New Row Presbyterian Church a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered with the Charity Commisslon for Northern Ireland NIC105351
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present theirAnnual Report and Flnancial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 including a Balance Sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS NEW ROW Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Church Office Society Street Coleraine BT52 ILA Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC 1053511 CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charlty Trustees who served durlng the year or who were trustees at the date ofthls report were Aubrey Beggs Richard Burns Mark Callaghan Adrian Cochrane Ruth Cochrane Timothy Connor Sylvia Gib50n John Graham Iretlred 31/10120231 Nigel Hamilton Bobby Holmes Robin Humphries Derek Hunter Pat Hunter Rosemary Lyttle Rev. Jonathan McKane Mervyn Moore Neil Morrison Alan Morrison Chrls Murdock Evan Reid Lorraine Simpson PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Congregational Secretary Rev. Jonny McKane Mr. Adrian Cochrane Mr. Mark Harvey Mr. Mewn Moore
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) QUAUFIED INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Campbell Ritchie Chartered Accountants 21 Warnock's Lane Coleraine BT52 ITH BANKERS Ulster Bank 30 The Diamond Coleraine BT52 IDP SOLICITORS Anderson Gil lan Barr Sol icitors 41 New Row Coleraine BT52 IAE STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Klrk 5esslon The charity trustees of the congregation a re 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 seek5 to watch over and promote the spiritual Interest of the congreEatlon and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to fu rther the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk Session has dele8ated to Its Congregational Commlttee the temporal affa irs of the congregation including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregation. All members are entltled 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 5e55ion are held monthly in September, October, November, January, February, March, April and May and at other such times for other such purpose5 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 its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the office
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT (cont'd) The Klrk Sesslon (convd) can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two- thirds of those who vote. Presbyterv Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintend5 generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations a55igned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. New Row Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Coleraine and Llmavady 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 General Assembly& ministers who have retired from attive duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and arting as its supreme legislative, adminlstratlon and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted durin8 the f irst week in June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business It is dissolved. The member5h5p of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active minister5 of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE New Row PresbyterSan Church Is a congregatlon of the Presbyterlan Church In Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed 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 mlsslon to our world. The congregation's mlsslon purpose Is ConnectinE Growing Serving Changlng. When Jesus said '1 am the true vine,, He wa5 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 family, seek to do the same asthe disciples 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 so 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 visitors are welcome to joln. The SacrEment 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 organisations including Sunday Bible Club Horizon Bible Class Youth Fellowship Ladies, Friendshlp Circle Thursday Café and Soup Lunch Indoor Bcwlng Club Boys, Brigade Girls, Brigade New Row Men Home & Small Groups Wednesday wlth the Word, Bible Study Coffee Outreach & Drop In New Row Women (formerly Presbyterian Women) Creche Girls Nights Out Mums and Tots Choir ACHIEVEMENT5 AND PERFORMANCE The congregation meets for worship each Sunday at 11.00am. Evenin8 services are held at 6.00 p.m. monthly and on other occasions as arranged. Morning service5 are live streamed on You Tube to facil itate shut in, elderly and inf Irm members. CD recordlngs of the morning service are mailed or delivered by the Ministry Team to members without an internet facility. We united with othertown churche5 for a Watchnight Service on New Years, Eve organised by the Colera ine Gospel Partnership. small Groups meetinE in the Church Halls and Home Groups provide opportunities for members to meet for fellowship, study of the Scriptures and Prayer. A Congregational Prayer Time is held monthly, Those attending are provided with Prayer Topics embracing the work of the congregation, the wider work of PCI and other missionary agencies and personnel. An early Tuesday Morning Prayer time17.00am to 8.OOaml commenced in December for a trial period.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVd} ACTIVITIES AND PRERFORMANCE Durlng the summer Evening Prayer tlmes were held on the firstsunday of June, July and August. The evenings focused on specific prayer as follows:
June: summer youth work and outreach, representatives of SU Impact Millburn Team were invited and contributed to the meeting. July: a walk around the town centre, stopping at specific locations to offer prayer for schools, businesses, churches and homes. August.. focus on PCI Global Mission In November the congregation gathered for an Evening of Prayer focusing on the Persecuted Church. As well as our regular services during the year, we acknowledged God's gift of new life at two Sacrament5 of Baptism. We conducted two marriage services and Eave thanks for faithful servlces and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. Due to our vacancy situation no persons were admitted to Full Church Membership. At 31 December 2023 there were 361 communicant members and 326 famllles connected with the congregation. The average attendance at morning worship was 160. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper wa5 celebrated in April and October. Other Communion Services were held in January at the commencement of the New Year, Good Friday and on the first Sunday evening in September to mark the beginning of the new church sesslon. A Hope Explored course focusing on the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus wa5 held on the first Sunday evenlngs of October, November and December. 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 the Minister and Church Worker (female). The Ministry Team is supported by Elders who visit in their Districts as needs arise. Those in hospital a re visited by The Ministry Team offering prayer and support to patients and relatives. Meals are provided and taken to those who are ill, convalescing from illness and the recently bereaved. Christmas G ift Packs including a pla nt, Christmas Tract, Christmas card and Chu rch Calendar are delivered to member5 who are aged, infirm and in Nursinglcare Homes. Various Social media groups helped to keep members updated with church news and information and forthcoming events.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT l¢ont'd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Mi55ion and Outreach At a local level the con8re8atlon's m1551on and outreach included the followlng: Our weekly Tuesday morning Coffee Outreach and Drop which 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 talk to. In response to the Cost-of-Llving Crisis, six "Winter Warmer Evenings" were held in the church halls during January and February. Typically 20-25 persons, including church members and others from the local community, attended the evenings and were provided with a warm space and a hot meal. Followin8 the meal there was time to meet and make friends whilst enjoying some board games. Members of the congregation continue to support the work of the Causeway Foodbank through regular donations of food items. To meet the increased demand due to the Cost-of- Llving Crisis, member5 of the con8regation responded generously to appeals for food items at Harvest and Christmas. Members of the Congregation responded to an Acacia Path appeal for shoes and items of winter clothing for distribution to immigrant5 who had been housed in the local area. Thursday Café provides a venue for friendship and is open to everyone including visitors and friends. 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. Thls helps to introduce non church goers to the church environment and buildings. Our M inister partici pates in leading assem blies in a local primary and grammar school and sits on the Town Centre Forum. We are prayerfully and financially committed to the work of E3 North Coast Schools Worker who encourages Scripture Union groups i n local schools and facilitates the formation of new groups. Eight of our young people serve on Summer Mission projects run by Exodus, CSSM, Child Evangelism Fellowship and United Beach Mission. Membership of our Girls Brigade and Boys Brigade companies includes significant numbers of young people having no church membership. This provides opportunity to connect with parents of such young people.
TRUSfEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Mission and Outreach Contd. Members of the congregation participated in Carol singing at the front of the church during the Christma5 period. Passersby and shoppers were served with hot punch, shortbread and candy canes. A Christmas message and invites to our Christmas seniices were also distributed prompting a number of useful conversations. Our widely publici5ed Space Academy Holiday Bible Club for children in PI-P7 age group was held in June. It attracted a significant number of children form our church famlly as well as Vi51tors The congregatlon supports the Unlted Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. This fund enables congregatlons to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denominational basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support 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 runnlng costs of U nion Theological College, the Church's trainlng college for ministry student5, and financially supports congregations in the areas of worship, dlsclpleshlp, globa I mlsslon, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. As well as a local mlsslon Involvement, the Congregation supports the work of PCI Council for Mission In Ireland as follows", PCI Councll for Mlsslon in Ireland During the year the congregation prayerfully and financially supported the work of; Rev. Dr Keith Mccrory and the congregation in Maynooth Community Church. The congregation also supports prayerfully a nd financially other mission personnel and groups Including.. Majed and Anna Tinawi involved in producing Bible Commentaries and working with Syrian and Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Scri pture Union Northern Ireland involved in schools work and CSSM'5 locally and around the Provi nce. Presbyterian Ch ildren'5 Society offering financial support to families in need. Members of the congregation also supported the annual Christian Aid Week collection. The congregation contributed to the 2023 Annual PCI World Development Appeal, "Starting from Scratch" supporting Christian Aid and Tearfund helping people in sierra Leone and Bangladesh who have been forced to leave their homes and land and start their lives from scratch. During the year members responded financially to Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal for the Earthquake affecting Turkey and Syria.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Mlsslon and Outre?ch contd Christian U nions Ireland working in Universities and Colleges supportin8 Students to reach fellow students with the good new5 of Jesu5, European Mission Fellowshipi Norway. Presbytery The congregation wa5 represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our Minister and one of the Elders. This provldes an important link bebNeen the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The Mlnlster and a nomlnated Elder attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church In Irela nd I n June 2023 Property No maJor repalrs or refurblshment was carried out in 2023. Organisations Thursday Cafe meets twice monthly. On the second Thursday tea, coffee and scones are Served in an informal cafe style arrangement with those attendlng enjoylng frlendshlp and chat. The cafe attracts up to 25 persons including church members, friends and visitors. A special coffee morning In September helped to raise f inancial support for Nl Hospice. On tho fourth Thursday of the month a Soup Lunch and dessert Is served In the church hall. The lunches are hugely popular and are attended by 40+ persons including visitors and some who frequent our Tuesday Drop In. Following lunch those present retire to The Link for tea and coffee and a presentation or talk by a 8uest speaker, Our Indoor Bowling Club has a membership of approximately 20 men and ladies and is open to non- Church members. The club meets weekly on Monday evening for social interaction and bowling and occasional friendly games with other clubs.
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVd} ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Iconvd) Or8anisations {conVd) Friendship Circle. A group of about 20 ladies meet on the first and third Thursday of each month for friendship, ref reshments, crafts and knittin8. As well as woollen hats for use in the Neonatal Unit at Antrim Hospita I, the group has undertaken a number of Small projects including knitting decorations for display at our Harvest and Christma5 service5. Garments including hat5 and cardigans were sent to Malawi under the auspi$ of Occasional visiting crafters introduce new skills and projects. Financial donations were made to Spud Bears Ministries, Tearfund and Nl Hospice. Boyg Brigade Company. Membership comprises 13 Anchor Boys15-8 years), 16 Junior Section Boys 18-11 years) and 20 Company Section Boys {11-18 years). In the absence of a Captaln, the work Is co-ordlnated by a Company Chaplaln, asslsted by 6 Leaders. During the session boys participate in a varied programme of activities including Bible Class, games, badge work and craft work. 7 boys are currently working toward their Queens Badge/Presidents Award. During the session Junior Section boys visited the local Fire Station. Two Ju nior Section teams won the Battallon Qulz and 5-a-slde football competitions and went on to compete In the Nl Finals. Girls, Brigade Company. Membership comprises 8 Explorers lage3-P41, 6 Juniors {P5-P71, 2 Seniors Ilst Form -3rd Forml and 3 Brigadiers14th Form -6th Forml. The work is overseen by the Company Captain assisted by 2 Officers and 6 helpers. Durin£ the even ing the gi rls typically enjoy games, crafts, badge work and Blble Class. Two Brlgaders are working towards their Brlgader brooches and are helping in the Explorer Section which wil I contribute towards their Queen's Award. Youth Fellowshlp. Meets on Sunday evenings and caters for young people of secondary school age. Approximately 25 young people participate in Bible Teachln& games, refreshments and social activities. During the session the young people enjoyed end of session BBQ at the Manse "Question and Answer" evening when a team of church leaders answered questions on topical subjects asked by the young people. an overnight stay in the church halls with breakfast, A Christmas Dinner cooked and Served by leaders In the church hall after whlch everyone attended our service of Readings and Carols Sunday Bible Club meets during the morning service with up to 15 children of primary school age leaving the service after their Up Front talk. The SBC Session commenced in September with parents, children, leaders and helper5 sharing together in a breakfast served in the chu rch hall. During the summer months several events were organised for parents, children and friends including Picnic in the Park after Children's Day service. Football fun evening, games and barbeque at a local primary school A visit to the Damhead Railway for train rides, bouncy castle and Barbeque Christmas Party. io
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Iconvd) Or8anisations (cont'dl Horizon Blble Class meet5 before the morning service on Sunday. Up to six young people of secondary school age meet for refreshments, Bible teaching and fellowship. Creche. Supervised facilitie5 are available each Sunday for young children whilst parents attend the morning service. The aim of New Row Men is to encourage and bulld friendshlps 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 which last summer included a visit to The Gobbins, Ulster Aviation Society Museum, fishingi a series of Beach walks and a walk up Slemish Mountain. Home/Small Groups. Approximately 47 members attend seven Home/Small Groups which include; four Ladies, Bible Study Groups, one mixed group, a Men's Group and a young adults group for those in year 13+ age range. Group membership varie5 between 4 and 10 persons. The groups meet weekly throughout the autumn, winter and spring months for Bible studyi discussion, fellowship and supper. Wednesday wlth the Word is a morning Bible study attended by 30+ senior/retired members and friends. The meetlngs whlch commence with tea and coffee attrart a number of members from neighbouring churches. Invited speakers cond uct monthly serles of Bible studies f rom Septem ber to Easter. CD recordin8s of the talk5 are provlded on request for further study or for those who were unable to attend a meeting. Our"Drop In. takes place on Tuesday mornlngs and Is overseen by a team of volunteers from the Congregation. Its purpose is to provide a meeting place for those In need, lonely and seeking company. Those who "drop in" enjoy company, conversation and refreshments. Christian literature Is f reely available and those who attend are encouraged to participate in wider church activities. In response to invitations a few patrons attended our Christma5 Services with one or two attendin8 Sunday worship. 2023 saw a significant increase in numbers with 20+ attending. New Row Women (formerly Presbyterlan Women) meets monthly from September to March. Around 35 ladies enjoy a socially informal magazine type programme and refreshments. Proceeds from An Afternoon Cream Tea and a Soup Lunch, served after the annual church service, provided financial support for various Mission Projects and mlssionaries. li
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd} ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Iconyd) Organlsatlons (contd.) Ladles. Nlghts Out take place during the summer evenings when ladies and invited friends enjoy outdoor activlties which included, beach walks, Pitch and Putt, Art in the Afternoon, outdoor bowls and a walk around the University of Ulster Campus Trail, Christmas plate painting. Most events concluded with the ladies gathering in a local café for coffee. The purpose of the evenings is to build friendships among ladies and to encourage others on the fringe of church membership to become involved. Care for the family Mums Night Out Mums and Tots. After a couple of summer taster event5, weekly meeting5 commenced In September. Its purpose Is "a safe space for kids to play and grownups to find community" around 17 mums {or grandmasll and tots attend for play, refreshments and soclal Interactlon. Many useful connertions have been formed with those attending. Cholr leads worship on alternate Sundays mornlng servlces and on special occaslons Including Easter, Harvest, Christmas. Volunteers The Trustees wlsh to acknowledge thelr deep appreclatlon of those who glve freely of thelr tlme by serving on committees and helping out with our orga nisations and other church activities. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland meets the publlc beneflt requirement by provldlng beneflt 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 Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible a nd in the Church's subordinate standards (the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leadin8 to spi ritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expressions of Ch ri5tian beliefs and 5tandard5 in the local community such as through the care of those in need (including the sick, disabled and bereaved}. Genera Ily the above benefits are delivered locally by congregations and their members, or are facilitated through Presbyteries or are organi5ed and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by central resources in a Imost all cases. Public access is made known through the use of noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and Facebook or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the service5 and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the public. 12
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd) PUBUC BENEFIT STATEMENTcontd The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose Is related to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mi55ion workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary i n order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are mem bers, their families, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is In direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral 5ervice5 are provided and other communities 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 individual members of the public. The Kirk Sesslon has had regard to the Charlty Commlsslon's pub15c beneflt requirement statutory guidance. FINANCIAL REVIEW Total income of the congregation during the year was £244,145 compared to £237,767 in the previou5 year. Total expenditure of the congregatlon during the year was £214,777 compared to £219,318 In the prevlous 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 responslble for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The Trustees are requ ired to prepare financial statement5 for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affa irs of the con8regation and the financial artivities for that year, In preparing the financial statements the Trustees are required to: select Sultable accounting policies and then apply them consistently make judgments and e5timate5 that are reasonable and prudent prepare the fina ncial statements on the going concern basis unless Itls inappropriate to presume that the Fund5 will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds, transactions and d isclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the f inancial position of the congregation and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charitie511 January 20151" They are a150 responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 13
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Iconvd) GOING CONCERN The fund ing 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 ongolng basis, the congregation's current activities and other financial comm itments. To a certain extent we have more control over what we spend and we therefore keep under constant review our expenditure to ensure that, as far as possible, it is commensurate with what our members contribute to church fund5. RESERVES POLICY The Trustees have considered the level of u nrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold taklng account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least one month's normal expendlture. At the year-end unrestrlcted reserves amounted to £46,971 which sustains them at a higher level than this 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. R15K 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 financial risks associated with the expectation of ongoin8 financial support from members. These rlsks are mltlgated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Commlttee, regula rly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging mem bers to maintain or i ncrease their regular giving. Approved by the Kirk Session at its meeting on 14, May 2024 and signed on its behalf by l Rev. Jonny McKane) l Adrian Cochrane) & &7L 14