Presbyter an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Atlla1 Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities a5 at that date. Reference and AdmiDlStrative Details ChuTchtown congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Tamlaght Rd, Tamlagbt O Crilly. Maghera Co. Londonderry, BT46 5XW Registered 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 Harry Arnistrong Mr George Graharn Mr Willi5 Arnistrong Mr William Lamont Mr Robert John Bloomfield Rev Richard MolSOn Mr Stanley Bolton Mr Christopher Rowe Mr Keith Dundas Mr Junior Whyte Principal Offxce Bearers Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev Richard Morrtson Mr Christopher Rowe Mrs Sylvia Rowe Independent Examiner lan Johnston (A.F.A.) Steven50n & Wilson Chartered Accountants 22-30 Broadway Ave, Ballymena, Co. AntriTn, BT43 7AA. Bankers Danske Bat, Po Box 183, DoD¢gall Square West, Belfast, BTI 6JS. Solicitors Burnside & Logue Solicitors 43 Main SL Magher Co. Londondery, BT46 SAA.
an CItURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfEIuAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Structure and Management The Kirk Sessioll The charity t]ustees of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Session. Under the congregation's governing document, The Code, the book of the conslitution 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 pastOTal care is in place in the wngregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local conlUDity. The Kirk Session has delegated to it5 Congregational Committee the temporal affair5 of the congregation including adtninistering all funds and Propety belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Cornmittee. 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 al meetings, except that the Moderator, the minister in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are nonnally held bi-monthly, or as is deeTned necessary. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a votit]g member and a regular attendant at its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to ihe office can b¢ either by the congregatloll OT by the Kirk SessioTh. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland fomi 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 A55embly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Churchtown congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Ballymena 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 Generdl Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Churcb, 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 nomially constituted during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its busTne55. At the end of business it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active minister of each congregation. retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation.
Presbyter an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Description and Purpose The charitable PULP05e of tbe congregation is the advancement of religion. Churchtown congTegation of the Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Pre5byteTian Church in Ireland, as a Refornied 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 rn155ion statement is as follows "by God's grace, we as a gospel shaped congregation wirhin the Presbytgrian Church in Ireland, seek to make and equip disciples ofjesus, through ihe proclamation of Gnd's word, to Ihe glory ofGod ' The congregation airn5 to live out its rnission as a family of God's people by being- A Covenant Community: where our relationships are Tooted 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 Weslminster Confession of Faith. along with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, set out what we understand the Bible leaches on key matters of ChristiaTJ faith and practice Activitfies and Objectfives 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 orgauisations which seek to reach and disciple those involved. The organisations include.. Sunday School & Bible Class Children's Church Creche Holiday Bible Club Boy5 Brigade Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Youth Fellowship Men's Fellowship Presbyterian Women Friendship Group Choir Walking Group Achievements and Performance Worship and prayer The congregation nomially meets for worship each Sunday at 12:00 Noon (I 1:00am in July & August) and on the rst and third Sunday 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 opportLuLity for members to tneet together for fellowship, to study the Scriptures and for a time of prayer. During the year we saw five members of the congregation pass away and we sought to comfort thos¢ who had be¢Th bereaved.
an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELIIND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) At 31 December 2023 there were 141 communicant members and 136 families connected with the c07]gTegation. average weekly attendance at morning worship was 120. and evening Worship on the first and third Sundays was 40. 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, the elder for that district or by a member ofthe congregation. We also provide online livestream and CD ministry where each worship service is recorded aTJd available to those who could not attend or are housebound. Members of the congregation are willing and proactive in supporting the prdctical needs 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 to everyone in our community and beyond as they are streamed and made available online. During the course of the year certain worship services have a particulaT theme (e.g. Back to School, Harvest, Christmas and Easter) providing an opportunity to invite members of the community to join with us on these occasions. Events happening within Church life are promoted tbrough leaflet drops, our monthly announcement sheet, church website and social media through our Facebook page. OUT varied Tange of organisations provided an opportunity to engage with young and old from within the congregation through theiT carefully planned programmes. They also gave an opportunity to reach out lo the local community with many of our youth members having no connection to the congregation. We enjoy excellent relations with OUT neighbouring churches. We shared some joint midweeks with Drimbolg Refornied l¥esbyterian and we supported the local 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 fjrst week in August provided an opportunity to reach large numbers of children and youth from the wider community. This bas proved to be a great way of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with children and youth, as well as makAng good connections with families in the are& The church seeks to support local schools and engage with the staff and pupils there. Our minister regularly takes part in assemblies in two Primary Schools and occasionally in a Secondary school, as well as helping out with breakfast club once a week. In December we had a Christm&s tree put up in the village and were able to host a 'lights switch on, event and outreach in the local community. There was singing from the cornmunity choir. a Christmas message from the Church of Ireland minister, and festive refreshments and entertainment. Funding from Mid U15ter Council helped to tnake thi5 event possible. The congregation supported the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland ensuring that Lts target 15 met each year. This enables congregatiolls to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do tlli55ioll and outreach on a denominational basis beyolld what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission personnel at home and oversea5. a55ists congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the n]nning cost5 of Union Theological College (the Church's training college for ministy students), and financially supports congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral
an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) The congregation supported other Mission groups/people. This included the wotk of the Belfast City Mission, with particular interest and focus on Andy and Iris Williamson who serve in Ballysillan. The congregation generously supported the BCM Christrnas Gift Appeal in December. Churchtown a150 continued their gospel parthership with a church tn Moldova through European Mission Fellowship. We welcomed their Director and his wife to lead a Sunday Service in March where we heard about the ongoing T]eeds and work in that region. We committed to support this work prayerfully and fanCIallY. At the end of the year the total given through our midweek weekly offering and evening services was divided among a number of mission agencieslgroups. In order to encourage young people being involved in shorL or longer terni. missionary work, locally or overscas, provision is made to financially support them. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meeting5 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. Our minister took on responsibility for convening the Youth and Children's ministy within Presbytery. General Assembly The minister and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the Generdl Assembly of the Presbyterian church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings ij) Belfast in June. Property The Congregational committee continue to provide oversight for the upkeep of our church building5, graveyard and fami land. Having prayerfully considered ihe need for additional and improved facilities, the congregalion agreed lo proceed with plans for a new church hall adjacent lo the graveyard. Organisations Sunday school & Bible Class- Throughout 2023. with the exception of the summer months, Sunday school/Bible class met each Sunday morning from I I..00-11..45am. From January to June 2023 the children were taught the word of God in four classeslone Bible class. Our annual Children's Day services were held on Sunday 4th June. The Sunday SchoollBible class concluded in June with a family trip to Ca5tlerock beach. Following a surnmer recess, classes resumed in September 2023, when 22 children and young people enrolled which can be broken down as follows.. Sunday school (aged 4-11) - 13 children with 3 teachers Bible class (aged 12-18)- 9 young people witb 2 teachers During the calendar year, each child received an Easter Egg, end of sessioD prize and Christm&s gift. In December 2023, our Sunday SchoollBible class pupils enjoyed a Christmas trip to Soft Play and Bowling 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 2023 to support European Missionary Fellowship through the work of Mihai and Irina Chisari in Moldova was £500. Youth Fellowship - Renew youth fellowship met fortnightly between September alld June usually in the Church Hall witb approximately 10-15 young people from year 8 up and we have 3 leader5. Our night5 usually start with breakers followed by a bible-based talk and bible study to help challenge, encourage alld equip the young people in their everyday life. Over this we have had people come in to speak about their involvement in tll15sion work including football and video production. We also had a trip to crazy golf and an end of year water fight and pizza T]ight.
an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAI¥D TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) 1st Tamlaght 0> Crilly Boy's Brigade - our Boys, Brigade company is attached to the three local churches. From September to March the boys in all sections met each Monday night. The boys in Anchors and Junior5 enjoyed a varled programrne including bible Study. games and craft. The Company sectÈon also participated in bible study, enjoyed sport activities and learnt new ski115. The BB year concluded with a parents evening on Monday 25th March. Following a summer recess. BB meetings iesumed in September for all three sectKon5 with a progratnme as outlined above. September L" Tamlaght O'crilly Boys. Brigade enrolled 5 Anchor boys. 5 Junior boys and 7 Company section boys. I Company Section boy received his Presidents Badge at parents evening. Tamlagbt 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 scripture related activities. In January 2023. the BB invited us along to a talk from the PSNI which the gir15 really enjoyed. We ended the 2022123 year with a tea evening where the girls 5ufpT15ed their family and friends with a flash mob. From September to December 2023, they enjoyed joining with Tamlagbt O'crilly Boys Brigade for enro]ment and Harvest services as well as singing carols around the tree and our Christmas party. Each unit is continuing to work towards badges on a variety of different themes. Numbers are Continuously Changing and we currently have 8 RaiDbows, 4 Brownies and 4 Guides. Holiday Bible Club - tbis involved a week of outreach froln 31 It July to 4 August in the 'Big tent, in the manse field. This was proceeded by a Worship service in the tent on the evening of Sunday 30th July. Frorn Monday to Friday nightly meetings were held for Primary school age children following the theme The Big Rescue - studying how God rescued Jonah and God's salvation plan through Jesus. death and resurrection. This meeting was followed each evening by 'Youth Week, from 8.30pm for those of secondary school age+. This event comprised of special activities - including Beatboxing, water games and Beat the clock and also had food. praise and an epilogue each night. On (he Friday evening a family nightn)arbeque and Barn Dance was eTJjoyed by children and parentslfrtends. Various PTayeT times to commit this work to the Lord were held throughout the week. In total. across both age groups, 149 childrenlyoung people enrolled during the week. Our week of outreach concluded with a Holiday Bible Club Farnily service in church on Sunday 6rh August. Presbyterian Women - Women connected to the congregatton met each month from January to April and September to December 2023. PW provided a varied Programme tied into the theme for the year, Being Transfornied. The ladies enjoyed times of fellowship together and were given the oppominity to hear about. and support, local and global mission. Our program consisted of: Gift night where we heard about the three local ministers, wives, Dr Michael McBride Consultant anaesthetist working on the Mercy Ships, Beth Montgomery from Asia Link, Pamela Forrest who shared her testimony with us, an evening out enjoying tea, cakes and crafts, pudding night, Sandra Anderson sharing how God stood by her in tough times, our 50th Anniversary in the Lodge Hotel Coleraine and Judith Hooks - Beauty from Ashes (Fire Lily). Some of our ladies attended the Irish Women's Convention. The PW Service in September was led by Sharon and Melvin Kelly and the praise was led by the PW choir. Men's Fellowship- Men collnected to the congregation met each month from January to April and September to December. The varied programme and range of guest speakers provided an opportunity for friendship and fellowship. The men enjoyed their annual joint sports night in Drimbolg Church hall which was a fun but competitive night. The balf time talk was given by Stanley Little. The annual dinner in Febrnary was held at Toast in Cullybackey with Rev John Coulter sharing at it. Some men attended Cu]nady's Wellbeillg Evening in March which proved to be a very helpful and encouraging evening. The visit to Hill's fartll Aboghill gave an insight into the running of a large modern dairy farn]. The men enjoyed food together before George Barkley gave a relevant and challenging message from God's word. SeptembeT saw the men bring out their competitive side again as tbey took part in a Karting Grand Prix in Kilrea. George GTaham bTought an epilogue to all present. In October the Churchtown men were joined by a group of men from Ballysillan as they tried air rifle shooting in Culnady Orange Hall. An interview with one of the men showed how God had been at work in his life. A guest panel and pi22a nighL which included two of our own members and a forn)¢r MLA, was an uplifting evening and a time of good fellowship with one another. Average attendance at each event was 20 men
Presbyter an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Friendship Group - This group met monthly from January to March 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 following detai15 our speakers for the year: January- Michael Saunderson" February- Lorfdine McGrath. March - John Porter,. September- Norn]an Worthingham" October- Maud Steele. November- Isaac Thompson and the year finTshed in December with Phylis Hayes as our speaker at our Chriskn&s lunch in the manse. Walking Group- This provided an opportunity for members of the congregation to meet monthly on a Sunday afternoon for a casual walk. This provided an opportunity for conversation and deepening of friendships. Some of the locations include.. Roe Valley Park, Garvagh Forest, Main¢ 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 and other church activities. 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 cls11an 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 noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, website5. and 50¢ial media or in other ways. The beThefits are demonstrdted througb regular evaluation of the services and inforn]al and ad-hoc feedback from members. their families. and n]embers of the public. The puryose does not lead to harni. The only private benefit flowing from ourpurpose is related to Ministers. Missionaries, Deacone55es, 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 fvrther 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 cornmunity in which pastoral seryices are provided and other ¢ommutLitie5 thToughout 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 etberS of the public. The Kirk Session ha5 had regatd to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
an CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CIIURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Financial Review The congregarion's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 96 contributors during the year (2022: 91) donating a total of £65.010 (2022: £60.959). Total Encome of the congregation during the year was £138,132 compared to £115,590 in the previous year. Total expenditure increased to £120.877 from £95.999. Statement of Trustee Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generdlly 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 payment account and a Statement of assets and liabilities. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records thal are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transactions and d&5close with reasonable accurdcy 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 prev¢ntion and detection of fraud and other iegUlar1t7es. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 20th March 2024 and signed on its behalf by Name.. Rev Richard Morrison Name: Cbristopher Rowe Date.. Date: