an REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105068)
an REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE 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 Balance Sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Regent Street congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 48A Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4LP Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105068) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were: Mr Norman Armstrong Mr Roy Brown Mr John Joseph Alexander Bell Mr Andrew John Crawford Rev Paul Thomas Dalzell Mr Harvey Hamilton Ms Joan Catherine Hamilton Mr William Hosford Mrs Karen Elizabeth Glass Mr Ivan Logan Hamilton Mrs Joan Hosford Mr lan Macdonald Mr Ronald Martin Mrs Julie Sarah Mcclelland Mr Robert Malcolm Mcconnell Mrs Anne Louise Mcconnell Mr Neil McGurk Mrs Helen Moffett Mr Charles Robert Orr Dr Gale Samuel John Moffett Mr David Murdie Mr Alex Palmer Dr Michael Park Mr David John Thompson
an REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev. Paul Dalzell (Vacancy Convener) Mr lan Macdonald Mr Andrew John Crawford INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mr William McAdam, Stanley Woods & Co, Alexander House. 49 / 51 Church Street, Newtownards, 8T23 4AN BANKERS Ulster Bank, 22 Frances Street, Newtownards, BT23 7DP SOLICITORS Russell & Co Solicitors, 11 Lower Mary Street, Newtownards, BT23 4JJ
REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) 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 it5 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 comrnunity. The Kirk Session 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 congregation. 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, but more typically eight times each year, The Kirk Session met on twelve occasions during 2022, twice in February, October and December once in January, March, May, August, September and November. 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. Presb 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. Regent Street congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Ards 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, ministers who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.
REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE pREsBER1AN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) The General Assembl 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 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. Regent Street 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 bythe power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregation's mission purpose is by the grace of God, to be a welcoming community of Christ's people who are "Living and Sharing God's Good News The congregation aims to live out its Mission as a family of God's people by being: A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another. An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ. An Outward 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. As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along with the larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christian faith and practice.
REGENTSTREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) AcfiviTIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are always welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is typically observed on five occasions during the year and all those who have been baptized and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are admitted to the Lord's Supper. During 2022 as things gradually returned to normal following the Covid 19 restrictions we obsenied the Sacrament of the Lords Supper on three occasions. The congregation has held a number of more informal services throughout previous years called 'Cafe Church, in order to try and reach out to families and individuals who perhaps are less comfortable with a more tradrtional Sunday morning service. At present we conduct only one worship service each Sunday, it is hoped, when a new minister arrives, we will develop opportunities for more and different styles of Sunday worship. The congregation has a wide range of organisations including: Sunday School {Beginner5 and Senior) Crèche Bible Class (known as "Quest") Various youth groups Badminton Club Thursday Club (Senior citizens) First Friends (Mothers and babies) Bowlin8 Club Regent Ramblers (walking group) Presbyterian Women The congregation also allows its premises to be used for a number of young people's organisations administered and run by the Scout and Guiding Associations. We have a history of community involvement and are more than happy to make the premises available for use of local organisations.
REGENT STREETCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshi and ra er The congregation meets for worship each Sunday at 11 am. In the past there would have been evening services on the first and third Sundays of the month, the third Sunday evening being a Café Church. This is a more informal service which explores different aspects of faith and worship. However due to the restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic in 2021 and finding ourselves in a vacancy situation, at the same time, these services did not take place in 2022. It is hoped that with the arrival of a new minister we will develop different styles of worship service. In addition, Christian education programs take place on a regular basis. Prayer is an intrinsic part of church life, and time is set aside prior to the Sunday morning service each week and again on Monday lunchtime to focus on this aspect of our witness. There were no marriage seniices during 2022. However, we did celebrate one baptism during the year. Regretfully we did lose a number of members during the year, and we found ourselves giving our grateful thanks to God for their faithful service to our congregation and the wider world. At 31 December 2022 there were 237 communicant members and 296 families connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship for the twelve months {January/December 2022) was 65. Pastoral care All members of the congregation are visited on a regular basis by the minister and elders. With particular emphasis on those who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age. There is also a 'CD' ministry where recordings of services are distributed to those members of the congregation who are unable to regularly attend services. This service is also available to family and friends of the funeral service of those who have passed away. We also offered the choice of live streamed services.
REGENT STREETCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Mission and outreach The congregation supports a number of charitable programs and agencies, both financially and in more practical ways. Locally the congregation continues to support the work of The Link Family and Community Centre. There is a150 an ongoing collection for a local food bank, which the congregation supported generously in 2022. The 'welcome' area at the front of the church (known as the 'Hub') is open every weekday for tea, coffee and a chat. It is open to ALL members of the public, regardless of whether they belong to our congregation, a different church, or have no church affiliation whatsoever. A very successful 'Holiday Bible Club, and 'Easter Outreach Scheme, were held during the year. Overseas mission was supported in a number of ways. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland's United Appeal is the congregation's core method for financially supporting the work of the church overseas. The congregation also generously supported a number of other charities: Christian Aid: An annual Christian Aid lunch has traditionally been held during Christian Aid week. Raising funds and awareness of the importance of overseas mission. However, this event could not be held in 2022. Members of the congregation also participated in a revised door-to- door delivery of Christian Aid envelopes. Samaritan's Purse: This is a Sunday school led project, but whTch is supported by the whole congregation. It involves filling wrapped shoe boxes with small gifts of toys, sweets, toiletries and knitted items, which are then transported to disadvantaged children, mainly in Eastern Europe and Africa. In 2022 some 91 shoe boxes were filled and supplied to our local collection partner, along With a cheque for £450.00 towards helping with their distrubition costs. Brown Mone Collection: This is another Sunday School led project where members of the congregation are encouraged to donate any spare 'brown and silver, coins. A total of £555.95 was donated to the Nl Childrens Hospice.
REGENTSTREET CONGREGATION OF THE pRES8ERlAN CHURCH 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 congregations 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. Presb ter The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembl The minister and one of our elders, nominated by Kirk Session, attend the meetings of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast. In 2022 the General Assembly met fully in-person in June for the first time following the Covid 19 restrictions. Pro ert During the year we completed the purchase of our new manse at 25 Manse Gate, Newtownards, just a couple of minutes, drive from the church. During 2022 major work was carried out to the roof and exterior of the building and long overdue replacement lighting in the Sanctuary. This work was carried out successfully and ahead of schedule.
REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) anisations. While the following section describes the organisations that the trustees are proud to support, they spent most of 2022 rebuilding following the impact on meeting and numbers of the Covid-19 pandemic. Data regarding attendance was not gathered and was deemed inconsequential. Sunda School. The Sunday school meets after the children's address at each morning service, then the young people exit to their classes. The Sunday school provides a Christian education to the younger children in the congregation. There are currently 2 age groupings a) Beginners (Pl-P3) b) Senior (P4-P7) Crèche. A crèche ser4ice is provided each Sunday morning for any babies and toddlers. uest. Quest meets each Sunday morning. This is for young people from Year 8 to Year 14 and explores the benefits and responsibilities of having a Christian life centered on being part of a church family. Connected Connected is a youth club that meets on alternate Friday nights. It is open to all post- primary children. It is encouraging to note that there are over twice the number of attendees from outside the congregation as within. Badminton Club The badminton club is for over 18s. and meets each Monday evening for some exercise, coaching, and fellowship. Choir The choir meets on a Wednesday evening to prepare for Sunday services and other special events during the year.
REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Bowlin Club The bowling club meets each Thursday evening for friendship and a bit of friendly competition. Thursda Club The Thursday Club is for our more senior members to enjoy a chat, some refreshments, and various activities (talks, quizzes etc.). The club meets every 2 weeks. First Friends This is a toddler's group which meets every 2 weeks on a Friday morning. Re ent Ramblers This is the congregation's walking group. There is typically one walk organised each month, apart from July and August. Presb terian Women pw PW is open to all ladies in the congregation. It meets once a month when they enjoy a wide variety of events and talks. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of all those who give freely of their time by serving on committees, helping with organisations, outreach initiatives, and other church activities.
REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH 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) 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 notice boards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the ser4ices and informal and ad-hoc feedback frorn 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 contatt 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.
REGENT STREETCONGREGATION OF THE PRES8ERlAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 182 contributing families during the year (176 in the previous year, 2021) donating a total of £82,665 (£87,521 in the previous year, 2021). As the total income of the congregation in 2020 was more than £250,000 the congregation had to prepare its accounts on an accruals basis, in line with the provisions in The Charities Account5 and Reports Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015. The same basis is still followed. Total Income of the congregation during the year was £216,148 compared to £197,713 in the previous year. Total expenditure during the year was £479,941, compared to £139,309 in the previous year. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the congregation and the financial activities for that year. In preparing the financial statements the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Funds will continue in operation.
REGENTSTREET CONGREGATION OFTHE PRESBERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the congregation and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities (l January 2015)". 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. For the year ended 31 December 2022. GOING CONCERN The activities of the congregation are dependent on ongoing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these financial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation's current activities and other financial commitments. RISK REVIEW A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principal risks are in relation to the likelihood or reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expectation of ongoing financial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members in their regular giving. th Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 13 March 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
REGENT SThEET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Rev Paul Dalzell (Vacancy Convener) Signature: Date: 15 2.2g. Mr. lan Macdonald (Clerk o Session) Signature: Date: 13. z 14