Main Street Garvagh Presbyterian Church a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023 Reg15tered with the Charlty Commisslon for Northern Ireland NIC105347
Presbyterian TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 including a Balance Sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Main Street Garvagh congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Main Street, Garvagh. Coleraine, BT515AA Re8iStered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105347) CHARrrY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of thls report were W J Campbell WJ Clyde Alex Farlow B Moore F SmW(h JI Wright S Dinsmore B Farlow Alan Farlow H Gilmore G Mcclure KS Workman T Wrlght PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Congregation was vacant during 2023 Alan Farlow J Ivan Wright INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Ms Anna Clyde 5 Station Road Garvagh BT515LA BANKERS Ulster Bank 30-32 Catharine Street, Limavady BT49 9DB SOLicrroRS Anderson Gillian Barr, 41, New Row, Coleraine, BT52 IAE
an STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Session 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 congregatlon and seeks to further the contributlon of the Church to Christian witness and servlce in the local community. The Kirk Session has dele8ated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation Including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Sesslon are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Klrk Session consists of the ordained mlnlster and the rulin8 elders of the con8re8atlon. All members are entltled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetln8s, except that the Moderator, the minlsters in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a castlng vote. Stated meetln8s of the Kirk sesslon are held at least twice in each year or as appropriate. To be chosen for the office of the eldershlp In the congregatlon a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the office can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church In Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight of a congregatlon 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. Main Street Garvagh Presbyterian.Church has been assigned to the Coleraine & Limavady Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregatlons assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from actlve duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation,
Presbyter - The General Assernbly The General Assembly Is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, administration and Judlclal authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business, it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Se55ion of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charltable purpose of the congregatlon is the advancement of religion. Main Street Garvagh Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ Is 8rounded In the Scrlptures and exlsts to love and honour God through faith in HIS Son and by the power of HIS Spirit, and to enable her members to play thelr part In fulfllling God's mission to our world. The congregations mission purposes is "To see unbellevlng people become committed members of Christ s Church" is Increosingly characterised by lovefor God, and love and concern for others,. is committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the 8ible,' is relevant to people of this time and place. The congregatlon olms to Ilve out its Mlsslon and Vlslon os afamlly of God's people by being.. A Covenant Community.. where our relationships ore rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another An Intergenerational Community.. where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Chnst. An Outward looklng Community.. where we want the blessings of God that belong to us In the gospel to become blessingsfor others beyond the bounds of our community. As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Irelond, we believe that the Blble Is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, olong with the Larger and Shorter Catechlsms set out what we understand the Bible teoches on key matter5 of Christianfaith and prartice
an ACTivrriES AND OBJECTIVES During 2023 our organisations are running agaln. The Sunday morning service has continued to be broadcast live while we have approx. 180 people attending. The congregation meet5 for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on several occasion5 during the year and all those who have been baptised and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Je5US Christ are admitted to the Lord's Supper. The congregation holds regular bible study meetings and has a wlde range of organlsations including:_ Sunday School/Bible Class/Children's Church/Crèche Junior Bible Club Holiday Bible Club Youth Club Women Together Friendshlp Group Crafters Boys Brigade ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation meets for worship each Sunday at 11.00am and 7.00pm alternate Sundays. During the week the Bible Study/Small Groups provides an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. As well as our regular sepllces if applicable durln8 the year we would acknowledge God's 8ift of new life at the Sacrament of Baptlsm, (we had one baptism this year), we gave thanks for faithful serrflces and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved durin8 the year. At 31 December 2023 there were 199 communicant members and 194 families connected wlth the congre8atlon. The avera8e weekly attendance at morning worship was 1801200. 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 (Convenor covering the vacancy), elders or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitors. Mlssion and outreach The congregation is 5UPPOrtive of local mlssion through its involvement in support of the local Mission Hall and input into the local Primary Schools. Through the provision of catering as when required. We host events for Young Farmers Club, Trefoil Guild, Women's Institute and Garvagh Playgroup etc.
an The Congregation supports the United Appeal for Mlsslon which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on denominational basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial 5UPPOrt for mission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church plantin& 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. Our outreach to the local community is wide and varied Includlng Pampered & Prepared and The Holiday Bible Club which are two well established annual events. Donatlons include support of the following:_ Belfast City Mission Leprosy Mission Tearfund UFM Falth Mlsslon Scripture Union Adopt A Child PCI Missionaries Various local charltles Presbytery The congregatlon was represented at the regular meetlngs of Presbytery by our convenor minister and / or one of the elders. This provides an Important Ilnk between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The minirter and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterlan Church In Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June. Property We continue to upkeep our church bulldlngs along with the Manse and other small propertles. 61Page
an Organisations Sunda School Bible Class Every Sunday morning from September to June from 10.00am to 11am, around 30 children and young people aged 4-16 and 7 adults meet in different areas of the church to participate in varied Bible teaching and learning activities, including songs, games, Blble stories. dlscussions, crafts, quizze5, breakfasts. A Youth and Children's service was programmed in June, and children and young people also take part in Family Service5. Last Christmas there was also a Kids Christmas Activity Ni8ht in the church which was opened to the communlty on the back of the church's involvement in the Garvagh Christmas Lights Switch On event. Junior Bible Club Junior Bible Club is a youth organlsation aimed at children from Primary I to Primary 7. It Is held in Main Street Church Hall every Monday evenin8 from September to March. Due to a lack of help coupled with a drop In numbers, Junior Bible Club did not physically meet in the hall again this year. Instead, leaders were involved In a community event helping to organise the Chrlstmas lights switch on In the town. This was a joint venture on the churches behalf, between the Sunday School and the Junior Bible Club. Together with about 15 volunteers, 150 packs were assembled for the purpose of distributing them to the families in attendance at the switch-on. The packs contalned a Chrlstmas book, pencils, stickers, Christmas decoration and various other items, and given out one to each family. Following on from that event, chlldren from the community were invited to a Christmas fun night, again organised Jolntly between the Sunday School and the JBC, and approximately 50 children attended. To begin with the children were given hotdogs, pizza and ice cream which they thoroughly enjoyed. Later on they participated in two craft activities and games followed by a Christmas vldeo and finishing the evening off with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Based on the success of the evenlng It will certainly be worth considering repeating again. Holida Bible Club Holiday Bible Club is a yearly outreach aimed at children from Prlmary I to Year 9. It is held in Main Street Church Hall every Julyi and spans 5 evenings running from 7- 8.30pm. This year our theme was 'Campfire' and was about Jesus disciples and the early church and there was an avera8e nlghtly attendance of around 80- 90 chlldren from all around the community. Each evening began with fun warmup exercises followed by a lively praise time; all of which was led from the front. Everyone then sat on the floor to hear the story, whlch was told using media cllps, before the children divided into smaller groups to complete worksheets with their group leader. This time withln a smaller group enabled the leaders to get to know the children on a more personal level and for the children to bond with each other over the course of the week. After worksheets were completed. the children enjoyed a snack of juice and biscuits before participating in a variety of activities including craft and games or outdoor activities if the weather was favourable. One of the children's favourite parts of the night was the drama which was performed each evenlng by some of our younger leaders.
Presbyter an This was based in and around a campsite and fitted in with the memory verse 'Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works. Hebrews 10 v 24. As each evening drew to a close the children once agaln assembled back in the hall for memory verse work and a final lively rendition of the theme song 'Strike a match, Ilght a light,. before going home. On Friday as a special treat the children were given s'mores which were very popular indeed, and the older 8roup enjoyed toasting marshmallow5 over a firepit. The whole week required a team of around 30 people who helped in various capacities i.e. 8roup leaders/helpers, re8iStration desk, carparklng dutles, kitchen duties, craft room set up/tidy up, first aid, admlnlstration and those who helped with decorating the hall. This ensured the smooth running of the club all week. On Frlday after the Club was over, the leaders enjoyed some tea and coffee with desserts, and as the weather was favourable the younger leaders had fun getting soaked on a sllp 'n' slide outside, Youth Aprll Is the end of our maln season and last year saw us host "4 the wln 8amIn, . a gaming and outreach ministry. We also had our weekend away to Rostrevor. Mld September saw the return of youth with an event called Game Plan - kicking off the year getting to know our new young people. We had food, games and a some Info on what youth nights look like and why we do them. October, November and December we had 8 weeks of pro8rammes from Grow Currlculum- On friendships and Gratefulness. December is full of Christmas events - outdoor Christmas movie, carol servlce and party. January we go online and start the year with volunteers showln8 us a glimpse of their quiet time/daily devotion. February and March continue weekly programmes filled with games, food and fellowshlp and finishin8 With a praise event for Easter. We have around 12 - 20 young people attending events throughout the year. Women To ether In February and March of 2023 Women Together contlnued to meet on the first Tuesday of each month in Café Link. In February we had an update from rhe Smiles Foundatlon, and we finished off the 2022-23 session in March with a members, night with the programme being taken from the Inspirations Pack 'Goin8 Deeper,. We also held our AGM that evening where the new office bearers for 2023-24 were voted in. The committee then met in May to plan our programme for the 23124 season. The theme as provided by PW head office for 23124 is 'Bein8 Transformed.. Our women's outreach Pampered and Prepared was held in May after a 3-year break due to Covid 19. The events took place over 2 Tuesday nights and were well attended by both old
and new faces. Activities included a forest walk, cookery demo, craft and health talks. Vi Dawson and Claire Murphy shared their testimonies of their personal walk with God. The 2023-24 season recommenced with our annual Sunday service which was held in September. The guest speaker was Gillian Gilliland from The Samaritans Purse. The flrst monthly meeting was held in October with a craft night and epllogue from our Secretary, Patricia Farlow. In November we were invited to joln with First Garvagh for their meeting. We also enjoyed a trip to the Theatre to see Phantom of the Opera, In December we held Christmas Social party night whlch was organised jointly between Maln Street Women Together and Killai8 PW. The entertainment was provlded by Kingsway events and an Epi108ue by Mr Adam Steen. A great night's fun was had by all who attended. This was followed the next week with our monthly meeting where we invlted four of our Young People from the congregation to give us an update on the missionary trips and camps, they had attended during the summer months. Friendshi Grou The Frlendshlp Group meets the 3rd Thursday of the following months October to Aprll. About 20 to 30 people attend. We have the following activitles :. Tlme of hymn slnging. Quizzes. Tea/Coffee. Epilogue. On our final day we have a meal & outing. Crafters Crafters meet on alternate Mondays in each month. They share crafts eg. knitting, sewin& crochet, tapestry etc. as well as enjoying fellowshlp over a cup of tea and cake. To end the season we join with the Friendship group for an outln8. The Boys Bri8ade's objective is the 'Advancement of Chrlst's Klngdom amongst boys. Open for boy5 from ages 5 to 18 and we provide a full pro8ram of activities throughout the year from September to April. The company has currently 54 boys and 12 Leaders. During the current session we have met regularly, and the boys have competed in BB competltions at a local and national level. We operate a cornprehenslve badge award system whereby boys can attain badges for various activltles throughout their BB journey and this culminates in the highest award of the Queens Badge. We have awarded l Queen's Badges and 4 President's Bad8es thls session to boys within the company section. We have a further 2 Boys working towards their Queens Badge next year and the boys will be involved with Local Community projects during the summer months.
Presbyter an Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of thelr time by serving on committees and helping with organisations and other church activities. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church In Ireland meets the publlc 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 dlrect beneflts 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 Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leadlng to splritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expresslons of Christian beliefs and Standards in the local community such as through the care of those In need (Including the slck, dlsabled and bereaved). Generally, the above benefits are delivered locally by con8re8atlons and their members or are facilitated through presbyterles or are organlsed and delivered centrally. Local dellvery is facilltated by central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known throu8h the use of noticeboards, prlnted materlal, press advertlsement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluatlon of the services and Informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their famllies, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefft flowin8 from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who recelve benefits as a result of their holdin8 office or employment. However, this is incldental and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their familles, other individuals that the PresbY(erian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral services are provided and other communltles 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 indlvldual members of the publlc. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charlty Commlssions publlc benefit requirement statutory 8uidance. IOIPage
an FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregatlon's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewlll Offering. There were 130 families who contributed during the year donating a total of £77,296. Total Income of the con8regation during the year was £180,216 compared to £170,783 In the previous year. RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Unlted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The Trustees are requlred to prepare financlal statements for each flnancial year which give a true and falr view of the state of affairs of the congregations and the flnancial activities for that year. In preparin8 the flnancial statements the Trustees are required to: select sultable accountin8 policies and then apply them consistently make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent prepare the financlal statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Funds will continue in operatlon. The Trustees are responsible for keepln8 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the financial posltlon of the congregations and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accountlng and Reporting by Charities (l January 2015)" They are also responslble for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detectlon of fraud and other irregularitles. IIIPage
an THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 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 whlch will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation'5 current activities and other financlal commltments. RESERVES POLICY The Trustees have consldered the level of unrestrlcted reseries that It Is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least one month's normal expenditure, At the year-end unrestricted reserves were £124,388 whlch represents a hl8her level of reserves. The Trustees, however, consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of its present artivities Is dependent on the ongoing financial sUPPOrt of members. RISK REVIEW A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principal risks are in relation to the likelihood of reputatlonal damage and financial risks associated with the expectatlon of ongoing financial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the various activities of the con8re8ation at stated meetln8s and by encoura8ln8 members In thelr re8ular 8lvln8. Approved by the Klrk Sesslon at a meetlng on 22nd January 2024 and sl8ned on its behalf by Signed on behalf by Mr Alan Farlow Clerk of Sesslon Date Mr Ivan Wright Treasurer Date l.(0, Z* ,/,./., 121 Page