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2023-12-31-annual-report

ANNUAL REPORT 1[ST] JANUARY 2023 - 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

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 4
1.6 Church Committee Report 5
1.7 Serious Incident Reporting 5
1.8 Public Benefit Statement 5

2.0 Financial Report

2.1 Financial Review 6
2.2 Receipts & Payments Accounts 7
2.3 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 8
2.4 Notes to the Accounts 9

3.0 Reference and Administrative Details

3.1 Charity Details 10
3.2 Governance and Staffing 10
3.3 Related Organisations 11

STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

1.0 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2O23

The trustees of Strean Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland are pleased to submit their report for the period 1[st] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023.

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 11

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.

Our activities and organisations continued to be well attended, with the exception of the Thursday drop-in. Session reviewed the purpose and benefit of continuing a community drop-in and agreed to hold a Tuesday afternoon drop-in for a trial period to target older members of the congregation. Attendance was very poor, and it was agreed that the needs of older members of the congregation are met with the monthly men’s breakfasts and ladies’ coffee mornings.

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 2022 Accounts on 23[rd] April 2023, and they were adopted at the A.G.M. on 30[th] November 2023. 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.

Our weekly activities continued to grow in numbers. We held our Antiques & Collectables Fairs in May and October, and our Christmas Sale in December, all of which were well attended. A Coronation “Sausage Sizzle” was held in May, which provided an opportunity for friendship and fellowship.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

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: -

Prayer

Preaching

Pastoral

Mission Outreach

Youth

1.5 Minister’s Report – Rev. Jeff McWatters

2023 was really our first complete year of activities and church life post-covid. It continued to be challenging for a number of people but also greatly encouraging as we saw more people re-engage. The year progressed well with increased attendance at Sunday services and at our mid-week Bible studies. Pastoral care continued to be central to all that we did as people still struggled with what has happened over the last 2 years.

We were greatly encouraged by the number of volunteers without whom we would not have been able to function effectively. Our focus, as always, was on seeking God’s will and direction and the discipling of His people.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

1.6 Church Committee Report – Mr Brian Nixon

2023 was another busy year for our church committee as each subcommittee continued to fulfil their roles throughout the year, and effectively ensured the continued running of church services and activities. In September, three of our committee members were ordained and installed as elders, and an election for new committee members is planned for the autumn of 2024.

There were two major property projects in 2023. Firstly, the Adgey Hall roof had to be replaced, after almost 50 years. The second was the installation and commissioning of 35 solar panels and 4 large storage batteries. The capital outlay for both these projects came from the Property Fund and it is anticipated that we will recoup the cost of the solar panels and batteries through energy savings in approximately 6 years. In addition to the benefit from significant energy cost savings in the future, we are able to visibly demonstrating to the local community our commitment to conservation and sustainability. The Property subcommittee will continue to manage and monitor the performance of this sustainable energy project.

The other significant investment in 2023 was by the AV-IT Subcommittee, both of their time and financially. A new computer, screen and radio microphones were purchased for the church, to improve the audio and visual provision for those attending church in person, and to improve the quality of our Sunday morning live-stream.

1.7 Serious Incident Reporting

During the year to December 2023, 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 2023. 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 £81,397 (an increase of 5.6% on the previous year), and Gift Aid claimed from HMRC for 2022/23 tax year generated £15,714.

Property funds

The Property account is used to upkeep our church, Halls and the manse. Income of £12,137 was received into this account from congregational giving (monthly envelopes and online giving), which is an increase of 6.7%, compared to 2022. Other income was received from gift aid, and 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 two Antique Fairs and the Christmas Sale in 2023. The Fundraising Committee was able to transfer the sum of £3,750 to the Property account.

As mentioned in section 1.6, we have invested in the installation and commissioning of 35 solar panels and 4 large storage batteries. The capital outlay came from the Property Fund, and it is anticipated that we will recoup this cost through energy savings in approximately 6 years. In the following years, we will benefit from significant energy cost savings.

Missions

Mission outreach from Strean congregation is funded from this account. Income is obtained from a number of sources i.e. United Appeal, monthly mission and specific appeal envelopes, online donations, gift aid, a small bequest and 50% of the Harvest Gift Day collection and Fundraising events. In 2023, giving through envelopes and online donations for general mission was £10,746, an increase of 12.9% compared to the previous year. An additional £7,138 was donated for specific appeals and charities and £4,096 was received through Gift Aid. A total of £27,471 was allocated to cover the wide range of mission and charitable causes supported by Strean, including our requirement for the PCI United Appeal of £8,882. The Fundraising Committee was able to transfer the sum of £1,640 to the Missions account.

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

2.2 Accounts for the Year ended 31[st] December 2023

Receipts & Payments Account

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL
RECEIPTS Funds Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Freewill/ Envelopes & Gift Aid 95,235 33,058 128,293
Bequests/
3,502 30,841 34,343
Investment Income
Special Collections 7,453 7,453
Loose collections 2,059 574 2,633
Fundraising 618 5,390 6,008
Organisation Income 1,200 360 1,560
Income from external users 2,956 2,956
Grants 600 600
Other income 524 43 567
TOTAL RECEIPTS 103,192 50,380 30,841 184,413
PAYMENTS Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL
Funds Funds Funds 2023
Staff Costs 75,422 75,422
General Assembly & Presbytery
11,903 11,903
Costs
Church, Halls & Grounds 70,757 70,757
Manse 284 284
United Appeal 8,882 8,882
18,589
Donations to Missions/ Projects 18,589
38,074 279
Other expenses 38,353
TOTAL PAYMENTS £125,399 98,791 0 £224,190
----- End of picture text -----

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STREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

2.3 Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Assets

Investments
Current Assets
Bank and Cash Balances
Total Current Assets

Liabilities
Bank Overdrafts
Non-bank Loans
Total Current Liabilities
Net Assets
Fund Balances
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Endowment Funds
Total Fund Balances
Name of Bank Account
Danske Bank No 1 A/C (General Account)
Danske Bank No 3 A/C (Property)
Danske Bank No 4 A/C (Mission)
Balances from Organisations

Total
 £1,172,837
£ 85,629
£1,258,466
£ 0
£ 0
£ 0
£1,258,466
£ 50,500
£ 35,129
£1,172,837
£1,258,466
£ 50,500
£ 29,488
£ 5,461
£ 13,198
£ 98,647

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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 2023.

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 2023

There were a small number of cheques issued by the church which had not cleared at the bank by 31[st] December 2023, but they were all cleared by 31[st] January 2024 and included in the 2023 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] 2023:

Rev. Jeff McWatters (Chairman) Mr Brian Nixon (Church Secretary) Mr Phil Baron Mrs Stephanie Baron Mrs Rosemary Black Mrs Fiona Boyle Mr Philip Causby Dr Carl Harris Mrs Heather Faloon Mr Alan Frazer Mr Robin Kennedy Mr Morris McAllister Mr John Scott Mrs Roberta Wilson

Mr Wallace McKee (Clerk of Session) Mr Stuart Faloon (Deputy Clerk)

Mr John Black Mr Stephen Boyle Mrs Joanne Harris Ms Janet Johnston Graham Scandrett Mr Samuel Young

*From 15 September 2023

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 2023 the Kirk Session consisted of 22 Ruling Elders, each having been previously voted for by the eligible voting members of Strean Congregation. This includes seven elders who were ordained and installed, and one elder who was installed, on 15[th] September 2023. Each Ruling Elder is also a charity trustee of Strean Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

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.

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 2023. However, three of the committee members became elders in September 2023 and an election for a new congregational committee is planned for 2024.

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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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