Presbyter an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered Charity in Northem Ireland (NIC105305)
Presbyter an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION QF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statementsforthe year ended 31 December 2023 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Garryduff congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 83 Garryduff Road Ballymoney Co Antrim BT53 7DF Registered Charity in Northem Ireland {NIC105305) CHARITY TRUSTEES The CharityTrustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Mr Robert John Mcclements Mr David Brian Mcconaghy Mr John Young Mr John Beattie Mr Desmond Moore Rev Rodney Matthew Moody (resigned 14th September 2023) Mr Stanleyjames Lee M8E Mr Samuel John Wilson Campbell Mr William Mervyn Ferris Mr Roy Cunningham Rev C Mulvenny (appointed 15 September 2023} PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Clerk of Session Treasurer Mr Stanley James Lee MBE Mrs Joanne Morrison INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mrjohn Mcmullan ACMA CGMA sc High Street Ballymoney BT53 8AH
Presbyter an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBER1AN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) BANKERS Santander 14 The Diamond Coleraine Co Londonderry BT52 IBP SOLICITORS Thomas Taggart & Co 27 Church Street Ballymoney Co Antrim BT53 6HS STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMEKr The firk Session The charity trustees of the congregation are the Members of its Klrk 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 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 rullng 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 five 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 rfthey obtain two-thirds of those who vote.
an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) 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 congre8ation5 a55igned to It by the General Assembly ot the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Garryduff congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Route Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it bythe General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation. The General Assembly The General Assembly 55 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 minirters of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRivfioN AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Garryduff 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 congregation's mission purposes is by the grace of God, to help people of all ages become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our vision is. by the grace of God. to be an inclusive, welcoming community of Christ's people of all ages, which: is increasingly characterised by love for God, and love and concern for others: is committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Bible; is relevant to people of this time and place.
Presbyter an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God'5 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 nietnber5 to maturiry 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. AcfiviTIES AND OBJEcllvES The congregation meets forworship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lord5 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 Mothers and Toddlers Cuppa and a chat Bowling Club Thursday Fellowship Kingdon Kids Senior Youth Presbyterian Women
Presbyter an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 12 noon. During the week, the midweek Bible Study provide5 an opportunlry for members to meet togetherfor fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. There is also a prayer meeting before the Sunday service * 11.30 and a Sunday evening prayer meeting at 7.00pm. As well as our regular services during the year 4 children were baptised, we had 2 marriage services and gave thanks for faithful service and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2023. there were 190 communicant members and 172 families connected wrth the congregation. The average week attendance at morning worship is 70. 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 committee members. CDS of the Services are available and delivered if necessary. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregation5 to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denominational basis beyond whatthe 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 forthe upkeep of church premises, assistwith the runningcosts 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. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and a representative elder. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. We have contributed to the Reconfiguration of Ministry Task Group / Green Paper.
Presbyter an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVd} 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 During the year, there were no major repairs or improvements to the Church property. Work started during 2022 wa5 completed at the Manse as well as ensuring that it is ready for the new manse family when the time arrives. Satisfactory surveys were completed. Organisations Sunda School The children come to church and then after the children's talk they go out to Sunday school. There they are split into 4 different age groups and using Go teach material they di5CUSS the lesson they have just heard in church. Presb erian Women It meets on the second Thursday of the month Jan- March and Oct- Dec with an annual outing. It is our prayer that women may know the light of God's presence as we meet together in friendship and love. It is open to all women who wish to attend. Our attendance ha5 remained steady willi 30 fflernbers at present. Mother and Toddlers This group meets every Monday morning from 9.30am - 11.30am during term time. It is open to all parents with preschool children in the congregation and the surrounding community. We provide a safe area for children to play together under the supervision of their parent of guardian. Kin dom Kids This group meets in Garyduff hall every Thursday (term-time} from 6.45pm to 7.45pm. Children aged from 4 to 11 years of age come to enjoy fun, Bible stories, quizzes and games. The group is open to all children in the local area. Around 15 attend.
an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) Thursda Club This group meets once a month in Garryduff hall from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm. Anyone may come but is primarily for Senior Citizens who come along and enjoy fellowship over sandwiches. sweet treats and a cup of tea. There is a variety of activities and guest speakers. In June we usually try to organise a day trip which is always enjoyable. Around 2(k25 attend. Bowlin club The bowling Club exists to promote friendship and enjoymentthrough the sportof short mat indoor bowls in our congregation and the wider communty. Bowls is a sport for any age and we therefore have no age limit. We meet every Tuesday eveningfrom 8pm to 10.30pm approximately, in the main hall, with normally 16- 20 members per night. Several friendly matches are planned throughout the season with other local church bowling clubs. These are played home and away. We also have an annual dinner/prize night in May each year. Midweek This group meets on a Wednesday evening alternating between Garryduff and Dunloy; Garryduff is the th venue on the 1st 3rd and 5 Wednesdays of the month while Dunloy is the venue on the 2. and 4th Wednesdays. There is a time of praise, Bible study and a short time of prayer. This has started again after Covid with around 25- 30 attending at present. We have enjoyed learning what we believe and why using The Shorter catechism. Senior Youth The senior youth met at the manse on the first Sunday evening of the month for fun and fellowship until May. In August a fun day was organised at the lake in Kilrea followed by a family BBQ at the hall. The group had a donation during the year which enabled the purchase of Youth Study Bibles to aid their study both at Church and at home.
an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) a and Chat Those attending on a Monday morningfrom 10am until 12noon enjoy scones, pancakes, banana bread, a variety of biscuits or tray bakes along with a cup of tea or coffee. There is a lot of light hearted bante.r. Some Ulster Scots poetry was read as well as stories from the Bible. This group has been beneficial to those who live alone as well as some who have found it difficult after covid. For some this has proved to be the link between staying at home and coming back to Church. We have 21>25 most Mondays, some drop in for a short while and others stay the whole time. Holida Bible Club A Holiday Bible Club was held in the last week of June for children of primary school age. It usually ends with a BBQ attended by parents and friends. This is a means of outreach into the local community. Volunteers The Trusteeswish to acknowledge theirdeep appreciation of those who give freely of theirtime byserving on committees and helping with organisations and other church activities. PUBLIC BENEFrr STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefft 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 purposcs of the Church include the gaining of an understandin8 in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and in the Church'5 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 arc dclivered 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 benefrt flowing from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits a5 result of their holding office or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary in order to further
Presbyter an GARRYDUFF CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVd} 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 ser4ices 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 secularorganisation5. charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Chartty Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance. FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 109 contributors during the year [2022.. 104] donating a total of £50,415 (2022.. £47,104). Total Income of the congregation during the year was £105,459. compared to £109,782 in the previous year. In 2023, the congregation significantly increased their giving during the beginning of the vacancy as included in the 2022 income is an insurance claim of £21,448. Total expenditure decreased from £105,733to £95,140 excluding depreciation. The decrease relates to the expenditure in 2022 relating to the expenditure to repair a leak in the manse which was paid for by the Church's insurance. There was a general increase in expenditure which further relates to the increased activities in the Church continuing since covid. sTATEmEr OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILMES 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 £250,1)00, the Trustees have elected under Section 64{3) of the Charitie5 Act {Northem Ireland) 2(X)8 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 sufficlent to show and explain the congregation's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuraol 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. Approved by the Kirk Session on 2024 and sègned on its behalf by Mr Stanley Lee MBE io