New Row Presbyterian Church a congregation of the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 Reglstered wlth the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC105351
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present theirAnnual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 including a Balance Sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS NEW ROW Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Church Office Soclety Street Coleraine BT52 ILA Reglstered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC 105351) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Aubrey Beggs Richard Burns Mark Callaghan Adrian Cochrane Ruth Cochrane Timothy Connor Sylvia Gibson John Graham Nigel Hamilton Bobby Holmes Robin Humphries Derek Hunter Pat Hunter Rosemary Lyttle Robert Mcmullan {retired 301412022) Mervyn Moore Neil Morrison Alan Morrison Chris Murdock Evan Reid Lorraine Slmpson PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Rev. Robert Mcmullan (retired 301412022) Mr. Adrian Cochrane Mr. Mark Harvey Mr, Mervyn Moore Treasurer Congregational Secretary
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'dl QUALIFIED INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Campbell Ritchie Chartered Accountants 21 Warnock's Lane Coleraine BT52 ITH BANKERS Ulster Bank 30 The Dlamond Coleraine 8T52 IDP SOLICITORS Anderson Gillan Barr 50licitors 41 New Row Coleraine BT52 IAE STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirksesslon The charity trustees of the congregatlon are the members of Sts 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 spiritua I interest of the congregation and of persons not connected with any congregatlon who are within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to fu rther the contrlbution of the Church to Christian witness and seNlce In the local community. The Kirk Session has delegated to its Congregational Committee the tempora l affairs of the congregation including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Membérs of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordalned mlnlster 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 congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held monthly in September, October, November, January February, March, April and May and at other such times for other such purposes as deemed appropriate by The Code. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant at it5 ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be ca15ed to the office
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT (tonyd) The Klrk Sesslon (conyd) can be either by the congregation or bythe Kirk Session. Member5 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 congre8ation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregatlons assigned to It by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, New Row Presbyterlan Church has been assigned to the Coleraine and Limavady Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active minlsters of congre8atlons asslgned to It by the General Assembly, mlnisters who have retired from actlve duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. The General A55embly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, adm inistration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is norma Ily constituted during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its buslness. At the end of business it Is dissolved. The membershSp of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE New Row Presbyterian Church Is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. The Presbyterian Church In Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wlder 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 fulfillin8 God's mission to our world. The congregation's misslon purpose Is Connectlng Growing 5ervinE Changing. When Jesus said '1 am the true vine,, He was teaching His disciples that they could not do anything without being bonded to him; that nothing apart from the vine can bear fruit. In the same way we, as a church familyi seek to do the same as the d isciple5 by CONNECTING with God and one another in fellowship, GROWING together in faith, SERVING the living God, the community and each other and in doing 50 hope to be CHANGING as individuals and as a Church into the likeness of Christ so that we in turn might bring change to the world around us as people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The Congregation meets for worship every Sunday and vi51tors are welcome to joln. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed on several 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 meetings and has a wide range of organlsations including Sunday Bible Club and Horlzon Horizon Youth Fellowship Ladies, Friendship Circle Thursday Cafe Indoor Bowing Club Boys, Brlgade Glrls, Brigade New Row Men Home &Small Groups Wednesday with the Word, Bible Study Coffee Outreach & Drop In Presbyterian Women Creche Girls N ights ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregatlon meets for worship each Sunday at 11.00am. Evenin8 services of worship and Prayer are held monthly commencing at 6.00 p.m. Morning services are live streamed on You Tube to facilitate vulnerable persons, shut In and elderly and infirm members. For members having no internet facility, CD recordings of the services are produced and delivered to homes by members of the Ministry Team Since the removal of Pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, United Services with neighbouring churches have not yet re-commenced. All town congregations unite for a Watchnight Service on New Years, Eve organised by the Coleraine Gospel Partnership. Small Groups meeting in the Church Halls and Home Groups provide opportunities for members to meet for fellowship, study of the Scriptures and Prayer. A Congregational PrayerTime 15 held monthly. Those attending are provided with Prayer Topics embracing the work of the congregation, the wider work of PCI and other mi5siofbary agencies and personnel.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer (cont'd) A5 well as our regular services during the year, we acknowledged God's gift of new life at one Sacrament of Baptism. We conducted one marriage service and gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. No persons were admitted to Full Church Membership this was due to our vacancy occurring in April 2022. At 31 December 2022 there were 389 communicant members and 338 famllles connected with the con8regation. The average attendance at morning worship was 160. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was celebrated In April and October, Communion Service5 were also held in September to mark the beginning of the new church session and In January at the commencement of the New Year. Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church because of Illness, Infirmity or age are visited by a member of the Ministry Team which comprises of the Minister, Pastoral Assistant, Church Worker Ifemalel. The Team 15 supported by Elders who visit in theSr Dlstrlcts as needs arlse. Meals are provided and delivered to those who are ill, convalescing from il Iness and the recently bereaved. Christmas PackslGifts including a plant, Christmas Tract, Christmas card and Church Calendar are delivered to members who are a8ed, infirm and in Nursinglcare Homes. Various Social media groups helped to keep members updated wlth church news and information and forthcoming events. Mlsslon and Outreach At a local level the congregatlon's mission and outreach included the following: Our weekly Tuesday mornlng Coffee Outreach and Drop whlch Is open to passers-by and others who may wish to call in for tea/coffee and have a chat with one of the volunteers. The aim of the Drop In is to attract the lonely, unemployed, and those looking for someone to ta Ik to. In response to the Cost of Livi ng Crisis, approx 650 leaflets where delivered to homes in the local community advising of events in the church halls where heat, food and refreshments were available. Members ofthe congregation support the work of the Causeway Foodbank through regular donations of food items. To meet the increased demand on the Foodbank due to the Cost- of-Living Crisis, members of the congregation responded generously to special appeals for food items at Harvest and Christmas.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Mlsslon and Outreach contd. Thursday Café provldes a venue for friendship and is open to everyone including visitors and friends of our members. New Row is a member of the Coleraine Gospel Partnership comprising nine other churches and Christian Groups in the town. The Partnership aims to equip and mobilise members of the local churches for mission. A number of community groups/bodies continue to make use of our halls for events. This helps to introduce non church attenders to the church environment and buildings. Our Minister/Church Worker partici pate in leading assemblies in 3 local primary school. Prior to retirement, our Minister served on the Board of Governors of a local Primary School. We are prayerfully and financially committed to the work of E3 North Coast Schools Worker Andrew Neil, who encourages Scripture Union groups in local schools and facilitates the formation of new groups. A number of our young people serve on overseas Summer Mission projects run by Exodus, Child Evangelism Fellowship and U nited Beach Mission. Membership of our Girls Brigade and Boys Brigade comprises slgnlficant numbers of young people with no church membership or connection. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mlsslon whlch Is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Thls fund enables congregations to support the wider misslon of the denominatlon and to do mission and outreach on a denominational basis beyond what the con8regatlon could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission personnel at home and overseas, asslsts congregatlons with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides 8rant support for the upkeep of church premlse5, as51St with the runnlng costs of Union Theological College, the Church's training college for ministry students, and financially supports congregations In the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. As well as a local mission involvement, the Congregation supports the work of PCI Council for Mission in Ireland as follows; PCI Council for Misslon In Ireland During the yearthe congregation prayerfully and financially supported the work of,. Rev, Dr Keith Mccrory and the congregation in Maynooth Community Church. The congregation also supports prayerfully and fina ncially other mission personnel and groups including.. Majed and Anna Tinawi involved in producing Bible Commentaries and working with Syrian and Ukrai nian refugees in Poland.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Iconvd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Mlsslon and Outreach {cont'd) Scripture Union Northern Ireland involved in schools work and CSSM'S locally and around the Province. Pre5byterlan Chlldren's SocSety offering flnanclal SUPPDrt to families in need. Members of the congregation also supported the annual Christian Aid Week collection. The congregation donated to the 2022 Annual PCI World Development Appeal "Rekindling Hope supporting Christian Aid and Tearfund in helping those who have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon and South Sudan During the year members contributed financially to Moderator'5 Appeals for the humanita rian crisis in Afghanistan and the Ukraine Crisis Appeal providing ald to those fleeing the conflict and others trying to get aid into Ukra ine Christian Unions Ireland working in Universitles and Colleges supporti ng students to reach fellow students with the good news of Jesu5. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetlngs of Presbytery by our Minlster and one of the Elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The Minister and a nominated Elder attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in June 2022 Property No major repairs or refurbishment was carried out in 2022. Organisations Thursday Cafe meet5 twice monthlyj serving tea and coffee in an informal cafe style arrangement. Those attending enjoy informal friendship and chat. The cafe which attracts up to 25 person5 is open to members, friends and visitors. Soup Lunches, dessert, tea and coffee is served on the fourth Thursday of each month.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (conVd} Or8anSsatlons (cont'dl Our Indoor Bowllng Club has a membership of approximately 25 men and ladies and is open to non- Church members. As well as internal competitions, the club participates in local tournaments and leagues hosting regular home fixtures. A new Wednesday afternoon session was introduced in 2022 to allow members and non-members the opportunity to meet tO8ether for a friendly game of bowls and a cup of tea. Friendshlp Clrcle About 20 ladies meet on the first and thlrd Thursday of each month for friendshipi crafts and knitting. Knitted baby hats which had been stored during lockdown were donated to maternity ward at Antrim area hospital. Financlal donations were made to PCI Ukraine Crisis Appeal and Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoebox appeal. Boys, Brigade Company. Membership comprises 18 Anchor Boys (5-8 years), 15 Junlor Section Boys {8-11 years) and 13 Company Sectlon Boys111-18 years). The work is overseen by the Company Captain, assisted by 2 Officers and 5 Helpers. During the 5e551on boys participate in a varied programme of activities including Blble Class, games, badge work and craft work. Six boys are currently worklng toward their Queens Badge Award. Girls, Brlgade Company. Membership comprises 4 Explorers lage3-P41, 7 Juniors IP5-P71, 2 Seniors Ilst Form -3rd Form) and 3 Brigaders (4th Form -6th Forml. The work is overseen by the Company Captaln assisted by 2 Officers and 5 helpers. On8 Brigader is working towards h8r Brigader brooch and is helping in our Explorer section which will Gontribute towards her Duke of Edinburgh award. Youth Fellowship. Meets on Sunday evenings and caters for young people of secondary school age. Approximately 20 young people particlpate In Blble Teachingi games, refreshments and social activities. Member5 enjoyed a weekend Residential in Ballycastle wh ich included outdoor activities and Bible teaching and talks by special speaker. An outreach event involved the young people invitin8 friends to a Christmas Dinner served i n the church hall. Horlzon Blble Cla55 for secondary school ages meets during the morning service on alternate Sunday mornings for refreshments, Bible teaching and fellowship. Sunday Bible Club & Horizon (preschool to P7} meets during the morning service with up to 10 children of primary school age leaving the service after thei r talk. SBC Session commenced in September with a cooked breakfast for parent5 and children. During the summer months a number of events were organised for parents and children including Picnic in the Park after children'5 Day service Football fun evening at a local prima ry school A Holiday Bible Club incorporating Mums and Tots Christma5 party
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE {conVd) Or8anisations (cont'd) Horlzon meets during the morning service on alternate Sundays. Up to 12 young people of secondary school age participate in Bible Studyneaching Creche facilities are available for parents with young children who may become restless during a church service. The aim of New Row Men Is to encourage and build friendships among men of all ages through a varied weekly programme of Bible Study and social activities. During spring and early summer, the men enjoyed a number of outdoor events including Karting, fishingi Visit to Rathlin island, overnight stay at Portmoon Bothy on the North Coast. Home/Small Groups. Approximately 53 members attend seven Home/Small Groups which include; four Ladles, 8lble Study Groups, one mixed group and a Men's Group. A young adults group commenced in September and caters for those in year 134 age range. Group membership varies between 4 and 10 persons. The groups meet weekly throughout the autumn, winter and Spring months for Blble study, dlscusslon, fellowshSp and supper. Wednesday with the Word is a morning Bible study attended by approximately 30 seniorlretired members and friends. The meetings attract a significant attendance of members from other neighbouring churches. Guest speakers conduct monthly series of Bible 5tudles from September to Easter. The mornlngs commence wlth a cup of tea and a tlme for welcomlng and greetlng Our"Drop In" overseen by a team of volunteers from the Congregation, takes place on Tuesday mornings, Its purpose is to provide a meeting place for those In need, lonely and seeklng company. Passers-by are also welcomed. Those who "drop in" enjoy conversation over light refreshments with "Bacon butties" provided at Christmas. Christian literature is available and some who attend have received encouragement and practical help. Presbyterian Women meets monthly from September to March. It is the largest of our ladies, organisations with membership around 35. The ladies provide financial and prayer support for PCI missionaries and deaconesses. The varied monthly magazine type programme includes a regular "Misslonary Spot" providing members on missionary activity in PCI. Ladles, Nights Out take place during the summer evenings when ladies and invited friends enjoy outdoor activities which i ncluded, walks, visit to the cinema, golf, and a nature walk around Falr Head. Other activities included a Christmas Wreath making workshop and an evening coffee get together at a local café. The purpose of the eveninBs is to build friendships among ladies and to encourage others who remain on the fringe of church membership. io
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (¢onVd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (convd) Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of theirtime by serving on committee5 and helping out with our organlsations and other church activities. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland meets the public benef it requirement by providing beneflt to its members and the general public by making known the Chrlstian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion. The direct benefits whlch flow from the purposes of the Church Include the gainlng of an understanding in Chrlstlan beliefs as set out In the Bible and in the Church's subordinate Standards (the Westmlnster Confesslon of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leading to splrltual and moral development and opportunltles for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expressions of Christian bellefs and standards In the local community such a5 through the care of those in need {includ ing the sick, dlsabled and bereaved). Generally the above benefits are delivered locally by congregation5 and thelr members, or are facilitated through Presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery Is facllltated by central resources in almost all cases. Pub15c access is made known through the use of noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websltes, and Facebook or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and Informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, thelr families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only prlvate beneflt flowin8 from our purpose is related to MSnlsters, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of thelr holdlng office or em ployment. However, this is incidental and necessary I n order to further our charita ble purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, thelr families, other individuals that the Presbyterian 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 whlch benefit from our engagement with and support for both Christia n and other secular organisations, charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commlsslon's public benefit requirement statutory guidance. li
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW Total income of the congregation during the year was £244,145 compared to £237,767 in the previous year. Total expenditure of the congregation during the year was £214,777 compared to £219,318 In the previous year. Retained net income for the year was £19,961 compared to £22,428 in 2021. Net reserves at 31" December 2022 were £1,065,566 compared to £1,045,605 in 2021. RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Trustees are responsible for preparlng the Annual Report and the flnanclal statements In accordance wlth applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practlce. The Trustees are required to prepare financlal statements for each financia l year whlch give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the congre8ation and the financial activities for that year. In preparing the f inancial statements the Trustees are required to: select sultable accountlng pollcles and then apply them consistently make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Funds will continue In operation. The Trustees are responslble for keeplng adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the fu nds, transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the congregation and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accountlng and Reporting by Charities {1 January 2015)" They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taklng reasonable step5 for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. GOING CONCERN The funding of the activities of the congregation Is dependent on ongoing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these financial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and, subject to the continuing support from members, to fund, on an ongoi ng basis, the congregation's current activities a nd other financial commitments. To a certain extent we have more control over what we spend and we therefore keep under constant review our expenditure to ensure that, a5 far as possible, it is commensurate with what our member5 contribute to church funds. 12
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) RESERVES POUCY The Trustees have considered the level of u nrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least one month'5 normal expenditure, At the year-end unrestrirted reseNes amounted to £46,971 which sustains them at a higher level than thi5 policy. The Trustees, however, consider it prudent to continue to keep reserves at this level as the funding of its present activities 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 reputational damage a nd flnancial risks associated with the expectation of ongoing financlal support from members. These rlsks are mltlgated by the Trustee5, and the Congregation31 Committee, regularly monitoring the various actlvltles of the congregatlon at stated meetings and by encouragin8 members to maintain or increase their regular glvlng. Approved by the Klrk Sesslon at Its meeting on 23 May 2023 and signed on its behalf by l Adrian Cochranel 13