the charity is the Clerk of Session, Wallace McKee.

The Accounts and Annual Report for each congregation must be submitted for approval to the Presbyterian Church In Ireland by 31[st] May each year. The Minister and a Representative Elder from each congregation usually attend the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in June each year.

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