Presbyter
an
CHURCHTOWN CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
The Trustees present their At￿lla1 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 Mo￿lSOn
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.

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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 con￿lUDity. 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
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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 r￿st
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.

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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

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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 f￿anCIallY. 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.

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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
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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 c￿ls11an
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 ￿et￿berS of the public.
The Kirk Session ha5 had regatd to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance.

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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 i￿egUlar1t7es.
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: