an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATIOIY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Ststements for the year ended 31 December 2022 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. Reference and Administr2tive Details Churchtown congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Tamlaght Rd. Tamlaght O Crilly, Maghera Co. Londondery. BT46 5XW RegisteTed Charity in Northern Ireland (105342-0) Charity Trustees The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Mr Hary Annstrong Mr George Graham Mr Willis Amistrong Mr William Lamont Mr Robert John Bloomfield Rev Richard Morrison Mr Sianley Bolton Mr Christopher Rowe Mr Keith Dundas Mr Junior Whyte Principal Office Bearers Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev Richard MO1$0n Mr Christopher Rowe Mrs Sylvia Rowe Independent Examiner Ian Johnston (A.F.A.) Stevenson & Wilson Chartered Accountants 22-30 Broadway Ave, Ballymen4 Co. Antrim, BT43 7AA. Bankers Danske Bank, Po Box 183, Donegall Square West. Belfast, BTI 6JS. Solicitors Burnside & Logue Solicitors 43 Main SL Magher Co. Londondery, BT46 SAA.
Presbyter an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERtAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (collt'd) Structure and Management The Kirk Session The charity trnStees 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 CO[ected wKth any congregation who ate within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian withess 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 Propety belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio rnembers of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consÈsts of the ordained ministerlvacancy convenor 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 minister in active duty in the congregalion. has no deliberative bul only a castillg vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are norn]ally held bi-monthly, or as is deemed necessary. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant at its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the otTice can be either by the congregation OT by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterkan Church in Ireland forni of governance the corporate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs ofthe congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Piesbyterian Church in Ireland. Churchtown congregation of the14esbyteTian Church has been assigned to the Ballymena Presbytery of the Pre5b¢r1an Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. The General Assembly The GeneTal 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 nonnally constitrjted during the rst 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 minister of each conegation. retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation.
an CHURcIrrowN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Description and Purpose The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Churchtown congregation of tbe Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a RefoTmed 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 statement is as follows "by God's grace. we as a gospel shaped congregalion wiihin the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, seek to make and equip discipl ofJeS, through ihepro¢lamolion of God's word, lo the glory of God. ' The congregation aims to live out its mission as a family of God's people by being- A Covenant Communiry: where our relationships are TQOt¢d in the promises of God by livit]g faithfijlly toward him and toward one another. An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture young¢r members to maturity in Christ. An Outward looking Community.. where we wanl the blessings of God that b¢loll8 to us in the gospel to become blessings for others beyond the bounds of our communtty. 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 wha¢ we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christian faith and practice Activities and Objectives The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors were welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on four 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 and prayer meetings and has a wide range of organisations which seek to reach and disciple those involved. The organisations include.. Sunday School & Bible Class Children's Church Creche Holiday Bible Club Boys Brigade Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Youth Fellowship Men's Fellowship Presbyterian Women Friendship Group Choir Walking Group Achievements and Perforniance Worship and prayer The congregation nonnally meets for worship each Sunday at 12:00 N¢Joll (I 1:00am in July & August) and on the first and tbird SutLday each month at 7'.00pm. A time of prayer is held before each service of worship. During the week there is a midweek meeting on Wednesday evenings at 8pm, providing an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. As well as our regular services during the year, we acknowledged God's grdCiOUS gift of new life at tTree Sacraments of Baptism. During the year we saw five members of the congregation pass away and we sought to comfort tbose who had been bereave
an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) At 31 December 2022 there were 149 communicant meTnbeT5 and 135 families connected with the congregation. average weekly attendance at morning worship w&s 100. Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickne&s OT age are visited on a regular basis by the minister, the elder for that district or by a member of the congregation. We also provide online livestream and CD ministy where each worship service is Tecorded and available to those who could not attend or are housebound. Members of the congregation are willing and proactive in supporting tbe practical need5 of others where they arise. Efforts are made to engage with members of our local community who need pastoral support. Mission and outreach Our weekly services of worship are open lo everyone in our community and beyond as they are strearned and made available online. During the course of the year certain worship services have a particular theme (e.g. Back to School, Harvest, Christmas and Easter) providing an opportunity to invi* members of the community to join with us on these occasions. Events happening within Church life are promoted through leaflet drops, our monthly announcement sheet. recently launched website and social media through our Facebook page. Our varied range of organisations provided an opportunity lo engage with young and old from within the congregation through their carefully planned programmes. They also gave an opportunity to r¢ach out to the local community with many of OUT youth members having no connection to the congregatton. We enjoy excellent relations with our neighbouring churches. We shared some joint midweeks with Drimbolg Reforn]ed Presbyterian and we supported the looal Church of Ireland congregations in Tamlaght O Crilly and Innisrush at their special services held during the year. The annual week of Holiday Bible Club and Youth outreach on the f$¢ week ID August provided an opportunity to reach large numbers of children and youth from the wider conununity. This has proved to be a great way of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with children and youth, as well as making good connections with families ill the area. The church seeks to support local schools and engage with the staff and pupils there. OUT minister regularly takes part in assemblies in two Primary Schools and occasionally in a Secondary h0O1. In November we held a Harvest Mission over six consecutive nights. The speaker for the week was the Rev Eddie Kirk, who brough a clear message and challenge from God's word. There were special items of praise and testimoTJy throughout the week and the Mission was well supported by the local community. It was an encouraging week in the life of congregation. In December we had a Christmas tree put up ill the village and were able to host a 'lAghts 5Wltch on, event and outreach in the local community. There wa5 singing from the community choir, a Christtnas tne55age from our minister, and festive Tefreshments and entertaitktnent. Funding from Mid Ulster Council helped to make this event Possible. The congregation supported the United Appeal for Mission which i5 a central fimd of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland ensuring that its target is met each year. This enables congregations to support the wider missTon of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denominational basis beyond what the congregatTon could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission personnel at home and overse&s, assists congregations with the deployment of locally based staff. enables church planting, provides grdnt support for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the rLIllg costs of Union Theologi[ College (tbe Chur¢b's training ¢ollege for ministy students), and financially supports congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship. global rnission. outreach, leadership and pastoral care.
an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES AIYNUAL REPORT {cont'd) The congregation supported other Mission groupslpeople. This included the work of the Belfast City Mission. with particular interest and focu5 on Andy and Iris Williamson who serve in Ballysillan. The congregation generously supported the BCM Christmas Gift Appeal in December. Churchtown also established a gospel partnership with a church in Moldova through European Mission Fellowship. We welcomed their pastor to lead a Sunday Service in October where we heard about the ongoing needs and work in that region. We committed to support this work prayerfully and fjnancially. At the end of the year the total given through our midweek weekly offering and evening services was divided among a number of mission agencies/group5. In order to encourage young people being involved in shor( or longer terni, missionary worK locally OT overseas, provision is made to financially 5UPPOrt them. One young person was supported in her participation on a ScTiPtUTe Union team at New Horizon in August. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by OUT miTJister and one of the elders. This provides an important lit between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. 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 in Belfast in June. Property The Congregational committee continue to provide overslgbt for the upkeep of our church buildings, graveyard and fanTJ land. A new committee was elected in October. Organisations Sunday school & Bible Class - From January to June 2022 Sunday schooVBible class met each Sunday morning from I I..00-11..45am where children were taught the word of God in four classeslone Bible class. Our annual Children's Day services were held on Sunday 5th June - OUT evening service was followed by a Jubilee supper to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth IT. The Sunday SchoollBible class concluded in June with a family trip to the Ark Fann and Bangor. Following a summer recess. classes resumed in September 2022, when 24 children and young people enrolled which can be broken down as follows- Sunday school (aged 4-11) - 14 children with 4 teachers Bible class (aged 12-18)- 10 young people with I teacher. During the calendar year, each child received an Easter Egg, end of session prize and Christmas gift. In December 2022, our Sunday SchooVBible clS pupils enjoyed a Christmas trip to Soft Play and Bowlillg at the Jet Centre Coleraine followed by food at McDonalds. Each year Sunday SchooVBible Class have a mission project where money is collected by the children in Smartie tubes. Our total contribution at 31 December 2022 in sUPPOrt of the work of Coram Deo Ministries was £515. Their work involves translating 'The Jesus Story book Bible, into Italian and Bible teaching sessions. Youth Fellowship - Renew youth fellowship mei fortnightly between September and June usually in the Church Hall with approximately 10-15 young people from year 8 up. We have 3 leaders who run the programme. Our nights Usually start with ice breakers followed by a bible-based talk or bible study to help challenge, encourage and equip the young people in their everyday life. Over the year we also had a trip for a BBQ and games at the beach, a BBQ and inflatables night at the Manse Shed and a movie night.
Presbyter an CHURcErrowN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) I. Tamlaght O, Crilly Boy's Brigade - OUT Boys. Brigade company is attached to the three local churches. From January to April the boys in all sections met each MoTJday night. The boys in Anchors and Juniors enjoyed a varied programme including bible study. games and craft. The Company section also participated in bible sthdy, enjoyed sport actLVlties and learnt new skills. The BB year concluded with a 'Prizes and Puddings, parents evening on Monday 4 April. Following a summeT reces5. BB meetings resumed in September for all three sections with a programme as outlined above. On 9 October I" Tamlaght O'crilly Boys. Brigade enrolled 4 Anchor boys. 7 Junior boys and 10 Company section boys. Tamlaght O'crilly Rainbows, Brownies & Guides - All girls in Rainbows, Brownies and Guides participated and engaged in different activities each week, such as" Craft. sport. games. cookery and SCripre related activities. The guides painted rocks for tbe platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth 11 and these were displayed for the community in both Tamlaght O'crilly and InnisTush. On the 9th May. all units came together for a 'Mother and Daughter Tea Evening. to conclude the guiding year. During this, the unit leaders recapped the years events and activities. After the summer holidays, Rainbows. Brownies and Guides resumed their Programme in September. On 9th October, Tamlaght O'crilly Girl Guides enrolled 6 Rainbows, 10 Brownies and 13 Guides. Holiday Bible Club- this involved a week of outreach from 8th to 12th August in the 'Big tent, in the manse field. This was proceeded by a Worship service in the tent on the evening of Sunday 7 August. From Monday to Friday nightly meetings were held for Primary school age children followingthe theme Under Construction- looking at God's salvation plan from creation to Jesus, death aTJd resurreclion. This meeting was followed each evening by 'Sutnmer Youth, from 8.30pm for those of secondary school age+. This event comprised of special activities -including BOMB (Believers on mountain bikes). Fun with drums and also had food, praise and an epilogue each night. On the Friday evening a family night/barbeque was enjoyed by children and parentslfriends. In total, across both age groups, 149 childrenlyoung people enrolled during the week. Our week of outreach concluded with a Holiday Bible Club Fatnily service in church on Sunday 14 August. Presbyterlan Women - Women connected to the congregation met each month from January to April and September to December. PW provided a varied programme tied into the theme for the year, side by side. The ladies enjoyed limes of fellowship together and were given the opportunity to hear about, and support, local and global mission. Our program consisted of.. Side by Side with the Kellys, working with One Mission Society in Mozambique. Gift night hearing from PW members,. Praise and Pudding Eventng. Julie Philpot sharing about Jessica's journey. Christmas dinner at the Imperial, Garvagh. and a Christmas themed evening with Julie-Anne Richmond. Some ladie5 attended Irish Women's Convention. The PW Service in September welcomed Keith Preston to share about the work of The International Meeting Point in Belfast. PW had up to 45 wornen in attendance. Men's Fellowship - Men connected to the congregation met each month from January to April arld September to December. The varied programme and range of guest speakers provided an opportunity for friendship and fellowship. The men enjoyed their annual dinner in February at TBF Thompson Ministries Garvagh with Alan Simpson sharing on how God is using him in the prison service. A Joint games night in Drimbolg RP Church Hall proved fun but ompetitive as Derek Livingston from Ambassadors football shared. The visit to Turtle's farn] outside Ahoghill gave an insight into the challenges facing a large modern dairy farni. Victor shared aspects of his Christian faith throughout the tour. The Clay Pigeon shooting at Thatch Gun Club in Broughshane was well attended and the epilogue by Cveorge Graham was well received. The men were thankfvl to Hutchinson Engineering for opening up their premises for a guided tow of their facilities and processes. We were joined by a number of men from other congregations with our minister giving an epilogue at this. In November the men focused OD remembrance as Fornier RUC officer Jarvis Traynor shared his testirnony of life through the troubles. Average attendance at each event was 20 men. Friendship group- This group met monthly from January to May and from September to December. They enjoyed a varied programme of speakers and activities which always ended with chat over a cup of tea. The Rev John Martin shared in song and talked about his life in ministy. Rev. lan Mcclean shared about the work of MERF (Middle East Refonned Fellowship) which was new to most. Rev. Roland Watt from Killymurris shared in song and spoke of the Lord as shepherd (trawing on his own fanning experience. Jill Holmes from Trknity House in Garvagh helpfully gave an overview of her Work in the care home and a recent overseas trip. Sam Cowan introduced the group to the work of the Seaman'5 Christian Friend Society in Belfast docks. May Arnistrong was welcomed back to give 8n update on the work
an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES AI¥NUAL REPORT (cont'd) of BUshre Ministries. The group also enjoyed lunch at the Lodge Coleraine and a Christmas afternoon tea at the Manse, at which Ronnie McKee from TBF Thompson Ministries shared a Christmas Tnessage. Walking Group - This provided an opportunity for members ofthe congregation to meet monthly on a Sunday afternoon for a casual walk. This provided an oppornmity for conversation and deepening of friendships. On average 15 people attended. Some of the locations include.. Garvagh Forest. Maine Riverside Walk, Portglenone FoTest. Castlerock beach and Portballintrae Board walk. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organisations aT]d other church aciivilies. 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 advancemenl 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 Faiih and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leading to spiritual and mordl development and OPPOTfunities for response lo Bible teaching. In tum, this ftamework 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, dÉsabled and bereaved). Gen¢rally the above benefits are delivered locally by congregatioTJs and their members, or are facilitated thJough presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by central resources in almost all cases. Public access is rnade known througb 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 infornlal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to ham. 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 fiwther our charitable Purpose. There are no other private benefLts. 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 cornrnunity in which pastoral services are provided and other communities throughout Nortbern treland, the Republic of Irelall(L and worldwide which benefit from ollr 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.
Presbyter an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF TIIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Financial Review The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions thrnugh the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 91 contributors during the year {2021= 91) donating a total of £60.959 (2021: £54,093 - being £47.348 Weekly Freewill Offering and £6,745 stipend). Total Income of tbe congregation during the year was £115,590 compared to £96,891 in the previous year. Total expenditure increased to £95,999 from £87,835. Statement of Trustee Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial ststements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. As the congregations total income does not exceed £250,000. the Trustees have elected under Section 64(3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and paylnent account and a statement of assets and liabilities. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's tran5aclions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its fmancial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the a55ets of the cOngatIon and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 23Td March 2023 and signed on its behalf by Name.. Rev Richard MolSOn Name: Christopher Rowe Date.. 21103lz Date.. 13-1-2S