First Garvagh Presbyterian Church a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland N1105322
FIRST GARVAGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEE5 ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 310ecember 2023 The Trustees present their Annual Financial Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 including a Balance Sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS First Garvagh congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 31 Kilrea Road, Garvagh BT515LR Registered charity in Northern Ireland INI 105322). CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were: Rev. M. Donald Mr. A. Galbralth Mrs. B. Glass (appointed 19 March 20231 Mr. D. Gurney Mrs. A. Henry {appolnted 19 March 20231 Mr. S. M¢Kee Mlss L. Paul Mr. J. Moody Mr. M, Campbell Mr. D. Torrens Mr. W. Dohertv PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Secretary Treasurer Rev. M. Donald Mr. A. Galbraith Mr. l. Matthew Mr. W. Henry INDEPENDENT EXAMINER John Mcmullan ACMA CGMA sc High Street BALLYMONEY BT53 6AH BANKERS Ulster Bank Limited 30-32 Catherine Street LIMAVADY BT49 9DB SOLICITORS W.B. Thompson & Co 36 Catherine Street LIMAVADY BT49 9DB
FIRST GARVAGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT The Klrk Sesslon 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 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 congregations. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator, the minister in active duty in the con8re8ation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Klrk sesslon 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 selettion of those proposed to be called to the offlce can be elther by the congregatlon or by the Klrk Sesslon. Members are elected If they obtain two-thlrds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterlan 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. First Garvagh congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Coleraine and Limavady Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. The member5hlp of the Presbytery consists mainly of the ae(Ive 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. The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing In one body the whole Church and atting 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 condutt 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 mlnisters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation.
FIRST GARVAGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAI REPORT Icont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation Is the advancement of religion. First Garvagh congregation of the Presbwcerian 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 members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregation's mission purpose is 'Sharing and Serving Jesus To8etherf, by the grace of God, to help people of all ages become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our vision is, by the 8race of God, to be an inclusive, welcoming community of Christ'5 people of all ages, which., Is increasingly characterlsed 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. The congregation aim5 to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by being: A Covenant Communlty: where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by livin8 faithfully toward him and toward one another An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to en8age wlth, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Chrlst. 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 wlth the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christlan faith and prattice. AcfiviTIES AND OBJEcfivES The con8re8ation meets for worship every Sunday and vlsltors are welcome to joln. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed on several occasions durin8 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 meetlngs and has a wide range of organisatlons including.. Sunday School, Bible Class & Crèche Presbyterian Women Parents & Toddlers Group Bowling Club Time for You - Seniors Group Girls, Brigade Boy5, Brigade Good News Club Saturday Night Live-youth Club Youth Fellowship Holiday Bible Club
FIRST GARVAGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11.30 am and fortnightly at 7.00 pm. Durin8 the week the Bible Study and Home Groups provide an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a tlme of prayer. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God's gift of new life at 3 Sacrament of Bapt15ms and we sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. There wa5 one marriage service conducted this year. At 31 December 2023 there were 244 communicant members, including 4 new full members and 190 families are connerted with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship is 120. Pastoral care Members of the congreBation who are unable to attend church due to slcknes5 or age are vislted on a regular basis by the minister and elders, DVD and CD recordings of the servlces are dlstributed to the housebound. A Ilve stream of Services Is available along wlth Zoom Blble Studies and Prayer meetings. Mlsslon and outreach At a local level the congregation seeks to wltness for Christ through the organlsations and attivities we provlde within the church halls: Parents & Toddlers, Good News Club, Girls, Brl8ade, Saturday Night Llve, Holiday Blble Club and Time for You. These or8anlsations draw people from the local community. The provision of a minibus enables US to reach out to children from local housing areas who would probably not attend our actlvities. As a nei8hbour to Trinity House residential care home, run by the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland, we support the staff and residents in many prattical ways including the provision of the minibus to bring residents to church and take them out on day trips. Each month we also support the local foodbank. 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 misslon 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 wlth 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 congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also contributes to the denomination's annual World Development Appeal, Sunday School project and any other special appeals. We also support financially and prayerfully James and Julia Mcmaster serving with Unevangelised Fields Mission in the West of Ireland, and Rev Brian Wilson serving in the Peter Achimugu College of Theology in Nigeria. The congregation also sUPPOrted.. Presbyterian Children's Society, European Missionary Fellowshipi Ukraine aid organisations. the Leprosy Mission, and the Blythswood Care Shoebox Appeal, amongst others.
FIRST GARVAGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and l 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 elder5 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 Church Property Sub-commlttee regularly reviews the fabric of its suite of buildin85 and brings recommendations to the Church Committee for work required to the premises. The church committee undertakes preventative maintenance and repairs any damaged property or equipment on a timely basis. Organlsatlons Sunday School 'SonSeekers', Blble Class 'CY' & Crèche have around 40 children and young people In attendance each Sunday. The children have a time of worshlp, follow a blble les50n, make crafts and fundraise for varlous mission projects alon8 Wlth supporting a sponsored child. A blg breakfast Is a popular feature of the programme. Crèche can have up to 8 infants on a Sunday morning. Presbyterlan Women meets monthly on a Tuesday evening. The PW Is a fellowship group made up of around 30 ladies from the congregation. The program consists of vlsitin8 Speakers, 5UPPOrtin8 missions and a devotional tlme. An annual church service and dinner are part of the pro8ramme. Tots & Co. Each Wednesday mornlng our main hall is used by our parents and toddlers, group-15-20 children and thelr carers are regular in attendance. Tea, toast, cakes and fruit are served at break time. Easter and Christmas celebrations are part of the programme. Glrls, Brl8ade meets weekly on a Friday evening. It is a Chrlst-centred uniformed organisation with around 60 girls in attendance of primary and secondary school age. A program of badge work and bible study is followed, along with fun and games and the occasional outing. The program begins with an enrolment service and concludes with a parents, evening.
FIRST GARVAGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 Boys, Brigade is a shared organisation with Main Street Presbyterian and St. Paul's Church of Ireland. The Boys, Brigade meets weekly on a Friday evening. It is a Christ-centred uniformed organisation with around 60 boys in attendance of primary and secondary school age. A program of badge work and bible study is followed, along with fun and games and the occasional outing. The program begins with an enrolment service and concludes with a parents, evening. Bowling Club meets weekly on a Monday evening and consists of around 20 members. Competitions are held within the club and they a150 have several external competition fixtures. Tlme for You meets on Tuesdays on a monthly basls and provides a program of events and activities for our senior members, along with visitors and friends. There are around 30 members. Speakers, outings and lunches make up the program. Each gathering concludes with an epilogue and prayer. Saturday Ni8ht Llve- Youth Club meet5 on Saturday evenin85 each fortnight. Up to 20 young people aged P7+ come along and most are not members of First Garvagh. Sports such as football, volleyball, basketball and unl-hoc take place in the main hall, The minor hall Is the venue for table tennis, pool/snooker and X-BOX. The choir room is used for further computer games, TV, board games and crafts. Each evenin8 concludes with an epi108ue and prayer. There have also been outin8S to play ten-pln bowling and watch Ice-hockey. Hollday Blble Club runs durlng the second week of August from Monday to Friday in the evenings. An actlon-packed programme of bible teachingi song5, crafts, snacks• puppets, fun and games Is followed wlth around 80 children In attendance from across the Garvagh communlty. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of thelr tlme by servlng on commlttees and helpin8 Wlth organisations and other church actlvities. 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 dirett beneflts which flow from the purposes of the Church include the 8ainin8 of an understanding of 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 practlcal expressions of Christ13n 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 advertisements, 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.
FIRST GARVAGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT (cont'd) The purpose does not lead to harm. The only prlvate 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 individLtals 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 Klrk Session has had regard to the Charity Commission's Public benefit requirement statutory guidance. FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's maln source of Income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offerlng. There were 275 contributors during the year {259 in previous year, 2022) donating a total of £88,4651£84,585 in previous year, 20221. Total income of the congregation durin8 the year was £257,953 compared to £287,280 in the previous year. The main reason for the change was a decrease in donations to restricted funds. Total expenditure increased from £157,025 to £190,054, primarily due to an increase in congregational running expenses. RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the flnancial statements In accordance wlth applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The Trustees are required to prepare financlal statements for each flnanclal year whlch give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the congregations and the financlal attivities for that year. In preparing the financial statements the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accountin8 policies and then apply them consistently Makejudgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the funds will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accountin8 records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the con8regations and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities {1 January 20151". 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.
FIRST GARVAGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELANO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) For the year ended 31 Dember 2023 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 5i8ning this report and subjett to the continuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation's current activities and other financial commitments RESERVES POUCY The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least 12 month's normal expenditure from unrestricted funds. At the year-end unrestritted bank balances were £152,534 which represents a higher level of reserves. The Trustees, however, consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of Its present attivities is dependent on the ongoing financlal support of members. RISK REVIEW A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage Identifled risks. The princlpal risks are In relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financlal rlsks assoclated wlth the expectatlon of ongolng financial support from members. These rlsks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Commlttee, regularly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetlngs and by encouragin8 members in their regular giving. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meetlng on 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Rev. M. Donald A. Galbrait 2024